Serious Fun!

Track Listings
1. Come on Algernon    
2. Maternity    
3. Usherette's Blues    
4. Musical Chairs    
5. Pretty Plain    
6. Someone is Sending Me Flowers    
7. Christian Dior    
8. Summer is A-Comin' In    
9. Madeira, M'Dear    
10. Ill Wind    
11. A Word on My Ear    
12. A Farmer's Boy    
13. I'm Spending Hanukkah in Santa Monica    
14. The Masochism Tango    
15. The twelve Days After Christmas    
16. The Green-Eyed Dragon    
17. Lime Jello Marshmallow Cottage Cheese Surprise    
18. The Shape of Things    
19. I Never Do Anything Twice    
20. Tamara, Queen of the Nile    

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Jeremy Nicholas writes: "Phrases that chill the heart: ‘I want a volunteer from the audience.’ ‘Is this your car, sir?’ ‘Have we shown you our holiday snaps?’ Or how about "Tonight’s lecture is on the art of writing comedy." Go to that seminar and one thing you know for sure in advance is that you are consigning yourself to an evening devoid of any humor. Dissecting comedy, analyzing jokes or, in this case, comic songs, has all the allure of pulling off the wings of a butterfly to see how it flies. Setting off writing a comic song is rather like being your own crossword compiler, designing the grid, filling in all the squares, setting your own clues. No, it’s not, really. It’s more like taking a pile of kid’s building bricks and making a spectacular skyscraper from them. No, that’s not it either. But there are elements of both that are pertinent (a good word for seminars)." In other words, comedy (and comic songwriting) is hard work. Think of the last time you told a joke and it didn’t come off. The material was right but maybe the delivery was off. But remember the joy when the response was perfect: not only did they laugh, but you sensed the anticipation: this is going to be funny. And for this album, the anticipation certainly pays off. Anyone who grew up in the 1950’s and 1960’s will recall the wonderful humor of the works of Tom Lehrer, the classic HMV (Angel in this country) LP’s of Michael Flanders and Donald Swann. More recently we’ve seen how Stephen Sondheim and William Bolcom can easily move back and forth between the serious and the humorous. And just to prove that comedy can be serious business, we have the participation of Marc-Andre Hamelin, one of the most highly regarded concert and recital pianists as accompanist and composer, joined by his wife Jody Karin Applebaum. Her resume includes performances of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and St. Matthew Passion, Handel’s Messiah, to contemporary works by Stephen Albert, Heitor Villa-Lobos and Gorecki. Together they have performed in New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Canada, England and the Middle East. Together they have recorded music of Britten, Schoenberg, Bolcom, Wolpe, Weill, Satie and Poulenc. Here both they and you have some fun for a change!

Serious Fun!, Music, David Baker, Lord Gerald Hugh Tyrwhitt-Wilson Berners, William Bolcom, Wolseley Charles, Vernon Duke, Marc-Andre Hamelin, Sheldon Harnick, Tom Lehrer, Bruce Montgomery, Jeremy Nicholas, Fred Silver, Stephen Sondheim, Spoken Word, Donald Swann, Peter (composer) Winkler, Marc-André Hamelin, Jody Applebaum, Classical, Classical Artists, Classical Vocals, Miscellaneous, Miscellaneous Music, Miscellaneous Vocal Music, Unknown Genre/Unspecified Instrumentation, Vocal, Vocal Music
Serious Fun!
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A Trancendental Sense of Humor!!!!!!
 Serious Fun!

Manufacturer: Albany Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Bolcom, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Duke, VernonDuke, Vernon | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
ClassicalClassical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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  1. Marc-Andre Hamelin: It's All About the Music
  2. Blah Blah Blah and Other Trifles...
  3. Dukas: Piano Sonata; Decaux; Clairs de Lune
  4. Haydn: Piano Sonatas
  5. Jay Reise: The Devil in the Flesh and Other Pieces

ASIN: B0009OPMTQ
Release Date: 2005-06-01

Tracks:

  1. Come on Algernon
  2. Maternity
  3. Usherette's Blues
  4. Musical Chairs
  5. Pretty Plain
  6. Someone is Sending Me Flowers
  7. Christian Dior
  8. Summer is A-Comin' In
  9. Madeira, M'Dear
  10. Ill Wind
  11. A Word on My Ear
  12. A Farmer's Boy
  13. I'm Spending Hanukkah in Santa Monica
  14. The Masochism Tango
  15. The twelve Days After Christmas
  16. The Green-Eyed Dragon
  17. Lime Jello Marshmallow Cottage Cheese Surprise
  18. The Shape of Things
  19. I Never Do Anything Twice
  20. Tamara, Queen of the Nile

Product Description

Jeremy Nicholas writes: “Phrases that chill the heart: ‘I want a volunteer from the audience.’ ‘Is this your car, sir?’ ‘Have we shown you our holiday snaps?’ Or how about “Tonight’s lecture is on the art of writing comedy.” Go to that seminar and one thing you know for sure in advance is that you are consigning yourself to an evening devoid of any humor. Dissecting comedy, analyzing jokes or, in this case, comic songs, has all the allure of pulling off the wings of a butterfly to see how it flies. Setting off writing a comic song is rather like being your own crossword compiler, designing the grid, filling in all the squares, setting your own clues. No, it’s not, really. It’s more like taking a pile of kid’s building bricks and making a spectacular skyscraper from them. No, that’s not it either. But there are elements of both that are pertinent (a good word for seminars).” In other words, comedy (and comic songwriting) is hard work. Think of the last time you told a joke and it didn’t come off. The material was right but maybe the delivery was off. But remember the joy when the response was perfect: not only did they laugh, but you sensed the anticipation: this is going to be funny. And for this album, the anticipation certainly pays off. Anyone who grew up in the 1950’s and 1960’s will recall the wonderful humor of the works of Tom Lehrer, the classic HMV (Angel in this country) LP’s of Michael Flanders and Donald Swann. More recently we’ve seen how Stephen Sondheim and William Bolcom can easily move back and forth between the serious and the humorous. And just to prove that comedy can be serious business, we have the participation of Marc-Andre Hamelin, one of the most highly regarded concert and recital pianists as accompanist and composer, joined by his wife Jody Karin Applebaum. Her resume includes performances of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and St. Matthew Passion, Handel’s Messiah, to contemporary works by Stephen Albert, Heitor Villa-Lobos and Gorecki. Together they have performed in New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Canada, England and the Middle East. Together they have recorded music of Britten, Schoenberg, Bolcom, Wolpe, Weill, Satie and Poulenc. Here both they and you have some fun for a change!

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A Trancendental Sense of Humor!!!!!!.......2005-07-14

As an amateur pianist, I know how it is to play music of different styles for different occasions. I also have a slightly skewered sense of humor as well as a love of serious classical music. So on my shelves I have Dr. Demento as well as Mahler, Broadway Shows as well as Shostakovich. Marc-Andre Hamelin, one of the best pianist nowadays because he makes the most hardest piece of music sound easy, is married to Jody Karin Applebaum, a wonderful singer. They have recorded the Cabaret songs of Bolcom, Britten and Fredrich Hollaender and now turn their attention to comedy songs from many eras. Much of this repertoire is taken from Sarah Walker's Cd on Hyperion. Applebaum's diction is very clear and every song has a different mood and different voices and accents when needed. Comparisons between William Bolcom and Joan Morris are inevitable. Bolcom's "Lime Jello Marshmallow Cottage Cheese Surprise" is also included. The program notes are written by Jeremy Nicholas, who has provided us with very informative program notes for Hyperion CD's, and who has written some wonderful songs such as "Usherette's Blues" and "Place Settings". Tom Lehrer's classic "Masochism Tango" makes an appearance (which is also on one of Dr. Demento's greatest hits CD's).Hamelin's recordings and performances have one thing that many pianist's do not have-HUMOR (when it's needed, of course). Here, he gets to put it to good use, and you can tell that they're having fun. This is a live recording, so there is much laughing from the audience, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Hamelin keeps suprising me with his CD's and repertoire choices, and this is no exception. Let's have some more, please!!! (maybe Dave Frishberg, more Flanders and Swann?).
Emotions
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Emotions
    Marla Rosen
    Manufacturer: Marla Rosen
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Children's Music | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000CA3BPE
    Release Date: 2005-10-01

    Tracks:

    1. Emotions
    2. Happy
    3. Sad
    4. Fear
    5. Angry
    6. Excited
    7. Calm
    8. Tired
    9. Shy
    10. Outgoing
    11. Silly
    12. Sick
    13. Surprised
    14. Stiff n Stretchy
    15. Crazy
    16. Confused
    17. Hopeful
    18. Spiritual Soul
    19. All A Lonely
    20. Love

    Product Description

    EMOTIONS, the CD for ages 2-7, is the creation of a professional sound recording uniting some of Canada's and Vancouver's finest musicians. Children from the Bach Children's Chorus on the CD too! This sound recording is for pre-school and school aged children, ranging from years two to seven. The content of this magical sound recording is based on twenty songs, articulating twenty different emotions experienced by all ages. Through a musical enriching and interactive experience, the young child is lead on a journey through the realms of human emotion. The child is able to identify with the script of the characters in-between songs, since they are child actors, as well as connect with the music. The songs are simple and fun! Can be used for ESL, therapy or pure music appreciation! The EMOTIONS book will be available soon to accompany the CD!
    Serious Fun
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Plenty of fun for Knack supporters
    • Road Trip!!
    • A curiously dated album
    • The best the Knack has ever been...
    • A little musical backbone for a metalhead like me.
    		 Serious Fun
    Knack
    Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    New WaveNew Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Normal As the Next Guy
    2. Round Trip
    3. But the Little Girls Understand
    4. Re-Zoom
    5. Get the Knack

    ASIN: B000065CXH
    Release Date: 2002-05-07

    Tracks:

    1. Rocket O' Love
    2. I Want Love
    3. Serious Fun
    4. One Day At A Time
    5. River Of Sighs
    6. Let's Get Lost
    7. Can Trickle
    8. Shine
    9. Won't Let Go/Aces & Eights
    10. Body Talk
    11. (I'll Be Your) Mau Mau
    12. Doin' The Dog
    13. Down W/The Blone (Pts. I & II) (bonus track)
    14. The Spinning Song (bonus track)
    15. Nowhere To Run (bonus track)
    16. A Prayer (bonus track)

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Plenty of fun for Knack supporters.......2005-01-30

    I am a die hard fan of The knacks self titled album and was pleasantly surprised to get my hands on this CD. These guys still have that same edge and sound to Serious Fun. Some bands change over the years but the knack still have what initially made them more than one hit wonders as far as I'm concerned.
    The production and songwriting material is ace with classic knack vocal style and lead breaks with a catchy choruses just be aware the album requires more than one listen to grow on you. .


    4 out of 5 stars Road Trip!!.......2005-01-08

    The Knack's best, but largely unappreciated, album. I was shocked to see it go so quickly to "cut-out" in its first release on CD. Great to see its re-genesis with the Knack remasters. BY FAR, the best "road" disc you could ever take on a trip. The miles fly by as you bop maniacally in your seat. If you don't have this one--get it!!

    3 out of 5 stars A curiously dated album.......2004-11-06

    The Knack's first album, "Get the Knack," took elements of early rock & roll and updated them with the production values and musicianship of the late 1970s, creating an instantly recognizable and yet original sound. By their breakup in '81, the Knack had broadened their musical inspiration into the extremely varied and powerful "Round Trip." Both of these albums are timeless -- though inspired by sounds of earlier eras, they could have been recorded yesterday. So I was surprised to find that their first reunion album, "Serious Fun" is stuck in the late 1980s, despite having been released in 1991. The songs are very well crafted, and impeccably played, making for a generally enjoyable listen. Doug Feiger's voice is terrific, Burton Averre's guitar work likewise. Unfortunately, the equally masterful rhythm section is trapped by the uniformly moderate tempos and predictable beats that dominated late '80s rock. It's almost painful for me to hear a bass virtuoso like Prescott Niles playing this kind of music -- there's simply no room for him to shine. If you thought rock & roll really started to hit its stride with "St. Elmo's Fire" and then reached its ultimate embodiment in Bon Jovi, then you should buy this album immediately. For everyone else, this will probably be a surprisingly listenable reminder of a time you would rather forget.

    3 out of 5 stars The best the Knack has ever been..........2002-12-03

    Aside from "Get the Knack" (after which came their second and most dismal release), "Serious Fun" is a straight-forward guitar-driven rock-and-roll album. "Rocket O' Love" and "I Want Love," with their catchy vocals and excellent guitar work, are well worth the price of the album. The rest is mostly average work, (with some notable exceptions, such as "The River of Sighs") with the same glossy melodies.

    It is a far cry from their first album, but that's not necesarrily (sp:?) bad. Altogether, the sound is more hardcore-rock, and the production is very polished. The vocals are dead-on, and put together very well. In the same vein, the songwriting is also far superior to their two previous albums (and way better then that of the preceeding album, which was lackluster at best).

    So, to sum it all up, the songs either smoke, or they're so-so. You'll probably find three or four on there that you'll like, and the rest can be pitched.

    4 out of 5 stars A little musical backbone for a metalhead like me........2002-06-17

    Like probably everyone else I learned of THE KNACK through their monsterhit MY SHARONA (does anybody agree with me that the second half of that song is the best? With the incredible guitar solo and the intrumental bit).
    SERIOUS FUN was their early nineties reunion album and, as I understand, it was universally panned.
    I have to disagree with that though (why else would I be giving it four stars?). Sure, it isn't the best KNACK album and Don Was' production is a little bit to timely for that, but it's (serious) fun in it's own right.

    THE KNACK for me where always so good 'cause off their really hardhitting playing style (it's THE BEATLES meets punk) and their mastery off those same instruments (like I said, I'll always be a metalhead). But it's the amazing songwriting that's most important.
    There are some real gems on this album, like the title track, LET'S GET LOST and ONE DAY AT THE TIME. Best of all, there's bonustracks included.

    Buy the cd to find out!
    Still
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Still

      Manufacturer: The Eastridge Band
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B000CA37SU
      Release Date: 2003-05-20

      Tracks:

      1. Nothing Stands in the Way
      2. Oh What Joy
      3. Still
      4. God Be Glorified
      5. His Love Remains
      6. Worshiper of God
      7. Alive
      8. Satisfied
      9. Thank You Lord
      10. A Passion Lord for You
      11. We Exalt You
      12. You Alone Jesus
      Let's Get Serious
      Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
      • Hilarious, pointed, and insightful satire
      • I hate this CD
      • queso
      • WISH I WOULD HAVE PASSED ON THIS ONE
      • Comedy Rap with A Twist
      		 Let's Get Serious
      Party Fun Action Committee
      Manufacturer: Definitive Jux
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
      Experimental RapExperimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
      Pop RapPop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B00009Q99H
      Release Date: 2003-07-01

      Tracks:

      1. Intro - Party Fun Action Committee
      2. Mental Storm
      3. Whatchu Know Now
      4. Be My Lady Intro - Party Fun Action Committee
      5. Be My Lady
      6. I Shoulda Known
      7. Word Up? Intro - Party Fun Action Committee
      8. Word Up?
      9. Beer
      10. Chapstick Intro - Party Fun Action Committee
      11. Chapstick
      12. I Am...
      13. Peter Pan Intro - Party Fun Action Committee
      14. Peter Pan
      15. Back n da Diaz
      16. Outro/Here Comes the Rock - Party Fun Action Committee

      Customer Reviews:

      4 out of 5 stars Hilarious, pointed, and insightful satire.......2004-09-25

      This album is a work of genius as it mocks mainstream music conventions. Very witty and very funny. Somewhat brief and not exactly what many would expect from Def Jux but definitely innovative. Well worth picking up for genuine hip-hop connoisseurs.

      1 out of 5 stars I hate this CD.......2004-01-02

      This CD sucks. What a waste of money and time. I made the mistake of buying it, you shouldn't. I know it's Def Jux but honestly is Def Sux.

      2 out of 5 stars queso.......2003-07-31

      Party Fun Action Committee is Def Jux's first wack release in my opinion. Up until this one, their release schedule was flawless. I mean...I know this album is supposed to be joke, but honestly who is entertained by this other than the people that made it. When I spend my hard earned money on a CD, I expect to listen to it more than once. Blockhead is still a dope producer so, I'll give this 2 stars.

      2 out of 5 stars WISH I WOULD HAVE PASSED ON THIS ONE.......2003-07-31

      I bought this CD knowing I probably wouldn't like it, and I like it less than I thought I would. Half of this album contains stupid skits, and the songs just aren't very funny. The novelty wears off after the 1st couple of listens, the highlights of the album in my opinion are the 3 that Blockhead produced, "Beer", "Back in Da Daiz", and "Chapstick"(which is only like 40 seconds long). As MURS says, opinions are like rap careers, everybody's got one, but I honestly think the average 11 year old would find this CD a little childish.

      4 out of 5 stars Comedy Rap with A Twist.......2003-07-02

      My Brother Blockhead along with his pal Jar. have put together a fun and not at all serious piece of work. For those of you who like a little Comedy with your rap you will love this album. I
      think Blockhead and Jer. are at there best when doing full tracks and not skits. The best being Back In Da Dayz Witch if the labal is smart will clean up and put out to radio. It has smash all over it. Anyway If your in the mood for a laugh and are a rap fan and you want something a little differant this is for you. Being a member of the family my congrats. goes to Blockhead (my brother) and Jer. on a job well done! I only wish more rapers wouldn't takes themeseles so seriously.
      Serious Fun
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Serious Fun
        George Gruntz Trio
        Manufacturer: Enja
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        Bebop GeneralBebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
        Modern PostbebopModern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
        Bebop & Post-BopBebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B00000E7DB
        Release Date: 1993-06-24

        Tracks:

        1. Capricci Cavallereschi
        2. Autumn Again!
        3. Death March
        4. Cat-A-Dam
        5. All-Erigic Blues
        6. Mike-A-Mouse
        7. Fransco's Delight
        8. So: What Fun ???
        Serious Fun
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          		Serious Fun
          Lester Bowie
          Manufacturer: Diw Records
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          Avant Garde & Free JazzAvant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
          Contemporary Big BandContemporary Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music
          Jazz FunkJazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
          ASIN: B000001C2W
          Release Date: 1994-07-21

          Tracks:

          1. Papa's Got a Brand New Bag
          2. Smooth Operator
          3. Inflated Tear
          4. Butt
          5. God Bless the Child
          6. Don't Worry, Be Happy
          7. Strange Fruit - Lester Bowie
          Serious Fun
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            		Serious Fun
            Toscho
            Manufacturer: Inakustic Gmbh
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            GeneralGeneral | Blues | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Blues | Indie Music | Stores | Music
            ASIN: B0000082T8
            Release Date: 2002-07-15

            Tracks:

            1. Dinner At Woolfie's
            2. The Blues
            3. Something You've Got
            4. Oh Lord
            5. Route 66
            6. All My Tears Went By
            7. Goin' To Miami
            8. Let Me Love You
            9. Cleanhead Blues
            10. Saturday Nite Fish Fry
            11. Mara's Dream
            12. Spinning Wheel
            Serious Fun
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              		Serious Fun

              ProductGroup: Music
              Binding: Audio CD

              GeneralGeneral | Blues | Styles | Music
              GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
              GeneralGeneral | Blues | Indie Music | Stores | Music
              GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
              ASIN: B0000A1PVF
              Release Date: 2003-05-05

              Tracks:

              1. Serious Fun
              2. I Love You More Everyday
              3. Lick Train
              4. Pretty Girls Everywhere
              5. Quiet World
              6. Chicago Style
              7. Minor Attitude
              8. Don't Fight It
              9. A Real Romance
              10. Feelin' Good

              Album Description

              Serious Fun is an exciting journey through the infectious grooves written by two blues musicians that shows pure mastery of their instruments. From straight ahead Chicago blues shuffles to swinging arrangements, David Barrett (harmonica) and John Garcia (guitar and vocals) show how work can be fun, and how the serious work of creation and musical expression can be serious fun! Both artists show an astounding diversity in their playing, singing (John) and song writing skills, all very much true to the tradition of blues. With Harmonica, Guitar, Piano, Organ, Bass and Drums, nothing will stop your feet from wearing a hole through the ground you stand on!
              Dinosaur Dance Fun Songs on Serious Subjects
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                		Dinosaur Dance Fun Songs on Serious Subjects

                Manufacturer: Penelope Torribio
                ProductGroup: Music
                Binding: Audio CD

                GeneralGeneral | Children's Music | Styles | Music
                ASIN: B000CA3ZEQ
                Release Date: 2003-06-24

                Music Review:

                1. Sibelius Songs
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                9. The Hyperion Schubert Edition 36 ~ An 1827 Schubertiad / Banse, Finley, Schade, Dawson, G. Johnson
                10. The Rheingold Curse: A Germanic Saga of Greed and Revenge from the Medieval Icelandic Edda

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