Phoenix [Import]

Track Listings
1. Flight of the Phoenix [Instrumental]    
2. Trying to Get Away    
3. Someone    
4. She Got to Move Me    
5. Rain Keeps Fallin'    
6. I Just Gotta Know    
7. So You Won't Have to Die    
8. Freedom Is for Children    
9. Gotta Find Me a Better Day    
10. Rock & Roll Soul    

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
1997 Japanese reissue of their gold top 10 1972 albumfeaturing the top 30 hit 'Rock & Roll Soul'. 10 trackstotal. A Capitol Records release.

Phoenix, Music, Grand Funk Railroad, Album Rock, Arena Rock, Boogie Rock, Dance Collections, Detroit Rock, Hard Rock, Pop, Rock
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Garbage in CD Format
  • Shows Originality and Has Some GREAT Tracks, 4.5 stars
  • out of order and out of touch with Harry Potter
  • Out Of Order
  • Best of the Franchise
 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Manufacturer: Warner Bros/Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End
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  3. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
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  5. Ratatouille

ASIN: B000OLGCHA
Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

  1. Fireworks
  2. Professor Umbridge
  3. Another Story
  4. Dementors in the Underpass
  5. Dumbledore's Army
  6. The Hall of Prophecies
  7. Possession
  8. The Room of Requirement
  9. The Kiss
  10. A Journey to Hogwarts
  11. The Sirius Deception
  12. Death of Sirius
  13. Umbridge Spoils a Beautiful Morning
  14. Darkness Takes Over
  15. The Ministry of Magic
  16. The Sacking of Trelawny
  17. Flight of the Order of the Phoenix
  18. Loved Ones and Leaving

Amazon.com

For its fifth cinematic installment, the Harry Potter franchise gets a new composer as England's Nicholas Hooper (a usual collaborator of new director David Yates) succeeds Patrick Doyle and John Williams. The screeching electric guitar that suddenly irrupts on the very first track, "Fireworks," lets the listener know that all is not quiet on the Hogwarts front. The kiddies are growing up, evil is spreading: which is worse?! But actually this modern sonic touch is deceiving: Hooper works within an old-school format and mostly sticks to tried-and-true effects. His score is best when it goes for tension and unease, particularly in its use of low, rumbling tones: A choir starts by humming in a menacing manner in "Dementors in the Underpass"; the sound at the beginning of "The Death of Sirius" feels as if it's being belched out from some deep, dark, scary place, creating an effective atmosphere of dread. Elsewhere, the beginning of "Possession" feels as if it belongs in a J-horror movie, and then the track becomes deceptively calm before the storm hits again. Keen listeners will recognize Williams' "Hedwig's Theme" in "Another Story," but mostly Hooper is his own man. Just like the overall series, which gets darker and darker as it goes along, this CD makes for a rather brooding listening experience--the pizzicato violins on "Umbridge Spoils a Beautiful Morning" provide one of the few jaunty touches. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Featuring a colorful and inspiring score by Nicholas Hooper, the soundtrack to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix takes the movie-goer to the next level of magical enchantment right along with Harry and his friends.

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Garbage in CD Format.......2007-07-22

Now, before people go off on me about my review of not only the music presented on the CD but the full score as well I am going to say some things first.
I love John Williams and the fact that this isn't Williams has no bearing on the quality of the score. The gentlemen who composed the music for the fourth film did a fine job taking music pioneered by Williams and adding his own spin to it. So, this has nothing to do with hatred towards these composers not being Williams.

The music is good, but it's not Harry Potter. It gets one star because, well it doesn't belong on this film at all. The brilliant theme written by John Williams is almost entirely absent, showing up with any effect in the start of the film and then pretty much never after that, at least nowhere of consequence. Why? Why has the main theme been left behind? Give me a logical explanation why any composer or director would allow someone to completely get rid of the defining theme of the entire series? One logical reason.
There isn't any. This composer has taken it upon himself, despite inadequate experience to completely rewrite the entire score, with little bits here and there to attempt to please those of us who actually enjoyed the previous soundtracks quite well.
The composer also has no concept of space and the use of silence in a composition. More than one occasion on the score during the movie there were parts where the music completely did not fit in. It felt like the composer wrote the music for a different scene. This shows a lack of understanding of music theory in terms of films and that is unacceptable for a series as massive as this.

Now, about the music itself. If you didn't know it was Harry Potter and you heard it you probably would think, "well this is pretty good". Why? Because it is actually good music. The new themes are rather energetic--in places--and powerful. It's strong music. But, it's not Harry Potter. It's not. Doesn't sound like Harry Potter, doesn't play like Harry Potter, and never will be Harry Potter. It is far too American sounding to be Harry Potter. Yes, there is such a thing as American style compositions. You've probably seen enough American films to understand what I mean by this.

So, I will say this: If you don't care that it's basically a bastardization of the amazing music presented before in that it doesn't bare almost any resemblance in most instances to the foundations, then by all means buy this. It's good music, just not the music you'd be expecting from a Harry Potter score.
Otherwise, don't buy it. Skip this one and pray that the executive producers or somebody fires this guy or makes him write a better score for the next film, provided he will be sticking around. With the shakiness of the film as it is, this isn't guaranteed in any way.

4 out of 5 stars Shows Originality and Has Some GREAT Tracks, 4.5 stars.......2007-07-21

NO this album is still not as good as Prisoner of Azkaban--not nearly. That was the best album of the Harry Potter series. BUT, that being said, this album has some wonderful tracks that I really did enjoy. TRACK EIGHT is magnificent, and it is worth purchasing the CD just for this (lengthy) track. Frankly, I felt the CD could have used more tracks like this--it is very strong thematically and has a "magical" quality that defines Harry Potter. Track two, Umbridge's theme, is very good albeit slightly over repetitive. Track one is wonderful although I agree with reviewers who say that the electric guitar was uncalled for. The nice thing about this CD is that it is "Stravinskian" from the standpoint that the music is not all thematic but loose and flowing. Some of the tracks (such as track five) are not particularly memorable, but they are pleasant to listen to. Quite frankly, it is track 8 that makes this CD a sell--I love "musicbox" type of music (my favorite instruments include flute, harp, bells, etc.). So overall, I would say this is a VERY original album and that is what I like about it--a CD doesn't need to have twenty themes to be good. And, moreover, I can listen to it more than once and have enjoyed it each time. I actually have only one complaint--I wish that it was longer (around 60-70 minutes like Jurassic Park or Azkaban).

3 out of 5 stars out of order and out of touch with Harry Potter.......2007-07-20

One of my biggest pet peeves of soundtracks is when they put the music out of order from the movie, as they did with this case. If I wanted it out of order then I would just hit the shuffle button on my CD player.

Nicholas Hooper's score to Order of the Phoenix is improved to that of Patric Doyle's score in the Goblet of Fire but it still is nowhere near that of John William's Harry Potter scores. Hooper's music is disappointing in that it doesn't capture the mood of the movie like it should. Umbridge's theme is peppy because she may look nice, but it doesn't hold that she is downright evil. We don't feel Harry's angst as he is entering the prime of his teenage years. The music wasn't as complex as I thought it would have been and overall, it just didn't seem very "Harry Potter-like."

I have heard that Hooper is set up for Half-Blood Prince and I hope that he makes the music far superior to that of Order of the Phoenix in capturing the mood, which will be a difficult task as Half-Blood Prince is the darkest of the books and the darkest of the movies so far.

3 out of 5 stars Out Of Order.......2007-07-20

Why do these tracks have to be out of order? I really hate that!
The music is ok, could use more of the original themes to suit me though, I guess don't mess with success.

If anyone has a better order to these tracks (the order they are in the movie) please list it - that would be nice.

5 out of 5 stars Best of the Franchise.......2007-07-19

With the usual nods to John Williams' initial themes, Hooper takes everything a notch higher with this score. Perfect.
Walk the Line
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Not a carbon copy
  • Walk the line CD
  • walk the line
  • Walk the Line
  • Great
 Walk the Line
Joaquin Phoenix , Reese Witherspoon , and Original Soundtrack
Manufacturer: Wind-Up
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. At Folsom Prison
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  3. The Essential Johnny Cash
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ASIN: B000BM7YYW
Release Date: 2005-11-15

Tracks:

  1. Get Rhythm -- Joaquin Phoenix
  2. I Walk The Line -- Joaquin Phoenix
  3. Wildwood Flower -- Reese Witherspoon
  4. Lewis Boogie Blues -- Waylon Payne
  5. Ring Of Fire -- Joaquin Phoenix
  6. You're My Baby -- Johnathan Rice
  7. Cry Cry Cry -- Joaquin Phoenix
  8. Folsom Prison Blues-- Joaquin Phoenix
  9. That's Allright Mama -- Tyler Hilton
  10. Jukebox Blues -- Reese Witherspoon
  11. It Aint Me Babe -- Joaquin Phoenix & Reese Witherspoon
  12. Home of the Blues -- Joaquin Phoenix
  13. Milkcow Blues Boogie -- Tyler Hilton
  14. I'm A Long Way From Home -- Shooter Jennings
  15. Cocaine Blues -- Joaquin Phoenix
  16. Jackson -- Joaquin Phoenix & Reese Witherspoon

Amazon.com

This is not a review about Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon's hair. However--as any self-respecting fan knows--in country music, after proving you can pluck a guitar and carry a tune, the power of the right hairstyle is not to be underestimated. Johnny Cash, in fact, was famously vain about his locks--perhaps one of the few things he was vain about--and many a guitar store employee can attest to the fact that when the Man in Black came in to buy his special brand of guitar pick, his hair was dyed a jet black more often seen on a boy of 20 than a man of 60. In any case, Phoenix and Witherspoon's performances as Johnny and June Carter Cash succeed more in the style and hair department than in their musicality. Phoenix fares better than his co-star in reinventing the Cash mystique, and his sweet, almost earnest interpretation of "Get Rhythm" is as charming as it is honest. Unfortunately, the powerful song "Ring of Fire" is flat and wholly without the narrative pull it had when Cash sang it. And Witherspoon is simply not up to the warbling task she's faced with in singing as June Carter Cash. (To be fair, it's hard to know who would be, but the estimable Loretta Lynn or Tift Merritt would have had better luck). Carter Cash's honeyed gift with melody, and the largeness of her voice, honed over decades in live performance, is hard to replicate for even a seasoned singer, and predictably, Witherspoon falls short of the mark. It's certainly seductive to imagine that playing a figure as compelling as Johnny or June would allow an actor to channel the soul and some of the talent of the artist, but the closest this record comes is in "Cry, Cry, Cry," where Phoenix's gravelly voice offers the same sustained thrill that made Johnny Cash irresistible--to June and his fans. --Megan Halverson

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Not a carbon copy.......2007-07-08

Within the liner notes of the gem of a CD, the director of the movie "Walk the Line" was quoted as saying he wasn't looking for a Johnny Cash impersonator, but for somebody who could make the legend come alive.
I personally really like Joaquin Phoenix' smooth, sexy voice. My favorites are "Get Rhythm" and "Walk the Line."

I strongly reccommend this CD.

5 out of 5 stars Walk the line CD.......2007-06-13

The music was wonderful. I think Reese Witherspoon needs to do more signing. I certainly would buy her CD

3 out of 5 stars walk the line.......2007-06-09

Disappointed with this CD lacked body and character music sounded thin and repetative

5 out of 5 stars Walk the Line.......2007-06-01

A wonderful movie. Joaquin Phoenix was ideal as the young Johnny Cash - 19 to 37 years, The producers said they didn't want an actor and actress to portray John and June precisely and this is what I saw. The singing and guitar playing was right on. Joaquin should have won an Oscar also!

5 out of 5 stars Great.......2007-05-17

I bought the cd for my husband who is a huge fan of the movie. He absolutely loves the cd! He has practically worn it out listening to it.
The Phoenix
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Wonderful
 The Phoenix
Marcus Johnson
Manufacturer: Three Keys Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
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  1. Born 2 Groove
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ASIN: B000RPCJC0
Release Date: 2007-07-17

Tracks:

  1. Side Steppin
  2. Potomac Ridge
  3. Road To Los Suenos
  4. Believe
  5. Love
  6. Table For 2
  7. My Caddy
  8. Urban Trust
  9. You And I
  10. The Journey
  11. Make It Happen

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful.......2007-07-18

I purchased this CD in D.C. after hearing Marcus do a live set at Barnes & Nobles. It is wonderful and a must for Jazz lovers. It combines smooth mellow tunes and upbeat make you want to tap your feet vibes. He works wonders on those keys. His band is equally talented and I must say it was money well spent!

Waiting for a show in Hampton Va.

Angela
The Music of John Williams: 40 Years of Film Music
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Very disappointing, considering what it could have been
  • Always a pleaser
  • JOHN WILLIAMS 40 Years of Film Music
  • Movie Music Magic & Memorabilia
  • John Williams: 40 Years of Outstanding Film Music
 The Music of John Williams: 40 Years of Film Music

Manufacturer: Silva America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. John Williams - Greatest Hits 1969 - 1999
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ASIN: B0000C6K09
Release Date: 2003-10-07

Tracks:

  1. The Sugarland Express-Main Theme
  2. Jaws-Main Theme
  3. Close Encounters Of The Third Kind-Suite
  4. Raiders Of The Lost Ark-March
  5. Raiders Of The Lost Arc-The Map Room:Dawn
  6. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrail-Adventures On Earth
  7. Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom-Mine Car Chase
  8. Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom-End Credits
  9. Empire Of The Sun-Exsultate Justi
  10. Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade-Indy's First Adventure

Tracks:

  1. Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade-End Credits
  2. Always-Follow Me/Dorinda's Solo Flight
  3. Hook-Main Themes
  4. Jurassic Park-Main Themes
  5. Schindler's List-Main Theme
  6. Amistad-Dry Your Tears, Afrika
  7. Saving Private Ryan-Hymn To The Fallen
  8. A.I. Artificial Intelligence-Where Dreams Are Made
  9. Minority Report
  10. Catch Me If You Can

Tracks:

  1. The Rare Breed-Suite (Universal Emblem/Hilary's Plight/Scottish Romeo/The Hunt)
  2. Jane Eyre-Suite: The Jane Eyre Theme
  3. Jane Eyre-Suite: To Thornfield
  4. Jane Eyre-Suite: Restoration
  5. The Cowboys-Overture
  6. The Poseidon Adventure-Prelude
  7. The Towering Inferno-Main Titles
  8. Family Plot-End Titles
  9. The Fury-Main Titles
  10. Superman-Main Theme
  11. Dracula-Main Titles & Storm
  12. The River-Main Theme & Love Theme
  13. The Witches Of Eastwick- Dance Of The Witches

Tracks:

  1. Born On The Fourth Of July-End Credits
  2. Presumed Innocent-End Titles
  3. JFK-Arlington/End Titles
  4. Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone-Hedwig's Theme
  5. Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets-Fawkes The Phoenix
  6. Star Wars: A New Hope- Main Theme
  7. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back-Hans Solo And The Princess
  8. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back-The Imperial March
  9. Star Wars: The Phantom Menace- Anakin's Theme
  10. Star Wars: The Phantom Menace-The Flag Parade
  11. Star Wars: Attack Of The Clones-Across The Stars
  12. Star Wars: The Phantom Menace-Duel Of The Fates

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Very disappointing, considering what it could have been.......2007-04-20

Take a look at the running times:

Disc 1: 60 minutes
Disc 2: 50 minutes
Disc 3: 61 minutes
Disc 4: 58 minutes

What gives Silva? There is *MUCH* more John Williams in the silva screen back catalogue by the Prague Philharmonic than what is in this set, and thats not including their entire discs devoted to Star Wars Films, Indiana Jones Trilogy etc. Why isn't Hook "When You're Alone" included on Disc 2? There's room. Why isn't 1941 on Disc 1? There's room. Why isn't Earthquake on Disc 3? There's room. Why isn't Far and Away on disc 4? There's room. Where's the other ten minutes of the Rare Breed suite on disc 3? Why isn't Midway on disc 1? Where are the Land of the Giants, Time Tunnel and Lots In Space tv themes? Etc. Etc. Etc.

C'mon Silva, most of these 4 disc mega boxes released in the past few years are packed to the brim, but not this one, and with new recordings made after this was released (the terminal, munich, geisha, war of the worlds, star wars ep 3, harry potter 3), it only makes sense for a "re-do" in the next couple of years.

Further, with Silva releasing the 100 Greatest Film Themes on six discs in a couple of months, it's only a matter of time before we see the ultimate six disc john williams set.

This isn't a BAD set to own, but it could have been much better and when compared to the Jerry Goldsmith and John Barry sets in this same series, this one is a major letdown.

5 out of 5 stars Always a pleaser.......2007-03-31

I listen to music all day with patients in my dental chair. This one is a winner with everyone. Patients always comment on how they recognize a song. Who doesn't love John Williams? His music transcends time.

5 out of 5 stars JOHN WILLIAMS 40 Years of Film Music.......2007-01-10

This 4 cd pack is an anthology of all John Williams works. From his earlier works "The Poseidon Adventure" and "Jaws" right through "Indiana Jones" and the most recent"Star Wars" prequel movies are included. Williams work in thriller and horror are also included. If you are into soundtracks and love movie music this is an essential buy. The quality of the music is excellent. With ten or more tracks on each cd it's well worth the money.

5 out of 5 stars Movie Music Magic & Memorabilia.......2006-12-13

This four CD set expands on the previously released John Williams Greatest Hits. It's a grand collection of nearly four hours of famous music scores from over forty years. There are many songs never before available in any collection. The short liner notes tell a great tale of musical movie history and include all of his numerous award nominations and wins. Each song (oddly enough) mentions the actors and the director, so fond are John Williams's memories of his work with these people. All of the conductors are mentioned along with specific orchestras, choirs, arrangement and orchestration specialists and even the publishers (contractual, I am sure). The only things missing are his early television scores, such as those for "Lost In Space" (by Johnny Williams back then). But with four discs, one has nothing to complain about and everything to enjoy!

5 out of 5 stars John Williams: 40 Years of Outstanding Film Music.......2006-11-28

I have been a huge fan of John Williams and I have known about his music for years. However, I never actually bought any of his music on CD. I was rather skeptical about purchasing this CD but when it arrived I knew I had made the right choice. The sound quality of the compilation is outstanding. The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra do a great job under the direction of Paul Bateman. The original London Symphony Orchestra CDs of John Williams' Star Wars Trilogy CDs are marginally better but this is still a great CD compilation. If you love ET, Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Harry Potter, you will love this compilation soundtrack. Buy it, listen to these CDs in the car and enjoy every minute of the collection!!!
Grechaninov: Passion Week [SACD]
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Ravishing A Cappella Choral Singing of a Russian Liturgical Masterpiece
 Grechaninov: Passion Week [SACD]

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000N39HC6
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

  1. Behold The Bridegroom
  2. I See Thy Bridal Chamber
  3. In Thy Kingdom
  4. Gladsome Light
  5. Let My Prayer Be Set Forth
  6. Now The Powers Of Heaven
  7. At Thy Mystical Supper
  8. The Wise Thief
  9. Thou Who Clothest Thyself
  10. The Lord Is God...The Noble Joseph
  11. Weep Not For Me, O Mother
  12. As Many Of You...Arise, O God
  13. Let All Mortal Flesh

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Ravishing A Cappella Choral Singing of a Russian Liturgical Masterpiece.......2007-05-25

For starters, this CD contains some of the finest a cappella singing I've ever heard. Its sumptuous choral tone must be heard to be believed. It is done by two professional choirs from seemingly unlikely places, the combined Kansas City Chorale and Phoenix Bach Choir. I have raved about their prior recordings both separately and in combination but this release possibly tops anything they've done, at least in terms of ineffably beautiful a cappella choral sound. The Grechaninov 'Passion Week' is a setting of thirteen pieces with texts in Church Slavonic meant to be sung individually over the period of Passion Week, the days leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. (And, frankly, I would suggest that listeners ration their listening to one or two sections of the work at a time, in order to experience the unique effect of each individual piece, although there is something to be said for listening to the whole thing -- 74-plus minutes -- to experience its almost hypnotizing cumulative effect.) The Russian Orthodox Church has a tradition of morning and evening services during Passion Week when the passion week's events are recalled almost in 'real time.' The music itself is generally slow, meditative, largely monophonic and almost trance-like. It must be incredibly difficult to sing. One can only imagine the kind of breath support required. One notices that the usual number of singers in these two choirs has been supplemented by several additional basses, no surprise considering the long legato lines required of that section. Their low C's and even B's resound like the tolling of great bells throughout the work. One could almost surmise, if one didn't know, that this was the singing of a Russian choir, so noted for their deep basses, except that the blending and rounding of the choral tone is so very much more subtle than is generally heard from Russian choruses. The work is entirely choral, but there are occasional soprano, tenor and baritone solos which consist mostly of chants sung against the main body of massed sound.

Aleksandr Tikhonovich Grechaninov (1864-1956) was a few years older than Sergey Rachmaninov and his sacred music is in many ways similar in style to that of the better-known composer. Grechaninov's 'Passion Week' was written in 1912, shortly before Rachmaninov wrote his well-known 'Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom' which has also been recorded by the Kansas City Chorale in a lauded release which unfortunately is not easily available these days but worth seeking out. After the Revolution Grechaninov emigrated from the Soviet Union and eventually wound up in the US where he became a citizen. He continued, even after leaving Russia, to write music for emigré congregations of the Russian church although he also began writing liturgical works for the Roman Catholic Church as well. His sacred music is what he is best known for, although he also wrote operas, songs and orchestral works.

There is no question that Charles Bruffy, the conductor of both the Phoenix Bach Choir and the Kansas City Chorale, is one of the most talented choirmasters currently working anywhere in the world. He may very well be the US analog to Eric Ericson of Sweden or Laurence Equilbey of France. Certainly his choruses' style is more European than English, and it is to the English Chandos label's credit that they have added these two Bruffy-directed choirs to their roster. One looks forward to any and all future releases from these marvelous groups.

This is a hybrid SACD disc which means it can be played on both a regular CD player or on SACD equipment. In either format the sound is rich, warm and true.

The previous release of the combined Phoenix Bach Choir and the Kansas City Chorale, featuring mainly the Mass for Double Choir by Frank Martin, is here: Eternal Rest - Phoenix Bach Choir, Kansas City Chorale

Scott Morrison
The Phoenix
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 3-1/2 stars -- Lyfe spreads his wings
  • One of the best albums I've heard.
  • Lyfe Jennings Bringing the Soul Back to R&B
  • Excuisite Talent.....incredible delivery!!!!!
  • Slammin Sophmore Disc
 The Phoenix
Lyfe Jennings
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary BluesContemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000GG4XDI
Release Date: 2006-08-15

Tracks:

  1. Intro
  2. Interlude
  3. Slow Down
  4. Interlude
  5. Goodbye
  6. Interlude
  7. Let's Stay Together
  8. Interlude
  9. Biggie Nigga
  10. Interlude
  11. Ghetto Superman
  12. Interlude
  13. S.E.X.
  14. Interlude
  15. Down Here, Up There
  16. Interlude
  17. The River
  18. Interlude
  19. Still Here
  20. Interlude
  21. More Than A Girl
  22. Interlude
  23. Stingy
  24. Interlude
  25. Radio
  26. Interlude
  27. Keep Ya Head Up
  28. I'll Always Love You

Amazon.com

In a lot of musical imaginations, Lyfe Jennings' The Phoenix will occupy a space a few slots up from the Hustle & Flow soundtrack. As he proved on the prelude to this disc--the swift-selling, hype-generating Lyfe 268-192--he's an urban poet with an unsparing eye. When he's not laying out his grit-laden artistic process in what seems like a dozen spoken-word interludes, he's singing it as he sees it. On "S-E-X," that vision includes a sensitive-minded, daddy-like plea for abstinence among teen-age girls punched up by the sexy-sounding Lala Brown, and on the thump-thump slo-mo thrill ride "Ghetto Superman" it includes a pitiful remembrance of things past ("We grew up in the gutter eatin' peanut butter sandwiches/With no jam"). Part Curtis Mayfield, part Donny Hathaway, part Kanye West, and part John Legend, Jennings is determined to offer a long, tall drink to the spiritually dehydrated--he's massively musical (check his gentle acoustic guitar on "Down Here, Up There" and the raw soul of "The River") and enormously ambitious: It's no accident that The Phoenix plays like scuffed-up, 21st-century epic poetry in places. Real-world R&B hasn't reached this far in a long time. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars 3-1/2 stars -- Lyfe spreads his wings.......2007-05-16

After Lyfe Jennings served a ten-year prison stint for arson, his debut album Lyfe 268-192 took about a year to really get noticed by the public. Fortunately, people remembered his talents, as his latest album The Phoenix debuted at a pretty high spot on the charts, and since I loved his first album, I of course picked up THIS one.

Lyfe's first album had hardly any guest stars, but this time there ARE a few cameos here and there. Still, he's best when he's singing by himself, like on "I'll Always Love You", "Let's Stay Together" and "The River". And if you want to hear his vocals really soar again like on "Made Up My Mind" from his last album, try "Goodbye" on for size. Some people also might question why Lyfe decided to remake Tupac's "Keep Ya Head Up", but I think he did a pretty good job.

"More Than a Girl" is also good despite its suffering from a few too many similes. And that leads me to the missteps on the album. Lyfe is still a great singer, but one still has to question where he came up with the ideas for some of these songs. The political commentary "S.E.X." is pretty decent except for the average chorus, but at times the subject matter gets from corny ("Ghetto Superman", "Biggie N") to confusing ("Still Here") to just plain ridiculous ("Stingy"). Another thing is something that reviewer Travis Hunter pointed out. Just as was the case on 268-192, this album also features accompanying interludes with every song (except for "I'll Always Love You"), this time BEFORE the respective songs rather then after them. But whereas on the first album they were interesting explanations, here they just take up time; in fact, it got to the point that I almost knocked the rating down to three stars.

The Phoenix is still a good album, but for his next album, Lyfe should leave the guest stars and commentary behind so that we can enjoy a smoother listen.

Anthony Rupert

5 out of 5 stars One of the best albums I've heard........2007-03-14

I bought The Phoenix in the Summer of 06 and never opened it. I kept hearing songs on the radio by Lyfe that I like so Friday night 3/9/07, I got the cd out of my car and played it. I have not turn this cd off since friday. It is now Tuesday 3/13, and I am listening to it as I type this. I will go out today and buy his first album because I loved The Phoenix so much. The lyrics and his voice are amazing. Some of my favorites are I'll always love you, Still Here, Good bye, River etc... I can go on and on. This is one of those cds that you can play on a road trip and never turn it off. For the first time in a long time I feel like I got my moneys worth.

4 out of 5 stars Lyfe Jennings Bringing the Soul Back to R&B.......2007-03-09

This CD is great. Lyfe's songs are for the street lovers. A great journey through his experiences. I look forward to his next release

5 out of 5 stars Excuisite Talent.....incredible delivery!!!!!.......2007-03-08

OK im not even gonna go on too long. Lyfe Jennings is in a league of his own..i was dumbfounded by such pain in a voice yet so musical....this artiste is worth buying and i urge everyone to join me in the fan club......any true music connoisoire will appreciate this guys artistry.

Buy talent not personalities....excellent!!!!!!!!

5 out of 5 stars Slammin Sophmore Disc.......2007-02-15

On his sophmore disc, Lyfe Jennings gives us more street ghetto cineama stories like no other.
It's Never Been Like That
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • shockingly perfect pop
  • Phoenix Destroyed My Car Stereo
  • Oh Pheonix!
  • Remember when you liked the Strokes?
  • AMAZING!!! - THE ALBUM OF THE YEAR 2006...
 It's Never Been Like That
Phoenix
Manufacturer: Astralwerks
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Alphabetical
  2. United
  3. Return to Cookie Mountain (with Bonus Tracks)
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ASIN: B000FC2FVA
Release Date: 2006-05-23

Tracks:

  1. Napoleon Says
  2. Consolation Prizes
  3. Rally
  4. Long Distance Call
  5. One Time Too Many
  6. Lost and Found
  7. Courtesy Laughs
  8. North
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  10. Second to None

Amazon.com

Warning: Even limited exposure to this French band's music is liable to turn the listener into a crazed zealot desperate to "just turn people on" to their music or to wander about aimlessly wondering aloud why they're not at least as well known as, say, Erlend Oye. The band's been relentlessly eclectic since they formed in the late '90s; they make hybrid music, an electronic-flavored rock that's impossible to describe without using up half a dozen hyphens in the process. It's their most straight-ahead, "rock"-sounding release, and if your first thought is that it wouldn't hurt if It's Never Been Like That had a little bit more of a cocaine disco unicorn vibe to it, give it another listen. This record is an effortless-sounding, mini-masterpiece that mixes art song elements with delightful retro-pop. And it's scary how simply and truly great it is--easily amongst the best albums of 2006. --Mike McGonigal

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars shockingly perfect pop.......2007-04-15

I dont know how they exactly did it but this band crafted a nearly perfect gem of pop songs. There's some punk and 80's influences but the band makes music that certainly stands on its own. There's also a mature sense of irony in several of the songs that makes replays of the CD fun if you're older than 16. Very impressive singing in a "rock/pop" style. The studio mixing brings out the strengths of the band.

1 out of 5 stars Phoenix Destroyed My Car Stereo.......2007-03-22

I bought this C.D. for my birthday. Tried to load it into my car stereo and it it ended up jamming the unit and then it died.

So while the C.D. was only $8.00 it will cost me hundreds to fix the car stereo. I blame the record manufacturers for putting in some type anti-copy protection which screwed up the unit.

Therefore this is a must to avoid if you care about your equipment.

5 out of 5 stars Oh Pheonix!.......2007-02-10

These guys never get it wrong. The second I heard this I got the words "its never been like that, its never been like that" running through my head non-stop (especially since it IS in the refrain of track #4). Pheonix is a French band with weird words, a lovely voice, and some nifty tunes. Pheonix is easy listening, yet catchy as heck, pop, yet still rock. They hold a delicate balance between smooth and sexy. But I must admit, for most Phenox is a guilty pleasure, you enjoy it until you actually try to understand the lyrics then find out that you are not crazy and that the lyics dont actually make sense. But you still heavily enjoy the music anyway and sing along. You must buy this album, or any Pheonix album!

4 out of 5 stars Remember when you liked the Strokes?.......2007-01-19

No one's making comparisons to the Strokes. They should. There are similarities in influences, phrasing, rhythm.

And if you've been disappointed in the Strokes recently, you'll be happy to know that Phoenix has no interest in emulating that downturn. They can't. They build better songs, they take more chances, they have a singer who can carry a tune. They have made an album here that holds up very well to repeated listening.

So, my point: "It's Never Been Like That" will go down well with fans of the Strokes.

If you're not a fan, you'll like this Phoenix that much more. It's great pop songs without the rumpled expensive suits. The attitude is in the right place: in the songs.

5 out of 5 stars AMAZING!!! - THE ALBUM OF THE YEAR 2006..........2006-12-26

Well folks, this is a long overdue review of a record that needs its rightful recognition. Simply put, this should be the album of the year for 2006 (not "Return To Cookie Mountain" by TV On The Radio). This disc is packed full of the kind of rhythms and melodies that will keep you going back to it year after year. "It's Never Been Like That" is one of those rare albums that are great from beginning to end. I am a (still young) high school teacher and have played some of the songs for a few students and they've all reacted positively to what they heard. Questions like why don't they play Phoenix on the radio? and do they have other records? were being asked. As a teacher, I have summer months off from work and I travel to Italy for most of the summer. "It's Never Been Like That" quickly became the soundtrack of the summer for my wife and I. I highly recommend this album and feel confident that you won't be disappointed. As always, allow every album the opportunity to grow on you and I promise you that this album will be one that you keep going back to year after year.
Getting back to my comment about "Return To Cookie Mountain"... I am personally startled that this disc by TV On The Radio is as highly praised by critics and fans as it is. I commented that you should allow an album to grow on you in order to fully understand it and appreciate it, but after more than 10 times listening to "Return To Cookie Mountain", I an still wondering how it is possible that quality albums like "It's Never Been Like That" could get overshadowed by that album.

ENJOY PHOENIX!!!
Phoenix
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • excellent
  • "Phoenix" Rises to the Top!
  • Tried and True!
  • Fogelberg's Finest!!
  • Fogelberg's 2nd best
 Phoenix
Dan Fogelberg
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Nether Lands
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ASIN: B0000025EN
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Tullamore Dew
  2. Phoenix
  3. Gypsy Wind
  4. The Last To Know
  5. Face The Fire
  6. Wishing On The Moon
  7. Heart Hotels
  8. Longer
  9. Beggar's Game
  10. Along The Road

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars excellent.......2007-03-08

trying to find the cd's are hard enough for us 70's kids so when i found it here at amazon it was great. I love dan fogleberg. thats all i have to say.

5 out of 5 stars "Phoenix" Rises to the Top!.......2006-01-10

This album received a lot of airplay when it was released, out where I was living. I absolutely loved it: the diversity of songs, melodies, and words in "Phoenix, "Face The Fire," "Wishing On The Moon," and even those put down by others like "Longer," show a depth of songwriting and playing that adds up to Talent. This and another album I reviewed tonight are two of my favorites of all time, bringing back great memories of some not-so-great times, but then that's part of what music is all about, isn't it? Make some of your memories with one of the finest albums that you'll ever latch onto.

5 out of 5 stars Tried and True!.......2005-07-10

This album is a collection of the best songs Dan Fogelberg has ever written. It has been one of my favorites since first released some 20+ years ago. I bought it on vinyl when it originally came out, cassette to listen to it in the car as a teen-ager, and finally CD, as it is a must have. Fans will recognize it as being his finest work, a masterpiece, and truly timeless. Being as old as it is, it is not at all dated.

5 out of 5 stars Fogelberg's Finest!!.......2005-05-03

With all due respect to Dave "missing person" and his outstanding review, Phoenix is a bonafide 5 star classic, with Longer Than being the weakest song on the album, as sweet as it is. How anyone could not get goosebumps from the quality writing, performance and production of Beggar's Game, is beyond me. I suggest Phoenix has a place in any collection

3 out of 5 stars Fogelberg's 2nd best.......2005-01-14

Wow, Dan's an odd duck...kind of all over the place musically. While all of his lyrics tend to be kind of dumb, the music he puts them to varies wildly! Cuts like "Longer" (big airplay!) and "Heart Hotel" are rather typically sappy radio-friendly fodder, but then... He hits you with great tunes like the title cut, and even more so "Face the Fire" (w/Joe Walsh on guitar!). The last tune rocks out to a major degree, and would make the album worth buying even if the rest of it sucked (it doesn't). I call this his 2nd best because I like "High Country Snows" much better, but then again, that one's more traditional country/bluegrass tunes, which I'm bit more partial to than I am rock.
Phoenix Rising
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • They can still do it.
  • Amazing because of their " HARMONIES"
  • outstanding because of Theo
  • Love it from beginning to end
  • A fitting hodgepodge of Temptations styles
 Phoenix Rising
The Temptations
Manufacturer: Motown
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. For Lovers Only
  2. Ear-Resistible
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  5. To Be Continued...

ASIN: B000009QLT
Release Date: 1998-08-18

Tracks:

  1. Hereafter (Interlude)
  2. Stay
  3. False Faces
  4. How Could He Hurt You
  5. I'm Calling You (Interlude)
  6. This Is My Promise
  7. My Love
  8. Tempt Me
  9. If I Give You My Heart
  10. Take Me In Your Arms
  11. That's What Friends Are For
  12. Just Like I Told You
  13. Stay (Remix)

Amazon.com

"The legend continues," writes the only remaining "real" Temptation Otis Williams in this CD's thank-you notes. There is little here besides his survival and the group name to connect this to the classic lineups' prodigious achievements, however. Phoenix Rising lived up to its title by becoming a hit in 1998, yet it sounds more like Babyface leftovers sung by Take 6 than anything deserving of carrying the once-mighty Tempts' handle. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars They can still do it........2005-09-30

This is a refreshing new sound and direction for the Temptations. But as always, it's good as usual. Theo Peoples is great in the lead on " Stay " and yes it is him. I saw Theo recently singing lead for the Four Tops and at some point, near the end of one of the songs he was leading, he threw in a line from " This is my promise " . I was floored. It was at that point that I knew that it was him on all leads, where many of us thought it was Barrington "Bo " Henderson, on this incredible album. Having sang in a singing group myself, I am well aware of the different vocal textures possessed by various singers. I know it's Theo's voice. Believe me, it's Theo and not " Bo ". If you don't believe me, go see the Four Tops as soon as possible, and you'll realise it's him too. Anyway, all of the songs on this cd are great. We all know they're not the original leads, but this is great singing-period. We know they can't compare to the original five, so why should we? We should assess this collection of Temptations on their own merit-period. This is how they should be assessed. It's a great CD.

5 out of 5 stars Amazing because of their " HARMONIES".......2005-08-09

This cd is tight because of it's harmonies, not just because of Theo Peoples. And contrary to what Rickey Wright had to say, this cd sounds like the Tempts, not like Take 6.He must not have heard "Everybody Needs Love"just listen to when The Tempts sing the part {Wanna Be Kissed} from Everybody Needs Love, it's sung in the same tone as {Let Me Be Your Man} from "Stay".And how the original Tempts harmonized on "The Way You Do The Things You Do" in those deep voices, repeating "The Way You Do The Things You Do"just like the newer Tempts did on Stay Til The Morning Baby Rock Me Girl Like I Wanna Rock You.It's sung in the same deep tone.Modern day studios are way better than the old studios,that might be another reason why he said it didn't sound like the Tempts, but it seems like some people don't know that singing in a modern day studio is totally different from singing in a old studio. As time went on studios improved dramatically from the 60's to the 90's and up until today. The newer studios also have better microphones, everything concerning the studio is better today. But anyway, this cd is a must have, the harmony is great, as soon as you put in the cd it's amazing. If you're thinking about buying it, stop thinking and just buy, I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Somebody said The original Tempts never sounded better collectively. I disagree, "The Way You Do The Things You Do","Message From A Blackman"from The Puzzle People Album is proof that they did, as well as "Dream Come True",","The Little Drummer Boy","SIlver Bells","I Heard It Through The Grapevine" from the cloud nine album,(turn down your right speaker to just hear the vocals from the left speaker on "I Heard It Through The Grapevine)."Gonna Keep On Tryin Til I Win Your Love" from The Sky's The Limit Album. All of the acapella versions off of the new DVD and especially the acapellas of You're My Everything, Just My Imagination, Cloud Nine and Ball of Confusion prove that there's nothing like The original Tempts. Their version of "You Can Depend On Me" and " I Gotta Know Now", "Try To Remember" , "Hello Young Lovers" and "Psychedelic Shack" live.{Psychedelic shack That's Where It's At- deep voiced harmonies again.} I gotta say You Can Depend On Me again. You Can De, then you hear the bass on "pend", come on, the classic 5 is untouchable, but I respect your opinion.

Temptations forever

5 out of 5 stars outstanding because of Theo.......2004-03-10

This is a wonderful CD due most in part
to the outstanding vocals of Theo Peoples
on Stay, This is My Promise, and If I Give You
My Heart. Although he is not credited on this
CD for his contributions his efforts should not
go unnoticed. He is my favorite Temptation and
now a member of the Four Tops. If you ever have
a chance to see him in concert don't pass it up.

5 out of 5 stars Love it from beginning to end.......2003-10-03

This is a great album. I've always loved the Temptations and this CD does not disappoint.

5 out of 5 stars A fitting hodgepodge of Temptations styles.......2003-07-09

Released to coincide with the Otis Williams' book, as well as the highly rated NBC biopic, "Phoenix Rising" is an appropriate title for an album that, like the mythical bird, represents a re-emergence of the legendary group. With Williams as the only surviving member of the original quintet, by the time of the album's 1998, many feel that the "Temps" glory days were behind them.

Boy, were (and are) they wrong!

The disc has enough of the "old" and enough of the "new" to satisfy old school purists and R & B novices.

The album begins with a forty-four second "interlude" entitled "Hereafter" that allows the respective voice parts to shine. Following that is the hit "Stay", a song that pays tributes to the group's roots. "False Faces", cut #3, has an 80's feel about it while the fourth track, "How Could He Hurt You" is as contemporary as anything by R. Kelly or Brian McKnight.

"This is My Promise" is the stuff that weddings are made of.

Other strong cuts are the Freddie Jackson-sounding "If I Give You My Heart", the funky "My Love", and the heavenly "Just Like I Told You".

Melvin, Eddie, Paul, and David may be gone, but their legacy continues with the present incarnation, thanks to the tenacity and determination of one Otis Williams to continue the Temp's tradition.
Alphabetical
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • No edge....Not a huge problem
  • GIve Phoenix a try...
  • Comparing Phoenix
  • Very Good 2nd Album
  • ...still waiting for them to sing "I like girls who wear Abercrombie and Fitch"
 Alphabetical
Phoenix
Manufacturer: Astralwerks
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
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  1. United
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ASIN: B0001K634G
Release Date: 2004-07-27

Tracks:

  1. Everything Is Everything
  2. Run Run Run
  3. I'm An Actor
  4. Love For Granted
  5. Victim Of The Crime
  6. (You Can't Blame It On) Anybody
  7. Congratulations
  8. If It's Not With You
  9. Holdin' On Together
  10. Alphabetical

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars No edge....Not a huge problem.......2007-03-20

A bit down the page one user remarked how this album is missing that ever elusive "edge". I'm not so sure that Pheonix are aiming for any edge, I would venture to say that they are going for something "smooth". To me, these guys seem pretty deliberate with their delivery, and their lead singer, Thomas Mars, is good at what he does regardless of whether you like it or not. His voice is the aural equivalent of velour. By that I mean smooth and cheesy at times, but very pleasing. You must judge things in context. I wouldn't like his voice in anything rock or folky, but when you are listening to this mellow, laid back sort of funk, it is pure gold.

I like this album a lot and I absolutely love their newest album.

5 out of 5 stars GIve Phoenix a try..........2007-02-24

A musically inclined friend of mine let me listen to this group, and I have not been able to get it out of my head... I went out and immediatly looked to buy it. I feel like I've been missing out all this time, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE their sound. Being a HUGE Jamiroquai fan it has that vibe but it's a bit more mellow, and like another reviewer said it IS soulful. Definitley high up there on my list of favorites.

5 out of 5 stars Comparing Phoenix .......2006-11-02

Postal Service? Not a bit. Alphabetical was like having a smoke after a long day. It just makes you feel good. An aquaintance used to argue with me till red in the face that Muse and Radiohead sound the same. Not even in the same category. My poor guy remark of the day is, if your reading Abercrombie & Fitch for musical opinions, or anything for that matter, you are heading down a tiresome road.

5 out of 5 stars Very Good 2nd Album.......2006-03-15

Phoenix is one of my favorite bands because of the way that their songs make you feel. You feel better after just hearing a few minutes worth of their music. Alphabetical continues right where their first album United left off.

1. Everything is Everything- My favorite song on the album. Pop perfection. 10/10
2. Run Run Run- Another great song by this amazing French band. 9.5/10
3. I'm An Actor- A Darker sounding tune than the usual phenix song. Still very good. 8.5/10
4. Love For Granted- A slower song which has great backing vocals. 8/10
5. Victim Of The Crime- Another standout track by Phoenix. I like the lyrics on this one a lot. 9.5/10
6. (You Can Blame It On) Anybody- My favorite harmonies of the album are on this song. Great 9/10
7. Congratulations- An instrumental track which is pretty sweet, but i'm not gonna rate it because it is only a minute long.
8. If It's Not With You- Very chill track. Just soak it in. 8.5/10
9. Holdin' On Together- A disco sounding song which has good lyrics and cool synthesizer sounds. 9/10
10. Alphabetical- The title track is the longest one on the album and is very very good. It even has a hidden instrumental sequence at the end. A great way to end a fantastic album. 9.25/10

Phoenix is definitely the best French Pop band going right now. Their 3rd album comes out on May 15th of this year, get excited.

Overall: 9/10, 5 Stars

2 out of 5 stars ...still waiting for them to sing "I like girls who wear Abercrombie and Fitch".......2005-10-30

Yes, it's mellow, yes it's easily accessible.
Yes, these French boys know their electronica.
Yes, I can see how people can compare it to Postal Service.
No, that doesn't make it good.
The thing this album is missing is that elusive, intangible "edge"
Ben Gibbard's voice provides the edge for Postal Service, the little tang to help you swallow the sweet.
This is pure fluff, nothing more. Lyrically it's worthless. That's okay if the music can stand alone, but it can't. These guys' voices are so sickly sweet and overproduced, I couldn't see them anywhere else but on American R&B radio. They need to provide the tang but they are only more sugar. Too much sugar makes you sick. And sleepy.
If you want some nice nap music, some background for a coffee shop or an elevator, you've found your band. Sign em up.
If you want to be able to differentiate any one song from the last ten you heard, don't buy this album.

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ELO 2 [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Elliott Carter: Piano Concerto / Concerto for Orchestra / Three Occasions [Import]

Handel: Vocal and Instrumental Chamber Music

Angel

Geisha Lounge [Import]

Forgotten Gods

Corto Circuito [Import]

Hell on Earth [Clean]

Greatest Hits

Guitar Artistry of Walter Feybli & Daniel Erni

Hanx [Live] [Original recording remastered]

Fishing in the Spring Tides

Daddy's Home [Explicit Lyrics]

Gotta Have Musica Cristiana

Rough Guide: The Music of Cuba