Amanda

1. Tres de la Tarde

2. Hoy (Tus Mentiras)

3. Sigo Esperando

4. Devuélveme la Vida [Cumbia Version]

5. Caballo

6. Esos Hombres

7. Quien Eres Tú

8. No Me Basta

9. Te Tango Que Olvidar

10. Dulce Veneno

11. Devuélveme la Vida

12. Quien Eres Tú [Ballad Version]

13. Si Te Vas

Amanda,Amanda,Universal Latino,Latin,Latin Pop,Rock/Pop

Music

jazz

music

Jazz

Average customer rating: LOVE 'EM Just Getting Better and Better I got it for 1 song and i love it all I'd give it 10 stars if I could!! WOW....Can these girls sing!!

Into The Rush [CD/DVD] Aly & AJ Manufacturer: Hollywood Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Teen Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Dance & DJ | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Acoustic Hearts of Winter V Hannah Montana The Cheetah Girls 2 Right Where You Want Me ASIN: B000GFRJ2G Release Date: 2006-08-08

Tracks:

1. Rush
2. Shine
3. Chemicals React
4. Never Far Behind
5. Collapsed
6. Something More
7. No One
8. On the Ride
9. Speak for Myself
10. Out of the Blue
11. In a Second
12. I Am One of Them
13. Sticks and Stones
14. Protecting Me
15. Slow Down
16. Do You Believe In Magic
17. Walking On Sunshine

Tracks:

1. Chemicals React (music video)
2. Rush (music video)
3. On The Ride (music video)
4. Chemicals React (exclusive animated music video from SIMS Pets Video Game)

Amazon.com

You don't have to have a sister to score a hit on the pop charts, but sometimes it sure does help. At a time when the Simpson, Spears, Duff, and Lohan girls are steadily oozing sisterly love across teen magazine spreads and whatever other medium will have them, sending a pair of tight-harmonizing teen queens into the studio to take on the world together makes a certain sort of business sense. Never mind, for a moment, that it's the kind that generally turns the stomach of music snobs, because the girls appointed to the task--Aly & AJ (full names: Alyson and Amanda Joy Michalka)--display genuine vocal talent. Aly, the star of the Disney Channel's Phil of the Future and AJ, a sometime presence on shows such as Six Feet Under and General Hospital, already lit up the soundtrack to Now You See It (a Disney Channel Movie) with their rendition of the '60s chestnut "Do You Believe in Magic," and Into the Rush arrives as solid reinforcement. Leadoff track "Rush" pelts listeners with a feel-good, sweet-sounding salvo on keeping it real, "Speak for Myself" aims itself insouciantly at stifling parents, and "I Am One of Them" takes down the self-importance factor a notch by addressing the issue of missing children. That all these songs save the last two ("Do You Believe In Magic" and another can't-miss '60s fave, "Walking On Sunshine") were written by Aly & AJ bodes well for them--Hilary Duff started writing and singing at Hollywood Records, too. --Tammy La Gorce

Album Description

The energy and spirit the sisters Aly & AJ's bring to their music colors the entire album Into The Rush. Aly and AJ worked with a variety of producers on Into The Rush including some of the music industry's biggest. "We've learned a lot from all of them," says Aly of the producers. "Some things we like...some things we don't like. It's all a part of the process. It's important that we have our own voice and that our emotions are a part of all of our music. This is why we're working with different producers, so that we can experience different ideas."

Their first single may have been the classic cover "Do You Believe In Magic," but the sisters have written all of the songs on this. And though they may be young teens, when it comes to writing songs, they aim high. "We want our songs to be fun, but we also want to write about deeper issues that make people think and issues that we can all relate to in one way or another," says AJ.

Aly and AJ's song "I Am One of Them" tackles the tough subject of child kidnappings. They want to bring awareness by encouraging kids to look out for one another and use precautions and safety measures to empower them. AJ contributed a track called "Protecting Me," a song featured in a "Phil of the Future" episode, which addresses the vulnerable nature of being a kid today. Says Aly: "We want to let kids know they have the power to protect themselves and one another." Aly and AJ have also written songs that address the issues of relationships, heartaches, staying true to yourself and celebrating your own uniqueness.

Customer Reviews:

LOVE 'EM.......2007-07-05

Aly & AJ are amazing. So is this "Into The Rush (CD/DVD Edition)". I love Chemicals React, and Shine are awesome.

Just Getting Better and Better.......2007-06-27

I don't know how Insomniac will be...(song samples soon?)...but this CD was excellent. Being a spiritual person, I loved Never Far Behind, In A Second, and Protecting Me the most.

Kenneth Clifton
-author of The Christian Superhero Training Guide

I got it for 1 song and i love it all.......2007-04-13

I got this CD for Do You Believe In Magic but now i love it all

I'd give it 10 stars if I could!!.......2007-03-02

This Aly and Aj CD is the best! They have the greatest voices and music. All time favs are Chemicals React and Rush. Go Aly and Aj!!!!!!!!

WOW....Can these girls sing!!.......2007-03-01

My 9-year old daughter has this CD and I really love listening to it. I adore the song, "Into the Rush," and most other songs on the CD. Aly & AJ are extremely talented!

Average customer rating: My Favorite Broadway Album of 2006 I'm ready to settle How a Lack of Patience Killed a Great Broadway Musical! Terrific recording (5 stars) of a Flop show (2 stars) SOFT ROCK.......VERY SOFT ROCK

High Fidelity (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Manufacturer: Ghostlight ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) 110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast) The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Evil Dead: The Musical (2006 Original Off-Broadway Cast) Legally Blonde (2007 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000P46PXM Release Date: 2007-05-15

Tracks:

1. The Last real Record Store
2. Desert Island Top 5 Break-Ups
3. It's No Problem
4. She Goes
5. Ian's Here
6. Number Five With A Bullet
7. Ready To Settle
8. Nine Percent Chance
9. I Slept With Someone (Who Slept with Lyle Lovett)
10. I Slept With Someone (Who Who Handled Kurt Cobain's Intervention)
11. I Slept With Someone (Reprise)
12. Exit Sign
13. Cryin' In The Rain
14. Conflict Resolution I
15. Conflict Resolution II
16. Conflict Resolution III
17. Goodbye And Goodluck
18. It's No Problem (Reprise)
19. Laura, Laura
20. Turn The World Off (And Turn You On)
21. Bonus Track: Too Tired

Amazon.com

Writing a credible musical is hard enough, but writing a credible musical based on both Nick Hornby's High Fidelity, one of indie rockdom's most beloved novels, and his film adaptation was a herculean task. Give book writer David Lindsay-Abaire (the Pulitzer Prize-­winning Rabbit Hole), lyricist Amanda Green, and composer Tom Kitt credit for trying, even if when listening to this CD it quickly becomes clear that their middle-of-Broadway sensibility may not have been the most suited to source material completely immersed in the obsessive world of record-collecting rock purists. (Compare and contrast to the obsessive world of record-collecting show-tune purists, which is the background for the wonderful Drowsy Chaperone.) The energetic cast exerts itself--and, as in the movie, Rob's record-store helpers Dick (Christian Anderson) and Barry (Jay Klaitz) steal the show from leads Rob (Will Chase) and Laura (Jenn Colella). But while the shrieky, Guns N' Roses-meets-Beastie Boys "Conflict Resolution" is fun, overall the music lacks spark and energy, which is quite noticeable in a number that should be BIG, like "Nine Percent Chance." The CD includes "Too Tired," a bonus track sung by Colella that was cut from the show. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

High Fidelity follows the story of record-store owner Rob (and constant Top 5 listemaker) who - when things in his current relationship go sour - revisits his former relationships ot find out where he went wrong.

Customer Reviews:

My Favorite Broadway Album of 2006.......2007-07-06

I saw this show in previews and was fairly impressed, but after listening to this album a few times, I realize what a fantastic gem of a musical this really was. The music soars and the lyrics are the smartest and funniest I've heard in years. It helps if you relate to the material, which is directed at underachieving 30 somethings. Right now, I'm particularly fond of "Ready to Settle". A rare bonus is that all of the tracks are great.

I'm ready to settle.......2007-06-29

Alright, I really wanted to like this recording, Hi Fidelity is one of my favorite books and I love the movie very much. The cast recording is highly disappointing. The lyrics are bad, really bad. The music is catchy and if you are a fan of the book and or movie its kind of neat to hear the parts of the story in song but honestly the only good part of this cast recording is leading man Will Chase playing Rob.

How a Lack of Patience Killed a Great Broadway Musical!.......2007-06-27

After listening to this CD you are going to ask youself how did this play not have an extended run on Broadway. The score is a jewel in the tradition of "RENT." I can't get a number of the melodies out of my head. This score has it all! Excellent and fun lyrics and catchy tunes. I just can't understand critics. If a musical isn't completely unique it gets trashed. I read some of the reviews and could not believe what I read. Good Songs, Good Acting, Good Chemestry, Good Creative team, etc, etc, etc. So what was wrong? Well, the answer, is nothing! So if you want to listen to a wonderful musical score and scratch your head on why the producers turned chicken and dumped a wonderful play you must purchase this CD.

Terrific recording (5 stars) of a Flop show (2 stars).......2007-05-30

This is a wonderfully done recording of a show that was definately a flop. The music is entertaining, the lyrics particularly good. While the piece doesn't hold together as something that was worth 125.00 a ticket on Broadway, it certainly is fun listening. The music is pop rock, in the vein of The Wedding Singer (a much superior entertainment as a show). While I didn't like the show live, I enjoy the recording and have listened to it more than once. It is worth having in your Broadway collection, and it will surely be a show that is done across the country in community and college theatre, where new works are sorely in need (whether or not they are any good).

SOFT ROCK.......VERY SOFT ROCK.......2007-05-17

Listening to the CD of "High Fidelity" presents a quandry. Although the music is tuneful and rock, it's soft rock at its' softest. Since the main focus of the story revolves around a used vinyl record shop, it's curious that the score doesn't contain at least one or two high energy, all-stops out numbers. This may have been a calculated risk on the part of the composer but it didn't succeed and the show didnt even last a week on Broadway. The score is blessed with literate and intelligent lyrics by Amanda Green and since lyrics are meant to compliment the music and vice versa- in this instance the lyrics for this score outshine the music.

The cast are unknowns but Will Chase is good as Rob, the perpetually unlucky-in-love record shop owner. He rates his romantic disasters like a top ten Billboard music chart.

The CD makes for pleasant listening but considering the storys locale it should have been a blast.

I rated 4 stars because despite my reservations Tom Kitt the composer and especially Amanda Green the lyricist are talented and probably have a future in music ahead of them.

Average customer rating: The Dresden Dolls - LOVE 'EM!! Dresden Dolls wow this band rocks I'm Not Sadistic! And no one cares if your back is bleeding

The Dresden Dolls The Dresden Dolls Manufacturer: Roadrunner Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk Revival | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Cabaret | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: Yes, Virginia... The Dresden Dolls - Paradise A Is for Accident Diabolical Streak The Ditty Bops ASIN: B0001XARKE Release Date: 2004-04-27

Tracks:

1. Good Day
2. Girl Anachronism
3. Missed Me
4. Half Jack
5. 672
6. Coin-Operated Boy
7. Gravity
8. Bad Habit
9. The Perfect Fit
10. The Jeep Song
11. Slide
12. Truce

Album Description

Combine the smoky cellars of a Weimar-era cabaret with the rock n' roll fury of Joan Jett, PJ Harvey and The Violent Femmes and you have a remote idea of what to expect when experiencing The Dresden Dolls.

Customer Reviews:

The Dresden Dolls - LOVE 'EM!!.......2007-01-27

I don't usually like music with voices and words; I much prefer to listen to instrumentals and not have to concentrate on anything but the tune itself; words usually just get in the way of a good listening experience. *However*, all that changed as I was driving home from work the other afternoon, listening to a segment on NPR devoted to how up-and-coming bands have to spend so much time marketing themselves and paying out money to do so, that they don't have as much valuable time to devote to their songwriting as they would like or need. They spotlighted The Dresden Dolls and played excerpts. And I love them! I love the songs! The edginess, the words, the melody, Amanda Palmer's piano and voice (which by the way, can be soft & sweet or totally in your face). There's only 2 of them: Amanda Palmer on piano and Brian Viglione on drums - add the words and melody, and that's all you need for a great band! This particular CD has two of my favorites on it: "Missed Me" and "Coin-Operated Boy". Now I find myself singing along to the songs whenever I play them in the car (when did I start doing that??). I'll be buying all their other CDs, and singing along to them as well!

Dresden Dolls.......2007-01-12

The album has a few really good tracks, but overall it could use more variety.

wow this band rocks .......2007-01-12

do you ever get bored with bands sounding the same or the tired old crappy radio. you must pick up this cd. you will not dissapointed. I was surfing roadrunner records for some songs, i happen to stumble apond d.d. and i loved them from the start cause to me i never heard such type of music. im used ot bands like slipknot, rage against the machine, hatebread, audioslave, lamb of god, Crisis, ect. the best song has to coin operated boy.

I'm Not Sadistic!.......2006-09-20

Hello all. This review is to help you decide whether or not you want this album, right? Well. i have to tell you, you're stupid if you don't buy it. but apparently. you need more than just an insult to convince you. so....On with the show. I'll rate the songs by tracks.But First, what you have to realize about the Dresden Dolls, is that their is only 2 members. Amanda is piano/keyboard/toy piano/Vox, and Brian is percussion/drums/guitar/vox. Their sound is VERY UNIQUE, there is no other sound like them. It's a mix of Punk/Cabaret/Rock. Now, you may think that if it's only got a keyboard and drums, then it can't be rock. it can't be viscious, it can't be head-bangingly beautiful. You're wrong.

1. Good Day-4.5/5-Starts slow, but gets into it halfway through.Catchy chorus. Great opener track to ease you in to what they call "Punk Cabaret"!

2. Girl Anachronism-5/5-My favorite track on this album, hands down. The lyrics alone are incredible. but the dueling piano and drums gets to be too much to handle, it's that good. I find myself singing it at work, and i head-bang during the first minute while driving. Kinda hard to do, but...

3.Missed Me-4.0/5-A Great song about pedophilism. It plays like a musical song. Reminds you of cabaret, but viscious. A Truly great song.Catchy tune.

4.Half Jack-5/5-This is another favorite on the album. It starts out kinda slow like "Good Day" but then gets powerful later on. Lyrics are beautifully connected to one another.

5. 672-3/5-Its a 1 1/2 minute intermission. It has few lyrics, but good piano. I'd listen to it just to get to Coin-Operated Boy.

6. Coin-Operated Boy-4.5/5-The song is about a girl who wants a coin-operated boy, to "play" with. So she won't be alone. it's romantic really. It was the first song i heard by the Dolls. It gets sorta old after you hear it a zillion times.

7. Gravity-5/5-Another great track. Great lyrics. AWESOME CHORUS! I see myself cruisin on the countryside, hand out the window. just chillin' with this song. A+

8. Bad Habit-4.5/5-Fast paced and great. One of the better songs on this album.

9. Perfect Fit-4.5/5-This is the one of those songs you skip because it's slow, but later realize, it's truly an important part of the album. You want to scream the lyrics at the end. Very catchy.

10. Jeep Song-4.5/5-This song is hilarious. It's a nearly 5-minute song about how all she sees are Jeep Cherokees in town. How she'll "skip Town till the cars go out of style". It's very funny, and great instrumental accompanyment.

11. Slide-5/5-This song is the CREEPIEST thing i've ever heard. It's about this orange man,(maybe an escaped convict?or...*correct me if i'm wrong) who's going to kidnap a "red little girl" from a slide. At the very end when she's screams "The Orange Man's Got You!" I freaked out (i'm driving by the way), and got a little disoriented, because it sent chills all over my body. Pedophilism. Only Dresden can do a song, and make it stick.

12. Truce-3.5/5-This is the 9-minute epic on the album, and the last track. It's tune you can't get into for very long as it changes constantly. But the Violin solo at the end is mind-blowing. "You can fake it for the papers, but i'm on to you, i'm on to you!"
And then when you thought it was over you hear Amanda's mother or grandmother i'm guessing. "Amanda...You're telling me a fairytale."

Then that's it. A Great Album! Listen to the samples on Amazon. They really do help. Rate MY REVIEW! It's mY FIRST!

And no one cares if your back is bleeding.......2006-08-18

My introduction to The Dresden Dolls came in the form of Yes, Virginia... That CD blew me away and I expected nothing less from this, their self titled release. This CD doesn't pack as hard of a punch as Virginia does but it's there, and it's as swift as can be. The lyrics aren't as controversial and comical as they are on Virginia, yet there's still room for controversy with Missed Me and Coin-Operated Boy. The one thing that is completely the same as Virginia is the fact that Amanda and Brian sound amazing playing off of each other, and Amanda's vocal adventures from song to song are fascinating to listen to.

Beginning this CD with Good Day was by far the best choice. After a slow and quiet intro Amanda churns out the eery sounding lyric "So, you don't wanna hear about my good song?" From then on this CD is just one big rollercoaster ride. Driving piano/drum combos, soft piano laced songs, mid tempo sing alongs, everything is here. But that doesn't mean everyone will love this release, and The Dresden Dolls for that matter. This band is over the top a lot of the time, and I think that's what they go for. So if you can't deal with that then don't even bother.

The Dresden Dolls (CD, not the band) is an achievement upon itself. In this age, when I thought everything has been done musically, a CD like this comes along and just takes you for a trip. It's not traditional, you don't know what to expect, and that's the way music is supposed to be. Bands don't create music that breathes new life into you often enough nowadays. The Dresden Dolls do just that, breathe new life into you musically. Through and through, this is one of the most solid CDs I've heard recently. Every song is completely different from the last, and the creativity is outright.

My Favorite songs are Good Day, Half Jack, Gravity, The Perfect Fit, and Slide. The Dresden Dolls have proven to be in a league by themselves. No one puts out this kind of music nowadays and it's unlikely that anyone will. Basically, as far as debuts go (I think this is a debut at least), it's near perfection. I love every second and enjoy myself thoroughly everytime I hear it. So if you haven't heard The Dresden Dolls yet, the band and the album, you should be ashamed of yourself.

Average customer rating: A Little Late to Review this.. Deep. Worthwhile Some good moments, some not so good Absolutely amazing album

Yes, Virginia... The Dresden Dolls Manufacturer: Roadrunner Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk Revival | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Cabaret | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Dresden Dolls The Dresden Dolls - Paradise Show Your Bones A Is for Accident Diabolical Streak ASIN: B000EGEJWK Release Date: 2006-04-18

Tracks:

1. Sex Changes
2. Backstabber
3. Modern Moonlight
4. My Alcoholic Friends
5. Delilah
6. Dirty Business
7. First Orgasm
8. Mrs. O
9. Shores Of California
10. Necessary Evil
11. Mandy Goes To Med School
12. Me & The Minibar
13. Sing

Amazon.com

It's hard to resist a singer who fully indulges her sexual obsessions on CD, especially when they involve songs about transsexuals and--to paraphrase a bit--girls who leave out used condoms on their bedroom dressers to make their boyfriends jealous. And that's just Amanda Palmer in her tamer moments. As the mouthpiece for the carnival-like Dresden Dolls, she certainly knows how to scintillate. The Boston cabaret-punk duo's second album is a no-holds-barred affair that sees her singing about Nazi sympathizers ("Mrs. O") and bedroom antics ("First Orgasm") with equal zest, while the music she bangs out with drummer Brian Viglione fits the very definition of perverse. For some, it's the soundtrack to a kabuki-faced nightmare; for others, the stuff of strangely captivating dreams. --Aidin Vaziri

Customer Reviews:

A Little Late to Review this.........2007-04-17

I hoped onto the Dresden Dolls Bandwagon rather randomly... wow, MySpace isn't a total waste of time! Anyway, I started of the Self Titled one, and enjoyed it enough to eventually purchase this disk, which is great leap forward in my opinion. This disk rarely left my player for weeks! I can't say much about the Dresden Dolls that likely hasn't been said already. I love the interplay between Amanda & Brian... a seamless marriage of instruments that truly compliment and contrast in very pleasing, exciting ways. I look forward eagerly to their next effort. My faves are BackStabber, Delilah, Dirty Business, Mrs.O, Shores of California, and Sing, but most of this disk is great, I think.

Deep........2007-04-15

The Dresden Dolls are unique... they have a really deep lyric base, paired with strong hits to the piano and light to heavy vocals. It is a rather cool mixture of everything from dark to light, and soft and loud. Each song is totally different and overall this in my opinion an awesome album!

Worthwhile.......2007-03-25

This disk is competently done -- good melodies, quality instrumentation/playing, gutsy and dynamic singing. The lyrics are interesting, off the beaten path... definitely worth a listen for those who enjoy, say, Rasputina (although I think that Rasp. is superior).

Some good moments, some not so good.......2007-02-06

I can see why people like this music - it's better than a lot of what's out there. But personally I think they need to introduce more players in their band, more instruments. The vocalist does not have enough in her arsenal to carry the outfit with just a piano and drums, and the eccentricity is sometimes forced and abraisive to the point of being annoying. There are good moments, which other reviewers are not shy of pointing out, but there are some that just make you want to slap the singer.

Absolutely amazing album.......2007-01-17

This album forges on from their first "The Dresden Dolls" with a more cohesive collection of songs. My favorite on here is the haunting "Delilah" which inspires different imagnined tableaus on each re-listen. The lyric, "he's going to beat you like a pillow" reverberates in my mind. The lead-in of "My Alcoholic Friends" gives a dizzying shift from darkly humorous pain to torturous empathy. Best album of the year.

Average customer rating: spiritual americana Rich Heritage Superb Can't walk away from it! Mana from Heaven

American Angels Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Anonymous 4 | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anonymous | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Gloryland Wolcum Yule: Celtic and British Songs and Carols - Anonymous 4 with Andrew Lawrence-King 1000: A Mass for the End of Time / Anonymous 4 A Portrait Of Anonymous 4 The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen ASIN: B0001ADB4Q Release Date: 2004-02-10

Tracks:

1. Holy Manna
2. Abbeville
3. Wondrous Love
4. Sweet Hour Of Prayer
5. Jewett
6. Dunlap's Creek
7. New Britain
8. The Morning Trumpet
9. Resignation
10. Poland
11. Wayfaring Stranger
12. Sweet By And By
13. Blooming Vale
14. Idumea (I)/Idumea (II)
15. Sweet Prospect
16. Shall We Gather At The River
17. Amanda
18. Invitation
19. Parting Hand
20. Angel Band

Amazon.com

This, Anonymous 4's final recording, is a break from their usual "early music" periods and locations; it presents American music, religious in nature, from the 18th and 19th centuries. And it's absolutely beautiful from start to finish. Their normal, exquisite technique and purity here blend to sound the way we imagined the ladies' choir in church meetings in America past might have sounded: sweet, sincere, and with harmonies recognizable yet somehow fresh. Some of the songs begin with the women singing "fa, so la" exercises, which was called "shape note" singing because some places taught singing with notes as shapes--circle, rectangle, diamond, triangle. But it's the music that counts, and there are treasures here. They include two versions of "Amazing Grace," one familiar, one with an unusual melody and a piece called "Blooming Vale" which is as sophisticated as anything on their previous albums. "Shall We Gather at the River" is performed with a clarity and loveliness that makes us forget that it's normally sung as background to movies about the Great Depression. The foursome sometimes sing in rich harmonies and occasionally alone or in pairs or trios. This is glorious Americana and highly recommended. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

spiritual americana.......2007-01-06

I have some of the older Anonymous 4 recordings which are more medieval
and gregorian in style (I love them!). They move on to cover spiritual
basics of the 1800s. If you like classical music, perfect harmonies
and spiritual americina, then you will be blessed!

Rich Heritage.......2006-10-11

Anonymous 4 consistently produces exquisite and authentically beautiful recordings and this one presents early American hymns in ways few groups can manage. Some tunes are highly recognizable while others are 'new' to me but a refreshing reminder of the singing heritage of religious societies in times past. For those who enjoy old hymns and authentic renderings, this is a must buy.

Superb .......2006-08-07

This collection of American Christian music is not only an enthralling musical experience but a spiritually uplifting one as well. Anonymous Four have transferred their luminous vocal quality to a new space with perfect success.

Can't walk away from it!.......2006-08-07

My only "complaint" about the CD is that I absolutely HAVE to sit and listen to the entire thing whenever I start it up! I usually have music playing in the background while doing other things, but not this one! There are no tracks that I find myself wanting to skip over as in most collections. In fact, I usually find myself going back and listening to selected tracks again (and again and...) after taking the hour+ to listen to the whole thing through once.

These four ladies produce a unique and remarkable sound. I can't recommend it enough.

Mana from Heaven.......2006-05-08

I think the title of this CD is perfect. I first heard an interview for this CD on Public Radio and fell in love. I had never heard Anonymous 4 before then but look for all I can find of their music now. The title is perfect as the women sound like Angels and the music lifts the spirit. I find myself singing the old version of Amazing Grace all the time now. Incredible and a huge blessing to all who hear it.

Average customer rating:

Lully: Thésée Manufacturer: Cpo Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Lully | Lully, Jean-Baptiste | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Handel - Il trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno Rameau - Zoroastre Cantate Per il Marchese Ruspoli-Italian Cantatas 2 Handel: Floridante Johann Georg Conradi: Ariadne ASIN: B000Q7ZKHK Release Date: 2007-06-26

Album Description

CPO presents The Boston Early Music Festival in a follow up to their GRAMMY nominated recording of Conradi's Ariadne with a World Premiere recording of Lully's Thesee. Renowned Musical Directors Paul O'Dette and Stephen Stubbs present this highly anticipated edition, which was first performed by the BEMF in 2001, to international acclaim.

Average customer rating: Another great film score from James Newton Howard Oh... Wow. Recommended Lady in the Water Music CD Help Simply brilliant!

Lady in the Water Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: The Village Superman Returns Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest X-Men: The Last Stand (Original Motion Picture) Blood Diamond ASIN: B000GDH8O2 Release Date: 2006-07-18

Tracks:

1. Prologue
2. The Party
3. Charades
4. Ripples In The Pool
5. The Blue World
6. Giving The Kii
7. Walkie Talkie
8. Cereal Boxes
9. Officer Jimbo
10. The Healing
11. The Great Eatlon
12. End Titles
13. The Times They Are A-Changin' - A Whisper In The Noise
14. Every Grain Of Sand - Amanda Ghost
15. It Ain't Me Babe - Silvertide
16. Maggie's Farm - Silvertide

Amazon.com

For his fifth collaboration--and following the Oscar-nominated score for The Village--with director M. Night Shyamalan, James Newton Howard has delivered rather good work. Considering the supernatural tone of the movie, some of the composer's touches are predictable (a glockenspiel offering eerie punctuations, a huge choir suggestively going "oooh" and "aaah"), but he also demonstrates a sure sense of melody. Listen, for instance, to the various threads making up "Prologue." Despite the size of the orchestra at his disposal, Newton Howard always opts for subtle touches rather than wham-bam scary-movie effects. The most stereotypically actiony cue is "The Great Eatlon," but it's done as well as can be: it remains ominously restrained for quite a while, until the choir comes in to deliver an elegiac passage and the track switches to grandiose pomp. Tacked at the end of the CD are four Bob Dylan covers, including a gothic take on "The Times They Are A-Changin'" by A Whisper in the Noise, and Silvertide's rocking "It Ain't Me Babe" and "Maggie's Farm." --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Another great film score from James Newton Howard.......2007-01-29

I am not a fan of M.Night Shyamalan's films. I am though a fan of the composer he turns to for his films, James Newton Howard. Since I loved his work for that dreadful film "The Village", I had to hear James' latest work for the film "Lady in the Water". I was so not disappointed in what I heard. The orchestral score reminded me a great deal of his work on "The Village". It had that same essence of innocence, mysticism, danger, suspense, and melodrama. The last four tracks on the cd are Bob Dylan cover songs. I absolutely hated Silvertide's versions of "Maggie's Farm" and "It Ain't Me Babe", not so because I like the original versions (which I don't because I am not a Bob Dylan fan) but because I find Silvertide to be an extremely annoying knock off of The Black Crowes. Talk about nails on chalkboard. The singer is hideously awful. I did though love the haunting cover of "The Times They are a-Changin'" by A Whisper in the Noise and Amanda Ghost's version of "Every Grain of Sand". A Whisper in the Noise's cover was so beautifully well sung. Same with the Amanda Ghost's Bob Dylan cover. Despite the Silvertide tracks, "Lady in the Water" soundtrack is an exquisite reminder of James Newton Howard's talent.

Oh... Wow........2007-01-03

James Newton Howard has now outdone himself AGAIN! King Kong was incredible, the Village was outsdanding, Signs was just amazingly good, and all the rest... well, you get the picture. This CD is every bit as good as what I've come to expect from Mr. Howard. It blends the suspense of Signs, the thematic excellence of the Village, and the fantasy elements of something completely original.

BUY THIS!

Recommended Lady in the Water Music CD.......2006-11-03

I truly enjoy this beautiful music, even to this day! I loved the movie and the music from the movie-- something that doesn't always happen. I have listened to it many times since I originally received it. The music is great for an easy, smooth flowing and creative listening.

Help.......2006-10-23

I REALLY LIKE TO KNOW THE NAME OF THE SONG AND COMPOSER OF THE BACKGROUND MUSIC THAT PLAYS IN THE FIRST TRAILER.

IT SOUNDS LIKE ENNIO MORRICONE, BUT I ALREADY TRY IT, AND DID NOT WORK.

THANKS, ANTONIO

Simply brilliant!.......2006-10-18

Lady in the Water is by far the best score James Newton Howard has written for one of M. Night Shyamalan's films. I'm a big James Newton Howard fan, but I hadn't come to expect work this extraordinary in a film by Shyamalan. The scores for The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable did not hold my attention, but the score for Lady in the Water had me from the Prologue. I was thoroughly impressed. The theme is straightforward and is heard many times, yet it is woven so many different ways you cannot be bored with it. The Healing and The Great Eatlon are the most powerful tracks, climaxing the themes into emotional and gripping music. The last four tracks are songs by Bob Dylan, and I can't say I really appreciate those being on the soundtrack, but the rest of the music is phenomenal. I highly recommend it and give it 10 out of 10 stars.

Average customer rating: Beautiful Hello Excellent Debut (Rock) Album SLICK CHICK TUNES... Insightful and heartfelt lyrics--she has a great voice and instrumentation too Awesome CD!

Amanda Marshall Amanda Marshall Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Pop General | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Pop General | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Rock General | Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Rock General | Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Alternative Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Tuesday's Child Everybody's Got A Story Living Under June Under These Rocks and Stones Colour Moving and Still ASIN: B000002BHX Release Date: 1996-04-16

Tracks:

1. Let It Rain
2. Birmingham
3. Fall From Grace
4. Dark Horse
5. Beautiful Goodbye
6. Sitting On Top Of The World
7. Last Exit To Eden
8. Trust Me (This Is Love)
9. Let's Get Lost
10. Promises

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful Hello.......2007-02-20

I absolutely adore this CD. Amanda Marshall has the kind of voice that suits just about any musical genre. She has the throaty impact of a jazz singer, the great melodious sound of a rocker, and the delicate huskiness of a diva. Her songs are rich with feeling - "Beautiful Goodbye", "Fall From Grace", "Dark Horse" and "Let It Rain" have etched themselves permanently in my mind - so much so that I bought her Collections compliation. All moods seem to be captured - love, joy, longing, regret, sorrow, strength, determination, reverie. A great addition to any vocal music collection.

Excellent Debut (Rock) Album.......2006-12-19

In the mid-Nineties Amanda Marshall opened for John Mellencamp at a show on the U of Minnesota-Saint Paul campus, where I first heard her voice. She was captivating. For each song she sang, she radiated great energy. I purchased the debut CD at the show; it has been one of my favorites. All the tracks are great; my favorites are 'Let It Rain', 'Fall From Grace', 'Dark Horse', and 'Beautiful Goodbye'. For rock music fans that like good lyrics, great music, and a powerful female lead voice, I highly recommend this CD.

SLICK CHICK TUNES... .......2006-08-22

... with the obvious standout being "Sittin' On Top Of The World", an instant soft rock classic with a great toe-tappin' groove to it. The rest is ballad-heavy chick music. Add an extra half-star for being a fellow Canadian.

Insightful and heartfelt lyrics--she has a great voice and instrumentation too.......2006-06-05

Heard a snippet of "Birmingham" years ago and it ticked at the back of my mind. Then, I saw the CD and thought--what the hey. I wish I had found the CD earlier. Love Marshall's work. Very strongly recommended.

Awesome CD!.......2006-05-03

I purchased this CD based on a recommendation - having never heard of Amanda Marshall before - and I have to say that I absolutely love it!!!

"Amanda Marshall" is a great combination of folk & rock - and with each song telling a "story", it would be difficult not to find at least one that resonates with how you're feeling at the time.

Another great thing about this CD is that the lyrics are included in written form - so you don't have to wonder if you're hearing/singing it right - a great plus in my book.

I would highly recommend this CD to anyone who enjoys folk/rock music - I think it would be hard not to like it! I'd also like to recommend another artist who's pretty similar in style - Jane Arden. So, if you like this CD, give Jane Arden a try as well - who knows, they both might become new favorites for you as well.

Average customer rating: AWESOME!! I think it's outstanding OMG! Breathtaking album aly and aj rule!!! Aly & AJ: Into the Rush

Into the Rush Aly & AJ Manufacturer: Hollywood Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Teen Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: High School Musical Most Wanted Disney Girlz Rock Beautiful Soul Cheetah-licious Christmas ASIN: B000A1IKII Release Date: 2005-08-16

Tracks:

1. Rush
2. No One
3. Collapsed
4. Something More
5. On The Ride
6. Speak For Myself
7. Out Of The Blue
8. In A Second
9. I Am One Of Them
10. Sticks And Stones
11. Protecting Me
12. Slow Down
13. Do You Believe In Magic
14. Walking On Sunshine

Amazon.com

You don't have to have a sister to score a hit on the pop charts, but sometimes it sure does help. At a time when the Simpson, Spears, Duff, and Lohan girls are steadily oozing sisterly love across teen magazine spreads and whatever other medium will have them, sending a pair of tight-harmonizing teen queens into the studio to take on the world together makes a certain sort of business sense. Never mind, for a moment, that it's the kind that generally turns the stomach of music snobs, because the girls appointed to the task--Aly & AJ (full names: Alyson and Amanda Joy Michalka)--display genuine vocal talent. Aly, the star of the Disney Channel's Phil of the Future and AJ, a sometime presence on shows such as Six Feet Under and General Hospital, already lit up the soundtrack to Now You See It (a Disney Channel Movie) with their rendition of the '60s chestnut "Do You Believe in Magic," and Into the Rush arrives as solid reinforcement. Leadoff track "Rush" pelts listeners with a feel-good, sweet-sounding salvo on keeping it real, "Speak for Myself" aims itself insouciantly at stifling parents, and "I Am One of Them" takes down the self-importance factor a notch by addressing the issue of missing children. That all these songs save the last two ("Do You Believe In Magic" and another can't-miss '60s fave, "Walking On Sunshine") were written by Aly & AJ bodes well for them--Hilary Duff started writing and singing at Hollywood Records, too. --Tammy La Gorce

Album Description

The energy and spirit the sisters Aly & AJ's bring to their music colors the entire album Into The Rush. Aly and AJ worked with a variety of producers on Into The Rush including some of the music industry's biggest. "We've learned a lot from all of them," says Aly of the producers. "Some things we like...some things we don't like. It's all a part of the process. It's important that we have our own voice and that our emotions are a part of all of our music. This is why we're working with different producers, so that we can experience different ideas."

Their first single may have been the classic cover "Do You Believe In Magic," but the sisters have written all of the songs on this. And though they may be young teens, when it comes to writing songs, they aim high. "We want our songs to be fun, but we also want to write about deeper issues that make people think and issues that we can all relate to in one way or another," says AJ.

Aly and AJ's song "I Am One of Them" tackles the tough subject of child kidnappings. They want to bring awareness by encouraging kids to look out for one another and use precautions and safety measures to empower them. AJ contributed a track called "Protecting Me," a song featured in a "Phil of the Future" episode, which addresses the vulnerable nature of being a kid today. Says Aly: "We want to let kids know they have the power to protect themselves and one another." Aly and AJ have also written songs that address the issues of relationships, heartaches, staying true to yourself and celebrating your own uniqueness.

Customer Reviews:

AWESOME!!.......2007-07-10

I absolutly LOVE this cd!!!!!!!! I listen to it all of the time! Here is how i would rate the songs:

Rush= 9/10, i really like the tune and the words are pretty good.

No One= 10/10, i love this song because it's about being yourself and not caring if others like the real you.

Collapsed= 9/10, i really like the song and i really like the part where they are almost talking, but i usually have to look at the words on that part so i know what they are saying.

Something More= 8/10, i like this song, but it's not my favorite song on the cd.

On the Ride= 10/10, this song is mostly about sisters and i really like it.

Speak For Myself= 9/10, i like this song and it shows how you should speak up and not be afraid to show people what your all about.

Out of The Blue= 9/10, i like this song and it is about when someone doesn't aprove of a boyfriend or a friend.

In a Second= 8/10, this song is good, but once again, not the best on the cd.

I Am One of Them= 10/10, if there was such thing as 1 million out of 10, that's what i would rate this song! i absolutly LOVE it! it is about awarness of kids getting kidnapped, which means it's kinda sad, but the tune and lyrics are great and i almost cry when i listen to it sometimes.

Sticks and Stones= 9/10, the song is about bullying and how you shouldn't let their taunting get to you.

Protecting Me= 9/10, this song is about the people in life that stand by you and help you through anything and everything.

Slow Down= 9/10, i can't quite think of how this one goes, but i know i liked it and it is about not just jumping into things, taking them slow.

Do You Believe in Magic= 7/10, this song gets a little annoying after a while, but it has good lyrics.

Walking on Sunshine= 9/10, i like this song and it has a happy beat to it that makes it uplifting and fun.

I would have to say that i love the overall messages of the songs and i would recomend this cd to anyone. i like to listen to it anytime; when i'm sad, mad, or even happy. This cd is very deserving of all five stars i gave it.

I think it's outstanding.......2007-05-02

Ok, I know that Aly & AJ had some help in the studio with producers and songwriters and so forth. I also know that 80's hair metal is my number one pleasure, however, I have a diverse enough taste to try something new. For example, I like Juliana Hatfield's "Become What You Are" just as much as any Kix or Black N' Blue album. I also enjoy The Veronicas as much as Betty Blowtorch. The Aly & AJ cd has great melodies as far as I'm concerned and it really sounds as though they are believing in what they are singing about. I hear a lot of integrity here and this has become one of my favorite cds.

OMG! Breathtaking album.......2007-04-02

wow. for two teenage sisters who just made it into show biz, these girls are pretty talented. I brought this CD for my daughter in January, and they loved it...and guess what? I did too! All of the songs are age-appropriate for children, adults, and teens alike, and they compare to real life situations. If you are someone who loves these types of songs, get this CD! You will not regret it.

aly and aj rule!!!.......2007-02-13

Adore it! Aly\Aj aren't like Spears; they sing for their worries, like kids getting killed, and being bullied. favorites are collaspsed, rush, i am one of them, and speak for myself. They are a nice duet. Buy this cd and hurry. Love ya, girls!

Aly & AJ: Into the Rush.......2007-01-27

I heard lots of Aly & AJ on Disney Channel, so I thought it wouldn't hurt to buy their album. When I got it, I thought they were just going to be like any other pop/rock band. But, they were very talented!

There is a newer version out, INTO THE RUSH: DELUXE EDITION, that has more songs than on the original INTO THE RUSH. I don't have it, but it looks cool.

"Rush" is the first song on the album. It's about following your dreams, no matter what anyone else thinks. This song was also in the movie TWITCHES. The next song,"No One", was used in the movie ICE PRINCESS. The lyrics are so powerful in this balled and the message is about being yourself. After those two songs is a romance song. "Collapsed" is about a girl that misses her boyfriend, but knows she can't get hime back. It's kind of sad in a way. But, on the next song, "Something More" is where the girls' talent is really discoverd. AJ dedicated this beautiful track to her boyfriend. I always find myself singing along to it. "On the Ride" comes next. To me, it sound like the two sisters' anthem. You can tell by this song that the sisters have a strong relationship. Next comes "Speak for Myself". Parents should hear this song. It really shows what kids are made of. Then comes "Out of the Blue". This is sort of like "Collapse", except the two characters are told not to be together. The girls sound sound so good in it. Next is "In a Second". This is where the girls' talent really shines. The vocals and piano are breathtaking. "In a Second", to me, is the best song on this album. "I am One of Them" is frightening. It talks about (or rather sings about) the kids that are kidnapped and how the girls want to bring them back safely. "Sticks and Stones" comes next. I think all kids with bullies at school should hear this. The beginning part of the chorus goes like this "Sticks and Stones won't break my soul, Get out of the way I'm invincible", I think that can really make kids feel stronger. The next song is "Protecting Me". Aly & AJ dedicated this to their parents. Kids may know that Aly sang it in the TV seris PHIL OF THE FUTURE, but it sounds better when the two girls sing it together. "Slow Down" is really up-beat and fun. The song goes like this "Slow down, I'm not goin' anywhere, Slow down, If you care, I need a little time for air, if you just let me breath, Mabye I'll stick around, If you slow down." The last two songs are oldies, two darn good oldies that is. Aly & AJ sing "Do You Believe in Magic?" and "Walking on Sunshine". Aly & AJ sound like they were meant to sing these songs. Their version of "Walking on Sunshine" is the best version!

The two girls do some acting, too. You can see Aly in PHIL OF THE FUTURE and, I think, AJ as a supporting role in SIX FEET UNDER.

These girls have lots of talent. If you don't have INTO THE RUSH you've got to get it!

Average customer rating: Bryn Terfel's beautiful voice. Why do people think this guy can sing?? Relaxing Bryn Terfel's Simple Gifts A Heartfelt Offering Reminiscent of An Earlier Era

Bryn Terfel - Simple Gifts Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Pergolesi | Pergolesi, Gio Battista | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Terfel, Bryn | ( T ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Bryn Terfel Sings Favorites Sacred Songs Bryn Terfel - Something Wonderful (Bryn Terfel sings Rodgers & Hammerstein) Bryn Terfel - If Ever I Would Leave You (Songs from My Fair Lady, On a Clear Day, Camelot, The Little Prince, Brigadoon) Bryn Terfel - We'll Keep a Welcome ASIN: B000B8ISN2 Release Date: 2005-10-11

Tracks:

1. Ave Verum Corpus, K.618 - Adapted by Chris Hazell
2. Deep River - Arranged by Chris Hazell
3. The Lord Bless You and Keep You
4. I'll Walk Beside You - Arranged by Chris Hazell
5. Stabat Mater
6. Still, Still, Still Weils Kindlein Schlafen Will
7. Simple Gifts - Arranged by Chris Hazell
8. How Great Thou Art
9. Panis Angelicus - Arranged by Chris Hazell
10. Bless This House - Arranged by Chris Hazell
11. Ave Verum Corpus
12. Cavatina - Arranged by Chris Hazell
13. The Rose
14. Amazing Grace - Arranged by Chris Hazell
15. God's Mercy
16. Morning Has Broken - Arranged by Chris Hazell
17. Nearer My God To Thee - Arranged by Chris Hazell
18. Ave Maria
19. Send In The Clowns - Arranged by Jonathan Tunick
20. God Will Be With You

Amazon.com

Everything about Bryn Terfel is over-life-size: his physique, his personality, his breath-control, and of course his extraordinarily beautiful voice. This recording displays his stunning vocalism and versatility to full advantage, but its title belies its content. Alhough it does include some simple pieces, the execution is fussy, overdone, and calculated for maximum external effect. The program ranges from Mozart, Pergolesi and pseudo-Bach to Sondheim in arrangements that are pure Hollywood, complete with throbbing strings and rolling drums, often destroying the spirit as well as the letter of the original compositions. It begins with Mozart's heavenly "Ave verum" arranged for baritone solo and chorus, frustratingly cut off after a few phrases (another setting of the same text by Karl Jenkins, written for Terfel, is more satisfying, being complete and original). The splendid baritone Simon Keenlyside joins him here as well as in the opening number of Pergolesi's "Stabat Mater;" originally for soprano and alto, this must be the baritones' revenge on female singers who usurp songs written for men, like Schubert's and Schumann's cycles. Franck's "Panis angelicus" also inexplicably becomes a duet; unfortunately, Terfel's and tenor Aled Jones' voices do not match. Bach-Gounod's popular "Ave Maria" is all swells and exaggerations. The rest of the program consists of folksongs, hymns, show and film tunes, inflated to operatic proportions and generally ending in a fade-out or a flourish. Even the title song is anything but simple. This record is not for purists who like their music performed the way the composer wrote it, but aficionados of great singing will love it. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Bryn Terfel's beautiful voice........2007-05-13

Bryn Terfel has a beautiful voice. Listening to him is very pleasant and definitely something to look forward to. I read a review saying he would replace tenor Pavroti. However, I believe that Mr. Terfel is a Baritone and not a Tenor. That does not detract from the fact that he should be considered one of the world's top male singers. His voice is truly impressive. This CD by Bryn Terfel is one from our collection that is outstanding and a favorite.

Why do people think this guy can sing??.......2007-04-27

Sorry, I think this guy is one of the most overrated singers out there today. He always sounds like he is singing holding his nose shut. VERY nasal sounding.

If you want to listen to an incredibly beautiful voice, buy one of Josh Groban's CD's--you won't regret it! He has the voice of the century!

Relaxing.......2007-02-03

Excellent selection of music. It covers many different types. My wife likes being able to hear the words with out instruments drowning out the vocals. I find it relaxing and many of the songs are familiar and very well done.

Bryn Terfel's Simple Gifts.......2006-02-25

Simply superb. I don't know what our local (Wash DC) paper was talking about when they said Deep River was the weakest link. I was enthralled from beginning to end. I have had the pleasure of hearing Bryn Terfel live in recital at the Kennedy Center. I can assure you that his voice has only improved with age. He was wonderful then and is spectacular now!

A Heartfelt Offering Reminiscent of An Earlier Era.......2006-02-15

Bryn Terfel harkens back to earlier American operatic stars such as Richard Tucker and Robert Merrill who crossed grenres to satisfy their unquenchable need to sing any and all songs that moved them to an appreciative public. These great singers all had their origins singing sacred music from their respective religions and learned to lay their considerable talents before the altar of the simple inspirational song.

This recording is wonderful on many levels. The selections are an unusual mixture of classical sacred music, spirituals, hymns, Lieder, Austrian Christmas and Gaelic songs, musical numbers and movie theme songs harmoniously combined to touch the soul of the listener in a gentle ebb and flow of devotion, intensity and tenderness. All of these songs are beautiful in and of themselves and in his hands, we experience them anew.

Bryn Terfel sings with the commitment necessary to make the awesome challenge of simplicity look easy. To my way of thinking, he is the most communicative and articulate singer today, bar none. He is a poet who savors the sound, feeling and meaning of each and every word and marries it uniquely and faithfully to the music. He transports the listener into the life of a song and transfixes us each and every moment. His enormous talent is not overwhelming or distractive and is inextricably and wholly intertwined with the music. This is greatness and it is very, very rare today.

I like the inclusion of the choir in several of the numbers as it reflects on the nature and context of the songs. I am less fond of the selections with the guest soloists as I feel they do not match his ability to "get inside" a song. The orchestra and orchestations are sensitive and enhancing.

This recording is simply wonderful and should have a broad appeal. It will move and inspire the believer, satisfy and fulfill the otherwise spiritual, calm the troubled and renew a flagging soul.

Jazz Music:

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2. Asquerosa Alegria [Import]
3. Blanca Rosa Gil. La dueña y Señora del Bolero
4. Boleros de Lujo
5. Bossa Cubana
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7. Camalotus: Edicion Deluxe [Import]
8. Canta Como: Marisela [Karaoke]
9. Cara a Cara [Import]
10. Caribe 2002

Jazz Music

jazz music