Actually

Actually

ASIN: B000002UD7

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
When they released Actually, their second proper album, in 1987, the Pet Shop Boys proved they were no flash-in-the-pan pop sensation. Neil Tennant wrote about disaffected consumerism ("Rent," "Shopping") with the wry insight only the former editor of a teen pop magazine could have. Often accused of being emotionally bankrupt by their critics, Tennant and his partner, keyboardist Chris Lowe, effortlessly proved them wrong, camouflaging clever commentary ("It's a Sin") behind deadpan attitude and catchy dance music. The jewel in Actually's crown is probably "What Have I Done to Deserve This?," a classic hit for which Lowe and Tennant coaxed '60s pop icon Dusty Springfield out of semiretirement. Actually has aged better than anybody--including perhaps the Pet Shop Boys themselves--could have expected. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Tracks:

Kelly Clarkson - The Trouble With Love Is
Dido - Here With Me
Maroon 5 - Sweetest Goodbye/Sunday Morning
Norah Jones - Turn Me On
Wyclef Jean - Take Me As I Am (feat. Sharissa)
Eva Cassidy - Songbird
The Calling - Wherever You Will Go
The Pointer Sisters - Jump (For My Love)
Joni Mitchell - Both Sides Now
Lynden David Hall - All You Need Is Love
The Beach Boys - God Only Knows
Texas - Ill See It Through
Sugababes - Too Lost In You
Craig Armstrong - Glasgow Love Theme
Otis Redding - White Christmas
Billy Mack - Christmas Is All Around
Olivia Olson - All I Want For Christmas Is You

Amazon.com

Noted English screenwriter Richard Curtis makes his directorial bow with this romantic comedy that follows the dizzying foibles of no less than a dozen couples, featuring a cast that includes Hugh Grant as a bachelor British PM and Billy Bob Thornton as a disturbing hybrid of the worst of Clinton and Bush. Seemingly taking its lead from Bridget Jones's Diary and its sequel (both of which Curtis also wrote), Love's rich, eclectic collection of pop songs becomes something more than mere movie-soundtrack wallpaper. Indeed, tracks as disparate as Joni Mitchell's hauntingly autumnal remake of "Both Sides Now" and the Pointer Sisters' effusive '80s hit "Jump" function somewhere between supporting player and narrative Greek chorus. It's a mature, often introspective collection that mixes the expected chestnuts (the Beach Boys' evergreen "God Only Knows") and covers (Eva Cassidy's stately version of Christine McVie's "Songbird," an R&B-infused take of "All You Need Is Love" by Lynden David Hall) with standout work from Norah Jones (a torched-up "Turn Me On"), Texas (the Dusty Springfield-esque dramatics of "I'll See It Through"), and Wyclef Jean's joyous "Take Me As I Am." Underscoring the film's Christmas subtext are three holiday-themed bonus cuts by Otis Redding, Billy Mack (the film's resident rock star burnout, played by Bill Nighy), and Olivia Olson. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Love Actually CD from Movie.......2007-05-30

CD is fine, but some of the music that was in the movie does not exist on the CD.... Too bad,,,,

Best sound track.......2007-03-15

If you even just liked the movie you will love the sound track. There were a couple of songs that I didn't even remember from the movie but it was awesome.

movie and sound track.......2007-03-10

The movie was great. Although, not for kids to watch. But the movie was fun, funny and heart warming. The sound track is terrific. Great songs.

Movie is way better than CD.......2007-03-09

Kind of disappointing as the movie is so good and the music just seems to rock in the movie. There are a couple of songs on the soundtrack that I don't remember hearing in the movies and you're kind of like "what the heck is this?". And there are a couple of songs that I do remember from the movie that aren't in the soundtrack like that song Bye, Bye Baby by the Bay City Rollers (I think that's the name).

It's definately more of a chick type of CD.

Great movie.........2007-03-06

So i purchased the album to one of our favorite movies of all time, and I must say I was a little dissapointed.. Maybe I was just over excited about getting the cd, that I built myself up for dissapointment. First, while all the songs that were in the movie were on the cd, I had my heart set on hearing "All You Need is Love". In the version on the movie, you hear the trumpets, the guitar, and the flutes at key points in the song.. However, the recoring sounded awful! Very faintly in the background do you hear these instruments, and the "keyboard beats" are horrible.. Otis Redding is amazing, as is Joni Mitchell. Olivia Olsen made me forget about Mariah Carey (not a fan). She has an incredible voice!

All in all, I did like the cd, and I do recommend it, but beware! A couple of the songs have been recorded badly..

Average customer rating:

Big disappointment
NOT THE MOVIE DVD SOUNDTRACK AT ALL
All the songs are on my CD--but still disappointed
missing something
Loved it

Love Actually
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Love Actually (Widescreen Edition)
Both Sides Now
Love Actually
Bridget Jones's Diary, Vol. 2
Bridget Jones's Diary

ASIN: B00012QKSI
Release Date: 2003-12-08

Tracks:

Jump (For My Love) - Girls Aloud
Too Lost In You - Sugababes
The Trouble With Love Is - Kelly Clarkson
Here With Me - Dido
Christmas Is All Around - Billy Mack
Turn Me On - Norah Jones
Songbird - Eva Cassidy
Sweetest Goodbye - Maroon
I'll See It Through - Texas
Both Sides Now - Joni Mitchell
White Christmas - Otis Redding
Take Me As I Am - Wyclef Jean
All I Want For Christmas Is you - Olivia Olson
God Only Knows - The Beach Boys
All You Need Is Love - Lynden David Hall
Glasgow Love Theme - Craig Armstrong
PM's Love Theme - Craig Armstrong
Sometimes - Gabrielle

Album Description

Asian pressing of 2003 soundtrack for the US box office hit starring Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson and Emma Thompson. 18 tracks from the likes of Sugababes, Dido, Joni Mitchell, Maroon 5, The Beach Boys and Norah Jones. Universal. 2003.

Album Details

Asian Version featuring Four Bonus Tracks: "Christmas is all Around" by Billy Mack, "White Christmas" by Otis Redding, "All I Want for Christmas is You" by Olivia Olson, and "pm's Love Theme" by Craig Armstrong, and Two Alternate Tracks Not Found on the USA Version: "Jump" by Girls Aloud (In Place of the Pointer Sisters Version), and "Sometimes" by Gabrielle (In Place of the Calling's "Whenever You Will Go").

Customer Reviews:

Big disappointment.......2007-02-15

I returned this CD unopened. It had a sticker on it saying it had been made in Colombia or someplace else in S. America! The song, "Jump", by the Pointer Sisters in the movie, wasn't even BY the Pointer Sisters on the CD. If it's a soundtrack, what is THAT about?!?

NOT THE MOVIE DVD SOUNDTRACK AT ALL.......2007-01-23

You will be disappointed if buy this thinking it will be as good or JUST LIKE the DVD/Movie soundtrack, SORRY.

By far the best song on the CD is the best one in the movie, Olivia Olson singing All I want for Christmas. It is nearly as good as the movie and BETTER than mariah carey.

There may be some issues between the USA and import versions reported in other reviews.

Jump, All you need is love, Christmas is all around....NOT THE SAME and disappointing.

All the songs are on my CD--but still disappointed.......2006-11-06

Not sure about the complaints below about PM's Love Theme missing--my import soundtrack has it. (There seem to be at least three differnt love actually souncrtacks, so it might be possible to buy one that doesn't have the tracks you want!). Mine matches the track listing shown above for this item. However, Jump is not the Pointer Sister's version that was in the movie (it is some rather hollow faux disco number), the Billy Mack cut is not well-mixed nor is All You Need is Love, where the instrumental additions in the chruch scene seem to have been cut out, giving a monotonous and repetitive chorus that goes on and on. I LOVE the film and have watched it far too many times, but the soundtrack doesn't meet my expectations. Were I you, I'd save my money.

missing something.......2006-02-24

Ok! I am not slamming this CD. It is a great CD. But, where is Craig Armstrong's Portugese Love Theme? I tried ordering this CD and was continually getting the Amazon.com is sorry but there is a delay in your order email. I googled the soundtrack and it came up on amazon.com/uk. Very happy to see the extra tracks included (Wherever You Will Go by The Calling is also included.) My main reason for the soundtrack was for PM's Love Theme which is not available on the domestic release. Never knew you could get a soundtrack with Portugese Love Theme on it as well. I was pleasantly surprised and bought it on the spot. Was actually less expensive to purchase and ship airmail then to purchase domestically as an import. Needless to say but will say anyway, I cancelled my amazon.com order and received my import directly from amazon/uk. My advice...if you are interested in this soundtrack, try amazon.com/uk.

Loved it.......2006-02-23

I bought this version mostly for track 18 which is not on the American version. I love the movie and love the music in it. I plan on having the last song play as the recession song in my wedding.

Average customer rating:

One of my Favorite Albums out of the Wonderful 80s
Not a bad collection, but falls short of "Please"
Cool and timeless...
UN INCREÍBLE DESPLIEGUE DE LA ELECTRONICA EN LA MUSICA POP
Classy

Actually
Pet Shop Boys
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Please
Behavior
Very
Introspective
Alternative

ASIN: B000002UD7
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

One More Chance
What Have I Done To Deserve This?
Shopping
Rent
Hit Music
It Couldn't Happen Here
It's A Sin
I Want To Wake Up
Heart
King's Cross

Amazon.com

When they released Actually, their second proper album, in 1987, the Pet Shop Boys proved they were no flash-in-the-pan pop sensation. Neil Tennant wrote about disaffected consumerism ("Rent," "Shopping") with the wry insight only the former editor of a teen pop magazine could have. Often accused of being emotionally bankrupt by their critics, Tennant and his partner, keyboardist Chris Lowe, effortlessly proved them wrong, camouflaging clever commentary ("It's a Sin") behind deadpan attitude and catchy dance music. The jewel in Actually's crown is probably "What Have I Done to Deserve This?," a classic hit for which Lowe and Tennant coaxed '60s pop icon Dusty Springfield out of semiretirement. Actually has aged better than anybody--including perhaps the Pet Shop Boys themselves--could have expected. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

One of my Favorite Albums out of the Wonderful 80s.......2007-02-25

The Pet Shop Boys were and still are phenomenal. Back then in1987, still enamored with a-ha I was looking for more, something with that 80s sounds yet unique and original. I first heard "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" with Dusty Springfield of all people doing this song with the Pet Shop Boys on the radio. I sought out the Pet Shop Boys album "Actually" and found it to be very good and just what I was looking for. Their very melodic pop dance sounding music with great lyrics, delivered with such deadpan emotion, was just so ironic but very catchy and well as striking a chord of emotion with me. "Actually" is one great classic album and fresh as ever.

Not a bad collection, but falls short of "Please".......2006-09-27

When one looks at the history of musical acts that can be categorized as "Dance Music" or "Disco", there are few acts that have achieved the success and longevity of the Pet Shop Boys. The Pet Shop Boys have been making music for over 20 years - releasing an album usually about every one or two years. In the UK, the Pet Shop Boys have consistently produced Top 10 albums. They haven't had quite the same amount of success on American shores, but nonetheless they have still maintained a solid following. It actually didn't start out like that for the Pet Shop Boys in the U.S. They actually burst on to the music scene in 1986 with a #1 song entitled "West End Girls". They would then follow "West End Girls" up with another hit - "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)". These two songs would be part of the debut - and most successful album by the Pet Shop Boys "Please". With a successful album such as "Please" under their belt, the Pet Shop Boys were poised to show the public what they could do on their follow-up album. That second effort - "Actually" would continue to garner the Pet Shop Boys commercial success, but overall does not stand up to "Please".

I think there are three reasons why "Actually" falls short - especially when compared to "Please"

1) The album would be released about 18 months following "Please". Although a song like "It's a Sin" was recording during the "Please" sessions, the Pet Shop Boys had little time to put together a new album given the whirlwind of success they had with "Please".
2) "Please" was basically produced in its entirety by Stephen Hague. For "Actually", multiple producers (including Hague for "What Have I Done to Deserve This?", "It's a Sin" and "Kings Cross") were used on this album. As a result, "Actually" lacks a lot of the continuity of its predecessor.
3) Many of the songs didn't have me doing handstands like the first album.

Although "Actually" does fall short compared to "Please", there are also some good points. The good news is that the Pet Shop Boys still aren't afraid to improvise and "think out of the box". They also prove they can do some softer songs (although their strength is with high tempo electronic sound) Here is a song by song synopsis:

"One More Chance": This song grows on you. I like the sound effects like the car screeching. This is definitely one of those songs where the Pet Shop Boys think out of the box. Neil Tennant's vocals are right on the money here, but it is his spoken words that will shine.

"What Have I Done to Deserve This?": This song has very much a pop feel and was a commercial success. Once again Tennant shines on vocals. This song features a guest vocal performance by Dusty Springfield. However Springfield's vocals do little to impress me on this track.

"Shopping": Definitely the weakest track on the collection (and possibly by the Pet Shop Boys). The song does little to impress me. While the verse lyrics are clever, the chorus lyrics were unimpressive (S-H-O-P-P-I-N-G). The melody also seemed to be hastily put together.

"Rent": This song has a softer edge. This song deals with a person who is supported financially by his lover. Not a bad song, but Tennant's higher octave vocals here weren't as impressive as I've seen in other songs.

"Hit Music": This is one of the strongest songs by the Pet Shop Boys - and I'm surprised this never was a hit single. This song offers the "high tempo electronic sound" that made the Pet Shop Boys famous. Tennant's vocals are right on the money here. It is a very catchy song. If you listen you can hear that the melody resembles a slight sample of the "Peter Gunn Theme".

"It Couldn't Happen Here": This song has a haunting quality to it - and that will be the highlight to this song. It's one of the better softer tempo songs by the Pet Shop Boys, but still not as good as the high tempo material.

"It's a Sin": This was another hit single. The electronic orchestral quality of this song is really going to be the highlight - especially the intro. Once again the "high tempo" sound is in play here. Tennant pulls off the vocals flawlessly again. One thing I didn't like was the "prayer" midway through the song.

"I Want to Wake Up": This is one of the underrated tracks on this album. This wasn't a bad song. I particularly liked the melody here. Listen to how well Tennant transitions the spoken words starting from "It's mad to be in love with someone else" into sung vocals - great stuff.

"Heart": This song had a classic dance club feel to it. A good song, I still wouldn't categorize this in the upper echelon of songs by the Pet Shop Boys.

"King's Cross": Here is another example where the Pet Shop Boys prove they can do a slow song. This song offers some socio-political commentary. This is heard in the opening lyrics, "The man at the back of the queue was sent; to feel the smack of firm government". This again shows an example of the Pet Shop Boys "thinking out of the box". Good melody in this song as well.

While it's clear that the Pet Shop Boys did some "thinking out of the box", this album offered a mixed bag. Perhaps this is why that this album marked the end of the Pet Shop Boys run on the U.S. charts. I wish that the liner notes included the lyrics to each of the songs. Despite some of the flaws, this isn't a bad album. Pet Shop Boys will like this album a lot, but the jury will be out for the casual fan.

Cool and timeless..........2006-04-05

It is hard to believe that when it was first released, Rolling Stone called this "a mere pop album good for those who like pop".

This is simply an astounding work by the Boys, commercial success of which should have surprised even them, too. The singles seem to be the cream of the cake but one should listen into the album just to see how fine songwriters Neil and Christ are...it is really hard to tell my feelings about "It Couldn't Happen Here" and "King's Cross"...the ultimate pop perfection with strings, abounding orchestral manouvers and heart-felt, socially dabbing lyrics, both are glorious examples of good music, showing that pop can be soulful and heart-wrenchingly dramatic.

It is so sad that many people avoid PSB because of their gay identity. The band and all of their works are top-notch; however, they are not even included in Amazon's essentials while synthetic Depeche Mode and self-repeating New Order are called essentials. PSB are one of the best things England has given to the music industry, sort of a behind-the-curtain heroes that have a favourable influence on all their contemporary "essentials" even if the Boys jumped to the wagon after them.

Spare yourself the big mistake many are trapped into and don't overlook these guys. Start with Discography just to get warm and then move to Actually. You will be always rewarded for the rest of your life.

UN INCREÍBLE DESPLIEGUE DE LA ELECTRONICA EN LA MUSICA POP.......2006-02-25

La música de los PSB siempre me pareció una de las más brillantes de la historia de lPop, por algo se les considera los "padres del Tecno"; éste es para mí el mejor álbum de éste magnífico dúo que no tiene nada que envidiarle a ningún otro músico; mis temas favoritos son "Heart" (maravillosa balada tecno-disco), "It's A Sin" (obra maestra y sin lugar a dudas el sello personal de los PSB), "It Couldn't Happen Here" (puro tema de palícula, que precioso arreglo orquestal), "Rent" (que ingeniosa declaración de amor)y que decir de sus demás temas, todos para mí se llevan las 5 estrellas; indispensable en la coleccion de todo fanático de los Pets y si tú todavía no conoces la obra de ellos, te recomiendo que comiences por éste disco; también indispensable en el repertorio de todo amante del pop y el tecno.

Classy.......2006-01-14

Among many other accomplishments, at their creative and stylish peak the Pet Shop Boys were responsible for contributing hugely to the definition of a more solid, intellectual and sophisticated face of 80's synth-pop, far from the stereotypes of superficiallity and sterillity atributed by many exceptics to the genre, without losing its funny, catchy shape of party music. Their second album shows Tennant's tiny speak-singing voice going more traditionally melodic, but yet working as a mere channel to the transmission of words, even if it also projects comfort. This album offers a much more focused songwriting then that of their also very good debut, and there is a lot of fun and hits to enjoy here: their first UK #1 'Heart', the lush midtempo 'Rent' and the bombing megahit 'It's A Sin'. The rest of the songs match the melodic and lyric quality of the choosed singles and, as a whole, this album works of an explanation to the question "Why the f**** are there so many bands immitating and re-processing typical 80's synthpop?".

Average customer rating:

Excellent!
Who Are These People?
Best Trout alblum
Some great songs mixed with some "not so hot"
Their first CD (but not their first Album)

Truth is Stranger than Fishin
Trout Fishing in America
Manufacturer: Trout Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Over the Limit
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inFINity

ASIN: B000003JX7
Release Date: 1994-07-11

Tracks:

Spider's Fence
Cracked Up
Nothing Tonight
Prom Night in Pig Town
Soon the Night
Trouble Let Me Rest in Peace
Lost in Her Lips
Ode to Big Blue
Sleepytime Cartoon
Lucky Guy
The Day the Bass Players Took Over the World
Tongue Tied
Not Fade Away
11 Easy Steps

Customer Reviews:

Excellent!.......2003-09-22

This is a great album. Trout Fishing sometimes does some humor songs that you might not want to listen to over and over (like if the CD was in constant rotation) but that is not a problem on this CD. The only odd one is The Day the Bass Players Took Over the World and it is not disruptive (of a mood) to keep it out of CD rotation. The quality of every other song is unsurpassed. The best song in my opinion is "Not Fade Away" which sounds like a Buddy Holly tune but better. "Lost in Her Lips" and "Tongue Tied" are two other of my favorites but there are no sound bytes for them. The best test to see if you will like the album is listen to the clips for "Spider's Fence", "Cracked Up" and "Soon the Night". If you like those, they are pretty indicative of the album. "Soon the Night" is another that is especially good.

Who Are These People?.......2000-08-30

I will answer my own question - these people are quite possibly the best duo in America. These guys have been playing together for over 20 years and it shows - very together - you wonder how two guys can produce such a full sound.

My favorites are 'Not Fade Away' - a great rendition of the Buddy Holly clasic; 'The Day the Bass Players Took Over The World' - price some better speakers and watch out for this Napoleonic bass player; and 'Lucky Guy' - hilarious and touching. Buy this one.

Best Trout alblum.......1999-12-10

I think this is the best album the guys have ever produced. The only songs on it whih do not do much for me are "Ode to Big Blue" which is a not-so-hot rendition of an old Lightfoot song and "lost in her lips". Otherwise, it is a really great, free-spirited album and I encourage anyone who likes TFIA to buy this one first. For those who do not know TFIA, this is a great introduction to their music.

Some great songs mixed with some "not so hot".......1999-09-25

Most of the music on this cd does not do much for me, BUT there are 3 or 4 that are GREAT.... Ode to Big Blue, Lost in Her Lips, and, my favorite, The Day the Bass Players Took Over the World are worth the whole cd

Their first CD (but not their first Album).......1998-11-26

As a 10 year fan of Trout Fishing in America, I can unequivocally say that this is my favorite band of all time. I see them live whenever they come thru Texas.

Tracks:

One More Chance
What Have I Done To Deserve This?
Shopping
Rent
Hit Music
It Couldn't Happen Here
It's A Sin
I Want To Wake Up
Heart
King's Cross

Tracks:

I Want To Wake Up (Breakdown Mix)
Heart (Shep Pettibone Version)
You Know Where You Went Wrong
One More Chance (Seven-Inch Mix)
It's A Sin (Disco Mix)
What Have I Done To Deserve This? (Extended Mix)
Heart (Disco Mix)
A New Life
Always On My Mind (Demo Version)
Rent (Seven-Inch Mix)
I Want A Dog
Always On My Mind (Extended Dance Mix)
Do I Have To?
Always On My Mind (Dub Mix)

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

One of my Favorite Albums out of the Wonderful 80s.......2007-02-25

Not a bad collection, but falls short of "Please".......2006-09-27

Cool and timeless..........2006-04-05

UN INCREÍBLE DESPLIEGUE DE LA ELECTRONICA EN LA MUSICA POP.......2006-02-25

Classy.......2006-01-14

Very Introspective, Actually - A Pet Shop Boys Tribute

Average customer rating:

It Stinks
It had its moments
Stick to the Originals
Two Thumbs Up but only 4 stars because it's not PSB
Great Here and There

Very Introspective, Actually - A Pet Shop Boys Tribute
Behind The Scenes , The Cruxshadows , Human Drama , Motormark , Endanger , Sweep , Athan Maroulis & Zeitmahl , Rhea's Obsession , Icon of Coil , Momus , Hungry Lucy , Cleaner , Nicole Blackman & John Van Eaton , and David J
Manufacturer: Dancing Ferret Discs
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Very

ASIN: B00005JDCC
Release Date: 2001-06-05

Tracks:

It's a Sin - The Cruxshadows
Rent - Behind The Scenes
This Must Be the Place I've Waited Years to Leave - Human Drama
Opportunities - Fictional
Left to My Own Devices - Motormark
Suburbia - Endanger
Love Comes Quickly - Sweep
Heart - Athan Maroulis & Zeitmahl
What Have I Done to Deserve This? - Rhea's Obsession
New York City Boy - Icon of Coil
So Hard - Momus
Jealousy - Hungry Lucy
You Know Where You Went Wrong - Cleaner
West End Girls - Nicole Blackman & John Van Eaton
Being Boring - David J

Album Description

Why a tribute to artists still very much alive, well, and making records? The immediate cynical reply is commercialism, and let's be honest, what artist or record label wouldn't want to capitalize on the fan base and rich song catalogue of a band like The Pet Shop Boys? It seems almost inconceivable that this hasn't been done before, especially with the number of Depeche Mode tribute CDs in the double digits and climbing.

But with so many tribute CDs on the market - some paying homage to artists who barely have three albums under their belts - there is a growing consumer backlash against them. Too, it's hard for artists to know how best to approach these tributes. A faithful cover risks critical allegations that the artist has simply copied the song with no real vision employed, while a radical re-working will have fans clamoring that a musical classic has been butchered. It's a difficult tightrope to tread.

Still, everyone involved in this project has opted to walk that tightrope, and we're hopeful and confident that you in the audience will be entertained by the performance. Rest assured that this is not a thrown-together assembly line tribute, but something lovingly compiled over the better part of a year by a longtime PSB fan. We've even had the disc mastered at the same studio that mastered Nightlife as well as the recent re-issues to ensure the best sound quality.

Customer Reviews:

It Stinks.......2003-06-19

Unlike the mini cd by Unlimited Beat in 1990's this cd compilation of artists you've never heard of leaves much to be desired. Completely untrue to the spirit of the original songs with poor production value, I advise die hard PSB fans to let this one rot on the shelves. This rates up there with the abortive Erasure Tribute album that came out last year.

It had its moments.......2002-06-25

Being a huge fan of the Pet Shop Boys, I could not bring myself to give even a derivative work such as this a low rating. To be honest, many of the tracks are not worth listening to. But this tribute is priced low enough to make it worth it for the few solid and enjoyable tracks. Don't buy this unless you already have everything from the Pet Shop Boys as any of their albums or singles would be a better investment.

Stick to the Originals.......2002-04-15

Tribute albums are interesting for at least one of two reasons:
1) They provide worthwhile new interpretations of existing songs.
2) They confirm that the original singers were not merely fine songwriters, but also very good singers and/or arrangers.

Like the tribute album to Elton John, this definitely falls in the latter category.

Two Thumbs Up but only 4 stars because it's not PSB.......2002-04-05

After what I consider to be two huge disappointments - bilingual and nightlife (sounded way too gay for this straight couple); my wife and I found that we loved VERY INROSPECTIVE, ACTUALLY.

It has about the same hits on it as discography with a version of NYC Boy that is actually better on this CD than the original IMHO.

If you're a PSB Fan like we are, buy it, because we think it has been a nice way to be exposed to some talent we have not heard before; but through songs we know and love.

Just don't expect any of the songs to be sung in the same octave as the PSB..these are all baritones and tenors on this one.

Great Here and There.......2002-02-09

Im a PSB's fan and a Human Drama fan and I was skeptical of this cd, amazingly enough it is quite good. Im glad to see lot of the bands on here doing the songs in there own style. There are a few songs that disappointed me but for the most part it holds together nicely. And for those who say, "im the biggest PSB fan in the world," and then trash this cd, have you seen Pet Shop Boys live? That can be pretty embarrassing too.

Average customer rating:

Breathtaking......

Tranquil Moments: French Horn

Manufacturer: Madacy Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000056CF6
Release Date: 2005-01-04

Tracks:

Andante Con Moto
Pavane For A Dead Princess
Andante
Apres Un Reve
Andante
Andante
Reveries
Andante

Customer Reviews:

Breathtaking.............2003-11-25

A friend of mine bought this for me a while back. I loved this cd! Some may not though.....it's got rainwater and other relaxing sounds in the background. The horn playing is so artfully executed that the noise in the background just adds to the relaxation this cd brings. The artist resonates in every piece, and you can hear the emotion he puts into it. The piano accompanist is outstanding. This cd is perfect for a rainy day, when you want to relax, or if you just love horns.

Average customer rating:

EFO - A Great Choice for "Non Fans" of Folk Rock
One of their best
You had me at "hello"
EFO follower
HOOKED!

Actually Not
Eddie from Ohio
Manufacturer: Virginia Soul
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Alternative Folk | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Folk Rock | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

A Juggler on His Blades
Looking out the Fishbowl
I Rode Fido Home
Big Noise
This Is Me

ASIN: B00000AE68
Release Date: 1999-09-07

Tracks:

North Pacific Rain
Fruited Plain
Sahara
Hojo's On Waukegan
Mimosas In Missouri
One
The Three Fine Daughters Of Farmer Brown
Santa Margherita
Imagine Me
Porter's Tale
It Ain't Worth
Continents Of time
Red Footprints
Falling Rock
How Far To The Water
Ginger Faye
Away-O
Betty Don't Use That Gun
Very Short Fuse
In Paradise

Customer Reviews:

EFO - A Great Choice for "Non Fans" of Folk Rock.......2003-12-07

Like most people, I claim to listen "to everything" except classical and "folksy stuff". I was introduced to EFO (Eddie From Ohio) about ten years ago and have been a closet EFO freak since. This album is not their newest or most creative endeavor to date, but it is the easiest to fall in love with. This is the type of down to earth, grass roots, love of music, feel good stuff that you try your darndest to not like, but you cant shake it! Julie's smooth voice and Ed's viceral percussions mixed (by Billy Wolf) to complement and accuntuate the "dualing" Tacamine acoustic guitars, make for a CD that's easy to listen to all day long on repeat. I still thrill at the subtleties I discover on track 5 - "Mimosa's in Missouri". PLEASE give this CD a try - You'll slowly start to notice you can't help but love EFO.

One of their best.......2001-06-01

Eddie From Ohio defies description with their folk/rock/country/pop music, but their masterful musical skills and lavish sound offer something for practically everone. They're very genuine people, and clearly pour their hearts in their music, because it shows both in their albums and, especially, in their live performances.

This album is one of their first to truly capture the amazing quality of their live performances in their studio tracks. Julie's sweet smooth voice kicks... in "Fruited Plain", Robbie does in "One", and they both do in "Falling Rock", but most of this album is very tuneful and a joy to listen to, one of EFO's best.

You had me at "hello".......2000-05-23

:^)

A good friend first loaned me this disc 3 years ago - I fell in love w/ Julie's voice from the very first track - I ordered it off their website before even going half way through - I also had the foresight to get "portable" (amazon wasn't up to speed back then).

So who says all fans are born at the shows? I share them w/ everyone who'll give me an hour for a listen.

Can I just say: "Paradise" moves me like no song I've ever listened to in my life - it still does, every time. I put it on a mixed tape for a friend who's mother passed away recently and I think it helped...

Thank you efo!

EFO follower.......2000-05-02

If you have stumbled upon this group, you are lucky... what a wonderful group, with adventurous lyrics and beautiful, catchy melodies and harmonies. Julie Murphy Wells has a glorious voice (not to mention Robbie, Mike and Eddie, also excellent) and the songs somehow stick with you and make your day better. I heard them first about 5 years ago when they opened for another performer...and I got hooked. I've been following them around the country (when I can) ever since.

HOOKED!.......2000-04-02

I bought this CD after listening to them at a concert. It's become one of my favorites! Everytime I drive and see a sign "Falling Rocks" I think of this album! Blast the tune "Mimosas in Missouri and just BREATH! WOW! I've seen them 5 times here in Charlottesville and I've have NEVER been disappointed! Get this CD!

Average customer rating:

Lovely CD
The best of Trout Fishing's Adult CD's (so far)

Who Are These People?
Trout Fishing In America
Manufacturer: Trout Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Acoustic Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Truth is Stranger than Fishin
Over the Limit
Closer to the Truth
Big Trouble
Reel Life

ASIN: B000003JXF
Release Date: 1994-08-31

Tracks:

Carry Me
There's A Panther In Michigan
Never Look Down
Who Are These People?
Serious About You
Count On Me
Mandaddy
Story Time
Pretty Mary
These Are Good Times
Breakfast Blues
The Rifle And The Song

Customer Reviews:

Lovely CD.......2004-11-14

My oldest daughter went off to boarding school recently. As a 14 year old, she took with her Jessica, Christina and Britney, but she also had the good taste to bring two Trout Cds, this one and Family Music Party.
That says a lot about them- their broad appeal. My 70 year old parents listen to them, I listen to them, my teenager listens to them and my teeny kids listen to them. That is quite an accomplishment.

As usual, this is a lyrical and beautiful Cd with clever lyrics. It is more serious than most of their work and it is nice to see them in that mode. Their adult music is as wonderful as their children's fare.

They pick some nice songs to cover- especially Dana Cooper's Mandaddy. Then there are the usual songs they write themselves which are well-crafted and immensely listenable.

The broad range of styles means that the CD never gets boring and that their versitility is shown off to its maximum potential.

One of my favorite Trout songs of all is Carry Me and this is a good version. The title track is also a great song with a good message.

The best of Trout Fishing's Adult CD's (so far).......1998-11-26

As a 10 year fan of Trout Fishing in America, I can unequivocally say that this is my favorite band of all time. I see them live whenever they come thru Texas.

My personal ranking of their 3 Adult CD's has this one first, "Truth is Stranger than Fishing" second, and "Over the Limit" third.

Tracks:

Jump (For My Love) - Girls Aloud
Too Lost in You - Sugababes
Trouble with Love Is - Kelly Clarkson
Here with Me - Dido
Christmas Is All Around - Billy Mack
Turn Me On - Norah Jones
Songbird - Eva Cassidy
Sweetest Goodbye - Maroon 5
Wherever You Will Go
I'll See It Through
Both Sides Now - Joni Mitchell
White Christmas - Otis Redding
Take Me as I Am - Wyclef Jean, Shakira
All I Want for Christmas Is You - Olivia Olson
God Only Knows - The Beach Boys
All You Need Is Love - Lynden David Hall
Sometimes
Glasgow Love Theme - Craig Armstrong
PM's Love Theme - Craig Armstrong
Portugese Love Theme - Craig Armstrong

Album Review:

Album Review

Album Review