In Through the Out Door [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
2005 Japanese standard jewel case pressing of Led Zeppelin's 1979 album. Features the same tracks and mastering as the US edition but includes an OBI and Japanese/English insert. Warner. 2005.

Tracks:

In The Evening
South Bound Saurez
Fool In The Rain
Hot Dog
Carouselambra
All My Love
I'm Gonna Crawl

Amazon.com

Though the band likely didn't know it at the time, this would prove to be the last studio record by one of the most famous rock & roll bands in the world. Drummer John Bonham died shortly after its release. Although nothing compares to early Led Zeppelin--and they lost many longtime fans in the late 1970s--this LP is nothing to be embarrassed by. They were quick to embrace and experiment with synthesizers, and while it wears a little thin by record's end (the synth-bloated "Carouselambra" and the slick AOR hit "All My Love"), it adds a certain majestic tone to the heavy-hitting opener, "In the Evening," and gives a rollicking good-time feel to "South Bound Suarez." Plant's howl and Page's bluesy guitars are in fine form on "I'm Gonna Crawl" and the lilting "Fool in the Rain" recalls the pretty numbers from their early career. --Lorry Fleming

Customer Reviews:

changes are sometimes good.......2007-07-15

In Through the Out Door has been the subject of mixed opinions for quite some time. True, the album wasn't regarded as a classic the year it came out, but over time I think people are slowly but surely beginning to realize the quality of the songwriting is pretty much on the same level that it used to be for the Zepsters.

My dad is convinced that "In the Evening" is the only song on the album that stands up with everything else the band had done previously. I might agree, to a certain extent. I mean, it's a really experimental type song that actually works well. "South Bend Saurez" is perhaps the most under-appreciated song on the entire album. It's SO catchy, I love it!

"Fool in the Rain" has a nice rhythm section and pretty good vocals too. It's the kind of vocal melody that grows on you, or more specifically, something you'll appreciate more when you're by yourself and listening to it on headphones. "Hot Dog" is just a short funny little rocker. "Carouselambra" is straight-up awesome because the sythns really give the song a futuristic feel, sort of like Michael J. Fox's first reaction upon entering the world of 2015 in Back to the Future II. It progresses into other themes that are equally as impressive. Maybe the best song on the album.

Everyone knows "All My Love" as being the famous ballad. We all know what the lyrics are about, and because of the importance of the lyrics, it's a very meaningful song where Robert Plant pours out his honest emotions. "I'm Gonna Crawl" reminds me of something Elvis Presley would do, had he been alive by this point in time.

Overall, good stuff. Worth owning. It's not a classic on the same level as previous Zeppelin albums, but by itself it stands tall.

atypical zep but still a classic.......2007-05-21

first, zep is one of the top 5 rock bands of all time, in this reviewer's opinion. though this, their last album, is not representative of the sound they forged in their earlier albums, in my opinion it is still a classic.

"in thru the out..." finds zep in a mellower mood, perhaps because they had matured, perhaps because of things happening in their lives, perhaps due to other musical influences [the advent of synthesizers, for one]. who knows. but this album still contains all the elements that made zep great -- the inimitable celtic-blues howl of robert plant; the masterful dynamics and production that marked all their work; the amazing rhythm section of bonham and jones; above all, the wide-ranging brilliant blues rock guitar of jimmy page. the songs still are primarily about love, loss, want and regret. and just the joy of rock n roll.

the texture of the music is still almost orchestral in its tapestry of sounds. the guitar playing, though more restrained, still runs the gamut from hard simple blues chords to intricate screaming solo's. the final two songs -- all my love and i'm gonna crawl -- end the album on a majestic, bluesy and masterful note. the latter in particular sounds like it comes the first decades of rock, but for plant's weary vocals and the powerful climax.

Led Zeppelin - 'In Through The Out Door' (WEA) 3 1/2 stars.......2007-05-21

Review no. 231. Originally released in the later part of 1979, I remember the very day this swansong of the mighty Led Zeppelin hit the stores. Myself and a few others planned on attending their concert in Chicago. But, of course their U.S. tour was sadly called off after the death of drummer Johm Bonham. Maybe not as great as Zeppelin's 'IV', 'Houses Of The Holy' or 'Physical Graffiti' (my personal favorites) but still a decent effort. Tracks that managed to make it to the late night 'FM staple play list' for at least awhile were the refreshing "In The Evening", "Fool In The Rain", the upbeat "Hot Dog", "All My Love" and the bluesy "I'm Gonna Crawl". Worthy of a place in your music collection.

4 1/2 stars-- A new sound for the band's swan song........2007-05-09

In the wake of punk and disco, Led Zeppelin in 1979 must have looked very old. For what would end up being their last album, "In Through the Out Door", the band responded by embracing synthesizers and new sounds. This may have had more to do with the dominant voice on the record being bassist John Paul Jones rather than guitarist Jimmy Page, who was absent for large portions of the sessions, but under Jones' guidance, the band produced perhaps their most unique album.

This change in sound is apparent from the outset-- the churning, ambient noise intro of "In the Evening" signals the change before cascading in a descending, sweeping dramatic riff that recalls the best of "Physical Graffiti". Topping off a great fierce vocal by Robert Plant amidst the keyboard swirl is a fantastic, almost blunting solo by Page. The rest of the record doesn't stick to this path though, exploring everything from a feature for Jones' boogie piano (the superb "Southbound Saurez"), an electric rock take on country and western (the highly entertaining "Hot Dog") and a couple absolutely fantastic pop songs (the lilting "Fool in the Rain", with a fuzz soaked solo from Page, the tender, synth-string driven power ballad "All My Love"). Along the way, there's even an extended cut ("Carouselambra"), that while it's long and melodramatic, manages to hold interest and a great blues closer ("I'm Gonna Crawl").

"In Through the Out Door" is probably not for everybody, it's a very different Led Zeppelin, but I've often thought it was among the best work they've ever done. Highly recommended.

Hey, she's my baby/Let me tell you why.......2007-03-16

A tough crowd, from all corners, has dogged "In Through the Out Door" for years and years, and I guess an album -- a document -- is ripe for the pickings through the eternities. The funny thing about all this "swan song" stuff is that Robert Plant, to just draw one of them out of a hat, was only 31 when this record dropped. Led Zeppelin played just about the best dinosaur rock ever made and then were made dinosaurs by the young, loud and snotty. Those folks too have come and gone -- Shane McGowan of the Pogues, is what? 49? last I read. Anyone who has seen the Holy Grail Led Zeppelin DVD sets released in 2003, knows it's futile to beef with hell's gods; they simply lord over the land no matter what the puny humans are up to in any given year. Compared to that stuff, which could easily be wrapped in gold and prayed over by the heathen rock worshippers that still lurk about in this fractured, screwed-up end-of-days world we live in, In Through the Out Door is thin gruel, indeed. But judged on its own terms, some very nice things are delivered. "All of My Love" was probably the only real pop hit this band ever had ("Stairway to Heaven" being a manufacture of fan favorite turning into tightening FM radio playlist staple; and "Whole Lotta Love" being more orgasm than song). That it doesn't sacrifice any dignity for the band is a pretty good point scored. "I'm Gonna Crawl," too, seems unjustly underrated in the canon -- an enormous, deep metal blues ballad tour de force by Plant that showed the band's ability to strip bombast (it's only not bombast compared to the rest of their work) while delivering a convincing emotional wallop. "In the Evening" is a conventional megaton blast that would have done well on "Presence" and there's also "Fool in the Rain," and the rest, well, doesn't do much of anything. So, that's two keepers, two pretty good ones and three that come along for the ride. Hence, three stars.

Average customer rating:

Out Through the in Door
Vanilla Fudge
Manufacturer: Escapi - Germany
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000MZGVEM
Release Date: 2007-06-25

Tracks:

Immigrant Song
Ramble On
Trampled Under Foot
Dazed And Confused
Black Mountain Side
Fool In The Rain
Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You
Dancing Days
Moby Dick
All My Love
Rock And Roll
Your Time Is Gonna Come

Album Details

2007 Album is a Tribute to Led Zeppelin. They have Reworked Such Zep Classics as "Immigrant Song", "Ramble On", "Dazed and Confused", "Dancing Days", "Rock and Roll", "All My Love", and More.

Average customer rating:

I waited for this for five years
Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE!
ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS
SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!
A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans

Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection
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ASIN: B00005R5UJ
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

Jesus Christ Superstar: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
Jesus Christ Superstar: Everything's Alright - Yvonne Elliman/Murray Head/Ian Gilllan
Jesus Christ Superstar: I Don't Know How To Love Him - Yvonne Elliman
Jesus Christ Superstar: Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say) - Steve Balsamo
Jesus Christ Superstar: Superstar - Murray Head
Evita: Oh What A Circus/Sing You Fools - Antonio Banderas
Evita: I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You - Elaine Paige/Joss Ackland
Evita: Another Suitcase In Another Hall - Barbara Dickson
Evita: Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
Evita: High Flying, Adored - Mandy Patinkin/Patti LuPone
Cats: The Jellicle Ball - Andrew Lloyd Weber
Cats: Memory - Elaine Paige
Cats: Gus: The Theatre Cat - Susan Jane Tanner/John Mills
Cats: Mr Mistoffelees - Paul Nicholas
Song And Dance: Take That Look Off Your Face - Marti Webb
Song And Dance: Tell Me On A Sunday - Marti Webb
Song And Dance: Unexpected Song - Sarah Brightman
Song And Dance: Nothing Like You've Ever Known - Sarah Brightman
Song And Dance: Introduction - Andrew Lloyd Webber
Song And Dance: Variations 1 -4 - Andrew Lloyd Webber

Tracks:

Starlight Express: Starlight Express - El Debarge
Starlight Express: Crazy - Greg Ellis/Reva Rice/Caron Cardelle/Samantha Lane/Voyd
Starlight Express: Next Time You Fall In Love - Reva Rice/Greg Ellis
Starlight Express: I Am The Starlight - Lon Satton/Ray Shell
Starlight Express: Light At The End Of The Tunnel - The Company
Requiem: Hosanna - Placido Domingo
Requiem: Pie jesu - Sarah Brightman/Paul Miles-Kingston
The Phantom Of The Opera: The Phantom Of The Opera - Michael Crawford/Sarah Brightman
The Phantom Of The Opera: The Music Of The Night - Michael Crawford
The Phantom Of The Opera: All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Steve Barton
The Phantom Of The Opera: Entr'acte - Andrew Lloyd Webber
The Phantom Of The Opera: Masquerade - The Company
The Phantom Of The Opera: Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again - Sarah Brightman
Aspects Of Love: Aspects Of Aspects - Orchester Der Vereinigten Buehnen Wien
Aspects Of Love: Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
Aspects Of Love: Seeing Is Believing - Michael Ball/Ann Crumb
Aspects Of Love: The First Man You Remember - Kevin Colson/Diana Morrison
Aspects Of Love: Anything But Lonely - Sarah Brightman
Aspects Of Love: Chanson D'Enfance - Sarah Brightman

Tracks:

Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Any Dream Will Do - Jason Donovan
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Joseph's Coat - Maria Friedman/Richard Attenborough/Donny Osmond
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Close Every Door - Donny Osmond
By Jeeves: Travel Hopefully - John Scherer/Martin Jarvis/Don Stephenson
By Jeeves: When Love Arrives - Steven Pacey/Diana Morrison
By Jeeves: Half A Moment - Sarah Brightman
Sunset Boulevard: With One Look - Glenn Close
Sunset Boulevard: New Ways To Dream - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
Sunset Boulevard: The Perfect Year - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
Sunset Boulevard: Sunser Boulevard - Alan Campbell
Sunset Boulevard: As If We Never Said Goodbye - Glenn Close
Whistle Down The Wind: Whistle Down The Wind - James Graeme/Lottie Mayor
Whistle Down The Wind: Cold - Everly Brothers
Whistle Down The Wind: No Matter What - Children/Adult Chorus
Whistle Down The Wind: The Nature Of The Beast - Marcus Lovett/Lottie Mayor
The Beautiful Game: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
The Beautiful Game: The Beautiful Game - The Company
The Beautiful Game: Our Kind Of Love - Hannah Waddingham
The Beautiful Game: Dont Like You - Josie Walker/David Shannon
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Oh What A Circus - David Essex
Memory - Betty Buckley
The Phantom Of The Opera - Sarah Brightman/Steve Harley
All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Cliff Richard
Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
Any Dream Will Do - Donny Osmond
Amigos Para Siempre (Friends For Life) - Sarah Brightman/Jose Carreras
As If We Never Said Goodbye - Barbra Streisand
The Perfect Year - Dina Carroll
With One Look - Petula Clark
You Must Love Me - Madonna
The Heart Is Slow To Learn - Kiri Te Kanawa
A Kiss Is A Terrible Thing To Waste - The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra
Whistle Down The Wind - Tina Arena
No Matter What - Boyzone
The Vaults Of Heaven - Tom Jones
Try Not To Be Afraid - Boy George
Pie Jesu - Charlotte Church

Tracks:

Make Believe Love - Wes Sands
Down Thru' Summer - Ross Hannaman
I'll Give All My Love To Southend - Ross Hannaman
Believe Me I Will - Sacha Distel
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1969 Radio Luxembourg Commercial) - Joseph Consortium/Pete Murray
Try It And See - Rita Pavone
Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You - Time Rice And The Webber Group
Goodbye Seattle - Paul Raven
John 19:41 - The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra
What A Line To Go Out On - Yvonne Elliman
Disillusion Me - Gary Band
The Ballad Of Robert And Peter - Tim Rice
Christmas Dream - Maynard Williams
It's Only Your Lover Returning/All Through My Crazy And Wild Days/Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
It's Easy For You (1977 Jungle Room Session Version) - Elvis Presley
Magdalena - Tony Christie
Buenos Aires - The Roja Rockers
Pollicle Dogs And Jellicle Cats - Andrew Lloyd Webber
Mungojerrie And Rumpleteazer (Live At The Sydmonton Festival 1980) - Gemma Craven
I Could Have Given You More - Petula Clark
I've Been In Love Too Long - Marti Webb
Benedicite - The Stephen Hill Singers

Album Description

Disc 1: Selections from Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, and Song and Dance

Disc 2: Selections from Starlight Express, Requiem, Phantom of the Opera, and Aspects of Love

Disc 3: Selections from Joseph nad the Amaziong Technicolor Dreamcoat, By Jeeves, Sunset Boulevard, Whistle Down the Wind, and The Beautiful Game

CD 4: 1. "Oh What a Circus" --David Essex 2. "Memory" - Betty Buckleey 3. "The Phantom of the Opera" -Sarah Brightman, Steve Harley 4. "All I Ask of You" --Sarah Brightman, Cliff Richard 5. "Love Changes Everything"--Michael Ball 6. "Any Dream Will Do"--Donny Osmond 7. "Amigos Para Siempre (Friends for Life)"--Sarah Brightman, Jose Caerras 8. "As if We Never Said Goodbye"--Barbra Streisand 9. "The Perfect Year"--Dina Carroll 10. "With One Look" --Petula Clark 11. "You Must Love Me" 12. "The Heart Is Slow To Learn" --Kiri Te Kanawa 13. "Whistle Down the Wind"--Tina Arena 14. "A Kiss Is a Terrible Thing To Waste"--The Metal Philharmonic 15. "No Matter What"--Boyzone 16. "The Vaults of Heaven"--Tom Jones and Sounds of Blackness 17. "Try Not To Be Afraid"--Boy George 18. "Pie Jesu"--Charlotte Church

Disc 5: (All tracks available for the first time) 1. "Make Believe Love"--Wes Sands 2. "Down Thru' Summer"--Ross Hannaman 3. "I'll Give All My Love to Southend"--Ross Hannaman 4. "Believe Me I Will"--Sacha Distel 5. "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: 1969 Luxembourg Radio Commercial--The Jospeh Consortium, Pete Murray 6. "Try It and See"--Rita Pavone 7. "Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You"--Tim Rice and the Webber Group 8. "Goodbye Seattle"-- Paul Raven 9. "John 19:41"--The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra 10. "What a Line To Go Out On"--Yvonne Elliman 11. "Disillusion Me" --Gary Bond 12. "The Ballad of Robert and Peter"--Tim Rice 13. "Christmas Dream" --Maynard Williams 14. "It's Only Your Lover Returning/All through My Wild and Crazy Days/Don't Cry for Me Argentina--Julie Covington 15. "It's Easy for You" (1977 Jungle Room Session version)--Elvis Presley 16. "Magdalena"--Tony Christie 17. "Buenos Aires"--The Rioja Rockers 18. "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats"--Andrew Lloyd Webber original demo 19. "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" (Live at Sydmonton Festival 1980)-Gemma Craven 20. "I Could Have Given You More"--Petula Clark 21. "I've Been in Love Too Long"--Marti Webb 22. "Benedicte"-- Stephen Hill Singers

Customer Reviews:

I waited for this for five years.......2006-06-30

Between Amazone, Ebay and Napster, I don't usually buy CDs anymore, and I usually wait till I can buy them cheaper "new and used". When this set came out, I was excited, mainly by Disc 5, but wasn't going to spend $70 on it. I waited till it was cheap enough, and got it for Father's day this year.
It was worth the wait.

The concept is great. The packaging is great. The recording is great. Disc five is really cool for an ALW aficionado. There are a few real gems on it; my favorites are Petula Clark's "I Could Have Given You More" and "Benedicite."
I've always thought "Gus the Theatre Cat" made a great medley on the piano with "Unexpected Song" and "I DOn't Know How to Love Him," but wished there was an alternate lyric to match the other two songs. Now that I know there *is*, and it's a good lyric, it's a dream come true.
The melody of "Benedicite" is one of my favorites from _Sunset_ (the book mis-identifies it as "SUrrender"; it's actually "The Lady's Paying" and "Eternal Youth is Worth a Little Suffering"). The lyrics are the canticle from Daniel 3, which comes up every odd Sunday in the Divine Office, so it's nice to have cool music to sing it with.

I haven't bought _By Jeeves_ or _THe Beautiful Game_ yet, to it was great to sample them.

There are other parts of the CD taht aren't found in my collection. I like CD 4 "The Hits."

But the selections on CDs 1-3 don't make sense.

First, any self-respecting ALW fan has the Original London Cast of _Phantom_, so six tracks are totally useless. Why not draw from the Canadian cast with Colm Wilkinson? Or pull out some obscure recordings never published.

Why two different tracks with Michael Ball singing "Love Changes Everything", yet they're hardly any different?

On Disc 5 is "It's Only Your Lover Returning," sung by Julie Covington. It's an early draft of the song (Lloyd Webber and Rice went through several suggested titles) and quite nice. The very thing one expects on a Boxed Set.
So why have the Julie Covington "Don't Cry for Me" on disc 1?? The only difference is a few words, but it's otherwise identical. Why not Elaine Paige or Patti Lupone or Madonna?

The _Evita_ section is otherwise the best, choosing a sample from each major recording, though I'd have chosen slightly differently (as above).

There is a great selection of "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" from the Sydmonton festival, using the original music that was changed when _Cats_ went to Broadway_. It would have been nice if they'd included more recordings from Sydmonton, like the original lyric of "All I Ask of You" shown on the second DVD to the _Phantom_ movie.

With so many great actress-singers who've played Norma Desmond, why does the collection beat us over the head with Glenn Close?

Paul Miles Kingston must be set for life in royalties, for the number of albums the original recording of "Pie Jesu" has appeared on. "Amigos Para Siempre" is nice, but it reminds me of Shari Lewis's "The Song that Doesn't End," especially when it's been used on so many compilations.

In short, this is a great collection for the obscure material, if you can get it cheap. But for a boxed set, it's a poor sampling, drawn mostly from the most familiar recordings.

Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE! .......2006-01-10

Please beware they made a mistake on this. It's actually the shortened Ray Shell version of STARLIGHT EXPRESS from the original 1984 London cast - NOT the El Debarge single from 1987 like it says on the box. I don't know how they let that goof pass. Sorry to Ray Shell. Having said that, this is an outstanding compilation of Lloyd Webber's greatest hits.

ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS.......2005-03-21

Regardless of the fact that some of his latest efforts (most notably, The Woman in White) are disappointing, there can be little doubt that Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the greatest composers ever to work in the musical theatre. Ever since his "Jesus Christ Superstar" hit the stage in the early 70-is, it was clear that the conception and perception of musicals are never going to be the same again. Many of his songs became standards not only in the theatre history, but also as tops on the charts. Even though he's British, his influence on the shape of the modern musical theatre expanded over the West End boundaries long ago and has thus made an enormous impact on Broadway. Two of his shows ("Cats" and "The phantom of the opera") hold the record as two the longest running shows in the history of Broadway. He has also been the only composer to have three of his shows running at Broadway concurrently. Some of his awards include three Grammies, a Golden Globe, an Oscar and a bunch of Tony awards. But perhaps most of all, Lloyd Webber is responsible for bringing the musicals and the theatre appealing to the wide audiences, who in different circumstances would not consider seeing a musical. The secret of his success is probably the mixture of beautiful and catchy melodies, interesting subject matter (though some, like Starlight Express, are too thin) and grandiose staging.

Over the years many compilations of his work have emerged. In the late 80-is and early 90-is it was the "Encore" series and lately the one-disc collection called "Gold". The one in question here can be considered one of the best currently on the market. First, it includes a 3-disc selections from all of his shows, minus the latest one, i.e., "The Woman in White", which, considering the triviality of the score, is no great lost. The fourth disc covers some of his most known songs sung by the famous artists. Then, there is the fifth disc with previously unreleased material, most of which are the songs ALW wrote with Tim Rice for various artists during the 70-is. The disks are all neatly packed in a hardcover book that features 67 pages of pictures and text with information about each of ALW's shows. One of the other assets here is the perfect sound quality, since all of the tracks have been digitally remastered.

Here are my basic impressions and comments regarding the material on the discs:

* Disc #1 has the selections from "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Evita", "Cats" and "Song & Dance". The Superstar material mostly comes from the Concept Recording. Although the songs sound beautiful as always, their orchestration is a bit dated now. Only Steve Balsamo's "Gethsemane" from the 1996 revival cast has a modern rock sound. "Evita" comes with the material from all of the major recordings: London, Broadway and the movie productions, as well as the Concept album. No objections here; since this is one of ALW's most satisfying works, every song is just perfect, although Patti LuPone, the Broadway and overall the best Evita, is left with only a couple of lines. With the selections from "Cats", however, I have some doubts. A plus to the choice of the "Jellicle ball" impressive orchestral sequence from the 1998 movie version and "Mister Mistoffelees" from the 1981 London cast. One of the best known ALW's songs, "Memory", also comes from that album. It's a pretty version and Elaine Paige's rendition cannot be matched, but why include this when the definite version, featuring an 80-piece orchestra and Elaine Paige with much better interpretation, can be found in the same movie version. Thusly, one has to buy Elaine Paige's latest 2-disc compilation "Centre Stage: The very best of Elaine Paige" to get that one. And "Gus the theatre cat" is more a recital than a song, so there was not much point in including that. Marti Webb brings her vocal charm to the "Song & Dance" sequence, Sarah Brightman sings "Unexpected song" with her famous soprano, but as much as I like her version, Bernadette Peters, who was in this show on Broadway is strangely left out here.

* Disc # 2 starts with "Starlight Express". This was never one of my favorite ALW's shows; the plot is even lighter than in "Cats" and the 1984 original cast recording is terribly dated. Yet, here we have one terrific duet, "I am starlight" from the original together with three songs from the later revivals and it seems that fresh orchestrations were just the thing Starlight needed. My favorite remains a touchy ballad, "Next time you fall in love". "Requiem" is the most solemn of all ALW's compositions, written in 1985 to commemorate the death of his father. Placido Domingo's tenor rides together with the chorus all the way through the strong "Hosanna", only to be joined by Sarah Brightman in the final moments of this song. She then gives an echoing deliverance of "Pie Jesu". What can be said of ALW's next show, "The Phantom of the Opera"? A phenomenon in its own right, it's easy to see from the six numbers included here why this is one of the best and most beloved musicals of all time. The cast, the music, the story - everything is perfect. Although "Aspects of love" was never a popular hit, it does have some of the most beautiful love melodies ALW has ever written. "Love changes everything" sung by Michael Ball is probably one of the best tunes ever about love. The rest of the selected material here has a dreamy love flavor and the melodies find their way into your brain in the best Lloyd Webber way.

* ALW's first musical, "Joseph and the amazing Technicolor dreamcoat" was more successful in its revival form than the original from the 70-is. The three songs included here are sung by the show stars, Jason Donovan and Donny Osmond. Maria Friedman was not a lucky choice to play the narrator, as the track from the 1998 movie version shows. "By Jeeves" was ALW's only big flop when it came to the stage in the 70-is. The 1995 revival sounds much better though, full of funny numbers in the best manner of the musical comedy. "Travel hopefully" remains one of the show's highlights on this compilation. "Sunset Boulevard" comes next. "Sunset" remains for me one of Webber's best scores; lush and beautiful. I listen to the original cast recording with Patti LuPone all the time. However, here most of the songs are performed by Glenn Close. A big mistake. If you've ever listened the American premiere recording with her, you'll know what I am talking about. She may have a strong stage presence, but her vocal abilities are too limited, and her aggressive approach to the role lacks any subtlety. Therefore, the two big numbers from this show, "With one look" and "As if we never said goodbye" are ruined by the fact she can't sing. The same goes for the American Joe Gillis, who was played by Alan Campbell. Luckily, Patti LuPone and Kevin Anderson, the original Norma and Joe from the London production, make their brief entrance here with the "Perfect year"; enough to show how better they are. The funny thing is, on the jacket and inside of it, Glenn Close and Alan Campbell are credited as performers in this song as well. If this was a mistake on ALW's part, it was a good one. The next ALW's show, "Whistle down the wind" was never a critic's dear and yet the audiences rushed in to see it in London. The score brings back ALW to his rock and roll roots of the seventies and the story is quite interesting. But the selections here are not the happiest, since the cast recording boasts with much better songs. And finally, "The Beautiful Game". Again, we have one of those ALW's shows that is worth in its individual parts rather than as a whole. "Our kind of love" and "Let us love in peace" are two catchy ballads. The latter is a nice amalgam version not available elsewhere. The two other tracks here I could live without.

* Disc # 4 has the songs from all the above shows performed by different artists. The assembled tracks have their pros and cons. For example, we have some previously unreleased stuff, like Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's operettic rendition of "The heart is slow to learn", or a stunning and epic "A kiss is a terrible thing to waste" from "Whistle down the wind", performed by The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra. Then again, what was the point in including almost identical tracks as the ones on the previous disks? So we have Michael Ball again singing "Love changes everything" with only a bit different orchestration; Sarah Brightman comes out again with the same Phantom duets, but only with the different male singers. It would be much more appropriate to include tracks from the Toronto Cast of the Phantom, with Colm Wilkinson. Other pop deliverances (Tina Arena's "Whistle down the wind", Barbra Streisand's "As if we never said goodbye", Boyzone's "No matter what" and many more) were wisely chosen. Patti LuPone is again nowhere to be found and Petula Clark's "With one look" sounds too worn-out.

* The last disc is probably the one that will be of most interest to Lloyd Webber aficionados. It consists of entirely previously unreleased material ALW for the most part wrote for various artists during his early years, with Tim Rice. Some of these tunes, not successful as a singles, were later used in his shows. Thus "Down thru' summer" became "Buenos Aires"in Evita, "Try it and see", an unsuccessful attempt for the Eurovision was used for "King Herod's song" in "Superstar" and so on. Some of these songs are nicely made pop songs: "Make believe love", ALW's first recorded composition, for which he provided the lyrics; "Goodbye Seattle", sung by Paul Raven, who later became Gary Glitter; "Come back Richard, your country needs you", from a never made musical, sung here by Tim Rice, or Latin flavored "Magdalena", with Tony Christie singing. My all time favorite here is a song called "It's easy for you", sung by none other than Elvis Presley himself. Lloyd Webber and Rice sent him a demo recording that he accepted and recorded this live version a couple of weeks before he died. It's amazing to hear how his voice remained in the perfect shape. Also, there is a track of Andrew Lloyd Webber singing "Policle dogs and Jellicle cats" while plying the piano. His voice doesn't sound bad at all.

Taken as a whole, this compilation makes a perfect birthday or Christmas present to any fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber shows, or just anybody interested in some of the best tunes from the modern era of the musical theatre; despite the flaws I mentioned above. To the former, it may just be the final addition for the Andrew Lloyd Webber collection.

SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!.......2003-01-19

"Evita." "Sunset Blvd." "Starlight Express." "Jesus Christ Superstar." "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." "Requiem." "Aspects of Love." The man who is the most recognized composer in the history of the musical theatre, the man who has won more Tonys than any other composer, the man who boasts the best-selling show of all time ("The Phantom of the
Opera") and the longest-running show of all time ("Cats"), the man whose homes are filled with three Grammys, five Oliviers, a Golden Globe, and Oscar and too many other honors and hosannas to mention, the man knighted in 1992 certainly doesn't need an introduction. Now Decca Broadway pays tribute to Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber with "Now and Forever," a spectacular 5-CD set compiled and produced by Sir Andy himself. It's cheaper than a
ticket to "The Producers" ... and more much exciting. This treasure trove contains highlights from all of Webber's shows, and a bonus disc of tunes sung by Betty Buckley, Barbara
Streisand, Jose Carreras, Boy George, Charlotte Church, Madonna, Tom Jones, Petula Clark, even Elvis! A must for lovers of theatre---and good music.

A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans.......2002-05-21

This five-CD collection of Andrew Lloyd Webber's career is fantastic. It leaves virtually no stone unturned. I have no doubt that diehard Webber fans will love this, especially for the 5th disc entitled "From the Vaults." This disc alone is worth the price as it contains tunes never before heard by the typical fan. Who knew Elvis did a Lloyd Webber tune?!? I didn't! Also the tune "Benedictine" which the composer wrote for his most recent marriage is not only pretty, but it has the same medley as "The Lady's Paying" from "Sunset Blvd." which I found highly enjoyable. Another great track is the composer himself singing a cut song from "Cats" entitled "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats" which has the same tune as "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats," but to hear Sir Andrew sing is a blast...he sounds a lot like Al "Year of the Cat" Stewart.
The cuts from the musicals are great but are likely owned by ALW fans as they are on the original cast albums. And I'm glad that there were tunes included from the composers most recent efforts which have yet to make it beyond London (Whistle Down the Wind, Beautiful Game).
My only complaint is the inclusion of way too many tracks by Sarah Brightman. She must've received a great divorce settlement that included having tunes on any ALW collection until the end of time!! Her interpretations of some of the tunes were limp and uninspired. I would've much rather heard casts from around the world rather than yet another song by this disdainful soprano! How about Colm Wilkinson's version of "Music of the Night" from the original Canadian cast of "Phantom"? Or Michael Crawford's version of "Unexpected Song"? What? No Betty Buckley from "Sunset Blvd."? And of course there are songs you KNOW are going to be on the collection before you even listen to it as they have been on EVERY ALW collection for the past decade or so.
A great collection but too much Sarah Brightman!

Average customer rating:

Mini Lp Serie

In Through the Out Door
Led Zeppelin
Manufacturer: Wea International
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Presence
Led Zeppelin II
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Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin IV

ASIN: B00005J8J5
Release Date: 2005-10-04

Tracks:

In the Evening
South Bound Saurez
Fool in the Rain
Hot Dog
Carouselambra
All My Love
I'm Gonna Crawl

Album Description

UK remastered reissue of 1979 album, packaged in a limited edition miniature LP sleeve with original album artwork including brown bag slipcover. 7 tracks. Warner. 2003.

Album Details

Limited Edition Issue of the Album Classic in a Deluxe, Miniaturized LP Sleeve Replica of the Original Vinyl Album Artwork.

Customer Reviews:

Mini Lp Serie.......2006-07-15

The package of this Mini_Lp is MADE IN JAPAN for UK and Germany market. The Own CD is Made in Germany, the excelent remastered sound is the same than JAPANESE version, only fault in UK version a booket with lyrics, and the Japanese versions came lyrics both japanese & English version.
But in all, the UK Remasters are excelents, the serie includes all albums by Led Zeppelin, and the Uk version have a low price too. If you want Cds with OBI & lyrics inserts, look for the japanese versions, the quality of the sound is the same and cardboard sleeve is superb! Highly recommended!

Average customer rating:

Not classic Led Zeppelin - still a great album though

In Through the Out Door
Led Zeppelin
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Led Zeppelin

ASIN: B00000DOYL
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

In the Evening
South Bound Saurez
Fool in the Rain
Hot Dog
Carouselambra
All My Love
I'm Gonna Crawl

Customer Reviews:

Not classic Led Zeppelin - still a great album though.......2005-11-11

In Through The Out Door (1979.), Led Zeppelin's eighth studio album

Led Zeppelin, through the course of the 1970's, established themselves as the biggest rock n' roll band in the world. Classic albums such as Led Zeppelin IV and Houses of the Holy were massive hits, selling records in their thousands. However, problems were to hit the band in the 2 years after the release of Presence, in 1976. The death of Plant's son Karac in 1977 put a stop to any touring and any imminent studio recording and also, Jimmy Page's drug addiction reached it peak during this time, and his usual musical creative output became minimal. However, by late 1978, the band were stable enough to gather material and begin recording their new album, which took place at the Polar Studios in Sweden. The resulting album from this was 'In Through The Out Door'. As with any Led Zeppelin album, the album sold very well however, it was met by a mixed response which has led to it being one of the band's more criticised albums.

'In Through The Out Door' is a significant departure from the band's musical stylings that came before it. However, it is because of this that we must consider the band in perspective. With Page's output being much less for this album, the band needed a new songwriter to step to the fore. This appeared in the form of John Paul Jones. Co-writing all but one of the songs, he gives the songs major keyboard presence and was quick to experiment with synthesizers, with mixed results. In some areas, it works excellently well, such as in 'In The Evening' and 'South Bound Suarez' however at the same time it has its bloated moments in 'Carouselambra' and wares a bit thin later on in the album. Still though, 'In Through The Out Door' is still a great album which saw the veteran rock band keeping pace with the new generation of punk upstarts by ironically toning things down. The album is typical latter career Zeppelin in terms of experimentation. The band were quick to use synthesizers and also try out different styles such as a Latin beat in 'Fool In The Rain'. There are weak aspects to this album but at the same time it has plenty of great moments and you have to take your hat off to the band for trying new things. Plant's vocals and indeed his lyrical writing is strong throughout, JP Jones has major roles on most songs, Bonham's drumming is awesome and Page's guitar play, albeit muted in parts, still has great moments.

Led Zeppelin's final album begins with what for me is the strongest track on the work and one of the band's best songs. The eerie opening to 'In The Evening' with guitar swirl is brilliant and it leads into a classic rock song. Plant's cocky vocals, aimed at letting the 'punk pretenders' know who was boss are apt for the song. JP Jones' keyboard use gives the song a bright and powerful tone and Page's riffing is great on this song. His solo is brilliant; he makes his guitar sound like a motorbike starting up in parts - phemoninal.! Following this great track is 'South Bound Suarez' which is an upbeat piano styled rocker with plenty of great harmonies. 'Fool In The Rain' follows; a bit commercial and poppy, this is none the less a great catchy tune. The Latin beat is great and the section where the music breaks into some kind of tango is clever. Bonham's drumming is worth a listen on the song also. Closing the first half of the album is perhaps the works weakest track in 'Hot Dog'. An interesting rocker-billy styled song that I can only listen to every so often.

Opening the second half of the album is the epic 'Carouselambra'. This 10 minute track is a little more low-key than past epics and the synthesizer does get a bit bloated. Still, its a very good song in parts with some diverse sections and an atmospheric part with some shreiking guitar work from Page. Still though, you feel as though this track could have been cut down by at least 3 minutes. Next is Plant's tribute song to his dead son with 'All Of My Love'. The style is somewhat smaltzy, due to the keyboard intergration but on the whole the band's style is beautifully understated and Plant's vocals are heartfelt. The synthesizers continue with 'I'm Gonna Crawl'. A slow and bluesy performance with some more powerful Plant vocals. Again, a lot of synthesizer although it works pretty well in this track.

Overall, this is a very good album from Led Zeppelin. A few experimental slips but a great effort none the less. Still though, Led Zeppelin's new sound was distinctly slicker and more understated than on previous albums. No-one new at the time, but this was to be the band's last album, with the tragic death from asphyxiation of drummer genius John Bonham a year later. Not desiring to carry on after his death, the remaining members disbanded. Resulting from this, the band left an untarnished musical legacy and they didn't linger on past their prime (although had they continued, I reckon they would still have had some more classic material in the can!). 'In Through The Out Door' is a great swan-song for the band and one they should be by no means ashamed of. Not the place to start for a Led Zeppelin newbie, this album is reccomeded to any fan of the band looking for more.

MY RATING: 7.5/10

A.E. Housman: A Shropshire Lad, Complete in verse and song

Average customer rating:

A.E. Housman: A Shropshire Lad, Complete in verse and song
Alan Bates , Anthony Rolfe Johnson , and Graham Johnson
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005S85Q
Release Date: 2001-12-11

Average customer rating:

In Through the Out Door

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000803CSE
Release Date: 2005-05-31

Album Description

2005 Japanese standard jewel case pressing of Led Zeppelin's 1979 album. Features the same tracks and mastering as the US edition but includes an OBI and Japanese/English insert. Warner. 2005.

Average customer rating:

Not classic Led Zeppelin - still a great album though
Brown Bag It,Jimmy!

In Through the Out Door
Led Zeppelin
Manufacturer: Japanese Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

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Houses of the Holy
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ASIN: B000094PYL
Release Date: 2003-05-13

Tracks:

In the Evening
South Bound Saurez
Fool in the Rain
Hot Dog
Carouselambra
All My Love
I'm Gonna Crawl

Album Description

Japanese remastered reissue of 1979 album, packaged in a limited edition miniature LP sleeve with original album artwork including brown bag slipcover. 7 tracks. Atlantic. 2003.

Album Details

35th Anniversary Re-issue Japanese Limited Edition in an LP-STYLE Slipcase.

Customer Reviews:

Not classic Led Zeppelin - still a great album though.......2005-11-11

Brown Bag It,Jimmy!.......2003-12-14

IN THRU THE OUT DOOR:
Originally released with the "Brown Paper Bag Gag" in '79,
this outstanding album showed the awesome range of Zep.
This also turned out to be their last "official" studio album.
(Bonzo died soon after,and CODA is just SwanSong leftovers)Tired of listening to their critics at that time, Zep simply released this album with no fanfare and literally wrapped it in a plain brown bag. This was very clever because it made this album appear even more mysterious than ever. "Fool in the Rain" even has a Latin feel to it. "Carouselambra" an epic! "In The Evening"
a classic track that is very moody and dark. Often overlooked,
this was Zeppelin at its peak. The Japanese version is also a rare find! No band in the world has been able to sound so good!