5 comments about Eternelle: The Best Of.

1. Even thoug the songs are in french language those capture completely the senses....I think it is the perfect combination of woman singing voice and french language.....great



2. Saw the movie La Vien Rose.... fell in love with Edith all over again. I am transported to Paris at the first song.



3. I was inspired to order this CD after seeing the movie La Vie en Rose about the colorful life of Edith Piaf.
   My aim was to hear the real singer rather than the actress in the film.
   This CD contained many examples of Ms Piaf's music. The sound quality was excellent and the music enjoyable.
   Much of it was familiar, popular songs heard on the radio growing up. The singing is in French and there is no translation in the CD jacket, however this is a small defect.



4. The singing was too brassy, too strident. Not the Edith Piaf I remember on a 33l/3 record I bought in the l960s.



5. I had always known Edith Piaf was a famous French singer, but I had never actually heard her sing. When Marion Cotillard won the Academy Award this year for "La Vie En Rose" I placed the movie on my Wish List and received it as a gift. After watching it I was amazed at and enthralled with Miss Piaf's life and her pure and unique voice. I also purchased two of her cd's, but this one is the best of the two. The quality of the cd is excellent and her voice seems more mature and strong. I treasure this cd and every time I listen to it I think of Edith's life and all of the hardship and obstacles she faced, and the triumph in becoming the most famous and beloved singer in France.

5 comments about The Voice of the Sparrow: The Very Best of Edith Piaf.

1. To those who are not familiar with Miss Piaf's singing soon will become fans of this woman. The recent bio-pic "La Vie en Rose" has stirred interest in those who had not heard her before. They will be richly rewarded with this album. My favorite track is "Non, je ne Regrette Rien".



2. Was not disappointed and in fact pleased to hear the voice of the sparrow, the music was great matching her superb voice. Thank you so much for taking me to France.



3. Just what I had been wanting! This is, in my opinion, the very best vocals of Edith Piaf. Her voice, the range and depth, to me, is like a wonderful instrument. I am very happy.



4. This cd is very good. It contains all of her most popular songs and the quality is quite good. I purchased another of her cd's that I believe is a better quality, but this one is definitely adequate, and very enjoyable, especially "Non Je Ne Regrette Rien" ("No, I Regret Nothing"). Miss Piaf's artistry touches me profoundly after seeing the movie of her life, "La Vie En Rose," starring Marion Cotillard. Marion deservedly won the Academy Award for her performance this year. Edith Piaf had an incredible life, and we are blessed with the preservation of her music.



5. It's a good recording of a singing icon; pretty much as advertised. I'm glad to have it.

5 comments about Feels Like Home.

1. As a wonderful gift from my much more musically-astute son and daughter in-law, this was my first introduction to Norah Jones. I'm now a fan.
   
   Although the daughter of Ravi Shankar of '60's sitar fame, the Eastern influences she undoubtedly must have are not evident. All vocals, some covers, mostly her own excellent music and introspective lyrics ("What Am I to You?" is extraordinary). Her presentation is unlike any I've heard exactly - slow, soft, low key, jazz-influenced, subtle. A little country, but not much. Slow tempos, almost rhythm-less, nicely paced. Hard to define, seemingly many different influences, possibly even a stylistic throwback to earlier times, maybe the '30-'40's. Very far removed from rock or pop or up-tempo jazz, would not appeal to everyone.
   
   Her clear, unadorned vocals are backed by a small, excellent, mostly acoustic (yes, and handsome!) band. The recording is very well balanced, specifically not at all over-produced or commercial-sounding.
   
   Very, very well done - not for the car sound system in traffic, deserves to be heard in a quiet environment on a good system, ideally with your soulmate. An absolute breath of fresh air for good music lovers!



2. Nora has done it again, if you love her sultry voice you will love this CD



3. I simply don't get how on earth this singer gained so much popularity. With her 'average at best' voice, painfully dull and mediocre arrangements, lyrics that say a whole lot of nothing (most of which she doesn't even write)...what is there to like? And what clown ever classified her as a jazz singer? She's really closer to worn out dive bar singer at remote casino on an Indian reservation somewhere. This is a classic case of alot unwarranted hype heaped on a low talent artist in order to sell albums...what a sham!



4. I enjoyed the CD, the style of Norah's singing is a little different than some of her other work, but I still found it enjoyable to listen to.



5. On Feels Like Home, Norah Jones's sophomore album, she explored a more country-themed sound appropriate to her Texan roots and foreshadows her work with The Little Willies. The opening track Sunrise has percussion reminiscent of a horse's hooves clip-clopping away on some dusty trail straight out of an old Western, while What Am I To You flirts with blues that call to mind Norah's performance on Peter Malick's New York City. Be Here to Love Me is a beautiful slow waltz, while Creepin' In is a spirited, buoyant duet with Dolly Parton(!) laced with slide guitar. Long Way Home has a bouncy backing that reminds me of a jug band, while Humble Me is a steel-string guitar and Norah's soft croon. The remaining tracks capture the sort of laid-back (some critics called it "sopophoric") sound that Norah made famous on her debut Come Away with Me, albeit with more of a countryish edge (steel guitar, lilting country and western rhythms).
   
   To be honest, I was working at a Barnes & Noble music department when this album was released, and I instantly took a dislike to it and tried to tune it out when we used it as in-store play. I wasn't terribly fond of the country overtones (country is one of the few musical genres that I can't stand, even though I live in Texas!), the songs weren't memorable, and there was a stylistic mismatch between the country tracks and Norah's other playing/writing style; Feels Like Home felt like it wasn't quite sure what it was trying to be. However, when I was recently on vacation and heard this played in a shop, I was drawn to it and decided to give it a second chance. I would place this second out of Norah's three albums so far (I really didn't like Not Too Late), and if you're a fan of country, you might like this more than I did. It does have some well-written songs and Norah's wonderful piano and voice to recommend it, but I still think that Norah's first album was her most versatile due to its seamless fusing of standards, country, and jazz. Feels Like Home felt less balanced overall.

5 comments about La Vie en Rose: La Môme.

1. Very good reproduction of the original masters. I enjoy it over and over because I liked the movie and the music of that era. The actress deserved the Oscar I think. Todays musiic does seem like music to an old timer.



2. Someone somewhere must like her voice but it's not me. I hope the movie was better than the sound track.



3. The album was disappointing. I was looking for more of Piaf singing. I did not expect to hear Piaf wannabes or soundtrack background music.



4. This CD is unbelievably beautiful. It brings back all my memories of the blessed Edith Piaf. I shall cherish this super upgraded album for many years to come.



5. I was disappointed in as much as one of the best songs from the movie was left off the sound track "La Vie En Rose". This was the song by the child actress who played Edith as a child and sang the French national anthem. I have all the other music by Edith Piaf and only ordered the movie sound track to have that particular song. The sound track was excellent in every other way. I just don't understand why this particular song was left off it.

5 comments about No, Virginia....

1. Definitely a solid follow up to Yes, Virginia, and partially because many of the songs are those that didn't make it on the previous CD.
   
   Its a fun album but does feel a little B -side at times. Despite this its still immensely enjoyable, and indicative of the Dresden Dolls unique sound, lyrics, and energy. A must have for the DD fan.



2. So this CD is supposed to be the leftover scraps from Yes, Virginia, but you wouldn't really know it. I wouldn't be suprised that the Dresden Dolls knew they had 2 albums worth of material at recording time much like Radiohead Kid A/Amnesiac. Some of the tracks are so strong, I'm suprised they didn't make the first album (again, leading me to believe they were planning this 2 album deal the whole time). It's worth buying, go do it.



3. Back in May 2006 I reviewed the album Yes, Virginia... by the Dresden Dolls, and I quote myself (after all, nobody else is going to quote me):
   
   "You'll need to keep an open mind for this one, but The Dresden Dolls are the most excitingly different duo that I've come across in ages."
   
   Fast forward to 2008 and here's "No, Virginia..." which isn't technically a new album, because it's made up of left-over tracks from previous albums and B-sides, but it's definitely good enough to qualify for "new" status.
   
   Amanda Palmer is as brilliant as ever with her dark, edgy lyrics, pounding piano and impossible-to karaoke vocal performances. This type of music (punk cabaret) may be an acquired taste, but for originality and audacity it can't be beaten.
   
   The songs that I have been playing from this album are:
   
   "Dear Jenny"- listen for the howling at the end
   
   "Night Reconnaissance", where she observes "Nothing is crueler than children who come from good homes"
   
   "Lonesome Organist R@pes Page-Turner" - not only a naughty name, but witty lyrics such as "So on the bench I watched his left hand crossing / While doubling entendres with the voicings"
   
   "Sorry Bunch" - great piano performance
   
   "Pretty in Pink" - my favorite track. Begins like Dire Straits "Walk of Life", and just gets better
   
   "The Kill" - love the lyrics
   
   "The Sheep Song" - a punk cabaret lullaby
   
   If you know somebody whose musical taste is off-mainstream, you might want to put this on your Christmas list to convince them that Santa Claus is alive and cabaretting.
   
   
   
   Amanda Richards, June 6, 2008



4. I was pleasantly surprised to find this B-Sides album better than the regular album, Yes, Virginia. Yes, Virginia lacked some of that subtle quality of the Dresden Dolls earlier work that grabs your psyche and won't let go, but that quality is back in No, Virginia.
   
   It doesn't have quite the endless cavalcade of amazing songs that The Dresden Dolls debut album had, but it's every bit as catchy and soulfully twisted as A For Accident, and with higher production values. The Gardener is a particular favorite track of mine.



5. You know what gets me? The fact that the Dolls' sophomore effert, Yes, Virginia, was so highly touted by fans and critics alike and yet No, Virginia, has gotten NO publicity. I understand that it's not a proper follow-up but come on, these songs are incredible!
   
   In case you are oblivious to The Dresden Dolls, this is, and I quote:
   "A collection of unheard treasures from the Vault of The Punk Cabaret taken from the Yes, Virginia Sessions & featuring new songs from the winter '08 Sessions."
   
   I was worried all the attention they got for their last record would go to their heads, but no. Quite the contrary, all these songs remain true to the Dolls' former releases in every way without feeling like a cash-in or a lame attempt to remain relevent. Amanda and Brian are simply having fun and you can tell through the duration of No, Virginia.
   
   Where's the love for Dear Jenny? That is by far my favorite song on here and ranks among my favorites of their's period. Past that, other stand outs include The Mouse and the Model, The Gardener, Sorry Bunch, and The Kill. Much like the past two releases, No, Virginia is a record that is totally easy to listen to completely with no reasons to skip any song.
   
   As a side-note type of thing, I must say that Amanda and Brian sound incredible. Amanda's voice is only getting better with each new CD and the chemistry between the two musically is enthralling. Listening to how they feed off of each others energy at some of this CDs most intense moments are so fun to hear.
   
   My favorite songs are Dear Jenny, The Mouse and the Model, The Gardener, Sorry Bunch, and The Kill. When it seems there's rarely a truly great b sides collection anymore The Dresden Dolls come out of nowhere and offer up a glimmer of hope for future b sides CDs from other bands. However, with a band as unbelievably original as the Dolls, does it really surprise you that they delivered? I think not. Highly recommended.

5 comments about All for You: A Dedication to the Nat King Cole Trio.

1. Prior to this album, Diana Krall was not considered serious enough as a Jazz singer who could play a mean piano roll. She was a pretty girl, with a pretty voice, who would do standard jazz covers.
   
   But this album changed all that, the trio in this record is brilliant and Diana's talent as a vocalist AND a piano player is showcased here in great abundance. It was good for her to choose a tribute album to Nat King Cole, and it results in a very good record and nice interpretations of Nat Cole's classics. It was difficult without a drummer as well
   
   I don't have a large collection (50 to 60 CDs ), but this is one cd that i listened to so many items, i scratched it till it could not be played anymore.
   For me the standout tracks are pretty much all of them
   special mention though,
   1. Gee baby...
   2. Madness
   3. If i had you
   4. Frim Fram Sauce
   5. jive jack..
   
   Note: One of the other reviewers here has mentioned a good point, that her current label spends too much time on her image and promoting that aspect of hers. Her talent as a good musician should be developed more.



2. pianist/vocalist diana krall plays tribute to nat king cole in her own way
   without copying him and doing a good job backed up by a fine guitarist and
   bassit,,this is a tastefull effort that succedes



3. This is Diana Krall at her best, shifting easily and seamlessly from ballad to up-tempo rhythms, capturing every mood that a good jazz singer should be capable of evoking. There is not a bad song on this album. This is what jazz is all about. I'm glad I had the common sense to catch Diana Krall perform live from this album in a small intimate jazz club setting before she became a household name. Start with her later, lush, sometimes overwrought and overproduced orchestrations with strings, if you must, but then come back to this to capture the essence of a superb jazz artist with two wonderful instruments.



4. I think this was a great return to what Diana does best, classic, proven music. She does very well here.



5. Its so good to hear a musician who doesnt force the music but rather lets it flow, lets it just drift out from within. Beautiful, soft and mellow; this is definatly chill out music. Hard day at work, in need of something to take your mind off the rat race? Just slip this CD into the player and sit back and listen to a wonderful gifted jazz musician.

5 comments about Lady Day: The Best of Billie Holiday.

1. This is not a good demonstration of Billie Holliday. First, too many songs squeezed into each side. Sound not good. For me, it was a waste of money. One of her best is the Billie Holiday-Lester Young CD " a musical romance"



2. Excellent CD. A good purchase if you do not want to buy the box set. Has the essentials.



3. If you love the blues, and its history, this is a must have. Billie Holiday had a voice, and a tempo, and delivery, followed by back-men who are jazz/blues icons today, that was new, and fresh, and inspiring in their time, and remains so today. I lost all my belongings in a wildfire, including an extensive collection of Billie's recordings. This was my first step back to remembering her, purchasing this wonderfully produced CD. I now consider it a treasured musical archive. If you love Lady Day, relax, and listen to this CD, and you will be entranced again, and again. Her gift to us, forever.



4. Anybody who likes Billie Holiday even part time needs this CD. Even great for those people who only know a few songs just by chance. Love the CD. Even got another as a gift for a friend.



5. Bought this for my granddaughter. She's a Billie Holiday fan. She loved the CD.

5 comments about Ask Me Again.

1. A genuinely good selection of songs that Nancy La Mott could perform so well. Whenever I listen to a Nancy La Mott CD, it's difficult if not impossible not to think about her early death from cancer and to grieve over what might have been. I'm glad somebody found these pieces; they fit well with her other CDs.



2. Nancy LaMott was a gift - taken away too soon. This is a wonderful album. If you haven't heard her, give it a try. She is amazing.



3. the album is excellent.It is a compendium of her work from various sources
   at various times from1988-1994 and is an excellent album.Highly recommended, especially for her fans. Music is heavily oriented toward jazz, cabaret, pop and broadway tunes.



4. I was afraid that a CD that came out so many years after her death, would sound like left-over cuts that weren't good enough to be included in one of her albums. Not the case here! These are all terrific singles and they all sound like top-notch recordings. I remember hearing her sing most of them on Jonathan Schwartz's radio show. I was amazed at the time and I am still amazed by the beauty and honesty of her voice. A real find for her fans.
   MW



5. This CD set is filled with unique tracks by a fine artist who left us too soon. Many of these songs were never recorded by Nancy and every track is a gem including the duet with Michael Feinstein. And with two CD's in the package this is a priceless bargain.
   
   I hope there are more like this somewhere that will eventually surface. Since most of these were from Live Performances on Jonathan Schwartz Radio Shows perhaps he has some others which we would love to hear.

5 comments about Sleepless In Seattle: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.

1. This CD arrived just as described, and in plenty of time for Christmas. I'll gladly use this seller again.



2. The music is really great however, I was not able to pull up the information about the songs on my computer... I do have internet problems every now and then though, which could be a big reason.



3. The CD arrived quickly & safely. An easy transaction. It has already been downloaded on my ipod. Thank you so much!
   Cheriblueberry



4. This is a great soundtrack. Anytime I need to wind down, or just put it on for a rainy day. It automatically soothes me.



5. My wife Patt at 83 is enjoying this recording emensely. Particularly "A Wink and a Smile" Harry Caonnick, Jr

5 comments about Chicago.

1. The soundtrack arrived within about a week. (I never opt for faster delivery.) It was exactly what I wanted and, as far as I can tell, plays flawlessly.



2. This music is so faithfully performed by the very talented ensemble that it brings back the 1920's vividly. Each song reflects a specific style of the music popular at the time. After listening to this CD I had to see the movie (which was also terrific) and then I had to buy the sheet music. Usually I simply enjoy a CD and move on. This one reached me.



3. The cd is very good. There are only songs, no speaking parts really, even ones that precede certain songs. There are a couple of songs that are not in the movie or that were inspired by the movie. The first time you listen to it if you haven't read the fine print it kind of throws you for a loop. I highly recommend it for all who love the movie!



4. I truly loved the music with the movie is excellent. I was very impressed of the singing of the movie stars.



5. Rob Marshall and company got it exactly right in transferring Chicago to the screen. Though I was not a Renee Zellweiger fan, she changed my opinion with her total tartiness here (and she was terrific in Cold Mountain), she dances competently, and sings the role wonderfully. Katherine Zeta Jones was perfect as Velma Kelly. The rest of the cast are marvelous too....Queen Latifah coudn't have been better cast. Though I have never been conviced of Richard Gere's acting ability, he pulls off the role of Billy Flynn admirably, even his singing and dancing work effectively. They brilliantly wrote a screenplay to encompass most of the stage show, where songs were cut, they needed to be. A well deserved Oscar winner for effectively bringing a musical back to the screen!!