Echo

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Just a few bars into song 1, "Room at the Top," and you know you're in the capable hands of a master songwriter. A mellow chorus wafts by, whispered in Petty's patented Byrdsian drawl, and the song seems to tick-tock to a stop. But storming over the top is a riff from guitarist Mike Campbell. Another chorus and you know there's a bridge creeping up. Petty, in a gesture that's both droll and dynamic, mutters "Hit it" to announce it. The proceedings slow again, then Campbell's gears start grinding again, and there's a grand crescendo that is, if you'll pardon the pun, heartbreakingly wicked. Then Petty murmurs a deep, resonate "No-oh" in a broken, brilliantly understated way that's rock & roll perfect! If you understand the alchemist genius that transmutes such humble metal into gold, you're ready to curl up with 14 songs of near-similar standing. Petty and the Heartbreakers have succeeded in making an album that's stunning in its simplicity yet as carefully ornate and wondrous as a stained-glass window. Indeed, renaissance might be an appropriate tag for the reborn Petty, except that he's never really gone away. Like that "Room at the Top" bridge, he's always been lurking around the corner, waiting to surprise you when the time is right. --Tom Lanham

Rolling Stone
Echo puts the Heartbreakers back where they belong: in the garage and in front of the amplifier stacks

Echo

Tracks:

Leaving the City
Sinking Feeling
Night of the Dancing Flame
Through Time
Sow into You
Dear Diary
If We're in Love
Ramalama (Bang Bang)
Ruby Blue
Off on It
Prelude to Love in the Making
Closing of the Doors

Album Details

Moloko Vocalist Roisin Murphy's Debut Solo Album Has Been Pre-released as a Series of Three Strictly Limited Edition EPs that were Brought Out at the Beginning of 2005, Ahead of Its More Formal Emergence on CD and LP. Each of These Lavishly Packaged, Heavy-weight Vinyl, 12-inch-only Releases have Taken Four of the Tunes from the Record Leading Up to Roisin's Debut Album "Ruby Blue". All the Tracks on the Album Are the Results of Roisin's Collaboration with Producer Matthew Herbert a Musician and Producer Famed for Working Predominantly in the Field of Electronic Music.

Customer Reviews:

Sow into Róisín .......2007-07-09

This album was very difficult to find in the U.S., but after hearing and seeing the video for the brilliant "Sow Into You," I had to get it.

Since then, I can't stop playing it. I love the funky eclectic mix and very organic jazzy-house feel that genius producer Matthew Herbert blends with Róisín Murphy's amazingly fierce soulful, sexy, and sweet vocals. She perfectly straddles the fine line between delectable pop and funky experimentation.

Genius........2007-07-06

Roisin Murphy is the most talented artist of the 21st century. Much more than Bjork, Tori Amos, bla bla.. Roisin is IT. Too bad she hasn't made it as big as she should have. But she has a new album and single due out soon, SO CHECK IT OUT! Overpowered, released July 9.

Less tomfoolery than Moloko, but still experimental.......2007-03-10

I've been listening to this album from time to time since its release and I still enjoy it. Roisin Murphy, along with Alison Goldfrapp, would have to be one of the most creative and original female artists in the U.K. at the moment.

This album uses instruments in a most beguiling and colourful way. Roisin Murphy seems to think that there is nothing bass and electric guitars can do that a woodwind and brass ensemble can't do! Why use a bass guitar when a baritone saxophone can do the job just as well? Of course, for added colour and unusual sounds, one just can't beat keyboard synthesizers, sequencers and drum computers and these modern instruments play their part on Ms Murphy's album, too.

The styles of music on this album could be described in various terms; "Trip-Hop", "Lounge", "Experimental Pop", etc. However, I think it would be fair to say that Roisin Murphy has largely "done her own thing" here and approached each song in an individualistic way.

I think that Roisin Murphy is capable of great things and I think that she can and should easily better this album, soon. However, "Ruby Blue" is a fascinating album jam-packed with songs which suggest all sorts of future musical directions.

pop cd.......2007-01-14

sounds good with a good stereo.

There are some nice bass tones in there.

So you think you can sing?.......2006-09-11

I was watching "So You Think You Can Dance" with my wife and we caught a cool song called "Ramalama (Bang Bang)". My ears are going so we had captioning on, which tells you the artist and song. I quickly jotted down the name and went looking online for the song and album.

Wow, what a great find this turned out to be. I've done two straight-through listens in addition to a few shuffle-plays with other songs, and I've finally figured out all the tastes I'm hearing.

It's Bjork and Aphex Twin with classic AM radio female vocals a la Carly Simon, with some inevitable Kate Bush/ Tori Amos splashed in. Ultimately, you have and have not heard anything like this album. The ingredients, yes, but the dish? All its own, and it works very well. Enjoyable and quirky, and I think because I'm going through a jazz phase now, it resonates deeper within me than if I were to bne traveling through, say, my death metal or Hendrix phases.

Worth picking up, for sure, but maybe a note of caution for more conservative listeners, it's something to give a dedicated ear to appreciate.

-Fred

Donnie Darko - Original Soundtrack & Score

Average customer rating:

Donnie Darko UK Import : BUY IT!!!
Mad World - the one you are looking for
It took 'em long enough, but it was worth the wait!
Donhnie Darko Import Soundtrack well done
good stuff

Donnie Darko - Original Soundtrack & Score

Manufacturer: Sanctuary UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mad World

ASIN: B0002XMF2G
Release Date: 2004-10-11

Tracks:

Never Tear Us Apart
Head Over Heals
Under the Milky Way
Lucid Memory
Lucid Assembly
Ave Maria
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Show Me, Pt. 1
Notorious
Stay
Love Will Tear Us Apart
Killing Moon
Mad World
Did You Know Him?

Tracks:

Carpathian Ridge
Tangent Universe
Artifact & Living
Middlesex Times
Manipulated Living
Philosophy of Time Travel
Liquid Spear Waltz
Gretchen Ross
Burn It to the Ground
Slipping Away
Rosie Darko
Cellar Door
Ensurance Trap
Waltz in the 4th Dimention
Time Travel
Did You Know Him?
Mad World
Mad World [Alternate Mix][*]

Album Description

UK only double-disc features many tracks unavailable on the US version. Sanctuary. 2004.

Album Details

2004 UK Two CD Reissue of Soundtrack to the Cult Film that Includes the Origianl Score plus Additional Tracks that were in the Original Film but were Left off the USA Single CD Version. 80's Bands Including Duran Duran, Inxs, Echo and the Bunnymen, Joy Division and Tears for Fears Now Complete this New Package

Customer Reviews:

Donnie Darko UK Import : BUY IT!!!.......2007-05-12

Just bought this 2 CD import item. Was it costly? Sure: approx. $25. BUT, given that I nearly paid $20 for the US version which DOES NOT include the first CD, it was well worth it.
Delivery: SURPRISINGLY SUPER-FAST by USPS (it only took two or three days standard shipping)
Condition: Still wrapped in plastic.
Music: *tee hee* If you watched the movie, then you know what the music will sound like: it's the movie soundtrack (you know, the awesome soundtrack that both reminds the viewer of the 80's and also creates a haunting backdrop for the movie's themes). Typically here in the US that means only one or two of the good songs and the rest is the score. The UK version? ALL of the good songs and the entire score (that's why it's 2 discs).
Bad part? Not offered in US retail stores (i.e. you can only buy this online or in an Import CD store.

Mad World - the one you are looking for.......2007-01-19

It's here, two versions of Mad World by Michael Andrews, lovely piano intro and Neil Young type vocals. Buy it!

It took 'em long enough, but it was worth the wait!.......2006-11-06

My friends and I have been waiting for this for years--finally, the real 80's music soundtrack for Donnie Darko, arguably one of the best soundtracks out there!

Probably the only negative comment I have is that they included the music from the motivational videos, something that I could have done without.

Thank you for putting this soundtrack out!!

Donhnie Darko Import Soundtrack well done.......2006-08-24

The import edition of the Donnie Darko soundtrack is two discs. One is the actual pop songs, and some classical works, which are all very good and includes the remake of Tears for Fears "Mad World." The second disc is the instrumental score, with two versions of "Mad World," included as well. The instrumental score is very dark and omenous, and the two disc set is a nice collectible piece of music that I highly reccommend. The price is a bit high, at over $30, but if you are any type of a fan of the movie, or a soundtrack collector, this album is for you.

good stuff.......2006-08-10

i wish i could have bought just disc one... because disc two is mostly the instrumental stuff, which is excellent, but i don't really plan on listening to it over and over. disc one is good, although there are a few songs i skip through.

The Very Best of Echo & the Bunnymen: More Songs to Learn and Sing

Average customer rating:

Great Collection, worth getting over the original release
An Excellent Package With A Few Flaws
long overdue

The Very Best of Echo & the Bunnymen: More Songs to Learn and Sing
Echo & the Bunnymen
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000KN7BKO
Release Date: 2007-01-23

Tracks:

The Cutter
The Back Of Love
The Killing Moon
Seven Seas
Never Stop
Rescue
I Want To Be There (When You Come)
Don't Let It Get You Down
A Promise
Silver
People Are Strange
Do It Clean
The Game
Rust
Lips Like Sugar
Nothing Lasts Forever
Bring On The Dancing Horses
Hang On To A Dream
It's Alright
Stormy Weather

Album Description

Expanded & Remastered CD+DVD career-spanning edition of the band's classic retrospective now presents over 25 years of hits and essential tracks plus videos for eight of their classic songs.

Customer Reviews:

Great Collection, worth getting over the original release.......2007-05-07

The sound quality is much better and it has Lips Like Sugar. Nuff said!

An Excellent Package With A Few Flaws.......2007-02-03

Here's the DVD tracklisting, since Amazon does not list it:

01 The Cutter
02 The Killing Moon
03 Seven Seas
04 Bring On The Dancing Horses
05 The Game
06 Lips Like Sugar
07 Nothing Lasts Forever
08 Rust

As with most music that I purchase sound quality is usually most important. This release does not disappoint! In fact, this is simply the best remastering I've heard on a Bunnymen release! With mastering by Giovanni Scatola, these songs sound even better than the 2003/2004 Rhino remasters. The music is crisper, louder, and more punchy. ("Lips Like Sugar" sounds awesome with it's roaring intro!) That's not to say that those recent remasters weren't good, but I personally think that the music sounds brighter on this compilation.

Next up we have the excellent packaging and tracklisting. Some fans may complain about the release being presented in digipak format, but I quite like it. Plus, we have the classic cover photo by Anton Corbijn. For a 1-CD collection, the release highlights 20 Echo & The Bunnymen classics from 1980 to 2005! We could argue what should and what should have not been included, but for the casual fan this sums up their history quite well.

My major complaint with this release is the 8-track DVD. Considering the list price, I think the DVD should have featured much more than 8 tracks. Surely these guys have more than 8 videos! How about including all their music videos?!?! Considering how most record labels work, this will probably be our only chance to get their videos on DVD for several years to come. It's only a random sample of their career! I guess fans will be left "You-Tube"-ing the rest!

Note that the package states "all promo videos are stereo except track 2 in mono". What is track 2? "The Killing Moon"! Unfortunately, Rhino let me down here. Why include all videos in stereo except this one? Not that it really mattered, considering the original audio tracks seem to have been used on all the videos instead of overdubbing newly remastered audio. That's why "The Killing Moon" video sounds poor and flat, besides it being in mono!

The recent videos sound fine, but they are mastered at too low of volume. Sounds like laziness! Do an A/B comparison between "The Cutter" as heard on the DVD video and "The Cutter" as heard on the CD. It goes to show how well the music has been restored for the CD and how carelessly flat it was left for the DVD. As for the picture, it is surprisingly excellent, considering the age of some of the earlier promos. Too bad the same care couldn't have been given to the underlying audio track. I expect better work from the Rhino team!

As a casual fan myself, I must admit that I still really enjoy this best of, including the DVD (despite the faults). It's the first time I've seen many of these videos. Add in the excellent CD audio, and it's a worthy package to add to any Echo collection.

long overdue.......2007-02-01

Finally we get an official video collection on DVD with this remaster of the 1985 release!

The original 1985 release of "Songs To Learn and Sing" was a must have for every college kid I knew back then. For some US fans this was the first album to expose them to the Bunnymen.

This expanded and remastered version picks up where the old one left off and then picks up again when they reformed with the UK Top 10 album "Evergreen" and continues to the 2006 release "Siberia".

My only complaint is that this is not in 5.1 surround sound.

Average customer rating:

Test For Echo Takes The Heaviness A Step Further
Test for sound quality
One of Several Underrated Albums in the Rush Catalog
Possibly the best of this period of the band's development
Fan-friendly extra content

Test for Echo
Rush
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Counterparts
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Vapor Trails
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ASIN: B0002NRQUW
Release Date: 2004-08-31

Tracks:

Test for Echo
Driven
Half the World
Color of Right
Time and Motion
Totem
Dog Years
Virtuality
Resist
Limbo
Carve Away the Stone

Customer Reviews:

Test For Echo Takes The Heaviness A Step Further.......2007-07-11

After the wall of sound album that was Counterparts, Rush continued on in the same vein with Test For Echo. Driving guitars and thundersous bass lines and slamming drums. That is Test For Echo. The songwriting here is pretty much the same as the last two albums with most of the good stuff holed up on the front half of the disc. There are some superior songs here and some typical (filler) stuff. The songs are:

Test For Echo - Though Rush was pushing forward with their heavier sound, Test For Echo tones it back a bit with a more eerie sound. The riff Alex delivers is cool. The lyrics are tight. Overall, a pretty good song. I like it.

Driven - Probably one of my favorite songs on the album. Driven is exactly that, driven. This song rocks straight and fast and hard until it seeps into your sould. Geddy's vocals are smooth.

Half The World - Another cool song. Half The World is infectious. Listen to it half a dozen times and you'll like it. Drags just the tiniest bit.

The Color Of Right - Um. Lyrically not one of my favorites, but musically complex. This song tries harder than it should to be awesome. It's missing something.

Time And Motion - Is this Rush or Metallica. The opening is very nearly headbangers material. Dragging in its qualities, this song makes the effort that Between Sun & Moon did, but trips over its own ponderous structure.

Totem - I think that this song mostly reminds me of Home On The Strange on Geddy's solo album. It's definitely one of the shining moments on this entire album. The lyrics are very good.

Dog Years - Again. Is this Rush or Megadeth? The opening is crunching, churning, smashing slop. Metal? Then it goes on to sing about dogs and bitches and tourists from Galapagos. Never has Rush mismatched its lyrics with music ever this badly. This song makes very little sense in that aspect. Bad

Virtuality - Counterparts was heavy? Naw! This is heavy. This sounds too heavy. This song has kinda catchy lyrics, but the music drags you down into the darkness.

Resist - Great acoustic song. I love to watch Alex & Geddy perform this live. Very well done. One of the standouts here on Test For Echo.

Limbo - Geddy lays down the bass and Alex starts rocking out. This is a very promising tune from the get-go. Rush jamming is never a bad thing. Is it truly an instrumental. Yeah. They whine a little in the background, but it's a jam. Killer.

Carve Away The Stone - A good ender to a heavy album. Lighter than most of the other songs. Thius one is a gift for those of you who actually make it to the very last song on the album. Nothing grand and glorious. Just straight-forward Rush. C+ Rush.

Overall, this album takes the thunder created on Counterparts and makes it louder. You can tell that all those years where Alex was underscored are now gone. Guitar and Bass and Drums. That is Test For Echo. Some really great songs surrounded by some really bland tunes. Rush will take a long break before hitting the studio again.

Dig it!

Test for sound quality.......2007-06-22

I love this band. I have been a fan since the beginning of their amazing run. I am not in love with this release. I would definitely rank it as one of their worst in the modern era. The title song Test For Echo is very very good. Unfortunately it goes downhill from there. Not to mention the sound quality of this cd is not as good as weve come to expect from this exceptional band. Someone starting to listen to Rush, i would recommend getting Grace Under Pressure, Counterparts and Snakes and Arrows for "modern" Rush and of course Hemispheres,2112 and Farewell to Kings for older Rush for a good mix. Again, TFE is not one of their best.

One of Several Underrated Albums in the Rush Catalog.......2007-05-24

Underrated indeed; the other two that come to mind are Presto and Grace Under Pressure, but I will deal with those in separate reviews.

On to T4E...

This is quite possibly the best of Rush's work from the 1990's, and for the life of me, I just can't understand why there are not more people who would agree. It may not have the "outstanding" hit singles that other albums have, but unlike a hit and miss effort, T4E's material is consistently GOOD, if not OUTSTANDING, from beginning to end. Musically, there is an interesting mixture of various contemporary styles that get the "Rush treatment." "Driven," for example, has Geddy playing a grungy bass line not unlike Les Claypool of Primus; "Half the World" flirts with folk rock, including a Mandola solo by Alex, while "The Color of Right," has almost a hint of country and western crossover (I believe Alex is using Nashville tuning on this one). Overall, the album continues the guitar driven modern rock sound the band began on it's previous effort, Counterparts. Synths are still present, but are for the most part very subtle (as a matter of fact, this is the last Rush album to date that features synthesizers).

As stated before, the entire effort is good from beginning to end, but if I had to pick a handful of tracks to sample, I would recommend "Driven" (already discussed), "Time and Motion," w/ its heavy riffage, time changes and synth theme, and "Resist," a ballad and fan favorite that features a beautiful hammered dulcimer played by Neil.

Frankly speaking, there is no excuse for giving T4E such cruel ratings. It has everything we have come to expect w/ each Rush album: poetic and meaningful lyrics, superb musicianship and first rate production...not to mention a really cool album cover : )

Possibly the best of this period of the band's development.......2007-04-20

I have been a Rush fan since the time I saw them touring the album "Hemispheres", and "Test For Echo" was one of the only albums from them I was disappointed with upon release. It seemed bland, and the lyrics to the song "Dog Years" seemed goofy without being legitimately funny.

These many years later, my opinion of the CD has changed somewhat.

Rush had, just before this CD, released three CDs of fairly short guitar-oriented songs. They were getting back to their guitar-based roots basically. Looking back at these four CDs now (Presto, Roll The Bones, Counterparts, Test For Echo), I find this to be the least satisfying period of Rush's development. The band seemed to be going through the record-industry-approved motions somewhat: the songs were short, many of the lyrics seemed less than completely convincing but often sappy, and the band was safely staying away from the controversial keyboard excesses of the previous period of their development.

I'll say, with benefit of hindsight, that this is a very good CD. It may be the best of the four CDs in this period of the band's development. While the previous three releases each had some good songs and some mediocre songs, this CD has only 2 mediocre songs, and they are next to each other on the CD's later half, almost as if the band was trying to bury them (The songs I'm referring to are "Dog Years" and "Virtuality", which both have what another reviewer described as awkward lyrics). Besides those two songs the only real fault the CD has is that it doesn't have that one track that most Rush CDs have that could be described as being a strong and obvious single.

The playing is strong throughout and with the exception of the two lyrics mentioned above, lyrically satisfying. If you wrote Rush off after they began experimenting heavily with keyboards on "Power Windows" and "Hold Your Fire", this might be up your alley.

Fan-friendly extra content.......2007-01-16

There are plenty of online reviews as to the music Rush put on this album, and I've listened to a cassette copy of it since it came out; after selling the cassette deck I finally bought the CD. What impressed me was what happened when I put the CD in my computer. In addition to the CD files, there were directories where the contents of the album were available in wav, mp3 and ogg format. This makes it much more fan-friendly (but then, Rush usually has been better about that than a lot of other bands) than just a plain CD. This way I can transfer the files directly to my portable mp3 player. It is more content for the money in my view which to me as a serious Rush fan is icing on the cake.

Average customer rating:

Beautiful score
A gorgeous film score
GREAT MUSIC.
Never Gets Boring
Great !!

House of Flying Daggers
Shigeru Umebayashi
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Hero
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ASIN: B0006HC0R8
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Tracks:

Opening title
Beauty Song (Jia Ren Qu)
The Echo Game
The Peonyhouse
Battle in the Forest
Taking her hand
Leo's Eyes
Lovers - Flower Garden
No way out
Lovers
Farewell No. 1
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Leo's Theme
Mei and Leo
The House of Flying Daggers
Lovers (Mei and Jin)
Farewell No. 2
Until the end
Lovers (Title Song)

Amazon.com

The films of director Zhang Yimou have a panoramic sweep to them that deftly creates a fantastical vision of ancient Chinese culture for the screen. Yimou's eye for color and sense of drama demands a score that conveys the emotion, tradition and action of his movies. Here Shigeru Umebayashi tells each part of the story with a mix of traditional flute, drums, string instruments and, to a lesser degree, orchestra and moody-sounding synthesizers. The lilting melody of "Lovers" is particularly effective, simmering with a passion that leaves no doubt about the tone of the scene; it comes back to dramatic effect at other times in the film as well--the soundtrack closes with a soaring version of it by soprano Kathleen Battle. Similar to but not as heavy as Tan Dun's occasionally overbearing work on Yimou's film Hero, Umebayashi leans toward the subtle for this love story, and the film is better for it. - Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful score.......2006-11-13

I truly enjoy this CD. The music is enchanting, emotion-evoking, and powerful. I love to listen to it in order to relax before going to bed. I recommend this CD to anyone.

A gorgeous film score.......2006-09-24

"House of Flying Daggers" is one of my favorite Asian films from the past five years. One of the main reasons I love the film is the sumptuous classical film score by Shigeru Umebayashi. The classical score reminded me a great deal of the score for "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". The operatic ballad by Kathleen Battle is stunning. I don't normally like most opera music but I definitely enjoyed listening to Kathleen Battle. This is a lovely cd to relax to with a hot cup of tea and a good book.

GREAT MUSIC........2006-05-18

Not only was House of Flying Daggers a wonderful movie, but the music was breathtaking. If for no other reason purchase the CD and enjoy Kathleen Battle's rendition of Lovers.

Never Gets Boring.......2005-12-25

This album has everything good music needs. It's driving, subtle, powerful and soft. It is a truly amazing work of art. It gets the emotions of the characters and the events of the story out perfectly. A ballet could be performed to this score.

Great !!.......2005-07-19

The music is wonderful, the two songs are one of the best I've heard...

Average customer rating:

poor sound quality
SUPERB
In this case: I'm baroque
Come to laugh and stay to cry
Great Introduction to Beautiful Music

25 Baroque Favorites

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000058I7
Release Date: 1996-08-20

Tracks:

Canon
Concerto In D Minor For 2 Oboes & Strings, Op. 42, No. 2: I. Largo
Water Music: VI. Minuet
Trumpet Concerto In D: II. Adagio
Sarabande
Oboe Concerto In D Minor: II. Adagio
Concerto In D For Trumpet & Strings: III. Grave
Air On The G String
Adagio For Strings In G Minor
The Four Seasons: Spring, II. Largo
Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G, BWV 1049: II. Andante
Concerto In D For 2 Trumpets & Strings: II. Largo
Concerto Grosso In D Minor, Op.3 No. 11: I. Allegro
Concerto In D For 6 Trumpets & Strings: II. Adagio
Ombra mai fu: Handel's Largo
Trumpet Sonata No. 1 In F: II. Grave
Suite In F Major For Horn, 2 Oboes & Strings: III. Der Alster Echo
Concerto In C For Viola Pomposa & Strings: II. Andante
Concerto In D For Trumpet, 2 Violins, Viola, Basso & Continuo: I. Allegro
Hapsichord Concerto In G Minor, BWV 1058: First Mvt.
Sonata For Trumpet & Strings: I. Allegro
Concerto Grosso No. 5 In D, Op. 6: I. Larghetto
Concerto in D for Trumpet, 2 Oboes, Strings & Continuo: I. Allegro
Concerto grosso In G Minor, Op. 6 No. 8: II. Allegro
Trumpet Voluntary

Customer Reviews:

poor sound quality.......2004-09-29

a great selection of baroque favorites, but the sound quality, especially on the pachelbel canon, not great at all. for that reason, i cannot recommend getting it. what do you expect for five dollars, right !>? i would suggest spending a little more money and getting something that you can't bear to part with, for continued listening enjoyment.

SUPERB.......2004-02-19

An introduction to the best baroque music by famous composers.
Great sound on this CD. There are over 10 CD's in this Farorites collection, and this by far is one of the best ones.

If you like the classical sounds of music, then you will like this. Check out the samples on this page that they provide, that's the best way to review.

In this case: I'm baroque.......2004-02-07

I'm not usually a classical listener kind of gal. The only reason I stumbled onto this cd is because my favorite tune from a movie is on it. Sarabande is also played on the movie Persuasion (author: Jane Austen). I wanted to have that tune. Followed the links and landed on the Baroque cd. Ordered it. Sarabande is my favorite, followed by Canon, four seasons: spring, etc. I love this cd! It feels happy and light. For me, as a writer and an animator, it adds extra emotional impact when creating as well as influencing my imagination more. I recommend this cd when people want to feel like spring.

Come to laugh and stay to cry.......2003-11-26

Circumspect at first about buying any CD with a "best of" title, this one really exceeds expectations. Also bought the Vivaldi disc in this series which is likewise exceptional. With the caveat that "Ombra mai fu" is repeated in various of the "25 favorites" collections, I recommend these recordings wholeheartedly, especially in terms of cost per track.

"Canon" is the flagship piece on this CD, a lush arrangement that will move a strong man to tears. Almost as powerful are Bach's "Air on the G String" and of course, Handel's "Ombra mai fu". The disc ends on an up note with "Trumpet Voluntaire".

At this price, you can send "Baroque favorites" to every Classical music lover you know. I would recommend sending this CD even to people who don't like Classical...you might just change their minds.

Great Introduction to Beautiful Music.......2000-07-08

The Baroque period (1600-1750) was one of the most important in the history of music because many of our modern musical forms come from this time. The baroque style is diverse, including such elements as contrast and a deep emotionalism. Although orchestras perform the songs, many individual instruments are highlighted. The baroque composers especially loved strings, the trumpet, and the oboe. The songs range from the vibrant and the lively to the slow and the sad. I have found this CD is excellent as background music for studying, reading, or driving in rush hour traffic, mainly because the music is calming and relaxing. Baroque masters such as Bach and Handel are still popular today and their songs are loved by many. Fans of popular music will recognize a few of the songs on this CD. "Air on the G String" (Bach) was used by Procol Harum in their song "A Whiter Shade of Pale." "Canon," one of the most popular baroque songs today, is often performed at weddings and has been incorporated into pop songs by artists such as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Vitamin C, and Rod McKuen.

Tracks:

Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Dulcis Jesu
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Son Pian E Forte
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Jubilate Deo
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Son a 14
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: O Jesu Mi Dulcissime
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Canzon
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Hic Est Filius Dei
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Son Con Tre Violini
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Son a 22
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Miserere Me Deus - Gloria Patri
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Canzon In Echo Duodecimi Toni
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Audite Principes

Tracks:

Intonationi D'Organo, 1593: Intonatione Del Nono Tono
Sacrae Symphoniae II, 1965: In Ecclesiis
Motetti In Lode D'Iddio Nostro Signore, 1620: Adoramus Te, Christe
Ghirlanda Sacra, 1625: O Quam Tu Pulchra Es
Sonate Concertate, Libro Secondo, 1629: Sonata Seconda
Arie De Diversi, 1624: Exulta, Filia Sion
Sonate, Libro Terzo, Op.8, 1663: Son Da Chiesa A 3, Op.8 No.8 'La Bevilaqua'
Crucifixus
Clarae Stellae, Scintillate, RV625: Aria: Clarae Stellae, Scintillate: Aria: Clarae Stellae, Scintillate
Clarae Stellae, Scintillate, RV625: Aria: Clarae Stellae, Scintillate: Recitativo: Coeli Repleti Iam Novo Splendore
Clarae Stellae, Scintillate, RV625: Aria: Clarae Stellae, Scintillate: Aria: Nunc Jubilare
Clarae Stellae, Scintillate, RV625: Aria: Clarae Stellae, Scintillate: Alleluia
Crucifixus
Ghirlanda Sacra, 1625: Currite Populi
Montetti In Lode D'Iddio Nostro Signore, 1620: Christe, Adoramus Te
Canzoni Et Sonate, 1615: Canzon VIII
Berlin, Deutsche Staatsbibliothek, MS Lynar A1: Fuga Del Nono Tono
Sacrae Symphoniae II, 1615: Magnificat

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-04-01

Polychoral music-music written for several groups of musicians separated spatially-was not peculiar to Venice, but it was associated with the Basilica of San Marco and ceremonial events in the Venetian cultural calendar.
Chordal writing reached its peak in the polychoral works of Giovanni Gabrieli(1555-1612), the principal church composer in Italy of the progressive development. He not only increased the number of choirs to four and the total pitch range to over four octaves, but also juxtaposed passages of conventional rhythm with strikingly jagged suncopated motifs. These dramatic contrasts were further intensified by occasional chromatic harmony and unusual dissonances and, more significantly, by the use of instruments that alternated or combined with the voices. All of these traits are well demonstrated in the music on disc 1 of this set. His music is wonderfully exciting!!!!
Upon his death, Monteverdi succeeded him, and took his own direction musically; much different from Gabrielli. It is not just that their styles are different, but the instrumentation is much different as you will hear upon listening to disc 2.
Two subsequent directors of music represented here are Legrenzi and Lotti, both primarily opera composers.
Vivaldi had no direct connection with the basililca; he worked at the 'Pieta', and his motet 'Clarae stellae' was written for a 'Signora Gertruda, a singer who sang at the Pieta. This is one of the most attractive pieces on disc 2, and is often recorded by countertenors (altos)but on this disc is sung by Randi Stene, mezzo soprano, who sings it quite well. Andreas Scholl has recorded this, and I do personally prefer Scholl's countertenor quality for this particular piece.
Monteverdi's 'Currite populi' is another favorite of mine, and its excellently performed herein.
There is just so much to enjoy on these two discs for the early music lover. The instruments are very skillfully played and the styles of the various composers are adhered to all the time. The balance between the voices and the instruments is perfect as one might expect from Parrott's performers. The soloists: Emily van Evera (soprano), Randi Stene (mezzo) and Jeffrey Thomas (tenor) all sang with the correct emotional investment. Certainly worth listening to!!!!

A "Regular People" Review .......2007-01-09

Venetian Church Music?....never thought I'd be listening to that, anyway this music is for those who seek it out, If thats not you this probably won't interest you (but you can try some renaissance/baroque experimental listening to see if you'd like it!). If your into this though, this is a good deal.

exceptional tone quality.......2006-03-28

When I purchased this recording, I had not yet had the pleasure of owning an Andrew Parrott/Taverner Consort recording. I was so impressed! Andrew really excercises an understanding of this genre, an understanding that I haven't often seen. In particular I was quite pleased with this rendintion of Gabrieli's "In ecclesiis" (although the Bass, I don't know his name, is too lacking in volume). Other than that, I just adore this CD set. I also recommend Andrew Parrot for anything predating Bach (*not including Bach!). There is a 5 CD of particular interest and quality called "From Monteverdi to Vivaldi" by this same ensemble that you might consider purchasing instead of this set (almost exact same price, and one of the CDs- the better of the two in this set- is included in the 5CD set).

The Fabulous Andrew Parrott.......2005-08-04

Who else but Andrew Parrott?! The fabulous adventurer in the field of early music, Parrott has time and again unearthed unknown masterpieces, shedding light on their original luster through a keen sense of the historical settings, employment of the proper historic instruments & period vocal style, and his own inspired musicianship. Throughout the 2nd half of the 20th century music lovers like me knew the works of Gabrieli through the appropriations by well-meaning ensembles of modern brass instruments: Chicago Symphony Brass, Canadian Brass, etc. Parrott has been the first to perform and record many of these works with early 17th century instruments, providing a restored sonic image for the 21st century connoisseur. Bravo! Encore, please!

Fabulous introduction to Venetian sacred music.......2003-07-24

This fantastic collection of music is probably one of the best introductions to Venetian Baroque (early to late) on offer.
The first disc, devoted to Giovanni Gabrieli, is nothing short of amazing. Cornetts, Baroque violins, tenor cornetts, sackbuts and multiple organs (try the first track - the huge Dulcis Jesu patris imago à 20 voci) can be heard on this disc and they are all played with great panache, style and, most importantly, expression. I bought both of these discs when they were issued on EMI Reflex over ten years ago - and I have never stopped loving these magnificent and colourful performances.

If you want only one recording of Giovanni Gabrieli's music - then this might be the one for you! The other might be the Gabrieli Consort's 'A Venetian Coronation'? (if you want two Gabrieli recordings in your collection!)

The second disc contains a very tasty selection of music by Legrenzi, Monteverdi, Vivaldi and, again, Giovanni Gabrieli (the star of the show!).

Tracks:

Silver
Nocturnal Me
Crystal Days
The Yo-Yo Man
Thorn Of Crowns
The Killing Moon
Seven Seas
My Kingdom
Ocean Rain
Angels And Devils
All You Need Is Love
The Killing Moon
Stars Are Stars
Villiers Terrace
Silver
My Kingdom (Live)
Ocean Rain (Live)

Album Description

Remastered reissue of 1984 album features 17 tracks including 8 bonus tracks, 'Angels & Devils', 'All You Need Is Love' (Alt. Version), 'The Killing Moon' (Alt. Version), 'Stars Are Stars' (Alt. Version), 'Villiers Terrace' (Alt. Version), 'Silver' (Alt Version. - prev. unreleased), 'My Kingdom' (Live - prev. unreleased), & 'Ocean Rain' (Live - prev. unreleased). 25th anniversary expanded edition features new liner notes & unseen photos. Slipcase. WSM. 2003.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered and Expanded Edition of their Fourth Album with Ian Mcculloch's Most Consistent and Strongest Collection of Songs with Subdued Guitar Textures, Sweeping String Arrangements and Haunting Evocative Production. The Tracks Are Rife with Drama and Majesty. Eight Bonus Tracks have Been Added to this Disc (Album Tracks Alternate Versions, Some Previously Unrelesaed and Two Previously Unreleased Live Tracks from "The Crystal Day"). The Package Includes New Liner Notes and Plenty of Previously Unseen Photos in the Booklet, Housed in an "o" Card Slipcase.

Customer Reviews:

The best album ever made ..........2007-05-25

well that's what Mac said when this originally came out. I am not sure if that is true but it is certainly their masterpiece. It doesn't get any better than this for the Bunnymen. This is the place to start if you are a newcomer to them, without a doubt. All their albums have their moments but this is as good as a greatest hits, every track a classic. I have had this record on vinyl since it came out and just recently got it on CD, the original had past it's prime so it's was time for a new copy and I was very happy to find that the current version is so special, it has all the bells and whistles and a very nice booklet describing this project. A must have for anyone who loves this under rated band. Check out the track "thorn of crowns" and Will Sergeant's guitar on this. The best it can be!

An rare album of staggering godlike genius. .......2007-03-18

On this album the Bunnymen were possessed with something they would never recaputure. They never came close to equalling it, before or after. Somehow these mostly warm, lush, melodic songs emerged barely a year after the cold, caustic claustrophobia of 'Porcupine'. This is an impeccably paced set of songs that truly works as an album, from beginning to end. It sounds as original and fresh today as it did in 1984: flitting between the bright, shimmering pop of Silver and Crystal Days, and the brooding majesty of The Killing Moon and Ocean Rain itself. I've never known what the hell McCulloch is on about, but it hardly matters here. Everything flows. Even the weakest link, Noctural Me, has its place. Broad, sweeping, majestic. One of the half dozen finest albums ever made. It's that good.

Misrepresentation.......2007-03-09

I bought this CD because I wanted to hear more than "Killing Moon." I read the other reviews on this CD which helped me decide to buy the CD.

"Killing Moon" almost seems like it doesn't belong on Ocean Rain. It has better production qualities than the rest of the CD and it is much melodically darker than the rest of the CD.

Ocean Rain is decent, but if you're expecting more songs like "Killing Moon," they're not here.

The Greatest Album Ever Made...?.......2007-01-19

"Ocean Rain", which singer Ian McCulloch referred to as "the greatest album ever made" at their live shows, is perhaps the most beloved of all Echo & the Bunnymen albums. Many newer fans have been introduced to the band through the use of a song from this album, "The Killing Moon", in movie soundtracks (such as "Donnie Darko"). This song captures the spirit of the band incredibly well, through the dark atmosphere, intricate instrumentation, and ardent, emotional vocals.

Unlike many albums from years gone by, this album does not sound dated. For example, Duran Duran's self-titled debut, Depeche Mode's "Speak and Spell", and Pete Shelley's "Homosapien" are all great albums; still, they are obviously "80s music", a fact hard to ignore when listening to them. If I hadn't ever heard Echo & the Bunnymen's music previously and this was the first album I listened to, without prior knowledge of what year it was from, I probably wouldn't be able to pinpoint it. "Ocean Rain" is a timeless classic. While perhaps not "the greatest album ever made", it defintely amongst my top favorites, as well as those of other fans and critics. The contrast of cheery ballads, like "Silver" and "Crystal Days", and more epic, brooding tracks, like "Nocturnal Me" and "The Killing Moon", works quite well. "Ocean Rain", at this point, was definitely their best album since "Crocodiles".

This re-mastered edition includes eight extra tracks: one B-side ("Angels and Devils") and seven live songs ("All You Need Is Love", "The Killing Moon", "Stars and Stars", "Villiers Terrace", "Silver", "My Kingdom", and "Ocean Rain").

Whatever.........2006-11-04

As an eighties child myself, Killing Moon, Bedbugs and Ballyhoo along with a few others have a very special place in my heart. So I thought I'd venture out a little and see if there was anything else I overlooked from their era.

NOPE. I had not, and this was a waste of money.

Average customer rating:

I can listen to this album for weeks on end.
Easily their best album!
Some different thoughts.....
A unique and addictive sound
Super blend of folk-rock ala Celtic pub- Pagan- Americana

Echo Echo
Carbon Leaf
Manufacturer: Constant Ivy Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005B5IO
Release Date: 2001-03-31

Tracks:

The Boxer
Wanderin' Around
On Any Given Day
Torn to Tattered
Mellow Tone
Shine
Mary Mac
I Know The Reason
Lonesome Pine
Follow The Lady
Desperation Song
Toy Soldiers
Maybe Today

Customer Reviews:

I can listen to this album for weeks on end........2006-07-13

Of the 120+ albums I own, this is my favorite. I discovered Carbon Leaf in Virginia in 2000, and this album is their strongest to date. "The Boxer" had some radio play across the country in 2001-2 on modern rock-type stations. "Shine" is my favorite song--I put it on like John Travolta puts on Staying Alive in Saturday Night Fever to get pumped up. "Mellowtone" and "Maybe Today" are great chill songs, but I listen to the whole album straight through. No songs to skip over or weak tunes at all. Enjoy!

Easily their best album!.......2005-08-03

Echo Echo is a marvelous fusion of alternative, punk and Irish folk music. It is by far their best album.

Some different thoughts............2005-02-27

I stumbled across Carbon Leaf after XPN in Philly had their most recent album as one of 2004's 50 best. Rather than repeat what others have said, let me note a few other things I really like about them (and this CD specifically)

1. Having available 2 complete albums for free and legal download. I downloaded both Echo Echo and Electrified Ether Porch music and was able to get a really good sense of the music without purchasing them (which I now plan to do just to fulfill my end of the bargain)

2. Slightly different song structures. Rather than just plain vanilla verse and chorus, many of the songs build, adding additional lines to subsequent choruses, and contrasting less assesible verses with catchy chorsuses. Reminds me a bit of XTC in this last regard.

3. Great rhythmn section. After repeated listenings, I realized that the drummer reminds me of an old high school friend (who was a fantastic drummer) in that he really drives the songs forward and adds a lot of texture to the songs. Not bombastic or really flashy, but if you notice what he's doing you really appreciate it. Same things for the bass player.

Excellent throughout.

A unique and addictive sound.......2005-01-28

Despite not being their most recent release, this CD remains my favorite Carbon Leaf CD. For those not familiar with their sound, I'd have to call it a mix of mellow to moderate rock and folk music with a significant Irish influence.

Songs such as "The Boxer" and "Mary Mac" will draw you to the CD initially, while the lyrics in songs such as "Maybe Today" and "Toy Soldiers" will keep you coming back.

If after your purchase of this CD you want to expand your Carbon Leaf collection, I would then ask you this: Do you find yourself more attracted to the irish element or the lyrics? If it is the irish element then I would tell you to pick up Ether-Electrified Porch Music next. If its the lyrics, I would recommend Indian Summer.

Super blend of folk-rock ala Celtic pub- Pagan- Americana .......2004-08-05

What can I say? The music of CARBON LEAF is hard to catagorize. All the tracks have a "backwoods" ramble to them. Wether the lyrics hint at everyday troubles (despertation song), future wars and the coming of age (toy soldiers), the music is always thoughtful and mature.
The mesh of styles is seamless. I find the celtic flow especially dominant in the wild tongue twister 'Mary Mac'...and even while tackling more current themes (to never give up hope) as in 'The Boxer'.
The music never falters from it's sublime "roots".Chuck full of interesting guitar and vocal florishes, the music of CARBON LEAF stays true to its Celtic/Appalachian beginings.
CD is over 70 minutes...and there's a hidden track to boot!

Average customer rating:

Petty digs deep and emerges with arguably the best Heartbreakers album this side of Damn the Torpedoes!
4 1/2 stars--just a hair off his best work
A great Petty extravaganza
So Under-Rated It's Criminal
The Echo of this Music will last Forever!

Echo
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000IFWE
Release Date: 1999-04-13

Tracks:

Room At The Top
Counting On You
Free Girl Now
Lonesome Sundown
Swingin'
Accused Of Love
Echo
Won't Last Long
Billy The Kid
I Don't Wanna Fight
This One's For Me
No More
About To Give Out
Rhino Skin
One More Day, One More Night

Amazon.com

Just a few bars into song 1, "Room at the Top," and you know you're in the capable hands of a master songwriter. A mellow chorus wafts by, whispered in Petty's patented Byrdsian drawl, and the song seems to tick-tock to a stop. But storming over the top is a riff from guitarist Mike Campbell. Another chorus and you know there's a bridge creeping up. Petty, in a gesture that's both droll and dynamic, mutters "Hit it" to announce it. The proceedings slow again, then Campbell's gears start grinding again, and there's a grand crescendo that is, if you'll pardon the pun, heartbreakingly wicked. Then Petty murmurs a deep, resonate "No-oh" in a broken, brilliantly understated way that's rock & roll perfect! If you understand the alchemist genius that transmutes such humble metal into gold, you're ready to curl up with 14 songs of near-similar standing. Petty and the Heartbreakers have succeeded in making an album that's stunning in its simplicity yet as carefully ornate and wondrous as a stained-glass window. Indeed, renaissance might be an appropriate tag for the reborn Petty, except that he's never really gone away. Like that "Room at the Top" bridge, he's always been lurking around the corner, waiting to surprise you when the time is right. --Tom Lanham

Customer Reviews:

Petty digs deep and emerges with arguably the best Heartbreakers album this side of Damn the Torpedoes!.......2007-04-12

It has been widely circulated that Petty wrote Echo during his emotionally draining divorce. It is easy to think this as the strain in Tom's relationship had long been informing his writing.

Tom states in his book - "Conversations with Tom Petty" - a fantastic read - that the songs for Echo were written when he was in a happy place having met Dana which must have given Tom great therapy in overcoming his mid life blues that had plagued him during his mid 40's.

It is undeniable that he draws from his painful experience in the songs however the strength and dignity within himself ensures his "I Won't Back Down" attitude prevails.

The Heartbreakers joined Tom for this album which was a terrific move with the band again resiliantly backing and enhancing Petty's tunes with Mike's guitar the barometer for Petty's mood and the last real notable contribution from the slowly deteriorating Howie Epstein.

The result is a fine rock album with several excellent written tracks among the very finest Petty penned.

Tunes such as "Room at the Top" and "Swingin" - singles in the US, shine with a most resiliant spirit with Petty in complete control.

"No More" "One More Day, "One More Night" and "Echo" bring out his mellow and reflective side with the title track one of the greatest performances ever by Tom Petty. He is up there with Dylan with the phrasing and shows alot more emotion on that track.

Mike Campbell gets a rare gig with the enjoyable but should only have been performed live and not put on the album - "I Don't Wanna Fight". After a career of brilliance and loyalty, we can forgive him for that.

Echo spawned a great tour, it hit the US Top 10 and earned the band mostly nothing but praise and respect.

Rock fans who appreciate great songwriters will not be dissapointed with this purchase, in my opinion you get to hear Tom close to his very best on several tracks with the whole album one fine rocking experience.

4 1/2 stars--just a hair off his best work.......2007-02-14

It is well-documented that this 1999 Tom Petty offering is based on his divorce. That alone makes this album an interesting listen. For sure, the music and lyrics are a bit less upbeat than usual. Nonetheless, this is still a fantastic album by this legendary band.

"Room at the Top" is a slower-than-average opening album track and first single, but it is surely a poignant song. "Free Girl Now", as others have noted, is vintage rocking Tom Petty. "Swingin'" is another exceptionally fun song. I still remember how the crowd reacted to this one when I saw it in concert during my 1999 honeymoon in Las Vegas....What a treat. Songs like "Accused of Love" and the closing track "One More Day, One More Night" showcase that more mellow side again, but for sure it is a quality mellow side.

Truth is, there are many good to great songs on this album. I almost can give it 5 stars, but just to distinguish from the very best of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, I'll mark it down half a star. Still an excellent album that is worthy of purchase. If you like any Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers albums, chances are you will like this one.

A great Petty extravaganza.......2007-02-14

The openning track is a great song, but you wonder if the rest of the songs will be as good. I have played the album from beginning to end a few times now, and every song is sequenced perfectly on the album. Sequencing is always important for a music fan like myself, because I always listen to the album from song 1 to song x.

All 15 songs are great. I love the last part of the last song. I enjoy Tom Petty and the Heartbrakers because they aren't juvinile or silly.

So Under-Rated It's Criminal.......2007-01-03

One More Day, One More Night makes me want to give it 5 stars (the albums closer) but I don't think that is right. Still, you should own this album and rock out to it. If you love Tom Petty, you will love this album.

Not Pettys' best, but that doesn't matter. It's still excellent.

The Echo of this Music will last Forever!.......2006-12-28

My wife gave me this cd for my 21st birthday way back in 1999, and the raw emotional power of this album totally blew me away. It still does, eight years later. Petty was going through a bitter divorce at the time this album was coming together (late 90s) and it shows on many of these tunes, which convey timeless messages about love, betrayal, pain and healing. Perhaps my favorite is the really wonderful, comforting song "Room at The Top", which we danced to at our wedding. This is a very powerful album that when it's all said and done should be recognized as one of Tom Petty's finest efforts. If you are a Petty fan and don't own this one, than you better go and get it now! It is required listening.

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