Simple Life [CD-single]

Simple Life [CD-single]

ASIN: B00005B52Y

Track Listings

1. Simple Life

2. Slave to the Beauty

Tracks:

Act I: Overture
Act I: Another Op'nin', Another Show
Act I: Why Can't You Behave?
Act I: Wunderbar
Act I: So In Love
Act I: We Open In Venice
Act I: Tom, Dick Or Harry
Act I: I've Come To Wive It Wealthily In Padua
Act I: I Hate Men
Act I: Were Thine That Special Face
Act II: Too Darn Hot
Act II: Where Is The Life That Late I Led?
Act II: Always True To You (In My Fashion)
Act II: Bianca
Act II: So In Love (Reprise)
Act II: Brush Up Your Shakespeare
Act II: I Am Ashamed That Women Are So Simple
Act II: Finale: Kiss Me, Kate
Kiss Me, Kate Overture

Amazon.com

Opening at the tail end of 1948, Kiss Me, Kate became an instant classic--and amazingly didn't receive a full-scale revival until 1999. All the more reason to revel in its original version. With its cunning play-within-a-play premise (a musical update of The Taming of the Shrew reverberates in backstage feuds), brilliant mix of high and low comedy, and of course some of Cole Porter's better-known songs--"So in Love," "I Hate Men," Too Darn Hot," "Always True to You (In My Fashion)"--Kiss Me, Kate remains a funny, zesty hall of mirrors. Hard as you may try to find a fly in the ointment, there's no fault with the cast either--Patricia Morison, for instance, is a perfectly petulant Lilli Vanessi. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

The best and maybe the last CD of this great musical........2006-02-20

Now is the perfect time to buy the CD of this.

Sony's transfer engineers used state-of-the-art restoration software to remove the roughness and surface noise from the originals, but (thankfully) they resisted the urge to tart-up the sound with artificial reverb, faux stereo, and thundering bass. This is by far the best-sounding CD of this ever released, and it may be the last.

The age of music ownership in America could be drawing to a close. Five years from now, this music may only be available by download, you might only be "borrowing" it, and it probably won't come with the the authentic cover art or the 26-page booklet.

(See also the original broadway CD of Out of This World.)

Beautiful remastering of historic original cast recording.......2004-05-24

Recorded in January 1949, this album of KISS ME KATE has remained in print adn a steady best-seller for over 50 years now.

The sound on this newly remastered CD is crisp and clear and easily surpasses all previous issues. Sony even uses the original artwork from the very first LP release.

The performances remain as fresh as ever. Alfred Drake was Broadway's top leading man and sounds just glorious. Pat Morrison had less of a career but sounds just perfect as Lilli. Lisa Kirk is wonderful as Lois, and Harold Lang makes the most of his few moments on the record as her boyfriend, Bill. In an unusual move these peopel reunited 10 years later to re-record the score for Capitol in true stereo. They still sound great on that recording (on CD as part of the Broadway Angel series) but the performances are fresher on this recording made just 2 weeks after KIS ME KATE had opened on Broadway to rave reviews.

The CD booklet has good info about the show, though curiously, no synopsis. There are, however, a half dozen pictures of the original production. This edition featureds longer takes of "We Open in Venice", "I Hate Men" and "Too Darn Hot" though the total extra music adds but a minute to the album's running time. A bonus track of the Overture dates from a 1958 stereo recording by Lehman Engle.

KISS ME KATE was the first Tony Award winner for Best Musical (1949). The 1999 revival won a Tony for Best Revival.

the peerless original cast.......2004-03-04

KISS ME KATE is still regarded as Cole Porter's greatest musical; a charming backstage story detailing feuding ex-spouses Lilli Vanessi and Fred Graham as they star in a musical version of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew".

Very rarely has the score been bettered than the original 1949 cast album, reissued here on the Columbia Broadway Masterworks label. Patricia Morison plays Lilli, with Alfred Drake (OKLAHOMA!, KISMET, GIGI) as Fred, the feuding, ego-ridden leads. Lisa Kirk (ALLEGRO, MACK AND MABEL) is the sexy young starlet Lois, with Harold Lang (PAL JOEY) as her caddish boyfriend Bill.

KISS ME KATE opened at the New Century Theatre on Broadway in 1949, making history in its run of over 1000 performances. Patricia Morison is perfectly-suited to the role of Lilli. She offers a glowing rendition of "So in Love", whilst her duet with Alfred Drake in the tongue-in-cheek "Wunderbar" is sublime. Lisa Kirk gets three of the big showstoppers ("Why Can't You Behave?", "Tom Dick or Harry" and "Always True to You in My Fashion"), and nails each and every one. Harold Lang was a better dancer than he ever was as a singer, but is quite good on this disc.

A must-own.

Who Put The Shake In Shakespeare?.......2001-04-11

Who put the 'shake' in 'Shakespeare'? Cole Porter, of course! Kiss Me Kate is the best of his musicals, and this recording is the best of the recordings! The original Broadway cast performs with much old-style, vaudeville jazz!

The story is set in a Baltimore theatre where a divorced couple, Fred Graham and Lilli Vannessi, are in the two leading roles of a musical version of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. Fred currently dates a colorful light-heart named Lois Lane, while Lilli is about to head off to get maried in the south. Lois, by the way, will 'always be true' to her boyfriend, the gambling player Bill Calhoun. The story takes off from there!

The show originaly opened on Broadway in 1948. It's timelessness has still not worn off after so many years. The classic script by Bela and Sam Spewack, and the best music of Cole Porter, we cannot fail! The show has been performed since then in many many countries, and has been performed in many languages! It has only recently been revived on Broadway.

Kiss Me Kate has become a staple of classic Broadway, and this is the cast that will not be outdone. Patricia Morrison is a perfect, operatic, Lilli Vanesi. She is strong, yet thoughtful. Her voice fills the CD with a lively 'Wunderbar' and the raging 'I Hate Men.' Alfred Drake is a manly and appealing Fred Graham who will have you laughing out loud! His 'Where Is the Live...?' is yet to be surpassed. Harold Lang is a sexy, and hypnotic Bill Calhoun. He takes the role for himself, and his 'Bianca' is done to the point of perfection! His voice is misty and self-confident, and has the qualities all Bill Calhoun's should. And of course, there will be no one as good as Lisa Kirk for the role of Lois Lane! Her tongue-in-cheek performance on this CD is flawless! She is teasing, sympathetic, funny, and has the right voice to win her part! I can't imagine anyone who can do what she has done with 'Alway True to You' and 'Why Can't You Behave.' The classic character songs are very nice! The balladic, and melodic 'So In Love' will ring in your head. 'We Open In Venice' will make you dance! And 'Brush Up Your Shakespeare'(performed with much humor by Jack Diamond and Harry Clark) will give you a laugh the next time you read 'Romeo.' You won't be disapointed!

The nostalgic quality of the 40's is alive and well in this recording. Columbia has done a great job restoring the work, and the scratching that were a part of the original releases. The sound quality is crisp and clear, and the music sounds wonderful! The magic hasn't worn out yet!

There have been a few more recordings of the work, including a complete London recording, and the new Broadway revival cast. None can do as well as the original recording, however. In the revival recordng, however, they come close. Brian Stokes Mitchell has the voice for Fred, but runs through his lines a bit fast, and without much enthusiasm. And the orchestrations for the new recording are a bit overdone, and they sound more like PBS's Jazz, than Broadway.

Altogether, this is great recording. I was very pleased with my buy, and hope that you will add it to your collection right away! It's time to Brush Up Your Shakespeare!

TIMELESS BROADWAY SHOW.......2001-01-11

COLE PORTER'S most famous musical play hasn't lost none of it's power over the years;it's one of those few shows in which all the elements clicks:cast,songs,libretto, to make a great entertainment product.Without getting to cynical,KISS ME KATE has enough good songs to fill 3 BROADWAY shows of today ,and i am not kidding,it's a fact.While the revival is also of interest,it's always a delight to hear the original with PATRICIA MORRISSON and ALFRED DRAKE, both terrific in their parts.I can assure you that you'll play this record more than twice.It's not only WUNDERBAR ,it's WONDERFUL!You can't actually single out one number because they are all good.All right, if we have to choose one, it's SO IN LOVE.

Average customer rating:

5 STARS AND THEN SOME !!
Pretty Sad,
I FELL IN LOVE WITH JULIE ALL OVER AGAIN
A Great Julie Andrews CD
Climbing Every Mountain with Mary Poppins

Classic Julie Classic Broadway

Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005KBBR
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On A Clear Day
A Cock-Eyed Optimist
Hello, Young Lovers
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My Fair Lady Shuffle: Overture/Wouldn't It Be Loverly/Let A Woman/Just You Wait/Poor Professional...
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Customer Reviews:

5 STARS AND THEN SOME !!.......2006-02-10

Oh Julie, the songs you sang on this CD are superb. I wish you could still give us that joy. If you can only sing in the low registers, give us jazz!! You can do it I just know you can!!

Pretty Sad, .......2005-10-27

Hollywood veteran Julie Andrews has had a glorious career, but not without its downsides. Her legend is built on "The Sound of Music" and "Mary Poppins" and other glorious roles. Her abilities as a singer were never impressive or great, her voice often sounded weak, but she always knew how to sing around her very limited vocal range. On this collection she performs some of the greatest Broadway tunes ever written and even though she does a good job, her voice just doesn't hold up against many of these tunes. Her warmth is felt all over the album, in "Here I'll Stay" she wraps her gentle, but narrow, voice around it and in "My Funny Valentine" she sticks to the lower register of her voice. However, in the re-recording of her classic "Sound of Music" and in "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever" her voice fails her, it often sounds thin and airy and it's actually quite sad to listen to. When all is said and done Julie Andrews remains a great talent, and most of that talent is largely due to her amazing capability as a performer and her genuine warmth.

I FELL IN LOVE WITH JULIE ALL OVER AGAIN.......2005-06-25

As a young kid growing up in the Philippines I remember my Dad playing his state-of-the-art Aiwa tape recorder back in the 60s and hearing Julie Andrews' voice - truly the voice of an angel! Now, hearing these songs again with adult ears I fell in love with her voice all over again !

A Great Julie Andrews CD.......2002-01-27

If you are a fan of Dame Julie's and musicals, this is the cd for you. It is a compilation of songs from prevously released albums; The King and I, The Music of Richard Rodgers, Here I'll Stay, and Victor/Victoria, Original Broadway Cast Recording.
I found the material to be very well put together giving the listener selections from My Fair Lady, Camelot, The Sound of Music, Victor/Victoria and others. What more could you want?
As for Ms. Andrews, she is superb. There is simply no one like her. I have heard comments that prior to the infamous throat surgery she was unable to handle the difficult material and hit those high notes. This is just not true. All you have to do is listen to these songs recorded in the early 90's to know that she still had a marvelous voice. Lets hope that one day she will be able to sing and record again. If not, these may be her last recordings so treasure them.

The My Fair Lady suite is wonderful and Ms. Andrews definitely hit the high note at the end of "I Could Have Danced All Night".
Her version of "Edelweiss" and "The Sound of Music" are lovely.
Also worth listening to is "Living in the Shadows" written for the Broadway production of Victor/Victoria so you won't find it on the movie soundtrack. The lyrics are by Leslie Bricusse who also penned "Crazy World", which is another great selection on this cd.

Overall this is a cd worth having in your collection, so buy it today. Otherwise you are missing out.

Climbing Every Mountain with Mary Poppins.......2002-01-22

Julie Andrews and her music have been an inspiration to me
every since I stepped into a theater and watched Mary Poppins
(many years ago). I admire her talent and her voice on this CD. I know it is not as clear a voice as she used to have but I still enjoy listening to her. I listen to this CD when I want a "pick me up" and am proud to have it as part of my collection.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Piece of Americana
A Great Recording of Great Choral Works
One of my favorite CD's
Disappointing

Testament
Leonard Bernstein , Aaron Copland , Howard Hanson , Ronald A. Nelson , Randall Thompson , Dallas Wind Symphony , and Turtle Creek Chorale
Manufacturer: Reference Recordings
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Binding: Audio CD

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Thompson: Frostiana; Testament of Freedom
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ASIN: B000001595
Release Date: 1993-03-09

Tracks:

Behold Man
Song of Democracy
The Pasture (Frostiana)
Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening (Frostiana)
Allelujah
The Promise of Living (The Tender Land)
Simple Gifts
Make Our Garden Grow
The Testament Of Freedom: The God Who Gave Us Life
The Testament Of Freedom: We Have Counted The Cost
The Testament Of Freedom: We Fight Not For Glory
The Testament Of Freedom: I Shall Not Die Without A Hope

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Piece of Americana.......2007-01-27

I bought, and was very disappointed in, the New York Choral Society's recording of "Testament of Freedom" a couple of years ago. The diction was indisctinct, the voices were overpowered by the instruments, and the sound in general left a lot to be desired. I was delighted when I accidentally stumbled on this CD and found out that "Testament of Freedom" was included.

The Turtle Creek Chorale does an excellent job with the title piece. The vocal sound of the group is wonderfully rich, and the balance between the instruments and voices is about as good as you can get with a piece that calls for such a large instrumental ensemble. Plus, I prefer the men's choir arrangement of "Testament," largely because I remember singing it for Region Choir auditions over 10 years ago. My only complaint is that in some parts of "We Have Counted the Cost," it's hard to understand the words if you don't already know them; same thing with "We Fight Not For Glory." But these are minor quibbles.

"Testament" is a must-own CD for any American music lover, as it feautures the work of a criminally-underperformed composer. It's worth buying for the performance "Testament of Freedom" alone, although all the tracks are excellent, particularly the "Alleluia". 5 out of 5.

A Great Recording of Great Choral Works.......2006-01-02

I had to write this review because it is a crime that this wonderful CD has a ho-hum overall rating just because one of the two previous reviewers didn't bother to find out what it was before he ordered. Yes, Amazon had it mislabled (it's better now, but still misleading by putting Bernstein's name first), but I had no trouble figuring out that it was a men's ensemble. In fact, that's the primary reason I chose this CD.

The feature work on this CD is the "Testament of Freedom" by Randall Thompson. For this work, Mr. Thompson chose to set various writings of Thomas Jefferson to music. In doing so, he has helped preserve these sometimes forgotten texts and at the same time, demonstrated why he is one of America's best loved choral composers. Unfortunately, there are not many recordings of this work, and many of those you'll find are sung by mixed choirs. This work was intended for, and sounds best when sung by, a men's chorus. That alone sets this CD apart.

The biggest weakness of this recording is the balance between the wind ensemble and the chorus. In the forte sections, the chorus gets drowned out a bit. That's always a danger in master works, particularly when you pit voices against winds. However, I found this to be a minor flaw and have heard much worse examples.

I recommend this CD for all who love choral music and particularly for those who have yet to experience the music of Randall Thompson. It is also interesting to note that the words of Thomas Jefferson, written so long ago, still ring true in these trying times (especially the third and fourth passages).

(The following acquired from http://www.turtlecreek.org/music/linerpages/testament.htm)
Lyrics:

The Testament of Freedom
Text: Thomas Jefferson

The God who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time; the hand of force may destroy but cannot disjoin them.

---A Summary View of the Rights of British America (1774)

We have counted the cost of this contest, and find nothing so dreadful as voluntary slavery. Honor, justice, and humanity forbid us tamely to surrender that freedom which we received from our gallant ancestors, and which our innocent posterity have a right to receive them from us. We cannot endure the infamy and guilt of resigning succeeding generations to that wretchedness which inevitably awaits them if we basely entail heredity bondage upon them. Our cause is just. Our union perfect. Our internal resources are great...We gratefully acknowledge, as signal instances of the Divine favor towards us, that His Providence would not permit us to be called into this severe controversy until we were grown up to our present strength, and been previously exercised in warlike operation, and possessed of the means of defending ourselves. With hearts fortified with these animating reflections, we most solemnly, before God and the world, declare that, exerting the utmost energy of those powers which we have been compelled by our enemies to assume, we will, in defiance of every hazard, with unabating firmness and perseverance, employ for the preservation of our liberties; being with one mind resolved to die freemen rather than to live as slaves.

---Declaration of Causes and Necessity of Taking up Arms (1775)

We fight not for glory or for conquest. We exhibit to mankind the remarkable spectacle of a people attacked by unprovoked enemies, without any imputation or even suspicion of offense. They boast of their privilege and civilization, and yet proffer no milder conditions than servitude or death. In our native land, in defense of the freedom that is our birthright and which we ever enjoyed until the late violation of it; for the protection of our property, acquired by the honest industry of our forefathers and ourselves; against violence actually offered; we have taken up arms. We shall lay them down when hostilities shall cease on the part of the aggressors and all danger of their being renewed shall be removed, and not before.

---Declaration of Causes and Necessity of Taking up Arms (1775)

I shall not die without hope that light and liberty are on steady advance... And even should the cloud of barbarism and despotism again obscure the science and liberties of Europe, this country remains to preserve and restore light and liberty to them... The flames kindled on the 4th of July, 1776, have spread over too much of the globe to be extinguished by the feeble engines of despotism; on the contrary, they will consume these engines and all who work them.

---Letter to John Adams, Monticello (1821)

One of my favorite CD's.......2005-08-10

The actual title of this CD is Testament, and the principle performing group is the Dallas-based Turtle Creek Chorale. I am perplexed by Amazon's listing this magnificent recording under a generic descriptive title and then naming the accompanying Dallas Wind Symphony as the only "performer." Someone must have been asleep at the wheel.

Now to the recording itself -- I love choral music, and am especially drawn to male voices. I even enjoy hearing all-male college glee clubs singing their boisterous drinking songs. What a joy then to happen upon this recording which features strong, well trained voices in addition to exquisite pieces of music, some of which are among my favorites. The highlight of the CD for me is Randall Thompson's, "Testament of Freedom." The CD is worth its price just for this one 24-minute jewel. The rest is like tasty icing on a cake.

Disappointing.......2002-02-20

I was disappointed with this album. First, it did not notice that the Turtle Creek Chorale is an all male ensemble. ... Secondly, the quality of the recording is poor. The sound is muddy and lacks brightness. I had to turn my stereo way up just to hear it. The orchestra sounds great, but the mix of the voices is very poor. I definately do not recommend.

Average customer rating:

Well done standards
honest, authentic, real...and about time!
"watch this rising star climb to greater heights ~ Lazarus"
Sara Lazarus, a great talent

Give Me the Simple Life
Sara Lazarus
Manufacturer: Dreyfus
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Tracks:

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Get Out Of Town
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Give Me The Simple Life
Morning
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I'm Thru With Love
This Can't Be Love
September Song
Smile

Album Description

Produced by Lazarus and Christian Pegand, Give Me the Simple Life was recorded in Paris with Lazarus' working trio of Alain Jean-Marie on piano, Gilles Naturel on bass and Andrea Michelutti on drums. In addition, Biréli Lagrène, the reigning king of gypsy guitarists, the greatest living exponent of Django Reinhardt's legacy today, joins Lazarus on three of the tracks, while drummer Winard Harper substitutes for Michelutti on half of them.

Customer Reviews:

Well done standards.......2005-11-04

I almost didn't review this, although I've owned it for a little while. On first listen, it struck me at the "3-star level." I can't see the point of doing a 3-star review on a little-known jazz singer.

But on repeated listenings, this album is better than that. Ms. Lazarus sings all standards here. The charts are good, albeit not sensational. Not a formula for a double platinum album, but so what?

The main thing that struck me about this set is Ms. Lazarus' way with words. She bites and devours the lyrics. She has the most precise diction of any singer I know of (and that's one hell of a lot of singers!). For example, on the song "I'm Thru With Love", I never realized that the words were "icy, frigid, air"; I always thought them to be "icy Frigidaire" (which make no sense to the song; the point being, most singers of this genre don't sing the commas. Ms. Lazarus does).

But that's not always a good thing. As a result of such attacking diction, Ms. Lazarus sounds like a trombone throughout. But on ballads such as "He Was Too Good to Me" and "Smile", I think she'd be more effective if she sounded like a viola. Hopefully, she'll display such versatility on her next album.

Absent unusual good fortune, I suspect this album will be out of print in three years or less. Buy it now, and enjoy it while it lasts. RC

honest, authentic, real...and about time! .......2005-06-30

I've heard Sara Lazarus live, both in the US and in France, and have followed her career since before she even had one. The moment I first heard her sing, she became an instant classic (and favorite of mine). She conveys such a range of emotion, so much gutsy strength and old-soul tenderness, so honestly and simply and uniquely...it's clear that music is a big part of her DNA. (You get the feeling that Sara Lazarus never actually decided on singing, so much as singing decided on her.)

The color of light she brings to the room, the smile she puts on your face, the desolation and joy she conveys, you know you're dealing with not merely a great artist, but a true human being...probably something to do with how seriously she takes music, and how unseriously she takes herself. Or how her "style" represents who she actually is, rather than who she could conceivably copy. I don't claim to be an expert, but I'd guess she'd be far more comfortable hanging around with Billie, Ella, Lena, and Sarah than she would any of her contemporaries.

(I mean, how great is it to NOT hear yet another breathy, highly affected, ultimately forgettable, "female jazz vocalist"?!)

In person, Sara Lazarus is one of those rare individuals whose musicianship, intelligence and humor are all the more memorable and delightful because they come in such an unassuming, soft-spoken (some would even say shy) package. But unlike so many other performers, Sara lacks the gene for self-promotion... which explains why we've had to wait for DECADES to hear her first CD!

The wait is over, and well worth it. Check out the audio samples online here, get the CD, give it time to sink in... and if the music works in you the way it does on me, then tell all your friends who want to hear some REAL singing about Sara Lazarus... because (at least for now) if we don't tell them, nobody else will!

"watch this rising star climb to greater heights ~ Lazarus".......2005-06-05

Dreyfus Records presents a breath of fresh air in the world of Jazz...coming in with her debut album "Sara Lazarus", which is a self title has all the makings of a very big hit on the Jazz Scene...her backup band is Alain Jean-Marie on piano, Gilles Naturel on double bass, Winard Harper on drums, Andrea Michelutti on drums and Bireli Lagrene on guitar...recorded on July and August of 2004 at Studio Ferber in Paris, France with some of the best jazz musicians around today.

Lazarus has the stage presence of a trooper with 12 great tracks of outstanding arrangements...the following in alphabetical order with standards and tunes not featured in the usual jazz circles...gotta love it!

FOOLIN' MYSELF
GET OUT OF TOWN
GIVE ME THE SIMPLE LIFE
HE WAS TOO GOOD TO ME
I'M THRU WITH LOVE
IT'S CRAZY
MORNING
ONCE UPON A SUMMERTIME
SEPTEMBER SONG
SMILE
SOME OF MY BEST FRIENDS ARE THE BLUES
THIS CAN'T BE LOVE

Her approach to ballads and swinging tunes are exceptional...feel this artist is headed for stardom and a great future...her style is a blend of Ella and Billie, with some Diana Krall thrown in for good measure...Sara's vocal range and breath control shines with every track she tackles...look forward to her next release for all the fans of America's original music...JAZZ!

Total Time: 49:00 on 12 Tracks ~ Dreyfus Records 66712 ~ (5/24/2005)

Sara Lazarus, a great talent.......2005-05-28

This lady has the style and class of the classic female jazz aingers, from Billie to Ella to Carmen to Sarah V. This CD has some great tunes, great arrangments, a great back up band and a great singer on it. I highly recommend it.

A Day in the life of Lucky: classical music for you & your dog

Average customer rating:

Good - But Pet Music is Better

A Day in the life of Lucky: classical music for you & your dog

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Simple Gifts
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Customer Reviews:

Good - But Pet Music is Better.......2004-01-23

My collie Damian loves music so I am a fan of the concept of music for pets. I recently purchased every title in Amazon related to pets. They are all very good attempts at soothing dogs (and cats too I guess!). Hands down - or PAWS Down - PET MUSIC - a 3CD set - is the very best.

Simple Gifts: Shaker Chants and Spirituals

Average customer rating:

Shaken *and* stirred
And then there were four...
A beautiful album
Shaker Music -- misunderstood?
Some new old ideas

Simple Gifts: Shaker Chants and Spirituals
Ann Lee , Shaker Traditional , Jane Sutton , Paulina Springer , Joseph Brackett , Robert Dobson , Arthur Rawding , Mary Ann Valaitis , Joel Cohen and the Boston Camerata , Schola Cantorum , and Shakers of Sabbathday Lake
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Gentle Words: Shaker Songs
Simple Gifts
Early Shaker Spirituals
The Golden Harvest
Tree of Life

ASIN: B000005EDQ
Release Date: 1995-09-05

Tracks:

Come Life, Shaker Life
In Yonder Valley
Virgins Clothed In A Clean White Garment
Mother
Father James' Song
Followers Of The Lamb
Mother Ann's Song
I Have A Soul To Be Saved Or Lost
Heavenly Comfort
A Companion To Stiff
Pinch'd Up, Nip'd Up
I Will Fight And Never Slack
Celestial Choir
Holy Angel
The Lark
Nightingale's Song
Holy Order Song
Learned Of Angel
Laughing John's Interrogatory
I'll Beat My Drum As I March Along
Mother's Warning
The Solemn Bell
Mother's Cup of Tribulation
Sad Days
Encouragement
Verdant Valley
In Yonder Valley (Reprise)
Solemn Song
Turn To The Right
O Will You Sing Another Song
The Spiritual Sailor
Mother Has Come
Holy Mother's Protecting Chain
Simple Gifts

Amazon.com

Joel Cohen spent countless days in the library at the Shaker community at Sabbathday Lake, Maine, transcribing dozens of tunes from among thousands of archived chants and spirituals. Many more of these wonderful tunes were recalled from memory by the community's few resident Shakers--and Cohen and his ensemble, joined by several Shaker singers, made this recording, which deserves to be heard by everyone who loves songs and singing. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Shaken *and* stirred.......2007-04-28

My interest in seeking Shaker music was professional - I wanted something to use for my church choir's next big performance. What I found in this collection of Shaker music was that, but much more.

Without their music, the Shakers can seem quaint and faintly silly - the odd maiden aunts and uncles with peculiar hobbies (making chairs and living without modern conveniences) and -- nutty bears, indeed! -- living in celibate, and therefore non-regenerative communities.

But their music is something else --earnest, longing, full of commitment and a sense of their own story. And tuneful! You don't have to be a Shaker to appreciate the visual poetry of "Virgins cloth'd in a clean white garment," or hear the deep commitment to resist sin in "I will fight, fight, and never slack until I overcome the enemy," or the desperate longing for eternal life evoked by "In yonder valley there flows sweet union." These are songs written for and performed by people who lived a most austere form of spirituality.

There are those who criticize Joel Cohen for having embellished some pieces by adding, for instance, a drone that is not attested in the literature. By I certainly praise Cohen and the Boston Camarata for having brought these wonderful pieces to my attention. It is icing on the cake that a few of the remaining Shakers of the Sabbathday Lake, Maine community chose to join their voices to this effort. To sing is to pray twice, and this CD certainly delivers on that promise, plus providing insights into an obscure but enduring corner of the American religious landscape.

And then there were four..........2006-10-25

Only four Shakers remain and Sabbathday Lake in Maine houses them all. They range in age from 43 to 80. Given this, without fresh converts the Shakers face extinction. Barred by law from adopting orphans (since 1960, religious groups cannot adopt, only individuals or couples can), the twentieth century saw a steep decline in their numbers. Thanks to religious revivals, back in the nineteenth century their numbers swelled to over 5,000. But by 1920 a mere dozen remained. Though the small community hopes, and continually prays, for new recruits - which must come in the form of consenting adults - their values clash with modern America. Which was, of course, the original point. The largest hurdle for membership: total celibacy. No procreation, nothing. And, as we all know, twenty-first century American culture is anything but celibate.

Shakers remain not only celibate, but ascetic. Though not to the level of the Amish or the Luddites. Sabbathday Lake has a website, a car, telephones, and internet connections. They also don't hermit themselves from society. They play an active role in it. So throw away any notions of Puritanical witch hunters. Shakers laugh, socialize, read, dance, and, as this CD aptly demonstrates, they sing their ascetic hearts out.

The music, largely resembling English folk music, rhapsodizes about Shaker values, history, and vows. All songs but one get performed a capella. Some emphasize the lyrics with stomping and clapping. Permeating the set is the figure of "Mother," or Ann Lee. She helped found the Shakers in the eighteenth century and all faithful remain her spiritual heir (after Jesus Christ, of course). Early followers faced persecution, but found faith in Mother's actions and example. The song, titled appropriately, "Mother" retells the story of the "blessed fire" that spread from Manchester, England to America. Believers also reaffirm their faith and actions by singing songs in Meeting. An apt beginning, the CDs first song presents an ecstatic chant that reminds members of their ominous vow: "Come life, Shaker life, Come life eternal, Shake, shake out of me all that is carnal." "Followers of the Lamb" repeats the lines "I'm glad I am a Shaker" three times in celebration. Some songs don't have words and get half hummed half sung with mystical sounds. Shakers also express anger. "A companion stiff" fiercely pounds away individualistic thoughts in favor of community. The beautiful and upbeat "Encouragement" combines non-word singing with strongly contrasting fervent stomping and clapping. Somehow it encapsulates both meditative contemplation and heart-racing ecstasy in only two and a half minutes. Aptly bookending the CD is the most famous Shaker song, "Simple gifts." Instantly recognizable, Aaron Copland popularized this tune in his 1950 ballet "Appalachian Spring." Here it receives a sparse but inspired choral performance. As such, it aptly closes the CD with a message of faith and simplicity.

This CD, recorded at Sabbathday Lake, preserves a sampling of the thousands of Shaker songs known to exist. To this day these songs still fill the Shaker's 1794 Meeting House, the last one still in use. But how much longer? In the end, whether or not the Shakers can survive their current troubles, they will always remain an important piece of American and religious history. Not that that provides much consolation. Either way, this recording helps to preserve an important aspect of the Shaker's cultural contribution: their impressive music.

A beautiful album .......2005-09-17

This is a gorgeous album of melodies so strong and simple that you could build bridges on them.
The issue of the theology is irrelevent unless you believe that differences in the theology expressed--which may be different from yours--will interfere with your pleasure in the music. I can easily imagine topics that, no matter how beautifully expressed, I would be unable to listen to. It wasn't the case with this CD.

(You would also be upset if you believe that (a) listening to others express their beliefs, which are different form yours, is a sin, (b) your faith will be swayed by listening to gorgeous music from people who disagree with you, or (c) it's wrong for people with different beliefs to have their music recorded. I doubt very much that any of the people who have expressed theological concerns about this CD would feel that way but, hey, people who do feel that way should be given appropriate warning).

Shaker Music -- misunderstood?.......2005-01-27

I read the reviews of this CD and feel some people are not understanding the lyrics. One cautioned that Shakers refer to God as "she." At first, I thought the same thing; however, after carefully listening to the music many times, I truly believe that when they refer to "she", they are solely referring to Mother Ann, the founder of their religion, whom they obviously adored and admired. This music is haunting and well-performed and should NOT be a "turn-off" to any Christian who chooses to listen.

Some new old ideas.......2000-10-14

I am a big fan of early American music, and Joel Cohen and the Boston Camerata really know how to do it. I found this album musically refreshing as well as spiritually refreshing. As a minister of music, I appreciate the sensitivity the Camerata brings to its interpretation of these traditional Shaker hymns. I also love hearing music by singers (specifially the Shakers themselves) who are not afraid to limit their understanding of who God is -- infinite and varied in nature, not subject to human limitations such as gender. There is a great freedom in this music which some listeners who are tired of the rigid confines of modern theology will appreciate. My only ambivalence is with the pieces on which the Shaker community takes a leading role. On the one hand, I think this is brilliant and enriching. On a purely auditory level, though, their untrained sound is a little distracting. Decide for yourself when you purchase this delightful album!

Average customer rating:

Soft pop buries great talent
One Of Her Best
Lilting melodies and gentle emotionalism abound!!

Simple Life
Kevyn Lettau
Manufacturer: Jvc / Xrcd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Brazil | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music

Brazilian Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000003MMA
Release Date: 1992-09-22

Tracks:

We Know the Way by Heart
Forever Lover and Friend
Sunlight
Nana das Aguas
Simple Life (For Katie)
People's Parties
Homeless Person Interlude
Take a Look
Miracle of Love
Baby Crying
Will They Know
Spring
Out of Town
Prelude to a Kiss

Customer Reviews:

Soft pop buries great talent.......2006-02-27

Mainstream pop/vocal with a little latin spice for flavor. Lettau has a great voice that is buried in an over use of synthesizers, bland backup vocals, and a production that aims for an accessibility of easy listening. Why do great voices like Lettau or Whitney Houston keeping making records that are so uninvolving. There is nothing remarkable on this album other than Lettau herself and unforunately she just gets lost in the onslaught of the producers attempt to keep her safe and not let her explore music as an art. Sound quality excels. Song choice--who can tell, they all pretty much sound the same (could really have done without her interpretation of Joni Mitchell's "People's Parties" which was horrendous even with the nice touch of Brazilian rythms). Overall, a waste of a great talent.

One Of Her Best.......2001-10-14

After originaly puchasing this CD 9 years ago, it still gets priority seating in my CD changer.

Minimal vocal theactrics and mid-tempo West Coast Jazz at it's best. The Ballads have a tendency to slow down the flow of the CD and loses a bit of it's steam at the end, but this CD along with "Another Season" are probably her two best.

My favorite track from this CD is the Brazilian-influenced "Nana Das Aguas" one of my favorite Jazz songs of all time this is driving music at it's best! and guranteed to change your mood. Just drop this one in your CD player and hit repeat and you will see what I'm talking about. The production on this album is superb. "Take A Look" & "We Know The Way By Heart" also stand out.

A welcome addition, it will grow on you quickly.

Lilting melodies and gentle emotionalism abound!!.......1999-05-13

I was first introduced to this wonderful vocalist in April of 1999. I have purchased all of her renderings and have been fully mesmerized by her abilities to transport me to the land in which she not only inhabits, but lives in my mind. Ms. Lettau dominates with easy grace, her emotions, yet they do become exposed especially in her heartfelt singing of "Miracle of Love." Grab this CD and hold it dear to your heart this voice should have crossed over to the big-time long ago!!!

Average customer rating:

Okay music
Hey Ms. Hilton & Ms. Richie
Cool music!
Simple Life 2:road trip The Soundtrack

The Simple Life, Vol. 2
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Punk-Pop | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Television Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
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The Simple Life - The Complete First Season
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The Simple Life - The Complete Fourth Season ('Til Death Do Us Part)

ASIN: B00020HD9O
Release Date: 2004-06-15

Tracks:

The Simple Life Theme - We3Kings
Alive - Ima Robot
Ladies Night - Atomic Kitten featuring Kool & The Gang
I'll Do Anything - Courtney Love
Hey, Ms. Hilton - The Penfifteen Club
Big Sur - The Thrills
Dirty Dirty - Jamelia
Centerfold - Hayseed Dixie
These 3 Sins - Gomez
Jambalaya (On The Bayou) - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
(there's gotta be) More To Life (Dr. Octavo Extended Mix) - Stacie Orrico
Secret (Take You Home) - Kylie Minogue

Customer Reviews:

Okay music.......2005-11-20

This soundtrack is average with the higlight being "Hey Ms Hilton" by the Penfifteen Club. "I'll do anything" by Courtney Love isn't bad either.
The Simple Life 3 soundtrack (if there is one) should be better as they have updated the theme song to a MUCH nicer version!
It's okay, but if you're into Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie rather buy The Simple Life DVD.

Hey Ms. Hilton & Ms. Richie.......2005-02-02

I love Hey Ms. Hilton, because I always heard it on the show. I've never heard this soundtrack, but it looks well worth its money. I just love that Ms Hilton song! I hope my library has this album...

Cool music!.......2004-08-06

Now, I don't own this cd but I did watch all the shows. And every one of them had great music.

Simple Life 2:road trip The Soundtrack.......2004-07-12

I just bought this cd last week.If you like all types of music i would suggest buying this cd.There is everything from courtney love to kylie minogue.The cd also has the theme song to the show.I reccomend this cd to anyone who has diverse music tastes.

Average customer rating:

Excellent meditations with explanations for beginners & others
My patients love it. You will too.
Curious about , or seriously interested in meditation?
Meditations that work
Simply the best CD ever

Simple Meditations for Complex Times

Manufacturer: The Sage Within
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Spoken Word | Poetry, Spoken Word & Interviews | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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The Ease of Being: Guided Meditations for Centering and Healing
Guided Meditations: For Calmness, Awareness, and Love

ASIN: B000067JZW
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Tracks:

Introduction
Meditation 1: "Focus on Breath"
Reflection
Meditation 2: "Mantra Meditation"
Reflection
Meditation 3: "Focus on Heartbeat"
Reflection
Meditation 4: "Finding Your Inner Voice"
Conclusion

Album Description

Simple Meditations for Complex Times was developed to quickly teach meditation to busy people in a clear and easy-to-follow manner. Within the first few minutes, you'll be guided through simple meditations set to beautiful, relaxing music, composed specifically for this program by classical guitarist, Bryson Gordon.

In as little as five minutes a day, you can benefit from: - Decreased stress - Lowered blood pressure - Increased sense of well-being - Reduced anger and frustration

Buy your copy today. Also makes a great gift.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent meditations with explanations for beginners & others.......2006-02-09

I was lucky enough to snap this CD up when it was--briefly--on special somewhere else, and it was a fantastic deal! I give it 5 stars because, for me, it works on every level. The instruction is excellent (each track is followed by a reflection that explores how the meditation went for you), the guidance expertly helps achieve the physical and mental results of serenity, Ali Sharifi's voice is very pleasant, leaving adequate spaces for contemplation, and the gentle acoustic guitar music in the background is also just right--soothing and peaceful without being sappy. Mr. Sharifi gives sessions of four different types of meditations, and all are effective. The breath and heartbeat meditations I found especially useful for slowing down my systems. The inner voice meditation did not resonate as much for me, since it has a computer for the inner voice--using computers in my work, I don't associate them with relaxation--but the narration is conducive to making thoughts appear from your subconscious, and he does also suggest that you use anything you choose for your inner voice (theater screen, chalkboard, spirit guide, etc.). I also appreciated that although he is a Reiki teacher and past-lives therapist (per the description at CD Baby, which also has sound samples), none of these personal beliefs were imposed on these meditation sessions: He focuses on the essential goals and goes straight to the heart of the matter with simple, well-thought-out techniques. The CD is aptly named indeed. Mr. Sharifi states this CD is the first in a series--let's hope he does continue the series! The times of the tracks (each followed by a 2-1/2-to-5-minute reflection or conclusion) are as follows: Focus on Breath: 6:02; Mantra Meditation, 12:29; Focus on Heartbeat, 9:11; Finding Your Inner Voice, 18:45. Thus, you can listen to a single meditation with or without the following reflection for a fairly short session, or listen to several of the meditations for a longer session.

My patients love it. You will too........2002-09-24

"Simple Meditations for Complex Times" is the best meditation CD I have come across in all my years as a Chiropractor. The 4 meditation options to choose from was a pleasant change which appealed to me. According to my mood, I could focus on the 'breath', or 'mantra', 'heartbeat', or 'inner voice' selections. I enjoyed the variation and felt my patients would benefit from this as well. The CD has been extremely helpful in assisting my patients to relax, lower blood pressure, and gain more serenity. I highly recommend this CD to all!

Curious about , or seriously interested in meditation?.......2002-06-23

If you've ever been curious about, or seriously interested in meditation, you'll want to hear this CD.

It's full of valuable and useful meditation information including, breathing techniques, various techniques for focusing, visualization concepts, and not to mention great background music. It discusses how meditation sessions can be short or long, and done at home, work, or just about anywhere else.

The exercises are easy to follow. And as I listened to the CD, I realized more and more how appropriately named it was...Simple Meditations For Complex Times. I can't imagine that anyone who listens to the CD can't get some benefit from it.

Meditations that work.......2002-06-06

I simply had to write a review. This man has a gift for easily guiding you into a meditation smoothly, safely, and effortlessly. Not only are his techniques excellent, but the resonance of his voice was made for guided meditation.I was actually able to meditate and I had all but given up. Thank you Ali Sharifi.

Simply the best CD ever.......2002-06-06

I have a very stressful job in Sales and I am often on the road. There is one thing that I cannot forget when I pack: this Simple Medidations CD is just amazing. After 30 minutes in my hotel room, I feel calm, de-stressed, so relaxed that the following morning, I am serene and I can deal with even the most difficult clients. I highly recommend it.

Average customer rating:

Simply Wonderful
One of the Best
How can it be?

Simple Life
Mac McAnally
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00008G12W
Release Date: 1990-02-02

Customer Reviews:

Simply Wonderful.......2005-09-26

Mac McAnally knows how to write songs and this is one of the finest collection of songs around. They have a distinctly Southern flavor to them, and sound better the more you listen to them. Back Where I Come From and Company Time are 2 of the strongest songs on the album. She's Going Out Of My Mind was recorded by Jimmy Buffett on his Riddles In The Sand album, now we get to hear the songwriter himself sing it. Many of the songs feature Vince Gill singing backup, but the star of the show is the songwriting. For example,some lyrics from "Down the Road":
"Her Mama wants to know am I washed in the Blood or just in the water
her Daddy wants to know if i make enough to take his daughter
(Down the Road)"
The tunes range from wistful to rockabilly, and have a remarkable purity to them. This album was made long before Mac joined Jimmy Buffett's band, so there is no attempt at "party songs", in contrast to his 1999 " Word of Mouth". 5 stars from start to finish.

One of the Best.......2004-06-04

This is one of the best CD's I have ever heard.

This guy has a unique ability to craft meaningful and melodic songs. When it's just Mac and guitar, he is at his best.
Too much instrumentation ruins him, much like it did to Bill Staines.

You're best when you are unplugged, and that is a compliment Mac.

How can it be?.......2003-02-21

Did you ever wonder how the music industry makes or breaks recording artists? How about "The best band you never heard of", and why they aren't making the money like Eminem? This CD is an example of someone who has the talent, the creativity, and the drive, but got dumped off by an indifferent label. Mac's been around for a while, but he truly hit his stride with "Simple Life". But no airplay, no nothing by the mainstream media. If you like thoughtful, insightful lyrics, and pleasing melodies, you will love this CD. Any of Mac's releases prior to this are pretty much for Mac fans. But (and this is important) ANYTHING after this release is for any fan of the "new country" sound. This man crafts pop gems better than anyone I have ever heard. Buy it new, or buy it used, you will not be disappointed in this CD.

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