Two of a Kind

Two of a Kind

ASIN: B0002Q2104

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
This recording (originally released on Metronome) was made in a Copenhagen recording studio in 1965. The four extra - never previously released - tunes are from a radio broadcast the same year, with a different rhythm group.

Tracks:

March Of The Tin Soldiers - Leon Jessel
Variations On 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' - Walter Klien
The Nutcracker: Dance Of The Reed Flutes - Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
The Nutcracker: Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy - Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
The Sorceror's Apprentice - Paul Dukas
Peter And The Wolf (Extract) - Brandon de Wilde
Invention No. 8 In F Major - Christiane Jaccottet
Invention No. 11 in G Minor - Christiane Jaccottet
Invention No. 13 in A Minor - Christiane Jaccottet
Prelude And Fugue No. 21 In B Flat Major (Book 1) - Christiane Jaccottet
Sonata For 2 Pianos In D Major, K. 448, 1st Mvt. - Rudolf Firkusny
III. Allegretto - Walter Klien
Kinderszenen: Of Strange Lands And People - Walter Klien
Kinderszenen: Curious Story - Walter Klien
Kinderszenen: Entreating Child - Walter Klien
Kinderszenen: Perfect Happiness - Walter Klien
Introduction And Royal March - Marylene Dosse
The Elephant - Marylene Dosse
Kangaroos - Marylene Dosse
The Aquarium - Marylene Dosse
Cuckoo In The Woods - Marylene Dosse
Birds - Marylene Dosse
Fossils - Marylene Dosse
The Swan - Marylene Dosse
Finale - Marylene Dosse

Customer Reviews:

Children's Favorites a solid purchase.......2006-03-09

This CD mostly delivered what was expected of it. The only critique I have is that some of the tempos could have been cleaner, and that it should be cross-referenced by the other composers besides J. S. Bach.

The perfect package.......2005-10-23

This is the most wonderful collection to have on 1 CD. Children from birth on up can benefit from this musical collage.
Songs from the "Nutcracker" are familiar and comfortable for many children. What child wouldn't love "March of the Tin Soldiers?"
Selections from Saint-Saens' "Carnival of the Animals" is a must in my creative movement library. Every child should be exposed to this music. Well,I believe every age should be.

A Wonderful Introduction to the Classics.......2003-03-11

With total playing time clocking in at 78:04 minutes of music, you'll be paying about 6-cents/minute, which is a better bargain than long distance phone calls, and often more rewarding!

This disc is far superior than most other "Classics for Kids"-type recordings I've sampled for a number of reasons:

1) This album was expertly engineered. The production quality on this disc is first-rate from start to finish with crisp, clear sound.

2) The pieces were expertly picked. There is wonderful sonic variety here, spanning hundreds of years of wonderful melodies. There are orchestral pieces, harpsichord pieces, solo piano, and a piano concerto, capped off with Saint-Seans whimsical Carnival of the Animals. What kid (or adult) wouldn't love that?

3) The performances are, without exeption, expert! The pieces were definately screened for quality as well as content. Many are simply a joy to behold. Walter Klein is a particular stand-out, almost giddily prancing through Schumann's pieces. Believe it or not, he sounds even more impressive when backed up by the always inspiring Minnesota Orchestra on Mozart's Piano Concerto #17.

Tracks:

Shreveport Stomp - Jelly Roll Morton
Sweet Man - Jelly Roll Morton
Tom Cat Blues - Jelly Roll Morton
A New Kind Of Man With A New Kind Of Love For Me - Thomas 'Fats' Waller
Nobody But My Baby - Thomas 'Fats' Waller
Got To Cool My Doggies Now - Thomas 'Fats' Waller
Maple Leaf Rag - Scott Joplin
Weeping Willow Rag - Scott Joplin
Something Doing - Scott Joplin
Steeplechase Rag - James P Johnson
Twilight Rag - James P Johnson
Charleston Rag - Eubie Blake
It's Right Here For You - Eubie Blake
Fare Thee Honey Blues - Eubie Blake
Mr. Freddie Blues - Jimmy Blythe
Regal Stomp - Jimmy Blythe

Customer Reviews:

Awesome to hear the old masters almost live........2007-03-27

It was an awesome experience to hear Ragtime and early blues played by the masters themselves. When you hear the music from their own hands, if not their own pianos, it makes the music immediate, and makes even clearer the stylistic differences of the various American musical pioneers. The sound quality is excellent. I'd strongly recommend this recording to anyone who enjoys early-20th-century jazz.

The Greatest Ragtime of the Century.......2005-10-30

What a terrific CD. What a joy to add to your life. Everyone should begin their day with this Great Ragtime.We would all be much better.

As a former dancer, Flapper, wth the Charleston in my routine, I do appreciate Great Music. I'm not quite as good as I used to be, but neither are you, Gal. Will be 66 next birthday. Still have the rhythm and love life.

Put some spice in your life and don't let this CD get away. Please, just get it today.

A great introduction and sampling........2005-08-23

Prior to this album, the only ragtime I really knew was "The Entertainer" and "Maple Leaf Rag". I don't know how this album fares for enthusiasts, but I've thoroughly enjoyed it. It introduced me to several different composers. The way the album is organized by giving you a two or three song block by each composer is good. As you listen to this, you can easily hear the different styles from one composer to another. As for the recording quality, I don't have any complaints whatsoever. Each note is clear without much noticable fuzz or hissing. The versions of Scott Joplin's songs are played a bit brash and speedy when compared to Joshua Rifkin, but I think they sound livlier because of it. Overall a solid release.

Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)

Average customer rating:

Fabulous for any Broadway-lover
Top Shelf
TERRIFIC CD'S
Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs
Great Compilation!

Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

The Best of Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)
Broadway: The American Musical
Broadway: The American Musical
Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)
Somewhere over the Rainbow: The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals

ASIN: B00064ADMK
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Tracks:

Give My Regards To Broadway- Joel Grey
Swanee- Al Jolson
When The Moon Shines On The Moonshine- Bert Williams
A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody- John Steel
My Man- Fanny Brice
Fascinating Rhythm- Fred Astaire, Adele Astaire
If You Knew Susie (Like I Know Susie)- 78rpm Version Eddie Cantor
Someone To Watch Over Me- Gertrude Lawrence
Bill- 78 rpm Version Helen Morgan
Ol' Man River- Paul Robeson
Ain't Misbehavin'- Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra
Ten Cents A Dance- Ruth Etting
Body And Soul- Libby Holman
Brother, Can You Spare A Dime- Bing Crosby
Night And Day- Fred Astaire
Heat Wave- Ethel Waters
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes- Tamara
You're The Top- Ethel Merman
Summertime- Anne Brown
September Song- Walter Huston
My Heart Belongs To Daddy- Mary Martin
It Never Entered My Mind- Shirley Ross
Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered- Vivienne Segal
Oh, How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning- Irving Berlin
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'- Alfred Drake

Tracks:

New York, New York- Cris Alexander,Adolph Green,John Reardon
If I Loved You- John Raitt,Jan Clayton
Come Rain Or Come Shine- Ruby Hill,Harold Nicholas
There's No Business Like Show Business- Ensemble
How Are Things In Glocca Morra? From "Finian's Rainbow"- Ella Logan
Once In Love With Amy- Ray Bolger
Wunderbar- Alfred Drake,Patricia Morison
Some Enchanted Evening- Ezio Pinza
Lost In The Stars- Todd Duncan
Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend- Carol Channing
Luck Be A Lady- Robert Alda,Guys
Getting To Know You- Gertrude Lawrence
Who Cares?- Jack Carson,Betty Oakes
Stranger In Paradise- from " Kismet" Doretta Morrow,Richard Kiley
Ballad Of Mack The Knife- Gerald Price
Hey There- from "The Pajama Game" John Raitt
Whatever Lola Wants- Gwen Verdon
I Could Have Danced All Night- Julie Andrews
Standing On The Corner- from "The Most Happy Fella, 1956" Shorty Long,John Henson,Alan Gilbert
The Party's Over- Judy Holliday
Glitter And Be Gay- Barbara Cook
Tonight- Larry Kert, Carol Lawrence

Tracks:

Seventy-Six Trombones- Robert Preston
I Enjoy Being A Girl- from "Flower Drum Song, 1958" Pat Suzuki
Everything's Coming Up Roses- Ethel Merman
My Favorite Things- from "The Sound Of Music" Mary Martin
Put On A Happy Face- from "Bye Bye Birdie" Dick Van Dyke
Try To Remember- Jerry Orbach
Camelot- from "Camelot" Richard Burton
Love Makes The World Go 'Round- Anna Maria Alberghetti
I Believe In You- Robert Morse And Co.
The Sweetest Sounds- Diahann Carroll,Richard Kiley
Comedy Tonight- Zero Mostel
What Kind Of Fool Am I?- Anthony Newley
As Long As He Needs Me- Georgia Brown
Hello, Dolly!- Carol Channing,Cast
People- Barbra Streisand
Anyone Can Whistle- from "Anyone Can Whistle" Lee Remick
If I Were A Rich Man- Zero Mostel
Night Song- Sammy Davis, Jr.
The Impossible Dream- Richard Kiley
If My Friends Could See Me Now- Gwen Verdon
Open a New Window- from Mame Voice

Tracks:

Willkommen- from "Cabaret" Joel Grey
Let The Sunshine In- James Rado,Lynn Kellogg,Melba Moore,Cast
I'll Never Fall In Love Again- Jill O'Hara,Jerry Orbach
The Ladies Who Lunch- from "Company" Elaine Stritch
Tea For Two- Roger Rathburn,Susan Watson
I'm Still Here- Yvonne De Carlo
I Don't Know How To Love Him- Yvonne Elliman
We Go Together- Adrienne Barbeau,Barry Bostwick,Walter Bobbie,Cast
Corner Of The Sky- John Rubinstein
Send In The Clowns- Glynis Johns
Ease On Down The Road- Stephanie Mills,Tiger Haynes,Ted Ross,Hinton
One- from "A Chorus Line" Cast
All That Jazz- Chita Rivera,Ensemble
Tomorrow- Andrea Mcardle
Don't Cry For Me Argentina- Patti Lupone
Come Follow The Band
Lullaby Of Broadway- Jerry Orbach
And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going- Jennifer Holliday
The Bells Of St. Sebastian- Raul Julia

Tracks:

Memory- Betty Buckley
I Am What I Am- George Hearn
Move On- Bernadette Peters,Mandy Patinkin
Do You Hear The People Sing?- Michael Maguire,Cast
The Music Of The Night- Michael Crawford
You're Nothing Without Me- James Naughton,Gregg Edelman
The American Dream- Jonathan Pryce,Cast
Doctor Jazz- Gregory Hines,Company
With One Look- Glenn Close
On Broadway- Adrian Bailey,Frederick B. Owens,Ken Ard,Victor Trent Cook
Le Jazz Hot- Julie Andrews,Ensemble
Seasons Of Love-
Hakuna Matata- Max Casella,Tom Alan Robbins,Scott Irby-Ranniar,Jason Raize
I Wanna Be A Producer- Matthew Broderick,Ensemble
Dancing Queen- Louise Plowright,Jenny Galloway
Good Morning Baltimore- Marissa Jaret Winokur
Movin' Out- Michael Cavanaugh,Band
I Go To Rio- Hugh Jackman,Company
Defying Gravity- Kristin Chenoweth,Idina Menzel

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous for any Broadway-lover.......2007-01-30

Packs into 5 CD's a sampling of Broadway tunes from the 20's thru (almost) today, mostly from original cast recordings. Includes not just well-known hits, but also some lesser-known gems. Sound quality is first rate, booklet is informative too. Have given this as a gift to several friends with rave reviews.

Top Shelf.......2007-01-04

This is THE definitive collection of Broadway hits. I have other collections, and none of them measure up. A great deal of care was obviously taken in compiling and presenting this box set. It covers a lot of ground, starting with some long-forgotten but still very enjoyable hits from the days of yore, and finishing with present-day favorites. To the best of my knowledge, the recordings are by those who made them famous. You won't be disappointed.

TERRIFIC CD'S.......2006-03-23

THESE BROADWAY MUSICALS CD'S ARE A BROADWAY LOVERS DREAM. WITH EACH SONG, MEMORIES COME FLOODING BACK. BOTH THE FAMILIAR AND THE FORGOTTEN SONGS ARE A TRUE LISTENING PLEASURE. IF YOU LIKE BROADWAY, YOU'LL LOVE THIS SET.

Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs .......2005-06-14

This Collection was perfectly made it has almost all the most famous Broadway songs on this 5 cd set. The Music is great and has Broadways greatest treasures like "Memory""People""With One Look""Give my regards Too Broadway" just to name a few of this numerous cd set with over 100 songs. This is a great buy if you like musicals or The music of Broadway

Great Compilation!.......2005-01-17

If you are a fan of the Broadway Musicals, this is a collection that you should purchase. Since I got the 5 disc set I've enjoyed listening to it. The majority of the songs are done by the original singers. The collection is priceless considering that you will have over 100 songs from popular musicals since the beginning of Broadway

Average customer rating:

Darin and Mercer are Brilliant
Reliving fond memories from childhood
TWO OF A KIND... INDEED!
Classy Album from a Classy Duo
great music

Two of a Kind
Bobby Darin & Johnny Mercer
Manufacturer: East/West Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Capitol Collectors Series
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Swingin' the Standards
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Live! At the Desert Inn

ASIN: B000002JL6
Release Date: 1990-09-17

Tracks:

Two Of A Kind
Indiana
Bob White
Ace In The Hole
East Of The Rockies
If I Had My Druthers
I Ain't Gonna Give Nobody None Of My Jellyroll
Lonesome Polecat
My Cutey's Due At Two-To-Two Today
Medley: Paddlin' Madelin' Home/Row Row Row
Who Takes Care Of The Caretaker's Daughter
Mississippi Mud
Two Of A Kind

Customer Reviews:

Darin and Mercer are Brilliant.......2007-02-20

This is, in my opinion, the best collection Darin produced. With the brilliance of Johnny Mercer, and Bobby Darin's smooth interprertation of the music, one can actually hear the joy in Darin's vocals while he performs. TOP RATE.

Reliving fond memories from childhood.......2007-01-18

When "Two of a Kind" was released over 40 years ago, I was a teenager living just north of Los Angeles. My Dad wore out this LP - and all of my siblings and I loved learning the "cool" words to the songs, singing along with him as he conducted Billy May's orchestra from our living room. One of my brothers helped me track down this great Darrin/Mercer collaboration from Amazon. The surprises just kept coming the first time I listened to the CD - 1)I still could sing all the words, and 2)I finally "got" the jokes sprinkled throughout the recording - imitations of WC Fields, Elvis, Groucho Marx and Dean Martin, among others. What a bittersweet way to transport myself back to the good ole days. So I gave all my siblings this CD for Christmas and they've shared similar memories as they too have gone back in time to the days when there was always music blaring from the ole hi fi.

TWO OF A KIND... INDEED!.......2006-10-12

Two of the all-time giants of American popular music come together in this delightful album originally released in the early sixties on Atlantic. According to the liner notes, written by Stanley Green, it was Bobby Darin's idea to undertake this project, and Mercer "was excited about the idea right from the start." Listening to the finished product, there is no doubt about that. The two are really enjoying themselves in the studio, which means that we, as listeners, are allowed to share in the fun.

As Green notes, there are hardly any standards in the album: "For this recital, both men decided that though the accent would be on the old-timers, the all-too-familiar warhorses would be kept carefully locked up in the stable." Thus, Darin and Mercer go through a great selection of old tunes, from "Indiana" to "East of the Rockies" to "Jellyroll," all delivered with a casualness that makes them irresistible. They also unearth a couple of obscure gems like "My Cutie's Due at Two to Two," "Paddlin' Madelin' Home," or "Caretaker's Daughter," and they even have time to throw in a classic written by Harry Barris and originally performed by Bing Crosby with the Rhythm Boys, "Mississippi Mud."

Some of Johnny Mercer's own compositions are also highlighted in this project, proving once more (as though it were really necessary!) that he is one of the most gifted, poetic songwriters of all time. For instance, "If I Had My 'Druthers" is given an enjoyable, laid-back treatment, while the reading of "Bob White" is among the best ever committed to wax.

Finally, the title track, "Two of a Kind," a tale of friendship and camaraderie, is a splendid collaboration by Bobby and Johnny, complete with ad-libbed asides that remind us of the timeless comic tradition of Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. Just like Bing and Bob, Johnny Mercer and Bobby Darin are, indeed, two of a kind. After listening to this album over and over, I am left with only one doubt: aren't there any surviving outtakes of these fantastic sessions in the Atlantic vaults? If so, let's hope that they surface one day. Anton Garcia -- Nashville, TN.

Classy Album from a Classy Duo.......2006-09-10

I recently viewed an old "What's My Line" on the Game Show Network. Bobby Darin was the guest panelist, and the first guest (for which the panel was blindfolded) was - Johnny Mercer! And Bobby didn't get him, either! (My guess is, this was 1961 or '62)

I had just purchased the CD, which is indeed an infectuous treat. It doesn't matter that the songs are obscure; I think it's part of the appeal instead of hearing the same old standards (that artists like Rod Stewart now shamelessly and ridiculously tap into...at least Linda Ronstadt had Nelson Riddle to help her. Stewart, Bolton, Carly Simon, et al, don't have any business recording these songs, any more than Sinatra did recording some of the pop tunes he tried out over the years. It's a tribute to the songs, not the artists, that these horrible versions sell.)

Many toe-tappers, great chemistry, some nice harmonies, and the ad-libs will make you grin. It's a don't miss for standards lovers, Darin fans, Mercer fans, or just fans of good music !!!

Billy May is Da Man!

great music.......2006-07-24

This is a "fun" CD. Quality top notch. Sing along and great listening.

Average customer rating:

Fantastic "Contemporary Jazz"!
Great Pairing of Two Great Artists.
One of a trio of classic collaborations.
GREAT Easy Listening, background music

Two of a Kind
Earl Klugh with Bob James
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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One on One
Cool
Double Vision
Heart String
Grand Piano Canyon

ASIN: B000002V1W
Release Date: 1994-01-25

Tracks:

The Falcon
Whiplash
Sandstorm
Where I Wander
Ingenue
Wes

Album Description

Keyboardist Bob James and acoustic guitarist Earl Klugh struck gold with this session, recently reissued on CD. The formula hasn't changed much in succeeding years. Both Kgh and James are capable musicians; they demonstrated on this collection of light, innocuous melodies a high degree of professionalism. Klugh is a first-rate guitarist whose solos are concise and nicely delivered and James' Keyboard playing is good and crisp.

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic "Contemporary Jazz"!.......2007-05-15

Whether you call it "smooth" or "contemporary" or 'whatever' jazz, this is one of the better albums of the genre.

Both Klugh and James are outright stars in their own right, and the three collaborative efforts produced by this pairing reflect that well. This is my favorite of the three. I first heard this years ago while frequenting Tacoma Station, a bar/restaurant just outside The District. This is what they played in the house, as background music, while the jazz bands were preparing to perform. It is perfect as "dinner" music that entertains without protruding. Turn it up if you want to enjoy the virtuosity of the maestros.

I love the way "The Falcon" starts slowly and builds to a powerful finish, and the funk of radio-popular (in 1982) "Whiplash". My favorite, without a doubt, is "Wes" - what a beautiful song, a beautiful melody, and great exchanges between Klugh and James as the song closes.

You will not be diappointed with this collection. Enjoy.

Great Pairing of Two Great Artists........2003-05-09

I first bought this album (on tape) when it first came out, and now replacing my copy with a this CD. This album was my favorite between the first two albums done by James and Klugh. However, the first album, "One on One", was good, but I believe they produced a better album the second time around together.

Bob James wrote the odd number tracks and Earl Klugh wrote the even number tracks. I find James style kind of music to be obstract, while Klugh has more of a pop style. Because both artists write different syles of music, the pairing of their music makes a nice match that will satisfy just about any jazz listener.

It has been almost 20 years since I last heard this album, but now that I have it on CD, it will played by me in the next 20+ years.

One of a trio of classic collaborations........2002-03-29

This is the second pairing of Earl Klugh and Bob James and it is a smooth, soft ride. Sandstorm is my personal favorite, with The Falcon coming in second. Great to underscore a quiet evening at home, or to listen to on the commute home from a bad day at work to calm down. I give it my highest recommendation.

GREAT Easy Listening, background music.......1999-10-26

This is a classic CD with easy listening jazz music. It has an upbeat sound that is great to listen to or have in background while entertaining. I really enjoy this CD and it is one of those albums that give you a good feeling, and you love to recognize in restaurants

The John Adams Earbox: A 10-CD Retrospective

Average customer rating:

Moved to tears
Nonesuch delivers.Again
harmonia in excelsis
Our greatest living composer
Wonderful CD

The John Adams Earbox: A 10-CD Retrospective

Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00001SID1
Release Date: 1999-10-19

Tracks:

Lollapalooza
John's Book Of Alleged Dances: Judah To Ocean
John's Book Of Alleged Dances: Toot Nipple
John's Book Of Alleged Dances: Dogjam
John's Book Of Alleged Dances: Pavane: She's So Fine
John's Book Of Alleged Dances: Rag The Bone
John's Book Of Alleged Dances: Habanera
John's Book Of Alleged Dances: Stubble Crotchet
John's Book Of Alleged Dances: Hammer & Chisel
John's Book Of Alleged Dances: Alligator Escalator
John's Book Of Alleged Dances: Standchen: The Little Serenade
John's Book Of Alleged Dances: Judah To Ocean (Reprise)
Slonimsky's Earbox

Tracks:

Two Fanfares For Orchestra - Tromba Lontana
Two Fanfares For Orchestra - Short Ride In A Fast Machine
Common Tones In Simple Time
El Dorado - Part I. A Dream Of Gold
El Dorado - Part II. Soledades

Tracks:

Harmonielehre - Part I
Harmonielehre - Part II The Anfortas Wound
Harmonielehre - Part III Meister Eckhardt And Quackie
Violin Concerto - Part I
Violin Concerto - Part II Chaconne:
Violin Concerto - Part III Toccare

Tracks:

Chamber Sympony - Mongel Airs
Chamber Sympony - Aria With Walking Bass
Chamber Sympony
Hoodo Zephyr - Tundra
Hoodo Zephyr - Dissappointment Lake
Hoodo Zephyr - Hoodo Zephyr
Gnarly Buttons - The Perilous Shore
Gnarly Buttons - Hoe-Down (Mad Cow)
Gnarly Buttons - Put Your Loving Arms Around Me

Tracks:

Ensemble - I Was Looking At The Ceiling And Then I Saw The Sky
A Sermon On Romance
Consuelo's Dream
Mike's Song About Arresting A Particular Individual
Tiffany's Solo
Song About The On-Site Altercation
Song About The Bad Boys And The News
Your Honor My Client He's A Young Black Man
Leila's Song; Alone (Again Or At Last)
Three Weeks And Still I'm Outta My Mind
Crushed By The Rock I Been Standing On
Dewain's Song Of Liberation And Surprise
!Este Pais! / This Country
One Last Look At The Angel In Your Eyes
Finale

Tracks:

Lollapalooza
John's Book Of Alleged Dances - Judah To Ocean
John's Book Of Alleged Dances - Toot Nipple
John's Book Of Alleged Dances - Dogjam
John's Book Of Alleged Dances - Pavane: She's So Fine
John's Book Of Alleged Dances - Rag The Bone
John's Book Of Alleged Dances - Habenera
John's Book Of Alleged Dances - Stubble Crotchet
John's Book Of Alleged Dances - Hammer & Chisel
John's Book Of Alleged Dances - Alligator Escalator
John's Book Of Alleged Dances - Standchen: The Little Serenade
John's Book Of Alleged Dances - Judah To Ocean (Reprise)
Slonimsky's Earbox

Tracks:

Harmonium - Negative Love
Harmonium - Becuase I Could Not Stop For Death
Harmonium - Wild Nights
Shaker Loops - Shaking and Trambling
Shaker Loops - Hymning Slews
Shaker Loops - Loops and Verses
Shaker Loops - A Final Shaking

Tracks:

The Chairman Dances - Foxtrot For Orchestra
Grand Pianola Music - First Movement
Grand Pianola Music - Second Movement
Grand Pianola Music - Third Movement: On The Dominant Divide
Fearful Symmetries

Tracks:

Nixon In China - Opening
Nixon In China -
Nixon In China -
Nixon In China - Landing Of The Spirit Of '76
Nixon In China -
Nixon In China -
Nixon In China -
Nixon In China -
Nixon In China - Cheers
Nixon In China -
Nixon In China - Opening
Nixon In China -
Nixon In China -
Nixon In China -
Nixon In China -
Nixon In China -
Nixon In China -
Nixon In China -
Nixon In China -
Nixon In China -
Nixon In China -
Nixon In China -

Tracks:

The Wound-Dresser
Christian Zeal And Activity
Five Songs - Thoreau
Five Songs - Down East
Five Songs - Cradle Song
Five Songs - At The River
Five Songs - Serenity
Eros Piano

Amazon.com

Having earned his composing stripes after the 1960s, John Adams had the pioneering work of Steve Reich, Philip Glass, and Terry Riley close at hand as he ventured into his trade. And, while minimalism's historical continuum helps place Adams, he used Reich, Glass, and Riley (among others) only as a starting point. And here's proof: a 10-CD retrospective of nearly all Adams's recorded compositions on Nonesuch Records, the label that also issued Steve Reich 1965-1995 and Kronos Quartet: 25 Years. Adams's Harmonium, a choral work of startling energy and effervescence, appears here in a new recording, as do distillations of both The Death of Klinghoffer and Nixon in China, two path-clearing operas. Over the span of a career covered by Earbox, Adams has returned minimalism to traditional instrumental ensembles as well as to projects that at once advanced a political commentary and took that commentary back to orchestral audiences. And so, in far less time than his predecessors, Adams created works that now play like standard repertoire pieces: The Wound Dresser and Shaker Loops and the Violin Concerto--all of them are here. What these works demonstrate is a fierce creativity on the one hand and perhaps a hunger for commercial advances on the other. Adams may at times be a bustling free thinker, but he sounds ever conscious of what audiences are listening to. As for the works themselves, they remain every bit as daunting as when written.

Some may object to particular selections. I Was Looking at the Ceiling and Then I Saw the Sky, for example, hardly ranks with Adams's best work. But this box isn't a mere best-of; it's an almost-all-of. At times terrifically American--especially in the news-aware operas and their narrative pragmatism--Adams well deserves a major box set, and its coverage is appropriate to his varied, stylistically diverse output. As with any large-scale retrospective, Earbox--which fairly bristles with Adams's new composition, Slonimsky's Earbox--has spots where fans might balk at the quality of the composer's writing. But it's got a fantastic accompanying booklet along with its many hours of inarguably modern and thoroughly listener-friendly music. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

Moved to tears.......2004-03-18

Never before in my life was i moved so intensely and directly by classical music. I put the first cd in my player and a few minutes later tears are flowing. I find myself dancing and moving to a rythm i already seem to know. Wow, i just have to share that.

Nonesuch delivers.Again.......2002-11-27

John adams is one of the most popular living composers of"modern" classical music[I believe the cutoff point, though arbitrary is usually WWII}.I came to him late, through my husband. Modersn classical music , I said? What the hell is that?My husband kept playing bits and pieces of adams for me, and more and more i found myself amazed. and swayed. His operas have been groundbreaking{Nixon in China} controversial{Death Of klinghoffer},his compostions sublimely beautiful{shaker Loops or harmonium].HIS STATURE IS WORTHY THEN OF SUCH A MONUMENTAL CAREER SPANNING BOX SET.This 10 disc set[great value, again from NONESUCH}encompasses Adams' entire career,and though there are some misses here{I was looking at the ceiling and then i saw the sky doesnt quite fit},it is still magnificent. the Highlights are ,{for me} the Wound Dresser, Chamber symphony,Violin Concerto, of course, Shaker Loops and Harmonuim are wonderful. The true jewels here are Nixon in China,the Chairman dances and the Death of Klinghoffer,which is simply a masterpiece. The set comes with a wonderful book, which contains essay's by Robert Hurwitz {An Uncommon Man}renaud Machart[John adams as seen from europe} and Essays before an earbox by Adams himself.A Chronology and dicography are included. A wonderful study of an American original,worth the investment, Highly highly recommended

harmonia in excelsis.......2001-11-12

I must agree with Mr. Bartlett, particularly with regard to "Ceiling." It may well be because his Violin Concerto and Harmonielehre are so powerful. 4.5 stars.
Interesting, and likely intentional, is that two names in the extensive liner book fail to mention two great and glaringly obvious precursors: Carl Orff and Raymond Scott. Without "Carmina Burana," there would be no "Harmonium." Orff has his mark all over Adams's gifted and epic compositions. Similarly, though there are glib references to "cartoon music," the polymath engineer/musician Scott is a seminal figure in American music, and casts a large shadow over the witty juxtapositions and sense of play one loves in Adams's work. In all, an excellent career overview.

Our greatest living composer.......2001-07-22

As a composer, I'm staggered that anyone could fail to be gripped by this music.

That anyone can use the words "spoiled, overrated" amazes me. I emphatically disagree with "A music fan"'s review.

I don't think it's "mind-numbing"; I think it's spiritual and exciting. To me it's the most substantial music being created in our times.

I'm really sorry that anyone could fail to enjoy it, and really recommend others to listen for themselves.

Wonderful CD.......2000-04-02

This compilation should turn even the most curmudgeonly listerner into a fan. Beautifully recorded, great notes -- and it's a heck of a bargain!

Wagner ·Terfel: Berliner Philharmoniker / Abbado

Average customer rating:

Not a Wagnerian
New hot tenor
A TASTER OF THINGS TO COME
Wagner's Music Beautifully Sung
Yawn...on to the band wagon too Mr Terfel?

Wagner ·Terfel: Berliner Philharmoniker / Abbado

Manufacturer: © 2002 Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Hamburg
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Bryn Terfel - Opera Arias / MET, Levine
Bryn Terfel - An die Musik (Favorite Schubert Songs) / Martineau
Bryn Terfel - Simple Gifts
Messiah: The Dream Cast
Leading Man

ASIN: B00005UWKZ
Release Date: 2002-02-12

Tracks:

Der Fliegende Holldnder Overture
"Die Frist ist um" (Der Fliegende Holldnder)
"Wahn! Wahn! Uberall Wahn! (Die Meistersinger)
"Was duftet doch der Flieder" (Die Meistersinger)
"Wie Todesahnung Ddmmrung deckt die Lande--O du mein holder Abendstern" (Tannhduser)
Nein! Lasst ihn unenth|llt! (Parsifal)
Ja, Wehe! Wehe! Weh' |ber mich! (Parsifal)
"Leb wohl, du k|hnes, herrliches Kind!" (Wotan's Farewell from Die Walk|re)

Amazon.com

Bryn Terfel brings a resonant voice and wide emotional range to Wagner's bass-baritone roles. He's a touching Flying Dutchman, a grief-laden Amfortas in two scenes from Parsifal, a wise, sympathetic Hans Sachs in the two monologues from Die Meistersinger, and at his best in a smoothly sung rendition of Wolfram's Evening Star aria from Tannhäuser. The only quibble is a degree of overemoting that can sectionalize scenes through an excess of passion where understatement often works better. The first part of "Leb' wohl," for example, is delivered with a surplus of anger where sad resignation would be more appropriate, since Wotan's fury has been spent by the time we reach this point. Such vocal heavy lifting sometimes reminds one of the old "Bayreuth bark" school of Wagnerian singing, but those moments pass quickly. It's doubtful you'll find anything amiss if you're not familiar with past masters like Hans Hotter and Friederich Schorr. Wagnerians and Terfel fans will snap this up. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Not a Wagnerian.......2007-01-23

Well, what can one say after waiting so long? I expected to be awash in this gorgeous voice, with wave after wave of beauty. The impression that I actually had, after all was sung and done, was that Mr. Terfel is not a Wagnerian. The voice is certainly beautiful, but it simply lacks the heroic thrill I was looking for (and waiting for all these years). He sounds pressed at times, like the voice has no more to give. This also has to be the most overinterpreted Wagner I have heard. It has a certain lieder quality to it, but her it is excessive finesse, subtle delicacy and shading for no purpose, when the grander line is indicated. It is worth having, but not listening to over and over for the sheer joy of beauty.

New hot tenor.......2006-02-25

While I was looking for him to sing an entire opera, this was next best. He is smooth!

A TASTER OF THINGS TO COME.......2005-09-16

Here's a disc to get Wagnerians salivating at the prospect of great things to come. Despite numerous and, no doubt, lucrative offers, Bryn Terfel wisely resisted the lure of the big Wagnerian roles until he felt he and his voice were ready for them. Apparently we have, in part, to thank Solti's wise words of warning for that. There is no doubt that here is potentially one of the great Wagnerian bass-baritones in the making, worthy to be compared with van Rooy, Schorr and Hotter. Terfel has the ability and the taste to sing with the kind of bel canto line that Wagner always said he wanted but, alas, has so seldom received.

But! It is still early days and there are times in this collection when a lack of stage experience in these parts shows. Yes, the singing is consistenly beautiful with the characteristic Terfel traits of wonderfully floated mezza voces and ringing top notes (listen to the end of the Dutchman's aria).

However, the depth of characterisation is sometimes lacking. Amfortas' anguish is too generalised. Sachs' understanding of mankind's foibles in the Wahnmonolog derives from the specific text rather than the character as a whole. Wotan, who undergoes the great sea-change in his character that turns him into the resigned Wanderer of Siegfried at precisely this point in Walkure (the Farewell), is still too much the angry, bitter Wotan of Act II and the beginning of Act III. (Remember, this disc was made before he embarked on his first stage performances.) Compare Terfel at "der freie als ich, der Gott: one freer than I, the God" - a forte outburst of resentment from Bryn's god: with Hotter, an infinitely moving patina of resignation colours the voice. Nevertheless, Terfel's ban on fearful fire-invaders at the end is hugely stirring.

It is, perhaps, the earlier Wagner that fares best. The Dutchman's Monologue, which he has recorded before with Levine, is hair-raising in the best sense. Wolfram's Song to the Evening Star is sublime. Even Sachs' Fliedermonolog, part of Terfel's repertoire since the famous head-to-head with Hvorostovsky in Cardiff, is sung with sensitivity and a wonderful sense of line. Amfortas perhaps lies a little high for his voice. Gurnemanz will, I think, prove to be the Parsifal part for him - a pity maybe that he didn't give us the Good Friday Scene instead of the Amfortas monologues. The orchestral accompaniments from Abbado and the Berlin Philharmonic are, like the voice, stronger on beauty of tone than characterisation, but they get the recital off to a rousing start with a fine live performance of the Hollander Overture.

All in all, then, an appetising taster of (hopefully) things to come, a must for Wagnerians and Terfelians alike, but I feel sure there are greater performances to come from Terfel in this repertoire (witness his recent Wotan at Covent Garden and the Proms) - especially when he tackles complete roles rather than 'bleeding chunks'.

Wagner's Music Beautifully Sung.......2003-06-28

I am a relative newcomer to Wagner, but I'm already tired of singers (basses especially) who wobble and bark their way through the composer's glorious music. Bryn Terfel in his new Wagner CD offers a corrective to that style of "singing." Terfel's voice has grown in size and weight over the past several years, which means that it is now a more apt instrument for Wagner's music. His voice remains firm, round, warm, sweet, and above all, STEADY. I do notice some brief moments of strain on loud notes in what sounds like his upper-middle register -- but this is nothing compared to the harsh tones produced by some Wagnerian basses I've heard, past and present. On the whole, it is extremely gratifying to hear this music so beautifully sung.
I must disagree with those who find the selections dramatically bland. In the Dutchman's monologue, Terfel sounds more "inside" the role than he did when he performed the excerpt on his 1995 "Opera Arias" CD (but that was an amazing piece of singing, too!). "O du, mein holder Abenstern", which he also sang (superbly) on "Opera Arias," is here spun out with the utmost beauty of tone, suggesting Wolfram's love for Elizabeth. I also agree with the previous reviewer who thought Terfel's rendition of Wotan's Farewell emotionally "wrenching without distracting from the music." For me this track was the biggest surprise of all: Terfel's delivery has a tenderness such as I have never quite heard from him before. But I do believe that Terfel's SINGING is the main reason to buy this CD; as for the characterizations, they can only deepen as Terfel performs these roles onstage. I think he is wise, though, not to rush into them, as he is still quite young.

Yawn...on to the band wagon too Mr Terfel?.......2002-12-18

Mr Terfel is not a singer for Wagner and this CD shows this all too painfully...what more can I say? Spend your money buying any of the other CD's of Wagner that reflect the greatness of the music, not just as a "show case" for a singer. What next Mr Terfel? A touch of Harrison Birtwistle, a soupcon of Ligeti, they are all getting popular now, you know; best get on the band wagon.

Old and New Fangled Tangos/Folk Songs Around the World

Average customer rating:

A Magical Musical Journey Around the World with Mantovani.

Old and New Fangled Tangos/Folk Songs Around the World

Manufacturer: Dutton Labs UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Italia Mia/Verzauberter Klang Aus Germany
Concert Spectacular/American Scene
The Ultimate Tango
Collector's Mantovani, Vol. 1
Strauss Waltzes

ASIN: B0006840K2
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Tracks:

Whatever Lola Wants (Lola Gets)
Blue Tango
Tango Delle Rose
New-Fangled Tango
Music Box Tango
Adios Muchachos
Besame Mucho
Hernando's Hideaway
Blauer Himmel (Blue Skies)
Takes Two to Tango
Rain in Spain
Orange Vendor
Folk Songs of America: Aura Lee/Skip to My Lou/The Streets of Laredo
Folk Songs from European Countries: Au Clair de la Lune/Fr Jacques
Folk Songs from the British Isles: Greensleeves/When Love Is ...
Two Guitars
Moon on the Ruined Castle
Hava Nagila

Customer Reviews:

A Magical Musical Journey Around the World with Mantovani........2005-02-23

The soaring strings of the original orchestra led by the late great Mantovani are once again presented in this brand new Vocalion release of two of the maestro's masterpiece recordings first released in 1964 (Folk Songs) and 1968 (Tango). Folk Songs from Around the World will charm and excite listeners with melodies as diverse as Aura Lee (what Elvis sang as Love Me Tender) and the sizzling sounds of Hava Nagila. The highly disciplined orchestra under the baton of Mantovani perform spectacular arrangements of "Two Guitars" from Russia and folk songs from Japan, Europe,and the British Isles arranged with such artistry that they will readily evoke from each listener intense emotions. The splendid orchestrations found on the Tango tracks also evoke a variety of emotions, with Whatever Lola Wants, Hernando's Hideaway and Takes Two to Tango, offering playful amusement, and such tracks as Blue Sky, Orange Vendor, and Tango Delle Rose combining captivating tango rhythms with time honored melodies made ever more delightful by the unique, cathedral sound identified exclusively with Mantovani. In an interview at the time of the Tango album's release, the ever perfectionist Mantovani expressed his delight with the musical outcome,noting that he tried "blending fine melodies with exciting rhythms to produce a sound that is stimulating.." Acquire this two CD-set, and new and old Mantovani fans will know the maestro was right on the mark in his assessment of this incomparable musical journey.

Jessye Norman - Brahms: Lieder / Barenboim

Average customer rating:

A treasure in the Brahms lieder catalog
Some of Brahms' best by an incomparable singer
Wonderful
ESSENTIAL

Jessye Norman - Brahms: Lieder / Barenboim
Johannes Brahms , Daniel Barenboim , and Jessye Norman
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Anne Sofie von Otter - Johannes Brahms Lieder
Brahms: Lieder [Box Set]
Brahms: Deutsche Volkslieder; Elisabeth Schwarzkopf; Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
Strauss: Four Last Songs/Songs With Orchestra
Richard Strauss Lieder

ASIN: B00003ZA2A
Release Date: 2000-03-14

Tracks:

Sechs Gesange Op.3: 1. Liebestreu
Sechs Gesange Op.6: 1. Spanisches Lied
Sechs Gesange Op.7: 5. Die Schmied
Funf Gedichte Op.19: 4. Der Schmied
Funf Lieder Op.47: 5. Die Liebende schreibt
Sieben Lieder Op.48: 3. Liebeskiage des Madchens
Sieben Lieder Op.48: 4. Gold uberwiegt die Liebe
Lieder und Gesange Op.57: 1. Von waldbekranzter Hohe
Lieder und Gesange Op.59: 5. Agnes
Lieder und Gesange Op.59: 8. Dein Blaues Auge halt so still
Lieder und Gesange Op.59: Regenlied WoO post.23
Funf Lieder WoO post.22 (Ophelia-Lieder)_: 1. Wie erkenn' ich dein Treulieb
Funf Lieder WoO post.22 (Ophelia-Lieder)_: 2. Sein Leichenhemd, weiss wie Schnee
Funf Lieder WoO post.22 (Ophelia-Lieder)_: 3. Auf morgen ist Sankt Valentins Tag
4. Sie trugen ihn auf der Bahre bloss
5. Und kommt er nicht mehr zuruck
Neun Gesandge Op.69: 1. Klage 2 - Ach, mir fehlt, nicht ist da
Neun Gesandge Op.69: 2. Klage 2 - o Felsen, lieber Felsen
Neun Gesandge Op.69: 4. Des Liebsten Schwur
6. Vom Strande
8. Salome
9. Madchenfluch
Funf Gesange Op.72: 1. Alte Liebe
Romanzen und Lieder Op.84_: 1. Sommerabend
Romanzen und Lieder Op.84_: 2. Der Kranz
Romanzen und Lieder Op.84_: 3. In den Beeren
Romanzen und Lieder Op.84: 4. Vergebliches Standchen
5. Spannung
Sechs Lieder Op.85: Madchenlied - Ach, und du men kuhles Wasser!

Tracks:

Sechs Lieder Op.86: 1. Therese
Sechs Lieder Op.86: 6. Todessehnen
Zwei Gesange Op.91: 1. Gestillte Sehnsucht
Zwei Gesange Op.91: 2. Geistliches Wiegenlied
Funf Lieder Op.94: 4. Sapphische Ode
Sieben Lieder Op.95: 1. Das Madchen
Sieben Lieder Op.95: 4. Der Jager
Sieben Lieder Op.95: 5. Borschneller Schwur
Sieben Lieder Op.95: 6. Madchenlied
Sechs Lieder Op.97: 4. Dort in den Weiden
Zigeunerlieder Op.103: 1. He, Zigeuner, greife in die Saiten ein!
Zigeunerlieder Op.103: 2. Hochgeturmte Rimaflut
Zigeunerlieder Op.103: 3. Wisst ihr, wann mein Kindchen
Zigeunerlieder Op.103: 4. Lieber Gott, du weisst
Zigeunerlieder Op.103: 5. Brauner Bursche fuhrt zum Tanze
Zigeunerlieder Op.103: 6. Roslein dreie in der Reihe
Zigeunerlieder Op.103: 7. Kopmmt dir manchmal in den Sinn
Zigeunerlieder Op.103: 11. Rote Abendwolken ziehn
Funf Lieder P.105: 1. Wie melodien zieht es
Funf Lieder P.105: 2. Immer leiser wird mein Schlummer
Funf Lieder P.105: Klage
Funf Lieder op.107: Das Madchen spricht
Funf Lieder op.107: 5. Madchenlied - Wuf die nacht in der Spinnstub'n

Customer Reviews:

A treasure in the Brahms lieder catalog.......2006-09-29

Acclaimed as she was as a lieder singer, Jessye Norman showed a special affinity for Brahms. She made no less than three complete recitals of his songs, more than any other singer I can remember except Fischer-Dieskau. Not every lied is a mstepiece, and most are either folk-based or imitate folksongs in their simple strophic design. This can make for tiring listening after ten songs or so, but Norman's plush voice is to richly suited to Brahms's romanticism that it's hard to pull away.

Her initial recital on Philips with Geoffrey Parsons (1980) was a greatest hits collection, and Norman was wise not to overlap too many on her later two recitals with Barenboim. She was rather grand on that first disc. Here, she sings with great delicacy and sensitivty. In many ways this is her best Lieder recording, despite the unevenness of the material. Don't expect Mainacht or the famous lullabye or Von ewiger liebe. And I wouldn't advise anyone to tr and listen to this two-fer straight through. That said, Barenboim equals Norman in his artistry, so all told, this release is a treasure.

Some of Brahms' best by an incomparable singer.......2006-01-25

Ask someone about Lieder, meaning basically German "art songs"
and he or she will immediately think of Schubert or perhaps
Schumann. Brahms is just not that well known for his songs,
and it's a shame because they are among his best works.

Jessye Norman is famous for her artistry in Lieder; I still
recall hearing her in recital over twenty years ago. This is
a fabulous recording; you will fall in love with most of these
songs on first hearing. As a bonus, the two record set actually
includes full texts and translations. whereas the trend
these days is to omit those and you're lucky if the company
offers them "on line". This is among the most treasured recordings in my
huge collection. Don't miss it!

Wonderful.......2002-12-24

This is a wonderful album and should be in the collection of everyone who cares about Lieder. I use to study how she works her magic with a song, and it is worth digging into a single piece to see how she does it.

ESSENTIAL.......2000-07-12

I have been waiting for years for this two CD set to be released. I have had the recording on vinyl since the 80's and, for whatever reason, DGG did not release it on CD til very recently. For fans of Brahms' songs (there are 52 of them here), for fans of Jessye Norman's magnificent soprano, for fans of Daniel Barenboim's pianism, this is an essential album. To make it even more enticing, the price, online, is quite low.

Average customer rating:

Video
This CD is one of a kind
A "Divine" Soundtrack
It's a twist of fate this soundtrack's so good considering
Two of a Kind Soundtrack

Two Of A Kind (1983 Film)
Olivia Newton-John , and John Travolta
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Two of a Kind
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ASIN: B000002P8B
Release Date: 1998-01-27

Tracks:

Twist Of Fate - Olivia Newton-John
Take A Chance (Duet) - Olivia Newton-John/John Travolta
It's Gonna Be Special - Patti Austin
Catch 22 (Two Steps Foward, Two Steps Back) - Steve Kipner
Shaking You - Olivia Newton-John
(Livin' In) Desparate Times - Olivia Newton-John
The Perfect One - Boz Scaggs
Ask The Lonely - Journey
Prima Donna - Chicago
Night Music - David Foster

Customer Reviews:

Video.......2007-01-19

My daughter was very pleased with the video. It arrived very fast.
Thanks,

This CD is one of a kind.......2004-10-04

Another 80s gem. The Two of a kind soundtrack is just... well, could "awesome" fit ?

From track 1 onwards, it's just about 40 minutes of musical pleasure. The Patti Austin track is very uplifting, the Boz Scaggs ballad is plain awesome, not to mention David Foster's "Night Music".

Call me biased, but the highlights for me are the 4 Olivia Newton-John tracks. "Shaking you" is one of the most powerful ballads she's ever recorded, "Livin' in Desperate times" and "Twist of fate" are amongst Olivia's most energetic performances ever and the duet with John Travolta, "Take a chance", is far better than the Grease duets...

A must have. Really.

A "Divine" Soundtrack.......2003-07-30

I was very suprised to see this soundtrack released on CD nearly 2 decades after its release. The CD is the soundtrack to the movie of the same name released in 1983. The movie itself is currently out of print and not available on DVD. There are some great songs on the album. However I think this one is aimed at the hard core fan of Olivia or John Travolta. The packaging is great, they included the gateway fold out of the original LP album. There are a few "filler" generic songs on the CD that are skip worthy, but there are some very strong points as well. Let me break it down one by one.

"Twist Of Fate" performed by Olivia Newton-John. This was the smash hit from the album. Reaching the top of the charts at number 5 in the USA. The song was released along with an imaginative video of Olivia being judged by a heavenly jury. Great lines in the song include "The gift of life extension, by divine intervention". Produced by David Foster. Still a favorite of Olivia fans and appears on many of her greatest hits compilations. 9/10

"Take A Chance"(duet by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta). The public expected more from the couple that sang a number one smash in Grease. This song was intended to be the B-side to "Twist of Fate" but ended up being a minor adult contemporary hit. Co-written by Olivia and accompanied with a beautifully done video. 7/10

"It's Gonna Be Special" by Patti Austin. This song was a R&B hit and deserved to be one. A nice adult contemporary song. 6/10

"Catch 22" by Steve Kipner. Mostly forgettable filler song. Although I should point out he is the song writer of "Physical" for Olivia. 4/10

"Shakin' You" by Olivia Newton-John. Stunning love ballad of trying to get over an ex-love. Accompanied by a piano, Olivia shines in this one. A tear jerker for sure. Accompanied by a stunning video shot in Venice. 9/10

"Livin' in Desperate Times" by Olivia Newton-John. A top 40 new wave hit. The song has been edited for the CD version though, I cannot understand the point of the edit. But you'll barely notice it. A fun and funky song that was released with a fun new wave video. The single 45 version was also remixed to be funkier. 8/10

"Perfect One" by Boz Skaggs. A nice adult contemporary song. It should have been a hit. Very suave and mellow. 7/10

"Ask The Lonely" by Journey. I like the guitar in this song but it has a typical Journey sound. 5/10

"Prima Donna" by Chicago. I am sure this song was included as a tribute to Olivia's character in the film. Not a bad song and carries the traditional Chicago sound. 6/10

"Night Music" by David Foster. A wonderful song. This is an instrumental piece that deserved more attention. Written by the same composer who brought us "Love Theme From ST. Elmo's Fire". I just cannot praise this song enough, although I find it sad. A definite high point of the album. 10/10

Other items released to coincide with the movie include:
A 12 inch remix of "Twist of Fate", with the B-side being a remix of "Livin in Desperate Times"
A VHS called "Twist of Fate" featuring the videos from the soundtrack, along with 2 additional ONJ videos.
A 45 single "Twist of Fate" with a picture sleeve.
A 45 single "Desperate Times" with a picture sleeve.
Various posters.
A VHS of the movie "Two Of A Kind"

It's a twist of fate this soundtrack's so good considering.......2003-04-08

'Oh sheesh, ANOTHER five stars for an Olivia Newton-John recording'

Yes it appears I've been dishing out quite a few recently, but it's unfair not to give Olivia the dues she deserves when she delivers like this. Especially in comparison with her latest release, (2), which is quite possibly one of the weakest albums in her entire career.

The 'Two Of A Kind' soundtrack is, somewhat self-explanatorily, the accompanying album to the film of the same name. Olivia shines in her four inclusions on this record, offering up three brave and stunning songs as well as one colour-by-numbers pop duet which if nothing else serves its purpose. The first single and opening track, 'Twist Of Fate', unintentionally became Olivia's swansong to the popular music world. Talk about going out with a bang. The single was an extremely successful #3 hit with a mega-budget video to boot, and no wonder - it is bouncy, dance-oriented, rock-synth at its very best with an amazing chorus and similarly awe-inspiring vocals from Ms Newton-John.

'(Living In) Desperate Times' remains one of the most aggressive songs of Olivia's career. With a thunderous beat, frighteningly loud drum fills, and a powerful synthy chorus, it almost gave Olivia another Top 30 hit, stalling at #31. A fantastic video clip perfectly capturing the overbearing commercialisation of the modern world, Olivia's social commentary is all but forgotten in the intricate and compelling melody of this punk-pop classic! 'Shaking You' is Olivia balladry at its finest, up there with 'Boats Against The Current' from the 'Totally Hot' album and her fine 1973 offering 'Leaving'. Made even better by the heartbreakingly beautiful video (shot in Venice), this proves beyond any reasonable doubt that Olivia excels in a simple setting - just her, and those gorgeous words. The final Newton-John tune on this CD is her duet with John Travolta 'Take A Chance' which also proves something: singing was not his strong point. The song is very pleasant though, and Olivia sounds fantastic, and throughout all the overwhelming production and Olivia's backing vocal attempts to make John sound better, there's something appealing about this shimmery eighties pop confection.

The other songs on this soundtrack are also rather spiffy. Patti Austin's 'It's Gonna Be Special' sounds like the predecessor to Madonna's 'Holiday', and 'Ask The Lonely' by Journey is powerhouse eighties synth-rock at its most memorable. Steve Kipner's offering, 'Catch 22', proves he was a better songwriter than he was a performer, but Chicago's fantastic 'Prima Donna' more than compensates.

Overall, this is probably only a must-have purchase for Olivia fans, but for fans of eighties pop music this is probably also a viable release. A nostalgia-charged eighties aural feast!

Two of a Kind Soundtrack.......2002-09-17

Excellent music. For those of us who love these two singers you wont be disapointed. It makes you feel like your back in the 80;s . AWESOME CD RECOMMEND IT HIGHLY.

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music