5 comments about 40th Anniversary Complete.

1. I have only 2 qualms about this otherwise excellent Box Set. Firstly, it does not include the highly underrated classic,'Ocean Deep', the popular love theme from the 'Xanadu' soundtrack, 'Suddenly' and the beautiful ballad, 'I believe in you'.
   Secondly, this is Sir Cliff Richard!!! This so called 40th Anniversary Box Set shouldn't be housed in a flimsy slipcase box with 5 individual jewel boxes...have a little bit of imagination and some creative juices running and I'm sure the people concerned can come up with something worthy of Cliff Richard.



2. Wonderful Voice! Great Music! Outstanding Production! What more can I say? Cliff Richard is one of the best male singers of all time and still sounds great today. This 5 cd set is some of the best music on this earth throughout the past 43 years. Cliff has a gifted voice that is adaptable to any style of music. I love the close vocal harmonies on many of his songs. This box set deserves to placed in high priority in every home. It is a great buy and worth more money than what Amazon is selling it for. I feel blessed. Thanks Amazon! And a special Thanks to you, Sir Cliff Richard.



3. For the people who are interested in listening very soft, soul touching music.Don' think just buy it



4. Grew up and rock'd with Cliff and his Shadows since 1959, played them as cover band for many years,they rule, as the world outside the U.S. knows....! check out the real thing! Also look for Shadows disks (Hank B. Marvin)...great guitar work. Wish for their VHS films too.



5. A once in a lifetime superb collection of wonderful songs of an Unsung British Music Legend of all times! It's worth and you will enjoy the oldies and near millennium music mixed sounds. Lyrics, rythms and vocal songs were inspirational. A treasure to keep.

5 comments about A Strange Mess of Flowers.

1. Anyone who went to school in Texas in the 90s knows who David Garza is - formerly of the Lovebeads, then solo, then going by "Dah-Veed" before returning to David Garza. His ability to craft alternatingly warm and sultry sounds with jangly good-time music was matched only by his ability to write clever and interesting lyrics - so rare in a market that is glutted with love songs.
   
   As someone above already mentioned, this collection touches on only a few of his lesser known albums. I noted there is only one selection from EYES WIDE OPEN (my personal favorite) and even that song sounds like an acoustic re-recording ("Overwhelmed").
   
   But, a major bonus here is the tracks from his first recordings (formerly available only on cassette, which you would only have found at his live shows). These songs: ("Joan of Arc," "My sister," "Butterflies") are among my favorites of his. I lost interest with David when he shed his original sound and began this journey into more esoteric territory (around the time of the DISCOBALL release) - but this collection has many of his best tracks. Check it out!



2. I have waited a long time to write my personal opinion of this album, it will take you a while to digest all of Davíd's different abilities. He's just amazing at everything he writes, plays, sings and composes. It's unbelievable that you will not find his commercial songs in this album (discoball world, or Slave from the Great Expectations Sdtrck). This material is from his many independent albums (almost 20 years of his work) that are not easy to find, but if you're a fan you already know this, but if you're new, you must buy this collection, not just because of the price, but who else is going to select his own songs on 4 music CDs, and add some solo performances in a DVD? It all goes from piano to acoustic to electronic to poems to ballads to rock... Davíd puts his soul into his work, he will make you dance, sing along and cry. He's gifted and he's sharing his beautiful work, luckily he will keep bringing the best music out there. To add, all artwork is done by Davíd. Give great music a chance.



3. I can't even explain how much I adore David. I've been a fan for years, but considering Fiona Apple knows her stuff and currently has him on tour with her, I have a feeling he may finally become more popular. I would complain about this, because I am so attached to and in love with his music that I almost feel as if it is mine, but he deserves to be a millionaire, so bring on the new fans!
   I first saw David in a Best Buy commercial, and loved the little 30 second snippet of his song "Kinder" so much that I recorded the commercial the next time it came on TV. In it, he said, "My name is David Garza. You don't know me yet, but you will." And YOU SHOULD! Later on I purchased the soundtrack to one of my favorite movies (Alfonso Cuaron's Great Expectations) and found him there with "Slave," one of the most gorgeous songs I had ever heard. It was a struggle to find his albums--I had to special order most of them--so when this came out, I couldn't have been any happier.
   First of all the packaging itself is gorgeous: David's own artwork and all of the lyrics. And the music! Inexplicible. It's so perfect, it's beyond words. It'll make you cry, smile, dance, remember, and sing along. I cannot praise this man enough for his songwriting skills, his magnificent guitar playing, and his beautiful voice. I can't think of even one other musician who could put out a box set with this many songs on it and end up with nothing but amazing tracks. You'd be hard-pressed to pick even one song on here that is lacking.
   I guess if I had to compare him to someone, I'd quote my friend who said he sounds like Jeff Buckley, Conor Oberst and Elliott Smith all rolled into one. But he's so original that it's basically impossible to compare him to anyone accurately. He is blazing his own trail and I thank him from the bottom of my heart for making the most beautiful, extraordinary music in the world.



4. some stats:
   CD#1= 56:46
   CD#2= 61:05
   CD#3= 61:09
   CD#4= 67:15
   CD#5= DVD
   
   So much can be said about this inexpensive 4-cd box set with DVD (including all the lyrics AND his personal artwork!). The MASS of collected music assembled here defies easy catagorization. David Garza makes music from all genres and is quite good at it throughout this massive offering.
   
   This set is the essence of pure artistic genius, so complete in itself that one could argue that it's all the David Garza you could possibly need, or want for that matter. If A STRANGE MESS OF FLOWERS could have a downside I suppose that would be it.
   
   The truth of it is...I am hard pressed to find anything to complain about. Sure, there are some tracks I prefer over others,what's new about that? There still is a BOUNTY of top-notch material here (98% worth).
   What's his music like? First I would suggest reading over the 6 prior reviews for a "feeeeeeel" of what others say his 'sound' is.
   If you like singer/songwriter alternative acoustic folk music, sometimes infused with brian eno'esque sound collages and minimal support musicians, backed by lyrics both personal and mystical and often twisted with strange cosmic wordplay, David is worth a grand listen.
   
   As mentioned by others, David Garza has a full range falsetto, though I'm surprised nobody has mentioned that his vocal phrasing can be (is!) a spot-on Marc Bolan, so exact in all the nuances it's uncanny. More than a few tracks could be misconstrued as bonified T-REX or TYRANOSAURUS REX. Just listen to the tracks 'Your Sister's Leopard Coat' or 'Valerian Aquarian' for examples. Even those song titles hint of Bolan's fantastic imagery (and I think it was Garza's intention too).
   
   You'll have to make your own associations regarding his 'sound'. The output here is so diverse yet coherent that I hear elements of Bob Dylan,T-Rex,Brian Eno,Pink Floyd,...to name a few. There is no Tejano(sic) music here whatsoever. Do not confuse him with the other artist of the same name. The music presented here is something ELSE altogether. I have'nt even gotten around to the DVD yet!



5. Although one could call this a 'best of' or 'greatest' album, I found it to be much more than that. It's the closest thing to an entire collection that I have been able to come by since my downloading days in college. This 4 disc set incorporates David from his earliest stages and the influence of Tejano, to his newest and more experimental stages. Overall this is an excruciatingly memorable album. Watch out for disc two's "Foul Jasmine", it makes my heart break everytime I hear it. If you are in the mood to really get to know David Garza as an artist, I think this is right for you (man, it's 4 cds and 1 dvd -how cheap!)

5 comments about Group Portrait.

1. The first thing that struck me when I turned up the volume on my car cd player was the quality & clarity of the sound: simply fantastic. This is arguably the best collection of Chicago's music available. All their best tracks are here and a first rate booklet with excellent liner notes on the bands history is included. Anyone who has made it to my review is most likely a Chicago fan, so buy this box and you will not regret it.
   On a side note. There were two related thoughts that struck me while going from disc to disc. First is the progression (or digression some might say) of Chicago from a progressive, innovative musical powerhouse to a mellowed out, love song, singles band. I stopped buying Chicago records (yes lps, I'm that old, right after Chicago VII). The second thing was how great a guitarist Terry Kath really was (if you can find the out of print cd "The Innovative Guitar of Terry Kath" buy it ASAP).
   It is no wonder his loss had such a profound affect on the band (basically handing the reigns over to Cetera's love drenched balladry). This fact is very evident by the time we hit disc 4. Regardless, this is a must have add to cart. Even search out zShops or eBay to save some $$$$$$.
   Lastly I would love to see the original band get back together.."old days, good times I remember!".



2. This 4CD set, if you can find it, is aimed at the true blue Chicago fan, that is, one who believes their Columbia years were the best (those looking for Hard To Say I'm Sorry onwards should look elsewhere). This cheaper version supercedes the previous box edition which came with an extensive booklet (now, that's really worth finding).

   Selections are mainly album versions and that's why they rock ... many of their singles were severely truncated for radio airplay and hence lost their appeal (the exception of course would be the single version of Make Me Smile cause it is part of a medley here). This is a great compilation in terms of content, and better than their recently released box set (which also happens to cover their post-Columbia years). My only gripe is the lack of these tunes; Policeman, Never Been In Love Before, Life Is What It Is, The Greatest Love On Earth and Street Player (disco or not, it's still a cool song).

   Of course, sound quality is average, but if you have already bought all the remastered albums, then pass this over. If not, it gives a comprehensive overview of their Columbia years.




3. This is a superior, wonderful-sounding compilation of Chicago's late 60's/70's output. Every song that hit Billboard's Hot 100 during this period is represented here in its full album version, along with a healthy cross-section of album cuts. It's very rare to find collections that have it all, but this one fills the bill...

   ...well, almost. There are two quibbles that will undoubtedly bother some potential buyers of this set. First, there are zero liner notes to be found, which borders on criminal for a compilation of this scope. Second, the set completely ignores the band's 80's output (well, one 1980 hit, "Thunder And Lightning" is present), so those looking for "Look Away", "Hard Habit To Break", "You're The Inspiration", etc. need to look elsewhere.

   These quibbles don't impact the rating of this set at all. The collection is so thorough that I can live without liner notes, and I personally think the group's 80's tracks are dreck, so their exclusion is a plus for me, and will probably be for others as well who enjoy their 70's sound.

   Highly recommended!




4. This four-CD set is a fine compilation of Chicago's years with Columbia Records. Most of the essentials from the group's first 14 albums are included, but it's disappointing that more unreleased tracks or alternate takes weren't included.

   The original Columbia boxed set, apparently now unavailable, comes with extensive notes and interviews with the band members, and it's interesting to note how Peter Cetera, who I'd always liked, came across as a whiner and a crybaby. Since he retired from Chicago to pursue a solo career, it seems he has nothing good to say about his former career. He rants and raves about how he was dissuaded from writing, how guitarist Terry Kath insulted his songwriting, and how no one ever played his music the way he wanted them to. Obviously Cetera took this opportunity to vent his hostilities, but couldn't he find something decent to say? After all, without Chicago, one wonders whether he could've established a career for himself in an industry that has become very difficult to break into.

   Since this set was released, Chicago has done little but re-release greatest hits compilations every few years. Sad to see one of the great bands from the 70s sit back on its laurels, but then, during the 80s they slowly became a top 40 hit machine, leaving behind the ragged edge and diversity that made them so good in their heyday, with their original lineup. It may be tough to be innovative in the record industry these days, but Chicago has all but disappeared from recording new music.




5. I had to dock this box set 1 star because some of the mixing leaves a lot to be desired (particularly on "Intorduction", "I'm a Man", "Dialogue", and "Byblos"). However, this set is pretty generous with tracks from what I consider Chicago's glory years (1969-77)! I like some of the stuff they did on the Full Moon label but you'll have to get Greatest Hits 1981-89 for stuff from that era. Also, the booklet with informative liner notes is no longer available (unless you're buying the original Columbia version, which I was lucky enough to recently get!). It touches not only on each record from CTA to XIV but talks about the formation of the band, how they were busy rehearsing and writing a year before Blood, Sweat, and Tears were cutting their teeth successfully, individual members' influences, the hiring of percussionist Laudir de Oliveira (who guested on VI and VIII and joined fulltime on VIII), the firing of their producer James Guercio, the untimely death of guitarist Terry Kath (by the way, Kath's suicide was indeed an accident), and 2 of his replacements Donnie Dacus and Chris Pinnick. Chicago records needs to take note and include the booklet in the future.

   That said, on with the review.

   CD1 features tracks from their 1969 debut Chicago Transit Authority- Kath's autobiographical "Introduction", "Questions", "Beginnings", "I'm a Man" (excellent jamming from Kath and bassist Peter Cetera and I believe this is a different mix since you get a few bars from the brass section), "Does Anybody Really Know..." with Robert Lamm's piano intro in its entirety. This album established Chicago in the brass/rock mold. Chicago II (notice the band's namechange) features James Pankow's entire "Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon" (with "Make Me Smile" and "Colour My World"), as well as "Fancy Colours" (true jazz fusion with an impressive flute solo by Walt Parazaider), "25 or 6 to 4", and Cetera's writing debut "Where Do We Go From Here" (inspired by Walter Cronkite).

   On CD2, III features a grabbag of styles- folk on "Flight 602", straightahead rock on "Free", jazz on "Mother", and Beatles influence on "What Else Can I Say" (I wish they included "Hour In the Shower" and "Motorboat to Mars"). "Song for Richard..." from Carnegie Hall is a little sloppy and trite. Songs form V include the Jethro Tull-esque "Hit by Varese", "Saturday in the Park" (inspired by a trip Lamm made in Central Park), Lamm's thought-challenging "Dialogue" in which Kath plays the concerned interviewer and Cetera the naive interviewee), and Kath's poignant "Alma Mater". VI features "Feelin' Stronger", Cetera's country-influenced "Terms of 2", Lamm's vitriolic "Critics' Choice" (written to many of the critics who wrote negative reviews about their work), "Just You n'Me", and "Something In This City..." (where Lamm shares lead with Cetera, Kath, and Lee Loughnane).

   CD3 includes from VII "Life Saver" (which may have influenced Spyro Gyra), one of Cetera's few jazz songs "Happy Man" along with "Wishing You Were Here" (featuring Beach Boys Dennis and Carl Wilson and Al Jardine on harmonies), "Byblos" (a bittersweet account of a love affair which features some rare acoustic guitar work by Kath), Loughnane's songwriting debut "Call on Me", Pankow's powerful "Searchin'...", and Lamm's "Skinny Boy". Only 3 songs on VIII appear- Pankow's sentimental "Old Days" (not Cetera's favorite, though he sang lead), Lamm's Beatlesque "Harry Truman", and the jazzy "Brand New Love Affair" (Kath sings on the melancholy Part 1 and Cetera sings lead on the bouncy Part 2). From X, you get Cetera's pop ballad "If You Leave Me Now", Pankow's fair-sounding singing debut "...On My Mind", the Latin-flavored "Another Rainy Day in NYC", Loughnane's "Together Again", and Kath's bittersweet "Hope for Love".

   CD4 starts off with XI (Chicago's last album with Kath and Guercio producing) and features 2 songs written by drummer Danny Seraphine "Take Me Back to Chicago" and the poignant (some may say sappy, but I like it) "Prelude/Little One" (Kath's swansong on vocals) as well as Cetera's hit "Baby What a Big Surprise" and Kath's "Mississippi Delta". After this release and Terry Kath's death in 1978, Chicago would never be the same. The remaining tracks feature some mostly passable work (most interesting are "Alive Again" from Hot Streets and "American Dream"). The only rarities are "Closer to You" (written and sung by Kath's replacement Dacus) and "Doin' Business". The boxset comes full circle with 1971's Carnegie Hall rendition of "Beginnings" (a great version with an interesting coda courtesy of Pankow, Loughnane, and Parazaider).

1 comments about Train Kept A-Rollin' - Memphis to Hollywood: The Complete Recordings 1955-1964.

1. This is an outstanding box set! Bear Family has done it again! This set includes everything by Johnny and Dorsey Burnette and you get to hear a lot of rockabilly and Johnny's solo work such as his hits Dreamin, You're 16, Little Boy Sad and many more! There are even some unreleased alternate takes and demos which I know you will all enjoy! Yes, it is quite expensive, but it's all worth it for the casual fan like myself or for any rockabilly fan! You even get to hear songs that were hits later for artists such as Ricky Nelson It's Late and Believe What You Say plus their own version of Drinking Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee which Jerry Lee of course recorded. Johnny very sadly lost his life while drowning after going fishing in 1964 so it's great that he recorded so much before his untimely death. Highly recommended!

2 comments about The Singles Collection.

1. This is a neat collection. For collector's only!!! It includes the rare US single version of Stepping Stone/Izabella Get It while you can!!! Recommended!!!



2. These songs are mostly available on most Hendrix compilations.
   Save your money on this one.

5 comments about Elvis Aron Presley: The Silver Box Set.

1. This four-CD set is nothing less than essential, with just a couple of important caveats to consider, mostly based on its age. Released in 1980, Elvis Aron Presley - which is often referred to informally as "The Silver Box" - was the first attempt at a serious boxed set devoted to Elvis Presley. In keeping with the many other "firsts" in his career, it was also the first multi-disc, career-wide survey on a rock & roll star's music, concentrating on rarities and outtakes - in other words, totally unknown territory for a major label. To be sure, the original eight-LP box had its flaws - including awkward and shoddy construction - and somewhat indifferent sound by today's standards, but it did offer a treasure-trove of essential Elvis Presley sides that had never shown up legitimately before.

   The set opens with its strongest side, the live performances from the Venus Room of the New Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas in the spring of 1956, and the March 25th, 1961, benefit performance from the Bloch Arena in Honolulu. For all of the seeming indifference of the crowd at the Vegas appearance, those are first-rate live rock & roll performances and are also as good a cross-section of his work as you could get, pared down to four tracks: "Heartbreak Hotel," "Long Tall Sally," "Blue Suede Shoes," and "Money Honey." The Honolulu benefit had appeared on vinyl bootlegs during the 1970s, but never sounding this good - there are still a few momentary drop-outs, and the noise of the screaming girls on the first numbers does suppress the music slightly (if George Martin could have heard this tape, it would have warned him of what he was in for in trying to record the Beatles in concert); but this is also about as idealized an early Elvis Presley live performance as we're ever likely to hear, backed not only by two of his original Sun Records bandmates (Scotty Moore and D.J. Fontana), but also by most of his great Nashville studio band (Hank "Sugarfoot" Garland, Floyd Cramer, and Boots Randolph). What's more, Elvis is remarkably relaxed here, joking with the crowd as he ranges across his entire career up to that point, from "That's All Right" to "It's Now or Never." The combination of the inevitable sound leakages, a few flubbed lines (on "One Night"), and Colonel Tom Parker's neglect of the musical side of Elvis' career precluded this show - Elvis' last before a paying audience until 1969 - from ever being released on its own, but by itself it's worth a good deal more than 25 percent of the cost of this set. It also makes for a fascinating snapshot of the King as he was metamorphosing musically from the young, lean, raw rock & roller into a mature, sophisticated (and genuinely great) singer.

   Disc two doesn't fare quite so well, its highlight being a series of ten delightful outtakes of various movie songs (some of them not always very good as songs) and what were then previously unreleased excerpts from the TV specials from 1968, 1973, and 1977. Those tracks have been supplanted by better releases since, though they still make great listening.

   Disc three's outtakes from his live late-'60s Las Vegas shows has, similarly, been made redundant by subsequent issues, and the "Lost Singles" selection was only useful at the time for gathering together nine '70s-era 45s that were out of print and not anthologized on extant albums at the time - much more valuable is "Elvis at the Piano," depicting the King working through four numbers on his own, including the unedited version of the 1973 single "It's Still Here."

   Disc four contains representative excerpts from a June 1975 Dallas, TX, show, and like much of the live portion of disc three and the television broadcasts on disc two, it has been rendered somewhat superfluous.

   The producers have improved the sound significantly for the CD release, which was delayed until 1998 and also gave them time to improve the packaging, though there's surprisingly little formal musical information (dates, bandmembers, etc.) listed. Although much of this box set may seem redundant to 21st century listeners, it's still an extremely enjoyable compilation with at least 20 tracks that are an essential part of any serious collection of Elvis' music. - Bruce Eder, AMG




2. elvis presley is my favorite artist and to be able to buy this box set would complete my search as like all his recordings
   it is probable the best i have collected most of elvis presley's
   material but just because im from australia for some reason I
   am not allowed to purchase this box set and I would like to know why.
   morris
   31.12 01



3. This particular collection was given to me on my 12th birthday by my father. It was of course on casette but it did'nt matter. If you truly love Elvis for his talent and passion then purchase this compilation. You will not regret it.



4. When this Silver Box was released in 1980 as a limited edition, I was still at school and skint and had to wait 3 years to finally stumble upon a vinyl copy.

   This was the first Elvis box set of primarily unreleased recordings of the time and always raised a solid topic of conversation amongst fans. For it was this major project that prompted RCA UK to release a single consisting of the songs "It's Only Love" and the never before heard "Beyond The Reef" from the 'Lost Singles' and 'Elvis At The Piano' segments, respectively, to promote the release of this 8-LP wonder.

   Surprisingly enough, "It's Only Love" faired much better than it's original release in 1971, as the song climbed it's way up to the No.3 spot in the UK charts, giving Elvis his best chart position since his untimely death and to this very day it remains as his best chart placing since then.

   Anyway, this box set has always remained one of my favourite RCA Presley Projects even just for the historical value of a good portion of it. Disc One is a real rare and treasured part of the set which features the closing show of Elvis' very first Las Vegas stint in May 1956-Great Performance, Lousy Audience, and we are treated to the young Elvis at his unusually sarcastic best! Following on from this is what is known as An Elvis Monolog circa 1962 on a movie set. Now this is very interesting and gives you a taste of just what was on the mind of the 27 year old Presley at the time. So to round this disc off we have one of the best early Elvis live performances ever released, albeit with a bad sound recording, but just listen to that crowd-magical! This is Elvis fresh from his demob from the US Army and right at the very start of a new era of music being fully supported by legends in their own right-The Jordanaires, Scotty Moore, D.J. Fontana, Hank Garland, Boots Randolph, Bob Moore and Floyd Cramer. The setting for this show was Honolulu and the cause was a good one as it was a benefit performance in aid of the Pearl Harbour victims. It's great to hear live versions of 'All Shook Up', ''Reconsider Baby', 'One Night', 'It's Now Or Never' and a rarity in the form of 'Swing Down Sweet Chariot', from this particular time.

   Disc Two-and I'm not a great fan of the movie recordings era, but we do have some interesting gems on this one. It's great to hear Elvis himself playing rhythm guitar on the alternate takes of 'Shoppin' Around' from "G.I. Blues". But amidst all the banter and laughter that is taking place on 'Datin'' and 'It's A Dog's Life' from the soundtrack of "Paradise Hawaiian Style", you can only feel frustration and embarrassment for the World's ultimate Rock icon who has slumped to these musical depths. Following on from this we have a debatable representation of the TV Specials segments. Why couldn't RCA release a few of the unreleased performances of these specials on this disc? I would have included 'Steamroller Blues' as opposed to 'Welcome To My World' on this set.

   The third disc in this CD package opens with 10 previously unreleased gems from 'The Las Vegas Years' live and in rehearsal. The pick of the bunch for me is the 'Little Sister'/'Get Back' medley live from the International Hotel in August 1970(obviously a "That's The Way It Is" out-take)which features Elvis sat on a stool centre stage playing rhythmn guitar. A nice drawn out version of 'An American Trilogy' performed in it's early stages at the newly-named Hilton Hotel is a welcome treat on this disc, but the steal of the whole show is the rousing LAUGHING version of 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?' from August 1969, inwhich Elvis totally loses it not only with singing but playing his guitar aswell.

   Next up on this disc is 'Lost Singles' and another welcome addition at the time and is certainly one of my favourite segments listening to Elvis perform some rarities. The conclusion of this disc comes in the form of 'Elvis At The Piano' which is great to hear but is truly for collectors and the stand-out is the haunting 'Beyond The Reef' which is an ensemble duet between Elvis, Charlie Hodge and Red West and not the Jordanaires as we are led to believe in the liner notes of the accompanying booklet of this box set. And, speaking of which, I find one or two of the so-called facts and figures to be a little incorrect.

   This leads me to the final disc of the 25th anniversary silver box set and that is 'The Concert Years'. There has been a lot of speculation over the passed 20 years or so as to whether this was a complete show and the booklet of the CD package certainly makes out as though it is an actual live concert from Dallas in June, 1975?! But according to the updated version of an Elvis 'bible' entitled 'The Complete Recording Sessions', apparently this is segments of Elvis on tour in May and June of 1975, but the bulk of which was recorded in Dallas on May 6. The disc certainly gives you an insight of what an Elvis show at this time did consist of with this compilation of performances. There are many highlights featured including some great rocking versions of 'Burning Love' and the 'Mystery Train'/'Tiger Man' medley. It's wonderful to hear Elvis perform yet another inspirational 'How Great Thou Art' with a repeat ending aswell! The rare gems represented in this live segment are 'The Wonder Of You' and 'T-R-O-U-B-L-E' from the 'Today' album.

   So there we have it...it won't be everybody's cuppa, but nevertheless still stands as a great testament to a great performer who not only excelled in a recording studio but surpassed all expectations when he did his thing on stage before a live audience. In retrospect I don't think the silver box set is as strong in content as the acclaimed 'Golden Celebration', 'Platinum' or 'That's The Way It Is' boxes, but from a collector's point of view, it's a collectible must!




5. NO ONE CAN BE UNHAPPY WHEN HEARING ELVIS LAUGH ON THIS

   CD.

   THIS CD MAKES ME FILL HAPPY.

5 comments about The Singles Collection.

1. As an American who knew Cliff Richard for primarily one song, "Devil Woman", I had to find out why this guy has sold so many records in England, doing as well as, if not better than the Beatles. This collection answered the question and justified the "risk" I took, in purchasing a large collection of , to me, unknown material. The CD's were great; His style chnaged considerably over the length of the collection, but then again it spans over 40 years, therefore it would have too. Despite it all "Devil Woman" remained my favorite; perhaps because I have always enjoyed it so much. The Box set includes virtually every song this gentleman has ever hit the British charts with, which is over a hundred titles going into the 90's. The only notable songs missing were "Expresso Bongo", which was a soundtrack and therefore not released as a single, and "Throw Down a Line". Overall an excellent collection, well worth the money invested.



2. Other than, "Devil Woman", most Americans could not place Cliff Richard. Yet the world is faced with a six CD Box Set with (127) songs that don't even contain his most recent material! This performer is unstoppable even if America has never recognized his amazing talent. This is a fans delight and a piece of musical history with his works from the very first to duets with current and long ago famous artists. This is one of those few Box Sets that truly do justice to the artist. Grab it while you can.



3. It is really a great CD Singles collection and better than The Beatles CD singles collection. How do you think? It is over 120 great songs. I know Cliff Richard since 1970. He had such a pop great hits in Hong Kong. "Sunny, Honey Girl", "Jesus", "Sing a song for freedom" , "Silvery Rain", "Flying Machine". I love it!



4. Cliff is probably the finest singer Britain ever produced. Listen to this collection in its entirety and you will find it extremely difficult to disagree.
   This guy can sing:
   - hard, beautiful, frenetic Rock & Roll
   ("Move It", "Living Loving Doll", "It'll Be Me".) He's been accused of being just another Elvis impersonator, I've heard many 60s singers who sound, I fear, like Elvis clones; mimicking that overused, irritating Elvis vibrato without the Elvis charm; but Cliff is nothing like that. Yes the influence is felt, particularly in "Dynamite" and "It'll Be Me" but his voice had its own unique texture; his higher notes had a tangy, fresh sweetness; his lower ones a haunting intensity; which comes out in most early recordings.
   If you listen to this in its entirety you will only marvel; gape in awe; swoon at how effortlessly versatile Cliff adapts his great voice from genre to genre; how he can sing from bass to falsetto, hard or soft; how he can melt delicate vocals into a beautiful acoustic accompanies or belt out (melodically, mind), a full-throated blistering rock sound over harsh electric guitars or rich keyboard orchestrations; how he can soar to incredible heights with deep, heartfelt feeling in soul songs; how he can be fast, fun and funky in dance songs. He can outclass almost anyone in almost any genre.
   In the late 60s and early 70s he went off-track; he produced chirpy but lightweight, throwaway pop ("Goodbye Sam Hello Samantha" and singalong oom-pah-pah gospel songs ("Good Times Better Times", "Big Ship".) Anyone could sing these songs. They couldn't bring out the magic of his voice. But there are some gems from that era too like "With The Eyes Of A Child". Cliff draws you in. The more songs you hear, the more you want.



5. Some are hard to find. Great job to everyone producing this Album. Thanks!

1 comments about Harvest Festival { Various Artists }.

1. Anyone looking to explore the early years of progressive music need look no farther then this fine 5CD box set. Representing the years 1969-1976 this set is one of the most well put together sets attempted by a major label to put into perspective it's own history. Housed in an oversized book format, the 120 page booklet enclosed features many rare photos of the Harvest rouster as well as an extensive overview. The music inside speaks for itself with many fine moments from Kevin Ayers, Roy Harper, Sid Barrett,Barclay James Harvest, Pete Brown, ELO, The Pretty Things, Deep Purple,Babe Ruth, Gryphon and many more. Highly recomended for all those interested in the formative years of progressive music and it's evolving influance on future music, popular and otherwise.

1 comments about Immediate Mod Box Set.

1. This 3 CD set boasts a similar lineup of songs as the 2 disc set IMMEDIATE PLEASURE, but goes a bit deeper than just the singles released by the label. From top to bottom, this is a great set of music and a must for any mod and northern soul fan. Highlights include a great sitar version of Chris Farlowe's superb "Moanin'", The Fleur de Lys' "So Come On" and P.P. Arnold's "Angel of the Morning" that beats the heck out of any version recorded of it since. Add to that plenty of cuts from label stars The Small Faces, and the then-pop idols Amen Corner, and you've got yourself a great afternoon of listening pleasure.
   
   The only drawback to this collection is the complete lack of liner notes. In this sense, the IMMEDIATE PLEASURE set has the upper hand, because it is filled with great info on the artists, whereas you're pretty much flying blind with this set.

3 comments about Legendary.

1. Elvis must have recorded a zillion songs, but for one who heard his Sun Records tunes on Southern radio over a year before he went to RCA (and national fame), I would have appreciated some sort of chronology when this CD was put together. I grew up on Elvis and a lot of my memories are invested in his music. How annoying to re-live those times in my mind with one of them only to have one of his later tunes then play. a tune made popular (and oftentimes BETTER) by Tom Jones, Ray Price, Perry Como, Glen Campbell, Neil Diamond, Ray Petersen, Sammi Smith, you name it. That's the period when he became a Vegas lounge singer. As for "You Gave Me a Mountain", check out the ultimate version by Frankie Laine or the one by Marty Robbins (who wrote it). If you have never HEARD of Elvis Presley though, lay your money down;he had the goods and you'll enjoy it.



2. This is a very good starter set, for any one who want's to start listing to Elvis. I would give it five stars however, I have more of his materials.
   Even so this is a very good set. I was able to find mine at Sam'sGoodies and for half price ( sales days are awesome. )
   In fact this set has a lot of songs that I have never even heard of. So it really isn't a waist of money.
   I am still very pleased with it, even though I do have a lot of his music.
   You might however find the set with a different CD cover. It took me a while to figure out that this was the same that I have.
   Any ways really good Elvis CD set for any Elvis fan.



3. This CD-set was delivered by kangaroo last week and therefore we have the chance to review it for you now.

   Design

   The design is not really spectacular. The frontcover is a common picture of Elvis, that was used on a German box-set a couple of years ago. Probably that's the reason that the German version of Legendary Elvis has a different cover. On the three CD's is the same picture from the NBC-special printed, only in different color-shades, which gives the impression that the picture itself differs. We don't particularly like it, it gives a feeling like "couldn't they manage to do it the same way three times", it looks a little sloppy. Also the printing of the cover isn't really of great quality, there are quite some flaws in the main colour that is used, a kind of ochre. The inlay-text is a common "Elvis is the greatest"-story (which of course is true). All in all the finishing touch of this product is missing.

   Content

   Of course that's what counts with a CD, and unexpectedly this set still didn't leave our CD-player. The writer (....) of the inlay said "it's a potpourri", and he is right. It is a very strange compilation, with no chronology at all, from well-known hits to hardly known album tracks. Of course there is nothing new under the sun for the hard-core fan, but there are some more or less "rare" CD-tracks. Several of them can only be found on a couple of CD's, like "Rags to Riches", "My Wish Came True" and "Raised on Rock". Probably the Aussies have something with this last song, since it was already an addition to the "Artist of the Century" set in Australia. This set is really "something for everybody" and is perfectly suited for people that love the wide range of Elvis' work, "perfect for parties", to use another title that RCA used in the past. It's a cheap way for starters to add a nice number songs to their collection, for others it will be just a part of the collection. The soundquality is fair, although it sounds a bit flat on some tracks, maybe because BMG didn't take the effort to remaster them recently, or the "latest" weren't used.