Step Two

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
First CD reissue of the UK glam-pop act's hit 1975 album. Includes the hit singles, 'Sweet Music' & 'Three Steps To Heaven', in addition to two bonus tracks, 'Hey Mr. Christmas' and 'Rock N Roll Man'. 14 tracks in all. Standard jewel case.

Tracks:

The Crush Collision March
Combination March
Harmony Club Waltz
Original Rags
Maple Leaf Rag
Swipesy Cakewalk
Reacherine Rag
Sunflower Slow Drag
The Augustan Club Waltz
The Easy Winners
Cleopha
A Breeze From Alabama
Elite Syncopations

Tracks:

The Entertainer
The Strenouous Life
March Majestic
Something Doing
Weaping Willow
Patr Leaf Rag
The Favorite
The Sycamore
The Cascades
The Chysanthemum
Bethena
Bink's Waltz
The Rosebud March

Tracks:

Leola
Eugenia
Antoinette
The Ragtime Dance
Searchlight Rag
Gladiolus Rag
Lily Queen
Rose Leaf Rag
Heliotrope Bouquet
The Nonpareil
Fig Leaf Rag
Sugarcane
Pineapple Rag

Tracks:

Wall Street Rag (1909)
Solace (1909)
Pleasant Moments (1909)
Country Club (1909)
Euphonic Moments (1909)
Paragon Rag (1909)
Stop-Time Rag (1910)
Felicity Rag (1911)
Scott Joplin's New Rag (1912)
Kismet Rag (1913)
Magnetic Rag (1914)
Reflection Rag (1917)
Silver Swan Rag (1917)

Customer Reviews:

The Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin.......2007-06-08

John Arpin does a great job with these pieces. The songs carry a consistent sound and are played very close to as-written, which comes and goes with old ragtime pieces. The stamping on Stop-Time Rag doesn't have a consistent sound to it, can be a little distracting. Everything else is great, overall I think that it's a great buy, I'm very happy with it.

Another Performer Rewrites Joplin's Masterpieces.......2007-05-31

Once again, another performer feels the need to rewrite the music of the King of Ragtime. Scott Joplin spins in his grave each and every time this recording is played.

Again, to those who believe that concert music is meant to be rewritten by each and every performer I ask, is the same treatment also acceptable for Chopin's and Rachmaninoff's music? Would "Moonlight Sonata" sound better if played at twice the tempo and with a reprise of the first Adagio movement thrown in at the end? Obviously, the answer to these questions is a resounding NO!, so why does one of America's greatest composers get such disrespect?

Interpretation is an integral part of every performance. Adding one's own notes, phrases and chords where none should be is not. Randomly changing the structure of the piece is not. Playing a piece at twice the indicated tempo is not.

One the plus side, the depth of this collection is outstanding. Joplin's lesser known pieces like "Harmony Club Waltz" really shine. The recording is decent in quality, although a bit bassy in places.

While its been stated before, I feel its worth repeating: Buy Joshua Rifkin's performances of Joplin in order to hear how the Master intended his pieces to sound.

complete piano music of Scott Joplin on 4 CD's.......2007-02-14

Although all of the music is terrific it is rather a lot of a similar sound. I think I would have preferred 2 CD's of selected piano works of Scott Joplin. But I did get the music at a good price.

Ragtime Marvel.......2005-10-09

This collection of Scott Joplin's piano music is outstanding. As a lover of ragtime which was a prelude to jazz, I am thoroughly enjoying this collection. If you are not a lover of jazz, you may be a lover of ragtime. Jazz can sometimes be grating on the nerves, whereas ragtime lifts the spirit.

Complete, but poor quality.......2005-09-25

I have been learning some ragtime and wanted to hear more to find other selections to learn. Listened to Maple Leaf Rag, my favorite, first and was disappointed. Listened to others and was more disappointed. Maple flies - much faster than anyone would play it, you can't make out some of the phrases. And talk about ad libs - Tempo, dynamics, embelishments, nuances - I really think he plays some wrong notes too because he's going so fast. It's really a poor recording - and that's just on Maple Leaf. Others with "intros" start quick and then there's a grand pause, not a rest, but nearly a five second break. It's hard to argue how Joplin would have played it, but this is hardly anything I want to try to imitate. The only qualitating factor is the number of songs for the price. A lot of variety of a poor interpretation is only worth 3 stars. if that. Look for Rifkin or a copy that is as written to listen to first, then go for the ad libs and "artistic interpretations"

Average customer rating:

Awesome to hear the old masters almost live.
The Greatest Ragtime of the Century
A great introduction and sampling.

The Greatest Ragtime of the Century

Manufacturer: Shout Factory
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin
Scott Joplin: Piano Rags
King of the Ragtime Writers
The Sting: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Red Hot Ragtime Volume 1

ASIN: B00009PJST
Release Date: 2003-06-10

Tracks:

Shreveport Stomp - Jelly Roll Morton
Sweet Man - Jelly Roll Morton
Tom Cat Blues - Jelly Roll Morton
A New Kind Of Man With A New Kind Of Love For Me - Thomas 'Fats' Waller
Nobody But My Baby - Thomas 'Fats' Waller
Got To Cool My Doggies Now - Thomas 'Fats' Waller
Maple Leaf Rag - Scott Joplin
Weeping Willow Rag - Scott Joplin
Something Doing - Scott Joplin
Steeplechase Rag - James P Johnson
Twilight Rag - James P Johnson
Charleston Rag - Eubie Blake
It's Right Here For You - Eubie Blake
Fare Thee Honey Blues - Eubie Blake
Mr. Freddie Blues - Jimmy Blythe
Regal Stomp - Jimmy Blythe

Customer Reviews:

Awesome to hear the old masters almost live........2007-03-27

It was an awesome experience to hear Ragtime and early blues played by the masters themselves. When you hear the music from their own hands, if not their own pianos, it makes the music immediate, and makes even clearer the stylistic differences of the various American musical pioneers. The sound quality is excellent. I'd strongly recommend this recording to anyone who enjoys early-20th-century jazz.

The Greatest Ragtime of the Century.......2005-10-30

What a terrific CD. What a joy to add to your life. Everyone should begin their day with this Great Ragtime.We would all be much better.

As a former dancer, Flapper, wth the Charleston in my routine, I do appreciate Great Music. I'm not quite as good as I used to be, but neither are you, Gal. Will be 66 next birthday. Still have the rhythm and love life.

Put some spice in your life and don't let this CD get away. Please, just get it today.

A great introduction and sampling........2005-08-23

Prior to this album, the only ragtime I really knew was "The Entertainer" and "Maple Leaf Rag". I don't know how this album fares for enthusiasts, but I've thoroughly enjoyed it. It introduced me to several different composers. The way the album is organized by giving you a two or three song block by each composer is good. As you listen to this, you can easily hear the different styles from one composer to another. As for the recording quality, I don't have any complaints whatsoever. Each note is clear without much noticable fuzz or hissing. The versions of Scott Joplin's songs are played a bit brash and speedy when compared to Joshua Rifkin, but I think they sound livlier because of it. Overall a solid release.

Rags to Riches: The Essential Hits of Scott Joplin

Average customer rating:

What the heck???
More Than Excellent

Rags to Riches: The Essential Hits of Scott Joplin

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin
The Greatest Ragtime of the Century
The Sting: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Scott Joplin: Piano Rags
Joplin - Complete Rags for Piano (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics) Vol. 2020

ASIN: B0009J4OAO
Release Date: 2005-06-21

Tracks:

Original Rags
Maple Leaf Rag
Easy Winners
Elite Syncopations
The Entertainer
The Cascades
Bethena
Leola
Gladiolas
Searchlight
Fig Leaf Rag
Sugar Cane
Euphonic Sounds
Paragon Rag
Solace
Wall Street Rag
Treemonisha
Magnetic Rag

Album Description

Celebrate the diversity of American music with RAGS TO RICHES: THE ESSENTIAL SCOTT JOPLIN, a comprehensive collection of 18 pieces by one of ragtime's greatest composers. From his signature hit "Maple Leaf Rag" to classics such as "The Entertainer" and "Wall Street Rag", RAGS TO RICHES: THE ESSENTIAL SCOTT JOPLIN contains some of the most revered tunes in musical history and will be treasured by music fans for years to come.

Customer Reviews:

What the heck???.......2007-03-20

Music is great, as is the playing. However, the last song is not Magnetic Rag but rather the same version of Maple Leaf Rag heard earlier on the album.

What is with that?

More Than Excellent.......2006-08-16

I had previously purchased a Scott Joplin CD and was disappointed by the dull quality and dispirited playing by the artist. This CD more than makes up for it. The music was beautifully performed and the recording was very clear. Every piece was perfect!

Average customer rating:

Neither Circus nor Spectacular, but it is Karl King.
Great circus music
Good music, mediocre playing
Review of Circus Spectacular
Circus Spectacular

Circus Spectacular

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

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The Grand Old Circus Band
Circus Music from the Big Top
Under the Big Top: 100 Years of Circus Music
Screamers (Circus Marches)
Clown and Midway Calliope Music Vol. 1

ASIN: B000001KEZ
Release Date: 1997-02-18

Tracks:

Sells-Floto Triumphal March
Voice of America
The Home Town Boy March
Wings for Peace
'Loyalty' March
Prestissimo Galop
Emblem Of Freedom
Our Heritage
We Stand United
Glorious America
The Kentucky Derby
Yellowstone Trail March
On The Warpath, Indian War Dance
Broadway One-Step Or Two-Step
The American Way
The Joy Riders, March & Two Step
Bombardier March
Diplomacy March
Aviation Tournament March
Call To Victory March
Thumbs-Up US.A. March
Step On It! March
Fete Triumphal March
The Victor March
Mountain Trail March
The Defending Circle March
Canton Aero Club March
Auld Lang Syne March

Customer Reviews:

Neither Circus nor Spectacular, but it is Karl King........2006-10-15

Having played a number of times under Karl King, I had great expectations for this CD. Alas, it was not to be. The music is there, the musicians play all the right notes and the conductor keeps time. The recording is only mediocre, of Laserlight quality, and the performance is not what I expected from what they call a "Circus Band." Indeed, the liner notes state that the band is mostly students and professionals from the Philadelphia area. In other words, a "pick up" band. And the conductor seems to have no circus experience only small town symphony experience (from the puffery in the liner notes). From listening, it would appear that he has never even heard a real circus band. Both conductor and band would not last a day at a real circus. I do have a suspicion, however, that the musicians would do better under a better conductor.

Now, if they called themselves a concert band, that would be accurate and fair, and would not have dashed my hopes, as they are OK as a concert band. But just OK.

Of course, a concert band can indeed generate all the excitement of a bona fide circus band, as Frederick Fennell so aptly demonstrated on his Mercury recordings.

Now, if you want real circus music played by a real circus band, get a Merle Evans recording.

However, having said all that, I will keep the album, as I have always been a Karl King fan, and it is fine music decently played by an OK concert band.

Great circus music.......2005-08-12

I needed some circus music to promote a fundraiser our Lion's club was having (a circus). I got the CD on time and it sounded great. I could not find this type of music anywhere else. Thanks.

Good music, mediocre playing.......2001-11-19

It was indeed exciting to find so many of Karl King's marches on one disc. The band's playing, however leaves a lot to be desired, as does the sound quality of the disc. The balance is poor, with a very annoying tenor sax playing loud and out-of-tune on every cut. Buy this if you are a march collector (which I am), but I do not recommend it for its entertainment value. Get the "Screamers" disc by Fennell and Eastman for a far superior set of circus marches with great playing and sound.

Review of Circus Spectacular.......2000-12-07

Certainly the best thing about this CD is that there are many of Karl King's marches that have probably never been recorded previously, which is curious, since some of them rank with his best. The curious thing about this CD, on the other hand, is that it is supposedly a circus album, but only a few marches were actually written for the "big top". This band is not the best I have heard - recommend listening with headphones, to get a much clearer, less muddled sound. King was only kind of a contemporary of Sousa, having lived 35-40 years later. He actually published more marches than Sousa, and generally wrote in a style that was "softer" than the March King. Sousa wrote mostly military-style marches (better than anyone else ever has, of course), whereas King wrote many military as well as circus marches, and marches in a simpler style, suitable for school bands.

Circus Spectacular.......2000-08-12

This recording of music by Karl King is absolutely splendid -it contains 28 tracks most of which I have certainly not heard before - I particularly liked the tempos of the marches - not too quick but just right - the band is good (although I had never heard of them) - I came across this recording by chance and I'm glad I did - highly recommended

Average customer rating:

Available at retailers for about $18
A classic compilation
A dis-service to Joplin
Unique
Great set

Scott Joplin: His Complete Works

Manufacturer: Bescol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin
King of the Ragtime Writers
Entertainer: Classic Ragtime from Rare Piano Rolls
Joplin: Treemonisha
Scott Joplin: Piano Rags

ASIN: B000001RR2
Release Date: 1994-07-19

Tracks:

Please Say You Will - Richard Zimmerman
A Picture Of Her Face - Richard Zimmerman
The Great Crush Collision March - Richard Zimmerman
Harmony Club Waltz - Richard Zimmerman
Combination March - Richard Zimmerman
Original Rags - Richard Zimmerman
Maple Leaf Rag - Richard Zimmerman
Swipesy - Cake Walk - Richard Zimmerman
Sunflower Slow Drag - Richard Zimmerman
Peacherine Rag - Richard Zimmerman
Augustan Club Waltz - Richard Zimmerman
The Easy Winners - Richard Zimmerman
Cleopha - Richard Zimmerman
The Strenuous Life - Richard Zimmerman
I Am Thinking Of My Pickanniny Days - Richard Zimmerman
The Ragtime Dance - Richard Zimmerman
A Breeze From Alabama - Richard Zimmerman
Elite Syncopations - Richard Zimmerman

Tracks:

March Majestic - S. Joplin
The Entertainer - S. Joplin
Something Doing - S. Joplin
Weeping Willow - S. Joplin
Little Black Baby - S. Joplin
Palm Leaf Rag - S. Joplin
The Favorite - S. Joplin
The Sycamore - S. Joplin
The Cascades - S. Joplin
The Chrysanthemum - S. Joplin
Rosebud March - S. Joplin
Bethena - S. Joplin
Leola - S. Joplin
Sarah Dear - S. Joplin
Binks Waltz - S. Joplin
Eugenia - S. Joplin
Antoinette - S. Joplin
Snoring Sampson - S. Joplin

Tracks:

Gladiolus Rag - S. Joplin
Searchlight Rag - S. Joplin
The Nonpareil (None to Equal) - S. Joplin
When Your Hair Is Like The Snow - S. Joplin
Rose Leaf Rag - S. Joplin
Heliotrope Bouquet - S. Joplin
School Of Ragtime - S. Joplin
Fig Leaf Rag - S. Joplin
Sugar Cane - S. Joplin
Pine Apple Rag - S. Joplin
Wall Street Rag - S. Joplin
Solace - S. Joplin
Pleasant Moments - S. Joplin
Country Club - S. Joplin
Paragon Rag - S. Joplin
Euphonic Sounds - S. Joplin
Stoptime Rag - S. Joplin
Felicity Rag - S. Joplin

Tracks:

Highlights From Treemonisha - Richard Zimmerman
A Real Slow Drag - Richard Zimmerman
Prelude To Act 3 - Richard Zimmerman
Frolic Of The Bears - Richard Zimmerman
Lovin' Babe - Richard Zimmerman
Scott Joplin's New Rag - Richard Zimmerman
Kismet Rag - Richard Zimmerman
Magnetic Rag - Richard Zimmerman
Reflection Rag - Richard Zimmerman
Silver Swan Rag - Richard Zimmerman
Lily Queen - Richard Zimmerman
Sensation - Richard Zimmerman

Customer Reviews:

Available at retailers for about $18.......2006-12-21

Excellent collection - but there are re-sellers listed here that are selling this for as much $50 or $60. Yikes, most major retailers are selling this complete set for $18 - so beware.

A classic compilation.......2006-10-07

This collection is one of my most treasured possessions. (My father gave me the original 5-album set in the 70's when it was originally released on vinyl.)

This is the definitive collection of Scott Joplin's work. Richard Zimmerman provides wonderful performances that accurately reflect Joplin's intentions. (As evidence beyond my personal opinion, I submit the recent releases of digital recordings made from Joplin's piano rolls.)

A few points to consider regarding negative comments you may encounter in other reviews:
* This is a digital recording from an analog master. Lack of quality in the recording does not imply a lackluster performance.
* This is a complete collection. Some similarity is due to Joplin re-exploring melodic themes. But some is due to the fact that these are "rags". One might as well complain that all 50's doo-wop (or all 70's disco) sounds the same.
* Many pieces of the period exhibit formal musical structures, such as the marches of John Phillips Sousa. (Both Sousa and Joplin performed at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis.) Actually, Joplin is responsible for extending the formal boundaries of ragtime to concert waltzes (Bethena) and opera (A Guest of Honor, Treemonisha)
* This is probably one of the few collections which will include selections from "Treemonisha". It is my understanding that after the initial release, one of Joplin's descendants made a copyright claim that was upheld in court. (I presume the issue was that Joplin had to finance "Treemonisha" himself, and therefore the customary performance clearances did not cover those selections.)

For ragtime students and enthusiasts, this is a "must-have" collection at a very affordable price.

A dis-service to Joplin.......2006-02-01

Sadly, the only virtue this set possesses is completeness.

The pianist does not play Joplin's pieces "as written", the piano is of poor quality, and not properly in tune.

This is emphatically NOT the set to buy. A far better set, beautifully annotated and well played on a good concert grand piano, is the complete works played by Guido Nielsen on the Basta Label.

This set is a dis-service to Joplin and his music. He deserves better, and gets it elsewhere.

Unique .......2004-10-19

I have several cd sets of Joplin's music: Rifkin, Arpo, Nielsen, and Zimmerman. All have their excellent qualities. What sets Zimmerman's set apart is the inclusion of excerpts from Joplin's opera, Treemonisha---especially "A Real Slow Drag." Why the other sets do not include excerpts from Treemonisha, I don't know---because they are some of his most beautiful and joyful pieces of music. Of course, you can hear the orchestrated version of Treemonisha in the Houston Grand Opera recording, and it is spectacular. But Zimmerman's piano version, especially of "A Real Slow Drag," is not to be missed.

Great set.......2001-10-16

I guess this will be a rather one sided review. I have been a fan of Scott Joplin since I first learned to play a piano.

I was shocked to see that one reviewer thought it all sounded the same. How silly. All of Frank Sinatra's music sounds like Frank Sinatra. All of Led Zeppelin sounds like Led Zeppelin. So, if the songs were drastically different, I would question if the same author composed them. As it is, though, each song on this set is fantastic!!

I don't know that I have heard of Richard Zimmerman, and I was a little leary as to what I would be getting, I certainly was impressed. Without a doubt the best renditions of "Weeping Willow" and "Bethena" I have heard, and at least a dozen songs I didn't know Joplin wrote.

Tracks:

A Cappella Choral Works: Night
A Cappella Choral Works: Morning
A Cappella Choral Works: Far from home 1
A Cappella Choral Works: Far from home 2
A Cappella Choral Works: Far from home 3
A Cappella Choral Works: Far from home 4
A Cappella Choral Works: Solitude
A Cappella Choral Works: Two Canons 1
A Cappella Choral Works: Two Canons 2
A Cappella Choral Works: Kings of Bethlehem
A Cappella Choral Works: The Fugitive
A Cappella Choral Works: Lux aeterna
A Cappella Choral Works: Wedding Song
A Cappella Choral Works: Songs from Inaktelke 1
A Cappella Choral Works: Songs from Inaktelke 2
A Cappella Choral Works: Songs from Inaktelke 3
A Cappella Choral Works: Songs from Inaktelke 4
A Cappella Choral Works: Songs from Matraszentimre 1
A Cappella Choral Works: Songs from Matraszentimre 2
A Cappella Choral Works: Songs from Matraszentimre 3
A Cappella Choral Works: Songs from Matraszentimre 4
A Cappella Choral Works: Widow Papai
A Cappella Choral Works: Three phantasies after Hrlin 1
A Cappella Choral Works: Three phantasies after Hrlin 2
A Cappella Choral Works: Three phantasies after Hrlin 3
A Cappella Choral Works: Hungarian Etudes 1
A Cappella Choral Works: Hungarian Etudes 2
A Cappella Choral Works: Hungarian Etudes 3
A Cappella Choral Works: Heigh, Youth! 1
A Cappella Choral Works: Heigh, Youth! 2
A Cappella Choral Works: Easter
A Cappella Choral Works: Hortobagy 1
A Cappella Choral Works: Hortobagy 2
A Cappella Choral Works: Hortobagy 3
A Cappella Choral Works: From a high mountain rock
A Cappella Choral Works: Double-Dance from Kallo 1
A Cappella Choral Works: Double-Dance from Kallo 2

Amazon.com essential recording

A vast audience received its first exposure to the music of György Ligeti through Stanley Kubrick's use of his haunting "Lux Aeterna" (despite the composer's lack of consent) in the film 2001: A Space Odyssey. This collection--part of Sony's invaluable Ligeti edition--places "Lux aeterna" in the context of Ligeti's other a cappella choral works, which together provide an overview of the evolving phases of one of the 20th century's most intriguing composers. In his booklet notes to the disc, Ligeti recalls the influence of Bartók and Kodály on his early folkloric compositions, from arrangements of traditional material to free, polyrhythmically inflected inventions on Hungarian folk texts, a format that allowed him some degree of experimental freedom from the strictures of "socialist realism" before he fled the Hungarian Communist regime. The breakthrough "Lux aeterna" is a classic example of Ligeti's trademark technique of "micropolyphony," enveloping the listener in mesmerizingly dense textures of cloudlike harmonies. From Ligeti's late period comes a triptych of "Hölderlin Phantasies." Their 16-voice polyphony transcends the simplistic distinction between tonality and atonality to explore "new kinds of half diatonic, half chromatic harmonies." The resulting sound world of fragmentary, dislocated epiphanies mirrors the unfathomable richness of the great visionary poet to uncanny effect. Throughout, the acoustical balance and conviction of the London Sinfonietta Voices give vivid shape to Ligeti's genius. -Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

Surprising Variety in Modern A Capepella Choral works.......2006-08-24

This 'A Cappella Choral Works', the second volume in a collection of Gyorgy Ligeti compositions contains one of the pieces of music which contributed to making '2001, A Space Odyessy' such a profoundly interesting film. This piece, 'Lux aeterna' which is the textbook example of 'SciFi' music, is very different from many of the other pieces on this recording. In fact, one is really impressed by the wide variety of styles, where you have some peasant songs which sound a lot like sea chantys and other pieces which are definitely liturgical. One can certainly thank Stanley Kubrick for bringing Ligeti to our attention.

Mostly unlistenable...........2006-08-23

Not even good for background music/noise as the voices get really loud in certain parts and almost silent.

I bought this CD and am returning it. It's just more & more of the sameness throughout the whole CD.

I realize that Ligeti is avant garde but I heard that if you like Gregorian chant (which I do) this CD is similar. I don't think it is. It's very disquieting and full of tension (great, if that's the mood you're looking for).

a handful of great Ligeti works........2004-09-06

As a compilation, musically speaking, Edition 2 is probably my least favorite of the Sony Ligeti Edition collection. Many of the pieces come from traditional Hungarian sources, conceived while Ligeti was still in his early years. They are pretty, but also pretty straightforward and conventional, and other than their simple pleasantness and occasionally yummy dissonances, they aren't really mindblowing like the best Ligeti. They are often very beautiful though. However, Edition 2 DOES feature one of the most harrowing, apocalyptic compositions of 20th century Western music, _Lux aeterna_. The profound tension in the quiet web of micropolyphonic voices is just devastating. Also great are the other later pieces, _Drei Phantasien nach Friedrich Holderlin_, three wild polyphony pieces from German literature, and _Magyar Etudok_, three very complex Hungarian etudes for 16 voices. Those pieces are all outstanding but honestly I think everything I've heard by Ligeti is worth hearing. Check out Ligeti edition 4 for more vocal works, some of which are the best of Ligeti's works.

brilliant choral music.......2003-07-21

This cd is beautiful to listen to.From Ejszaka to Kallai Ketto
is brilliant. Ligeti choral works is the first cd have got choral music on it and i love it.Now im going to get the other two cds in the ligeti edition.
(the vocal works & le grand marabre)

Exquisite use of the voice.......2002-07-11

Bringing Ligeti's works to a wider public was one of the great services Stanley Kubrick performed for the world when Lux aeterna was included in the soundtrack for 2001: a Space Odyssey.

This album is a collection of a cappella choral works and which highlights Ligeti's great talent and skill in the use of the voice as a musical instrument. He, together with Yoko Ono, have excelled in this field though from different, sometimes conflicting directions.

When I listen to this I revel in it's glory. The sounds are ethereal and atmospheric, ghostly and angelic in a way that no-one but the composer can make them sound. I never want those sounds to end and in a way it is like having a sort of dependence.

I could go on and on and on about this but I had better stop. This is one essentila component of anyone's classical music collection yet it really defies categorisation. This is timeless, awesome music, not just for a generation but for a world. Lest Zeus strike me with a thunderbolt, these voices are sweeter and more angelic than the voices of the angels themselves.

Exquiiste. Words are insufficient to describe such beauty.

Steel Pier (1997 Original Broadway Cast)
Average customer rating:

Kander and Ebbs' Score Stands Alone

Great Score, lousy show.

Kander and Ebb in a Major Key

Weak Plot ... Nice Score

WONDERFUL!

Steel Pier (1997 Original Broadway Cast)
Fred Ebb
Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003GAQ
Release Date: 1997-07-29

Tracks:

Overture - Orchestra
Prelude - Orchestra/Daniel McDonald
Willing To Ride - Karen Ziemba
Everybody Dance - Gregory Harrison/Mary Illes/Rosa Curry/Sarah Solie Shannon/Ronn Carroll/Gregory Mitchell...
Second Chance - Daniel McDonald/Karen Ziemba
A Powerful Thing - Gregory Harrison/Ronn Caroll
Dance With Me/The Last Girl - Gregory Harrison/Mary Illes/Rosa Curry/Sarah Solie Shannon/Daniel McDonald/Ensemble
The Shag - Orchestra
Everybody's Girl - Debra Monk
Two Step - Orchestra
Wet - Karen Ziemba/Daniel McDonald
Harmonica Specialty - John C. Havens
Lovebird - Karen Ziemba/Adam Pelty/Gregory Mitchell/Daniel McDonald/Ensemble
The Sprints - Gregory Harrison/Ronn Carroll/Daniel McDonald/Company
Entr'Acte - Orchestra
Leave The World Behind - Daniel McDonald/Karen Ziemba/Ensemble
Somebody Older - Debra Monk/Jim Newman
Running In Place - Karen Ziemba
Two Little Words - Kristin Chenoweth/Gregory Harrison/Daniel McDonald/Karen Ziemba/Adam Pelty/Company
First You Dream - Daniel McDonald/Karen Ziemba
Steel Pier - Gregory Harrison/Mary Illes/Rosa Curry/Sarah Solie Shannon
Steel Pier (Reprise) - Karen Ziemba/Gregory Harrison/Company
Final Dance - Daniel McDonald/Karen Ziemba/John Kander

Customer Reviews:

Kander and Ebbs' Score Stands Alone.......2007-01-21

The biggest criticism of this Broadway musical was the book. It allegedly meandered, bored the audience and included unfocussed or unnecessary sequences such as the "dream sequence". Well, I never saw the show and can only evaluate this score on its own merits. Based on that alone, it's a complete winner. Memorable songs, great performances, and the score itself tell a clear story that might have been muddled by an overly fussy book (again, that's from heresay...I never saw the show, which flopped in its initial presentation -- unfortunately, because there is much to admire and enjoy in this typically complex Kander and Ebb score).

First of all, top-rate performances abound here. Karen Ziemba makes every one of her songs sail into the stratosphere. She is a true wonder and deserved her Tony nomination against incredible competition (Bebe Neuwirth got it for the much more popular "Chicago", but Ziemba's her equal). Debra Monk once again makes her mark as a Broadway character actress, although her song "Everybody's Girl" is easily the worst song in the show and certainly beneath Kander and Ebbs' standard, but she wins you over with her energetic and well-placed rendition. Daniel MacDonald does a suberb job as the ill-fated hero, exposing innocence and wry commentary in his very presence, but he is equalled by Gregory Harrison's slimy and ultimately ferocious performance as Mick, the emcee.

The score evokes the time (the 1930s) without relying on pastiche to put it over. Of note, Ziemba's intro, "Willing to Ride", the ensemble "Everybody Dance" (which gives Harrison his chance to shine), "Two Little Words" (which provides the auspicious debut of a most impressive Kristen Chenowith and augers the great things yet to come for her), the touching "First you Dream" and, finally, the both ferocious and mournful reprises of the title song display a powerful and underrated score that deserves reevaluation.

If the book got it wrong, the composers and actors got it quite right the first time. This Original Cast Recording will always be proof positive of that undeniable fact. Always "dream".

Great Score, lousy show........2006-07-22

I think it's one of Kander and Ebbs best, better than Chicago and close to Cabaret. Sadly, the book ruined the show, it bored people. Yet, listening to the ravishing music on the CD, it's hard to realize that it all didn't come together. Maybe someday, someone will revise the book and make it work. Till then, enjoy the CD, it's absolutly gorgeous, had great character numbers, spirited dance numbers and dazzling ballads. The performances are wonderful, with Gregory Harrison (who knew Trapper John could sing?) , Daniel MacDonald and Karen Ziemba shining through on every song. The opening and closing theme is haunting.

Kander and Ebb in a Major Key.......2006-02-09

I first heard excerpts from this on Accuradio.com, and thought it sounded great. It is. In the Kander and Ebb canon, Steel Pier may not rank with Chicago, but I enjoy listening to it as much as to Cabaret. It's sweeter and less dark than either of those, but set in the same period (1933) and just as evocative of that period.

First, the performances of the leads are excellent. Karen Ziemba is superb. Daniel McDonald has a wonderful light baritone, and who knew Gregory Harrison (Trapper John, M.D.) could sing, let alone sing well. Debra Monk performs an excellent comic turn. Kristen Chenoweth's Broadway debut number was corny as can be, but did show off her talent and range well.

The music is just wonderful. Willing to Ride is a spirited waltz. Everybody Dance is a near-perfect Charleston opener top the dance marathon that forms the backbone of the plot. Power is a Powerful Thing may be a little weak in the lyrics, but its set to a spirited and charming ragtime melody. Dance with Me and The Last Girl are sung in a medley format. This is almost a shame because both numbers are excellent in their own right. In fact, The Last Girl is as gorgeous a ballad as you can find anywhere.

Wet is a tinkling, sparkling number in which Ms. Ziemba charms, and Mr. McDonald has a teriffic counterpoint melody. Ms. Monk has a showstopper in Everybody's Girl and a torchy number with Somebody Older. The Shag is a dance piece that may be the best number of all. It seems to alternate between twenties hot jazz and the swing that was just starting to be heard around then. There's also a great bluesy harmonica specialty number, whose only flaw is that it's too short. All in all, the score is a gem, especially compared to most of what we've heard in the last twenty years or so.

This is one of those recordings that makes you wonder why the show was a flop. I went back and read the reviews. Basically they didn't like the plot and felt the production strained too hard to be likeable, but lacked energy at the same time. The show also suffered from comparison to the stunning revival of Chicago that opened in the same season. The critics even managed to be lukewarm on the score. The show closed shortly after being nominated for eleven Tony's and winning none - that was the year Titanic swept the boards. With all that, I'd still say the score is marvelous when heard on its own merits. And I'd go to see a revival if someone would do it. Buy it. I recommend it without reservation.

Weak Plot ... Nice Score.......2005-08-06

The overall plot for Kander & Ebb's 1997 "Steel Pier" is fairly weak, but the score is actually quite good and sung by a terrific cast (Karen Ziemba, Daniel McDonald, Debra Monk, Gregory Harrison, and Kristin Chenowith). Not in the same league as their brilliant "Chicago", "Cabaret" or "Kiss Of The Spider Woman", but a worthy effort with several nice tunes.

Best tracks:

Willing To Ride
Second Chance
Running In Place
First You Dream

Unfortunately, "Steel Pier" was overshadowed by that season's remarkable revival of "Chicago" and dreadful "Titanic". A fine addition, however, to a theatre-lover's collection!

WONDERFUL!.......2005-04-28

I love this album! I bought it a few weeks ago and from the moment I listened to "Two Little Words" I knew this was going to be one of my favorites! The music absolutely gorgeous! I reccomend it!

Average customer rating:

not to great
Not so bad, 100 tunes for 4$
You get what you pay for.
Now I know why there were no song samples to listen to ...

100 Favorite Patriotic Songs

Manufacturer: Bci / Eclipse Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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America's Favorite Patriotic Songs
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ASIN: B0000A1HT8
Release Date: 2003-08-12

Tracks:

America the Beautiful
All Quiet on the Potomac Tonight
Ballad of the Green Berets
On Top of Old Smokey
Coyote Warrior
Semper Fidelis
Breeze from Alabama
Onward Christian Soldiers
Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming
Patriot
Sweet Betsy from Pike
Marines' Hymn
America Is
When Johnny Comes Marchin' Home
Happy the Soldier
American Trilogy
Home Sweet Home
Washington Post March
Enraptured I Gaze
Jeannie With the Light Brown Hair
Yellow Rose of Texas
Over There
Simple Gifts
Liberty Bell
Star Spangled Banner

Tracks:

God Bless the USA
Yankee Doodle Dandy
Katy Cruel
I Vow to Thee My Country
King Cotton
Beautiful Dreamer
America
American Patrol
Mine Eyes Have Seen the Beauty
Mohican Dream
Red, White and Blue
Some Folks
Liberty Song
Pomp and Circumstance
Hail to the Chief
Bennington Rifles
Peace on the Battlefield
I've Been Working on the Railroad
Under the Double Eagle
Red River Valley
My Country 'Tis of Thee
Camptown Races
Wild Blue Yonder
Hands Across the Sea
Fanfare for the Common Man

Tracks:

Stars and Stripes Forever
Living in America
Home on the Range
Old Colony Times
Clementine
Invincible Eagle
Ring Ring de Banjo
Yankee Doodle
Largo from "The New World"
To a Wild Rose
Hail Columbia
Alexander's Ragtime Band
Gettysburg
Carry Me Back to Old Virginny
Capitan
Prairie Daughter
Little Brown Jug
Marching Through Georgia
Entertainer
Steamboat Around the Bend
Revolutionary Tea
Cassions Keep Rollin' Along
Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier
Amazing Grace
Grand Old Flag

Tracks:

God Bless America
National Emblem
Soldier, Soldier Won't You Marry Me
Anchors Away
Oh, Susannah
Tramp, Tramp, Tramp
Toast
Dixie
St. Louis Blues
Appalachian Spring
Bonnie Blue Flag
Old Hundreth
Swanee River
Battle Cry of Freedom
U. S Field Artillery
Sidewalks of New York
Chester
Auld Lang Syne
Kingdom Come
My Old Kentucky Home
Hail to the Spirit of Liberty
Battle Hymn of the Republic
Shenandoah
Abraham's Daughter
This Land Is Your Land

Customer Reviews:

not to great.......2007-04-04

We were disappointed with this CD, but for the price I guess we can't expect much. I didn't care for the new style presentation of the songs. I like a more traditional rendering.

Not so bad, 100 tunes for 4$.......2005-06-22

I red the comments of two other people who have bought this 4 CD BOX SET and it is not really so bad. I will even add that there are some excellent tunes. However, I must agree with the fact that few tunes seem to have been recorded 40 or 50 years ago, mainly when you hear the scratches of an old turntable but it is just 2 or 3 tunes. Furthermore, if you do not know American music, it is a good BOX SET to buy if you consider that you received 4 CD for 4$ including 100 tunes. On these 4 CD, I have heard some orchestration that I have never heard before and I consider that they are different but interesting. Any way, after hearing these 100 tunes, you will say to yourself that you like this tune, this other tune, this other tune and so on and you will be able to buy a more expensive CD with the tunes that you like. However, I have bought many CDs in the last few weeks and as you know, there are always some tunes that you like and some tunes that you do not like on every CD that you will buy. So, don't buy it at 25$ but at 4 or 5$ dollars, it is a very good choice for 100 tunes.

You get what you pay for........2004-07-04

You get what you pay for. The singers put their own spin on the singing of each song. If you didn't hear the words you would not recognize some of them. Even some of the music sounds like a bad recording of music played on a turntable. Definitely not worth the price.

Now I know why there were no song samples to listen to ..........2004-07-04

I wish this review had been here when I was thinking of purchasing it. I guess you get what you pay for. If you are thinking of buying this, you are better off recording your own CDs (or at least buying one that you can listen to a sampling of the songs). This album includes songs that were mere recordings of the songs playing on an old record player. It's almost so unbelievable that it is funny.

Philip Jones Brass Ensemble Greatest Hits

Average customer rating:

The Greatest brass ensemble...
Nothing better than this!
Welcome Back PJBE
Great start! Now where is the rest?
Nec plus ultra

Philip Jones Brass Ensemble Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000056PRA
Release Date: 2001-01-23

Tracks:

The Earle Of Oxfords March
Renaissance Ste: La Mourisque
Renaissance Ste: Bransle Quatre Bansles
Renaissance Ste: Ronde
Renaissance Ste: Basse Danse Bergeret
Renaissance Ste: Ronde Mon Amy
Renaissance Ste: Pavane Bataille
Battle Ste: Galliard Battaglia
Battle Ste: Courant Dolorosa
Battle Ste: Canzon 'In Imitation Of An English Bergamask'
Pavane
The King's Hunting Jig
Greensleeves
Qnt No.1 in b flat, Op.5: Moderato
Qnt No.1 in b flat, Op.5: Adagio
Qnt No.1 in b flat, Op.5: Allegro Moderato
Fanfare 'Narcisse'
Sonatine: Allegro Vivo
Sonatine: Andante Ma Non Troppo
Sonatine: Vivo
Sonatine: Largo - Allegro
Qnt, Op.73: Allegro Vivace
Qnt, Op.73: Chaconne
Qnt, Op.73: Con Brio
Spitfire: Prld And Fugue

Tracks:

Fanfare For The Common Man
Etude Characteristique No.1
Sleeping Beauty: Waltz
Four Pieces For Brass Qnt: Maestoso Alla Marcia
Four Pieces For Brass Qnt: Scherzo
Four Pieces For Brass Qnt: Andante Con Moto
Four Pieces For Brass Qnt: Allegro Grazioso
Ser in G, K.525 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik'
Ragtime Dance
Frere Jacques
Easy Winners
Le Petit Negre
Tarantella, Op.122
Humoresque, Op.101 No.7
Borage
Tico-Tico
La Peri: Fanfare
Stadt Wein: Fanfare
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade I
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Gnome
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade II
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Old Castle
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade III
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Tuilerie Garden
Pictures At An Exhibition: Bydlo
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade IV
Pictures At An Exhibition: Ballet Of Chicks In Their Shells
Pictures At An Exhibition: Two Jews - One Rich, The Other Poor (Samuel Goldenberg And Schmuyle)
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade V
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Weekly Market At Limoges/Catacombs
Pictures At An Exhibition: With The Dead In A Language Dead
Pictures At An Exhibition: Baba Yaga/Great Gate Of Kiev

Customer Reviews:

The Greatest brass ensemble..........2007-01-19

Philip Jones brass ensemble shows you musicality on a high level. The feelings they are playing with are suberb...music is feelings, not technical.

Buy it...

Nothing better than this!.......2006-07-11

There are many brass recordings available today with ensembles which are even technically more advanced, but nothing can compare with Philip Jones, because the PJBE is not only pure precision playing, it's musicality too and it's smart arranging. Jones understands how to use the characteristics of each instrument. He lets room for Tuba or Horn too, its not just Trumpet always playing the big parts like Empire Brass does.

Welcome Back PJBE.......2001-10-19

It is ironic that London/Decca waited until many of the important members of the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble were dead before finally releasing this collection of highlights from the ensemble's considerable catalog. Don't misunderstand me! I am thankful for this substantial 2 cd set. For fans of the PJBE there is real cause for celebration; and for those who are just discovering the work of this important brass ensemble, you are in for a treat.

The remastering is first rate and you can't beat the 2-fer pricing. Get this set while its available because the wait for more will at best be a long one. Thankfully, I still have most of the PJBE recordings on vinyl and a good turntable for playing them. But I would still be near the head of the line to snatch up any subsequent reissues. Years ago I saw several of their recordings on cd, but foolishly passed on them, thinking they would be in circulation for awhile. Silly me. Like I said, grab this before they post the infamous notice "no longer available."

When the PJBE made it's first American tour back in the 70s I was already a huge fan. I went to hear them play, never expecting the concert to sound as good as the recordings. They opened with the Tylman Susato Renaissance Suite and their playing immediately blew away any Memorex memories of their recordings. Unfortunately, we will never again hear live such virtuosity and musicianship. The recordings DO serve as a fine memory of the first and foremost brass ensemble.

Great start! Now where is the rest?.......2001-05-31

I have always been a huge fan of the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble. They set a very high standard of playing and the recordings, most of which are not available on CD, are excellent.

Where are their landmark recordings of such works as the Hindemith works for brass ensembles: Concert music for strings and brass, Morgenmusik for brass, Concert music for piano, brass and harps which they played flawlessly?

Where is their outstanding recording of the Gunther Schuller Symphony for Brass?

Please, Decca, give us more of the full course, not merely the teasers and encores.

Partial LP discography:

Baroque Brass: 1979 Baroque Venice: 1972 La battaglia (Battles for brass): 1981 Carnaval des animals: 1984 Classics for brass: 1972/73 Gabrielis in Venice: 1983 Golden brass: 1974 Just Brass: 1970 Konzertmusik (Hindemith): 1981 Modern brass: 1979 Renaissance brass: 1976 Arrival of the Queen of Sheba: 1983 Strings and brass (Gabrieli, Vejvanovsky, Vivaldi): 1970 Voices and brass: 1969 The world of brass: 1976

Nec plus ultra.......2001-04-01

Un grand merci aux créateurs de ce projet. Retrouvez les pionniers du cuivres en 2cds, qu'elle superbe idée. Byrd, Bozza, Arnold, Susato, Ewald, Arban, et j'en passe. Vraiment se double album est un délice pour nos oreilles. Alors à quant un double album avec les oeuvres contemporaines telles que: Addison, Dodgson, Salzedo, Premru, Bennett ? Le plus vite possible !!! Merci

One Step Up/Two Steps Back: The Songs Of Bruce Springsteen

Average customer rating:

I got a kick out of this one
It's A Springsteen Summer!
Bruce Lite, which can be a good thing
Interesting revisitation
One or Two gems, but only Bruce can sing his music...

One Step Up/Two Steps Back: The Songs Of Bruce Springsteen
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002UOZ
Release Date: 1997-09-23

Tracks:

Something In The Night - Aram
Downbound - The Smithereens
Atlantic City - Kurt Neumann
Jackson Cage - John Wesley Harding
Wreck On The Highway - Nils Lofgren
Johnny 99 - John Hiatt
Seeds - Dave Alvin
Light Of Day - Joe Grushecky & The House Rockers
Darkness On The Edge Of Town - Martin Zeller
Janey, Don't You Lose Heart - Mrs. Fun/Tina & The B-Side Movement
All Or Nothin' At All - Marshall Crenshaw
Meeting Across The River - Syd Straw
4th Of July, Asbury Park - Ben E. King
One Step Up - Paul Cebar

Tracks:

Don't Look Back - The Knack
Protection - Donna Summer
Human Touch - Joe Cocker
Stolen Car - Elliot Murphy
It's Hard To Be A Saint In The City - David Bowie
Restless Nights - The Rocking Chairs
Guilty - Robbin Thompson
Tiger Rose - Sonny Burgess
Love's On The Line - Gary U.S. Bonds
Savin' Up - Clarence Clemons & The Red Bank Rockers
The Fever - Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes
Seaside Bar Song - Little Bob Story
If I Was A Priest - Allan Clarke
Streets Of Philadelphia - Richie Havens

Customer Reviews:

I got a kick out of this one.......2004-07-26

This two CD compilation makes for an interesting package. One Step Up is a collection of new (1997) covers of Springsteen tunes. Two Steps Back is older covers recorded by a variety of artists over the years (the earliest from 1974.) Each set has some high points worth a listen and more than a few clunkers. The fun of this type of collection is that Springsteen's songs can hold up to different arrangements and occasionally someone makes these songs their own.
One Step Up:
The good ones-
Okay, time for a sacrilege. I think John Wesley Harding's cover of "Jackson Cage" beats Springsteen's. He seems to capture the pain and suffering so much better by stripping the song down to its basic elements.
John Hiatt- Totally rocks "Johnny 99." This is why I buy these things. Some artists can really make these songs into something brand new.
Dave Alvin- I really like the reason he chose "Seeds." He makes it work.
Joe Grushecky- Has a lot of fun with one of Springsteen's minor tunes "Light of Day."
Marshall Crenshaw- "All or Nothin' At All" Puts a little rockabilly swing to it and it works just fine.
Ben E. King- I never would have put this song with this singer. I'm glad they did.
Misfires-
While I wouldn't say I hated anything on this CD; there are a few errors in judgment. Syd Straw's vocals on "Meeting Across the River" just does not convince me. Did she listen to the lyrics? Martin Zellar shouldn't have aped Springsteen so much on "Darkness," and I'm not really sure what Mrs. Fun was shooting for on "Janey, Don't you lose Heart," but if it was "lounge singer" version they achieved it.
Two Steps Back:
The good ones-
Elliot Murphy- does a nice job on "Stolen Car," adding a wistful quality to the vocal that Springsteen doesn't quite achieve on the original.
Robbin Thompson- Throwing in a rocking Gospel sound and a decent instrumental break, Thompson just kicks it on "Guilty."
Southside Johnny- Just as good as the Boss himself, with those Miami Horns raising the heat even higher.
Richie Havens- "Streets of Philadelphia" is a perfect fit for his particular talents.
The rest is OK; ranging from the bizarre (Bowie on "Saint in The City") to the curious (Covers by France's Little Bob Story and Italy's Rocking Chairs) Even The Knack don't embarrass themselves. The only truly terrible song here is the "Disco Bruce" of Donna Summer. Man, this one's just painful.
It's a mixed bag like all compilations, but I'm glad I got it.

It's A Springsteen Summer!.......2004-06-16

I LOVE Bruce! He is the best. No one has really mentioned this though: The most interesting cover on this collection is Protection by Donna Summer with Bruce on guitar and background vocals. There's supposed to be a duet of this with the two of them, which I think must have been killer. In any case, it makes you wonder what future collaborations between the two could bring about. WOW!

Bruce Lite, which can be a good thing.......2003-12-14

Bruce is Bruce and obviously I love Bruce or I wouldn't have bought this thing. It's just very interesting to hear these versions of some of the smaller elephants in Bruce's zoo.
Almost every song here the vocals pull back from Springsteen's vocal approach, which is so often self-conscious and self-important.
It's a little breath of fresh air.
I can't believe nobody else mentioned Nils' version of "Wreck on the Highway". So far, it's the most arresting thing here.
On a side note: who are these people?
I don't know who "Aram" is but he does a superb version of "Something in the Night". Really turns the song inside out, but it's still completely the same song.
Anyway, there's a lot of good stuff here. All in all, it's more like a 3.5 than 4.

Interesting revisitation.......2003-03-19

I looked over the reviews of this CD, and I am surprised that the version of Darkness is not mentioned. Nor is the Smithereens version of Downbound Train. These are my favorites. I don't know who that is singing Darkness, but it is a standout on this CD. Worth the price just on its own. And there is plenty of other music contained within this CD. I'm listening to it right now, and I can tell you that I listen to it over and over.
Springsteen fans and just good Rock and Roll fans get this one.
Springsteen is a great storyteller and this will allow you to listen to his stories from another perspective. Excellent.

One or Two gems, but only Bruce can sing his music..........2000-07-07

Not a bad album, just for the majority of these songs Bruce does it so much better that there hard to listen to. Some good songs: Atlantic City by Kurt Neumann, Jackson Cage by John Wesley Harding (excellent, dare I say better than Bruce's version?), Janey Don't You Lose Heart by Tina & The B-Side Movement, 4th Of July, Asbury Park is different but good, Ben E. King had to really work to pull off that one. Stolen Car by Elliott Murphy is decent, Love's On The Line by Gary U.S. Bonds is really good, The Fever and Seaside Bar are not too bad. Interesting to hear If I Was The Priest, but to hear the best version of it listen to Before The Fame as the Boss can only sing it. The real gem of this album is Jackson Cage by JWH. Would love to hear him cover more Springsteen material if he can take an average song by Bruce's standards like Jackson Cage and make it sound like a classic. The album will really only appeal to Springsteen fans mostly, and even then it's hard to hear other people sing his songs.

Music Review:

Music Review

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Blue Angel

Ein Lied Geht Um Die Welt [Import]

Kroumata Percussion Ensemble & Manuela Wiesler

Chris Murphy Salton Songs

Girl Boy E.P. [CD-single] [Import]

Inner Voices

Evandro Do Bandolim [Import]

Rap Music rap_music_02

Jimmy Sturr Polka

Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 49 ("La Passione") & 45 ("Farewell")

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Shadow of the Cat