A Matter of Life and Death [Live]

A Matter of Life and Death [Live]

ASIN: B00000EHA9

Track Listings

1. Ten Commandments of Love

2. Jody Like a Melody

3. Tanya Montana

4. If Only Your Eyes Could Lie

5. Need a Little Time off for Bad Behavior

6. Southern Star

7. Actions Speak Louder Than Words

8. Child of God

9. Wild Irish Rose

10. Matter of Life and Death

Tracks:

Different World
These Colours Don't Run
Brighter Than A Thousand Suns
The Pilgrim
The Longest Day
Out Of The Shadows
The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg
For The Greater Good Of God
Lord Of Light
The Legacy

Amazon.com

You've got to hand it to Iron Maiden. After two decades of recording and releasing albums, the British sextet still has its share of fresh ideas, something it proves once more on A Matter of Life and Death. The opening tracks "Different World" and "Brighter than a Thousand Suns" show, more clearly than ever, the group's progressive rock roots and its affinity for upsetting expectations about what a heavy record should sound like. But some of the material--"These Colours Don't Run" and the epics "Lord of Light," "The Legacy," and "The Longest Day"--also suggests that the band could stand to expand outside its comfort zone a little more often. By now we know what to expect even from the most unusual Maiden album and that familiarity ultimately sinks A Matter of Life and Death faster than any fad at the forefront of the heavy rock scene. At best the record shows the band is still vital, at worst it shows us that Steve Harris and company are coming up a little bit winded these days. --Jedd Beaudoin

Customer Reviews:

The Songs are Too Long, But the Album Is Worth Checking Out........2007-05-11

I love Iron Maiden, but I'm hardly a BIG Iron Maiden fan. This is only the third CD I've heard by the band (the other two being "Piece of Mind" and "The Number of the Beast") and considering that most bands from the '80s are has-beens and wannabes by now, it's nice to see that Iron Maiden are not only surving, but thriving. This is a 10-song album and I liked all of the songs. Loved 9 out of 10 of them really, but I'm giving it 4-stars for one major reason. The songs are way too long! I've always been a guy who likes his songs short and to the point. But there are some exceptions. I love Rush and The Doors, but if you're going to write a song that almost hits the 10-minute mark, it better be that long for a reason. Some of the songs on this album have no reason for being that long. The shortest track on the album is the first track "Different World" (4: 18); The longest track is "For the Greater Good of God" (9: 24). The only track under 5 minutes is the aforementioned first track. Anyway, onto more things. Singers voices naturally mature over the years. Listen to Chris Cornell when Soundgarden first started and then listen to him now. Sounds different doesn't he? This has occured with several artists with long careers such as Geddy Lee, Bob Dylan, Eddie Vedder, Robert Plant, etc. Since Bruce Dickinson is a vocal God, I was nervous to hear how he'd sound. Guess what? He sounds great! His voice sounds almost exactly the same, just a bit more nasally...But he still rocks! The opening track (despite being a little "cheesy" lyrically) is a great way to start the album. It's a great song, that could easily be a radio staple. The next track "These Colours Don't Run" is a very political song with a great guitar and vocal performance. Up until "The Longest Day" and "Out of the Shadows," it's a five-star album. These are the weakest tracks, but Maiden quickly regains momentum with "The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg" which is a little too long, but still is great. The next song, the longest, would be a 5-star song if not for it's 9-minute run time. It's a song that seems to be nine minutes long only so they can prove that they can write a song that long. They could have easily shaved off 3 to 4 minutes off of it. The next two tracks are good (except, also very long), especially the closer "The Legacy." Hardcore Maiden fans will be very pleased no doubt and so will newcomers, but this is a 10-song album. It should be 35 to 45 minutes. This album is 2 seconds shy of being 72 minutes long! You have to set aside a certain time of your day to listen to this album. It's got some great songs on it and I'd recommend you check it out. If Iron Maiden can still rock this hard all these years later, they could put out a masterpiece with their next album (if the songs are shorter). "Number of the Beast" is commonly considered their best album...They still have a chance to improve upon that one.

GRADE: B

Blown Away.......2007-05-01

Just when I'd written Maiden off, thinking there was no way they could come back after the somewhat disappointing Dance Of Death, they release A Matter Of Life And Death. Not only that, but the album has the same feel as Dance Of Death, but they actually accomplish the progressive feel without getting repetitive. This is the best album since Bruce rejoined the band, perhaps the best Maiden release since Powerslave.

The album kicks off with what at first seems to be a standard Maiden starter, with a fast metal riff and a verse reminiscent to that of "The Wicker Man." The chorus of "Different World" shows that this is a different world indeed, where Bruce throws away his trademark shriek for a more melodic tone. And somehow it works.

"These Colours Don't Run" has a verse that sounds like a chorus. Very catchy in that Maiden way we've come to know. Also has the accomplished progressive feel the band seemed to be aiming for on Dance of Death without losing the epic edge the band had on previous releases.

"Brighter Than A Thousand Suns" has a cool riff, but unfortunately goes on for a tad bit too long for my tastes. Also sounds a bit like a redone version of "Paschendale," except I like "Paschendale" better. Still a good track.

"The Pilgrim" is another good track that falls short of the excellent standard set by the rest of the album. Unfortunately, it gets swallowed up by the other tunes, so is not as memorable as it could have been.

"The Longest Day" begins with Harris' classic slow gallop and a haunting guitar riff. Dickinson proves yet again that his voice is as good as it ever was. "The Longest Day" is thankfully not too long. About five minutes into the song, the guitar takes off, leading into a solo reminiscent of early Maiden but still with the modern vibe.

"Out Of The Shadows" reminds me of "Children Of The Damned," and is a great song although the chorus does get a little repetitive. This time, however, the band keeps it relatively short (my main gripe about Dance Of Death is that the songs are long with the chorus being repeated over and over again).

"The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg" kicks off the epic four set at the end of this album. All songs at this point are over 7 minutes long. I really like the way the song starts, and when Bruce starts singing, you already feel like you've started on his journey. Then the Sabbath-like riff kicks in. Wonderful song.

"For The Greater Good Of God" is the longest song on the album, clocking in at 9:24. This song starts out sounding like it belonged back on the X Factor. Thankfully, Bruce and not Blayze comes in, and all is well. Bruce once again shows why he belongs with the mike. His vocal range absolutely destroys on this song.

Following that, there is "Lord Of Light," and on this track, Bruce actually sounds a bit like Blayze. But not for long. He starts screaming in true Dickinson fashion. This song could easily have been on Number of the Beast without sounding out of place.

The closing track, "The Legacy," is probably my favorite on the album.

Best Maiden album in years but hard to review.......2007-04-18

This is the album Maiden fans have been expecting since Seventh Son, but it's also the hardest one to review in the band's history. On the plus side, we see a unique and strong concept for the songs and cover (war and religion), a distinct never-seen-before-in-Maiden prog sound, inspired songs and an end to that repeating the same chorus to exhaustion that we saw in BNW and DOD. On the con side, the slowstart-getsheavy-endsslow throughout the whole album can get in the nerves and if the mood is not right you can't stand listening to it.

Xcept for the pseudo ballad Out Of Shadows, all songs are individually outstanding and capable of featuring on any Maiden album. And you have the impression that they will be even better and more powerful when played alive. But you end up wishing that some were shortened and started with a heavy riff for a change. On the musician side, stars are Bruce singing like The Prisoner with new tricks and Nicko drumming like Neil Peart. The rest of the band sounds strong as ever, but you wonder when they will do triple solos, since they have 3 G-men now, and why they did not allow Adrian to use the "commercial" inspiration that gave us Prisoner, Run To The Hills, Flight Of Icarus, Aces High, Two Minutes, Wasted Years, Evil That Men Do and The Wickerman.

Don't get me wrong, I love the album, but I end up listening to it less than BNW and DOD, because it depends so much on my mood (and a long commute) for me to really appreciate it. Well, here are the songs for a detailed look in:

DIFFERENT WORLD - one of the best openers for Maiden, joins the hard rock feeling of DOD's Wildest Dreams with the quality of BNW's Wickerman and a chorus from Thin Lizzy. 9/10
THESE COLOURS DONT RUN - starts the long prog pieces, great chorus, aggressive singing, the bridges between solos could be less dull. 8/10
BRIGHTER... - absurdly heavy riff from Adrian, will scare off some Black Metal fans, great lyrics, again agressive singing, a little repetitive chorus though. 8/10
PILGRIM - Egypt meets Maiden adds complexity , great guitar intro, second shortest song, Bruce kicks a**. 9/10
LONGEST DAY - you feel right into Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan's first 15 Minutes. This is awesome, a long proggy song, with emotional lyrics and singing that will send shivers through your spine. 10/10
OUT OF SHADOWS - downfall here. Joins Tears Of The Dragon with Wasting Love to a worse result than any of them. Not bad, but not on Maiden level. 6/10
REINCARNATION... - the most original single ever, and a great one. A slow deathly start with "enigmatic" lyrics, heavy and hooky guitar riffs, awesome Brucelike chorus and catchy simple solos. Need more? Personally, I believe that Benjamin Breeg is an alias for Eddie, ie, the band -> check the lyrics. 10/10
GREATER GOOD... - Best song in the album, a classic right now. Epic, singalong bridges, hammeringc chorus, you can't make it better no matter how you try. 10/10
LORD OF LIGHT - Again a great song. Slow and dark start, a heavy rock'n'roll riff starts a journey into the dark side of God, aggressive singing, solos all around and some guitar bending and vibratoes never sae in Maiden before. 9/10
LEGACY - mix of Medieval acoustic guitars, bombastic keyboard moments and some aggressive singings, but electric guitars are a little downplayed here. Great ending for the album and a nice innovation from Maiden, like DOD's Journeyman. 8/10

PS: check Saxon's new Inner Sanctum album, it's absurdly good.

Maiden releases best effort since Brave New World.......2007-04-11

Iron Maiden released their best studio effort since 2000's Brave New World, and their first studio effort since 2003's Dance of Death, entitled A Matter of Life and Death in September of 2006.
I, having been a Maiden fan since the release of Seventh Son of a Seventh Son in 1988, have been looking forward to anything new the band releases. Although 1990's No Prayer for the Dying and 1992's Fear of the Dark had their moments (guitarist Adrian Smith had left in 1990), the two Blaze Bayley albums The X-Factor and Virtual XI on the other hand were deplorable. Blaze sounded to me like Bruce Dickinson come David Lee Roth and not in a good way. I was relieved when Dickinson and Smith rejoined in 1999 and have since released three killer studio efforts.
This album once again features bass player Steve Harris, guitarists Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Janick Gers, drummer Nicko McBrain and the Air Raid Siren himself lead singer Bruce Dickinson. Also, the band reunites with co-producer Kevin Shirley who co-produced the album with Harris.
A Matter of Life and Death I liked right off the bat (like Brave New World in 2000) and immediately caught on to the songs and go away air drumming to them. The album has its war theme through out and the guys really have caught the emotions and feel of being in one I think.
The opening Harris/Smith penned rocker Different World is just smokin' hot and Smith can still play leads and Bruce wails like the singer he is. Next is the piece These Colours Don't Run and is going to be a Maiden staple along Brave New World, Hallowed Be Thy Name and many others. Brighter Than a Thousand Suns is next and is a powerful and well written epic length rocker (these two previously aforementioned rockers were penned by Harris/Smith/Dickinson). The Pilgrim follows, and no it's not about John Wayne, but about settlers and Gers co-wrote this track with Harris. The Longest Day is next and is a superb rocker penned by Smith/Harris/Dickinson with an opening you want to hear over and over again.
Out of the Shadows, penned by Dickinson/Harris, is next and is as close to a ballad that Maiden will ever get although it is still heavy. The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg (penned by Murray/Harris) is a killer track and the reason why I got the album. For the Greater Good of God, penned by Harris himself, follows and is another great rocker which just flat out rocks. Next is Lord of Light, penned by Smith/Harris/Dickinson, which is another great song and fans will love this off the bat. The closing nine plus minute epic The Legacy which was penned by Gers/Harris. The epic is a masterwork and doesn't bore you at all. The song will be another Iron Maiden fan favorite!
The Limited Edition of the album came with a bonus DVD which features a making of featurette which is over 30 minutes and also two videos for The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg and Different World and finally a photo gallery.
I acquired the album at Circuit City for $8.99 and got a cool poster which has the album's cover on it.
The album became the band's first album to hit the US Top 10 (peaking at #9) despite the fact the album had little to no promotion.
RECOMMENDED!

This is a good CD.......2007-03-27

Bruce is sounding a little hoarse, and the songs are a little too repetative for my taste. I don't think it has the spark of Iron Maiden or Killers. But I listen to this CD more than any Maiden release since Live After Death, and I like it better than Somewhere in Time or Seventh Son. Its consistent all the way through, unlike many Maiden albums that to my taste have 4 or 5 good songs and then filler. The songs are mature, well written, and fairly interesting for the most part.

Average customer rating:

Let This One Brew For Awhile
Their best yet
Maiden at their very best
A Matter Of Iron Maiden Ruling the Universe...
never a big fan

A Matter Of Life And Death
Iron Maiden
Manufacturer: Sanctuary Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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United Abominations

ASIN: B000H7JD4K
Release Date: 2006-09-05

Tracks:

Different World
These Colours Don't Run
Brighter Than a Thousand Suns
Pilgrim
Longest Day
Out of the Shadows
Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg
For the Greater Good of God
Lord of Light
Legacy

Tracks:

Contains interviews and two in-studio performances.

Customer Reviews:

Let This One Brew For Awhile.......2007-07-06

Much to the consternation of some fans, the band played this entire album in concert on the latest tour. This attests to how strongly they feel about it. This is the best all-around album of the three since Dickinson and Smith returned to the fold. All the songs, though lacking the immediate punch of say, "The Trooper" or "Aces High", are completely solid - not a bad one in the bunch. Sure, it isn't "Piece of Mind" or "Powerslave", but it isn't meant to be. It is the fourteenth album by a group of veteran metallers who are smart enough and daring enough never to repeat themselves.

Let the full flavor of this album come out. Given the proper amount of aging, the spontaneous fermentation will create a pleasing array of tastes for your palate. It probably won't grab you immediately. Don't expect it to hit you like a shot of whiskey. Savor it like a fine wine or a really quality beer. Like a cat trying to get into a closed box that holds the catnip, all the little nuances will claw their way into your brain, scratching and howling all the while until you're hooked. "For the Greater Good of God" in particular, is simply an awe-inspiring song. Easily my favorite track of theirs, post reunion, and arguably one of the best of their entire career, it is both traditional and custom-shatteringly gutsy, both fierce and sublime in scope (clocking in over 9 minutes). Man, that orchestral mid-section has me smiling and bobbing my head as the triple-axe melodies of Murray, Smith and Gers weave a wonderful web of musical brilliance. "Brighter Than a Thousand Suns" is my second favorite (another long one), for many of the same reasons.

Dickinson is still at the top of his game. And yeah, maybe the Air Raid Siren doesn't have quite the range as he did in 1982, but for a guy pushing 50, he sure gets dang close. And speaking of guys pushing 50 . . . what fountain of youth has Nicko McBrain been drinking from lately? Just listen to the drums on this record - does that sound like the drumming of a guy who pushed the big 50 BEHIND him 3 years ago? Has this drummer not aged incredibly, just like a fine wine? (See? There I go again with the alcohol theme. Man, I've got to end this review soon before I get drunk.) And of course, as always, you can hear the ever-present influence of bassist/mastermind/main songwriter/spiritual grounder Steve Harris threading its way through every song.

OK, so the big question in your minds: why only 4 stars? Well, again . . . it isn't "Piece of Mind" or "Powerslave". That is its strength, but also its weakness. A couple of these songs just can't compete with some of the classics. Also, I don't care much for the cover art. That being said, diehard Maiden fans should not be disappointed by this album by any means, and any casual listener of the group will also find it worthy of their attention.

Their best yet.......2007-06-29

A lot of purists might disagree but I personally think this is Maiden's best album yet. Well worth buying.

Maiden at their very best.......2007-06-26

When Iron Maiden came together again with Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith for the recording and release of Brave New World in 2000, metalheads around the world held their breath in anticipation. What they got was a fantastic return to the aggressive, creative song writing that has made Iron Maiden THE gods of the metal world for over 25 years.

Yet despite this brilliant comeback, the band managed to take a slight slide backwards with the follow up, Dance of Death. Although this record has some incredible moments, it did not contain the consistency and sense of urgency found in Brave New World.

And so once again, the metal world held their breath as Maiden prepared to release their third 'comeback' record, A Matter of Life and Death. What emerged was not simply a disc worthy of comparison to Brave New World. Rather Maiden may have released their finest work to date.

To call this album masterful almost sells it short. Every song stands on its own as a great piece. Yes, many of the themes are the same that have run through the veins of the Iron Maiden collection since day one. However, Maiden often demonstrates a more mature, leveled approach. The Lord of Light is a song about Satan, but not the pitch fork carrying, horns and tail Satan. Rather, Bruce dares to ask what life must really be like for the fallen one. Political observation remains a strength with the powerful Greater Good of God and Legacy.

The performances on this disc are impeccable. The solo on the first track, Different World, is everything we love about Adrian Smith. The measured, calculated notes are so well crafted you find yourself humming along. As usual Steve Harris delivers his signature bass sound with great riffs. He also continues to serve as the songwriting backbone of the band and there is no shortage of Harris masterpieces here.

As usual, the most underrated rock guitar player on the planet, Dave Murray, delivers his creamy, Fender strat sound and ripping solos. Always brilliant, but never pretentious, Murray always manages to surprise on a track or two. This is saying quite a bit when you consider this is their 14th studio album. Gers levels just enough restraint to leave you wanting more, but still manages to explode where appropriate.

Bruce shows he still has the pipes to front the greatest metal band of all time. Moreover, he continues to prove how adept he has become as a songwriter and lyricist.

But the real overachiever here is Nicko. In the past, Nicko has let the 'prog' rocker side get the better of him, occassionally overdoing it and sacrificing the rythmn. Not here. Nicko gives us the stripped down soul punching beats while managing to get in some well syncopated fills. And the snare drum sound. As a long time drummer, I salivate every time I hear it.

Plenty of folks have already broken down the album song by song. However, for any metal fan hiding under a rock who has not picked up this record yet, it is EVERY bit as good as Killers, Number of the Beast, Piece of Mind and Powerslave. If that doesn't sell you on this disc, you might as well turn in your metal card. Up the irons!!!!

A Matter Of Iron Maiden Ruling the Universe..........2007-06-04

Eddie and the boys are back with a powerhouse!! Superb playing, phenomenal singing, masterful song writing... everything you love about Maiden... all here!! I would argue this may very well be the best album they have put out since the late '80s.

UP THE IRONS!

never a big fan.......2007-05-26

i was never a huge fan untill this cd. although i have every cd they have made,i like piece of mind cd but this just blows that away. this is a very tight cd every song is great and i like the second half of this cd the best.

Average customer rating:

Not to be missed!!!
Great year one compilation
An Excellent CD
Fantastic Future Score
Space 1999 Year One Soundtrack Available Once Again!

Space: 1999 Year 1

Manufacturer: Silva America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Space: 1999 Eternity Unbound
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ASIN: B0006UEVQS
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Tracks:

Space: 1999, Main Titles
Breakaway
War Games
Matter Of Life And Death
Space: 1999, End Titles (Alternate Version)
The Infernal Machine
Force Of Life
Ring Around The Moon
Black Sun
Mission Of The Darians
The Troubled Spirit
Space: 1999, Main Theme (Extended Alternative Version)
The Testament Of Arkadia
Another Time, Another Place
Space: 1999, End Titles

Customer Reviews:

Not to be missed!!!.......2007-04-30

This CD is simply excellent! Anybody who ever cared for TV soundtracks should give it a chance. The only better thing is Barry Gray's music for "UFO" TV series, which has been promised from Silva Screen (and has been published by "Fanderson" and since sould out). So, whatever somebody think of the series, this music will not fail to delight. Impressive and nostalgic, mysterious and enthralling, this music really deserves to be heard by everybody.

Great year one compilation.......2007-01-09

This remastered version of Space:1999 year one or series one sounds excellent. It is very clear and you can better appreciate Barry Gray wonderful job.

If you are Space:1999 fan, it is a must have.

An Excellent CD.......2006-07-27

Talk about bringing back memories. The music is crisp-clear & updated. For the 1999 fans-this is a must have.

Fantastic Future Score.......2005-04-01

Space:1999 - the series - may be one of the most controversial SF shows ever. People either love it, or they hate it... there seems to be little middle ground. As a kid I was thrilled with the series, although even then I could see the weaknesses in science, story, and characterization. But from a purely visual and aural standpoint, the first series rarely disappointed.

Especially when it came to the music. As many fans know, Barry Gray scored only 4 episodes - the rest being rounded out by reusing his cues for those episodes, plus liberal doses of library music. This disc gives a good overview of the magnificent music written specifically for the series, as well as a sampling of some of those library cues. As a previous reviewer said, the ultimate soundtrack to the series was released several years ago by the Fanderson organization ( which one had to join as a member to be able to order ) and is sadly out of print. Copies can be found on the internet, often selling for prohibitive prices. Unless you are a diehard collector, willing to shell out a good sized portion of your paycheck, this single disc is the way to go.

Sound quality is superb, and in some cases surpasses the previously mentioned two disc set, as several of the tracks have been remastered to remove wow, flutter, and distortion that could be heard on the Fanderson set. The main title was remixed to make it truer to the on-screen version, and the tracks from the episode "Black Sun" are in stereo on CD here for the first time ever. The previous release featured the episode's complete score, but only as a monophonic version, as many of the multitrack masters for that particular episode have been lost. For that alone, this disc is worth owning, even if you have the Fanderson set.

However, it is Gray's music that is the true reason to own this soundtrack - regardless of your feelings about the series. Full bodied, sweeping, emotional and grand... not at all your typical seventies television soundtrack. Years before John Williams revived the popularity of orchestral scores for science fiction projects, Barry Gray was filling small screen speakers with epic music that would have sounded perfectly at home in a motion picture theatre.

Space 1999 Year One Soundtrack Available Once Again!.......2005-03-09

I give this soundtrack 5 stars only because the soundtrack is awesome, but if you want a more complete compilation, you need to find the Fanderson version.
The year 1 music definately set the tone for the TV show back in 1975. It gave it beautiful character and feeling for the show. It was ashame that for the second year that they had changed so much (even the music) and lost that character and feeling (but that is a whole other debate).
In 1976, RCA records released the year 1 soundtrack with a beautiful gate fold cover and for about 20+ years, that is all we had, until Fanderson. The year 1 soundtrack is no longer available through them, but it is the most complete. This CD, however, does well to capture the feeling of year 1 and does throw an additional track for you sun bathers out there. It is a nice 30 year anniversary gift to myself. Happy 30th Birthday: SPACE 1999!!!

Average customer rating:

A Matter of Life and Death
David Allan Coe
Manufacturer: Columbia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Unchained/Son of the South: Plus
Rough Rider/DAC Plus
Just Divorced/Darlin' Darlin' Plus
Castles in the Sand/Hello in There Plus
Tattoo/Family Album

ASIN: B0009DC00Q
Release Date: 2005-09-19

Tracks:

The Ten Commandments Of Love
Jody Like A Melody
Tanya Montana
If Only Your Eyes Could Lie
Need A Little Time Off For Bad Behavior
Southern Star
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Child Of God
Wild Irish Rose
A Matter Of LifeAnd Death
One Way Ticket To Nashville
Prisoner's Release
How High's The Watergate, Martha
Tricky Dicky, The Only Son Of Kung Fu
Here's A Song
Souvenirs And California Memorys
I Wonder If It's Raining In Kentucky
Seeing The World
Paranoic Hippie
Florida Sunshine
I Heard Oklahoma Calling Me
Daddy's Guitar
In This Land

Album Description

The last Columbia album from everybody's favorite country renegade, reissued with some AMAZING bonus tracks! Like, for instance, the track he recorded for Cabut Records in West Virginia while waiting for his parole to be up so he could move to Nashville (the appropriate title: One-Way Ticket to Nashville) And then there's his ultra-rare political single, How High's the Watergate, Martha, and some unreleased demos!

Red Shoes: Music From the Films of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, 1941-1951

Average customer rating:

Red Shoes: Music From the Films of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, 1941-1951

Manufacturer: Cd41 (UK)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Red Shoes - Criterion Collection

ASIN: B000068PVB
Release Date: 2007-03-20

Tracks:

Archers Ident
49th Parallel: Prelude
49th Parallel: Epilogue
Matter of Life and Death: Prelude/This Is the Universe
Matter of Life and Death: The Waiting Room/Washed Ashore
Matter of Life and Death: Prelude/Stairway to Heaven
Airman's Letter to His Mother: Narrative by Sir John Gielgud
Life and Death of Colonel Blimp: Prelude
Life and Death of Colonel Blimp: War Starts at Midnight
Life and Death of Colonel Blimp: Commando Patrol
Canterbury Tales: Prelude
Canterbury Tales: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor
Red Shoes: Prelude
Red Shoes: Ballet Music
Black Narcissus: Prologue
Black Narcissus: Composed Sequence
Gone to Earth: Prelude
Gone to Earth: The Tryst
Gone to Earth: The Hunt
Small Back Room: Composed Sequence
Small Back Room: Epilogue
Tales of Hoffman: Orchestral Tuning

Album Description

22 tracks. THE RED SHOES is a 74 minute collection of rare original soundtrack recordings from the classic films of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger (The Archers), made between 1941 and 1951. Those featured include: 49th Parallel (1941) Ralph Vaughn Williams (aka The Invaders) Stairway to Heaven (1946) Allan Gray (aka A Matter of Life & Death) The Life & Death of Col Blimp (1943) Allan Gray A Canterbury Tale (1944) Allan Gray / JS Bach Black Narcissus (1947) Brian Easdale The Red Shoes (1948) Brian Easdale Gone to Earth (1950) Brian Easdale (aka The Wild Heart) The Small Back Room (1949) Brian Easdale Tales of Hoffman (1951) Jacques Offenbach. As well as digitally restored original soundtrack music by the undervalued Gray and Easdale, this carefully researched CD also features a number of rare associated recordings, including John Gielgud's reading of An Airman's Letter to his Mother (1941), the lively quickstep Commando Patrol from Col. Blimp and A Canterbury Tale, and a superlative rendering of Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, recorded by Albert Schweitzer in London in 1935, also featured in A Canterbury Tale. The booklet features detailed notes on the films and their accompanying scores, and well as biographies of Allan Gray and Brian Easdale. The CD is a must for all with an interest in vintage film soundtracks and British light/orchestral music, as well as the dazzling vision of Michael Powell and his musical collaborators.

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British Film Music, Vol. 3

Manufacturer: Pearl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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British Film Music, Vol. 2

ASIN: B000058A00
Release Date: 2001-04-24

Tracks:

The First Of The Few: Spitfire Prelude - The Halle Orchestra/William Walton
The First Of The Few: Spitfire Fugue - The Halle Orchestra/William Walton
Spellbound: Theme From The Concerto - Queen's Hall Light Orchestra/Charles Williams
Henry The Fifth: The Death Of Flastaff - The Philharmonia String Orchestra/William Walton
Henry The Fifth: Touch Her Soft Lips And Part - The Philharmonia String Orchestra/William Walton
Odette: The Saga Of Odette - Charles Williams Concert Orchestra/Charles Williams
Desert Victory: March - Band Of The Grenadier Guards/Lt. F. Harris
A Matter Of Life And Death: Prelude - Queen's Hall Light Orchestra/Charles Williams
This Man Is Mine: Theme - Queen's Hall Light Orchestra/Charles Williams
Sleeping Car To Trieste: Sleeping Car Train - London Symphony Orchestra/Muir Mathieson
Sleeping Car To Trieste: Waltz - London Symphony Orchestra/Muir Mathieson
The Rake's Progress: Calypso - London Symphony Orchestra/Muir Mathieson
Wanted For Murder: A Voice In The Night - Eric Harrison
Hungry Hill: Waltz Into Jig - London Symphony Orchestra/Muir Mathieson
Esther Waters: Derby Day 1886 - The Royal Phil Orchestra/Muir Matheson
The Loves Of Joanna Godden: Romney Marsh/Joanna Godden/Sheepshearing/Work On The Farm/The Fair... - The Philharmonic Chorus/Ernest Irving
The Loves Of Joanna Godden: Ellen And Harry Trevor/Adoption Of Motherless Lamb... - The Philharmonic Chorus/Ernest Irving
Woman Hater: People In Love - The Royal Phil Orchestra/John Hollingsworth
Woman Hater: Dinner At Lady Datchett's - The Royal Phil Orchestra/John Hollingsworth
The Weaker Sex: Victory Parade Montage - London Symphony Orchestra/Muir Mathieson
The Weaker Sex: London Scene - London Symphony Orchestra/Muir Mathieson
So Long At The Fair: Carriage & Pair... Long Forgotten Melody - Charles Williams Concert Orchestra/Charles Williams

Average customer rating:

Yet Another Excellent Modern Prog Album
Can't agree with the other reviewers
Best of 2004
Great albums get better on every listen.

A Matter Of Life & Death
Manning
Manufacturer: ProgRock Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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One Small Step
Artificial Paradise
Mimi's Magic Moment
Second Life Syndrome
Under a New Sign

ASIN: B00068YDJU
Release Date: 2004-10-26

Tracks:

The Dream
Nobody's Fool
Omens
The River Of Time
Silent Man
Falling Down? Rising Up!
Life's Disguises
Out Of My Life
Midnight Sail

Album Description

Never one for predictability, the new album "A Matter Of Life & Death" is in fact a concept album based upon a character Guy created on his 1999 debut `solo' album "Tall Stories For Small Children".

This is an album of quite dark beauty that explores the twists and turns of fate that leads a man ultimately to his own death and rebirth. On this piece of work, we find Guy at his strongest both lyrically and melodically and also at his most direct.

Guy, as a multi-instrumentalist, plays most of the instruments himself, but once again, this album features the same core of talented musicians that have helped Guy both craft his music into complete albums and to perform them live (since 2000).

Customer Reviews:

Yet Another Excellent Modern Prog Album.......2007-02-20

Those of my generation who think prog died from its own bloated pomposity in the 70s need to retire their bellbottoms, quit wallowing in nostalgia, and start listening to what progressive rock offers listeners today. There is so much good prog music around, the average Joe could go nearly broke trying to acquire it all!
I got back into prog a few years ago after chance encounters with the music of Roine Stolt, Spock's Beard, Porcupine Tree, and the Tangent. The voyage of discovery from that new musical base camp has taught me that prog never died at all, it just disappeared from corporate radio which prefers to feed its listeners predictable and watered-down schlock pop and other musical disorders.
Guy Manning is yet another artist who is little known beyond the world of prog but who deserves the accolades showered on much less talented musicians. A Matter of Life And Death is the first Manning album I have acquired after having been alerted to it by an old friend who is on the same journey of rediscovery.
This is an album for those who appreciate great lyrics. When you put this on for the first time, sit down and take the time to read as you listen. It will greatly enhance your listening experience.
Then there is the music itself. Though musical polymath Manning plays most of the instruments himself, he is ably assisted by a number of other prog luminaries. Like any good prog, this CD touches on many styles without descending into self-parody. I like the whole CD except for the last song. There are enough musical change-ups throughout to please any ear with Manning's voice being sometimes evocative of Ian Anderson and sometimes entirely different. Virtuosity is the word of the day on this CD. However, the last song, Midnight Sail, is so commercial sounding and musically lame that it risks spoiling the rest of the CD.
If you have not yet succumbed to the charms of the music of Guy Manning, I suggest you start here. A Matter of Life and Death certainly has me wanting to hear more.

Can't agree with the other reviewers.......2006-08-05

I'm sorry but I have to disagree with the previous reviewers who were quick to proclaim this album as a masterpiece. It's a good melodic acoustic album with proggy songs and good vocals. The melodies aren't all that memorable however. For some reason I find Manning's solo albums a bit difficult to grasp. His work with other musicians is a lot more interesting but that's not to say A Matter Of Life & Death is bad. I can't say I'm big on the vocals but the overall vibe of the cd is quite consistent which is important for prog listeners. He has some very interesting ideas and maybe I'll like his songs more in the future.

Best of 2004.......2005-05-27

DR D B SILLARS from Luton, Bedfordshire United Kingdom This album was my top choice of last year as best progressive rock album. So what makes this stand out from the competition, which last year was pretty good? Well, since 1999 Guy Manning has produced five albums for the British independent progressive rock label, Cyclops. Each album beautifully showcased his distinctive mixture of classic English progressive rock, with folk, jazz and other elements to produce songwriting of such individual character and depth. But with this latest album, his songwriting has reached astonishing new heights of quality and beauty. When Cyclops lacked the funds to release his latest album, he searched valiantly for another outlet. Having secured a deal with American label ProgRock, he could at last release "A Matter of Life and Death". And it was worth it. This is a perfect culmination of everything Guy is good at. Beautifully constructed songs, with rich, full melodies augmented with excellent playing from himself and all concerned. Guy is a superb multi- instrumentalist, tackling various guitar and keyboard duties as well as drums. Though to be clear Manning is a band venture. Guy is more than ably supported by Laura Fowles on sax , Gareth Harwood on guitars and Rick Ashton on bass. Guy has also employed other instrumentalists to add fiddle, melodica and cello, embellishing the rich musical tapestry on show here. The basis for the album is the story of Abel Mann a character first introduced in a song on an earlier album. As he sits at his desk reading his journals, each song represents his life experiences. There are many nautical references which pervade this album and water, rivers, sailing act as continuing themes throughout. The story is superbly illustrated by the gorgeous album artwork of Ed Unitsky who also produced the artwork for both Tangent albums, a project which Guy is also part of. The opening track, "The Dream" is a corker. What a way to open an album. This superbly rousing rocker has a chorus to die for. Excellent use of string synths to give a very full, symphonic feel and nice moog solo by Andy Tillison too. "The River of Time" has a haunting, dreamlike quality to it, made more so by Laura Fowles slightly creepy vocals. But the highlight is undoubtedly, "Out of My Life". This is a classic. With an excellent instrumental section, full of synths and Laura Fowles strident sax playing, this is so wonderfully arranged and developed. Superb! The album closes with "Midnight Sail", pure rock and roll! The songwriting and performances on this album are so strong and consistent throughout. Not a weak track in sight. It is a true joy to listen to this. On the evidence on this and Guy's other albums, it's a complete mystery why Guy Manning is not more widely known and appreciated, not just within the prog rock community, but his appeal as a singer/songwriter is so much wider that anyone interested in carefully crafted, quality songwriting will find lots to enjoy here. He has already started work on his next opus, "One Small Step..." Can't wait!

Great albums get better on every listen........2004-11-17

Review By Paul Baker ARFM Radio

A Matter Of Life & Death is (Guy) Manning's sixth release in as many years. How many progressive bands can boast such an output these days?

Eager as everybody should be to spin the disc as soon as it is in their possession, it is worth revisiting Manning's 1999 release, Tall Stories For Small Children. 'Pourquoi?' you may ask. Well, A Matter Of Life & Death is a concept album based on a character, Abel Mann, who first came to light on Tall Stories where Abel was left 'writing his diary'. Contemplative of suicide (did he jump from the ledge or just consider it??), the new album explores the tragic character's thoughts through his 'journal'.

Main vocals, in distinctive Anderson-like style, along with all manner of instrumentation are down to the multi-talented Guy Manning, who is ably assisted by a host of familiar names including Laura Fowles (sax, vocals), Gareth Harwood (electric guitars, vocals), Rick Ashton (bass, vocals), John Tipping (drums), Ian Fairbairn (fiddle), Neil Harris (modal piano, melodica, percussion, vocals), Tim Moon (cello) and Andy Tillison (keyboards).

Stating the obvious, the album has the usual and now classic Manning sound, but like all Guy's releases, this has something 'extra' over and above the previous album. What that 'extra something' IS, is difficult to put into words. Listen to it and you will know what I mean. Yes, there's that hint of Tull but many other styles, sounds and feelings are also there, from the fiddle of The Levellers to the strong sense of Camel particularly with regard to keyboard pieces. I don't know about you but this combination gets a large in my book.

The contrasting (backing) vocals' response to the main vocal is something rarely heard in prog in the past couple of decades. Genesis used it often in the 70's to depict different characters in a song, usually in a comical way, but Manning uses the arrangement in more of a sense of a Shakespearian play where the elements (air, water etc.) have a voice (a sort of whisper on a wind).

Guy has omitted the almost-obligatory 20 minute 'epic' (that doesn't mean that there aren't any long-ish tracks), which is good as A Matter Of Life & Death has no need of one. Instant gratification is delivered by the opening track, The Dream, dangerously setting high expectations for the album. Dangerous because on first listen, the remaining tracks, whilst good, failed to grab me in the same manner. A few replays later and other tracks begin to come to the fore and having now heard it 10+ times I can confirm that every track is a winner. How I missed this fact the first time, God only knows, but it proves the worthiness of perseverance and the old adage that great albums get better on every listen.

The package artwork is of an equally high standard and is continued throughout the booklet. I bet ProgRock Records are well pleased that they managed to add Manning to their list of artistes. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

A Matter of Life and Death
David Allan Coe
Manufacturer: Bear Family
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000E0LLHW
Release Date: 2005-11-15

Tracks:

Ten Commandments of Love
Jody Like a Melody
Tanya Montana
If Only Your Eyes Could Lie
Need a Little Time off for Bad Behavior
Southern Star
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Child of God
Wild Irish Rose
Matter of Life...and Death
One Way Ticket to Nashville
Prisoner's Release
How High's the Watergate, Martha
Tricky Dicky, The Only Son of Kung Fu
Here's a Song
Souvenirs and California Memorys
I Wonder If It's Raining in Kentucky
Seeing the World
Paranoic Hippie
Florida Sunshine
I Heard Oklahoma Calling Me
Daddy's Guitar
In This Land

Product Description

1. The Ten Commandments Of Love
2. Jody Like A Melody
3. Tanya Montana
4. If Only Your Eyes Could Lie
5. Need A Little Time Off For Bad Behavior
6. Southern Star
7. Actions Speak Louder Than Words
8. Child Of God
9. Wild Irish Rose
10. A Matter Of Life...And Death

Format: CD

A Matter of Life and Death
Average customer rating:
A Matter of Life and Death
Iron Maiden
Manufacturer: Toshiba EMI EMI
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000GW87TS
Release Date: 2006-09-18

Tracks:

Different World
These Colours Don't Run
Brighter Than a Thousand Suns
Pilgrim
Longest Day
Out of the Shadows
Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg
For the Greater Good of God
Lord of Light
Legacy

Album Description

Japanese pressing of 14th album from heavy metal legends. Virgin. 2006.

Average customer rating:

A Matter of Life and Death
Iron Maiden
Manufacturer: Toshiba EMI
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000JLSV0Q
Release Date: 2007-01-01

Tracks:

Different World
These Colours Don't Run
Brighter Than a Thousand Suns
Pilgrim
Longest Day
Out of the Shadows
Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg
For the Greater Good of God
Lord of Light
Legacy

Tracks:

[DVD] [*]

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