5 comments about Chuck Berry - Hail! Hail! Rock N' Roll (2 Disc).

1. Excellant set ( well 3 out of 4 ain't bad ) Disk 4 has a drunk Jerry Lee Lewis trying to be cute , but.... not ! Also a bunch of others talking about themselves mostly !! Disc 3 , with Chuck and Robbie Robertson gives a wonderful insight to Chuck !



2. When this film was made, Chuck Berry was in a constant battle with his disciple Keith Richards to get his act together. Berry was financially burned quite a few times when he was younger and he'll be damned if anyone messes with him again. He's bitter and yet he acknowledges that the Civil Rights Law, while not perfect, has made a few differences since the days of segregation with different bathrooms and restaurant entrances. He's gotten into the habit of performing with unrehearsed pickup bands and his drunken playing is sloppy at times. This is not necessarily a bad thing, because this happens to be one the best documentaries ever made.
   
   Keith Richards has a theory that implies that Chuck Berry copied most of his famous guitar riffs from Johnny Johnson, the original pianist. Remember, Chuck Berry has been a major influence on every rock guitarist, whether they realize it or not.



3. The music is great.It's impossible to not get into toe tapping. We are also provided a pleasant insight into Berry as a human being.



4. The film - title 2 of dvd #1 is THE best film on Chuck! The rest of the dvds are not really interresting. By the way I have to flash a new firmware for my dvd reader because i'm in europe.



5. The extras are what makes this. The three way conversation between Little Richard, Bo and Chuck reveals more than anything in the main feature.
   
   Apparently it was only seeing the Clapton jam on DVD for the first time that Clapton had any recall, as he was hammered when it was recorded.
   
   Both as a historic document and entertainment works well.

5 comments about With a Song In My Heart (from the 1952 film)/ Pal Joey (with 1952 cast members).

1. While the legubrious and over-orchestrated songs from the film "With a Song in My Heart" are typical of their era (and Jane Froman's stilted renditions are what once stood for emoting) the "Pal Joey" cast recording is an absolute delight. The orchestrations are bouncy and jazzy in a way that has long been forgotten, and the performances (except for the aforementioned Ms. Froman, whose Vulgnarian renditions are at times quite disconcerting, and who hits the sonic notes like lazer beems but misses the emotional ones by a country mile) are exceptional. Helen Gallagher deserved her Tony from the evidence of this recording, with Elaine Stritch not far behind her. But the overall impact surpasses any recording of "Joey" including the historic one that lead to this revival. There's energy, intensity and a whole lot of fantastic song writing (leave it to to Rogers and Hart) to satisfy any musical theater fan. A must have for anyone who loves "Old Broadway."



2. This DRG CD pairs two recordings starring Jane Froman.
   
   WITH A SONG IN MY HEART
   
   Susan Hayward played Jane Froman in the film but Froman herself dubbed the vocals. This album of songs was originally issued as a 10" Lp. None of the tracks are taken from the film: They are all studio re-recordings. Later, Capitol re-released it as a 12" LP with two extra songs added. It is that expanded [program included here. Froman is in great voice, though the orchestrations are overly lush and string heavy. Still, the songs include such standards as "It's a Good Day", "Get Happy", and "Embraceable You" making for an enjoyable mini-concert.
   
   PAL JOEY
   
   Capitol's cast album of the 1952 revival has long been a collector's item. The original Lp was deleted in 1960 and did not resurface until Broadway Angel released it on CD (briefly) in 1993. As the stars of the revival Harold Lang and Vivienne Segal had already made a studio cast album for Columbia - an album that helped inspire the revival - they were unable to re-record their songs for Capitol, and the label turned to Jane Froman and Dick beavers to fill in. The revised orchestrations sound dated now, but here is a chance to hear Elaine Stritch singing "Zip" and to enjoy the lusty voice of Helen Gallagher early in her career.
   
   In the end it's the WITH A SONG IN MY HEART selections (making their debut on CD here) that make this CD worthwhile. For PAL JOEY the studio recording (available from SONY) is preferable, however if one is so inclined you can assemble your own cast album of the '52 revival by combining tracks from both releases.



3. I saw the film, "With A Song In My Heart" when I was twelve or thirteen years old and have wanted the sound track for many years. As an impressionable teenager in the 1950s, I have collected over time many of the films from that time on VHS or DVD, to satisfy my memories of the period. I regret that this particular film is not available on VHS or DVD, but, this CD is the next best choice. It is really enjoyable to hear the richness and depth of the voice of Jane Froman, who was one of the best singers of the time. I can still recall many scenes from the film and this CD revives the memories so well.



4. I actually was so pleased to see a CD available because I have been longing for the movie "with a song in my heart" to become available on VHS and then on DVD, and it never has, so now at least I can enjoy the songs from the movie. The cast track from Pal Joey was just an added bonus.



5. I have waited years for the release of this film in order to purchase it. The music is all beautiful 1940s style and lots of it. Jane Froman has a beautiful voice - the kind like you never hear today and music like you don't hear today. Copyright laws for all the many songs kept it from being produced for the home audience. Now the DVD film is available as well as this CD soundtrack. I love this soundtrack. I bought the DVD as well as the CD so that I can enjoy it whenever I wanted.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
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5 comments about Don Juan DeMarco : Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.

1. I highly recommend this soundtrack! It is my favorite and is so romantic and relaxing.



2. Bryan Adams doesn't get in the way of the title track "Have you ever really loved a woman" thankfully...All of the tunes on the soundtrack are entertaining and well recorded. Fabulous Spanish guitar and arrangements! Recommend for romance!



3. This is likely to go down in history of cinema as one of the most beautiful scores ever composed. A story from beginning to end told only with music. The Bryan Adams song at the beginning is beautiful but always skip it to get directly to Michael Kamen's wonderful compositions. Highly recommended.



4. I initially saw the movie, which I thought was ok. However, the music is pleasing and calming, especially Bryan Adams singing "Have you really ever loved a woman." For me, it is enjoyable.



5. The talented Nydia Rojas sings on this cd on the song "Has Amado Una Mujer De Veras?", that's the Spanish version of "Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman". She doesn't sing the song alone, she is accompanied by Michael Kamen and Jose Hernandez. I think if she did sing it alone, the woman would have completely dominated the entire song!!!! The song is beautiful and her voice is very lovely, as always. Nydia Rojas always does a great job in bringing to life any song she is in. Nydia Rojas, YOU ROCK GIRL!!!!! If you enjoyed this music then I know you will enjoy her music. You should also treat yourself to her music, she has four CD's out, the titles are: 1.)Nydia Rojas (1996) 2.)Florecer (1997) 3.)Si Me Conocieras (1999) 4.)Nydia (2001)

5 comments about Lady Sings The Blues (1972 Film).

1. Of all of the Motown acts Diana Ross (With and without the Supremes) was always given the room to explore various settings including Pop, Standards, Disney Favorites, Show Tunes, and the list goes on and on. On this Soundtrack not only was she given the opportunity to record Billie Holiday blues & jazz favorites but she (Diana Ross) also got her first major starring role in movie "Lady Sings The Blues". Both Movie & Soundtrack were runaway smashes. As a result of the Top Ten hit single from the Soundtrack "Good Morning Heartaches", a new interest in Billie Holiday recordings took off. Be forwarned none of these recordings on this Soundtrack have the more familiar Motown Sound of the 70's, but well orchestrated blues, jazz & pop chestnuts by the one and only Gil Askey.
   
   These are the type of recordings where you'll want to get your favorite drink and enjoy such jewels as "Mean To Me", "Fine And Mellow", "You've Changed", "Don't Explain", "God Bless The Child" (And others)....Sit back and enjoy. The only down side is that it includes excerpts from the Movie spliced in throughout (Unless you've seen the movie, then it might make a slight difference). For the most part you'll get to explore one of Diana Ross' most successful attemps at blues & jazz that she revisted several times since.



2. More dialogue and less music than on most movie soundtracks, which makes this CD somehow of a disappointment. Otherwise, the quality is good.



3. The Cd was new and in good condition. Also arrived before Christmas, when purchased late.



4. This album (and the movie)are initially what turned me off from becoming a fan of Lady Day. Now I'm a big fan because I fell in love with her real voice, and her emotion from listening to a Ken Burns CD of the Essential Billie Holiday (a used copy for 99 cents). Ross sounds absolutely NOTHING like Lady Day, and emotions that are sachrine. I guess there could be worse casting matches (Nora Jones as Ma Rainey, or Beyonce as Bessie Smith) but they would be the biggest flops if they occured. Try getting The Lady Sings (A 4 disc set that covers all but the Verve Years) by Billie Holiday. The original is a LOT better. I wold have rated no stars, but didn't get a choice.



5. I loved the movie and had the album. since i no longer have a record player the cd is a perfect addition to my collection.

No comments about Sometimes I Dream.

5 comments about Once On This Island (1990 Original Broadway Cast).

1. There is nothing worse than a weak story linked together with weaker tunes. However, Once on this Island is operatic in its beauty, organic in its execution (not a note out of place!) and is bound together with a strong story, stronger performances, and some of the most upbeat and uplifting music I have ever heard. The music brings you to the Antilles and establishes the place of this island, with its symbitioc relationship with nature and its gods. And you will root for Ti Moune and her faith in her place in the world, and even though she doesn't get the guy, it could be argued that she gets something even better.
   
   Give it a listen....



2. This CD gives you all the songs from Once On This Island, but they are recorded by the Broadway cast. Usually that would be a good thing- not this time! They changed many of the rhythms and the dialogue is very forced and unnatural. They make the story seem "corny" rather than deep.



3. I wasn't expecting to receive the items just yet (cause I was informed of 8 weeks to deliver). But i got it just aweek and a half from the time i ordered. Its all in perfect shape and i'm enjoying every minute of it!



4. My wife and I saw this show on Broadway during its too-brief run. The show was nominated for 8 Tony Awards, but didn't win in any category.
   
   The musical is all sung, so it translates well onto CD. It features the original Broadway cast, including LaChanze, who won a Theater World Award for her performance as Ti Moune.
   
   Listening to the CD, one is transported into a world of gods and humans, love and death, vengeance and redemption. The score, by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty ("Seussical the musical" and "Ragtime"), is a joyful, spirited mixture of Caribbean and pop-tinged songs, sung with animation and passion.



5. I have used this product in a high school musical theater class setting....many of the tunes included are great performance songs my students will be using in our upcoming end of the term concert... they love this unique musical style, so do I...

5 comments about Natural Born Killers: A Soundtrack For An Oliver Stone Film.

1. Inspiring? No! Pleasant? No! Entertaining? No! Worthwhile? No!
   
   What are you folks sniffing out there anyway? Whatever it is, please consider passing it along, because other than the single authentic and melodic track by Patsy Cline (i.e., Back In Baby's Arms, which is available on a zillion other collections including some of her own), this CD doesn't have an ounce of redeeming musical, lyrical or social value in my view. Nada! Zip!
   
   Even the Dylan track is junk! The entire CD is essentially drivel, put to the dull, homicide-provoking sound of endless, droning noise, with an overall signal-to-noise ratio of about one (1.0)!!! What a WASTE of an A-to-D converter!



2. Beyond the worth (or lack of it, depending on your opinion) of the movie, this soundtrack stand the test of time and is still in 2006 one of the most impressive soundtrack ever produced.
   
   It is, in my very humble opinion, the finest work in Trent Reznor discography.



3. ...but it was much cooler in 1994, that's for sure. What seemed haunting and beautiful then, is kind of cheesy in 2007, especially now that most of the artists have gone even further mainstream (Nine Inch Nails) or totally vanished (L7). "Sweet Jane" by Cowboy Junkies is one that has not faded at all, though...gives me chills!



4. I have to say that this soundtrack is timless and will stay as a landmark in soundtracks for decades to come. Can't list all the great tracks here, Dylan's You be long to me, or Patsy Cline's Back in Baby's arms, Leonard Cohen.... or the more 'violent' tracks.. there are tracks for every taste, and every mood. and of course the soundtrack is a must for this movie lovers as it recalls every great scene as you listen to it. This soundtrack along with Pulp Fiction are a must in every 'soundtrack' section. its a genius blend of different songs from different eras and different styles.



5. Natural Born KIllers was this movie that I always found to be intriguing, but I was never really sure if I actually LIKED or not. I've seen various different cuts of it and whatnot, etc. Yada yada...
   
   THE SOUNDTRACK on the other hand, is an instant classic, made up of a nice selection of music that shares the same vibe and emotion of the movie:dark, angry, and original... also it's very good. I think just thr right songs were used in this film, ranging from some classic songwriters, some classic songs, and some classic songs as covered by some good indie names that some of your more unconventional music fans would no doubt dub classic. Also, as a lot of the audio clips from the movie are spliced in a long the mix, in pretty clever ways, you get a pretty good essence of the story too, as you listen... oooooooooh. So lets observe a little.
   
   The Leonard Cohen songs are a little creepy. Pretty much bookends the mix, sans some Dogg Pound tracks at the end (yeah, Snoop 94 style, when his stuff was still fresh and clever) L7, Patti Smith, and The Cowboy Junkies add in some good female indie and/or punk slabs, Bob Dylans on here, sounding horse and old, and a little tired, but still good. YOU BELONG TO ME was a key song in the film.
   Then theres the likes of NIN and JANES ADDICTION to PETER GABRIEL to PATSY CLINE on some tracks, but some of my faves come from artists I never heard outside this mix. The ragged country feel of Duane Eddys THE TREMBLER, The Hollywood Persuaders DRUMS A GO-GO, Lard...FORKBOY, and much much more (theres nearly thirty tracks in total here) varied all over the map, but with a very unique flow. This album may make you want to lay on the floor and stare blankly at the ceiling, but its still very well done. 5 stars. Soundtracks are a hard market to pull off, but this one can be listened to start to finish and is a good listen.

5 comments about Chuck Berry - Hail! Hail! Rock N' Roll (4 Disc).

1. Excellant set ( well 3 out of 4 ain't bad ) Disk 4 has a drunk Jerry Lee Lewis trying to be cute , but.... not ! Also a bunch of others talking about themselves mostly !! Disc 3 , with Chuck and Robbie Robertson gives a wonderful insight to Chuck !



2. When this film was made, Chuck Berry was in a constant battle with his disciple Keith Richards to get his act together. Berry was financially burned quite a few times when he was younger and he'll be damned if anyone messes with him again. He's bitter and yet he acknowledges that the Civil Rights Law, while not perfect, has made a few differences since the days of segregation with different bathrooms and restaurant entrances. He's gotten into the habit of performing with unrehearsed pickup bands and his drunken playing is sloppy at times. This is not necessarily a bad thing, because this happens to be one the best documentaries ever made.
   
   Keith Richards has a theory that implies that Chuck Berry copied most of his famous guitar riffs from Johnny Johnson, the original pianist. Remember, Chuck Berry has been a major influence on every rock guitarist, whether they realize it or not.



3. The music is great.It's impossible to not get into toe tapping. We are also provided a pleasant insight into Berry as a human being.



4. The film - title 2 of dvd #1 is THE best film on Chuck! The rest of the dvds are not really interresting. By the way I have to flash a new firmware for my dvd reader because i'm in europe.



5. The extras are what makes this. The three way conversation between Little Richard, Bo and Chuck reveals more than anything in the main feature.
   
   Apparently it was only seeing the Clapton jam on DVD for the first time that Clapton had any recall, as he was hammered when it was recorded.
   
   Both as a historic document and entertainment works well.

5 comments about Anastasia: Music From The Motion Picture (1997 Version).

1. I love this CD! I had never seen the movie when I first heard "At the Begining". Then I bought the movie, loved it and bought the soundtrack! I'd highly recommend it to anyone who likes this movie!



2. The music on the CD is wonderful. Love the movie, love the music - especially the song "Once Upon A December".



3. I love and my lil one loves this soundtrack! How beautiful and glorious it all is.



4. I really like the music to Anastasia, especially "Once Upon a December," and "Journey to the Past." The music is just a great element of the well told story in this film. Liz Callaway has a beautiful Soprano voice as Anastasia. Kelsey Grammer of Frasier fame is a great singer, and it is cool to hear his rich Baritone sound, especially on "Learn to Do It (Waltz Reprise)." The "pop" versions of the songs later on the cd are not as good as the originals, but having them on the cd does not detract from the better versions.



5. When I first saw this movie I was 9. It was so incredible. Now I'm 19 and the movie is still my number 1. I watch it all the time. I only recently bought the soundtrack, but I love it so much! Its beautiful and enchanting. My favorite songs are "In the Dark of the Night" and "A Rumor in St. Petersburg". Absolutely fantastic. 5 stars.

5 comments about Les Miserables Original London Cast.

1. Excellent. Everything I was looking for. Had the entire musical on it, not just a collection of hits from it. Highly recommended.



2. Exactly what I asked for - what more can one say ??? Origional artists , well produced music , enunciation to the highest quality , musical production as I expected from the origional cast . - THANKYOU AMAZON !



3. Les Miserables is my absolute favorite musical, and this is my favorite recording. I have spent a long time with this recording, the original Broadway cast, the 10th Anniversary Cast Recording, and the Complete Symphonic Cast Recording, and this is still the one I put on first when I just want to hear the show. The only true exception is Javert, which is epitomized by Philip Quast on the CSR (his best recording) and the 10th Anniversary. This is also the only recording to include Patti LuPone, as Fantine. While she neither reprised her role on Broadway or ten years later in concert, I still prefer hers to any other recording; "I Dreamed a Dream" is my favorite song. This recording also restores the absolutely beautiful melody "I Saw Him Once," giving a much deeper understanding to the character of Cosette.
   
   When people ask me what recording of Les Miserables to buy, I tell them to buy the Original London Cast for Fantine, Jean Valjean, Marius, Cosette, Eponine and to buy the Complete Symphonic Cast Recording for Javert and Enjolras, as well as for its completeness and for my favorite version of "One Day More" [which it should be noted is done in a completely different counterpoint for all four major english language recordings].



4. This isn't every single musical note from the show, but it's the full cast recording from the 1985 London version, spanning 2 discs. It includes more of the songs than the Broadway highlights album and is similarly priced.
   
   This London production was the first English-language version of Les Mis and some songs have been tweaked for the later Broadway productions.
   
   My first exposure to the wonderful music of Les Misérables was through the Broadway cast highlights CD, so I am a little biased toward that version (although this is the original).
   
   This version is a little different from the Broadway version. "Who Am I?" is sung a little slower and seems more thoughtful. "A Heart Full Of Love" has differnt lyrics and is incorporated into a three-song "Love Montage".
   
   This cast includes Colm Wilkinson as Valjean (he also played that role on Broadway and in the Tenth Anniversary Concert), Roger Allam as Javert, Patti LuPone as Fantine, Rebecca Caine as Cosette, Michael Ball as Marius, Frances Ruffelle as Eponine, David Burt as Enjolras, and Alun Armstrong as Thénardier.
   
   I prefer Terrence Mann's rendition of "Stars" (from the Broadway cast) to Roger Allam's version on this CD. I really do. Maybe it's because I'm used to that one.
   
   And Thénardier has a strong British-type accent on this CD, so "Master Of The House" will sound a little weird if you're used to the American version.
   
   The actress who plays Eponine in the London cast is the same one from the Broadway cast (Frances Ruffelle). But for the people who were annoyed by her whiney performance on the Broadway CD, she sounds a little better on this recording.
   
   CONCLUSION:
   This is a pretty good recording of Les Mis and is available for a reasonable price. The Complete Symphonic Recordings includes even MORE of the show's music, but the cast is different (no Colm Wilkinson!). If you are used to the Broadway (American) version, I'd recommend you stick with that (although the Broadway equivalent of this 2-disc recording is a lot more expensive). The Broadway highlights CD is cheaper, but has only about half of the songs.
   
   I'd also recommend you check out the Tenth Anniversary Concert CD. It features an all-star cast of Les Mis alums (plucked from the London, Broadway, and other casts). The recording spans 2 discs, so it includes songs that the highlights CD doesn't (similar to this London recording), AND it's about the same price as the London disc or the highlights disc. If you're looking for more music than the highlights CD offers, but you're not familiar with the London cast and you don't want to shell out $30-something, the Tenth Anniversary Concert CD may be the way to go.



5. We have owned the Les Miserable music book for quite a while and play them on the piano ourselves. Some of those songs are so grand and emotional that I was looking for a great treat from the "Original London Cast". We also bought the Les Miz movie and loved Liam Neeson in it. After watching it, I was really excited to listen to the London CD. I should have saved my money and time.
   
   The singing was like a high school musical -- Shallow, immature, Broadway Imitation voices; too rapid delivery; lacking in emotion and expression. Cosette's song, which should be a tear-jerking, plaintive plea sounded like a kindergarten kid rushing to get it over with. Jauvert's song should have been passionate and deeply emotional. Instead it had all of the emotional depth and expression of a junior high-school rock band's home-grown rant. Wait for someone to do it right.