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 The Wizard Of Oz: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack - The Deluxe Edition.

1. My only complaint may be that this collection has too much on it. I never realized how many songs are played in the background and not in the forefront of the movie. Thoroughly entertaining and well worth the money.



2. I absolutly love this set. It has all the songs and music from the movie, plus music to scenes that have been cut. It feels a little like watching an uncut version of the movie (with no visuals or dialogue). Of course, the main attractions are the songs heard in the movie. Even if you just want the songs, this set is great (although a four rating would be more appropriate if you only want songs). My only complaints involve the two WInkie songs on the set: The March of the Winkies do not include the 'Oh ee Oh' chant, and the reprise of Ding-Dong with the Winkies lost the background music and all but the lead singer. Other than that, this is a great set.



3. This is IT, folks! The ULTIMATE Wizard of OZ (aka, WOO) soundtrack/score album!
   
   Man, this is just Beautiful, believe me! What's amazing to me is how a man of 60 years (almost) has this bank in his brain for so many elements from this absolutely magnificent film. (How the Hell could Gone With the Wind have even been considered as "Best Picture" against this Timeless Classic? I think the intervening years have proven the "MPA" very wrong on this one. There is no way that this picture, and it's most wonderful musical soundtrack/score do not go to the top of the "Best Movies of All Time" list. Right up there right behind "Citizen Kane", which would make it #2, I believe.
   
   The folks at Rhino Records have taken this material and have lovingly and carefully cleaned it all up, and remastered it with the utmost care, and then, they have created a truly beautiful, deluxe package to "keep" it in! Those of us who treasure all things "OZ", especially from the movie, will find themselves thinking "I wish I'd bought this before!" You will be so pleased when you hear things that have never been released before from the score on records, LP's, previous CD's, etc. Truly a Priceless Album that you will delight in and treasure. What a treat when one is having a "bad day" to pop this into their player and be transported to the wonderful land of "Oz" for an hour and a half.....the best stress reliever I know! Order yourself a copy of this beautifully packaged and presented set, and ENJOY! ~operabruin



4. A lot of the extra songs are just meadley's of the hits but if you are a huge fan there are some neat audio goodies.



5. great great great condition and great price
   
   thank you

5 comments about Surrender.

1. I'm not a big ALW fan but his x-wife's singing turns his pompous, melodramatic works into sincere and romantic love songs.



2. Very happy in general with this CD and Sara's beautiful voice. A mixture of musical selections that wear well.



3. This CD is simply amazing! I prefer this album over "Dive" because Brightman sticks to what she knows best - which is opera! Surrender, Unexpected Song, Chanson D'efance, Tell Me on a Sunday, and Nothing Like You've Ever Known are simply brilliant and beautiful pieces music! Sadly, I do not prefer the 2 songs from Cats - about Macavaty and Gus. They really do not seem to fit to Brightman's style of music, for they are more outgoing! However, Memory from Cats (in Italian) is beautiful with soaring octaves! Everything's Alright is genius, with a 5/4 tempo, and it makes the song amazing. Pie Jesu is a beautiful piece, but I prefer Charlotte Church singing it. Brightman's vocals show to much vibrato, and it makes the song seem annoying! Amigos Para Siempre and the Spanish version of "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" are fairly decent pieces from Brightman. If you love the Brightman from "The Phantom of the Opera", then buy this album!!!



4. The first couple of songs were fair the next few were crap and the next were hogwash and the last showed how a beautiful voice could crumble with lousy songs chosen for her Terrible ablum especially for 30.00 really terrible



5. I surrendered ..... you should too!

   This album is just incredible. As I'm sure you already know, this is a collection of Sarah singing the works of brilliant composer (and ex-husband) Andrew Lloyd Webber.

   Sarah just takes my breath away. Her technique is incredible and her voice is perfect- which I unfortunately can't say for all of her albums. Her Spanish pronunciation is nothing short of amazing on one of the album's highlights, 'No Llores por Mi Argentina', 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina' from 'Evita' in Spanish. Another incredible highlight is 'Piano', 'Memory' from 'Cats' in Italian. Sarah really throws herself into it and it comes out sounding almost like an operatic aria. If you're looking for her famous 'Music of the Night' that's here too, as well as a brand new version of 'Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again', which definitely improves on the already fantastic version that's on the 'Phantom of the Opera' cast recording. 'Macavity: The Mystery Cat' from 'Cats' shows off a whole new side to Sarah's voice. When I first heard it I was amazed! I couldn't believe that it was Sarah singing it. Other amazing highlights (for me at least) are 'Unexpected Song' from 'Song and Dance', 'Tell Me On a Sunday' from the musical of the same name, and 'The Last Man in my Life' from 'Song and Dance'.

   The album includes fantastic liner notes explaining each song and the musical that it's from, courtesy of Andrew Lloyd Webber himself, and some really cool behind the scenes pictures. I strongly urge you to buy this album even if you already own the 'Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection'. I don't own that album myself, but from what I understand, it's basically a repackaging of this with a few song changes and different pictures. I'll probably buy it to get the songs that I don't have one of these days .....

   I adore this album. All Sarah Brightman, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and musical theater fans in general need this. In my opinion it's one of Sarah's 3 best works, (the other two being 'La Luna' and 'Time to Say Goodbye'.) Of course, with Sarah's huge and varied discography, your opinion is bound to differ from mine but I'm saying mine anyway.

   This album is one of my top favorites of all time. It's worth every penny. Buy it- you won't regret it.

5 comments about You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (1999 Broadway Revival Cast).

1. I can be rather picky when it comes to Broadway musicals, but You're a Good Man Charlie Brown is at the top of my list along with Wicked and Phantom of the Opera. Mix great vocalists and performers with funny lyrics and catchy tunes, you've got You're a Good Man Charlie Brown. A light-hearted show, I would recommend this musical to anyone who loves Peanuts, Broadway, or hilarious and entertaining songs.



2. Broadway revival cast albums are a tricky thing -- how do you make something fresh, while not copying the original, and not making a mess of it, either?
   
   This 1999 revival cast of YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN is fairly decent. The arrangements have life, the performances are enthusiastic, and the humor is simple and clear.
   
   Anthony Rapp, Roger Bart, and the fabulous Kristin Chenoweth do a great job. A little silly, a little cartoonish, and perfectly suited for the material.
   
   Unfortunately, a few of the other performers aren't well-suited for this music. Ilana Levine is a little TOO over-the-top and comes across as inauthentic, and B.D. Wong just has too much vibrato to be playing a young boy.
   
   If you're looking for only one recording of this terrific musical, I'd suggest you go with the original Broadway cast. But if you're a fan of the musical (or of any of these performers), this is a good addition to your collection.



3. I was a little suprised to get a CD not in original case...but it played



4. "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" is a classic Broadway musical. This CD is wonderfully well-done and brings back fond memories of when I saw it on stage as a little girl. This is the revival cast including Kristin Chenoweth as Sally Brown who won the Tony for her performance. All of the cast members sing their hearts out and do a superb job. This CD is great for ALL ages...young or old. It can be a great introduction to musicals for your little ones. Highly recommended!!



5. This is a very fun musical. My children, ages 3 and 6, love it and sing along!

5 comments about 16 Most Requested Songs.

1. This CD of beautiful ballads by the silvery voice of Johnny Mathis took me right back to another time with timeless songs. I was not disappointed!



2. With a voice like beautiful and sensuous velvet Johnny Mathis weaves his magic on every track.



3. I was only 14 in 1958 when Johnny Mathis was running up a string of pop hits that resulted in a "Greatest Hits" LP staying on the best-seller charts for more than three years. This disc gives you that album and a few bonus cuts. We are no longer in a clean love song/sentimental era in music, but rather one with overt sexuality rampant and voices that seem to fit rapists rather than seducers. So, while the arrangements and the vocal stylings you'll hear on this one may seem dated, don't let that lead you into thinking that the songs are not usually first-rate or that Mr. Mathis was not a highly skilled artist. In many ways, we as a society are to be pitied because of the lost innocence about love and dating and courtship these tunes represent. No "hooking up" here. No confusing the terms "first date" with "all night sexual romp" or "cohabitation" and "marriage." Some people laugh at the Mathis manner with a lyric these days. Johnny laughed all the way to several banks.



4. I really enjoy the music on this CD. It also arrived in good shape and in a timely manner.



5. You can't go wrong with any of Johnny Mathis' music. The CD is fantastic.

2 comments about A Kiss To Build A Dream On.

1. A delightful mixture of familiar and unfamiliar songs beautifully sung by Jessica Molaskey, joined occasionally by her husband, John Pizzarelli. Accompanied by a great quartet, the music sings and swings. Obscure items like "Happy Habit" and "Everybody Loves Louie" and some originals give the whole disc a fresh flavor.



2. I program several radio stations. I am stunned at what I hear on this CD. Listen to the Pizzarelli family take on Les Paul and Mary Ford!!! Hello Sunshine Hello is simply incredible!!! Buy this Cd at any cost!!! It is unforgettable.

5 comments about The Essential Barbra Streisand.

1. Even if you are just a casual Streisand fan this CD is a must. And if you are more than just a casual fan you'll love this CD. Puts all her best at your fingertips. No need to carry a bunch of CDs with you, this one is all you need.



2. Her voice has never been matched by anyone, ever. She has a range and smooth delivery with a personality that always makes you feel better just by listening. A must have!



3. Listening to Barbra Streisand's voice it's no mystery why she has sold millions of cd's according to the Recording Industry (RIAA) and Nielsen SoundScan. Included in this set is her last Top Ten Hit on "The Billboard Hot 100", "I Finally Found Someone" a duet with Bryan Adams (from her movie "The Mirror Has Two Faces") She's won multiple Grammy's and an Academy Award for her music, multiple Emmy's for her various television work (and her February 14, 2001 Fox/TV concert special had 8.7 million viewers according to Nielsen Media Research) She won an Academy Award for her role in the movie "Funny Girl" (tied with Katharine Hepburn) and received a Tony for her Broadway work. She's also well known for her political work, including her support of Hillary Clinton for President, Hillary Clinton went on to receive more votes than any other Presidential primary candidate in history.



4. For anyone out there who's a Barbra Streisand fan, this 2-set CD is a must-have! I may not necessarily agree w/ Barbra's political views, but I certainly love her voice and acting abilities.
   
   I believe Barbra Streisand is a musical icon, and all should know who she is. This album is a masterpiece of all her greats, and I was especially happy to know that two of the Yentl songs were on this album. What a great movie that was!
   
   You'll love this CD-set! Enjoy!
   
   Debbie



5. I love this album. It is one of my favorites. The disco type song "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" with Donna Summer is a great 70s one. "The Way We Were" is a great slow song from 70s. Check out "Woman in Love" which is my favorite song by her. It is really just an amazing love song. "Memory" which is from the musical CATS she really sings well. A lot of other songs on here that are really good. She has such a great voice any song she sings sounds great. Sample them all. A great purchase.

5 comments about All-Time Top 100 TV Themes.

1. Listening to these CD's brought back some fond memories of childhood. The quality of the tracks were very good. Simply a lot of fun to listen to!



2. I know others have commented on the less-than-stellar production values of this compilation, but I think they're fine. The collection of songs is great, and even though at first I wasn't thrilled about the newer stuff, we've come to love those as well. This is a great collection to listen to with the whole family. I think it would be difficult to find a comparable compilation for a similar price. Good value.



3. The fact that this has generated over 30 reviews to date, ranging from 5 stars to 1, indicates that it's impossible to please everyone when putting this kind of project together. In one respect I can sympathize with those who were hoping to get full versions of some of the tunes, especially those that were good enough to produce hit singles - some of them smash hits - and so felt compelled to award just 1 or 2 stars. I have less sympathy for those who bemoan the sound "quality" since, as one reviewer has pointed out, many are soundtrack bytes and some of that 60s and 70's TV had pretty dismal sound.
   
   The way I look at it, these are memory-joggers and this is a CD that can be hauled out and played at a party or family gathering to see how many can recognize the series they came from. Did they miss some obvious ones? Well, in a word, "yes" with some that come to mind at once being The Themes from - - Ben Casey, a # 28 hit in 1962 for Valjean; Dr. Kildare [Three Stars Will Shine Tonight], a # 10 in 1962 for star Richard Chamberlain; Dynasty, a # 52 in 1982 for Bill Conti; and The Dukes Of Hazzard [Good Ol' Boys], a # 21 in 1980 for Waylon Jennings.
   
   But while this 2-CD set is fun, I too would like to see a similar set offering the full versions of those that went on to become hit singles, including the ones just mentioned and these which became Top 10 hits: Theme From The Greatest American Hero (Believe It Or Not), a # 2 in 1981 for Joey Scarbury; Theme From Hill Street Blues, a # 10 in 1981 for Mike Post, who also had hits with The Theme From Magnum P.I. (# 25 in 1982)and The Rockford Files (# 10 in 1975); Theme From S.W.A.T. by The Rhythm Heritage (# 1 in 1976); Miami Vice Theme by Jan Hammer (# 1 in 1985); Welcome Back (from Welcome Back, Kotter) by John Sebastien of The Lovin' Spoonful (# 1 in 1976); Happy Days by Pratt & McClain (# 5 in 1976); and Hawaii Five-O by The Ventures (# 4 in 1969).
   
   Others that made the Billboard charts in the lower regions include: I'll Be There For You (from Friends) by The Rembrandts (# 17 in 1995); Where Everybody Knows Your Name (from Cheers) by Gary Portnoy (# 83 in 1983); Moonlighting Theme by Al Jarreau (# 23 in 1987); Theme From My Three Sons by Lawrence Welk (# 55 in 1961); Theme From Charlie's Angels by Percy Faith & His Orchestra (# 49 in 1977); WKRP In Cincinnati by Steve Carlisle (# 65 in 1981); Making Our Dreams Come True (from Laverne & Shirley) by Cyndi Grecco (# 25 in 1976); The Song From M.A.S.H. (Suicide Is Painless) by Al DeLory & His Orchestra (# 70 in 1970); Those Were The Days (from All In The Family) by Carroll O'Connor & Jean Stapleton (# 43 in 1972); and Batman Theme, a hit for both The Marketts (# 17) and Neal Hefti & His Orchestra (# 35) in 1966.
   
   I've probably overlooked a few, but the point is, they could easily come up with a 2-CD volume containing just the hit versions.
   
   Both the CD's and the insert are filled with vintage TV sets, and inside you get a re-listing of the contents showing composers, performers, and the running length of the series concerned for each track.



4. I love this cd. It has really good themes. I recomend it to everyone because it's a great addition to your cd collection.



5. As an avid fan of television themes I must applaud this collection.
   For years and years I searched record stores and Phonolog editions for TV themes and info. Volumes 1 through 7 brought us the first comprehensive collection of TV themes ever released.
   There were a greater number of themes that had been re-created in these first 7 volumes than I'd like to see. Just the same, I was happy to have as many originals as I found on these earlier volumes.
   The All Time Top 100 TV Themes nearly fills all the gaps. I recommend this collection as the best available to date.

5 comments about Fiddler on the Roof.

1. Dear folks,
   I have been with Amazon for a few years now, and I have purchased and sold many items, but "Fiddler on The Roof" I have the Musical score which makes my heart jump for joy, and cry with sympathy. I also have the DVD movie produced and directed by Canadian Norman Jewison. Released with (Chaim)TOPOL as Tevya, the poor, hard working Godly milkman in "Anatevka", a ficticious town in pre-Communist Russia, or Czarist Russia, which puts us in the very early 1900's era, with Tevya, the Milkman, his wife Golde, and in the both (as the soundtrack is from the movie, here he has 5 daughters a few are preparing to become enthrothed by the Matchmaker "Yente"(which is finalized by the "PAPA", Tevya...(he would wish!)
   Both are a great pleasure to me and I recommend the movie and the score for all, and I do NOT care who or whom you worship, as it works out to only ONE anyway!, (Thus sayeth the Christian Apostle Saul of Tarsus (Christianized "Paul", or St. Paul.}
   Either way you look at it or listen to it in your car, or as I do:I listen to the score during the days at times when I am feeling down a bit, or when I watch the DVD at night or bedtime, with a bowl of oatmeal to calm my knotted stomach and push me off to sleep...but, I am so in love with this whole story by Sholom Alacheim and the music led bt Isaac Stern on his violin, which I truly appreciated as I play many stringed instruments incl. the "fiddle", (a southern-version of the violin played in American music mostly in the Country/Blusgrass Venue). I am amazed by the story, but first as I watched it, and as I listened to the 30th Anniversary edition of the soundtrack, I was put at ease as I listened to Tevya (Chaim)Topol, and his prayers to God about the things that were happening in his life...he would in a respectful manner talk to God as though they were sharing the same air, yes! There are those that feel that close to God and as God said in the Bible :'for us to talk to Him daily, by the minute, or as we wanted for He was always there to listen to your heart" and your problems and happinesses, and Tevya reminded me of this continually, thus lifting my own spiritualness and heart.
   
   These are two of the most treasured items of entertainment that I own, and they are staying with me, as I watch the movie mostly nightly, and listen to the soundtrack during the day as I peck along on the keys writing what I have to, but, my character and heart has been moved to wonderful feelings as my senses soak in the spiritualness of the soundtrack and the MGM Movie which includes so much of the re-mastered 1969 +- movie!
   I recommend this for all who need a change of heart, or a lift in their spirits.
   Most Highly recommended...(both Items)=10 of 10 stars from "Fourstrings Rit".



2. This is the recording to one of the greatest musicals ever and the sound on it is wonderful. If you like the movie then you have to get this cd.



3. THIS CD WAS WONDERFUL. IT BROUGHT BACK GREAT MEMORIES OF MY YOUTH. I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED THE PLAY, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF AND HAD THE ALBUM WHEN I WAS A KID. I EVEN HAD SUNRISE, SUNSET SANG AT MY WEDDING. WELL MY NEICE RECENTLY ASKED ME TO SING "SUNRISE, SUNSET " AT HER WEDDING, SO I GOT THIS CD FOR A QUICK REFRESHER AND AM SO READY TO SING.



4. The Original Soundtrack of the last great musical old fashioned of Hollywood, arranged and conducted by John Williams, who won his very firt Oscar with this movie.



5. I'm not a Broadway or Musical expert, but this has much to offer. I suspect it should be on an expert list of Top Ten American Musicals.
   
   It 'sounds' terrific to me and for a reasonable price you get John Williams and Isaac Stern in a Classic Soundtrack.
   
   I hope they consider it among their better/best work, because I certainly enjoyed it as being Special ...

5 comments about Little Shop Of Horrors (1986 Film).

1. I love this soundtrack! LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (original motion picture soundtrack)cd is great. The songs all sound like they from the 50s and 60s, that do-wop sound, but the real gems are the greek chorus girls from the movie(Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold, Michelle Weeks).
   
   The reason I didn't give 5-stars is because this cd needs to be remastered. Although it says that it's a "digital recording," the volume is really low so you have to crank it up.



2. I got this to replace the cassette that I left in a car I sold. Love, love, love this soundtrack! All the music is well produced & in proper order of the movie so I can see it in my head while I listen. The actor who plays the plant is so wonderful & "Mean Green Mother from Outer Space" is one of the best songs ever!



3. This adaption of a famous Broadway play is a truly funky story with overtones of science fiction and some of the greatest music ever performed on screen. I never get tired of the soundtrack and play it often.



4. This album contains must of the song fron 1986 movie. This movie is great the music is fantastic. Unlike the on the movie the song are all unabriged on the track. The final song one the second version of the movie mean green mother from outer space for reason I don't understand was abriged for the movie. The songs running time was drasticaly cut from about 4.5 minutes on the album to about a little over 2 minutes. This originally was not the final song for the movie. When this movie was original first the last song was Don't Feed the Plants from the off brodway play. However six months after the movie was first released the whole ending sequence of the movie with Rick Morransis, Ellen Greeen. Levi Stubs and Jim Bilusie had to be shot over again due to negative audience reactions from several people who were upset and not stastified with director Frank Ozze's original first ending. As a result of the ending being modified from a sad depressing ending to a lovely romantic happy ending the song Don't feed the plants and the footage that went along with it were instantly trimed out of footage and only a small fragmet of it exist on the dealete scenes and out take portions of the dvd. However for reason I could never figure out don't feed the plants is include as the final song one the last track of the album even though it no longer exist in the current dvd and vhs formats of the movie



5. The film recording of Little Shop is the best recording of the score yet (despite missing many of the stage version's more superflous and campy ditties)The vocal arangements and orchestrations are the best and most appropriately complementary to the piece. They capture the sound, and spirit in full and with fun and excitement. The cast is superb, and Ellen Greene proved herself quite brilliant in her ability to adapt her stage performance for the small size of film. The performance of Levi Stubbs, criticized on this site, is actually the BEST interpretation and vocal performance of Audrey II to date, anywhere. It is the only performance to truly bring the role to life and is damn funny. The cuts and changes are all logical for the medium of film, and obviously approved of as they were made by Howard Ashman himself. The original off-broadway cast (yes, the show was NOT an official broadway show, therefore could not have won a tony for anyone) is the next best recording. But to those who harp on the film for cutting the stage songs, the original cast album is not the full score, and has cuts made as well. The New Broadway Cast recording, which had great potential and money behind it, is the full stage score. Yet the worst in orchestration, quality, and casting to date. Though bland enough to easily digest, it is no where close to the film's sound and energy.