Steve Smith & Buddy's Buddies

Steve Smith & Buddy's Buddies

ASIN: B00001IV8Y

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Steve Smith and Buddy's Buddies is hardly the first tribute to the legendary jazz drummer Buddy Rich, but it is perhaps the first to bring to life the small-group aspect of Rich's enormous legacy. While previous recorded tips of the hat to Rich have focused on his influential big-band work, Buddy's Buddies gathers some of Rich's former sidemen with superstar drummer Steve Smith for a rewarding shot of small-group jazz as intense as Rich's own work in this context. Since this is a tribute to a drummer, much of the focus here is on Smith, and given his cultlike status in musician circles (earned through his varied playing with everyone from Journey to his own jazz-fusion band Vital Information), it's no surprise that he doesn't disappoint--bursting out of the gate on "Nutville" with some ridiculously complex drum fills and going into hyerdrive on the super-uptempo "Airegin" for some telepathic interplay with saxophonists Steve Marcus and Andy Fusco. But it's the rest of the band that makes this far more than a drum clinic or otherwise empty nostalgia recording. Marcus's lyrical soprano solo lights up a beautifully arranged version of the Beatles' "Norwegian Wood," and the whole band swings with effortless ease on "New Blues," transforming what could have been a mere tribute album into a no-holds-barred session that stands just fine on its own--just the way Rich undoubtedly would have wanted it. --Ezra Gale

Tracks:

Only The Young
Don't Stop Believin'
Wheel In The Sky
Faithfully
I'll Be Alright Without You
Any Way You Want It
Ask The Lonely
Who's Crying Now
Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)
Lights
Lovin',Touchin',Squeezin'
Open Arms
Girl Can't Help It
Send Her My Love
Be Good To Yourself
When You Love A Woman

Customer Reviews:

Complete.......2007-07-09

This is how you do a greatest hits collection. You put ALL of them on there. Not a mix of half greats, and half "other", then release the rest on another "greatest hits" CD.

Get the Infinity album too........2007-07-07

Unfortunately, it does not include my favorite song tandem Feeling That Way/ Anytime. For that you need to buy The Infinity album. It does include some great songs, a good mix of rockers and ballads. Definitely worth the price to anyone who loves classic rock and roll or was a teen in the late '70s. But do yourself a favor and get the Infinity album too.

The long Journey home.......2007-07-06

A must for any collection. Perry's voice is amazing. All the hits are in this CD, plus a couple you forgot

Dollars and (common) cents........2007-06-18

I'm going to rate this CD based on a $1 per song cost to total cost for the entire CD (Apple and Rhapsody charge $1 per song).
I can still remember the days when, if you were a guy, you didn't admit to your friends that you liked Journey. I guess because they wrote a lot of soft rock or 'pop' love songs and had a really big lady following back then. Journey was so damn popular that they had their own video arcade game. It was much better than Kiss' pinball machine. Is Steve Perry ever going to do a reunion with the band?
This CD is great. I'm not afraid anymore to admit that I like Journey. The CD on Amazon is priced at $10. There are $14 worth of excellent songs on here (Tracks 1 through 14). So this CD is worth the price. You can also load the entire album on iTunes for $10, if you don't want to wait for the CD in the mail (and save yourself the shipping costs).
Darium June 2007

Journey into Television History.......2007-06-14

Thank you David Chase for the best ever television series created with The Sopranos. Thanks to you also for selecting Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" for the final song of The Sopranos that will forever tie Journey and The Sopranos together in television history. Both are in classes by themeselves and will never be surpassed.

Average customer rating:

HOW DO YOU SAY,"WOW," IN ITALIAN?
Just buy it.
Teamo, Andrea Bocelli
A new style from Andrea.
Not happy with delivery (or non delivery) of this item

Andrea
Massimo Varini , Ensemble of Bologna , London Session Orchestra , Andy Duncan , Leo Z. , Rosario Jermano , Dave Arch , and David Arch
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Andrea Bocelli - Amore
Romanza
Cieli di Toscana
Sogno
Andrea Bocelli - Sacred Arias / Myung-Whun Chung

ASIN: B00063M112
Release Date: 2004-11-09

Tracks:

Dell'Amore Non Si Sa
L'Attesa
Un Nuovo Giorno
Tu Ci Sei
Sin Tu Amor
Libert
Per Noi
Le Parole Che Non Ti Ho Detto
Sempre O Mai
In Canto
Quante Volte Ti Ho Cercato
When A Child Is Born
Go Where Love Goes

Amazon.com

It's no mean feat being the world's foremost crossover artist--a task that risks alienating two disparate audiences and everyone in between--but somebody had to do it, and Andrea Bocelli again walks that artistic tightrope with impressive deftness. The title may imply a casual intimacy (indeed, the singer admits to taking a more "hands-on" approach to the album's conception and production), but it's a collection that nonetheless continues to expand on the Italian tenor's ambitious internationalism. His collaboration "Sin Tu Amor" immerses his voice in the Gipsy Kings' own rich Iberian folk-pop fusion with compelling results, while "Where Love Goes" (a musical focal point of the film Lazarus Child), his English language duet with 11-year-old prodigy Holly Stell, achieves an almost liturgical grace. "Tu Ci Sei" (You Are There) continues in the romantic vein of his familiar theme "Con Te Partiro" (Time to Say Goodbye), while the single "Dell' Amore Non Si Sa" (With Love You Never Know) features Bocelli in a signature dramatic tour de force collaboration with arranger Mauro Malavasi, the accomplished producer of the singer's Romanza and Sogno albums. Bocelli's shrewd taste and vocal prowess here not only again redeem an oft-maligned genre, but elevate it considerably in the bargain. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

HOW DO YOU SAY,"WOW," IN ITALIAN?.......2007-06-22

BEFORE I START, LET ME SAY, THAT I AM A DANCE CLUB GUY AND THAT, ORDINARILY, THIS IS NOT MY KIND OF MUSIC. OF COURSE, I LAUGH AS I SAY THAT, AS, APPARENTLY, A NEW DOOR HAS OPENED IN MY LIFE, THANKS TO THIS MAN.
A FEW YEARS AGO I HAD HEARD ANDREA DO, "CON TE PARTIRO," ON A PBS SPECIAL AND MY EYES FILLED WITH TEARS THAT ANY HUMAN COULD MAKE SUCH SOUNDS. I WAS ASTOUNDED; MORE ASTOUNDING, STILL, WAS TO HEAR THIS ALBUM AND FIND THAT HIS VOICE HAD ACTUALLY VASTLY IMPOVED OVER TIME. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE? " CON TE..," PALES IN COMPARISON TO THE QUALITY OF THIS WORK; THE TRACKS ON THIS CD ARE PERFECT, FULL, RICH, AND MORE MOVING THAN ANYTHING I HAVE EVER HEARD. I HAVE HAD IT A WEEK, NOW, AND I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO LISTEN TO ANYTHING ELSE FOR VERY LONG, AND I PLAY IT OVER AND OVER. IT HAS BEEN MANY YEARS SINCE I HAVE BEEN AFFECTED LIKE THIS BY ANY VOCAL CD. IF HE NEVER RECORDED AGAIN HE WOULD HAVE MADE A MARK ON THE WORLD OF AUDIO NEVER TO BE ERASED OR FORGOTTEN. WHAT A VOICE! WHAT SONGS! THE CUT, "LIBERTA," ABSOLUTELY KILLS ME WITH FEELINGS OF JOY AND MARVEL. I HAVE EVEN TAKEN UP STUDYING ITALIAN BECAUSE OF IT.
TREAT YOURSELF, AND A GOOD FRIEND, TO THE SOUNDS ON THIS CD. SIT AND WATCH A SUNSET WITH IT ON... I MEAN NOW!

Just buy it........2007-05-30

If you like soft music that make's you feel up beat, just order a Andrea Bocelli CD. Listening to his CD's after being at work all day, is like having an option in life to hear and be somewhere else.

Teamo, Andrea Bocelli .......2007-03-08

One of his best. Need the lyrics translated from the Italian to the English inside the casing next time. Nonetheless, Mr. Bocelli has a beautiful voice. It made my wife and all my female co-workers swoon when they listened to it.

A new style from Andrea........2007-02-24

There were some ugly songs in here.(I absolutely hate to say that about anything Andrea.)But the good far outshone the bad.
Un Nouvo Giorno stunned me the first time I heard it.It was so unlike anything I had heard from Andrea- very pop.But it soon grew on me.
Liberta is amazing.Very catchy and upbeat.
Sempre O Mai is my favorite.It keeps its tempo up and has the best of Andrea and pop.Great song.

So this album was really a double album with pop and classical songs interspersed.A good mix from the master.

Not happy with delivery (or non delivery) of this item.......2007-01-16

When I ordered this on 12/04/2006 they said I would have it before Christmas. Then right before Christmas the delivery date was changed to mid-January. So I had to cancel my order and go, at the last minute, buy it at a store because it was a Christmas present. I wasn't happy about it and won't be buying from amazon for the holidays any longer.

Donnie Darko - Original Soundtrack & Score

Average customer rating:

Donnie Darko UK Import : BUY IT!!!
Mad World - the one you are looking for
It took 'em long enough, but it was worth the wait!
Donhnie Darko Import Soundtrack well done
good stuff

Donnie Darko - Original Soundtrack & Score

Manufacturer: Sanctuary UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Donnie Darko - The Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Edition)
The Donnie Darko Book
Donnie Darko (Score)
Shout: The Very Best of Tears for Fears
Mad World

ASIN: B0002XMF2G
Release Date: 2004-10-11

Tracks:

Never Tear Us Apart
Head Over Heals
Under the Milky Way
Lucid Memory
Lucid Assembly
Ave Maria
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Show Me, Pt. 1
Notorious
Stay
Love Will Tear Us Apart
Killing Moon
Mad World
Did You Know Him?

Tracks:

Carpathian Ridge
Tangent Universe
Artifact & Living
Middlesex Times
Manipulated Living
Philosophy of Time Travel
Liquid Spear Waltz
Gretchen Ross
Burn It to the Ground
Slipping Away
Rosie Darko
Cellar Door
Ensurance Trap
Waltz in the 4th Dimention
Time Travel
Did You Know Him?
Mad World
Mad World [Alternate Mix][*]

Album Description

UK only double-disc features many tracks unavailable on the US version. Sanctuary. 2004.

Album Details

2004 UK Two CD Reissue of Soundtrack to the Cult Film that Includes the Origianl Score plus Additional Tracks that were in the Original Film but were Left off the USA Single CD Version. 80's Bands Including Duran Duran, Inxs, Echo and the Bunnymen, Joy Division and Tears for Fears Now Complete this New Package

Customer Reviews:

Donnie Darko UK Import : BUY IT!!!.......2007-05-12

Just bought this 2 CD import item. Was it costly? Sure: approx. $25. BUT, given that I nearly paid $20 for the US version which DOES NOT include the first CD, it was well worth it.
Delivery: SURPRISINGLY SUPER-FAST by USPS (it only took two or three days standard shipping)
Condition: Still wrapped in plastic.
Music: *tee hee* If you watched the movie, then you know what the music will sound like: it's the movie soundtrack (you know, the awesome soundtrack that both reminds the viewer of the 80's and also creates a haunting backdrop for the movie's themes). Typically here in the US that means only one or two of the good songs and the rest is the score. The UK version? ALL of the good songs and the entire score (that's why it's 2 discs).
Bad part? Not offered in US retail stores (i.e. you can only buy this online or in an Import CD store.

Mad World - the one you are looking for.......2007-01-19

It's here, two versions of Mad World by Michael Andrews, lovely piano intro and Neil Young type vocals. Buy it!

It took 'em long enough, but it was worth the wait!.......2006-11-06

My friends and I have been waiting for this for years--finally, the real 80's music soundtrack for Donnie Darko, arguably one of the best soundtracks out there!

Probably the only negative comment I have is that they included the music from the motivational videos, something that I could have done without.

Thank you for putting this soundtrack out!!

Donhnie Darko Import Soundtrack well done.......2006-08-24

The import edition of the Donnie Darko soundtrack is two discs. One is the actual pop songs, and some classical works, which are all very good and includes the remake of Tears for Fears "Mad World." The second disc is the instrumental score, with two versions of "Mad World," included as well. The instrumental score is very dark and omenous, and the two disc set is a nice collectible piece of music that I highly reccommend. The price is a bit high, at over $30, but if you are any type of a fan of the movie, or a soundtrack collector, this album is for you.

good stuff.......2006-08-10

i wish i could have bought just disc one... because disc two is mostly the instrumental stuff, which is excellent, but i don't really plan on listening to it over and over. disc one is good, although there are a few songs i skip through.

Average customer rating:

Ok, But Not As Good As the Last One
A Solid Home Run for Steve Smith and Company...

Vitalization CD
Steve Smith And Vital Information
Manufacturer: Hudson Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Moe's Town
Quantum
Pilgrimage
Slaughterhouse 3
Back on the Corner

ASIN: B000QCQ7SQ
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

Interwoven Rhythms- Synchronous
Get Serious
The Trouble With
The Bottom Line
Seven and a Half
Interwoven Rhythms- Dialogue
J Ben Jazz
Groove Time
You Know What I Mean
The Closer
Jimmy Jive
Positano

Product Description

Hudson Music is proud to announce the release of the latest audio CD from Steve Smith & Vital Information, Vitalization. Vitalization s 12 original compositions (composed by the members of Vital Information) define an emerging, borderless, World Fusion musical style that ranges from up-tempo blues, straight-ahead jazz and ballads to South Indian-influenced and odd-time grooves, funk and contemporary jazz-rock. The CD also features guest percussionists Pete Lockett (England), Gilad (Israel) and Juan Carlos Melián (Spain), who add a variety of authentic, ethnic percussion sounds and flavors to the tracks. Following his extensive tour and studio work with leading jazz, pop and rock musicians not to mention his election to the Modern Drummer Hall Of Fame and multiple best all-around drummer awards this latest recording represents a culmination of Smith s influences and his growth as a musician while also demonstrating that the drummers drummer s craft remains a work in progress and his appetite for taking on new challenges remains insatiable.Vital Information s Tom Coster (keyboards - Bill Evans, Billy Cobham and Santana), Baron Browne (bass - Gary Burton, Steps Ahead, Jean-Luc Ponty) and newcomer Vinny Valentino (guitar - Randy Brecker, Dennis Chambers, George Benson) join Steve Smith (drummer - Journey, Jazz Legacy, Steps Ahead, Burning For Buddy) for a bold excursion into World Music territory without leaving their American Jazz roots behind.

Customer Reviews:

Ok, But Not As Good As the Last One.......2007-07-03

This is my eighth CD by Vital Information, and I generally consider them my favorite band. This is a good CD, but there are couple of things I do not care for. First is that "konnakol" vocal percussion. I will forever skip those two tunes, which I find completely annoying. Second, the new guitarist is good, but he is a step down from Frank Gambale, the former guitarist. Third, a couple of tunes have too much percussion for my taste.

There are some good things about this CD. Keyboardist Tom Coster wails, as does drummer Steve Smith. Guest saxaphone player Bill Evans turns in a fine performance too, and bass player Baron Browne has some excellent moments. Tracks 8 and 11 are really the same tune done in two different styles, which is quite effective.

If you like modern jazz-rock fusion or electric jazz, you should by this CD, but I prefer their last album Come on In.

A Solid Home Run for Steve Smith and Company..........2007-06-17

The music on the new Steve Smith and Vital Information "Vitalization" Cd is best described by the title itself. The latest outing by the venerable Vital Information institution established in 1983, serves notice that Fusion/Electric Jazz is still the most creative and potent force in the evolution of the Jazz genre. While Jazz traditionalists dismiss anything remotely associated with the "F" word, the rest of the world rightfully embraces the notion that plugging in and turning it up is good medicine for the soul.

Vitalization is the first Vital Information Cd on the Hudson Music label. I would have to say the change is a good one. The Hudson Music production and the sound quality of the music, rate near the top of the Cd format standard capabilities. This is certainly one recording that I would love to hear in the HD format (SACD, DVD-Audio).

This recording is also the debut of guitarist Vinny Valentino with Vital Information. Again, the change seems to be a good one. Vinny brings new life to the sound of the band. Playing a hollow body Yamaha AEX 1500 Electric Guitar through an Axon Ax 100 guitar synthesizer, Vinny demonstrates a variety of great sounds. While Vinny sites George Benson as an influence, there is a lot more to his sound and to my ears, he sounds like a combination of Grant Green and John McLaughlin - not bad!

These changes are just the beginning of the many things to appreciate on this recording. The addition of Bill Evans on Sax brings the funk songs to their full potential. Bill is one of Jazz's most under-rated sax players and I've found his playing to be consistently spectacular since his debut with the Miles Davis "come back" band featuring Mike Stern and Marcus Miller in 1981. There is also some fantastic percussion work by Pete Lockett, Gilad, and Juan Carlos Melián.

The most noticeable of the new sounds on this incredible recording are the two entries featuring Konnakol (South Indian Vocal Percussion) by Steve Smith and Pete Lockett. I found the songs fit the Electric Jazz project exceptionally well. It probably helps that they are both very good at it. For Fusion fans that enjoy odd time signatures, I found one song in 15 during my first listen and not surprisingly learned it was called 7 and a Half.

While I refer to the project as Fusion and Electric Jazz, the compositions vary widely from South Indian Konnakol, Funk, and straight ahead Jazz, to Fusion intensity and they all demonstrate exceptional improvisational and technical skills by everyone. Another strong plus factor for Fusion fans is there is only one ballad and it's smartly placed at the end of the disc (not a Fusion first, but it's always appreciated).

One thing that has always been present in the Vital Information recordings is what I call the "accessibility factor". It's doubtful that any musical enterprise would last 24 years without some attention paid to fans that appreciate a less self-indulgent and more "easy on the ears" style. Consequently some Fusion fans have found past projects a little too tame. Steve and company have a solid home run with Vitalization. Everyone can enjoy this at any level of appreciation. For those that listen to the "songs", they will enjoy some great music, while those that listen "note for note" will appreciate the incredible performances and energetic pace of the project.

Overall I would have to give this recording a solid 5-Star rating and strongly recommend it to anyone that enjoys the creative musical style called Fusion and anyone that appreciates a great Jazz recording.

By,
Rick Calic
jazzrockworld

Average customer rating:

Interlude is great.
great musik
A must have!
Put it on and dream
Lots of instrumental pieces

The Color Purple

Manufacturer: Dreamworks
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Color Purple
The Color Purple (2005 Original Broadway Cast)
The Five Heartbeats: Music From The Motion Picture
The Wiz: Original Soundtrack (1978 Film)
Sister Act 2: Back In The Habit - Songs From The Motion Picture Soundtrack

ASIN: B000A2H8Z8
Release Date: 2005-08-09

Tracks:

Overture- QUINCY JONES
Main Title- QUINCY JONES
Celie Leaves With Mr.- QUINCY JONES
Corrine And Olivia- QUINCY JONES
Nettie Teaches Celie- QUINCY JONES
The Separation- QUINCY JONES
Celie and Harpo Grow Up/Mr. Dresses to See Shug- QUINCY JONES
Careless Love - QUINCY JONES
Sophia Leaves Harpo- QUINCY JONES
Celie Cooks Shug Breakfast- QUINCY JONES
Junk Bucket Blues- QUINCY JONES
The Dirty Dozens- QUINCY JONES
Miss Celie's Blues (Sister)- QUINCY JONES
Don't Make Me No Never Mind- QUINCY JONES
My Heart (Will Always Lead Me Back To You)- LOUIS ARMSTRONG AND HIS HOTFIVE
Three On The Road- QUINCY JONES
Bus Pulls Out- QUINCY JONES

Tracks:

The First Letter- QUINCY JONES
Letter Search- QUINCY JONES
Nettie's Letters- QUINCY JONES
High Life / Proud Theme- QUINCY JONES
J.B. King- QUINCY JONES
Heaven Belongs To You- QUINCY JONES
Katutoka Corrine- QUINCY JONES
Celie Shaves Mr./Scarification Ceremony- QUINCY JONES
I'm Here- QUINCY JONES
Champagne Train- QUINCY JONES
Celie's New House / Body And Soul- QUINCY JONES / COLEMAN HAWKINS & HIS ORCHESTRA
Maybe God Is Tryin' To Tell You Somethin'- QUINCY JONES
Reunion/Finale- QUINCY JONES

Customer Reviews:

Interlude is great........2007-03-09

I wanted a CD that captured the mood and feelings of the movie. The score sort of recycles itself. Its important to know the title of the song so that you can understand the music. This is really a great Soundtrack.

My favorite part is the interlude, its a little long but how else can you capture the whole movie in just a few minutes!

great musik.......2007-03-08

This cd is the parfait double of the film.
You just have to lesson it for being in the film. Great tunes.

A must have!.......2007-02-21

This is a good cd, although it was not exactly what I was expecting. I was hoping for more lyrics in the songs rather than just the music, as it was sung in the movie. Although I love the music just the same.

Put it on and dream.......2007-01-09

The music is so pleasant. It is something that inspires thought.

Lots of instrumental pieces.......2007-01-05

This is a great CD, but if you are looking for a lot of gospel tunes you might be disappointed, there are many instrumental peices, that are pretty however.

Average customer rating:

The Songs are Too Long, But the Album Is Worth Checking Out.
Blown Away
Best Maiden album in years but hard to review
Maiden releases best effort since Brave New World
This is a good CD

A Matter of Life and Death
Iron Maiden
Manufacturer: Sanctuary Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Brave New World
Dance of Death
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son
Somewhere in Time
Piece of Mind

ASIN: B000H7JD4A
Release Date: 2006-09-05

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:

Pops Goes the 4th!
TOP NOTCH!

America

Manufacturer: Boston Pops Rec.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

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My Favorite Things: A Richard Rodgers Celebration

ASIN: B0009ML1X4
Release Date: 2005-06-21

Tracks:

The Pledge Of Allegiance
Star Spangled Banner
Liberty Fanfare
America
This Is My Country
City Of New Orleans
Doodletown Fifers
God Bless America
Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy
This Land Is Your Land
The Gettysburg Address
America, We're Proud To Serve
America The Beautiful
1812 Overture
The Stars And Stripes Forever

Customer Reviews:

Pops Goes the 4th!.......2006-12-02

This is a great CD for any fan of the Boston Pops - especially those who have seen or been to their annual 4th of July performance - or for those who appreciate patriotic music. Many of the pieces they play at the Pops Goes the 4th concert are on the CD. My personal favorite is the 1812 Overture for its live cannons.

TOP NOTCH!.......2005-08-27

This is a top notch collection of music. These represent the american spirit. I highly recomend it to everyone.

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:

Marvellous!!A delicious recording!!!
Rock guitarist turned lutanist

Portrait

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 2000-04-11

Tracks:

Sir John Smith His Almain
Forlorne Hope Fancye
(Pavan)
La Jota
Cumbees
Piva
Emporer Of The Moon
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The Earl Of Essex Galliard
The Right Honourable
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Go From My Windoe
Toccata 2a, For Chitarrone
Hor che gli augelli
Je ne seray jamais bergere

Customer Reviews:

Marvellous!!A delicious recording!!!.......2004-10-01

O`Dette! The lutanist that would become popular in Dowlands time! he seems to me like a Leonhardt on lute.I find the lute no less expressive and enchanting than harpsichord or piano when I listen to Mr O`Dette

Rock guitarist turned lutanist.......2002-08-05

I listen to this album over and over and never get tired of it. O'Dette's interpretations keep sounding fresh and alive, perhaps because of his rock background. This was the popular music of the time and he plays it that way. There's no dusty mustiness of age hanging over it.

Tracks:

Crash Course
Snake Soda
Dr. Hee
Everglades
Two For One
King Twang
The Captors
Giant Steps
Lie Detector

Customer Reviews:

GIMME SOME SNAKE SODA.......2007-01-05

Great album consisting of 3 of today's most talented musicians. I was a Wooten fan going into the album but my jaw dropped with Henderson's screaming guitar riffs; I have a new found respect for these cats after listening to this album. "snake soda" is off the hook and listening to another version of "giant steps" is always a treat.

SAFETY HARNESS REQUIRED [you may need it!] .......2006-07-20

"Well, what have we here then? Scott Henderson, Steve Smith and Victor Wooten - I think I know what to expect". WRONG! Put all your preconceptions to one side, and just enjoy. This album is going to be a little bit of a surprise.

You know how "fusion" music can sometimes become a bit predictable or even stale - bands simply rehashing what's been done before, only not as well. Then suddenly a band appears that literally EXPLODES onto the scene, to shake things up. Well, Vital Tech Tones is such a band.

I'm sure most fusion lovers are already aware of the aforementioned musicians' credentials, so they need no more introductions. What WILL surprise, and hopefully delight, such fusion enthusiasts, is what they create on this album. In my opinion, it comes across as a reaction against the staleness inherent in "some" fusion music. But, because I don't want to give too much away in my review, which would spoil the impact this band has on first hearing, I'll attempt to make vague comparisons instead. Thus, imagine, if you will, Scott with a touch of Jimi Hendrix in his playing, and if Steve added some of John Bonham's sheer power to his already awesome technique, then finally, if all the great bass players you'd ever heard gave a bit of themselves to add to Victor's playing - you'd be getting close to the sound of this phenomenally gifted trio, in this, their debut album.

The playing throughout is of course stunning. The compositions are varied in style - sometimes jazzy, heavy, complex, and funky - but always entertaining. It actually sounds like they were really enjoying themselves while making such a wonderful album. In fact, the amazing interplay within the band suggests to me that they were recording it live, thus capturing those rare moments of genius when they were all "in the zone". This is what jazz is supposed to be about anyway "reaching for that moment".

It's a gem of a performance. If you're looking for "jazz with attitude", this is the album for you - otherwise, look elsewhere. For the sheer sublime playing alone, this VTT album is worth buying. Take a risk - I promise you won't be disappointed!

Yanek

Another ploddy jam disc.......2006-03-30

I was looking forward to this disc when I heard of the lineup. Although Im not a fan at all of Victor Wooten. He seems to mix well with Steve and Scott. At first listen, a few tunes jump out at you . King Twang and Crash Course are the hottest numbers on this one. But after listening to this more and more everything else on here are just fillers. Scotts soloing is fierce and in your face, as is Steves. But once again im disappointed with the overall song content.

giant steps.......2005-08-18

GIANT STEPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH MY GOD. lie detector is extremely sweet. vic wooten demonstrates the full range of his instrument and its very refreshing to hear him play walking lines instead of slapping all the time. steve smith is just a GREAT drummer. weckl like chops with great musicality and time.

ah, scott henderson. alongside metheny, holdsworth, wes, and steve vai as my favorite guitarists. he says his tone on this albums is amongst his worst recorded, but its still shockingly great. his lines are otherworldly. such beautiful phrasing and melodic ideas. i love this album.

is it truly worth 5 stars? in my opinion, its a solid album with the exception of giant steps. giant steps alone makes it essential.

Tech, yes. Tones, yes. Vital?..........2005-03-11

With this lineup, of course it's technical/thinking man's rock, but it has a surprising share of sloppy moments.

What stood out to me is Steve's frequent inability to let others solo - bombastically drowning some of Scott's stuff in the first arrangements. He's also a bit too heavy in the mix. Finally, some of Steve's syncopations are misplaced and sound bad.

something else that annoyed me is, when Scott plays in the tremolo bar style of Hendrix, he never lets the amp feedback...would have sounded cooler if he'd have just followed through with that.

I do like some of the effects Scott uses and they work really well on "The Captors" - reminds me of Adrian Belew era King Crimson. There's also some exceptional SRV style blues on "Dr. Hee", but...as a Tribal Tech fan, the title is kinda confusing.

still, better than average overall...and definitely rocking. 3½ stars.

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music