2 comments about Hooked on Swing.

1. The CD sounds better than the old LP! A lot of fun and it's great exercise!



2. Larry Elgart released this on record about 25 years ago so I decided to order the CD version! What a great sound quality. If you enjoy big bands then you will want to dance to this. After all these years I am still "hooked"!!

5 comments about Aladdin.

1. I was very excited to get this album since I lost my CD many years ago, but I was already saddened 30 seconds into the Arabian Nights song where he they censored out "where they cut off your ear if they don't like your face" with some lame "where it's flat and immense and the heat is intense" (wtf?) I should have read the reviews before buying, I would have hunted out the true original CD!
   
   That's the takeaway folks: you get the beauty of the soundtrack in straight 256kbps MP3 format and instantly, but you will lose the true original soundtrack. Frankly if Amazon would refund me I'd happily buy the original CD at the same price.



2. We purchased this item on March 21, 2008, we got a email saying that they had our payment had been rec'd. We didn't receive it until April 19th. It appears to be in good working order.



3. It's amazing that we are willing to pay for certain songs and they don't want to sell to us unless we buy the entire album! Very interested in "Friend Like Me" but unable to purchase.Aladdin



4. What a very entertaining and fun soundtrack! Robin Williams is the delightful Genie and his wit and humor definitely come out in the character. Children and adults will both enjoy the music.



5. I have no idea why there is only one song showing on the catalog page. There are 21 songs on this CD. They are:
   
   1. 1:20 Arabian Nights
   2. 1:25 Legend of the Lamp
   3. 2:23 One Jump Ahead
   4. 1:53 Street Urchins
   5. 1:02 One Jump Ahead (reprise)
   6. 2:26 Friend Like Me
   7. 1:39 To Be Free
   8. 2:51 Prince Ali
   9. 2:42 A Whole New World
   10. 2:43 Jafar's Hour
   11. 1:07 Prince Ali (reprise)
   12. 1:35 The Ends of the Earth
   13. 1:51 The Kiss
   14. 2:56 On a Dark Night
   15. 0:47 Jasmine Runs Away
   16. 2:37 Marketplace
   17. 4:58 The Cave of Wonders
   18. 1:52 Aladdin's Word
   19. 3:40 The Battle
   20. 4:16 Happy End in Agrabah
   21. 4:06 A Whole New World (Aladdin's Theme)

5 comments about The Phantom of the Opera (Highlights from the 1989 Original Canadian Cast).

1. To be honest, ALW made a mistake by casting Colm as the Phantom. He shouldn't have done because whenever I listen this album, I keep thinking that this is the sequel to Les Miserables and that the spirit of Valjean came to posess the Phantom! It's a good thing that I didn't buy this album but personally Colm is my no. 1 Valjean!



2. I saw the original Boradway, original Toronto and 7 touring productions. Wilkinson was by far the best Phantom. Most of the others have an excessive femininity to their treatment of the role. I much preferred the more sinister and unnerving manner in which Wilkinson presented the role. By far my favorite recording.



3. I've only listened to clips here and online, but I personally would not buy this entire album. Why? Well, I would LOVE to have Rebecca Caine's "Think of Me" and "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" - she has a beautiful voice, much stronger than either Sarah Brightman or Emmy Rossum, and much better trained. But what I have heard of the Raoul annoys me. He's supposed to be the good guy, not a dork!
   
   And Colm Wilkinson as the Phantom? Whose idea was that??? I really do not like his voice, even as Valjean in Les Miz. I highly doubt he's a strong enough singer to pull of "Music of the Night" the way Michael Crawford or Hugh Panaro (best Phantom EVER) can.
   
   If, however, this was on iTunes, I'd jump at the chance to get Rebecca's songs!



4. Rebecca Caine is my favorite Christine. I think that she has one of the most amazing voices, and I loved her in the title song.
   
   As for everything else...
   Honestly, Colm Wilkinson cannot sing. His voice is just too weak for the role. Like one of the reviewers before me said, he's no Michael Crawford, not even Gerard Butler. Maybe I should hear him sing in Les Miserables to appreciate his voice.
   As for Byron Nease, he's okay, but I've easily heard better.
   
   In all, the album's okay, but there are many better recordings.



5. Although this is a specatcular Disc, I find it very hard to appreciate fully Colm Wilkinson's voice in the role of the Phantom after being so used to Michael Crawford's for that role (and being used to mr. Wilkinson's as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables). Don't get me wrong I very much like Colm wilkinson, but not so much as the phantom.
   Apart from that Rebecca Caine is a stunning Christine!!!! And at times seems to me to be...dare I say.... better than (my personal favourite singer) sarah brightman, Ms. Caine's "Think Of Me" blew me away, it was very inspiring....
   
   Overall the rest of the cast is very good as well and if you are a true "phan" this is a must have CD very much worth its price!!!!

5 comments about Rags.

1. I could simply say: MARVELOUS! it's so beautifully orchestrated and sung. The melodies are pretty, the story is fascinating and some songs are simply awesome. Do not hesitate and get this album before it goes out of print. It's a pity it didn't make it in Broadway, thus becoming one of the most beautiful losers of all times.



2. Not the best of musicals, perhaps, but very enjoyable. Unusual in many respects, as far as music and lyrics are concerned, but some of the songs (Wanting, for example) are very compelling.



3. I saw "Rags" on Broadway before its hasty demise and, yes, Teresa Stratas, did sing better than Migenes, who is pretty good. But the fact is that both are miscast as Eastern European Jewish immigrants who came to America in the early 20th century. I saw another supposedly rewritten "tighter" version of "Rags" several years later, off-Broadway. The book was slightly better, the score was the same, and the singing was uneven. But the crux of the problem is the muddle of a book. This was a mediocre musical with mobs of people on stage, mostly not knowing what to do. Despite the strong musical cues, there was no strong storyline. Certainly there is a wonderful germ of an idea for a great musical drama, but someone must write it. This great score deserves a show.



4. This show's songs seem to have a cult following and it's easy to see why. The melodies are simply beautiful and/or catchy and the lyrics are often sharp. I think the political element of the show, as far as the CD goes, actually works. Nice and suprising to get some half-way accurate history; this isn't the usual Ellis Island idyll. I like the best of Webber and will tolerate even the worst of Sondheim (but only once in the case of ANYONE CAN WHISTLE), so that may help you decide if my tastes are trustworthy. That said, I can't imagine anyone who likes Broadway not enjoying this show.



5. I love the music of RAGS, but this recording's audio quality is a little erratic... The levels are all over the place, so it's not the greatest to listen to in the car. It's much better on a home stereo system, where you don't have all of the background noise of driving. But, the score is so beautiful, that you don't really mind...

5 comments about A New Brain (1998 Original Cast).

1. This show is absolutely wonderful. If you are a fan of intricate, witty, bright, gay (as in happy, but you can also take it literally as the main character is as so), then you will love A NEW BRAIN.
   
   I received this show in the mail today, at about 9:45. I have listened to it four times. Yes, I have little life on Fridays (during the day), but I cannot put it down.
   
   This show is hands down amazing. The cast is PERFECT. The roles are filled with fabulous imagery and the dialoge is marvelously witty.
   
   This show is a MUST HAVE for any musical connoisseur.
   
   BUY IT!!! NOW!!!



2. A New Brain is amazing. If you like only musicals of the Oklahoma! or Phantom of the Opera varities, this show may not be for you. But it literally saved my sanity.
   
   I'm a Broadway nerd who had a year-long health crisis, and I bought this soundtrack because I'd heard it was set in the middle of someone else's crisis. It's brilliant. First, "And They're Off," has to be one of the best Broadway songs I've ever heard--it's this amazing combination of Menken (from Little Shop...) and lyrics that would make Sondheim proud...or even a little jealous. Maybe I'm crazy, but I think I can hear the beat of the MRI machine behind "Sitting Becalmed in the Lee of Cuttyhunk,"...that's so different and cool.
   
   I can hear a little bit of formula in the show--"Heart and Music" reminds me of "Welcome to Falsettoland," "Brain Dead" is reminscent of "The Chess Game," from March. There are other similarities too--you'll hear strains of "Anytime" from Elegies near the end (which, I believe, was originally cut from this show). But this show is far from formulaic--"Gordo's Law of Genetics," "Poor, Unsuccessful and Fat" and "Yes," are laugh-out-loud funny. "Sailing" is a gorgeous ballad that I'd like to hear more men sing in auditions...and then there's "Eating Myself Up Alive," which is, simply put, amazing.
   
   Finn fans will love it--Sondheim purists might, too. I know I do.



3. I loved this show when I saw it - and I was reminded of just how much when I pulled out the cd again recently. This is an incredibly strong score, beautifully performed.
   
   Norm Lewis breaks my heart. Penny Fuller is a goddess. Mary Testa is a gift from heaven.
   
   This show is a joy.



4. I really love this piece! My only complaint is Kristen Chenowyth is underutilized, but other than that, some really great songs. "Heart and Music," "I Feel So Much Spring Within Me," and "Gordon's Law of Genetics" (really fun) are all great. My favorite, however, is "And They're Off." Amazing!
   I wake up with a song from this musical in my head almost every morning. I haven't listened to it since last weekend, but today (5 days later), I awoke with Kristen singing "I love Mr. Bungee" in my head. It makes waking up early a lot easier!
   Thank you, William Finn, for another wonderful musical that makes being a theatre fan so worth it!! I hope I'm able to see a production of this piece one day...



5. While listening to this, you'll be a little (okay, a LOT) hesitant at first. BUT! It is great. Once you've heard Will Finn's music, you will be changed. Creative, darkly humerous, just corny enough to not scare you off. Think of music from a basic book musical mixed lyrics from something like Avanue Q. It's a great combination and a HIT!

5 comments about The Most Happy Fella (1992 Broadway Revival Cast).

1. The CD has songs from a Broadway stage presentation of this great 50s (or so) musical. I remember it well.
   
   It is so good, so cute, one wonders why it wasn't made into a movie.
   
   The song, "Big D" is clever and witty with just the right twang. I ain't from Dallas, but ah 'preciate them Texans even more.
   
   Loving, but offbeat plot avers that "Alls well that ends well."



2. I bought this instead of the fully orchestrated version (on the advice of Amazon reviewers) and I don't regret it. The piano-only accompaniment really allows you to hear the voices and appreciate the fantastic music. This is a wonderful score, with many great performances.



3. I saw this show at a "neighborhood theater" last weekend. The first song was alittle "depressing" about the "sore toes" of waitresses. I thought I was in for a L O N G evening in the theater. But, the show kept getting better and better until I also "fell" for Tony---even though I'm a guy! If you have a chance to see this show sometime, go see it. I'd even recommend it for kids even with "the pregnancy" aspect of it as long as mom or dad is/are there to "explain" in case there are any questions about the baby to be from the "small fry". OK, the songs are not quite up to Rogers and Hammerstein or Irving Berlin. But, taken on it's own merits, you'll come to "love" Tony and the rest of the cast just like I did! Email: boland7214@aol.



4. The cast and their voices are wonderful. But I didn't realize that this CD, fromthe original cast of the revival at Goodspeed, is with piano only. Doesn't give you the full impact of such glorious music. It does, however, show you that the show CAN be done without a full orchestra...in case any community theatres, high schools, or budget-minded companies are looking for a great old book musical with some wonderful music.

   BUT, if you're looking for a great CD of the production, I would steer away from this production in favor of one of the others that have the full orchestras accompanying them.

   Dennis

   Musical Theatre Actor/Producer from Seattle




5. Over thirty years separate the original cast recording and this present release. In bringing this wonderful Loesser show back to the stage, Gerald Gutierrez reduced the accompaniment to two pianos. The reduction provides a much more intimate and clean interpretation when compared to the original album. One wishes a more complete score was provided. However, every track in this current release sparkles! Those familiar with the original album will delight in hearing the rich vocal harmonies more clearly against the lighter background. For example, "Song of a Summer Night" has a charming lilt and delicacy unmatched in the earlier recording. Shortie Long's voice dominates in the always-popular "Standing on the Corner" of the original, but Scott Waara blends his vocal lead with the others to produce a much more satisfying quartet. A superb recording!

5 comments about Disney Songs the Satchmo Way.

1. Louis Armstrong is someone I admire for doing what they did consistently. Thus, if you are at all familiar with Satchmo, you have a good idea what this album is all about. There are those who view Armstrong's later years as a time of commercial submission, yet from my perspective, he elevated all the material that he recorded. This set of Disney tunes is no different. I bought it for my toddler son, so that he would be exposed to music of quality, but that would also appeal to him; however, I have no qualms listening to it on my own. My favorite is Louis' take on "Chim Chim Cheree", followed by "The Bare Necessities". If you have kids, make sure they hear this recording!



2. We love to dance and unwind to Disney by Louis. The songs are my favorite Disney songs...back when Disney really was magical. We have really enjoyed this. Fun for road trips, too.



3. This cd is worth its price for one cut: The "Chim Chim Cheree" is one of the finest pieces of jazz in the 20th century. It is haunting and brilliant, done languidly, with brilliant and subtle changes of language (so Louis makes it his own), two great solos and scat singing. In short, in one piece, Louis showcases what he did for 20th century music.

   If I'm raving, I make no apologies. By coincidence (if there is such a thing) this was the first piece of music that made me smile after 9/11.

   The rest of the cd is below average, imo.




4. One of Louis Armstrong's talents was to turn an otherwise unremarkable song into a classic. Unfortunately, his talent is stretched to the limit here by some kitschy arrangements and overwrought vocal accompaniment. Satch still manages to shine in a couple of numbers, though - notably Chim-Chim-Cheree and the Bare Necessities. I found my copy on sale in a clearance outlet for 99¢, and thought it was a pretty good deal for one of the stranger jazz albums I've ever heard.



5. This CD of familiar Disney songs sung by Louis Armstrong - the late great Satchmo - is not the best performance of his career, nor is it the best Disney disc available. Nonetheless, it is quite entertaing and fun to listen to with or without your children.

   Don't purchase this if your looking for the best Satchmo performance, or the traditional arrangements of Disney tunes.

   But if you're open minded and enjoy a little flavor, pick it up as a treat to hear one of the greatest musicians of all time fly through a number of happy tunes in his own special way. Including adding a few syllables to the nonsensical syllable songs "Chim-Chim-Cheree" and "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" - still recommended, especially for parents who want to introduce their children to jazz music.

5 comments about Take Me Along: An Original Cast Recording (1959 Broadway Cast).

1. I had trouble obtaining this CD, but finally did and am glad I put forth the effort...I had a Hal Bowens' Orchestra rendering of the Musical on an old LP, which I enjoyed listening to for years and have since put it on CD, but is nice to add the Original Cast CD to my collection...this is probably the only Musical Jackie Gleason ever did and he is wonderful as Sid, and is well supported by Eileen Herlie (who just passed away at about the age of 90), Robert Morse, and Walter Pidgeon...it is very melodic with tunes by Bob Merrill (Funny Girl, How Much is that Doggie in the Window, and other novelty songs)...this is an old fashioned Musical, which for the most part has gone by the wayside, although, it would be wonderful to see a revival of this show....the music grows on you...."Promise me a Rose" "Sid OL Kid" "Nine O'Clock" "But Yours" "Wer'e Home", title song and others...all of the stars have passed on for the most part other than Robert Morse, who achieved later fame in "How to Succeed in Business", among other stage plays..Walter Pidgeon later would star as Flo Ziegfeld in the movie version of Funny Girl, and Eileen Herlie, would make a name for herself later in life in one of the major soap operas on Television, and also played many classical roles on stage in her native British Isles, as well as in the United States...she also appeared in the 1962 show "All American" which introduced the hit, "Once Upon a Time," a duet with the star of that show "Ray Bolger" I would also recommend this show for your collection, another neglected golden oldie....I must give kudos to Amazon and others for making these Cast Albums available, since they have been impossible to find for years..



2. This barely-known musical based on O'Neill's "Ah Wilderness!" is worth listening to and -- if you're a producer -- worth doing because of the great score and lyrics. They wonderfully capture the people and the period. It needs a new major production.



3. I get so upset when someone tries to compare a musical written over 40 years ago with the current crop of Broadway musicals.
   I saw Take me Along with the original cast and it was wonderful with a score to match all the wonderful performances.
   Just to see the likes of Jackie Gleason and Walter Pigeon doing a soft shoe live on a Broadway stage was an experience in itself.
   Eileen Herlie, Myrtle of All My Children, gave a moving performance that brough tears to the audiences' eyes when she sang, If You Promised Me A Rose.
   Please people do not compare the tuneful musicals of 40 years ago with the musicals of today.
   I saw Wildcat with LUCY and as well as the musicals of that era as a child and I always left the theater humming a song or two.
   What musicals of today can you say the same thing about????
   Why are the revivals the major musicals on Broadway today???
   By the way, some year years back, I saw an all black production of TAKE ME ALONG and it was just as wonderful as the first time I saw the show. The music still held up as well as the book.
   Fortunately, I was able to obtain a recording of this production and unfortunately this production was never picked up for a revival on Broadway.
   To quote another most hummable tune from one of those ole Broadway musicals, I Ain't Down Yet and neither are the great musicals of the 1960s!!!!
   To me the greatest musicals ever written were from the late 1950s through the 1960s.
   There will never be a time again when such stars as Carol Channing, Mary Martin, Ethel Merman, Bea Lillie, Gwen Verdon, Angela Lansbury, Inga Swenson, Liza Minnelli, Georgia Brown, Elizabeth Allen, Joan Diener and Barbra Streisand all competed against each other at one time or another for the coverted Tony Award.
   That was Broadway and they were STARS and the shows had MUSIC and LYRICS.



4. "Take Me Along", the musical based on Eugene O'Neill's only comedy "Ah, Wilderness", is not a great musical but it is certainly better than a lot of them that followed. It has a charming score that is not complicated and some excellent performances by the cast. Jackie Gleason as Sid and Eileen Herlie as Lily are a perfect match as the middle aged love interest. Robert Morse makes his biggest debut on Broadway as the delinquent son of an upper middle class Connecticut family. Walter Pidgeon and Una Merkel fill out the family nicely.
   Given the fact that the musical opened on Broadway in October, 1959 it has held up well over the ensuing years. There was one attempt to revive it in 1985. It lasted one night on Broadway.
   For musical comedy afficionados this CD is a must. Plus the CD booklet is handsomely packaged. It also contains many details of the bickering between producer David Merrick and Jackie Gleason, and the bad relationship between the very ego centered Gleason and co star Walter Pidgeon.
   If all this was not enough it is great to listen to.



5. Go back to the early days of broadway musicals and you will find this charming musical to be quite moving. Although the cast lacks any great performances, save Jackie Gleason's Tony Award winning portrayal of Uncle Sid, the lyrics are sung in a heartfelt way. Simple melodies, along side the tongue twisting lyrics keep you listening. The score lacks any show stopping musical numbers, however the soft shoe duet to the title song between Unlce Sid (Gleason) and Nat Miller will be running through your head. Take Me Along is as far from any modern Broadway musical as you can get, but overall it is a pleasant change.

5 comments about Julie Andrews Selects Her Favorite Disney Songs.

1. I love the songs from the orignal Disney movies so I was pleased to find this CD. Im not a fan of the remakes (Cheetah Girls, cringe) and it can be hard to find the orignals on iTunes. This is a must have for any Disney music lover! And it's made even better, by being availabe through Pepsi points!



2. For Julie Andrews rabid fans it's something to behold, a rarest of all rare. It is a cd that I thought would never come to light. WE're still waiting for "Rose_Marie", "Julie and Carol At Lincoln Center", "JUlie Andrews Live At Osaka" and "Love Me Tender" to be released as cds. I wonder if Sepia records couldn't do something about that...



3. Yes, these are all classics. I was disappointed that Julie Andrews was not singing them all herself, but there is something about the original cast recordings! Great selection that brings back many memories. Nice to have so many favorites all on one disc!



4. Personally, I think this is a splendid CD. It highlights many old favorites from Disney, including most of my favorites, such as Part of Your World (one of my favorites) and Beauty and the Beast. Julie Andrews and I have much in common, apparently. This is an excellent source to get favorites, personally selected by someone who knows her Disney.
   
   
   Contrary to what many are saying, if you actually pay attention to the title of the CD, you are able to tell that this is just a collection of favorites, not actual favorites. If you were so compelled to buy the CD and eager to hear Julie Andrew's sing, then you would know that she is unable to produce such a project like this. (Hence the "selects", not sings.)
   
   
   All in all, if you're looking for a CD to revisit your favorite highlights, this is the one. Definetly worth the price (though that's not very high).



5. Anyone who is a fan of Julie Andrews (or Disney for that matter) is aware that Julie can no longer sing as she once did due to a botched vocal cord surgery. The album does not state that Julie Andrews sings, just that she selects. This a great collection of WONDERFUL disney songs endorsed by Disney's Anniversary Chairperson and a true Disney star. You will enjoy this CD as a first, or maybe second to your disney music collection.
   
   Good Choices Julie!

5 comments about Moon River & Other Great Movie Themes.

1. If you're an Andy Williams fan you will enjoy this CD. Great songs - Great singer - Great choice!
   
   ED



2. Andy Williams can take a song and make it all his own using his very special vocal skills. Andy leads his adoring audiences wherever he wants them to go because he passionately delivers each song he sings with true emotion and style. This CD gives us twelve wonderful tracks of songs from famous movies sung by the great Andy Williams.
   
   The track set begins with "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing." Andy's voice, strong and clear as a bell, proves itself to be a very special instrument as Andy croons this classic ballad. The musical arrangement makes good use of the strings, too. Andy then sings the rarely heard words to "A Summer Place" as only a pro ever could. The musical arrangement again makes use of the strings to bolster the melody. Andy sings "Maria" with great sensitivity; and Andy performs "As Time Goes By" with great panache and an elegant piano accompaniment.
   
   Andy Williams also sings "The Exodus Song" passionately; and when Andy delivers "Moon River" with all his heart and soul you know you are listening to a master. "The Second Time Around" sports another great arrangement for piano as Andy croons this ever so sweetly. Andy also sways gently as he performs "Tender Is The Night" without a superfluous note--great!
   
   Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. "Three Coins In The Fountain" provides a strong ending for this album; Andy sings of the universal human desire to be loved by another. Andy's rendition of "Three Coins In The Fountain" will surely leave you wanting more!
   
   As another reviewer correctly notes there are no liner notes for this album. The artwork impresses me, however.
   
   Andy Williams remains a titan of twentieth century entertainment; and he still goes strong today. His singing and his countless television shows entertained millions; and I highly recommend this CD for fans of Andy Williams. People who like show tunes will also appreciate this album.
   
   Enjoy!



3. This has always been one of my favorite soundtrack albums. Being sung in Andy Williams' smooth voice is a plus. The best of the best!



4. An excellent rendition of some of the best movie themes of all time.



5. After some earlier successes, Andy Williams joined Columbia in 1962 and recorded two albums for them that year - Danny Boy and Moon River, which helped to set his career going in the direction he wanted it.
   
   Following encouraging sales of Andy's first Columbia album (Danny boy), his second, Moon River, brought together a collection of movie themes and made the top three in the American album charts. Curiously, the title track was never released as a single although it became his signature song. (In the UK, the song became a number one hit for Danny Williams - no relation).
   
   Apart from the title track, the album contains Andy's excellent interpretations of such classics as A summer place, Maria, Never on Sunday, As time goes by, It might as well be spring, Three coins in the fountain and others.
   
   With the Danny Boy and Moon River albums, Andy left nobody in any doubt that he was a ballad singer with no interest in recording up-tempo songs. That he was able to build a career as a balladeer despite changing musical fashions is a measure of the man's talent.