5 comments about Neil Diamond - The Greatest Hits (1966-1992).

1. A major disappointment. Too many lame "live" versions of many classics. If you purchased this in a store, you will not know this until you get it home and open it as this is not noted anywhere on the outside of the package. Sorry I bought it, but I bought it long before Amazon.



2. I was very dissappointed in this CD. The big hits were all recorded live in a 1992 concert and were no where close to the quality of the original recordings of these big hits. I really missed the quality of his 1970 voice. The only reason I gave it a "2" rating was that it was Neil Diamond.



3. Until I bought this album, I forgot how much I love Neil Diamond. Listening brings back memories of seeing him in person at Madison Square Garden and being blown away by his voice. There's lot to like in the selections and there are so many, you don't feel like you're cheating when you skip a couple of the less well-known ones. I heartily recommend it.



4. I owned this CD for years and when my son was home for Christmas he wanted to borrow it. I said yes , knowing my son lives in the state of Washington and I am in NY... I knew he had a new CD and I would need to replace it... I love Neil Diamond and this is some of his best music.



5. As an older woman, I found this to be a wonderful compilation of Neil Diamond's best songs. I am enjoying them so much.

5 comments about The Vogues - Greatest Hits.

1. The Vogues are a favorite of mine. "You Are My Special Angel" makes my
   5 minute commute to work a good way to start the day [No one can hear me
   singing in the car] and "Five O'clock World" is a good song to drive home with. I wish the producer had limited the CD to 8-10 of their very best
   songs because there's too much not so good stuff on here. Too much pushing
   the select button while driving! But it's still a great CD.



2. The Vogues Greatest Hits is a solid single CD compilation that really gives us the best of their best! Sure, one could argue that one song should have been here when another song took its place, but overall it's truly a strong CD of their hits. The sound quality couldn't be better either.
   
   The CD starts with them singing "You're The One" so well it really makes me eager for more! They sing and play this love ballad perfectly; this ballad celebrates the joys of finding your one true love. The guitars, drums and percussion work well to carry the melody as they sing. "Five O'Clock World" is another huge hit for this group; the beat is distinctly `60s rock and roll with great harmonizing to inject what feels like just a touch of folk rock to spice up the song. Listen also for "The Land Of Milk And Honey;" the effects are very nicely done and this tune sounds great! "The Land Of Milk And Honey" definitely deserves to be on this album of hits.
   
   "Please Mr. Sun" is really an adorable love song with a certain innocence that we sometimes heard in `60s rock ballads; The Vogues do this one up right and I always enjoy listening to "Please Mr. Sun."
   
   Of course, "Turn Around, Look At Me" is a mega-hit for The Vogues; this song is so well done is shines like the masterpiece it truly is when The Vogues deliver this so well. The wind instruments and the strings enhance the natural beauty of the melody, too. "My Special Angel" is another charming number that features The Vogues squarely in the spotlight as the music goes along to accompany their singing. Again, "My Special Angel" is a tender and really rather innocent love ballad from a different era; but it's so beautiful that it still sounds awesome today. I could never tire of hearing "My Special Angel."
   
   "Till" gives us another passionate love ballad by The Vogues; and the arrangement uses the strings to great advantage. "Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine)" showcases some cool special effects and The Vogues never sounded better! There's also "Moments To Remember;" the group delivers this like the pros they always were and I'm very impressed.
   
   Overall, this CD really does give us some many outstanding hits by The Vogues that their fans will simply have to pick this one up for their collections. Fans of oldies music will also enjoy this album.



3. I have enjoyed this CD as much as any I own. The Vogues have a wonderful tight harmony enjoyed by millions over the years, and the music stands over time very well.
   
   Bill



4. Item came at promised time. Brand new in sealed wrapper.Definately would purchase from this vendor again.



5. The Vogues and their gentle, harmonizing sound, were perfect for the Easy Listening [now Adult Contemporary] charts, created by Billboard in 1961 to provide a clear delineation between Rock and the music of people like Sinatra, Cole, Como, Day, Shore, and others of that ilk.
   
   Often, however, an artist or group would demonstrate that their particular sound was not to be so easily slotted. The Vogues, a vocal quartet from Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, was one such group. Between 1965 and 1974 they scored 14 Billboard Pop Hot 100 singles [6 for the Co & Ce label to 1966 and 8 for Reprise 1n 1968/69], and 18 on the Adult Contemporary [AC] charts [13 for Reprise, 2 for Bell, and 3 for 20th Century] from 1968 to 1974, often resurrecting old hits.
   
   In this 18-selection CD Rhino gives us 13 of those 14 Hot 100 hits [omitting only 1966's That's The Tune, which just barely made the Hot 100 at # 99 that December]. Beginning with Turn Around, Look At Me in 1968 [# 3 AC/# 7 Hot 100], 8 of those would make the AC charts as well. From 1969 [See That Girl - # 13 AC] to 1974 [Prisoner Of Love - # 37 AC], their ten hits would chart only on the AC list [although three would "bubble under" on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
   
   Only one flipside appears here [True Lovers which backed The Land Of Milk And Honey in 1966], and they also give you one previously unreleased tune [track 6] and two that failed to chart on either the Hot 100 or AC charts [tracks 8 and 9].
   
   We would have been better served had producer Bill Inglot left those three off and, in their place, added the missing hit mentioned above, along with See That Girl and Since I Don't Have You, which made it to # 8 AC in 1970. In fact, they should have gone to 26 tracks [the norm for outfits like Ace of London] and provided us with ALL their hits.
   
   The five pages of liner notes by Mike McDowell, Editor/Publisher of Blitz Magazine, and the additional photographs of the group are appreciated and, on the reverse, you get a partial discography of the contents showing original label details and the dates released, but no chart information.
   
   One of their huge hits, Five O'Clock World [# 4 Hot 100 in late 1965], got new life when used over the credits on TV's The Drew Carey Show a few years back. A good album which could have been perfect with a more judicious approach to the contents.

5 comments about Hair - The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical (1968 Original Broadway Cast).

1. Hair...the seminal Rock Musical for the ages... Once upon a time in the mythical land called America great thoughts and changes began to appear across the land. People, especially the younger one's began to actually listen to the music...their music...Full of promises and prayers, asking the questions and finding the answers... Love...Understanding ...fellowship... permeated the soft sweet aromatic waves of the times.
   The age of Aquarius came and went...only the music remains.... Let the sunshine, let the sunshine, shine through...



2. I came to this backwards in time; I saw the movie version first and listened to that soundtrack. Go and buy that one, not this one; that one is way better. The musicality is outstanding on that one, whereas this has a second-rate AM radio sound. I was a pre-teen when the play of Hair came out and I remember most of the songs from AM radio in the late 60s--but after listening to the soundtrack I realize why most of the hits from Hair were recorded by other people. "Aquarius" was popularized by the Fifth Dimension. "Hair" was popularized by the the Cowsills. "Easy to Be Hard" was popularized by Three Dog Night. All those versions are better than the soundtrack (and some are not very good). Listen to Cheryl Barnes sing "Easy to Be Hard" in the film: it is outstanding.



3. This is certainly a classic of the era. To understand it fully you would have to have seen - even if it was 40 years ago.



4. Really enjoyed listening to fine tracks from the 60's. Anyone who lived through the sixties as a teenager will love this one.



5. The Quality exceeded my expectations. It brought back my original memories of the production of Hair I saw in 1968 in Los Angeles

5 comments about Eden (US Release - 16 tracks).

1. well, I don't know what's wrong with one of the songs...it is like 2 songs are mixed together....so everytime that I listen that CD I need to skip that song...the rest of the CD is fine. Thanks



2. A stunning effort, "Eden" picks up where "Time to Say Goodbye" left off and trailblazes Brightman into a successful territory where few, if any, classical artists could succeed. Emotional, beautiful, exotic, tender, and pleasant all the way through. Obvious influences come to mind with the myriad of diverse songs which suit even the most discriminating of listeners.



3. Very solid CD. I love listening to it and consider it a great buy for anyone who loves good singing.



4. Of the four Sarah Brightman CDs I own, this is my favorite. I can listen to it over and over. Her La Luna CD is aslo a good choice.



5. I saw this concert in Denver, and it was this album that made me into a fan of hers. The movements of Nessun Dorma moved me to tears. Her voice has layers and you can really hear it in the music of this album. You will not be sorry that you purchased this album.

5 comments about Marc Anthony.

1. Marc Anthony is one of my favorite performers anyway, but this album's selections are the best of the best of his songs. It will get you movng to the sensuous Latin rhythm and lip-syncing along with the lyrics.



2. I recently reviewed Lopez's new album, which got a scathing review from me, and, as I mentioned in that review, I said Marc Anthony is a much more talented and heartfelt artist. I felt somehow compelled to follow-up on this and deliver an explanation why.
   
   First of all, I've heard Anthony's music before, and he's definitely got talent and charisma. While he isn't a conventionally good-looking man, he uses his charisma in a quiet way, and doesn't need to "shout" it out at you. This is a good sign. It means the music is more important than his image.
   
   Secondly, all it takes is one listen to "When I Dream At Night" to know that Anthony has the power to move someone with his voice. I know that musical purists will probably disagree to some point or another, but his singing style shows not only talent, but training.



3. Oh man when i first heard this album I was 13 years old and I was already heavily in to his music of salsa. But this album took me by surprise. His very voice and passion in spanish just translated so well to english that it blew my mind. Every single theme is so very romantic and well sung, this album hit well with alot of us in the Tri-state area because we were used to his powerful voice, his history and this album did it to us. It was him, J-Lo, and Ricky Martin who were the 3 puerto ricans dominating the music scene at the time. He truly dropped this album on the world at the right time and contributed to bringin us latinos up and dancin and recognized. This is the best and only best english album he has ever released.



4. I happened on this CD by chance. I was and still am moved everytime I play it. Their is a softness in Mr. Anthony's voice that will calm you. Each song stirs a different cord in one's being. I myself cannot understand his native tongue but I can honestly say that when you listen to his voice it doesn't make a difference if you cannot speak his language. This one is a true keeper. This one is a Masterpiece.



5. The CD arrived in a torn brown bag, loosely taped on the outside - upon opening the brown wrapper I was surprised to find the case taped together -upon opening the broken case, I found a CD that has some kind of dried food or milk product on one side and the recorded side was scratched heavily. This is truly a junk dealer to send something in this deplorable condition. There are really no words to describe my thoughts when I opened this CD. I just hope I did not catch something by opening this nasty package.

5 comments about Renee Olstead.

1. I'm an older guy and am transported to heaven when I hear a singer that understands the subtleties of this type of wonderful ballads. Simply can't believe this depth at this young age.



2. Renee has an amazing voice. I'm not a jazz fan, so I wont say much about this album, but the covers are really good and Renee has great potential to be the next greatest Jazz singer.
   
   Standout tracks include 'Summertime', 'Midnight at The Oasis' and 'Love That Will Last'.



3. I first saw this young lady perform "Summertime" as a dream sequence on her sitcom, "Still Standing". I couldn't believe the vocal ability she had and she was only 15 years old at the time. Thanks to Amazon I was able to find a complete album of her songs with many great classics which she more than does justice to. This is a multi-talented performer who has a great future in both acting and singing. She has a kind of jazz/classical style with amazing range and lyric interpretation that is unbelievable. I hope to see more albums from Ms. Olstead. If you want to hear a great vocalist belt out the great classics, buy this album right away. You won't be disappointed.



4. I remember watching her on "Still Standing" and hearing her sing during one of the episodes and thought great another sitcom kicking off a singing career. I thought that until it went to her in the kitchen and the hair stood up on my arms and I got that tingle on the back of my neck as the song progressed.
   
   She reminds me of all the old Jazz. It really makes you wonder what it would have been like to sit in a Jazz bar in Paris listening to Sarah Vaughn or Ella. When I play this at home it is great to sit with some candles and a bottle of wine while my wife and I just relax and dream of all the old easy listening jazz bars. Instead of this crazy loud bass music.
   
   It is a great start. I hope she keeps it up.



5. Best CD I have ever purchased. Love every song on the CD. Ms. Olstead has a magnificant voice, should have a current CD come out! She is up there with Chris Botti, Michael Buble. Needs more recognition for this fantastic CD- what a voice!

5 comments about Man of La Mancha: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Album (Original 1965 Broadway Cast).

1. I found the album version of this in college and loved everything about it, from the edgy Aldonza to the humorous Sancho. Beware, the album had much of the play's dialog on it which the CD lacks. Even so I'm happy to have the music back in my collection. My family appropriately thinks I'm a little crazy as I sing along loudly when I listen to the music.



2. Man of La Mancha accomplishes the impossible! Turning Cervantes classic (at least part of it) into a musical that works has to be a near miracle. The writers tried for years to get producers interested in it, but to no avail, no body beleived a musical version of Don Quixote could possibly work...well the rest is history. MOLM is one of the greatest American musicals. The book perfectly incorporates Cervantes story into musical form. The score is breathtaking, with Dulcinea and, of course, The Impossible Dream becoming two of the most beautiful songs written for the theater. Every word and every note work and further the story. Richard Kiley and Joan Diener's performances are now legendary, others in revivals come close, but no one can beat their original performances.
   A glorious recording!!!!



3. I finally wore out the cassette I had of this recording, bought in 1982. It is definitely the best of all the casts that are out there- I'm going to have to get the CD!



4. I was hooked on "Man of LaMancha" when I heard excerpts played on the radio in the mid-60s. I enjoyed adding "The Impossible Dream" to my personal repertoire.I was enthralled by a dinner theater staging I saw in the early 70s. And, like most, I was greatly disappointed by the movie version.
   Richard Kiley had already proved himself an exceptional singing actor in "Kismet" and "No Strings," but it was "Man of LaMancha" that really brought him the recognition he deserved.
   Mitch Leigh has written a fabulous score. The contrast from the pensive "To Each His Dulcinea" to the humorous " I Really Like Him" to the emotional "Impossible Dream" is enough to keep almost anyone's attention. The interplay between/among voices in "I, Don Quixote" and "I'm Only Thinking of Him" is glorious. It is too bad that Leigh proved to be a "one-hit wonder," although, personally, I like "Cry for Us All."
   The musical play itself deserves all the raves it has received. And the original cast recording merits all its positive reviews.



5. What more can be said about this timeless classic. Richard Kiley's best, I saw him in the original on Broadway, what a keepsake. People who see this show don't usually go once, they go 3-5-7 times.

5 comments about Dino: The Essential Dean Martin (Special Platinum Edition) (2CD).

1. As a twenty year old who is not typically known for listening older music, it is a great first piece of my Dean Martin collection. I enjoy this album very much and it beat pretty much all modern music, which is usually somewhat depressing and rather meaningless. This album puts me in a great mood every time I hear it.



2. The CD is just what we wanted. The songs selected are the ones we remember and treasure.



3. Great quality of sound, perfect selection of songs. Took it to work and a coworker bought "Dino" the next week.



4. Dino was under rated ..This is a great compilation and great concert to see one of the mater entertainers..If ya like Dion --you'll love this!!!



5. We are thoroughly enjoying listening to Dean Martin on this CD. It's a mixture of popular Dino songs--songs written back when the lyrics usually made sense and the music is relaxing and familiar.

5 comments about The Ultimate Tony Bennett.

1. With all due respect to the people involved with the production of this 2000 Sony release (Didier C. Deutsch, Darcy M. Proper, Danny Bennett and Steve Berkowitz), not to mention Tony himself, it's really quite impossible to come with a definitive single 20-track CD "ultimate" compilation for a man who racked up some 67 hit singles from his first in 1951 (Because Of You - # 1 for TEN weeks that summer) to his last in 1976 (As Time Goes By - # 28 Adult Contemporary early that spring). Never mind his many albums.
   
   The insert explains the choices of the tracks this way: "With a career spanning five decades, over 50 million records sold, and nine Grammy Awards to his credit, this collection of standards, many of which Tony introduced, were hand-picked by the artist himself. This is truly a definitive compilation that is not only a tribute to Tony's musical legacy, but also a comprehensive testimony to his contribution to the Great American Songbook." Can't very well dispute that, but it's just that those of us who grew up alongside this remarkable vocalist likely have so many more Tony Bennett offerings we could argue should have been included.
   
   The sound reproduction is immaculate, with the rest of the 10-page insert taken up by a partial discography of the contents (no chart details), and captioned photos of a young 18-year-old Tony in Astoria, Queens, a shot with Ralph Sharon, listening to the playback of I Left My Heart In San Francisco, a poster of his first concert in 1962 - at Carnegie Hall no less, a shot of him singing with the Count Basie orchestra and another with the Count himself at the piano, a similar one with Ray Charles, a small pic with Bill Evans, eating hot dogs at Nathan's with Frank Sinatra, a shot with Duke Ellington, another with Zoot Simms, one with Judy Garland, one with the Ralph Sharon Quartet, a candid shot of his son Danny working with Joel Moss, and another which came with the inscription: For Tony - The best g.d. pop singer I've ever heard - I love ya - (signed) Frank Sinatra.
   
   But my favourite is the one with Louis Armstrong, taken when Tony presented Satchmo with a portrait he had painted (he's quite the artist too). The caption reads: I gave this painting to Louis in the '70's in London. He said 'You out-Rembrandt Rembrandt.' Later, back home, he hung it over his desk in Queens, N.Y. Someone asked him who painted that and he replied 'A boy from my meighborhood.'



2. Due to the fine contributions of my vast fan club, I was able to afford a 5 star restaurant for some fine cuisine. I took my seeress love Sondra to the world reknown Le Chateau de Penguin (named, I suppose, for the way the waiters look). We were seated immediately in the lush Iceberg Room, with beautiful paintings of lettuce on the walls. Awesome and stunning. And let's not forget the ice sculptures of Dr. Federick A. Cook and Admiral Robert E. Peary, at opposite ends of the center french provincial table that was home to the Louis the 14th crystal punch bowl. It was all pomp and atmosphere folks. Sort of like Metamorpho.
   
   After some amuse-bouches and apertifs, we settled down for the main course. She- la coq au vin and me- le boef bourguignon. To compliment this we had the finest chardonnay Boone's Farm makes - vintage 1999 - yes, made a century ago! You can't get better than this people.
   
   Anyway, to go along with this pleasant evening, they had the background songs of Tony Bennett playing. I had almost forgotten about him although I believe he is (or was) a resident of my hometown. Anyway, I was so taken with hearing this that I went out and acquired The Ultimate Tony Bennett. Needless to say, this is so good it's sinful.
   
   First off I believe Tony is not only a superb American vocalist, but probably one of the best in contemporary music. You only need to listen to the burst of vocal dexterity at the end of "How Do You Keep the Music Playing" to know this is true. Tony is the master of mood. Suave, sophisticated adult love tunes that compliment a romantic evening.
   
   This is a collection of wonderful music. Sweet, sentimental ballads like "Mood Indigo" and "Blue Velvet". Fine jazz excursions like "Steppin' Out With My Baby" (Sondra threw her head back and laughed like Lauren Bacall with that one), "Night and Day", and let's not forget one of my favorites "The Best is Yet to Come".
   
   But, more than these morsels of sound, Tony gives you more food for thought with timely classics. "Stranger in Paradise", "Rags to Riches", "I Wanna Be Around" "Put On a Happy Face" can certainly be regarded as very high points in an illustrious career. But, at the top of the hill has to be the finest he's ever recorded. "I Left My Heart in San Francisco". If I was locked away at Alcatraz, this would be the one I'd want to hear. I'm glad I'm not, but I forever want to hear it anyway.
   
   Every song here, in it's own way, is pure pleasure. Relaxing, pleasant to hear, and so very very fine. I am grateful that Tony is still around to pick up the pizzas. ;)
   
   Anyway - highly recommended. Now, your Metamorpho is giving another lecture tour, coming to a city near you very soon. And your contributions will help me get back to Le Chateau de Penguin once again. You wouldn't deny me this small indulgence, would you? Make check payable to me and make sure it doesn't bounce! The waiters don't expect shabby tips you know!
   
   On the Boulevard of Broken Greens -- Metamorpho ;)



3. The Ultimate Tony Bennett is essentially a single CD retrospective of what Tony Bennett himself considered to be his best work. (Bennett himself picked the songs for the album.) The quality of the sound is excellent and the artwork is nicely done. The selection of songs may lean toward to 1950s and the 1960s but Tony Bennett truly was so great that just about anything he ever sang is priceless.
   
   The album starts off with Tony singing the single version of "I Left My Heart In San Francisco." This is one of Tony's signature songs and it's not hard to understand why. Tony's ability to convey the emotions in every subtle nuance of the lyrics to this ballad strikes me as incredibly wonderful. Tony sings with excellent diction; and the piano arrangement lacks nothing--it's THAT good.
   
   "Rags To Riches" features Tony's vocals squarely in the spotlight; and the lush musical arrangement enhances the natural beauty of this number. Tony sings this so well I am sure you will enjoy this song if you haven't heard it before. Moreover, "Stranger In Paradise" places Tony in the spotlight; he sings "Stranger In Paradise" to perfection and the backup vocalists support Tony very well. "I Wanna Be Around" is a romantic, emotional love song that couldn't sound any better if anyone even tried to perform this one. Tony sings this with great sensitivity at the same time that his voice is strong and full of warmth. Great!
   
   "The Good Life" is utterly charming when Tony sings it; and listen also for Tony's fine rendition of "Smile." Tony delivers "Smile" with panache and I always enjoy this ballad. "Night And Day" is a romantic ballad and Tony swings slowly to perform this with an elegant style all his own. The piano and percussion on "Night And Day" are arranged with great sophistication, too.
   
   "Blue Velvet" gives us Tony singing an interpretation of this classic love song with an almost operatic style; and the CD ends strong with "The Best Is Yet To Come." "The Best Is Yet To Come" features a fine musical arrangement and Tony sings this with such optimism that you experience the same optimism just listening to this!
   
   Overall, any single CD retrospective of Tony Bennett's career could never truly hope to even scratch the surface of what this man could do on stage; but this one CD does come close to truly being his best. It's revealing that Bennett himself picked these numbers out for this CD. I highly recommend this for Tony Bennett fans; and people who like classic pop vocals won't be disappointed either.



4. 20 Tony Bennett classics on one great sounding re-mastered CD!!! Absolute classic stuff from start to finish!!! Really lives up to the name of "The Ultimate Tony Bennett"!!! Thats all that needs to be said!!! 20 Timeless classics for us to cherish forever!!! Two thumbs up!!! Five stars!!! A+



5. I purchased this CD for a good friend as a birthday gift. He is a huge Tony Bennet fan and just returned from seeing him in concert in Illinois. The disc is wonderful and made my friend's day. He is a Bennett efficionado and thought the disc was the best he had heard.

5 comments about Falling into You.

1. This is such an inspirational CD! I love her voice, especially in number 3 - if you're a ballroom dancer, this is a beautiful Rumba! There are a couple other Rumbas worth listening to as well. Please give it a whirl first and you'll be enchanted by her, even if this is some of her early work.



2. Falling Into You by Celine Dion was a good album for its time but now this cd is pretty much throwaway pop. Songs I do appreciate include: Because You Loved Me, River Deep Mountain High, Call the Man, All By Myself, It's All Coming Back to me Now, and the title-track. The rest of the songs are filler. I used to be a fan of Celine's but after Let's Talk About Love album I lost interest, my music taste changed after that. Romantic album but nothing spectacular.



3. I love Celine Dion music and this album is always one of my favorites. Even when Taking Chances came out recently I love that Album but this one is classic Celine. Some of my favorite Celine songs off this album are "Dreamin of You", "If That's What It Takes", and of course the ones that are more known; which are, "Because You Loved Me", "All By Myself" and "It's All Coming back to me now." I love this entire album.



4. This CD plays and sounds as good as any new one that I have
   purchased, and best of all, cost VERY little. Shipped to me
   quickly. I am very satisfied with this purchase.



5. This is Celine's best album to date. Filled with powerful ballads and amazing lyrics, this is an album that after 12 years I still like to play like I just bought it yesterday.
   My favorite song is "If that's what it takes" which is the English version of the French "Pour que tu m'aimes encore" released in 1995, one of Celine's signature songs. The English lyrics are a breathtaking declaration of love and a promise to fight and even die for love of that special someone(I will risk everything, I will fight, I will bleed
   I will lay down my life, if that's what you need
   Ev'ry second I live, that's the promise I make
   Baby, that's what I'll give, if that's what it takes)
   
   This is album is Celine's masterpiece.