5 comments about Mamma Mia! The Musical Based on the Songs of ABBA: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Recording (1999 London Cast).

1. The original cast of Mamma Mia did a fantastic job, and although the new movie was good you stll can't beat the music from the original!



2. This particular soundtrack takes you right back to the broadway play where you can "see" those performing in your head while listening to the various songs.



3. Overall a good DVD of the actual songs performed live at the play. Felt like I was back in the theatre watching it with the same excitement the music presents. A good value for the money.



4. Loved the play. The cd music took me right back to it for hours of enjoyment



5. This is a wonderful cd that will bring you back to reliving this wonderful musical.

5 comments about Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast).

1. Stephen Schwartz is nothing if not predictable. His Broadway scores follow a formula: a slam-bang opening number, a solo number (sort of an "I want..." type of song) that serves to reveal the hidden fears, hopes and dreams of the show's deceptively complex protagonist, and at least one song that defines the show's message -- almost an anthem of sorts. This formula served Mr. Schwartz well in the 1970's, when he penned the scores of the Broadway hits "Godspell" and "Pippin," before taking a hiatus from stage composing to make a go of the more challenging genre of motion pictures. With "Wicked," Stephen Schwartz has turned in a predictable, but supremely enjoyable, and -- for lack of better word -- approachable musical score that does everything it shoud do: explores and exposes what makes the characters tick, moves the story along, and ultimately leaves the audience with something to remember -- a tune to hum on the way out of the theater, or even a turn of phrase to internalize and repeat later on.
   
   "Wicked" is by no means great theater. Stephen Schwartz's work will never be comparable to even the most mundane works by Sondheim, or the better works of Lloyd Webber. But it's fun theater -- easily assimilated, easily appreciated, and easily remembered. He may follow a formula, but at least he has the good sense to follow one that works.
   
   In many ways, "Wicked" represented a return to the traditional book musical, i.e., a musical with a spoken script as well as songs. This was an all but dying artform when the show opened in 2003, as audiences had come to expect the near operatic structures of shows like "Phantom of the Opera" and "Miss Saigon." Most surely, as much of "Wicked's" story is told by the spoken dialogue as by the songs. Maybe more.
   
   Perhaps that is why the producers of the Original Broadway Cast CD were careful to eliminate passages of dialogue that were in the midst of songs, and rearranged and re-edited most of the numbers to effect a streamlined, purely musical experience that stands separate from the show upon which it is based.
   
   Much like many of the original Broadway cast recordings of the Columbia hey-day in the 1950's and 1960's, this is no audio rendering of the stage show. It is an entirely distinct piece of work that stands on its own feet. One needn't have seen "Wicked" on stage to enjoy this CD; all that's needed is an ear for infectious tunes and lyrics that make some bold statements without ever becoming preachy.
   
   Some have hypothesized that the pre-record editing of the "Wicked" score was an intentional effort to preserve the surpise aspects of the storyline for those who hadn't yet seen the show. This theory is partially supported by the fact that the CD jacket does not contain a synopsis. Yet, this seems unlikely, as almost everyone at all familiar with the show knows it as a prequel to "The Wizard of Oz," and we ALL know how that turns out. Safer to say that the CD was carefully crafted to avoid dialogue or musical passages that would only serve to confuse listeners that had not seen the play; better to clear the way for unadulterated appreciation of the songs -- beautifully rendered by skilled vocalists and an expert orchestral back-up.
   
   Leading ladies Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel give powerhouse readings of some very challenging material. Ms. Chenoweth's pristine coloratura is given its best showing to date in a performance that is as near perfection as any human voice can get. Even the most discriminating listener would be hard-pressed to find even one off-key note emanating from her vocal cords. Her superb comic timing -- no secret to Broadway audiences since her performance as Sally in the 1999 revival of "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" -- is on fine display.
   
   Equally impressive is Idina Menzel, whose dusky mezzo soprano fleshes out a complex character without ever descending into overacting or camp. Whether crooning the show's romantic ballad "As Long As You're Mine," or belting the finale of "Defying Gravity" to the second balcony, Ms. Menzel displays an astounding control of material that would reduce less adept singers to shrieking histronics. Surpassing mere singing, she injects her songs with pathos and true humanity. It may be a performance with "Tony Award" written all over it, but it works -- and it works well.
   
   The entire CD is well-mixed, with an appropriate balance of voice and orchestra that sometimes eluded the sound engineers at the cavernous Gershwin Theater, where "Wicked" makes its Broadway home. For the most part, the deletions of material that is not purely musical are appropriate and well-chosen. One might carp about a few editions here and there (Madame Morrible's missing speech to the people of Oz condemning Elphaba as wicked at the beginning of "Defying Gravity," or the absence of Elphaba's defiant cry of "It's me-e-e-e-e!") But these can only be minor flies in an otherwise expertly-formulated ointment.
   
   "Wicked" may not be the greatest show ever written; it didn't break new ground or make theater history in the eyes of drama scholars (as did shows like "Oklahoma" or "Sweeney Todd"). But it stands as a splendidly enjoyable and memorable work, whether seen in its entirety in a stage production or listened to on this delightful CD.



2. When me and my family were visiting USA a couple of weeks ago we saw this musical. It was actually my first musical I'd ever seen. It blew me away. The day after the show we went to a CD store and bought this soundtrack to bring home so we all could have something to remember it by. I can't stop listening to it.
   
   First of all, the perfomances (especially the two lead female vocalists together) are amazing. They bring so much emotion to their songs so it's impossible not to sing along. And the songs themselves are incredibly well written and arranged. In my opinion, especially the song "Defying Gravity" stands out. All the songs are worth their five stars, but this song is worth seven.
   
   A good thing is that in the following booklet, you can follow the lyrics.



3. This is a classic example of people jumping on the bandwagon for a play which despoiled the great Oz of L. Frank Baum, and music which was humdrum and un-memorable. But because most humans are herd animals, it becomes a classic. It even hand a song which goes like this.....[see, Spamalot].



4. I know that some people out there have said they didn't like the score from this show......How can you NOT! To be fair the first time I played I said OK...........could be better. Then I played it again and read the words and listen to it and you know what? A hole other part of me took over, this show is just wonderful and looking at the book of the stage show and playing the cd I couldn't wait to see it. I did get to see it in Phila. the touring company and they were just, just.....there are no words to say how wonderful this show is. Watching this show there is no way it can't effect you, enless you are as hard as a rail. If you can pick up the cd buy the book of the musical or just go see it...it truly is great fun to sit and just watch this piece of magic weave its songs and visiual spell. I can't and haven't heard anyone come out of this show and say it wasn't entertainment. To Stephen Schwartz and company I can only say they did one HELL of a job bring this to the stage...............Now wheres that movie?



5. Just Awesone! You can't go wrong - if you love this musical, you'll love this!

5 comments about Jersey Boys (2005 Original Broadway Cast Recording).

1. What a great album. It really made me want to see the play on broadway. I think when you grew up with Frankie Valli itreally takes you back. Amazon was fantastic as usual. They said I would get in 2 days and I got it in 2 days.Thanks Amazon.



2. The music of the Four Seasons is timeless, but this recording enhances both the vocals and music. In Particular, the drums and bass are brought to the forefront without diluting the excellent vocals and yet gives a dynamic punch to songs recorded over 40 years ago. Highly recommended to anyone who lived in the era of 45's!!!



3. This was a great Show I saw it yesterday and as soon as possible I Bought It. It has songs such as Who loves you, Sherry, Walk like a Man, And Much more.



4. After Seeing Jersey Boys at the Plazzo in Las Vegas last month, I had to have the recording. It is great! I listen to it almost every day--keep it in my car for the commute. If you remember the 60's, and /or have seen the play, you'll love this album--they sell it at the theater for $25.00--I paid less than $13.00 on Amazon.



5. I saw the musical "Jersey Boys" at the Fox Theater in St. Louis a few weeks ago. I then bought the CD. It brings back great memories of the 60's and 70's. There is a good reason they won all of those Tony Awards.

5 comments about It's Time.

1. Michael Buble's remakes of various songs have invariably been successful. This CD is no exception. I highly recommend purchasing it.



2. Great CD by a great artist. I can't say anything bad about this CD.



3. With so many reviews I am basically doing this to be able to rate the CD, which I gave five stars to. My sister had made me aware of a Sunday morning show hosted by Charles Osgood called Sunday Morning which usually features a singer or group each week. One Sunday it was Michael Buble and I decided I liked his style. I am not a Frank Sinatra fan, nor a Dean Martin, Paul Anka or Perry Como. I am a recent Guy Lombardo fan who awoke in me an interest in big band music which is a definite change of pace from the guitars, banjos and fiddles used in my favorite types of music -- folk and bluegrass. I was and always will be a Beatles' fan, so I chose this one for Can't Buy Me Love. I did recognize You Don't Know Me, Save the Last Dance For Me, and How Sweet It is. I played the disk and just let myself be enveloped in the sounds from trumpets and saxophones. What struck me from the start was how much it reminded me of the end song in the DVD Finding Nemo called Beyond the Sea with the feel of a lounge song. I enjoyed Buble's singing though I would not be able to compare it to similar style musicians as I don't listen to them. The tempo was soothing and exciting at the same time, and liked that he hadn't changed the sounds of the selections I was familiar with. Whether I will buy another of his CDs or not, I am very pleased with It's Time.



4. The music on this cd has made me a #1 fan of Michael Buble. His satin-smooth voice and great choice of songs make this cd a must-have for any music lover!



5. I really love this artist! His voice is so smooth! A great album!

5 comments about Michael Bublé.

1. Michael Buble is one of the most talented artist of our time. A reincarnated Frank Sinatra - even better. Every track on this CD is wonderful.



2. for discovering such an amazing talent. Next time he's got to sing something by Michael Bolton or Kenny Loggins (and more original stuff)



3. I didn't like this album as much as his last one. But what woman doesn't like Michael Buble? It was still good.



4. This was my first and favorite CD of Michael Buble's and I bought one for each of my sisters! Get it!



5. Michael Buble is an unbelievable artist. he has brought back BIG BAND! I purchased two of his CD's before attending a concert at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA and my boyfriend and I found ourselves immersed in a nostalgic time past. Growing up listening to Big Band, Sinatra, etc.. with my grandparents was a treasured experience and i am extremely pleased that there is a young artist to bring this beautiful style of music to my 7 year old. He likes the CD too:) The concert itself was nothing short of amazing and i highly recommed one in the future for anyone 6-106:) Great buy!!

5 comments about Closer.

1. This CD is wonderful. There isn't a song on it that I dislike. Every song is topnotch. I would highly recommend this album to anyone who would like a near heaven experience.



2. Got this CD for my wife for Valentine's day and she absolutely loves it. If you are a Josh Groban fan, this one's for you.



3. 
   Great songs and beautiful music....his voice is full of passion and magic...classic style...It would be even better if it had more selection of English songs in this CD...Can't understand the lyrics of many songs, but I do love his voice and the wonderful music.



4. Josh Groban has a beautiful voice and this CD shows it. I listen to him on the way to work - makes my day start out great!



5. Although I only purchased this CD for the sake of ONE SONG.... 'YOU RAISE ME UP' I listened to the other songs on the CD in foriegn languages and even though I didn't understand a word...... I enjoyed the silky smooth and velvet voice!!

5 comments about The Phantom of the Opera (2004 Movie Soundtrack).

1. The Phantom of the Opera (2004 Movie Soundtrack) Wonderful soundtrack; one of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's best and most famous with haunting melodies - sure to please. A don't miss!!



2. The movie was quite moving, as was the music. Okay, I know NOTHING about opera, but in my honest opinion, all the performers gave very good performances. Emmy Rossum has the voice of an angel in "Think of Me". Gerard Butler offers a decent rendition of one of the most recognized songs of the movie/play, "Music of the Night". Just listening to the soundtrack, I instantly recall the scenes during which the songs were performed vividly. If new to opera, I'd say it's a fair introduction. But when has Andrew Lloyd Webber ever given us anything but his finest!!



3. The music is fantastic on this cd and after watching the movie, you can feel the music when listening. The songs, the singers everything about it is wonderful.



4. I saw the movie, and I just had to have the music to enjoy over and over. What an awesome sountrack this is. As you listen to the CD, you are taken back over and over into the story. Great Vocals, great compositions, and a sountrack collector's delight.



5. I loved the play. I loved the movie. I thought I would love the soundtrack. Until the talking started. I cannot stand soundtracks that are too lazy to remove the talk...that is sheer laziness. It's being pulled from the movie instead of being done totally separately. How lame. So while the music is probably great...who knows. I'm completely distracted because of the talk. Please, please someone come out with a soundtrack with NO talking. It doesn't need it. I buy the cd for the music. I buy the movie for the talk.

5 comments about Classic Sinatra: His Greatest Performances 1953-1960.

1. THIS WAS A BIRTHDAY GIFT FOR MY 91 YEAR OLD DAD.
   WHAT ELSE CAN I SAY?



2. Look at that mug! Is that the face that launched a thousand hot rods and toppled the towers of Vegas?
   
   Don't mind me, folks. I'm the guy who gave negative reviews to the Da Vinci Code, Glen Gould, 300, and the King James Bible. I'm either a kneejerk liberal or a rabid right-winger, depending on which you execrate most. But the proof of what a whacko I must be is that I can't stand Frank Sinatra. I have been known to drop milk bottles and rush out of supermarkets when the oily sound of his voice comes over the speakers. I once grabbed a casette of Sinatra out of the hands of the captain of a Portuguese freighter sailing from Newark to Lisbon, and tossed the accursed thing into the Atlantic. The captain literally had the power to make me walk the plank, but he'd played Frankie three times in a row! There are limits!
   
   Sinatra could sing in tune most of the time, which put him a step closer to music than Tony Bennett, but whoever got the notion of calling him a jazz singer? Where's the jazz phrasing? Where are the blues, the soul, the deep dregs of life? You wanna hear jazz singing, listen to Chet Baker or Billie Holliday, or even Mel Torme! Sinatra was a pop singer, and no number of Playboy subscribers could vote him into jazz.
   
   So if he wasn't a singer, what was he? An image. A vicarious trip into arrogant nastiness. The bad boy someone's mama was afraid she'd be attracted to. Lord, if You promise me that there'll be no Sinatra on the sound systems of Heaven, I'll reform my agnostic ways and rejoin my church choir.
   
   Now let's see how many "unhelpful" votes one review can get in a day.



3. I love this cd but my husband would rather it had a few more hit songs.



4. Growing up as a young boy in my parents house I was bombarded with a variety of music in my youth. My mother would be ripped after drinking Hamm's beer with my uncle Terry all day (My dad made good money. I mean she couldn't buy better beer?).... My elementary school teachers are still probably wondering why I was so dang tired all the time. You try sleeping through Willie Nelson's Red Headed Stranger blasting unto the wee hours of the morning at seven years old and I bet you would try to catch some shut eye too. Needless to say Frank Sinatra was one (one of many) artists my mom would play.
   
   I picked up this CD as a casual listener of Sinatra, and as an attempt to bring back some old memories (one of which is sleep deprivation, I am going to be a dad for the first time so it's appropriate practice right?). I love every song on this CD. I don't think you can get a better Sinatra compilation without making it a two to three CD set. Almost all the songs I really wanted are on this. Having said that Frank has SO MANY great songs he's performed, and there is absolutely NO WAY you could limit even a portion of his career to twenty songs. That's why I can only give this CD 4 stars in good faith. It's a great compilation, but it is still a compilation. As I've said this is an artist that's performed so many great songs; not even the best compilation could span a portion of his career and give it justice. Even so, I loved hearing: Young at Heart, My Funny Valentine, and Come Fly With Me.... Not a bad grouping of songs on this one.... Plus a few old memories just for the sake of it...
   
   Bottom Line: a solid effort to put together a compilation from an artist that can't be done proper justice from a 20 song compilation. Solid 4 stars...



5. oh this is good!what it must have been like to have been able to see him live during this time.thank god that we have the magic of recording . this guy is timeless.the songs are the kind that take you in and give you a nice ride.i play this disc often and am never disappointed ,it always lightens my mood and i am always pleased that i chose to play it.if you don't have any frank sinatra music,i recommend that you get this one.i'm sure that there are many others,but for now this one is the one.

5 comments about Josh Groban.

1. The music and songs are wonderful. I have this CD in my car and listen to it over and over. It is especially well done. I am enjoying every song the more I listen to them. "The Prayer" with Charlotte Church is one you can sing to.



2. I specifically purchased this album after seeing a video on Youtube. It was a song that briefly was played on the radio, I never could catch the title. The song is "To where you are." I abosolutely love the song and was happy to finally find it.



3. When Josh first appeared on an episode of Ally McBeal, I was mesmerized. The boy (at the time he was 16) can sing!! I love his work... he does not disappoint!



4. There is nothing you can say about Josh Groban except that his voice is like a piece of heaven...



5. I was about ready to give up on anything new in the music industy and I was told about Josh. All I can say is oh my God. He not only has renewed my faith in singers, his voice with Foster and Marx songs move me like I havent been moved in a such a long time.

5 comments about The Sound of Music (1965 Film Soundtrack - 40th Anniversary Special Edition).

1. I purchased the first CD release of this soundtrack and it was awful. Tape hiss was so bad, and echo was there from RCA using the album master instead of the original master tapes. Now, after hearing this version, RCA has obviously gone to great care to make this soundtrack sound brilliant and as good as I thought it should always sound. RCA's living stereo recordings were superb and that is exactly what we get here! They have eliminated all of the voice echo, the orchestra sounds full, and the master tapes for the soundtrack album are in better shape...sounding better than the tracks on the film (DVD) do.
   
   You get the original soundtrack recording, plus many of the recordings from the 6-track magnetic music masters used for the film. The RCA soundtrack recording selections, in my opinion, survived better than the film masters. They are cleaner and brighter and the stereo is beautiful.
   
   I strongly recommend this edition (40th anniversary) to anyone who loves this soundtrack regardless of if they own a previous edition, none of them live up to this one. It's finally perfect!



2. The sound track is great!! I listened to it so much when I got it that I burned myself out!!! I had to take a little break before listening to it again. It would be a great gift. Everyone loves the Sound of Music.



3. Me and my kids love this one. Case was in worn shape, but mailed within days of purchase and the CD is quality.



4. This soundtrack is fantastic! It has every song from the movie, and even a few commentaries at the end. If you enjoy the movie, you will love this CD. You can relive the movie just by listening to the soundtrack!



5. We love, love this sound track. We especially love how the music flows like the movie and enjoy remembering our favorite parts of the movie. We feel like were right there singing along with Julie Andrews.