5 comments about Great Records Of The Decade: 40's Hits, Vol. 1.

1. It's one of the best cd's I own.The music is great. It;s songs I haven't heard for a long time.



2. Purchased to load onto an MP3 as a gift to an older person who was very happy with music



3. Not great but I usually mix the music up and use the tunes I like so being it wasn't expensive not too awful.



4. This is a fun, upbeat collection of music from the 40's with excellent sound quality. You can't help but smile when you hear these enjoyable songs from the past!



5. I am throwing a 40's party for my parents and this music is perfect. It is such a romantic decade. Yes it was all about the War but the music had heart and soul behind it. THis CD is wonderful. It has a good mixture of artists and songs. If you like the 40's or are interested in hearing, this is a great CD!

5 comments about Ultra-Lounge: Christmas Cocktails, Part One.

1. It is what exactly what it says it is. Nice jazz renditions of Christmas classics. Pour your self an eggnog and enjoy



2. This is such a hip Christmas disc! Every one who hears it loves it. It is one of our favorite holiday discs.



3. Christmas Cocktails, part one gives you twenty-one awesome tracks to make you feel toasty warm all over this holiday season! The quality of the sound is excellent and anyone who likes lounge music is bound to want this album.
   
   There are several highlights of this album. The first track is Billy May's "Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer Mambo." This tune's Latin beat uses the brass, percussion and perfect timing to make a great arrangement. Peggy Lee's "Winter Wonderland" is another track I really like; her excellent diction bolsters her performance. Moreover, listen for Ray Anthony's medley of "Christmas Trumpets/We Wish You A Very Merry Christmas;" this one's wonderful, too.
   
   The incomparable Julie London does a perfect job on "I'd Like You For Christmas;" her voice conveys all the romance a man could ever want from a woman. Of course, Kay Starr's excellent "(Everybody's Waitin' For) The Man With The Bag" features Kay singing at her best; the big band style arrangement lacks nothing, either.
   
   Dean Martin croons his way through "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm;" and Jackie Gleason and Jack Marshall give us a great medley of "I'll Be Home For Christmas/Baby, It's Cold Outside." Now THIS is mood music!
   
   Nancy Wilson performs a charming, sensitive rendition of the classic "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?;" and the immortal Nat King Cole performs "The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)."
   
   There are three bonus tracks. I especially liked the one that features several different artists encouraging people to contribute to "Toys For Tots;" and Billy May's eclectic version of "Jingle Bells" is a cute way for Capitol Records to wish us all a Merry Christmas.
   
   The liner notes feature an essay by R. J. Smith; and we get two drink recipes--including one of the famous Hot Toddy. The artwork is excellent.
   
   In short, if you like lounge music--and especially pop Christmastime music from the 1950s and 1960s--you have got to get this album. It's worth every penny you'll spend on it.



4. Am I the only one who can't seem to download the music into iTunes? My computer won't even acknowledge the existence of the CD. Grrrrrr - that's not the true Christmas spirit... (or IS it?)



5. Nothing can be finer that Ultra Lounge - never a bad thing to say.

5 comments about Crazy for You (1992 Original Broadway Cast).

1. Exactly what I was looking for and at the right price. This is unavailable in any shop and Amazon made it so easy to get. Unfortunately I opted for the Express delivery on this Item which was a very big mistake. UPS are responsible for the Express delivery and after paying three times the price of the actual disk, UPS failed to deliver on time and I had to go and collect from their Depot.
   Great Job as usual Amazon but I think you need to reconsider who you trust with your delivery - I for one will think twice about buying from Amazon again, I have no confidence in delivery anymore.



2. If you enjoy musicals and the music of George Gershwin, then this is the CD for you. One terrific song after terrific song. Looking forward to seeing this musical live in the Boston area in April, 2008.



3. The strengths of this recording are the very full orchestration, the voices are great and the diction is amazing. You can hear every word clearly. The only complaint I have is that the recording level is a little uneven so I found myself turning the volume up and down from time to time. Its a marvelous musical with lots of classic tunes and it makes me happy to listen to it.



4. Jodi benson appears in one of very few, but marveolus broadway performances!The music on this recording even downplays bensons work in disneys " The Little Mermaid"! It is and energetic fun-filled musical, yet it is based solely upon the one emotion that is so ellusive, yet so desired,love. Benson's rendition of someone to watch over me is absolutely amazing!overall this CD is well worth the money you put forth on it. I would also suggest the music book too for musicians as myself---Robert Ellis,14



5. The original cast of Crazy For You is superb. The songs are of course amazing. What Gershwin song isn't? Jodi Benson will blow you away with her beyond amazing voice and talent. Highlights include "Someone to Whatch Over Me", "Could You Use Me", "But Not For Me", "I Got Rhythm", "Embraceable You", and "They Can't Take That Away From Me". Every song on this CD is practically perfect. You won't go wrong if you purchase Crazy For You.

5 comments about Candide (1956 Original Broadway Cast).

1. After more than half a century, the original cast album of "Candide" still glitters, so to speak. Although this production flopped on Broadway, this album has become a cult classic, primarily due to Barbara Cook's clear, sweet, and warm soprano, a "sui generis" voice, unlike the many generic Broadway sopranos of today.
   
   Although this is not my favorite "Candide" overall, the style of some of the performances being a little stilted, Cook is certainly my favorite Cunegonde.



2. This is an American Classic...fantastic score performed by the original cast. Can't be beat! Should be in the collection of everyone who enjoys American musical theatre - and opera.



3. I currently own two recordings of Candide, this one and the 1997 revival. It is hard to say which one is better; however it is easy to say this one is more important. This is the original. Many have come after it (including a revised version by Bernstein himself) but this is the basis for them all. Each revision is different in some way, so you really should own this one to know the true Candide. In circles of major Broadway fans this recording is considered the definitive way to sing "Glitter and Be Gay" and I must say it is really quite amazing. Candide leans heavily into the styling's of operetta so some west side story fans may be surprised with what they hear, but it is still beautiful music. So why even consider another recording? The 1997 recording has almost the full orchestrations and they sound glorious. Some reworking of libretto and plot may not be, but hearing the magnificent composition of Bernstein is well worth the investment. Bottom line: If you can only get one, this is the one to get. Favorite song: "It Must Be So"



4. An uneven disk. Some parts are very good, but much of the story line is absent and the tension expected between the fuzzy headed romantic thoughts of some characters and the devious real world does not happen. It seems diluted and while better than the Soundheim stuff of later years is still not at the level expected for this work.



5. Wonderful, though I prefer the rich maturity of Barbara Cook's voice now to the beauty and purity of it in her youth.

5 comments about A Year with Frog and Toad (Original Cast Recording).

1. My daughter and I love the stories, and put to music, they are even more fun.



2. After seeing a local production of "A year with frog and toad" we found this CD and we are so happy we did. My 4 year old daughters LOVE this CD--and it is fun for adults to listen to also. We all sing along with the songs and it pretty much plays continuously in our car. I grew up reading the frog and toad series and it's so fun to be able to share it both in book and music form with my children.



3. We just love this family CD. The songs are so much fun... Even I find myself lost in imagination as I listen to these songs - It reminds me of simpler times when a book is all you needed for entertainment. A must for Frog & Toad lovers!!!!



4. We've seen the musical twice now and would love to see it again. The songs are catchy, clever and cute. The characters are wonderful and richly developed. The songs go along perfectly with the stories if you have the book (if you don't you should get it). This is fun for our kids and I like it too!
   Absolutely delightful!



5. This is a delightful musical designed to appeal to children of all ages. (I'm 65 and found it magical!) Although I sure it's better to see the show than just hear it, this cast recording captures the energy of the show quite well. Most importantly, the valuable message of the show comes through very well on this recording. The message of the show is to answer the important question: "What is friendship?" Frog and Toad teach us the true meaning of this wonderful word in a way that is fun to hear!!

5 comments about The Nightmare Before Christmas: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.

1. I bought this for my girlfriend, who used to have a copy before it got lost, but I ripped a copy to my computer first because I love it too. Excellent quality for having been bought second hand. If I have need to, I will definetely shop with this seller again!



2. Of the many collaborations of Director Tim Burton and composer Danny Elfman, Nightmare Before Christmas has been a favorite of mine. One thing that lends the film so much of its charm is this brilliant soundtrack. The songs are catchy and make you WANT to sing along. At times some of the words seem creepy " children throwing snowballs instead of throwing heads..."but that creepiness has a charm to it that is almost like that of Dr. Seuss. The only thing that makes the soundtrack BETTER than the film, is the narrations read by the great Patrick Stewart. If they were to re-release the films with those... it could only make a GREAT film better.
   Note: buy THIS version and not the 2 disc special anniversery edition with the remixes by different artists.



3. Seriously, there are great artists in this world, yet they aren't recognized like they should be. I'll admit I just finally got into this duos work (my mom would never let me see Nightmare becuase it's pretty dark themed) but, I'm a very musical person, so I could tell this is something that is worth so much more than it's given credit for. But everyone has an opinion, don't worry I haven't counted that out. Not just this soundtrack or even just the music but all aspects of their work. Danny Elfman and Tim Burton are freakin geniuses yet they are not acknowledged anywhere near enough for their work. Corpse Bride was not given near enough publicity or credit where due. It mat not be "as good" as Nightmare" but that what it's compared to and understandably so, but Corpse Bride is fantastic in it's own right! I mean, we'd be comparing Nightmare to Corpse Bride if CB is what came out first.anyways, this dynamic duo of geniuses needs to be given some award, they are so much more talented than some certain authorities in the show biz/music world(whoever they may be) are saying by not ackknoledging them near enough. I just realized I'm pretty repetitive.



4. 
   Setting aside that Danny Elfman (Oingo Boingo, The Simpsons, composer extraordinarie...) is "God," this album is one of his greatest masterpieces ever. His scores and songs truly bring Tim Burton's greatest movie masterpiece (with due respect to Beetlejuice) to life. The music of Nightmare is a full half of the magic of the film, the characters being the other.
   
   Every song is faithfully set to order here and flows seamlessly from one to the next. Unlike other soundtrack albums, this gem stands on its own as an auditory representation of the film, but also a pleasant album to listen to in its own right. I am far from being a fan of musicals, but this album is one of the great exceptions.



5. The Nightmare Before Christmas is a legendary movie in my house, and this soundtrack, of course, follows suit. Danny Elfman is a genius! These songs are so much fun to listen to and sing along with! I highly, highly recommend adding this brilliant soundtrack to your collection!

5 comments about A Chorus Line - The New Broadway Cast Recording (2006 Broadway Revival Cast).

1. A Chorus Line is one of my favorite's - At the Ballet - an awesome trio! I listen to this at least once a day. One of the few cd's that I enjoy all songs on.
   
   If you enjoy Broadway Recordings - add this one to your collection!



2. This new recording is, of course great because it's the new Broadway cast, but when you compair it to the original cast recording, it pales.
   Not seeing the show you can only judge the music, and having listening to the original recording for so many years, you get used to its' perfection.
   On the new recording: the opening number is slower, but then "At The Ballet" is too fast. "Sing" tries to be funny and looses the charm of the original. "Nothing" falls short of the original's performance. The montages are great here, and nice to hear more music than the original. What is good is the finale of "One", nice new instrumentation. Overall, the music is crisp, and technology has advanced to make it a good sounding recording, and not to put this recording down, it is a good companion to the "gold standard"-- the original cast recording, but after listening a couple of times, I'll go back to the original when I want to enjoy A Chorus Line.



3. This is an excellent recording of the revival of the Broadway show. It contains more material than the original and is faithful to the original as well.



4. A Chorus Line is one of those musicals you have to see to believe. It's all about visuals.
   
   This CD is nice for those who saw the show, however, there is only about two songs that are worth listening to if you can not relate to what is going on.
   
   On it's own, this CD barely floats for entertainment value.



5. Look - you can compare "original cast recordings" with "revival recordings" all you like but will you really find the true defining work.
   I have seen this show a number of times including an early Broadway cast and I have to say that in my humble opinion this recording holds up very well indeed. It is great to have a more complete recording than the original. This one sparkles in its own way - but then so it should - after all recording techniques have changed over the years, and CD's allow more content than vinyl.
   So which is better? I won't say - because each has its own appeal. So go like me and have both the OBC AND this revival!!!
   You'll love both I am sure!

5 comments about A Catered Affair (Original Broadway Cast Recording).

1. This musical was VERY under appreciated. With every listen, you get more and more out of the words. If you like musicals, you will LOVE this one.



2. "The Catered Affair" was not a success on Broadway, but the score deserves to be heard. The cast is excellent.



3. I don't see this as ever winning a Tony. The voices are excellent and the story line captures your interest, but I didn't walk away from this humming any of the tunes.
   
   I will recommend that many of my friends listen to this sountrack for the sake of the story line & the production quality, but it will never be one of my top ten



4. A very small pleasure, no pretty melodies, no complex story.
   
   The songs allow you to follow the story well. Unfortunately the story is exactly the same as the old Bette Davis movie.
   
   Faith Prince is fine, she has her Bronx accent perfect. Tom Wopat in good voice but his accent is not so satisfying. But Harvey Firestein is terrible! The raspy voice that was such fun in Hairspray is such an annoyance here.
   
   I was disappointed when the show closed before I could get tickets. Now I'm glad I saved the $200.



5. I was lucky enough to be New York recently and was priviledged to attend a Saturday Matinee of "A Catered Affair." This is the stuff of legends! Granted the book added a rather trite sub-plot about the uncle, but the music, direction, sets, costumes, orchestrations and stellar performances made for a momentous performance. And the CD beautifully captures the magical, delicate and wholly original score by John Bucchino. I almost chose not to see this show because of Ben Brantley's scathing review in the New York Times. Thank God, my heart took over and told me that this might be another "Light in the Piazza."
   
   But it wasn't a copy of anything. It was completely original. Broadway is willing and wanting and waiting for such lovely pieces. Not since "She Loves Me" has a show been so wrongly criticized and ignored by the Tony nominators, who, for God's knows what reason, embraced the sophomoric and cloying "In the Heights." (I attended a performance of the latter where many audience members left at the intermission.) Another musical that got short-changed was "Young Frankenstein" with a near comic operetta score and stellar performances by all involved.
   
   But I digress. If you're even thinking about going to NYC this summer, go immediately before "A Catered Affair" closes. It's scheduled to close in late July.
   
   DO YOUR PART TO KEEP IT GOING!!

5 comments about Hair (Deluxe Edition) (1968 Original Broadway Cast and 1967 off 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

4 comments about The Best Of Broadway (Cast Recording Anthology).

1. It was not as high a quality of songs I had expected. It was a poor choice on my part. No fault to the seller. It was represented well. Just not what I had hoped for.



2. This cd combines some of the prettiest songs on Broadway (Don't Cry for Me Argentina; Music of the Night) with some of the best chorus songs on Broadway (Big Spender, Mame) with some of the funniest songs on Broadway (Sue Me). With additional songs like the Impossible Dream and the one and only Broadway anthem (There's no business like show business), whats not to love about this cd. I highly recommend it.



3. I got this cd just knowing it was going to be a favorite and I was right I love it.



4. I absolutely love this CD. It has a good mix of songs from several broadway plays. I play it constantly. I highly recommend this to any musical lover.