5 comments about Backstreet's Back.

1. If you are a pop fan, then this is the CD for you! Not only does it have that pop-sound to it, but it has the advantage of R&B and different genres of music mixed into it as well. Also, this is the Backstreet fan's dream CD! Actually, all Backstreet CDs are a fans dream. This CD includes an original song, that is most possibly my favorite on the album, called 'That's What She Said'! It is not only sung by the Backstreet Boys, but was also written by one of the members, Brian Littrell! This CD not only helps to prove that real talent does exist, it shows you that the real talent has a name, and that name is Backstreet!! KTBSPA!
   email me: ...just to chat! Peace!



2. A typical Boygroup-album. Songs about broken hearts and missing somebody and Bubblegum-Pop. But there are at least a few songs that are not that bad ("Everybody", "Like a child", "If I don't have you" and "As long as you love me"). I mean that melody is not that bad so that the songs aren't boring but the lyrics are just stupid.
   So if you like the five cuuute guys you'll love this album. If not: Stay away and don't touch it. This is just kitschy.



3. Um dos melhores álbuns dos BSB. Estão presentes aqui 4 ótimas baladas (faixas 5, 6, 9 e 11), três músicas que os tornaram conhecidos para muitos no Brasil (faixas 1, 2 e 3) e outras que completam o CD sem deixar nada a desejar (faixas 4, 7, 8 e 10).



4. This cd is so great. The backstreet boys are very talented unlike sleezy singers like 50 Cent and Dr. Dre. The backstreet boys can sing so well. When I'm not very happy or in a good mood, I listen to this cd and it just makes me smile.This cd is very special, with such a wonderful song like "that's what she said", which by the way wonderful brian wrote and a very cool song "thats's the way i like it".Those are my 2 favorite songs of this album, but not one of these songs has a bad side to it. I think everyone out there should buy this cd because you'll end up falling inlove with it. I luv the backstreet boys, they are obviously my fave.Buy the cd cause it beats all the others.



5. Well I'm one of the lucky ones who could just go to the cd shop and get this album the easy way (although I also bought the US debut album that was released on the same day as an IMPORT album). This cd is still one of my favorite Backstreet albums. It has a great mixture of uptempo songs and balads on it, and even after all this time (it was released 8 years ago in august 1997) it still is a great album.
   
   A quick guide through the songs:
   "Backstreet's Back" is an uptempo song that is very dancable and catchy. Great song. This isn't the extended version that's on the US debut album, but the radio edit with Nick's vocals still intact (So everybody, everywhere/don't be afraid don't have no fear/gonna tell the world, make them understand/as long as there'll be music we'll be coming back again).
   
   "As Long As You Love Me" is agreat midtempo lovesong, very catchy. This mix is better than the US mix I think. Still my favorite BSB song.
   
   "All I Have To Give" is the same as the US version, ballad.
   
   "That's The Way I Like It" isn't a cover of KC and the sunshine band, but a better uptempo song with the same title. It's catchy, dancable and it has great vocals on it with a good beat, what more could you ask for?
   
   "10,000 Promises" is a loveballad and it isn't a happy one. Perfect song if you have a broken haert, helps you to vent every frustration...
   
   "Like A Child" is another sad love song. This ballad is very touching. And the vocals are just so beautiful!
   
   "Hey, Mr DJ (Keep Playin' This Song)" is also on the US debut album. Catchy dancable song, easy to sing along to.
   
   "Set Adrift On Memory Bliss" is a cover I belief, but I'm not sure. Good song, ballad, strong vocals, same as the US version.
   
   "That's What She Said" was written by Brian and it's just the sweetest song on the album. Great song for anyone who likes to hear Mr Littrell sing, for he takes on all the solo parts. It's a ballad about a broken relationship, again a very good song if you have a broken heart. I remenber the live version of this song (at a concert in 1998) as one of the most magical moments.
   
   "If You Want It To Be Good Girl (Get Yourself A Bad Boy)" is also on the US debut album, and I think it's just a great song.
   Catchy, dancable and just so fun to listen to... inspired loads of signs back on the 1998 tour...
   
   "If I Don't Have You" is a loveballad with great ballad. Slowely prepars you for the end of this album.
   
   If you think the 46 minutes and 11 seconds are a bit short, you're wrong. This is an enhanced cd, so if you pop it into the computer, you get loads of extra stuff, like videoclips (so cute), background story and a quiz...
   I highly recomend this album, especially in combination with the European "Backstreet's Back" (make sure you get the one with 16 tracks on it!)!!!

5 comments about Windham Hill Christmas: I'll Be Home for Christmas.

1. I have long been a fan of the Windham Hill Christmas collections, all the way back to the original 1985 release, "A Winter's Solstice". That, and all the subsequent CD's, have been successful to varying degrees in providing an easy, relaxing musical antidote to an often hectic holiday season. The stable of musicians has always been first-rate, from guitarists to pianists, from electronic composers to the occasional vocalist. Some releases, of course, have been less impressive than others ("Winter's Solstice on Ice" was a strange misstep). And the current "Windham Hill Christmas" series has been pleasant enough, if a bit bland. But this latest collection has a particularly warm, and yes, homey feel. Consisting almost entirely of piano and guitar compositions, it effectively conveys the peaceful mood intended. Most of the tunes are quite familiar, save the closing track by Samite, "Yazala Abambuti". Philip Aaberg's "Complete Nutcracker Sweet" is a whimsical five-and-a-half piano condensation of Tchaikovsky's familiar ballet music, and Barbara Higbie's rendition of "Angels from the Realms of Glory" (a carol not heard much these days) is sublimely beautiful. George Winston reminds us once again that he can play harmonica ("Sussex Carol"), but frankly, I would have rather heard him on piano. But just about every track here has a luminous and inspiring quality to it, like all the best Windham Hill music has. It's perfect for background, but even better for those rare moments when you can just put your feet up with a glass of eggnog, and watch the Christmas tree lights in the dark.



2. I love this CD, I'm sure I will be playing it all through the holiday season.



3. Played it for 3 weeks. Kept me calm in a hectic season.



4. This is one of my favorite Windham Hill Christmas albums. I really love the "Christmas Time is Here" rendition on guitar - brings me back to my childhood watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas" - there are also a couple of jazzy interpretations on this very beautiful album.



5. A lovely CD. We listened to it while driving, gift wrapping and tree decorating. Classic Windham Hill, evocitive moods and lovely musical settings.

4 comments about Songs of The Sephardim.

1. This is a collection of songs that covers the broad spectrum of love, loss, hopes, and dreams. This music truly is expressed from the heart. It is interpreted by an excellent group of musicians who attempt successfully, I believe, to express the emotions and music of this particular era. This is a must-buy for anyone who is a serious collector.



2. A jewel of a recording. Alice Koslozski teamed up with La Rondinella for several more recordings of Sephardic and Spanish Renaissance songs, but this one, the first, is the very best: they are all technically excellent, but this CD has the best song selection.

   La Rondinella produces great earthy and colorful Medieval timbres. Kozloski's mezzo singing is lyrical and moving, some where on the spectrum between lieder singer and folk singer.

   The songs have a hauntingly beautiful simplicity - they are a relevant today as they were 600 years ago. The booklet contains all the Ladino texts - if you know a little Spanish, they are quite understandable.




3. This is a great album. The pieces are both instrumental and sung, with a range of themes. There are both lively and slow pieces on this album. The voices are clear, the harmonies are lovely, and with the lyrics, the words are fairly easy to follow and understand. If you already speak Spanish, you will find it easier to understand the medieval Castilian and so that knowledge provides a way in, but if you just like music and are interested in Jewish traditions, that offers an alternative route into the music.



4. This music has a distinctive Spanish flavour to it - the guitar introduction on the first track is unmistakably Spanish; this is a tradition that dates back to the time before Columbus discovered the 'new' world, which ironically was the same year Ferdinand and Isabella issued their edict of expulsion to the Jews in Spain. The Sephardic Jews took their musical traditions with them when they left, such that the Spanish influences in their culture permeated the Jewish communities in other parts of Europe.
   
   There are all sorts of music on this disc, that covers the whole range of pieces from the Sephardic culture - there are love songs, lullabies, and storytelling songs. Women feature prominently in the stories, and most likely in the composition, of many of the pieces here. Many pieces, however, have come down to the present time without composer/author credits. These could be the songs of many Mediterranean cultures; that they are Jewish is indicated in some of the details of the lyrics rather than the style of music itself. References to Hebrew Scriptures in certain ways, and certain Jewish customs and officials (such as the Moel, the one who performs circumcision) indicate the kinds of details present here.
   
   La Rondinella makes use of wind and string instruments, most likely the same kinds of instruments used by the folk singers who would have been the original performers. Included here as performers are Paul Bensel (recorder, crumhorn, percussion), Howard Bass (lute, guitar, harp, percussion), Rosalind Brooks Stowe (treble viol, vielle, percussion), and Tina Chancey as a guest artist (treble viol, vielle, rebec, kamenj, recorder, percussion), with the alto vocals of Alice Kosloski. La Rondinella was established in 1987 in Washington D.C. as a group dedicated to older styles of music such as Sephardic, English, Scottish and Italian music.
   
   The performances here are simply stunning, and remarkable in the fullness of sound and one with so few players. The care and spirit infused into the performances is wonderful. The emotion is very strongly present, particularly in pieces that give a sense of longing and wandering, a very well-known feeling among the Sephardim.

2 comments about Holiday for Strings.

1. Whether you call it Easy Listening,elevator music, or as the English would callit Light Music,the music in this album contains a generous helping of the type of fare that was the staple of early FM radio stations.David Rose was a marvelous composerwhoseworks were noted for their elegance and beauty.Except for the omission of Holiday for Trombones, this album is loaded with a majority of Rose's best arrangements.
   It was a pleasure to hear Holiday for Strings, One Love, Our Waltz, Manhattan Hoedown,and Gay Spirits again.If you purchased The Very Best of David Rose and found the selections lacking, this album will make you whole.



2. For those who enjoy light orchestral music, this is as good as it gets. A special treat is the guest appearance by Woody Herman on "Harlem Nocturne." This CD offers 25 excellent selections (over 75 minutes of music), and is a great entertainment value. An additional note: thanks and kudos to Amazon for offering a fine product at a great price, and for amazingly fast shipping.

No comments about Banjo Christmas.

5 comments about Jessye Norman - Christmastide.

1. Christmastide is heavenly listening!Excellent sound & glorious arrangements.Jesseye Norman was in stupendous voice while making this recording.I listen to it every christmas,and I'm taken away every year by Jesseye's tremendous achievement.Her O Holy Night brings me to tears.She sings with much joy and with much sacred intensity too.Bringing an unigue interpretation to every single track on this album.Christmastide is destined to become a classic,thanks to Ms.Normans supreme contribution she brought to the making of this album.



2. This is one of the most perfectly beautiful recordings of any kind in existence. The pure glory of Jessye's voice is enhanced by the moving, glowing arrangements and thrilling accompanying performances. You will not find a better Christmas album, this is a true work of love and art in the spiritual realm. While it fills your ears with resplendant sound it fills your heart with love and hope.



3. This album is shockingly beautiful. Norman's voice is amazing. The first track alone brings tears to my eyes. This is one of my favourite Christmas albums of all time. If you like Jeysse Norman and you like beautiful, sacred Christmas music, then you should also check out Jeysse Norman At Notra Dame.



4. It's a reference. Start your Christmas season with this CD.
   Jessye is perfect as always.
   The harmonization is another pearl in this work. The balance between her voice and the boy's choir completes the ambience.
   Pay special attention to "See Amid the Winter's Snow"



5. It's a treat to play year after year December after December. I love the order of the songs, the lavish orchestral acompaniment, and the boy choir supporting Jessye Norman's astonishing voice. A beautifully produced CD, by far my favorite Christmas album.

5 comments about Christmas Card.

1. This has always been a Christmas favorite in my family. My mom had a huge collection of albums (yep, ALBUMS!) so as a kid I learned to love many types of music for what each offered. This Temptations X-mas album has a soulful groove from beginning to end. From the opening vocals of 'Rudolph' to the end of the album, where the Temtations wish us all a merry X-mas in harmony. The song 'Someday at Christmas' will give you goosebumps, listen to it and relate it to recent world events. I only rated it 4 out of 5 stars because I wish it had more tracks. I'll listen to this album all year, but come X-mas, it never leaves the CD changer.



2. It's not really Christmas until the tempts say it's christmas, a great cd, i have this and Give Love at Christmas. Anyway my favorite tracks are White Christmas, Silent Night, Someday at Christmas, Silver Bells, Christmas Song........, every song, just buy the cd



3. Another classic
   
   Throughly enjoyed it! Will be playing it at every Christmas I am Blessed to be around for!



4. This continues sound great, even after all these years. I really wore out the album and the first dvd that I had.



5. This cd was exactly what I was looking for. It contained the christmas songs that I was wanting. I love the oldies and I love the Temptations. I received this cd just in time for a very large Christmas party that was attended by mostly "seasoned" people that also related to the oldies era. It was a big hit.
   
   Thanks.

5 comments about Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters.

1. I'M LOOKING FOR THE VERSION OF GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN THAT WAS PLAYED ON THE RADIO IT WAS SAID TO BE ON HER STAR BRIGHT CD BUT THAT IS A DIFFERENT VERSION CAN ANYONE HELP ME FIND THE RIGHT VERSION



2. On my list for Christmas is to own the Christmas CD Collection of Vanessa William. Her single "What Child is This" is her best! Her voice is in good true form. As well as her background jazz musicians. She is the best!



3. I lost this CD in the process of moving and simply had to purchase it again. Christmas wouldn't be the same without the voice of this angel.



4. Love it, Love it, Love it!
   This is the second time I have purchased this CD, and it was worth every penny. Vanessa Williams has taken traditional Christmas songs and infused them with a blend of R&B, gospel and jazz. One of my favorite tracks is her version of Hark, the Herald Angels Sing . A gospel choir accompanies Williams and really jazzes it up a notch or two!
   Starlight, Starbright is a silky lullaby, that showcases her smooth and pure voice. From start to finish, every track on this CD fills me with the true spirit of Christmas.



5. Had this CD years ago and had to get it again. I love her flavor on the Christmas classics. Has me humming and bumping in the car.

5 comments about Ultra-Lounge: Christmas Cocktails, Pt. 3.

1. If you are into the Ultra Lounge series as I am, then you will want this album in your collection. I have the previous two Christmas albums which I think are better than this 3rd addition, but still worth having if you are a fan of this stuff.



2. Love this kind of music - can't get enough - have most all of the CDs. Excellent New Jersey-based company with excellent foresight and retro-understanding for the best party and jazz combos. Excellent choice for any kind of day or evening, party or relaxation time.



3. Virtually every song on this CD appears on other CD's. The order of the tracks is poor, transitions too much, to make it a good party background cd. The only worthwhile thing about the cd is that it's all from the same wide genre, lounge. So, if you don't have any christmas cd's, and you like lounge, this is the cd for you.



4. Ultra-Lounge Christmas Cocktails, part three continues the hits that made the first two volumes a huge success. Unfortunately, however, this last segment of the three part CD series seems to have been done hastily--and on the cheap. Just as other reviewers note, there are practically no liner notes and there are fifteen tracks instead of twenty or more.
   
   Some highlights of this CD immediately come to mind; it's not without its good points. I especially enjoyed "Baby It's Cold Outside" by the incomparable Carmen McRae and Sammy Davis, Jr. Bing Crosby's "Frosty The Snowman" is also very well done. Bing never sounded better! Moreover, listen for Wayne Newtown's "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" Wayne's excellent diction bolsters his fine performance. The strings and brass make "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" a really good number.
   
   Peggy Lee's "White Christmas" is really very good; and the slight echo of her voice on this track is a great special effect. Love it! Lou Rawls's "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" features Lou's vocals squarely in the spotlight; and the musical accompaniment adds an extra jazzy touch so that Lou can put his own stamp on this classic holiday number.
   
   Julie London's "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" is romantic and Julie conveys all the romantic nuances that any man would love; and the CD ends strong with June Christy singing "Sorry To See You Go." Love that brass on "Sorry To See You Go" as June sings this out with panache.
   
   As I mentioned before, the "liner notes" are a real letdown after the great booklets we get with the first two volumes in this series. Other reviews also note--quite correctly--that this third CD in the three part series has much more material that can easily be found elsewhere on other CDs. Sigh. Gotta take off a star for that!
   
   Overall, the quality of the songs is still pretty good but there's less material and what we do get features some rehashed material instead of more numbers lovingly picked from the vaults. If you like lounge music and you don't have too many of these holiday time classics then you should get this CD. People who are diehard fans of Christmastime music will already have a lot of this material and these people should look elsewhere if they want to buy an extra CD of Christmas music.
   
   Four stars.



5. The first two "Christmas Cocktails" CDs were absolute classics--a wide variety of music--some familiar, some esoteric--and a great value. Volume 3? Well, it's got some wonderful tracks on it, but for the most part, it's a very ordinary song selection.
   
   Perhaps most troubling--and why the music industry is in such dire straits today--it the fact that they give you less and less for your dollar. The first two volumes in this series were 72 and 64 minutes, with 21 and 20 tracks, respectively. Volume 3 is under 40 minutes with just 15 tracks. Plus they eliminated the liner notes booklet, and now only have a one sheet insert. And all for the same price as volumes 1 & 2.
   
   If Capitol wants consumers to buy their "physical" product, give them some reason to do so--provide something they don't get via a download (legal or not). And don't cut back so much on the content itself--value "added" gets more buyers, not value "subtracted".

5 comments about Elvis Christmas.

1. what more can you say its ELVIS singing the best Christmas songs only like ELVIS can......



2. Great CD of a collection of Elvis Christmas songs in which I enjoyed very much. Great listening.



3. The CD is exactly what I wanted for a true elvis fan. The receiver loved all the songs and now has a true ELVIS christmas Album.



4. It just isn't Christmas until you have heard Elvis sing Blue Christmas on the radio. A must have for all Elvis fans!!



5. Known as the King of Rock and Roll,Elvis surely showed his musical talent
   in preforming these great Christmas ballads.A must for everyone who likes
   traditional and up beat Chrismas songs