5 comments about Monty Python's Spamalot (2005 Original Broadway Cast).

1. Love it! If you are a fan of Monty Python's Holy Grail you will not be disappointed!



2. Both of my sons collect "everything" for Monty Python and they were thrilled to get these gifts from me. One good thing about "Amazon.com"
   is that you can always find what you need here when you can't find it anywhere else!!!



3. I recently saw the 2008 tour production of Spamalot with my family. I would have liked to obtained a CD/DVD of that, but the 2005 version is just as good. I purchased two CD's because I knew my kids would take it and I'd never be able to listen to it. Good thing I did.



4. We saw SPAMALOT twice in Vegas and wanted to hear some of the songs again. This CD brought back all the fond memories and is very well done!



5. Just saw it in Vegas! the show was excellent even though we got the understudy. The only thing i had a problem with was that we paid twice as much for the tickets to get these so-called VIP tickets that were incredibly lame. First we were suppose to get a grail souvener with a free drink in it. When we got there everyone had one and they were about 4 dollars. Plus the free drink was limited to soda or beer. We wished we bought regular tickets at this point. Then after the show we were suppose to be allowed backstage. the only person we got to meet was this twit of a dancer who called us retards because we were being so quiet. plus i really had to pee about midway thanks to the grail full of soda but i was stuck in the middle. Go but dont waste your money on VIP tickets

5 comments about Rent (1996 Original Broadway Cast).

1. Rent is an important production, because it puts a face to the AIDS crisis and this was especially new when the production first came to Broadway. The music to Rent is wonderful and spans the breadth of the pop/rock genre. The Broadway soundtrack is as crisp of a recording as the motion picture soundtrack, but overall is a much better version. The Broadway version includes a number of humorous phone calls, additional songs and it seems have more feeling to them. All of the songs on the Rent soundtrack are great, but my favorites by far are Rent and La Vie Boheme. Both take a satirical approach to contemporary culture that is refreshing and needed when discussing the issue of "social outcasts". You can't go wrong with this recording of the Rent soundtrack.



2. Rent launched the careers of Daphne Rubin Vega, Anthony Rapp, Taye Diggs, and (perhaps most popularly) Jesse L. Martin, of Law & Order fame. Sure he's a tough cop, but when you hear him sing "I'll Cover You" you realize exactly why it is that so many actors and actresses say their first love is the theater. Martin is so much more than some cog in Dick Wolf's Law and Order machine. He has a voice that can bowl you over.
   
   The movie didn't bowl audiences over. (We won't blame that on the replacement of Vega with Rosario Dawson *cough* Idiots! *cough*) Seasons of Love, and Stevie Wonder, how can you go wrong there?
   
   Especially when one takes the time to read the story of Jonathan Larson, as told by brilliant writer David Lipsky. "525,600 minutes--how do you measure a year in the life?" Larson was a man so in love with his craft that he basically worked himself to death in order to leave the world this beautiful, amazing legacy of song, of love, of heart. It is a MUST-HAVE CD!



3. Announced today, June 1st will be the final show for this production. I have to tell you, this show, even after 12 years, still hits home and is as entertaining as ever. This album is amazing, but on stage it's mesmerizing. If you haven't seen it, make a trip to NY just to see. You can get great seats as the theater is small and even nose bleeds are good seats. I just brought my 29 year old friend and her 22 year old sister to see it last Sat (1/10/2008) and they fell in love with it.
   
   Seriously, don't miss it! There is no day but today people!



4. Wow. What a wonderfully unique show! The score is brilliant and the cast is equally brilliant. This musical stands out from the rest of them. It's gritty and edgy and it's not filled with cheesy dance numbers and special effects. It's real! People can relate to it. The plot itself is beautiful, but the music blows my mind! It's without a doubt my favorite musical. I've seen it 4 times now...twice on tour and twice on Broadway. If you only know the movie, you're missing out. This album brings so much more then the movie. It's actually the reason I changed my plans and decided to go into theatre. It's definatly a must-have for any musical fan out there! It is different from, it takes risks, but the effect is glorious. I'm still dazzled by it and I must have listened to it at least 100 times by now.



5. It is in my personal opinion that those who blasepheme this incredible work are simply not into moderne music and would prefer to listen to screeching sopranos and tenors verbrato their way through an opera in any language other than enligsh. But for my generation, this rock opera (if you didn't catch that before buying this fabulus cd, don't blame the fans) got us involved in theatre once again. Its powerful message called one us as a population to not ignore the AIDs epidemic any more. Jonathon Larson used his favorite medium, the stage, as a platform for his stance. If one believes that Broadway is the place for happy endings and large, meaningless outbursts of songs, stay away. But if you believe in a better tomorrow and that we can't ignore this anymore, cough up the money and buy the recording of the best artists singing amazing songs written by a musical genius.

5 comments about Billy Elliot.

1. I saw the play in London while I was on vacation two years ago and it was fantastic. The film is great but the music from the play is complely different. If you enjoyed the soundtrack from the film you must hear the cast soundtrack.



2. At age 12 I saw the original production of "Oklahoma". Then, yeah God,I saw the orginal "South Pacific, "kiss Me Kate", My Fair Lady", "Mame","Gypsy" AND let me tell you loud and clearly "Billy Elliot, The Musical" is right up there!!! Don't miss it. I saw it in London and can't wait to bring my grandchildren to the N.Y. production.



3. It is charitable to call this show mediocre. The music isn't the usual Sir Elton theatrical music dreck. I guess that's a plus. The lyrics are awful. The same words are repeated over and over and over, so the pointed is quickly made, the song goes nowhere. Most of the lyrics are generic. Most of the songs give the impression of being the same length. I hope the show never makes it to Broadway. Stick with the movie!



4. What a stirring musical! I had heard so much about this musical having seen the film version and knowing a musical adaptation was going to be made. Several people had recommended it after have they had the opportunity to see it on the West End. Also being a huge fan of Elton John, enjoying his pop records as well as his musical ventures, I was really interested in giving this CD a listen...
   
   ...and I'm sure glad I did! Again, I'll say it's absolutely stirring. The chorus numbers are probably the most powerful particularly the opening number "The Stars Look Down" which features as a theme several times throughout the score. You can really imagine them filling an entire auditorium.
   
   Liam Mower as Billy has the sweetest most resonating voice. When he sings "The Letter" and his Mum joins in, you are moved to tears. Other great numbers include "Shine" where Haydn Gwynne gives her character of Mrs Wilkinson such a personality. Her voice isn't particularly outstanding but I love her character. It's nice to see characters like Mr Braithwaite being given some personality and filling out Grandma's back story with her own song "Grandma's Song". Other uplifting numbers include "Merry Christmas Maggie Thatcher" and "Expressing Yourself".
   
   There is mild language but it adds to the mood of the piece. All in all thoroughly entertaining and I can't wait for it to come to Sydney in 2008!



5. A bit different than the movie which was delightful, this soundtrack remains very loyal to the original.

5 comments about Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael.

1. I never received this item...the system would not let my update my new address AFTER I ordered it...so it went to my old address...I never got the CD and I as of yet I have not been refunded the purchase price.



2. I love this CD! Disc 1 is very soothing. Some of his songs are just beautiful and timeless. And Disc 2 when you want to get funky. There are a few songs missing but overall it's a great collection!



3. After all of these years the music is still fantastic! What a talented singer!



4. The whole album is very good with all the good compilation found on disc. A good recommendation for those interested in this genre of music CD. The tracks are as follows:-
   
   Disc 1
   ------
   Jesus to a child
   father figure
   creless whisper
   don't let the sun go down on me
   You have been loved
   Kissing a fool
   I can;t make you love me
   Heal the pain
   A moment with you
   Desafinado
   Cowboys and Angels
   Praying for time
   One more try
   A different corner
   
   Disc 2
   ------
   Outside
   As
   Fastlove
   Too Funky
   Freedom 90
   Star People 97
   Killer/ Papa was a rolling stone
   I want your sex (part II)
   The strangest Thing
   Fantasy
   Spinning The Wheel
   Waiting For That Day
   I Knew you Were Waiting (FOR ME)
   Faith
   Sombody To Love
   
   Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael
   
   N/B: Singapore HMV was selling this album.
   
   Review by:
   
   DR, MR Franc MBBS (PhD) GPS Ang Poon Kah
   Director Lou Ye - Ang Poon Kah for film summer palace.



5. Finally, i was able to buy a CD of George Michael's Lasdies & Gentlemen. I had before as a tape now it was better because it comes along with a lyrics pamlet that is really superb.

5 comments about Italian Love Songs.

1. Dean Martin has a wonderful voice. I love this CD it's so Italian it makes me want to pore a glass of wine and sing along.



2. Dean Martin was always eager to be a Pop Star, have radio hits, and be beloved. He sang with a Bing Crosby croon, a European angst, and a grin a wink that others still try to emulate. Elvis Presley, the so-called rebel, took Dean's deep throated swing to tenor and lows and made his ballads a fine copy..just listen to Elvis's early attempts. Pure Dean.
   This is a compendium of Dean's Italian songs. Dean always sounded comfortable with the dramatic lyrics of an Italian love song, even more than contempory compadre Frank. + Dean had humor that others couldn't match. Frank Sinatra may have been the consummate saloon singer, but Dean was the best at making people at ease.
   This CD gathers bunches of his Italian amore signatores. There are the hits, "That's Amore", "Return to Me", + cannelloni like "Innamorata" and "Come Back to Sorrento".
   This CD offers a bono note with due glasses of Barolo, the HiFi set at 5, the sofa warm and cozy. and then...
   Volare! away we fly!!



3. Love it more than expected. Thanks for the prompt shipping of a great product!



4. Totally agree with Frank Sinatra -- when Dean Martin died on Christmas morning what a treat for the angels in Heaven!



5. Love this CD. It's perfect to pop in when you are cooking or sitting down to a romantic dinner.

5 comments about Sinatra at the Sands.

1. It is an amazing document of Sinatra in his environment. The sound quality is superior. It is a hall of fame arrangement and performance by Quincy Jones and the Count Basie Orchestra. Even the stage patter is classic. If you can't get the Vegas Box set, get this. If you have the Vegas Box set, get this.



2. Not much to say other than classic mid-career Sinatra. If you love the guy's work you buy this.



3. THis is an outstanding CD. From "Cannon" introducing Frank to the selection of songs to the digitally re mastered versions.... a perfect compilation....
   
   J



4. I listen to this CD almost every day, especially when I need to escape from my current reality. That says a lot because I HATE it when things are overplayed, even if I love them in the beginning.
   
   This CD, for me, can be summed up in one word: FUN.
   
   Just pop this in the player, sit down with a Jack Daniel's on the rocks (or whatever your poision of choice is) close your eyes, and picture Sinatra on stage, right in front of you. You can hear glasses tinkling, people murmuring, but above all you hear the clash of cymbals, the pounding of the piano, and most importantly, you hear The Voice.
   
   You can tell that Sinatra had a ton of fun throughout this taping, especially during the second track, "I've Got A Crush On You," where he's flirting and interacting with the audience. The "Tea Break Monologue" alone is worth the price of the CD for me. Sinatra is in his natural element, being charming and funny with his stories and jokes. Everytime I hear it, I stop and grin and wish I could have been there that night.
   
   The instrumental on "Makin' Whoopee!" is beyond excellent and "Luck Be A Lady" is probably one of my favorite tracks. I can practically see Sinatra rolling a pair of dice across the table and praying that Lady Luck is still with him.
   
   I highly recommend this CD and I know you won't regret it!



5. JUST IMAGHINE IT'S 1966, YOU'RE IN VEGAS, AT THE SANDS HOTEL (THE HIPPEST CASINO IN TOWN), SEEING FRANK SINATRA IN CONCERT WITH THE COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA, WITH ARRANGEMENTS BY QUINCY JONES. YOU'D FEEL LIKE YOU DIED AND WENT TO HEAVEN, RIGHT? WELL, THIS CD WILL TAKE YOU RIGHT THERE......'NUFF SAID.

5 comments about Sarah Brightman Classics.

1. So many times when a person buys a CD there are only a couple of songs that they consider good. On this CD there are over half the songs that are more than good. They are great. This CD has all the Sarah's greatest hits and more. I would highly recommend this CD to anyone who loves Sarah Brightman.



2. Love Sarah Brightman, however, this CD doesn't have one song on it in English. While I enjoy a mixture of her other CDs that are bilingual, this entire CD consists of songs in other languages I don't understand. Very disappointing. Played it thru only once. Probably won't play it again. No speakers on my computer so I can't "test run" these. My own fault, I guess.



3. An absolutely dreadful CD, with one decent rendition (Ave Maria); the rest -- pure awfulness.
   
   It's like listening to Susan Alexander Kane (Citizen Kane's second wife) sing a whole album. Brightman's voice wavers & quivers all over the high notes. Oh, it is SO bad.



4. Superb performance. Great selection. Incredible voice.
   Can suite easy listening as well as classic lovers.



5. Is there a better singer in the world? I don't think so, but in any case, this new album from the now very svelte and very georgeous Sarah Brightman is superb. The power, the control, the clarity is all there. This experienced vocalist is the definition of a world class diva. The proof of it all is the fact that her fans, of which I am one, could listen to her for days on end without getting tired of her lovely voice. This album has it all. Get it, and enjoy!

5 comments about Highlights From The Phantom Of The Opera: The Original London Cast Recording (1986 London Cast).

1. Very good album from the British musical masterpiece. Nevertheless, the song "The music of the night" has been replaced from the original score. It has some little changes in its lyrics but is good. In order to have a good souvenir from the recording and for the whole performance, I recommend the 2 CD box set with the original cast.



2. I really enjoy the music and singing of the original Phantom of the Opera. I have been looking for just the musical CD for sometime. I play it alot whil I am cooking, cleaning etc. The sound is great and so are the voices of Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford. The original soundtrack is the best and it gives me such a lift to hear such beautiful voices. I have recently bought a CD of Sarah Brightman just because I have the recording of the Phantom.



3. Very good condensed version of Phantom of the Opera. Transaction was speedy and quality excellent.



4. This is an excellent compilation of the best songs from this production performed by the original performers.



5. 
   I first got the whole phantom CD, and was bored by all the speaking and segways. The songs even sound different. Especially "Music of the Night" I thought they were two different singers till I got the highlights CD. SO much better! I never saw the musical, I think sitting through all that might be kindof boring after listening to the long version. THIS IS GREAT! Music of the night, and all of it sounds perfect. SO GLAD I got this CD!

5 comments about A New Day Has Come.

1. Some pretty songs are on this CD. I can't listen to it in its entirety at one time as Celine Dion's voice isn't one that I can listen to for long periods of time, but in short bursts is great. Recommend this for anyone liking more romantic music.



2. Everyone knows what a phenomenal voice Celine has. And everyone knows what a knack she has for catchy tunes and how she belts out those high notes. All this goes without saying, so I'm going to tell you why else you need this album.
   1. This disc contains one of Celine's greatest hits, A New Day Has Come, in two great arrangements. This song tells us about a heart who had almost lost hope and who found its strength again. This is one we all can relate to.
   2. A diverse mix of dance-able pop songs including "Right In Front of You" and "Sorry for Love" and powerful slow songs such as "I Surrender" and "Prayer" and as a bonus, fantastic renditions of the classics "At Last" and "Nature Boy", and you've got something for everyone. You won't be disappointed.
   3. There are a generous sixteen tracks on the disc, which means you won't get tired of this album very quickly.
   4. If you buy it used, like I did, then you're only paying approx. $5 including shipping. So what are you waiting for? Trust me - if you are anything like a fan of Celine's you need this album.
   
   I'll give you my favorite tracks just in case:
   1.A New Day Has Come- of course
   2.Right In Front of You- wonderfully light and airy
   3.I Surrender- Celine's best performance of the album
   4.Prayer- fantastic songwriting
   5.Goodbye's (The Saddest Word)- a heartbreaking song about her mother



3. This Is Another Great Buy.....If You Love Celine
   Then Buy this CD..... The sound on all are perfect!! ! !



4. I think I love every song in this CD, which is unusual for me. One of her finest!



5. there are only a few good songs on this cd. will not play many times.
   muy mal or asi asi in spanish.
   
   gracias
   ron

5 comments about Hymns of the 49th Parallel.

1. KD Lang delivers on this disc! Her rendition of Neil Young's "Helpless" is worth the cost of the disc alone...but every song is wonderfully arranged and performed with heart and soul.



2. No Gordon Lightfoot, no Ian Tyson (and k.d. is as much a cowboy as Ian, just a generation or two apart). And I realize Bruce Cockburn is sensitive and has his politics right, but he's gotten so humorless. And Ron Sexsmith is erratic and I would have picked other songs before Fallen. Beyond that, no complaints. This is a terrific CD -- she could have chosen any of twenty or so songs for both NY and LC, but the two she's done for each of them are superb. In fact, for me, her Helpless rivals the original. Ditto for Joni Mitchell's A Case of You, the definitive, bracing and bittersweet ode to lost pasts, whatever your sexual persuasion may be. And, finally, this is the third version I've got of Love is Everything, Siberry twice on her CD and this. And if they could do Calling All Angels together for that CD and the Wim Wenders film Until the End of the World, why not a duet on Love is Everything?
   
   I waited way too long to get this CD; so have you.



3. 
   K.D.Lang, a woman whose voice I regard as one of the greatest in music, takes to covering songs from her homeland, Canada. Not really being that familiar with Canadian music [I'd be surprised if I could name 50 Canadian songs-though listening to this album would nudge me close to that mark], I can't say how well or otherwise she has chosen her songs. Perhaps there are better songs she could have covered? In any case, she delivers a consistently mellow and laid-back treatment of the songs she sings here.
   
   There are some artists she honours by covering two of their tracks: Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen and Jane Sibery. Of the little I've heard of Joni Mitchell, I'd have to say that I would rather have heard "Both sides now" tackled by Lang, but I suppose the danger there would be that their treatments wouldn't be that differentiated.
   
   The absolute highlight of this album is Lang's version of "Hallelujah". Can't really say that I've heard the definitive Cohen version...did see a You Tube version by him which must have been more recent. His voice isn't the best and K.D. really finds a beautiful melody for this song and a wonderful vocal style...she has a very pure, silky voice. In any case, Lang does signal her version as being The Definitive version of this song...the one which marks out its melodic territory. Perhaps the difference between the snippet I've heard from Cohen and Lang's version is akin to the difference between the original Mondo Rock version of "Touch of paradise" and John Farnham's sublime new arrangement. And Ross Wilson, of Mondo Rock, is one of pop/rock's greatest vocalists too.
   
   Of the other songs, I liked "After the goldrush" and "Simple". A criticism of this album, I suppose, is that there is a certain sameness to the sound, which is only occasionally breached towards the end of the album.
   
   Lang's vocals and the instruments used, like piano, accoustic guitar, violin and orchestra etc. make this album's sound sort of "lounge" ambiance wise.
   
   Some assorted notes I made of other songs here:
   
   "Helpless"-reminded me of Nancy Sinatra's all time classic "These boots are made for walking", as far as the guitar sound goes. Less mellow than the first two tracks which precede it.
   
   "A case of you"-features a double bass, I think.
   
   "One day I walk"-features an organ and sounds a little country. Not sure if this song also features an accordion or some such.
   
   "Bird on wire"-is another song which features the organ.
   
   Lastly, did notice K.D. hit a bung note in "Love is everything". Since her singing is usually so pure, you really notice an aberration like that!
   
   I'm giving this album 7/10. K.D.Lang is a real talent.



4. kd takes you straight into heaven with her singing these old, familiar songs. Some of the arrangements are breathtaking whether they are soberly recorded or going for the whole works. kd's voice seems to be getting better as she grows older. Her rendition of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah is simply magnificent. Money well spent.



5. The lady can sing... what else do you need to know?? There are some powerful songs on this CD. I really enjoy it.