4 comments about 16 Most Requested Songs of the 1950's, Vol. 1.

1. 16 Most Requested Songs of the 1950's, Vol. 1 boasts great sound and a wide diversity of artists to bring back those memories of the fabulous fifties! The artwork is great and the songs are sure to put a smile on your face.
   
   "My Heart Cries For You" starts the CD off with a most passionate love ballad that is sure to pull at your heartstrings; and "Jezebel" by Frankie Laine features Frankie singing squarely in the spotlight. The percussion adds a lot to the musical arrangement for "Jezebel." "Jezebel" is a steamy number that works well on many levels.
   
   Johnnie Ray's "The Little White Cloud That Cried" shines as brightly as it ever did; and The Four Lads back Johnnie up so smoothly. Johnnie belts this out very well and his performance of "The Little White Cloud That Cried" is masterful and sensitive both at the same time. Great!
   
   Doris Day's "Secret Love" retains its incredible, timeless appeal all these years later; and Doris never sings a superfluous note! Her performance is sensitive and very emotional; this makes "Secret Love" a fine tune for slow dancing with your sweetheart. In addition, Joan Weber's "Let Me Go Lover" is another highlight of this album; Joan sings this with all her heart and soul. Joan really sings this well and I enjoy this song whenever I hear it.
   
   "Mambo Italiano" by Rosemary Clooney is always one of my very favorites from this era; Rosemary Clooney belts this out strong and her backup vocalists enhance the number all the more. Listen also for Mitch Miller and The Gang on "The Yellow Rose Of Texas." "The Yellow Rose Of Texas" is a memorable number and "The Gang" sings this very well. The Four Lads also do a magnificent job on "Moments To Remember." I predict that you will like The Four Lads doing "Moments To Remember."
   
   Ray Conniff and His Orchestra do an excellent job on "S'Wonderful;" and the album ends with Johnny Mathis performing his stunning hit "Chances Are." Johnny sings with a power and sweetness that I rarely hear or enjoy and "Chances Are" is a prime example of Johnny's singularly fine talent.
   
   This fine album will, without a doubt, remind you of the days when you first heard these songs on the radio. Younger people who want to hear great songs from the 1950s would do well to choose this CD.



2. Overall, this and Volume II are good collections with nothing really strange or jarring. The quality of the discs is excellent. No complaints at all.



3. This collection is a great mixture of the songs I was listening to on the radio in my pre-teen years. But they are 1000 times clearer now, the talent of the singers is more evident and the melodies are much more enjoyable.



4. I've heard and played all of these song's from back in the 50's on this CD. Some of the greatest music of all time's came from that era. I am looking for the song's "Love Walked Right In" & "Hernandoes Hideaway" from that era. The Singer's I can't remember. If you can be of help, I am Larry F. Rees "E" mail - lfr@ee.net Thank You

5 comments about Scrooge: The Musical (1992 Birmingham Cast).

1. I bought this CD originally because my 7 yo son was cast in a local production. I figured it would help him learn the words. For that reason, the CD did its job. It's turned out to be one of his favorite Christmas CDs.
   I must admit that the Albert Finney version of Scrooge has always been my favorite, even as a child. I had to listen to it a few times to digest it. Eventually it grew on me. First off, Track 1, A Christmas Carol only played for about 1 minute and then would go to track two. That was a disappointment because as someone else said, the first song is wonderful. I liked all the songs and the added one, Good Times, that the Cratchit family sings.
   What surprised me was the quality of some of the voices. Some of the ensemble actually go flat (off key)in a few of the songs, especially in the Entr'acte (I Like Life Reprise), Bob Cratchit in Good Times, and some Cratchit Family members when they all sing with Tiny Tim in The Beautiful Morning.
   Anthony Newly does a great job on some of the songs where there's talking and singing like in I Hate Christmas and It's Not My Fault. I find I don't like when he sings the higher or sustained notes in some songs such as I'll Begin Again or A Better Life. I feel he uses too much vibrato at the end, instead of having a full and solid voice.
   Overall, I would recommend this to others.



2. Scrooge the movie is my absolute favorite Christmas movie. Apparently, you can't get the soundtrack on CD because of some kind of legal hangup. Until they make a real version of this CD, go to http://falalalala.com/?p=129 and make your own Scrooge the movie CD! That website has everything you need in one place. If you love the movie, like me, go download it now. Then life will be fine, good, and just as it should be.



3. The reason for all the negative reviews isn't necessarilly a reflection on the Birmingham cast. It's because the FILM was so wonderful and the songs were spectacular and memorable as done by THAT cast, and everyone is looking for a recording from THAT!!!
   
   Unfortunately, unless you get the DVD and hook it up to make your own bootleg recording, there isn't any soundtrack from the film available.
   
   This version isn't misleading - it clearly identifies itself as the STAGE soundtrack. But most likely, it isn't what you were looking for.
   
   Let us all know when the Albert Finney film cast version is ready! It's long overdue for release.



4. For all of you who carry the memories and the magic from the 1970 original musical film of Scrooge, this "production" will destroy that magic. Anthony Newly is indeed, wrongly cast, and is an absolutely horrendous, egotistical and overdone [his style] obscenity to the gorgeous songs of Leslie Bricusse and to Albert Finney's characterization of such.



5. This is rather a labored effort. Anthony Newley is not well-cast. The extra songs are nothing else but extra and take away from the story.

5 comments about Shirley Bassey - The Greatest Hits.

1. As a Shirley Bassey fan, I enjoyed "The Greatest Hits" album. I'm sure all her fans will enjoy it. The only problem is so many of the songs are
   on other albums so in many cases it is redundant.
   
   Jim



2. SHIRLEY BASSEY:GREATEST HITS is a wonderful introduction to this great songstress.
   
   I absolutely loved it. Bassey has that unusual voice that people know when they hear it and it's riveting. The tracks that stand out for me are:
   "Diamonds Are Forever," "(Where Do I Begin)Love Story," "What Now My Love" and of course "Goldfinger."
   
   If you like this you might also like:The Remix Album: Diamonds Are Forever (this might be the older version here's the updated one The Remix Album... Diamonds Are Forever). That cd has Bassey's standards that have been remixed by current hot producers/djs so it gives the songs an updated flair...not that they needed it.



3. This isn't a CD that I could listen to everyday, but it's great when the mood strikes you.



4. We discovered the fabulous Shirley Bassey over twenty years ago.
   Remarkable voice, incredible range, a certain cachet of her own with
   lyrics and melodies. In the recent past, in recognition of her amazing voice, and as a citizen of the United Kingdom, Ms. Bassey was honored by Queen Elizabeth. We continue to listen with pleasure as Ms. Bassey's unique voice fills our home.



5. You cannot be over 30, and listen to this amazing woman sing, without her vocals evoking a flood of memories. It's a 'trip' you really must take!

5 comments about The Wedding Singer (2006 Original Broadway Cast).

1. I am surprised this did not make it on Broadway longer. What a great trip back in time! Saw the touring show and I had to get the soundtrack.



2. I'm a big Stephen Lynch fan, but this is pretty dull. Rent the movie, or buy one of his comedy albums instead.



3. For Christmas, my parents gave me two tickets to see The Wedding Singer. Although I saw the movie, I had no idea what to expect from the musical. So, I purchased the soundtrack and was very pleasantly surprised. Anyone who listens to this CD will find something to whet their musical appetite. Now that I've heard the CD, I can't wait to see the show!



4. The Wedding Singer was a fun Broadway show. I am giving this cd along with 2 tickets to the touring production as a wedding gift.



5. The songs on this CD are hilarious! I love Broadway musicals as does my daughter...she aspires to be an actress/singer when she grows up.

5 comments about Swing When You're Winning.

1. Robbie williams is yet one of the best singers out there. This album is very very well done. I have to say that if you like frank sinatra then you will love this album well worth the money...



2. I have nothing against Robbie Williams. I am completely indifferent to the guy, so this review is nothing "personal". BUT...that said, this is really terrible - really amateurish. If you like this type of music, PROMISE me you'll listen to the real deal. The passionate, perfect phrasing of none other than FRANK SINATRA. PROMISE me!!!



3. This is a great album. He does great justice to Mack the Knife! Love it.



4. If there is one thing that I can say about Robbie Williams, it is that he truly knows his way around a song. I work in a bookstore that has a music department where we get to choose which CD's to play. This is a staple in my playlist and every time that I play it, somebody buys it and I run out of stock.
   
   The album starts off with the stellar ballad "I Will Talk And Ho llywood Will Listen". The song was made as a comedic satire of the fame and glory associated with Hollywood, but this comedic does not take anything away from the musical brilliance. The band is perfect and Robbie really shows off his chops.
   
   The rest of the album are covers of musical greats such as Bobby Darin ("Mack The Knife", "Beyond The Sea"), Frank Sinatra ("It Was A Very Good Year", "Something Stupid") Nat King Cole ("Straighten Up And Fly Right") and Dean Martin ("Ain't That A Kick In The Head"), just to name a few. The versions of these songs on the CD pay a definate homage to the originals, but Robbie adds a whole lot of `Oomph' with his spectacular voice and the accompaniment of flawless London Session Orchestra.
   
   The artists that Robbie sings his duets with are perfectly chosen for each song, adding just the right amount of playfulness, sex appeal, comedy or raw talent where it is needed. His solo tracks are simply irresistible. His version of "One For My Baby" is perfection and "Have You Met Miss Jones?" will knock your socks off.
   
   Robbie Williams truly is a musical chameleon, transforming from a promiscuous rocker to a deep, sensitive character to a sophisticated oldies crooner and back again.
   
   This CD truly is a treat to listen to.



5. After "Sing when you're winning" (something of a breakthrough album for him), Robbie decided to take on his riskiest project: a cover of standards from the 40s, 50s and 60s. To everyone surprise, he succeeded. The album is wonderful to listen. The hit single of the album was Somethin' Stupid (a cover of Frank and Nancy Sinatra's hit by Robbie and Nicole Kidman - yes, she can sing), but the album has a lot of other great songs - Mack the Knife, Well did you Evah (a duet with Jon Lovitz!), Mr. Bojangles, the wonderful Things (a duet with Jane Horrocks), Ain't that a Kick in the Head, They can't Take that Away from Me (a duet with Rupert Everett!), and finally, to me the best song in the album, Beyond the Sea (originally a french song, but made famous by Bobby Darin in the 1960s).

5 comments about Lord of the Rings - Original London Cast Recording with Bonus DVD.

1. When I saw that the cast album came with a bonus DVD, I naturally made the assumption that there would be some VIDEO of the show on the disc. All that is on the DVD is a reprint of the audio disc with montages of STILLS - many of them black and white, and WAY too many of them backstage and rehearsal shots. I would've loved to have seen some actual video of the production!! I'm giving it 3 stars because I actually enjoy a great deal of the score (though it sounds more like a movie soundtrack than a musical theatre piece).



2. When I heard there would be a musical of The Lord of the Rings I thought it would be horrible. How could they ever make something as brilliant as the books or even the movies? Well, I saw th Hobbits for the first time in photo and slowly changed my idea. I didn't get to hear the music until much later when I went onto the website. I fell in Love with Lothlorien and The Cate & Moon. I finially got to buy the cd this month. I am in love with this album. Any Lord of the Rings fan needs this album! It's captivating. I hope the show goes on tour in the US because I'd love ot see it.



3. I saw the show in London and wasn't blown away but did enjoy the music. My 3-star rating, therefore, isn't for the music but for the awful packaging. The discs are held in hard, bottomless cardboard cases within the CD "book," which means that every time the discs slide in or out they are scratched. I received my new copy with multiple light scratches before they had even been played! Would it have been such a problem for the manufacturer to put disc plates on both ends of the book? Not impressed. For those who don't care about such things, it won't matter; for avid collectors, it sucks.



4. Seriously, though?! I cried. I cried because it was SO flipping beautiful. The music with the set constantly changing and the costumes and the actors taking on such a monolith, all the while this GORGEOUS music is swirling around you lifting your emotional response to what you are watching to a new height.... it seriously BLEW. ME. AWAY. Better than any new musical here in America, and I live in NYC so don't right me off thinking I've only seen one Broadway musical or something. Holy BeJESUS it is SO good.



5. This cd is Wonderful! I have listened to it a lot since I received it on Monday. I hope it comes to the US so that I can see it on stage. This cd is great for every Lord Of The Rings Fan!!
   
   I was also surprised to see that the DVD worked on all of my DVD players.

3 comments about The American Mall.

1. Unlike "High School Musical" where the music's purpose provide background for choreography, "The American Mall" soundtrack is about the music itself and its support of the story. As such, the TAM soundtrack is stronger top-to-bottom, and is much easier to take over repeated listenings. It has a more natural sound thanks to some very welcome restraint on the use of pitch correction and synthesized harmonies. Moreover, better songs, better vocal performances, and a slew of up-tempo numbers make this a disc you'll want to play loud and often.



2. So much better than High School Musical! Its true. Go bye little peppy disney musicals MTV can kick out better musicals! Every song is amazing!
   
   1. Every 10 Seconds: Good opening number to open with
   2. At The Mall: Very High School Musical, Lunch Room Song
   3. Dreaming Wide Awake: This Love song Sticks out the most in the movie
   4. Get your Rock On: The Balled of the movie and really stands out too
   5. The New You: The bad girl song sounds Great!
   6. A Little bit of Heart Somewhere: Amazing Song to play over and over
   7. Surviver: The Strong Girl number of the movie. Very well done
   8. Sorry's Not Enough: This is another song that really stands out!
   9. Clear: Makes you think how could a song be better then Dreaming wide Awake
   10. Don't Hold Back: a great last number leaves you singing after the moive is over. closes the movie on a good note and wanting more!



3. *Note: This was originally written as a review on iTunes, where the overwhelmingly large number of 5-star reviews were just too much to sit idly by.*
   
   Yes, I am 21, but High School Musical (and especially it's successor) was a movie with a lot of heart, with a soundtrack full of catchy replayable tunes. They say this is for the "older" crowed, that HSM is too "tween" and that TAM is edgier and more mature - well that ain't true. Unlike High School Musical's, these songs are empty and hollow, the most generic music I've heard in a very long while. I didn't think vocals could get worse than Hudgens' (who actually improved on the second soundtrack) but Nina Dobrev's - and the rest of the cast for that matter - is nothing but horrid, synthesized drivel. And there's no one with anywhere close to the vocal prowess of Lucas Grabeel on this album anywhere. It's a shame the only one with apparent true vocal talent, Neil Haskell, only got 3 stanzas of solo music in the entire score.
   
   Comparing "Work It Out" to "At The Mall" (whose lyrics go something like "at the mall, ooooh at the mall") or "Gotta Go My Own Way" to "A Little Bit of Heart Somewhere" (hey sugar hey sugar hey, don't care what you say...") seems like no contest. Yet there's hundreds of people who attest that this is better than High School Musical. Everyone has their own opinions and prefrences, but when something so blatantly bland and horrible is said to be better than something with a lot of heart, I get pretty darn confused. Are we reviewing the same thing here?

5 comments about Anything Goes (1962 Off-Broadway Cast).

1. I was in the Chorus for "Anything Goes," in Summer Stock this past summer. I bought this CD before my audition to help prepare myself for it. I still listen to it sometimes. Eileen Rodgers has a really nice voice. And the songs are almost top quality. As you listen to the tap numbers, you can almost see the dancers doing their routines.
   
   I would definitely recommend this CD to anyone, who loves Theatre. So buy yourself a copy and set sail with Cole Porter and the cast of "Anything Goes." All Aboard!



2. I'm really happy with the CD. I'm rehearsing this show right now and it is a great audio aid to learning the music. But what I'm not happy about is that as I openned the package, the CD case was so cracked that it was not usable. Fortunately, I had another empty case, so I can protect the CD, but I'm surprised that the case arrived in pieces.



3. I love this CD - I am participating in a local community performance of Anything Goes and this CD is perfect for listening to the music. Also, great buy.



4. I currently own the 1988 Studio recording and this recording of Anything goes. While they are two different musicals (1988's Cast does the "original" Anything Goes, and this CD is the revamped version) this CD is more enjoyable than the other. Mainly because all the voices are smoother, and nicer to the ear. Both CDs have tracks that the other does not, but the story lines are pretty similar. The 1988 recording seems to have a much bigger ensemble feel to it, with huge company numbers, while this one has many more character ballads. Of course I would suggest getting both, but if you had to choose one, I would pick this one. I would suggest this for people who like Broadway, but aren't brand new to it. Its not too old, nor too new, so its just right. Favorite Song: "Anything Goes"



5. Unfortunately no audio files exist from the 1934 broadway debut of this play so this is as close as you can get. Very enjoyable and true to the original play. A necessary addition for any Cole Porter fan.

5 comments about Tick, Tick... Boom! (2001 Original Off-Broadway Cast).

1. I'd never heard of Tick Tick Boom until XM radio played a few tracks. This is already one of my favorites. If you enjoyed Rent, you'll love this as well.



2. Though most people only know Jonathan Larson for his spectacular Tony & Pulitizer-winning "Rent", his lesser-known effort, "tick, tick...Boom" displays Larson's amazing & evolving talent. Like "Rent", "Boom" is personal - though the score is not nearly as strong.
   
   This 2001 Off-Broadway production (almost five years after Mr. Larson's death), starring Raul Esparza ("Company", "Taboo", "Rocky Horror") & Amy Spanger ("Kiss Me Kate", "The Wedding Singer"), sounds terrific and has several highlights:
   
   30/90
   Johnny Can't Decide
   Why
   Louder Than Words



3. Perhaps it's a coincidence that the immensely talented Raúl Esparza plays a character dreading his 30th birthday in this 2001 recording of the hit off-Broadway show by the late Jonathan Larson, while five years later, he would play the elliptical Bobby dreading his 35th birthday in the enthralling 2006 Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's Company. In both performances, Esparza shows a true affinity for capturing the angst of men undergoing transitional points in their lives which render them emotionally paralyzed. At first glance, Sondheim and Larson would not seem like kindred spirits, but both share a gift for sophisticated lyrics in an unmistakable musical style defined by their oeuvres. Larson even pays tribute to Sondheim in the story's climax and with the sardonic, work-is-hell "Sunday", a take-off of the song with the same name in Sunday in the Park with George.
   
   However, it is the familiar Larson sound of Rent that is heard most in this score - driving, rock-out rhythms with unavoidable pop hooks and yearning, piano-driven ballads. Even the opener, "30/90", is a virtual sound-alike of the bigger show's title tune. If the songs are not quite as polished or even memorable as those in Rent, they feel more personal because the autobiographical story is far more intimate in scale. Set in 1990 in the same SoHo neighborhood as Rent, it's a simple three-character piece about Jon, an aspiring composer who considers giving up his dreams on the verge of his 30th birthday. With charismatic fire, Esparza is equally adept using his beautifully expressive voice in a rock milieu as in a Sondheim character study. He brings energetic brio to finger-snapping rockers like the Twinkie-induced "Sugar" and especially shines on the ballads, "See Her Smile" and the revelatory "Why".
   
   With a slightly pinched voice that reminds me a bit of the Bangles' Susanna Hoffs, Amy Spanger as girlfriend Susan duets nicely with Esparza on the touching "Johnny Can't Decide", the rocking "Green Green Dress", and the comical self-help wordplay of "Therapy". Her shining solo moment comes with the knockout ballad, "Come to Your Senses". As Jon's embattled pal Michael, Jerry Dixon provides powerful vocals, bringing particular warmth to "Real Life" and grit to the fed-up rave "No More". The trio closes the show powerfully with the anthem-like "Louder Than Words". The overall score is a bit derivative and a tad too earnest, but the youthful zest of the cast and Larson's pop craftsmanship more than compensate. Two bonus tracks are offered at the end - an instrumental replay of the opener, "30/90 Playout" and a rare recording of Larson singing "Boho Days" a capella with propulsive hand claps.



4. If you are a fan of the late great Mr. Larson you will love this music. Okay, I have seen the play a couple of times so I know what happens between the songs but this, his autobiography, really moved me. Even my kids like the Green Dress Song.
   
   I hope you like it... The theme is "Actions Speak Louder Than Words" rings true today as the day he wrote it.
   
   John we miss you.



5. I saw this play a few weeks ago, and really enjoyed the music, so I got the CD. The voices, and lyrics are amazing! However, as I often find with CDs of musicals, there wasn't always the right feeling in the voice, particularly in "Therapy" where couple ought to be angry at each other, and it seems more cute on the CD.

5 comments about Seasons of Love.

1. Again I was unable to find this CD locally and thru Barnes and Nobles it was over 30.00 shipped directly to me. Its just unbelievable that he's not popular in the U. S. Truly a great CD.



2. How can this not be a good CD?...good musical selections, great orchestration, and of course, the magnificent voice of Michael Ball...this one is a total winner!



3. Michael at his best. Powerful voice, great lyrics, and a very dynamic
   entertainer. Just love this CD. A must to own.



4. I love anything this man sings. His voice is heavenly. He sings adult songs for adult people!



5. I am a huge fan of Michael Ball, and have been for years. This is a great album, and has amazing songs. My only "cautionary tale" is that nearly all the songs on this album are on other albums, including "The Very Best of Michael Ball" and "This Time... It's Personal," so if you're a big fan, check your collection before you pick this one up. The music, however, is wonderful, delivered with Ball's signature style, and if it is your first CD, or if you need a generalised overview of love songs (for a wedding, or similar occassion), this is a great choice.