No comments about Sylvia Is!.

3 comments about Wall: Live in Berlin.

1. so this is a fairly good concert, i would rate the actual performance about a 4 out of 5 but the surround sound mix for this SACD is just poor. The left and right channels get most of the sound while the rear channels get the shouting of the audiance and not much else. The second problem was that the bass is just missing. usually i have to turn my active 150 watt subwoofer only to about 4/5 to listen to SACDs, because they usually have lower bass than normal CDs but now i had to turn it all the way up, and it still sounded shallow, meaning no deep bass. I would have tried the normal stereo CD layer....if there was one. All my other SACDs have STEREO and SACD layers (HYBRID SACDS). They are: Dark Side of the Moon - perfect mix by the way, Brothers in Arms, and Slowhand. So I would have prefered this to be a Hybrd but, now it mostly gathers dust. Makes me sad to see how it just sits there. Still, a good concert.



2. The music content of this SACD is excellent. However, the audio although very good, is presented essentially in concert mode. I would therefore suggest that viewing the concert on DVD (if available) would probably be a greater experience than just listening to the cd. That does not detract from the 'listenability' of this quality SACD.



3. I like this concert. I think Roger Waters did a really good job of getting a good support group for this show. It's a shame that he couldn't get the support group that belongs in this concert - the other members of Pink Floyd. It's interesting that the two Germanies could unite, but Pink Floyd couldn't.
   As I said, I liked the people that he did get. The Scorpions for In the Flesh, Sinead O' Conner for Mother and others. It is interesting that Roger Waters sounded old for this concert and not for In The Flesh.
   I am happy they released this one in SACD. Now if they would release the others.

2 comments about Betty Boop's Musical Cabaret.

1. What a sexy album capturing everything the REAL Betty's about - It's a fantastic CD with Peggy Lee, et al. and the real Betty Boop singing. What is great about this title is that animation lovers and general listeners both get a good deal. For those who love these classic songs, you get a well rounded album. For Betty Boop fans you get songs that you'll remember from the cartoons and shorts - EXACTLY as they were but with CD quality sound. All we need now is a good Betty Boop DVD to come out. No signs yet though.:( In summary, a great album worth every penny!



2. This a very nice album, a little on the old side but still sounds good. I like the song "Fever"

No comments about The Legendary Edith Piaf.

No comments about Mad Dogs and Englishmen.

1 comments about Songs by Sylvia Syms.

1. The first 8 songs were recorded by Sylvia with the Barbara Carroll Trio in 1952. The last 4 were recorded with a jazz septet led by Johnny Richards in 1954. The two sessions came out on a single LP on Atlantic in 1957. Strange to say the 1952 sessions come across the best. The sound quality is really very good; and there is an excellent balance between singer and backup. There are some very good songs from the 1952 Carroll Trio sessions. To me the material from '54 doesn't reach the same level. I'm glad I got this CD, even though it isn't totally satisfying.

   Now.........when is the 1972 recording Sylvia did for Atlantic, entitled "Lovingly" going to come out? Or when is the one she recorded for Stanyon called "Love Lady" appearing? To me those albums were two of the best Sylvia ever recorded. And I'd love to have the one she did for A&M come out, too. Maybe it's a case of the best being saved for last.

5 comments about Le Monument.

1. Vladimir Vysotsky is amazing, regardless of language. Not being fluent in Russian really has no effect on listening to the music, because in the end, any wonderful artist can give off emotion, and Vysotsky doesn't just do that, he saturates you ears with sound, and with his voice I end up making my own meaning within the words.
   
   I may be slightly biased, though, because I listen to lots of different music in many, many languages, so not understanding lyrics doesn't phase me. However, don't let anyone discourage you from buying a CD of his, because it's not English or German or French, whatever you may speak--he really has a talent for guitar and I can't even really explain it.
   
   But the comparision between him and Bob Dylan is a false one. Bob Dylan is a good artist by American standards, but let's face it, his voice drives us up the wall. Vysotsky's a notch above Dylan in every respect of his music.
   
   (Common themes of his music, which he referred to as "poetry set to rhyme" include everday life, hypocrises of the Soviet Union, etc. I'd suggest reading a couple translations, because most American or British lyrics could never measure up to his beautifully poetic phrases and deep Russian voice.)



2. But, you don't have to be Russian to understand an artist of his caliber. His honesty, dedication to his art comes through in any language. It makes me want to learn russian.
   While I'm here I also want to suggest looking for a double disk called "Russian Tangos" by Alesha Dimitryevich (sp)...FANTASTIC, Hard to find!



3. Great poet,singer,person.If you're russian,you'll enjoy listening to his songs.



4. Vladimir Vissotskiy is Russian Bob Dylan, but this is more than understatement. This is said just for Americans to understand the nature of his art. The statement may sound somewhat blasphemous for Russians. V.Vissotskiy's songs sounded in unison with Russian hearts.



5. do not bother if you do not understand russian... this is one of the best poets (bards) of 20th century russia, but the music will not impress you...

No comments about American Songbook Series: Dorothy Fields.

No comments about 1935-1947.

5 comments about The Best of Peggy Lee.

1. This CD is very good. Peggy Lee sings wonderfully. The version of "The Boy from Ipanema" is exquisite. Excellent honoring to Brazil.



2. Must tracks have been re mastered to current standards, its a pity some of the older tracks were not treated in the same manner



3. Have heard better performances of Peggy Lee's and most the the tracks I already have onother Cd's of hers Regards Barrie Mayes



4. If you have never heard Peggy Lee this album is a great start. I have listend to her for a long time,but this to me is her the best overview & the range of songs in which she sang. It's electric & classy. Peggy Lee is indeed still the woman who has the fever !



5. Excellent! This album shows how much Peggy Lee sizzles! She's got style, class & knows how to get your attention on this album. My favorite song "Alley Cat" is smooth. "Fever" seems to be the only song she's known for , but for people who are new to her music this album is highly recommended!