Flowers

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
So the Stones take off a few months to write, get arrested, the usual, and their U.S. label tosses together the 1967 version of December's Children, complete with tackily precious "psychedelic" artwork. And it's great, however clumsily sequenced and cursed with a lousy version of "My Girl" it may be. Non-single tracks withheld from the American editions of Aftermath and Between the Buttons stand as highlights even alongside "Let's Spend the Night Together," and the offhand nastiness of "Back Street Girl" and "Sittin' on a Fence" short-circuit the sleeve's floral motif. --Rickey Wright

Flowers, Music, Rolling Stones, Pop, Rock, Rock/Pop

Sam's Town
Average customer rating:

As good as Hot Fuzz... just different

doesnt measure up to hot fuss

I love it!

So Why Are These Guys Critical Whipping Boys?

Still rocking, even after all the "Hot Fuss"

Sam's Town
The Killers
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Hot Fuss

Eyes Open

The Information

The Black Parade

The Open Door

ASIN: B000GY729M
Release Date: 2006-10-03

Tracks:

Sam's Town
Enterlude
When You Were Young
Bling (Confession of a King)
For Reasons Unknown
Read My Mind
Uncle Jonny
Bones
My List
This River Is Wild
Why Do I Keep Counting?
Exitlude

Amazon.com

The Killers five-million-selling debut, 2004's Hot Fuss, saw the stylish Las Vegas quartet mining inspiration from its favorite '80s British acts Duran Duran, the Cure, and the Smiths. On its follow-up, the group turns its focus homeward. First there's the album title, Sam's Town, which pays tribute to the old-school local casino where the band got its start. Then there's the music inside, a collection of windswept rockers in the vein of Bruce Springsteen that leave the indie-disco vibe of "Mr. Brightside" in the desert dust. Working with producers Alan Moulder and Flood (best known for their work with U2, Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails), everything here sounds bigger and shinier, with full-blown strings and choirs coloring epics like "When You Were Young" and "The River Is Wild." Coming soon to a stadium near you. --Aidin Vaziri

Customer Reviews:

As good as Hot Fuzz... just different.......2007-07-14

The title says the bulk of how I feel. I listen to the album in its entirety whenever I listen to it... I like every song though there are some that I like more than others (which is the same with Hot Fuzz).

The music is a bit bolder, and a bit more grandiose (musically and lyrically), but the synth is still there and after giving the album a listen or 3 you'll be singing along to each track. The lead singer's (Flowers) voice sounds a bit different to me on this album, but not for better or worse, just slightly different. The album definitely seems to be more mature (but I have no idea where the Springsteen analogy came from), the songs and the hooks aren't as poppy (at least not in every song) and it takes more than one listening for some songs to grow on you. (For instance I didn't like 'Sams Town' (track 1) the first couple times I heard it, but now its one of my favorites).

Overall, if you like popular music, or alternative music in general... its worth listening to, but I wouldn't expect a life altering experience.

doesnt measure up to hot fuss.......2007-07-09

sorry to all of you who really like this album, but in my own opinion, it can't measure up to 'hot fuss'

I love it!.......2007-06-27

The only thing that upset me was that there is no Killers c.d that has all my favorite songs by them on it. I do like most of the tracks on this one and on each c.d. that I bought they have great opening songs to start you out.

So Why Are These Guys Critical Whipping Boys?.......2007-06-26

Sure some of Sam's Town is a lot closer to two stars than five stars (think the pointless brace of enterlude and exitlude, or Uncle Jonny, the inevitable nod to every rock band's friend or relative with a voracious appetite for drugs, or the painfully banal Why Do I Keep Counting), but like former Giants/Cubs/Mets slugger Dave Kingman, when The Killers aren't striking out, they are hitting some mammoth and memorable shots. I was driving as Read My Mind spun up when I first played the CD. I had to pull off the road to avoid being a danger to myself and others. Nothing has changed in the hundred or so listens since then -- it is as thrilling a four minute compendium of longing and bravado as anything I've heard in a long time. (And, for me, it doesn't hurt a bit that its two bridges -- "the good old days; the honest man..." etc. -- recall David Garza's wonderful Crown of Thorns on his Overdub CD.) Nothing on the rest of the CD quite reaches that same high point and even the best songs of the second half, e.g. Bones and This River is Wild, come off like reworkings of the strongest material on earlier cuts, e.g. Sam's Town and When You Were Young.

But here's the thing -- The Killers are not afraid to stretch themselves. No playing safe here. They do bombast fit for an arena, they do humor, they do tender, and, with this bittersweet Valentine to their home town, they tell a pretty good story. Some of it doesn't work so well; a lot of it does. My personal guess is that as they mature there will be more and more successful blendings of those disparate elements. As they say about NFL draft picks, there's a lot of up side in this band. They just have to keep producing more "It's funny how you just break down/Waitin' on some sign/I pull up to the front of your driveway/With magic soakin' my spine" and less "am I strong enough/to be the one/will I live to have some children."

Still rocking, even after all the "Hot Fuss".......2007-06-02

Look, this album is no Hot Fuss, so I wish that people would stop comparing it. I mean do you compare Led Zeppelin I to Physical Graffiti??? No. It's the same band folks, just on a different path ---- and that's certainly no reason to write the whole album off. Besides, it wouldn't be right if they went in and simply made "Hot Fuss 2". That's not what GREAT bands throughout rock history have done, unless were talking about Metallica or AC/DC, which have earned the respect to do so.

There are many good tunes on this record --- of course, "When You Were Young", "Bones", and the hauntingly beautiful "Read My Mind". The album was worth purchasing for the later of those songs alone. Even so, the remaining of the album is still enjoyable and of great quality. For all the haters (who are more than likely disgruntled 90's alt. fans)--SHUT UP!!! This is a good album and worthy of appreciation.

Average customer rating:

It IS a SACD Hybrid if the copyright is 2002 ABKCO
Not as advertised
Near Classic '66-67 Stones
Where The Summer of Love Found The Stones
Everybody Should Get Flowers

Flowers
The Rolling Stones , and Rolling Stones
Manufacturer: Abkco
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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December's Children (And Everybody's)
Their Satanic Majesties Request
Out Of Our Heads
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England's Newest Hitmakers

ASIN: B00006AW2N
Release Date: 2002-08-27

Tracks:

Ruby Tuesday
Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby Standing in the Shadow?
Let's Spend the Night Together
Lady Jane
Out of Time
My Girl
Backstreet Girl
Please Go Home
Mother's Little Helper
Take It or Leave It
Ride on Baby
Sittin' on a Fence

Album Description

This Super Audio Compact Disc (SACD) recording offers high-resolution sound and is playable on both standard CD players and SACD-compatible devices.

Album Description

Remastered reissue of 1967 album, suitable for standard & 'Super Audio' CD players. Digipak.

Customer Reviews:

It IS a SACD Hybrid if the copyright is 2002 ABKCO.......2007-05-31

I just got mine and thought the same thing the last poster did -- that Amazon screwed up and this isn't a SACD hybrid as advertised. But it IS one. If you look on the disk itself, you will the DSD and Super Audio CD. I was angry at first because I already have the regular CD and wanted the SACD hybrid, but after opening it I am a happy camper. FWIW, it is in a cardboard case and the case says nothing about being a SACD hybrid.

Not as advertised.......2007-05-17

Flowers was advertised as a SACD hybrid, I received the remastered CD. This rating only reflects Amazons incorrect listing on the website.

Near Classic '66-67 Stones.......2007-03-12

"Flowers" holds the same place in the Stones' U.S. catalog that "Yesterday...and Today" held in the Beatles' - until the CD era, when the Beatles eliminated those bastardized US Capitol releases with UK editions of all catalog titles up to "Sgt. Pepper's", for it was those UK Parlophone albums that the Beatles and George Martin meticulously prepared and programmed. (This international uniformity lasted until enough time had elapsed to allow for nostalgia and commerce to warrant repackaging those American Beatles titles in expensive boxed sets).
But the Stones' UK catalog was never so clearly superior; the British Deccas are not necessarily superior to their US counterparts. Certainly original Decca vinyl was sonically preferable to London's 'fake stereo' in the '60s. Otherwise, however, the biggest difference was cultural: hit singles have always sold albums in the States. In England their inclusion on LPs was seen as redundant. If the Beatles always produced their albums in England, by 1964 The Stones were recording - in superb stereo - at Chicago's Chess Studios, and soon they stormed the charts and defined their times with 'The Last Time', 'Satisfaction' and other classics recorded at RCA in Hollywood. Partly this may have to do with Andrew Oldham's awareness that his role as producer was limited, and that to make great sounding records the Stones needed terrific engineers like Ron Malo (Chess) and Dave Hassinger (RCA). Which brings us to the rather maligned US-only "Flowers", like "December's Children" a hodge-podge that has steadily gained the status of near-classic, an album that sounds remarkably vital forty years after its release.
Not really, contrary to general assumption, a 'compilation', "Flowers" was issued in June 1967, the same month Brian Jones escorted Nico to the Montery Pop Festival where, still the wizard and true star ahead of the curve, he appeared onstage resplendent in his baubles and singular finery to introduce his friend Jimi Hendrix to America. But it was also a period of stress and crisis in the Stones' world, with the band unable to tour - Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Brian Jones (along with various friends and family) had all been busted for drugs during the preceding months, and the completion and release of "Their Satanic Majesties Request" would be delayed until November; radiant doomed Brian Jones was privately in the midst of a free-fall that would lead to his inevitable dismissal from the Stones, followed, just weeks later, by his death July 3, 1969.
At the time of release most of "Flowers" was new to the US audience (which might explain why it was another smash hit, reaching # 3 in "Billboard", during a 35 week chart run), containing tracks from UK versions of "Aftermath" and "Between The Buttons" that were deleted before Stateside release, along with two classic late '66 hit singles previously unavailable in album form. Three tracks had not been released anywhere by the Stones. As such "Flowers" at first sounds somewhat like a cross between the two previous studio albums. (It was, however, oddly flawed by the inclusion of three hits already available on the US editions of those albums - 'Let's Spend The Night Together,' 'Ruby Tuesday,' and 'Lady Jane').
Musically 1966 - 67 was the period during which Brian had lost interest in the guitar, instead coloring each song with an array of different instruments that always seemed to deepen the mood and power of the music. The Stones, with Ian Stewart and Jack Nitzche helping out, were experimenting, moving away from the classic American blues/r&b/soul/country forms that had inspired their first five albums. The music here is detailed and carefully textured, the songwriting sharp and acerbic, though often here with an introspective, late-night ambience that distinguishes it from the more willful "Buttons". "Flowers" does finally establish its own identity disctinct from the the two earlier classics, as exemplified by the English-folk/Appalachian tone of the exquisite closing track ('Sittin' On A Fence'). One is struck by the band's effortlessly great songwriting and ability to create fresh settings for each track. 'Sittin' On A Fence' is a brilliant example of the Stones' ambivilance (remember "Salt Of The Earth" or "Street Fighting Man")as well as a dramatic and effective climax to a great set. Elsewhere, 'Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby' remains a work of blistering power and density, its amphetemine fueled roar of guitar feedback, Wyman's impossibly heavy bass, and otherwordly pop-art horns concealing a dazzling lyric of Freudian sexual repression that demands to "tear through the shadow..." during its bridge. 'Out Of Time,' is both shorter and in a different mix from the UK version. The sole cover, 'My Girl' is lovely but minor, a bit too respectful of the Temptations' original to be considered inspired (compare the band's 1978 re-invention of 'Imagination'). Side two (of the vinyl album) provides one gem after another, from the waltz-time class analysis of 'Backstreet Girl', with Brian's gorgeous accordion and Mick's brutal yet tender vocal; 'Please Come Home' is 'Mona' on on acid, its relentless, hypnotic Diddleybeat transformed by Brian's theremin and what sounds like either synthesizer or mellotron, Keith's virtuosic guitar swirling through the mix atop Charlie Watts' perfect drumming (and, by the way, Shirley Watts makes a singular appearance here on backing vocals). 'Mother's Little Helper' is of course a classic single and another masterful track, with the droning guitar and Brian's sitar(?)providing a sense of dread and foreboding while Mick's vocal projects absolute confidence. 'Take It Or Leave It' is a pensive jewel, 'Ride On Baby' a unique rocker on which Keith's guitars are restrained but trenchant while Charlie's congas and Brian's harpsichord, bells, and harp (not harmonica) stand out as especially inventive.
Why not five stars? As stated, the three re-runs are simply lazy. Let us rewrite history by replacing them: open this album with another non-album single from '66, 'Sad Day'. Replace 'Let's Spend the Night' with 'Mother Baby's' B-side, the psychedelic blues 'Who's Driving Your Plane?' and insert the hotel room insomnia and restlessness of 'What to Do' as track five (in place of 'Lady Jane'). Now we have an album that is thematically and musically a far more cohesive statement. (And of course we use the full 5:37 'Out Of Time')...With the CD format and a multi disc changer anyone can program the album this way, and it's how I now choose to listen to it.
It doesn't matter anymore if this album was put out as stopgap. The 1966-67 Stones made accomplished, frequently startling music that can't be categorized as merely 'transitional', and some of the best appears on "Flowers", in remastering that, since the 2002 catolog upgrade, is superb. Finally, ponder the album jacket - on the front cover, Brian's is the only flower whose stem is without any leaves at all...

Where The Summer of Love Found The Stones.......2006-11-14

Crippled by drug busts and court appearances, the summer of '67 Stones had little time to come up with new material, much less an answer to the revolutionary pop of the Beatles' just-released Sgt. Pepper. Therefore Decca records was forced to put out this compilation of hits and outtakes dating back as far as Dec. '65 ( those being "My Girl," "Out of Time," "Mother's Little Helper," "Backstreet Girl" and "Sittin' On A Fence"). But that's hardly a raw deal, as the album is in essence a mini-greatest hits of the Stones at the peak of their mid-sixties creativity:
the shimmering Jan '67 single of "Ruby Tuesday"/ "Let's Spend The Night Together" (the latter of which makes its contemporary "Strawberry Fields" sound like a druggy chore by comparison), The anarchic energy of Aug '66's "Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby," the glorious chorus in "Out of Time" from the Aftermath album, and so on. But the true forgotten gems here are "Backstreet Girl," a decadent acoustic waltz with the late multi-instrumentalist Brian Jones on accordian (the fact that his flower on the album cover had no leaves was a band in-joke), with Mick's lyrics pointing the finger at the philandering of his fellow pop stars as much as himself, and "Sittin' On A Fence," Keith and Brian doing some lovely acoustic dueling as Mick ponders his old classmates and the life he could have led. An album released in summer, it's actually perfect for a cold winter's night, talented young men conjuring all kinds of visions for one's own darkness.

Everybody Should Get Flowers.......2006-08-29

OK...To understand Flowers, you have to first realize the context in which it was released. Flowers was released as an American only album of material that was not issued on previous albums, material that was cut from the American versions of albums released in their full 14 track format in Britain, or singles that had not made it into an album yet. Also don't forget that the Stones weren't touring at the time, attempting to find the same refuge that the Beatles had in their studio to try some experimentation a la Sgt. Peppers which became Satanic Majesties. Now that the proper context has been established, this album finds the Rolling Stones at the peak of their mid-60's creative power. Group founder Brian Jones had not yet cashed out on his drug and alcohol binges and he was totally into what has retrospectively been dubbed "flavoring" the albums and tracks that the Stones were putting out. The album is strung together with singles: "Ruby Tuesday" b/w "Let's Spend the Night Together", "Have You Seen Your Mother?", "Mother's Little Helper", and "Lady Jane". This material coupled with the leftovers from the British releases of Aftermath and Between the Buttons helps make this album somewhat eclectic like the other two albums but no less entertaining. The psycho-Bo Diddley "Please Go Home" is great 60's style garage-psyche rock. Anytime the Stones go Bo Diddley is worth listening to, by the way. "Out of Time" is a great companion piece to "Under My Thumb" from Aftermath, as it features much of the same instrumentation, with Brian Jones anchoring the song on his marimbas once again. "Back Street Girl" and "Ride on Baby" both fall into the same vein, with the use of the classical instruments on the rock tracks for that mock-Baroque feel that many of the 60's bands like the Kinks and Yardbirds went for with their use of harpsichords, etc. "Sitting on a Fence" and "Take It or Leave It" are also like songs, with similar feels and good acoustic guitar work. "My Girl" to me is the one oddity on the album but somehow it works with the eclecticness of the finished product.
This album was one of the first albums that I ever bought when I got into the Rolling Stones. It was also the first Stones album that I bought my fiancee when we were 16. We both loved it and I have never regretted that choice. For me, the albums Aftermath and Between the Buttons represent height of the Stones in the 60's before they changed directions forever. This album, Flowers, bridges the two in the same way that Rubber Soul and Revolver were bridged by Yesterday and Today. These albums form critical trilogies of albums at points where two bands were reaching critical mass just as the dream of the 60's was ending for so many.
Now for the disclaimer: as some reviewers have pointed out, this album is not part of the canon of Rolling Stones albums. That may be true but when you compare this album to others such as Exile on Main Street and Sticky Fingers or Beggars Banquet and Let It Bleed, but you are essentially comparing different bands and different times when holding Flowers against these rockers. Flowers is a great album that is completely misunderstood and underestimated. This album came out in 1967 and when compared with other albums of that time and place it shines with the best of them.

Average customer rating:

Welcome to "alternative" classical music!
It's Yo-Yo so it's Exquisite
Love it- great for weddings
Stellar album
**Superb**

Appalachia Waltz / Ma, Meyer, O'Connor

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Appalachian Journey
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ASIN: B000002C0Y
Release Date: 1996-09-24

Tracks:

The Green Groves of Erin - The Flowers Of Red Hill
Appalachia Waltz
Chief Sitting In The Rain
Mama
Butterfly's Day Out
Druid Fluid
First Impressions
Etienne Et Petunia
F.C.'s Jig
College Hornpipe
Pickles
Old Country Fairytale
Schizoozy
Star of the Country Down
Speed The Plow Medley
Fair Dancer Reel

Customer Reviews:

Welcome to "alternative" classical music!.......2007-02-19

It's wonderful to hear three such talented musicians put together a collection of non-classical music on revered instruments. This is not "The Yo-yo Ma Show" with two other guys! The music is varied but the performances are great and -- in some cases, e.g. Appalachia Waltz -- fantastic. I was driving the first time I heard the title piece and immediately started sobbing and had to pull over; it was that beautiful! This would be a good CD choice for children to listen to, as it gives a fine exposure to the amazing sounds that the three instruments can make when in the right hands.

It's Yo-Yo so it's Exquisite.......2007-02-12

Yo-yo Ma has never been content to stick with the standard cello classics. Of course he has recorded the classics - the magnificent Bach Cello Suites (incredible and the visual DVD only enhances the effect), Vivaldi, Beethoven, Faure, Dvorak, etc. His evolution as an artist is an on-going process, thus there's Yo-Yo playing Tango (Astor Piazzolla), Yo-Yo playing Jazz (Claude Boling), Yo-yo playing Brazilian music or John Williams. And now we have the Apalachia Waltz, a beautiful, virtuoso and haunting piece.
I, too, found many of the sounds unique. For a real experience, listen in a darkened room with a pair of superior earphones - the things you pick up will shock. I literally turned my head several times, convinced that the artist was in the room.

As one reviewer noted, this is not supposed to be the rustic sound one might imagine or (the reverse) simply an intellectual exercise. The artist (with able assistance) seems to draw on some kind of inner reserve and literally pour his soul into his newest project. I, for one, applaud this widening of the boundaries between genres and hope that it continues.
Let's not forget the other artists, particularly Meyer. Many times the celebrity saps all the attention leaving a wake of sore feeling in their wake. Ma has always been one to give credit where credit is due and in this case it is due to those who ably assisted him. My grade - A

Love it- great for weddings.......2007-01-24

I used this and Appalachian Journey for my wedding music. I used Track 2 (Appalachian Waltz) as my entry music. The rest I just had playing on a cd player as background music while my guests were waiting on me. It was perfect for our outdoor Fall wedding. Hearing track 2 always brings the memory of our beautiful day flooding back.

Stellar album.......2006-11-10

This disc is top-notch in all respects. The playing is great by Ma and O'Conner for sure, but the bass work is awesome. Meyer is as good a player as there is in the world at the present time in my opinion. I am a cellist and bassist and find it difficult to believe that some of the things he does are possible. If you like top quality string playing, order this album today.

**Superb**.......2006-07-19

I absolutely love this album -- the music resonates with one's soul. Even if you don't have a cello fetish as I, you can't go wrong with this album. It offers a wonderful range from adagio to allegro.....A true musical feast. I especially enjoy Butterfly's Day Out and First Impressions. Dolce...

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music

Average customer rating:

CD set is misnamed
Do not Buy
Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music
Seek better versions
It Is What It Is

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits
25 Classical Favorites
25 Romantic Classics
The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe

ASIN: B000003QWH
Release Date: 1994-06-09

Tracks:

Canon In D
'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 3: Allegro
The Four Seasons - The Winter: Largo And Allegro
Fanfare ('Masterpiece Theatre' Theme)
Camerata Romana: Air For The 'G' String
'Eine kleine Nachtmusik': Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 21 ('Elvira Madigan' Theme): Andante
Introduction To Symphony No. 5
'William Tell' Overture: Finale
'Aida': Triumphal March
On The Beautiful, Blue Danube Waltz
'The Nutcracker': Waltz Of The Flowers
'1812' Overture: Finale

Tracks:

Sabre Dance
'Light Cavalry' Overture: Finale
Carmen: The Toreadors
' Midsummer Night's Dream': Wedding March
Radetzky March
Symphony No. 9, 'Choral': Finale
'Prince Igor': Polovstian Dance No. 17
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Peer Gynt: Solveig's Song
Sleepers, Wake
Water Music: Hornpipe
Symphony No. 9, 'From The New World': Largo
Emperor Waltz
'Emperor' Quartet: St. Anthony's Chorale
'The Tales Of Hoffman': Barcarolle
L'Arlesienne: Farandole
'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Mirlitons
'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy
'Rhapsody In Blue': Highlight
'Orpheus In The Underworld': Can-Can

Tracks:

Introduction To 'Also sprach Zarathustra'
Symphony No. 4, 'Italian': Saltarello: Presto
Piano Concerto No. 20: Romance
'The Valkyrie': Ride Of The Valkyries
'The Four Seasons' - The Spring: Allegro
Toccata and Fugue
Trumpet Voluntary
'Royal Fireworks Music': la rejouissance: Allegro
'Moonlight' Sonata: Adagio Sostenuto
London Festival Orchestra: Overture To 'The Barber Of Seville'
Piano Concerto No. 2: Adagio Sostenuto

Tracks:

Carmina Burana: Introduction To 'Carmina Burana'
Peer Gynt: Dawn From 'Peer Gynt'
Lohengrin: Prelude To 'Lohengrin'
'Lieutenant Kije': Troika From 'Lieutenant Kije'
Adiago For Strings
'Carmen': Habanera From 'Carmen'
'Double' Concerto: Allegro From 'Double' Concerto
The Marriage Of Figaro: Overture To 'The Marriage Of Figaro'
(Rondo) Alla Turca
Xerxes: Largo From 'Xerxes'
Symphony No. 5: Allegro vivace From Symphony No. 5
'Swan Lake': Scene: Enchanted Lake From 'Swan Lake'
Clair De Lune
Bolero

Customer Reviews:

CD set is misnamed.......2007-06-08

They should have titled this "classical music for people who love classical music" because most of the selections are typical classical music. The title suggests it would be lively selections of "light classical" music that is more upbeat, i.e. Sabre Dance, etc. I really don't hate classical music at all and have many classical CDs in my collection but I really wanted to hear more exciting selections. I won't be purchasing any more of this set but if you like traditional classical music these are good one.

Do not Buy.......2007-02-21

I do know it says classical music for people who hate it, but serioulsly you would have better luck never listening to classical music again. The recordings are awfull and do not do justice to any of the composers. Buy something else.

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music.......2007-01-30

We love this set of CD's. I just got a new copy because my kids keeping taking our first copy with them so that they can listen at work or in their bedrooms but then I can never find them.

Seek better versions.......2006-12-09

If you are fairly new to classical purchases then compilation CD's can be useful for deciding what to buy next. Sometimes you only need a small taste of a piece to inspire you to buy a release with the whole performance on. The problem with this compilation however is that most of the versions are poor in performance or recording quality (or both) when compared to the best versions and the fact that the conductors aren't even credited on the track listing made me suspect that this would be the case. One of my favorite classical pieces is Tchaikovsky's 1812 festival overture but if the first CD version I had heard had been the finale excerpt that is on this compilation I may not have gone on to buy the whole thing. Luckily I heard Adrian Leaper's version first and Adrian's version is rather good.
My classical CD buying experience is limited to only a couple of dozen discs but I have found that the Naxos and Deutshe Grammophon releases are fairly safe. Avoid any release which does not name the conductors on the track listing or sleeve notes.

It Is What It Is.......2006-10-27

It's fitting that this page is fraught with the same kind of silly snobbery that turns people off from classical music (and necessitates collections like this) in the first place.

Any criticism of this compilation, which focuses on the quality of the performances or the fact that many tracks are excerpts, misses the point. This is not a collection for people who consider such things, nor does it purport to be. The idea is to package as many ultra-famous classical melodies as possible in one affordable collection and market it to people who have never purchased a classical recording. As such, top-tier performances are likely too expensive to be sold so cheaply and are unnecessary anyway. Those of us who already know and love a piece or two can forgive the compilers the inclusion of sub-par recordings, when we are exposed to so many other beautiful pieces for the first time.

It probably comes as a shock for some to hear that most people are not familiar with these classics. We may hear snippets on TV or movies, but are left with no idea as to the composer or historical context. With that in mind, it is extremely intimidating to begin buying classical. I suppose those among us, who so thoroughly dismissed the very notion of a boxed set like this, would have us begin by buying full albums by reputable interpreters. Surprisingly enough though, the majority of people would consider that a tad cost-prohibitive.

To conclude, this is a STARTER collection. It will either affirm a listener's feelings about classical music or lead to an interest in purchasing better recordings. Ideally, I suppose the interpretations would be better, but, for reasons mentioned above, that just isn't in the cards for a collection of this nature. If you're familiar with 50 different recordings of "The Ring" series, or have season tickets to the New York Philharmonic, then this probably isn't for you. For us cretins with limited foreknowledge of classical music though, it serves as a succinct introduction with little to complain about.

Average customer rating:

Broken Flowers
Great collection
Well-themed soundtrack for an easy to watch movie.
good, but not as good as Ethiopiques
What's Good is GREAT

Broken Flowers: Music from the Film
Original Soundtrack , and Mulatu Astatqe
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Ethiopiques, Vol. 4: Ethio Jazz & Musique Instrumentale, 1969-1974
Dual Mono
Truly She Is None Other
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
Dimanche a Bamako

ASIN: B0009XT914
Release Date: 2005-08-02

Tracks:

There Is An End - The Greenhornes
Yegelle Tezeta - Mulatu Astatke
Ride Your Donkey - The Tennors
I Want You - Marvin Gaye
Yedermo Sew - Mulato Astatke
Not If You Were The Last Dandy On Earth - Brian Jonestown Massacre
Tell Me Now So I Know - Holly Golightly
Gubelye - Mulatu Astatke
Dopesmoker - Sleep
Requiem, Op.48 (Pie Jesu) - Oxford Camerata
Ethanopium - Dengue Fever
Unnatural Habitat - The Greenhornes

Amazon.com

Will this soundtrack do for Ethiopian composer and musician Mulatu Astatke what Titanic did for Celine Dion? Well...maybe on a much, much smaller scale. Astatke's circle of Western fans has already expanded thanks to the compilation Ethiopiques, Vol. 4: Ethio Jazz & Musique Instrumentale, 1969-¬1974, and Jim Jarmusch's movie puts his hypnotic instrumentals to great use. This isn't surprising, since Jarmusch is a filmmaker with a natural affinity for music and its use onscreen. Here, a three-minute excerpt from stoner-rock legend Sleep's titanic "Dopesmoker" only offers a sample of the song (it actually lasts an hour) but it still sounds awesome, especially stuck between an Astatke track and Gabriel Fauré's "Requiem, Op. 48 (Pie Jesu)." Garage vets the Greenhornes and Holly Golightly contribute tracks together and separately, while indie-rockers Brian Jonestown Massacre's "Not If You Were the Last Dandy on Earth" (an answer song to the Dandy Warhols' "Not If You Were the Last Junkie on Earth") sounds as bilious now as it did in 1997. This is a rare case of a soundtrack that pulls together a broad range of artists yet remains oddly consistent--no doubt because it was assembled by a director with vision instead of a focus group. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Broken Flowers.......2007-06-19

the movie was good, but the music almost ruined it for me. if this had better music, it would have definatly been a better movie. the times where there was music i couldn't concentrate on the movie, i just wanted to cover my ears. even so, please do see the movie.

Great collection.......2007-02-13

This is an excellent collection.. if you saw the movie Broken Flowers you will recognize some of the music. Very relaxing and inspiring tunes if you can get into this type of music.

Well-themed soundtrack for an easy to watch movie........2007-01-22

I walked into Broken Flowers expecting another low-key performance from Bill Murray like his role in Lost in Translation. Great movie to take in easily without loud distractions or tedious moments... quietly funny.

This mood could have been ruined, however, if the soundtrack did not assist the mood of the movie by providing casual transition music. The great additions of Astatke, Greenhornes, and Golightly have already been mentioned, but Marvin Gaye and Dengue Fever also add a sharp quality to an already wide-ranging soundtrack. Marvin Gaye's "I Want You" is a sensual classic that shows how his later period of work was evolving instrumentally as well as vocally. Dengue Fever's "Ethanopium" provides a jazz-funk background to the movie that fits in well to Broken Flowers' sometimes quirky plot. Although the tune is missing the Khmer style of vocalist Chhom Nimol, the track signifies the eclectic sound of the band.

Both artists, as well as those previously mentioned, make the soundtrack to Broken Flowers enjoyably unique.

good, but not as good as Ethiopiques.......2006-07-27

Great sound track. I loved the movie, mainly because I love watching Bill Murray, but even he couldn't have kept my interest if it wasn't for the music. It led me delightfully from one scene to the next. When I finished watching the movie, I said, "what was that music, and where can I get it."

What's Good is GREAT.......2006-07-23

Movie soundtracks (and anthologies in general) tend to be "hit-and-miss" affairs. The BROKEN FLOWERS soundtrack is no exception, but its "hits" are so good, it's hard to quantify an overall ranking for this CD vis-a-vis the misses.

I see the other reviews here rightly concentrate on the brilliant and haunting Ethiopian jazz of Mulatu Astatke. This is the music that drew me to the CD in the first place, and it is otherworldy in quality and sound. Also noteworthy are the two wonderful tracks featuring Holly Golightly.

That leaves a couple of indifferent tracks, and a couple of unlistenable ones courtesy of the Brian Jonestown Massacre and Sleep. Program these songs out and you have a shorter, 5-star CD. Leave them, and you have, uh, this!

Average customer rating:

Best Solo McCartney album
FLowers
Paul can bring these flowers anytime
not happy
Still Beatlesque, but full Sir Paul also... Great album!

Flowers in the Dirt
Paul McCartney
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Off the Ground
Flaming Pie
Driving Rain
Tug Of War
Run Devil Run

ASIN: B000002UUM
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

My Brave Face
Rough Ride
You Want Her Too
Distractions
We Got Married
Put It There
Figure Of Eight
This One
Don't Be Careless Love
That Day Is Done
How Many People
Motor Of Love
Ou Est Le Soleil

Amazon.com

Enlivened and challenged by his songwriting collaboration with Elvis Costello, who cowrote three songs here, McCartney made one of his best albums of the 1980s with Flowers in the Dirt. The Costello tracks, "My Brave Face," "You Want Her, Too," and "That Day Is Done," are complex and acerbic, qualities rarely applied to songs penned by McCartney alone. Yet Sir Paul rises to the occasion on "Put It There," a touching remembrance of his father, and some of his best pop-rockers in a while, such as "This One," "Figure of Eight," and "Rough Ride." --Daniel Durchholz

Customer Reviews:

Best Solo McCartney album.......2007-06-17

I just love this album, a great mix of old and new styles from Paul McCartney. If there is any post-Beatles McCartney albums you need to have then this is the one, even over Band on the Run (the classic Wings album, but over rated in my opinion). In many ways you can almost hear perhaps what the Beatles could have sounded if they had lasted together until 1990. Elvis Costello's influence is huge however, and the partnership honed the best out of Paul, just as Lennon and Harrison did in the 60s. Great clean production and great sounding tracks - top marks for this one Paul!

FLowers.......2007-01-29

Sacherine trivia
With the exception of the costello collaberations,this album misses the point by a country mile
I'm amazed at the majority of reviews here-obviously from McCartney fans.

The dedication to Chico Mendes is really a new low in McCartney lyric writing -trite,vacantly sentimental,and so loose in its generalizations
that I found it,frankly,embarassing !
McCartney's best work,Beatles apart,is his McCartney II album
and Band On The Run and Venus aand Mars

Otherwise,listen to to almost any other copyist to get better work than this sentimental slush.

Paul can bring these flowers anytime.......2007-01-24

I finally got tired of listening to the cassette version I bought -- wow, was it almost 18 years ago? Yikes. I know it's a cliche, but like wine, this album just gets better with age. The collaborations Paul made with Elvis Costello and so many other good musicians sound even better through the years.

One thing you'll notice, if you've been buying most of Paul's CDs like I have, is the strength of Paul's voice on this album. He is at his peak here, and still has a great range I don't hear on his latest, "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard." The combo of his voice, Elvis Costello's work and superb instrumentals just knock you out, especially if you haven't heard it in a while.

I'm not saying "Chaos" isn't a good CD, it has to rely more on his musicianship than vocals and I'm not sure yet that "Fine Line" and some of the other songs will stand the test of time. But of course, true Sir Paul fans won't really care, will we?

To sum it all up, this is Paul's best 1980s album and one of the top four in his solo career. Buy it!!!! You won't be sorry.

not happy.......2007-01-12

Sorry i even thought this would be any good, maybe one cut was any good and i gave that 1 star.

Still Beatlesque, but full Sir Paul also... Great album!.......2006-10-26

This is one of my "MUST HAVE 100 albums". A good friend of mine sent me the LP version from Spain a long time ago, as soon as it was put for sale at the record shop shelves in Madrid. Even when Paul McCartney cannot deny being still under the shadows of Beatles' influence, this album has terrific music, and really beautiful songs like "This One" and "Put It There" (a small musical jewel!). "Figures Of Eight", "My Brave Face", "Rough Ride" and even "We Got Married" bring the part of excellent PMcC Rock. Definitely one of McCartney's best!

Average customer rating:

Best of the best

Essential Tchaikovsky

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Essential Mozart: 32 Of His Greatest Masterpieces
Essential Beethoven
Essential Bach
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Essential Rachmaninov

ASIN: B000060O5I
Release Date: 2002-03-12

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.1 In B Flat Minor, Op.23: I Allegro Non Troppo E Molto Maestoso (Excerpt) - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Romeo And Juliet: Love Theme - Wiener Philharmoniker
Symphony No.6 In B Minor, Op.74 'Pathetique': I Adagio - Allegro Non Troppo (Excerpt) - Philharmonia Orchestra
Swan Lake: Scene (Act III) - Herbert Von Karajan
Swan Lake: Waltz (Act I) - Herbert Von Karajan
Swan Lake: Dance Of The Little Swans - Herbert Von Karajan
Il Adagio Cantabile E Con Moto Souvenir De Florence, Op.70: II Adagio Cantabile E Con Moto - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
Melodie Souvenir D'un Lieu Cher, Op.42: Melodie - Philip Moll
June: Barcarolle The Seasons, Op.37b: June: Barcarolle - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Eugene Onegin: Waltz - Valery Gergiev
Piano Concerto No.1 In B Flat Minor, Op.23: II Andantino Semplice - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Sleeping Beauty: Pas D'action (Adagio) - Wiener Philharmoniker
Sleeping Beauty: Waltz - Wiener Philharmoniker
Marche Slave, Op.31 - Zubin Mehta

Tracks:

Violin Concerto In D Major, Op.35: I Allegro Moderato (Excerpt) - Kyung Wha Chung
Symphony No.5 In E Minor, Op.64: II Andante Cantabile, Con Alcuna Licenza - London Symphony Orchestra
The Nutcracker: Overture - Charles Dutoit
The Nutcracker: Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy - Charles Dutoit
Serenade For Strings In C Major, Op.48: II Waltz - St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra
String Quartet No.1 In D Major, Op.11: II Andante Cantabile - Gabrieli String Quartet
Eugene Onegin: Polonaise - Valery Gergiev
Capriccio Italien, Op.45 (Excerpt) - Valery Gergiev
Symphony No.4 In F Minor, Op.36: III Scherzo: Pizzicato Ostinato, Allegro - London Symphony Orchestra
Elegie For Strings - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
None But The Lonely Heart, Op.6 No.6 - Dmitri Hvorostovsky
The Divine Liturgy Of St. John Chrysostom, Op.41: Otche Nash (The Lord's Prayer) - St. Petersburg Chamber Choir
Valse Sentimentale, Op.51 No.6 - Arthur Grumiaux
The Nutcracker: Dance Of The Reed Pipes (Mirlitons) - Wiener Philharmoniker
The Nutcracker: Waltz Of The Flowers - Wiener Philharmoniker
1812 Overture, Op.49 (Conclusion) - Zubin Mehta

Customer Reviews:

Best of the best.......2004-03-14

There's something for every Tchaikovsky lover on this disc. From Swan Lake to Onegin, many of Tchaikovsky's most-known melodies are on this disc. I'd have preferred more than an excerpt of the first movement of Piano Concerto No. 1, but this disc is a great introduction to Tchaikovsky's works.

Average customer rating:

An important debut release
It's indie rock and roll !!!
soldiers of glam
Best Album of 2004
Magnum Opus

Hot Fuss
The Killers
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sam's Town
You Could Have It So Much Better
Franz Ferdinand
Demon Days
Plans

ASIN: B000AA4LAK
Release Date: 2005-08-16

Tracks:

Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine
Mr. Brightside
Smile Like You Mean It
Somebody Told Me
All These Things That I've Done
Andy, You're A Star
On Top
Change Your Mind
Believe Me Natalie
Midnight Show
Everything Will Be Alright
Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll
The Ballad Of Michael Valentine
Under The Gun

Amazon.com

The Killers match postpunk guitars with a synthesizer overlay that recalls '80s New Wave without burying their sound in nostalgia. On their debut, Hot Fuss, frontman Brandon Flowers plumbs his imagination for tales of murdered lovers ("Jenny Was a Friend of Mine," "Midnight Show"), voyeurism ("Mr. Brightside"), and sexual confusion (the single "Somebody Told Me"). Flowers and his mates are obviously canny students; the total effect is of a playacted obsession, but one made irresistible by their skillful, catchy songs. If there's an occasional misstep (the painfully earnest line "I got soul but I'm not a soldier" from "All These Things That I've Done"), it seems of a piece with the Killers' influences. As it is, Hot Fuss is one of several recent releases that bring a diverting faux glamour to the mainstream rock scene. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

An important debut release.......2007-01-13

We needed this group to form and make this music.

I haven't gotten this excited about a new band in quite a while.

The Killers are destined to eventually be grouped with music greats like The Smiths, The Cure, REM, U2, Nirvana, and Coldplay in the near future.
This debut CD guarantees that!

Very original, fun and catchy - this CD is one of my favorites - I highly recommend it.

It's indie rock and roll !!!.......2007-01-11

I loved this CD!!! I know there are like 5 different versions of this album, and I chose this because it covers the songs I like, it's not too expensive and it arrived just in time for me to listen it over and over again before the concert. It's great, it is the nearest to collector's edition, without all the fuzz of searching.

soldiers of glam.......2006-12-31

Catchy, electrifying tunes that take the word "derivative" to all time highs. This band proudly wears its influences on its sleeves while delivering a fresh sound and brings the energy to new levels. The melodies are hypnotic and the vocalist makes the best of his abilities. They really seem to have striven to be good on every song on this release, which proves refreshing. Their determination was worth it.

The work is high energy and pleasantly addictive!

Best Album of 2004.......2006-12-15

This album was ripe with hits and remains in the CD changer in my car to this day. The Killers melded new wave, alternative, and rock influences and released quite possibly one of the best first albums anyone has seen in a at least a decade. There are a few songs on the album that i'm not hugely fond of, but the strengths more than overshadow the few weaker parts, and even the songs I skip are by no means terrible. Buying the import with these three bonus tracks and a bonus DVD with a few music videos on it was well worth it to me, and i'm glad I bought it over the lower priced regular version.

Here's my track by track analysis, with my score in parenthesis, 5 being the highest, 1 the lowest:

Jenny Was a Friend of Mine (5) - Terrific opener, driving rhythms, great chorus.

Mr. Brightside (5) - Probably the most recognized, if not overplayed track on the album, but with good reason, another driving, strong vocals.

Smile Like You Mean It (5) - Favorite song on the album, haunting lyrics, extraordinary use of guitars and synth, great percussion work, especially on cymbals. I don't think i'll ever get tired of this song.

Somebody Told Me (5) - Another driving rock song. Well-made for radio.

All These Things I've Done (5) - Yes, it's true that the line "I've got soul but i'm not a soldier" isn't the best writing in history, but the guitar and rhythm carry it, with good vocal variety. The video on the DVD of this song is pretty damned good as well.

Andy, You're a Star (3) - Mediocre at best, it's a change of pace from the rest of the album up until this point to be sure, but seems overly reptitive. It's either a 2 or 3 but is at a 3 at this point, though that might be overly generous.

On Top (5) - Good use of synth, could have been overdone but luckily they knew where to pull back with it and focus on the lyrics. Flowers' voice seems louder on this song than on previous tracks, and it helps to carry the tune.

Change Your Mind (5) - I was thrilled to see this song used in many of the trailers for 'the movie "Thank You For Smoking' earlier this year, as it's a neat song. The synth approaches borderline over the top, but the vocals are so wonderful, that it doesn't overpower. This is probably my third favorite on the disc, if not a close second.

Believe Me Natalie (5) - Carried by a heavy bassline, it's another storytelling type song, not a bad song, but nothing legendary. It's barely a 5 in my book, it's a good song but might score lower if compared to other Killers songs only. I do however score basing songs against other music of similiar genre, so it remains a 5.

Midnight Show (4) - Not a bad song, but the vocals seem to be lacking, and get lost in the background it seems at times.

Everything Will Be Alright (3) - I'm not sure how this song is even at 3 stars, it's a change of pace, but seems like a bad way to end an album, and this is where it did end on the normal version of the disc. It's not terrible, but probably the weakest track on the album. Could have been better if the vocals were done differently, I liked the rhythm, just hated the delivery.

Glamorous Indie Rock and Roll (5) - First of three bonus tracks, and is possibly my second favorite song. It's catchy as all getout, and Flowers' seems to be right on target with the vocal delivery and range. Great guitar work, and the bassline was done perfectly. Bonus points for the tambourine hit in the first verse as well, very nice.

The Ballad of Michael Valentine (5) - Solid tune, it has a few changes throughout of all the different instruments. Lots of cymbals at some points, but gets the job done.

Under the Gun (5) - Weakest of the 3 bonus tracks but still a good tune, though short. More substance would do it some good. Not the worst song they could have picked to end the album (see above).

Overall, this is a strong buy, and a worthy addition to anyone's collection that enjoys this genre of music.

Hot Fuss (Deluxe Tour Edition):
5 Star Songs: 11
4 Star Songs: 1
3 Star Songs: 2
Overall: Strong 5 (93% - 4.6/5)

Magnum Opus.......2006-11-29

Seldom does an album come along where every song is worth listening to repeatedly. Hot Fuss is one of those rare exceptions. Whether a listener will enjoy the music is a matter of personal preference. But if you do like the Killers, you certainly like the majority of songs on this album.

Like most performers, The Killers produce songs that have an acquired taste. Over time, you will find more and more of the songs on Hot Fuss appealing. In many cases, the songs have a buildup similar to those of Depeche Mode, where there is a great deal of anticipation during the escalating tempo. I find songs like "All These Things That I've Done" excellent for hardcore weightlifting because of this buildup.

While their genre hard to describe, the Killers sound similar to the Stokes with a little Cure, Depeche Mode and the Clash mixed in. Sublime [not the group Sublime, but Webster's definition] in many circumstances, there are coherent messages behind many of the songs on Hot Fuss. Others are just fund to listen to. Though, from my perspective, the verse "I wanna shine on in the hearts of men" in the "All These Things That I've Done" is simply inspiring.

The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection

Average customer rating:

Well worth the price
Not Exactly "The Ultimate" Collection...
Where's the chicks?!?!
Not quite the ultimate....
Great Music - Questionable Selection

The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection
Arthur Sullivan , Isidore Godfrey , Royston Nash , New Symphony Orchestra of London , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , Colin Wright , Donald Adams , George Cook , Gillian Knight , Jean Hindmarsh , Jeffrey Skitch , John Ayldon , John Reed , Joyce Wright , Kenneth Sandford , Lyndsie Holland , Owen Brannigan , Pauline Wales , Peggy Ann Jones , Thomas Round , Valerie Masterson , and D'Oyly Carte Opera Company
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Best of Gilbert & Sullivan
Gilbert & Sullivan - Highlights from The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Yeomen of the Guard, Trial of Jury
Topsy-Turvy - The Music of Gilbert & Sullivan: From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Topsy-Turvy
The Best of Gilbert & Sullivan

ASIN: B000007OU0
Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

H.M.S. Pinafore: We Shall Sail The Ocean Blue
H.M.S. Pinafore: I'm Called Little Buttercup
H.M.S. Pinafore: My Galant Crew, Good Morning
H.M.S. Pinafore: I'm The Monarch Of The Sea
H.M.S. Pinafore: When I Was A Lad
H.M.S. Pinafore: Nevermind The Why And Wherefore
H.M.S. Pinafore: Kind Captain, I've Important Information
H.M.S. Pinafore: Carefully On Tip - Toe Stealing
H.M.S. Pinafore: For He Is An Englishman
The Pirates Of Penzance: I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major - General
The Pirates Of Penzance: When A Felon's Not Engaged In His Employment
The Pirates Of Penzance: With Cat Like Tread
The Sorcerer: My Name Is John Wellinton Wells
The Gondoliers: Take A Pair Of Sparkling Eyes
Patience: If You're Anxious To Shine
The Mikado: If You Want To Know Who We Are
The Mikado: A Wand'ring Minstrel I
The Mikado: Behold The Lord High Executioner
The Mikado: As Someday It May Happen
The Mikado: Three Little Maids From School Are We
The Mikado: The Sun Whose Rays Are All Ablaze
The Mikado: Here's A How - De - Do!
The Mikado: From Ev'ry Kind Of Man Obedience I Expect
The Mikado: A More Humane Mikado Never Did In Japan Exist
The Mikado: The Criminal Cried As He Dropp'd Him Down
The Mikado: The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring, Tra La
The Mikado: On A Tree By A River A Little Tom Tit
The Mikado: There Is Beauty In The Bellow Of The Blast
The Mikado: For He's Gone And Married Yum-Yum

Customer Reviews:

Well worth the price.......2006-04-13

I love this CD. No, despite its name it is not the "ultimate" collection, as scarcely could be expected from a single CD. It is heavy on Mikado, as others have stated. It leaves out things I would have included and includes things I would have left out. But the performances are wonderful, traditional and all you expect from G&S. Considering the low price, it is well worth including in your G&S collection ... as PART of your collection. After the disappointment of the godawful Opera World video series (Don't buy it!) this CD is a joy and a relief.

Not Exactly "The Ultimate" Collection..........2004-12-23

It seems that a collection of Gilbert & Sullivan music that has the name "The Ultimate Collection" in its title would boast a wide range of music, but I found the selection disappointing. Half of the tracks are songs from The Mikado, and the other half is divided between five... yes, FIVE other operettas. This means that the representation from each operetta is awfully scant. I would have liked to see less Mikado and more of everything else, and perhaps some highlights from the more obscure operettas (Princess Ida and The Sorcerer, namely).

In addition, while most of the music is very well performed, some of the vocalists either go a bit overboard or, at the very opposite end, seem to lack expression. For example, this Nanki-Poo (in The Mikado) seems to be overly occupied with vibrato. Katisha's voice is annoying, and The Mikado's low voice often seems to lack feeling and humor. The other idiosyncracies, like the very frightening evil laughing during "A More Humane Mikado" and hissing during "Three Little Maids" really bug me.

Then again, I'm new to Gilbert and Sullivan, and was introduced to the music through the Topsy Turvy soundtrack, which has a noticeably less operatic style, and hardly includes "stage noise"... so perhaps all this is the norm. Do listen to the tracks for yourself, though, before you purchase the CD. Personally, I find that the Topsy Turvy soundtrack, while considerably less ecompassing, is much lighthearted and easier listening.

Where's the chicks?!?!.......2003-05-15

It wouldn't be G&S if not for the ladies - so where are they? How could they leave out Mabel's aria - or Josephine's!? The only female aria included on this disc comes from Mikado, which is the least exciting (if G&S could be un-exciting) of the three! Everything else on the recording is great, but I am still quite disappointed.

Not quite the ultimate...........2002-03-25

This is a great collection, but unfortunately it doesn't have songs from all the works of G&S. Most notably, there is nothing from the "Yeoman of the Guard". I still reccommed it however as John Reed is wonderful!!

Great Music - Questionable Selection.......2002-02-05

It's an ongoing challenge to find a recording of Gilbert and Sullivan that combines premium musicality and great theatrical performance. This recording is a true gem on both fronts. My only complaint is that for a "Best of" collection, this compilation is Mikado-heavy and scarcely touches on highlights from other masterpieces, particularly The Pirates of Penzance. This would be my favorite G&S CD of all time, of only it included tracks like "When the Foeman Bares his Steel," "Poor Wand'ring One," and "Dry the Glist'ning Tear," but then again, I guess there's no real consensus as to which are Gilbert and Sullivan's best works, and there are too many to fit on one CD.

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

Average customer rating:

Mill. Classical review
classical music for the unitiated
Some little gems there that I had forgotten!
A very helpful collection
Excellent!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000K1C9
Release Date: 1999-08-24

Tracks:

Brandenbutg Concerto No.3 In G First Movement
Overture No.3 In D Second Movement
Violin Concerto In E First Movement
Prelude In C minor
Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude (Chorus From Cantata No.147)
Overture No.2 In B minor Minuet And Badinerie
Oboe Concerto In D minor Second Movement
Brandenburg Concerto No.4 In G Third Movement
Musical Offering - Fuga canonica
Easter Oratorio - Overture
Minuet In D minor
Kommst Du Nun, Jesu, Vom Himmel herunter(From Choral Prelude BWV 650
Brandenburg Concerto No.1 In F Second Movement
Art Of The Fugue - Contrapunctus 9
Concerto For Flute, Violin, Harpsichord And Strings. Triple Concerto - Third Movement
Overture No.4 In D - Réjouissance
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Water Music - Alla Hornpipe
Xerxes - Ombra Mai Fu (Largo)
Messiah - And The Glory Of The Lord
Concerto Grosso In A Minor, Op. 6, No. 4 - Larghetto Affettuoso
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 4 Allegro
Water Music - Air
Messiah - For Unto Us A Child Is Born
Concerto Grosso In B flat, Op. 3, No. 2 - Largo
Salomon - Sinfonia, Act 3
The Choice Of Hercules - While For Thy Arms
Water Music - Allegro (Suite No. 1)
Suite No. 5 In E - Air With Variations
Jephtha - How Dark, O Lord
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 5 Alla Siciliana - Presto
Mi Palpita Il Cor (Solo Cantata) S'un Di M'adora
Water Music - Andante Allegro Da Capo
Concerto for Trumpet & Orchestra in E-flat: First Movement
Symphony No. 94 in G: Surprise Symphony-second movement
Concerto for Violin No. 2 in D: Third Movement
Flute Trio No. 31 in G: Second Movement
Symphony No. 31 in D: Hornsignal-First Movement
String Quartet No. 17 in F, Op. 3, no. 5: Serenade Quartet-Second Movement
Sinfonia Concertante in B-flat for Violin, Cello, Oboe, Bassoon and Orchestra-Third Movement
Concerto for 2 Horns & Orchestra in E-flat: Second Movement
Symphony No. 88 in G: Fourth Movement
String Quartet No. 77 in C: Kaiser Quartet-Poco adagio cantabile
Notturno No. 1 in C: Second Movement
Symphony No. 98 in B: Londoner No. 4-Fourth Movement
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - first movement
Piano Concerto in A - second movement
Flute Concerto in D - Rondeau
Serenade - Minuet
Violin Concerto - first movement
Symphony No. 40 in G minor - first movement
Clarinet Concerto - second movement
Turkish March
Divertimento - Minuet
Horn Concerto No. 3 in E-flat - first movement
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67-First Movement
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27, no. 2: Moonlight Sonata-First Movement
Overture
O welche Lust (Prisoners' Chorus)
Ha, welch ein Augenblick (Pizarros's Aria)
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: Second Movement
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 61: Third Movement
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13: Pathétique-Second Movement
Sympony No. 6 in F, Op. 68: Pastorale-First Movement
Fantasy for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra in C minor, Op. 80: Choral Fantasy - Finale
German Dance No. 1 In C
Impromptu Op. 90, No. 3 In G-Flat
Heidenroslein
Ave Maria
Der Lindenbaum
Quintet In A 'Trout Quintet' - Andante
Mass No. 6 In E-Flat - Kyrie
Die Schone Mullerin Des Mullers Blumen
German Dance No. 2 In G
Piano Sonata In B-Flat
Nachtgesang Im Walde
Winterreise - No. 15: Die Krahe
German Mass - Z