First Impressions

First Impressions

ASIN: B0000046BH

Track Listings

1. Red Top

2. My Funny Valentine

3. Impressions

4. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)

5. Giant Steps

6. 'Round Midnight

7. Anthropology

8. Savannah Calling

9. Chega de Saudade (No More Blues)

10. Red Top [Take 2]

Tracks:

You Only Live Once
Juicebox
Heart In A Cage
Razorblade
On The Other Side
Vision Of Division
Ask Me Anything
Electricityscape
Killing Lies
Fear Of Sleep
15 Minutes
Ize Of The World
Evening Sun
Red Light

Amazon.com

Their prospects dangerously over-inflated by pundits who often hailed their debut as nothing short of rock-messianic, New York City's Strokes got a lesson in cynical rock-press dynamics when their biz-troubled, if similarly toned, '03 follow-up was dutifully dismissed as the proverbial sophomore slump. A lesser band might have been chastened by the experience; this one responds with a third album that positively bristles with energetic challenges. Revolving around a loose concept that allows songwriter/frontman Julian Casablancas to adopt a viewpoint that's as detached as it is world-weary and bemused, it's a record that quickly trades the often precious production conceits of its forebears for a muscular confidence that's notable from the infectious, back-to-the-'80s opener "You Only Live Once" to its perfect bookend "Red Light."

That often inviting sonic remodeling may come in part from Bangles/Sublime/Sugar Ray producer David Kahne (who replaces previous collaborator Gordon Raphael on all but a handful of cuts), but the band clearly has expansiveness on its mind, from a running length nearly twice its predecessors to such stylistic excursions as the cinematic, back-to-the-future riffing of the single "Juicebox," the spare, electro-baroque moodiness of "Ask Me Anything," and the dense, surprising prog flirtations of "Electrocityscape." "On the Other Side" finds Casablancas convincingly casting himself as the anti-Bono while crooning "I hate them, I hate them all, I hate myself for hating them" before chiding humanity as "seven billion people who've got nothing to say" on the otherwise upbeat closer, "Red Light." Wrapping such cynicism in more populist musical trappings is no mean feat, and the sheer reach of the Strokes' ambitions here insure they occasionally fall short. But it's a consistently intriguing effort, one that seems calculated as much to challenge the faithful as expand the band's own considerable horizons. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

I respect that the band is trying to evolve..........2007-04-28

But it seems that this is one band that people (including myself) really like the original sound of. On "Is This It?" and "Room On Fire" they had such a new sound that nobody had ever heard yet. However, they have since traded in their patented sound for a slower, more slurred sound. Because of this change in sound, this album flopped.

Although, it isn't a total let down. "On The Other Side" is a really cool song. I also really like "Heart In A Cage." It seems, if anything, the album progressively gets slower and more boring as it drags on. But the first few tracks are good. (For a perfect example of a sleeper track, listen to "Fear Of Sleep")

Overall, I'd still buy it, as I'm a big strokes fan. But you might want to buy it used or on sale.

Hear me out (2.5 stars).......2007-02-07

I know Strokes fans will cringe when they see my rating, but realize that I too am a Strokes fan. It simply comes down to this- I expect much more of this band than 'First Impressions...'. Hopefully this represents a brief lull in their creativity. Face it, deep down we all know this album is far inferior to their prior efforts. But I'm willing to give them a pass on this one and I will certainly listen to whatever they come up with next (with fingers crossed I might add).

I think it's ultimately ironic that after the Strokes release of 'Is this it' every band in the world tried to sound like the Strokes. Now, after listening to 'First Impressions...' it seems as if the Strokes are trying to sound like everybody else!

If you are thinking of purchasing this based on 'Is this it' or 'room on fire', I urge you to listen to the samples beforehand. It might be a good one to pick up for $8 at your local used CD store. Do not, under any circumstances, spend full retail $$$ on this!

Masterpiece.......2007-01-14

First Impressions Of Earth.........Could there have been a better album name for a 2006 release? No. This album is an expreimental masterpiece. Too bad England was the only one that noticed it. Songs on here like You Only Live Once, Heart in a Cage, Razorblade, Ize Of The World, and Red Light are all golden. Get this album now or you will regret it. The Strokes, the best rock band of our times.

Good album. I like it. .......2007-01-03

Digs into your brain over time, for sure. Still, it never comes off as more than playful. It's clever, it's cool, and it's cocky, but it also seems lazy and underdeveloped.

Overall, it might be a better record than their sophomore release 'Room on Fire', but sadly nothing here touches "What Ever Happened?" or "Reptillia" from that disc. In a way, the album is less gimmicky than 'Room on Fire', because it relies less on superficial hooks, but the bottom line is that those two tracks are UNBELIEVABLE in their hooks -- they hook you and make you BLEED; in that respect, 'The Strokes', when they're on, are as good as any of the other indie-rock bands out there. But, alas, 'First Impressions' doesn't have anything so magnetic, and that's disappointing.

The closest it gets to this approach is, surprise surprise, the album's first track and radio single, "You Only Live Once". Indeed, it slits your skin open and melts into the blood, piercing with its charming, merry riffs and melody. Even so, it's more subtle, and is representative of the entire album -- it's fetching indeed, but much more discreet in revealing its slick self; because of this, I don't think any 'Strokes' album gets better with each listen as much as 'First Impressions'.

And I really do like virtually all of the songs here, even if some of them are fairly lukewarm. It's an easy listen, and there's a good time to be had. Absolutely love the lyrics in 'On the Other Side' -- clever, funny and relatable. 'Ask Me Anything' is simplistically unique and charming in its own right. I'm not sure any other band in the world could pull off something so plain as 'Fear of Sleep' and make it such an awesome song. Yes, it's a good time indeed.

Three and a half stars, says I. 'First Impressions' is one of those albums that I'll never declare brilliant, but I don't really have any part of me that wants to lay anything negative on it -- it doesn't warrant it.

HOWEVER, I do hope 'The Strokes' bang out something truly extraordinary soon, because I know they have it in them.

No worse than any of their other albums..........2006-10-25

...but no better, either. Whatever charm their earnestness and pop sensibilities might otherwise possess is thwarted at every turn by a mediocre vocalist, and a truly awful drummer. While that combination of sincerity and amateurishness may have worked once upon a time for bands like The Stooges and the Velvet Underground, it ain't 1970 any more. If you really have the urge to hear this style of music, check out the nearest 16-year old's local garage band rehearsal, and save yourself the price of the CD.

Average customer rating:

Welcome to "alternative" classical music!
It's Yo-Yo so it's Exquisite
Love it- great for weddings
Stellar album
**Superb**

Appalachia Waltz / Ma, Meyer, O'Connor

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Appalachian Journey
Heartland: An Appalachian Anthology
Uncommon Ritual
Short Trip Home
The Telluride Sessions

ASIN: B000002C0Y
Release Date: 1996-09-24

Tracks:

The Green Groves of Erin - The Flowers Of Red Hill
Appalachia Waltz
Chief Sitting In The Rain
Mama
Butterfly's Day Out
Druid Fluid
First Impressions
Etienne Et Petunia
F.C.'s Jig
College Hornpipe
Pickles
Old Country Fairytale
Schizoozy
Star of the Country Down
Speed The Plow Medley
Fair Dancer Reel

Customer Reviews:

Welcome to "alternative" classical music!.......2007-02-19

It's wonderful to hear three such talented musicians put together a collection of non-classical music on revered instruments. This is not "The Yo-yo Ma Show" with two other guys! The music is varied but the performances are great and -- in some cases, e.g. Appalachia Waltz -- fantastic. I was driving the first time I heard the title piece and immediately started sobbing and had to pull over; it was that beautiful! This would be a good CD choice for children to listen to, as it gives a fine exposure to the amazing sounds that the three instruments can make when in the right hands.

It's Yo-Yo so it's Exquisite.......2007-02-12

Yo-yo Ma has never been content to stick with the standard cello classics. Of course he has recorded the classics - the magnificent Bach Cello Suites (incredible and the visual DVD only enhances the effect), Vivaldi, Beethoven, Faure, Dvorak, etc. His evolution as an artist is an on-going process, thus there's Yo-Yo playing Tango (Astor Piazzolla), Yo-Yo playing Jazz (Claude Boling), Yo-yo playing Brazilian music or John Williams. And now we have the Apalachia Waltz, a beautiful, virtuoso and haunting piece.
I, too, found many of the sounds unique. For a real experience, listen in a darkened room with a pair of superior earphones - the things you pick up will shock. I literally turned my head several times, convinced that the artist was in the room.

As one reviewer noted, this is not supposed to be the rustic sound one might imagine or (the reverse) simply an intellectual exercise. The artist (with able assistance) seems to draw on some kind of inner reserve and literally pour his soul into his newest project. I, for one, applaud this widening of the boundaries between genres and hope that it continues.
Let's not forget the other artists, particularly Meyer. Many times the celebrity saps all the attention leaving a wake of sore feeling in their wake. Ma has always been one to give credit where credit is due and in this case it is due to those who ably assisted him. My grade - A

Love it- great for weddings.......2007-01-24

I used this and Appalachian Journey for my wedding music. I used Track 2 (Appalachian Waltz) as my entry music. The rest I just had playing on a cd player as background music while my guests were waiting on me. It was perfect for our outdoor Fall wedding. Hearing track 2 always brings the memory of our beautiful day flooding back.

Stellar album.......2006-11-10

This disc is top-notch in all respects. The playing is great by Ma and O'Conner for sure, but the bass work is awesome. Meyer is as good a player as there is in the world at the present time in my opinion. I am a cellist and bassist and find it difficult to believe that some of the things he does are possible. If you like top quality string playing, order this album today.

**Superb**.......2006-07-19

I absolutely love this album -- the music resonates with one's soul. Even if you don't have a cello fetish as I, you can't go wrong with this album. It offers a wonderful range from adagio to allegro.....A true musical feast. I especially enjoy Butterfly's Day Out and First Impressions. Dolce...

First Impressions (1959 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

This is one of the most painful musicals I've ever heard
a delightful Broadway-flop
AT LAST - FIRST IMPRESSIONS HAS ARRIVED
The Great Polly Bergen!!

First Impressions (1959 Original Broadway Cast)
Glenn Paxton , Robert Goldman , George David Weiss , Polly Bergen , and Hermione Gingold
Manufacturer: Drg
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Happiest Girl in the World (1961 Original Broadway Cast)
Oh Captain! (1958 Original Broadway Cast)
Christine (1960 Original Broadway Cast)
Ernest in Love (1960 Original Broadway Cast)
Tovarich

ASIN: B00006BXI5
Release Date: 2002-08-27

Tracks:

Overture
Five Daughters
I'm me
Have You Heard The News?
Polka/The Assemby Dance/A Perfect Evening
As Long As There's A Mother
Love Will Find Out The Way
A Gentleman Never Falls Wildly In Love
Fragrant Flower
I Feel Sorry For The Girl
I Suddenly Find It Agreeable
This Really Isn't Me
Wasn't It a Simply Lovely Wedding?
A House In Town
The Heart Has Won The Game
Dance
Let's Fetch The Carriage
Finale

Amazon.com

You'd think Jane Austen's novels would have made prime material for Broadway more often, but no. First Impressions, the 1959 musical based on Pride and Prejudice, is one of the few to have explored the British novelist's world. The show has not made much of an impact on the Broadway landscape, but it has quite a few things going for it. The cast is dominated by Hermione Gingold as Mrs. Bennet, the mother of five daughters. The headstrong daughter is played by Polly Bergen, whose husky voice takes a bit of getting used to in this context, since some of the score (by unknowns Robert Goldman, Glenn Paxton, and George Weiss) leans toward operetta, especially on such tracks as the duet "Fragrant Flower." Other numbers are easy for a nonsinger like leading man Farley Granger, who's better known for his swashbuckling roles in Hollywood. Some of the unintentionally funniest moments include "I Suddenly Find It Agreeable," in which Granger sounds uncannily like Peter Sellers in one of his goofy '60s duets with Sophia Loren. Add to the mix the fact that few in the cast bother with an English accent and a book and direction by the unlikely Abe Burrows (a long way from Guys and Dolls), and you have one weird, if appealing, musical. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

This is one of the most painful musicals I've ever heard.......2004-09-12

Oh, dear. I teach PRIDE AND PREJUDICE in my English classes; I also teach theatre. So when I discovered this CD, I picked it up with high hopes. I'm very, very sorry to say that they were dashed. I listened to the whole CD--well, ok, I fast-forwarded through some songs after I'd heard too, too much--to give it a chance to get better, but the only numbers I actually enjoyed were the instrumentals.

First, Farley Granger is trying to channel Louis Jordan in GIGI (who in turn was trying, unsuccessfully in my opinion, to appropriate the Rex Harrison method of speak-singing). Second, Hermione Gingold was hard enough to listen to in a good show (NIGHT MUSIC). Third, Polly Bergen is a terrible Elizabeth Bennet--she really wants to be playing a Rosalind Russell part somewhere; she's raspy and brassy rather than spirited and intelligent. Fourth, and probably most important, the show is a horrid misrepresentation of Austen's book. I understand that the novel is long and a show can only be 2 1/2 hours, but it takes liberties that are just too dreadful to be tolerated.

Don't buy it.

a delightful Broadway-flop.......2002-12-26

FIRST IMPRESSIONS is a rather-enjoyable Broadway flop that is, believe it or not, a musical version of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice"!

Polly Bergen, in her third Broadway show (after JOHN MURRAY ANDERSON'S ALMANAC and THE CHAMPAGNE COMPLEX) is a delight as Elizabeth Bennet, the eldest daughter of Mrs Bennet (Hermione Gingold). Bergen sings some lovely songs in this score, but her big payoff comes in the eleven o'clock number "This Really Isn't Me", which she colors with her husky and warm voice. More recently the incantory Ms Bergen has returned to Broadway in the revival of FOLLIES as Carlotta Campion; and subbed for Carole Shelley in the role of Frau Schneider in CABARET.

Farley Granger (in his Broadway musical debut) sounds quite ill-at-ease with his songs, though his comical duet with Bergen in "A Perfect Evening" is quite enjoyable.

Hermione Gingold is perfectly-suited to the role of the pushy Mrs Bennet, and is backed up beautifully by Phyllis Newman (SUBWAYS ARE FOR SLEEPING), Lois Bewley, Lauri Peters (THE SOUND OF MUSIC) and Lynn Ross as her other daughters.

The score by Robert Goldman, Glenn Paxton and George Weiss is quite interesting, though hardly suits the time-period of the piece.

All-in-all, a great recording for Broadway buffs.

AT LAST - FIRST IMPRESSIONS HAS ARRIVED.......2002-11-01

I was in boarding school when I was visiting NYC and my parents got me a ticket for an SRO performance of First Impressions. That day, Ellen Hanley was announced as performing Elizabeth Bennet - some people left BUT Hanley got a standing ovation at the end of the performance - I am so happy that she is on the record as Charlotte Lucas - I know when I bought the LP, I found Polly Bergen not as entrancing as Ellen Hanley was on stage. Anyhow, Gingold was brilliant as the coarse Mrs Bennet and Granger superb! As an 19th C English BA I still rave about this adaption - thank you DRG for this, Kean, Happiest Girl, Christine and many others - how about Baker Street, Minnie's Boys, Donnybrook and A Time for Singing! A very good nostalgic recording of the golden days of musicals!

The Great Polly Bergen!!.......2002-08-30

This musical , adapted from Pride and Prejudice, starred Ms. Bergen, Hermione Gingold, Farley Granger and Phyllis Newman. They're all delightful, and though the score isn't great, it's quite enjoyable and all of Ms. Bergen's numbers are just wonderful. What a treat to finally have this show on CD. The folks at DRG are to be commended for caring enough to release these great 50's and 60's shows,fondly remembered by many of us! It's nice to know there are folks who care for more than just the bottom line!

Average customer rating:

A Work of Art
Blown Away
HOW CAN THIS BE A DISSAPOINTMENT?????????????
the legacy continues
ehh, nothing special

First Impressions of Earth
The Strokes
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Room on Fire
Is This It
You Could Have It So Much Better
Show Your Bones
Juicebox

ASIN: B000BWI9U0
Release Date: 2006-01-03

Tracks:

You Only Live Once
Juicebox
Heart in a Cage
Razorblade
On the Other Side
Vision of Division
Ask Me Anything
Electricityscape
Killing Lies
Fear of Sleep
15 Minutes
Ize of the World
Evening Sun
Red Light

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

A Work of Art.......2006-07-08

The Stroke's third piece of art is just as thrilling, ground breaking, and excellent as their others...only they also prove that they are willing to try new things and expand their sound. This album is not to be missed!

Blown Away.......2006-04-04

This album is like 'Is This It' and 'Room on Fire' combined. It's edgy, different, catchy, and overall in my opinion the best Strokes album out there. The first four songs and absolutly stunning, and after that it is still a steady, great album. 'Fear of Sleep' and 'Evening Sun' may be the low points on the album, but I still would still say they are great songs. Overall, the Strokes have done it again with First Impressions of Earth. Bravo.

HOW CAN THIS BE A DISSAPOINTMENT?????????????.......2006-03-23

Their 3rd album is just great with really genious songs and much better lyrics!i just can't understand you!

the legacy continues.......2006-03-14

the strokes are the best band ever. they have some sort of driving force powered by albert hammonds backup nick valensi's solos nikolais complex bass lines and fabs beautiful drumming. julian casablancas came out of his melodic tone voice which we so loved in "is this it" and "room on fire" in "First Impressions of Earth".Juicebox shows julian can bring his voice wherever it needs to go. I saw them live in atlanta and they played "ask me anything" which was better than the cd. this album has some catchy songs such as "you only live once" "heart in a cage" and "red light".First Impressions has a sort of acquired taste that requires listening to their first and second cds so if uve just started listening to the strokes buy "is this it" and "room on fire" due to the fact that you are bound to fall in love with the melodic, wonderful, band that is The Strokes

ehh, nothing special.......2006-02-25

their first album was still the best. This ones seems to have one catchy song and a bunch of filler. Seemed to be produced just to put something out there

Average customer rating:

Matheos - the Mastermind
Easily a favorite!
The Accoustic Matheos
Gorgeous, meditative.
metal rules...hehehe...

First Impressions
Jim Matheos
Manufacturer: Metal Blade
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Away with Words
Only
Fear of a Blank Planet
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Operation: Mindcrime II

ASIN: B000001C68
Release Date: 1993-06-01

Tracks:

Remembering Rain
Winter's Thaw
Gay Head
Metaphysical Soup
Laurel Dawn
The Air Of Autumn
Three Wishes
Pause For Paws
Silent Snow, Secret Snow

Customer Reviews:

Matheos - the Mastermind.......2007-05-26

This CD is as good as all the other reviews are tellin' ya. What are you waiting for? Buy the darn thing (& go ahead & get Away With Words while you're at it). Jim is a brilliant musician. With Fates Warning alone he has accomplished enough for anyone to be proud. To also compose music this mellow, & this good at BEING mellow, just further displays his talent. If somehow you are only a fan of new age, or classical guitar & you purchase this, once you're convinced of its beauty (it won't take long), stretch out & take a chance with something else by Matheos. A Pleasant Shade of Gray by Fates Warning, or perhaps the O.S.I. work with Kevin Moore. They are MUCH heavier, but at times mellow, & they deserve a listen from anyone with a scrutinizing ear for good music. Thanks Jim - keep 'em comin'.

Easily a favorite!.......2006-09-30

This CD quickly became a favorite of mine for guitar music. I love fingerstyle acoustic guitar and especially love it when I hear that it is a metal guitarist who has found the intricacies of the natural sound.

My only complaint it the lenght of the CD. It is so good, you just keep wanting more. Pick it up and see.

The Accoustic Matheos.......2006-03-28

I've been avidly listening to Fates Warning for the past couple of years and what got me hooked into that progressive metal band - the true brand of it, if I may add - was Jim Matheos' grungy guitar riffs, which somehow sound truly unique. I find that trait to be especially evident in the first iteration of the band, when John Arch was the one holding the mike and screaming his guts into it. In short, much of what attracted me to Fates Warning in the first place, I have Jim Matheos to thank for.

When a friend of mine got hold of "First Impressions", I was a bit taken by surprise. Despite enjoying Matheos' licks quite a lot, and knowing his collaborations with John Arch and Mike Portnoy (through O.S.I.), I had no idea he also had solo albums. Well, let's just give it a try, I decided.

I'm in awe. After recovering from the shock of learning that this album goes back all the way to 1993, I had to recover from another shock: there's no heaviness, no distortion, no great riffing. This is a completely mellow, acoustic and classic(al) album back to back. And, oh the humanity, it's so damn good.

Somehow this reminded me of "Hero" (aka "Ying Xiong"), the acclaimed 2002 Chinese stylish movie and the songs inside can at times be oddly beautiful nearly moving you to tears. The only complain is that sometimes it is so much into itself, blends so easily that it falls a little too much into the background.

But no matter. This is a truly brilliant album and proof that Jim Matheos is one of the most gifted - and underrated, why not say it - guitar players of our time. When an artist goes completely out of his element and still attains something like this, there's something very special to him. Matheos is one such case.

Gorgeous, meditative........2002-04-22

Jim Matheos is best known as the chief songwriter and guitarist of the metal band Fates Warning. This 1993 release reveals another side of Matheos' deep well of talent. First Impressions is a beautiful album of nine instrumental, new age style tracks consisting solely of acoustic guitar, violin, and cello. The most standout feature of this recording is its incredible "prettiness." All of Matheos' songs drip emotion, and are sure to be arresting for anyone with an ear for mellow, pleasant music. It's sort of like Jim Brickman for guitar. The songs generally capture intimate feelings and romantic imagery, although more specific qualities vary from song to song. For instance, "Silent Snow, Secret Snow" is a shivery piece that evokes someone alone in his cottage without a fireplace. The opener "Remembering Rain" is both sensual and mournful. For me, as I listen to this album, images are roused such as a walk in the forest, the bloom of spring, consummated romance, a sunset, and cats sitting on a fence. This album is extremely relaxing, in any case. Play this album while you get a professional massage -- it will be heaven, I promise you. Beat out the stress of losing money in the stock market, an Econ759 exam, or being attacked by Vikings.

The only real problem is that it's quite a short album. At just about 38 minutes, it leaves you aching for more. Fortunately, Matheos does have another solo album in the same vein called Away with Words. It adds drummer Mark Zonder to the mix, greater song diversity, and some more energizing melodies. Both First Impressions and Away with Words are very, very highly recommended.

metal rules...hehehe..........2001-04-29

I had to laugh. A few years ago I had heard that Jim Matheos had released a solo album, and being a long time follower of his full-time gig with Fates Warning (a progressive heavy metal band), I had to find the cd. I searched high and low, and couldn't find him. I was looking in rock and metal sections. A database search revealed, to my utter amusement, that it was listed under 'new age'. I had to laugh, not at Jim, but the label it was released under: Metal Blade. I never thought I would see a Metal Blade artist listed in the new age section.

This isn't really new age. It's beautiful acoustic guitar, with violin and cello accompaniment. It is a phenomenol album. Jim ranks right up there with the venerable Michael Hedges. Anyone familiar with Jim's work with Fates Warning will recognize the musical genius in this music.

Tracks:

Where Are You? - Omni Trio
Urban Jazz - Zed
Defining Moments - The Advocate
Can't You See - Technical Itch
Blue Nights - Zed
This Time - Jonny L
Together - Shogun
Soul Of Darkness (Promenade 96 Rollout) - Omni Trio
Nautilus - Shogun
I Let U - Jonny L

Customer Reviews:

Smooth.......2005-04-05

I got this album as part of Topaz Records' "The Ultimate Chill Collection." Though I'm a drum n' bass fan, I was, needless to say, a bit dubious about a drum n' bass album as part of a chillout collection. Within the first day of listening to it, it turned out to be my favorite album in the collection.

Track 1 has a bassline that makes for quite a groove. In typical Omni Trio fashion, it's supplemented quite well by subtle female vocals and some super lazy keyboard work. On tracks 4 and 8, the range of notes in the vocal samples is rather limited and can be slightly tedious. The drum work (and supplementing percussion) throughout is very driving and lacks little.
Overall, the album is a bit simple, but pleasantly mellow and consistent. It's an excellent album for driving, studying, hanging out, or any situation where you won't pay relentless attention and pick at the quality. Buy it, spin it, groove on it.

Very nice!.......2005-03-10

This CD is among the best chillout/trance music that I have. Wonderful stuff to sip a cup of coffee to and relax. Very moody, goes in lots of colorful places yet isn't too intrusive. I highly recommend it!

without surprises but well executed.......2000-12-27

Alright, I'm a trance/house/techno fan by preference, and can easily count on one had the quantity of drum and bass albums owned. Those that do lean towards the downtempo/ambient end of Big Bud and Bukem stylings, and now "First Impressions," a mix of classic drum and bass chill out tracks (says the cover).

I'll leave more learned trainspotters to verify the claim, but there's little doubt that with selections like Zed's keyboard-sprinkled "Urban Jazz" and stuttered vocals of Technical Itch "Can't You See," that DJ Carol C delivers the relaxed state as advertised. Even better, thoughts of jazz doodles and instrumental outbursts are left in the box to avoid disruption ("Soul of Darkness" exempted). The resulting forty minutes of music plays like a rollercoaster without loops - a sleek thrill understandably without surprises, with an abrupt end to the ride. Still, well conceived and worth waiting in line. Grade: B

Gorgeous music--but why only *forty minutes*?.......2000-10-28

DJ Carol C. has put together a magical mix of what at least used to be called "atmospheric drum 'n' bass." This is the cool, jazzy, ethereal style of "jungle" that was popularized a few years ago by the likes of LTJ Bukem and Omni Trio (the latter, in fact, contributes two tracks to this mix). Recently, drum 'n' bass overall has moved in more experimental, often frenetic-sounding directions, so in some ways this style might be considered a bit out-of-date. For me, however, the relaxing, flowing, chillout vibe created by these tracks is music to my ears.

DJ Carol C. does a fine job of selecting, sequencing, and mixing the ten tracks that comprise "First Impressions." What astounds me, however, is the inexplicable brevity of the mix. In this age of a 70 to 75-minute standard for dj mix cd's, she has offered us exactly forty minutes and thirty-two seconds for our listening pleasure. Did she run out of material? This will not do. Next time, how about a full-length mix?

Chill jungle.......2000-09-21

very dreamy, atmospheric drum n bass, but with a nice, steady beat to it

thank god for women dj's in jungle, they bring an entirely new sensibility to the genre

Tracks:

Three Irish Legends: The Tides Of Manaunaun
Three Irish Legends: The Hero Sun
Three Irish Legends: The Voice Of Lir
Aeolian Harp
Banshee
Anger Dance
Dynamic Motion
Five Encores To 'Dynamic Motion': What's This
Five Encores To 'Dynamic Motion': Amiable Conversation
Five Encores To 'Dynamic Motion': Advertisement
Five Encores To 'Dynamic Motion': Antinomy
Five Encores To 'Dynamic Motion': Time Table
Tiger
Second Son 'The Airplane': 1st Movt
Second Son 'The Airplane': 2nd Movt
Son Sauvage: 1st Movt
Son Sauvage: 2nd Movt
Son Sauvage: 3rd Movt
Jazz Son
Suicide In An Airplane
Impressions De Notre-Dame, Op.16, No.1
Impressions De Notre-Dame, Op.16, No.2
Wild Mens Dance, Op.13, No.2

Customer Reviews:

This song will take the stage storm!.......2000-07-06

What an amazing album! I really enjoyed listening to this great album, and I found it remarkably like a Winter storm. I think that this album will be great for the career and reputation of it's composer. I think this album is great!

Average customer rating:

Great music just to sit and think by

Impressions: First Snow

Manufacturer: NorthWord Press, Inc.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B0002A5B6G

Product Description

8 songs including: Autumn's End, Breath or Winter, Field of crystal,etc.

Customer Reviews:

Great music just to sit and think by.......2004-06-28

I teach high school history and it is true that music calms the savage beast - I use this album when my students read and they even like it. I listen to it when I read or when I need to unload some stress. I highly recommend it.

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music