Saturday, January 29, 2011

NOW That's What I Call Music! 30

NOW That's What I Call Music! 30To date, the NOWseries has generated sales of over 200 million albums worldwide, and has sold over 72 million copies in the United States since its debut. Every album in the NOWseries has reached the BillboardTop 10, and it is the only non-soundtrack, multi-artist collection to reach #1 Billboardstatus on the Billboard Top 200 Album Sales Chart. NOW 29debuted at #3 on the BillboardTop 200 (it stayed in the Top 10 for 9 weeks) and is certified Platinum!

The CD unlocks bonus content via Push Entertainment, including free downloads from hot new developing artists and videos by today's hot NOW artists.

Price: $18.98


Click here to buy from Amazon

Friday, January 28, 2011

I Dreamed A Dream

Inspirational and breathtaking, "I Dreamed a Dream" is the highly anticipated album from a global phenomenon whose dream has become reality.

She captured the hearts of millions and became a worldwide YouTube phenomenon with over 300 million hits. An inspiration for those who have a dream, the talented Susan Boyle presents her stunning debut album. Susan surprised the world with her powerful, heart stopping voice when she walked onto the Britain's Got Talent stage. Now with a beautiful and diverse album she will, once again, defy preconceptions. I Dreamed a Dream, the album, crafted by world acclaimed producer Steve Mac, demonstrates Susan Boyle's extensive musical ability. Featuring her signature songs, `I Dreamed a Dream' & `Cry me a River' the album also includes a haunting rendition of Rolling Stones "Wild Horses", Madonna's `You'll See, The Monkees `Daydream Believer' and "Who I Was Born To Be" an original recording written specially for Susan. Susan enthused; "It was my greatest ambition to release an album and I have finally achieved it. This amazing journey has helped me find my own identity and fulfill my wish. There is happiness out there for everyone who dares to dream."



Susan Boyle Photos





Price: $11.98


Click here to buy from Amazon

# 9: Mission Bell


Your comments can help make our site better for everyone. Please note that we are able to respond directly to all feedback sent through this form, but we'll ask you to sign so we can contact you if necessary. Feedback is limited to 1000 characters.

View the original article here

Music

MusicJapanese Limited Edition reissue of the Queen Of Pop's #1 2000 album. Includes two bonus tracks, American Pie (from the motion picture The Next Best Thing), and Cyberragga, both of which were not on the domestic release. Features the worldwide #1 title track, along with the Top 10 single Don't Tell Me and the #1 club track What It Feels Like For A Girl, which had a controverisal music video that was banned by MTV. Warner Bros

Price: $7.98


Click here to buy from Amazon

Glee: The Music, Volume 4

Glee: The Music, Volume 4Glee: The Music, Volume 4 features 18 brand new songs from season two, including songs from special guests Gwyneth Paltrow ("Forget You") and newcomer Darren Criss ("Teenage Dream"). The album includes such memorable Glee performances as "Billionaire", "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" and "Empire State of Mind" as well as 4 songs from the much talked about "Britney/Brittany" episode, which was the most watched episode of FOX s hit TV show to date.

Price: $13.98


Click here to buy from Amazon

Now 36: That's What I Call Music

Now 36: That's What I Call Music2010 release, the 36th installment in this stupendously popular compilation series. Features the biggest hits from the biggest stars including cuts from Katy Perry, usher, Adam Lambert, Nelly, Taio Cruz, Maroon 5, Paramore, Sugarland and many others.

Price: $18.98


Click here to buy from Amazon

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Live At The Troubadour (CD +DVD)

Live At The Troubadour (CD +DVD)In November of 1970 James Taylor and Carole King first performed together at the Troubadour on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, California. Taylor had just released his debut album for the Beatles' newly formed Apple Records and King was finding her way as a first time solo performer even though by then she was a famous songwriter with a string of hits for other artists. When they returned to the club for a two-week co-headlining run in 1971 their lives were somewhat different. That summer Taylor's "Fire and Rain" was topping the charts and King's landmark Tapestry was on its way to making her a music superstar. Thirty-six years later, in November 2007, James Taylor, Carole King and members of their renowned original band "The Section" (featuring guitarist Danny Kortchmar, bassist Leland Sklar and drummer Russell Kunkel) returned to the Troubadour for a three-night, six-show run to celebrate the venue's 50th anniversary. Those historic shows are documented in Live at the Troubadour, a special 2-disc CD/DVD. This remarkable recording, culled from these unforgettable shows, features 15 songs and 75 minutes of pristine video and audio including stunning performances of the pair's most beloved hits such as Carole King's "So Far Away," "It's Too Late," and "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?" as well as James Taylor's "Carolina in My Mind," "Sweet Baby James," and "Fire and Rain," to name just a few.

The return to the intimate Troubadour--the fertile ground that served as the unofficial home to a some of the era's defining musicians such as the Eagles, Elton John, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt and Joni Mitchell--rekindled King's and Taylor's love for making music together. Variety enthused at the time, "Taylor and King reminded us about the intensity of the song, that the artistically-rich and commercially-viable are not mutually exclusive and how one tiny club continues to be a birthing room for some of this city's most memorable music." The experience was deeply felt by everyone, the musicians on stage, and the fans in attendance as well as the project's technical crew: audio producer Peter Asher (an instrumental figure throughout Taylor's career) and Emmy-winning video director, Martyn Atkins. Live at the Troubadour is captured in sterling 5.1 stereo and state-of-the-art high definition video.

In the album's liner notes, Taylor states: "The Troubadour in 1971 wasn't the beginning, but it was a big step into the light for both of us. When we reunited for the Troubadour's 50th Anniversary celebration in 2007, it felt like yesterday. It was, and still is, all about the music and the celebration of performing together." King adds, "What's even more remarkable is that James's and my musical connection and friendship continue to transcend time and place. Whenever we're together, there we are. I feel a tremendous gratitude to be able to share this experience with James, with this fine band, and most of all, with the fans."

Price: $19.98


Click here to buy from Amazon

The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe

The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the UniverseJapanese Limited Edition reissue of the Queen Of Pop's #1 2000 album. Includes two bonus tracks, American Pie (from the motion picture The Next Best Thing), and Cyberragga, both of which were not on the domestic release. Features the worldwide #1 title track, along with the Top 10 single Don't Tell Me and the #1 club track What It Feels Like For A Girl, which had a controverisal music video that was banned by MTV. Warner Bros

Price: $11.98


Click here to buy from Amazon

Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics

Baby Einstein: Lullaby ClassicsThis is a 17-track, 35-minute concert featuring a collection of soothing classical melodies perfect to calm little ones as they wind down for nap time, bedtime or a bit of quiet time. Each piece, re-orchestrated for little ears by the Baby Einstein Music Box Orchestra, was specially selected to lull babies into sweet, blissful dreams. Lullaby Classics opens with "Twinkle, Twinkle" variations by Mozart and includes calming and delightful melodies from composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Dvorak and Debussy. It ends with Brahms's "Lullaby" tucking baby in for a cozy, restful sleep.

Price: $6.98


Click here to buy from Amazon

Journey - Greatest Hits DVD 1978-1997 - Music Videos & Live Performances

Journey - Greatest Hits DVD 1978-1997 - Music Videos & Live PerformancesCompilation of Journey music videos and live performances.
No Track Information Available
Media Type: DVD
Artist: JOURNEY
Title: GREATEST HITS 1978-97
Street Release Date: 11/25/2003
Domestic
Genre: ROCK/POP

Price: $11.98


Click here to buy from Amazon

# 4: Low Country Blues

Most helpful customer reviews

32 of 36 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars album of his life. (so far), January 18, 2011 this review is from: low Country Blues (Audio CD) in the liner notes for "low country blues", Robert Gordon writes "a river that flows through the blues and Gregg Allman continues to pass to it. This album deposits Gregg in a cool on the shore. He is a traveler, sometimes riding with the current, swim upstream, when he prefers ".
This new release is proof of the success of trip by Gregg. When I received my copy of "Netherlands", I am sitting uninterrupted through all twelve tracks. Two times. Some projects are memorable for well-written songs, thoughtful and large sequencing instrumentation. Others are so comprehensive, so that you just don't want to listen to all the rest for a while. "Netherlands" fall into the latter category.
ACE producer t-Bone Burnett is also responsible for B.B. King's latest, the wonderful "one kind favor".That disk kicks off with a very dark version of "the Blind Lemon Jefferson See that my grave is kept clean". The opener for this disc, "drawbridge of Sleepy John Estes" is a song like that in the format, but where "Favour" is a pattern, the "bridge" is a bitter reminder. Both songs, and on two CDs, the presence of masterful piano of Dr. John is as important as that of the stars.
"A bit" is a staple Junior Wells that begins with an introduction to B-3 funky Gregg, then you have most of the good doctor with fills big guitar by Doyle Bramhall II. "Devil got my woman" shows the greatest strength of Burnett as a producer of music roots-the ability to take a song Skip James since 1930 and remake in 2011-without sacrificing any integrity. Gregg's voice are almost Ethereal, with double guitar interplay between Bramhall and Colin Linden on the dobro.
"I can't be satisfied" is one of the most beloved works by Muddy Waters, and Gregg and company do this justice song while a showcase slot created by Jay Belrose of drummer and bassist Dennis Crouch.
"Blind" is the first appearance on the disk of the horn section of trumpeter Darrell Leonard. Leonard has recorded for years with tenor saxophonist Joe Sublett as horns by Texacali. Here you are increased from Lester Lovitt and Daniel Fornero trumpet with Thomas Peterson and Jim Thompson to sax baritone and tenor. The horns are on five other tracks giving the album a powerful punch of r&b classic, especially on B.B. King "Please accept my love".
The only original on disk, "just another pilot" was co-written with Gregg Allman Brothers partner, the master of guitar Warren Haynes. Very reminiscent of another collaboration Allman/Haynes, "the high cost of low living" (by Hittin brothers 2003 "' the note"), the song seems to deal with the protagonist himself as the previous track. "High cost", Gregg warns "using all your good friends" and the "Knight", you can almost see him shake his head as he sighs "seems a long time since you had a peace of mind".
"I think I'll go back home" is an old issue with Mike Compton added mandolin to the mix, while the magic of Sam "my love is your love" is enriched by the beautiful female choir organized by Bill Maxwell in the public domain. The traditional closing, "rolling stone" is one of the many highlights, featuring Dobro Colin Linden again in a soft acoustic jam.
This recording good belongs to t-bone as much as it does to Gregg. The production is excellent and the choice of musicians couldn't be better. Gregg set to record that could be proud. With "low country blues", just may have made the album of his life. help other customers find the most useful reviews This review was helpful?

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars more bluesy style, January 18, 2011 this review is from: low Country Blues (Audio CD), Gregg Allman did record both solo and with the Allman Brothers since 1969. He has never made an album like this before. With an original melody ("Rider just another") and a few familiar blues covers ("I can't be Satisfied". "Independent", "Little"), the main objective of this new CD is less familiar songs to acoustic country blues.Producer t-Bone Walker and Allman selected songs that are suitable for the talents of Allman.
Gregg's voice is still in good shape and has the support of a band of top notch here. The support is more sparse on this CD of a typical Allman Brothers CD, spotlighting the voice a bit more. Of course, fans of the Allman Brothers Band and solo work of Gregg will this love and can formulate a new fan even if some people that I'm not a fan of listening to "Low Country Blues". help other customers find the most useful reviews This review was helpful?

1 1 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars treat the real, January 23, 2011 this review is from: low Country Blues (Audio CD) this is an album of incredible, what happens when a grizzled veteran finds a spark of creativity that can arouse passion and find, literally his voice again. In recent years had played voice Gregg incomplete on live stuff I've heard on this disc, but has great sounds. If you like blues, check this out. help other customers find the most useful reviews This review was helpful?
Share your thoughts with other Ad customers: most recent customer reviews













View the original article here

# 6: 2011 Grammy Nominees


Your comments can help make our site better for everyone. Please note that we are able to respond directly to all feedback sent through this form, but we'll ask you to sign so we can contact you if necessary. Feedback is limited to 1000 characters.

View the original article here

Now 33: That's What I Call Music

Now 33: That's What I Call Music2010 release, the 33rd installment in this groundbreaking compilation series. To date, the NOW series has generated sales of over 200 million albums worldwide, and has sold over 74 million copies in the United States since its debut. Every album in the NOW series has reached the Billboard Top 10, and it is the only non-soundtrack, multi-artist collection to reach #1 Billboard status on the Billboard Top 200 Album Sales Chart. 21 tracks including cuts from Kesha, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Snoop Dogg, Young Money, Jay Sean and many others.

Price: $18.98


Click here to buy from Amazon

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Speak Now

Speak Now2010 release, the third album from the Country/Pop superstar. Speak Now is the follow-up to her multi-million-selling 2008 album, Fearless. The 21-year-old singer/songwriter wrote the entire album on her own and co-produced with longtime collaborator Nathan Chapman, who worked with her on Fearless and her 2006 self-titled debut. Features the single 'Mine'.

Price: $18.98


Click here to buy from Amazon

Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album

Glee: The Music, The Christmas AlbumGlee decks the halls and gets you in the holiday spirit with the release of Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album. The Glee cast sprinkle a little Christmas cheer with their dazzling renditions of such holiday classics as “We Need A Little Christmas,” “O Holy Night,” “Jingle Bells” and a very special Dr. Seuss inspired “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” featuring Grammy Award winner k.d. lang. 12 songs to fill your holidays with Glee!

Price: $11.98


Click here to buy from Amazon

Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood: Live from Madison Square Garden [Blu-ray]

Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood: Live from Madison Square Garden [Blu-ray]History rocked and rock made history
during a sold-out three-gig stand at
Madison Square Garden in late February 2008 when icons Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood performed a concert together
for the first time since their all-too-brief days in the legendary Blind Faith in 1969. Whether they will ever team again is unknown. But with Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood Live From Madison Square Garden, on this Blu Ray, fans everywhere are able to experience the sound and the glory of a performance on that famous stage by two of rock's greatest artists.

Price: $34.98


Click here to buy from Amazon

Chant: Music For The Soul

Chant: Music For The SoulChant, is the most peaceful music imaginable. Chant: Music for the Soul, is the ultimate in relaxation and stress relief - the perfect antidote to our fast-moving modern world. Chant has proven to heal, calm and also give strength; its power is timeless and universal. Previous albums of chant have sold in the tens of millions. Further fueling the huge general demand is Chant's use in the smash-hit computer game Halo - this is chant for a new computer-gaming generation.

Price: $16.98


Click here to buy from Amazon

# 5: Kissing clean


Your comments can help make our site better for everyone. Please note that we are able to respond directly to all feedback sent through this form, but we'll ask you to sign so we can contact you if necessary. Feedback is limited to 1000 characters.

View the original article here

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Glee: The Music, Volume 2

Glee: The Music, Volume 2

There's no such thing as too much Glee! Featuring 17 more songs from the hit FOX show including "Imagine", "Jump" and "My Life Would Suck Without You"

Track Listing:
1. Proud Mary
2. Endless Love
3. I'll Stand By You
4. Don't Stand So Close To Me/Young Girl
5. Crush
6. (You're) Having My Baby
7. Lean On Me
8. Don't Make Me Over
9. Imagine
10. True Colors
11. Jump
12. Smile (Cover of Lily Allen Song)
13. Smile (Cover of Charlie Chaplin Song)
14. And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going
15. Don't Rain On My Parade
16. You Can't Always Get What You Want
17. My Life Would Suck Without You

Price: $11.98


Click here to buy from Amazon

...Featuring Norah Jones

...Featuring Norah JonesBesides selling 40 million albums and winning 9 Grammys in less than 10 years, over the years Norah Jones has collaborated with dozens and dozens of artists from across the spectrum of music. This album collects Norah's favorite collaborations from 2001-2010 into one amazing collection: legends like Ray Charles, Willie Nelson and Herbie Hancock, rock artists ranging from Foo Fighters to Ryan Adams to Belle and Sebastian, hip hop luminaries OutKast, Q-Tip and Talib Kweli. No matter the genre however, Norah's enchanting voice is the common denominator and while the partners are varied, she ends up owning every song and this album is a wonderful collection that holds together brilliantly. The album is a testament to Norah's status as one of the most in-demand and tasteful musical connectors in music.

Price: $18.98


Click here to buy from Amazon

Toddler Favorites

Toddler FavoritesNo Description Available
No Track Information Available
Media Type: CD
Artist: FAVORITES SERIES
Title: TODDLER FAVORITES
Street Release Date: 03/17/1998
Domestic
Genre: CHILDREN'S COLLECTIONS

Price: $6.98


Click here to buy from Amazon

Glee: The Music, Volume 3 Showstoppers (Deluxe)

Glee: The Music, Volume 3 Showstoppers (Deluxe) Glee: The Music, Volume 3 Showstoppers features 20 brand new songs from the hit TV show. The deluxe version features fan favorites like "Gives You Hell," "Beautiful," "Total Eclipse of the Heart," and "Bad Romance," plus 6 exclusive deluxe edition tracks like "House is Not a Home," "Home," "Rose's Turn," "Beth," "Loser," and "Poker Face."

Price: $14.97


Click here to buy from Amazon

Crazy Love

Crazy Love'Crazy Love', Michael Bubl?'s first CD in two and a half years, features two original songs along with his always original take on 11 standards from various eras. The multi-Grammy winning artist hunkered down in recording studios in LA, Brooklyn, New York and his hometown of Vancouver for the last six months to make his 'ultimate record about the inevitable roller coaster ride of relationships.' The first single, 'Haven't Met You Yet,' written by Bubl? (with Alan Chang and Amy Foster) is scheduled to be released to radio on August 31st. Additional tunes on the album include 'Cry Me A River,' 'You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You,' 'Georgia On My Mind' and 'Baby (You've Got What It Takes)' which was performed with Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings. The title song is a cover of the Van Morrison gem 'Crazy Love.' The CD closes out with a haunting version of 'Stardust' which is performed with the acapella group Naturally 7. The album was produced by David Foster, Bob Rock and Humberto Gatica.

Price: $18.98


Click here to buy from Amazon

Glee: The Music, Volume 3 Showstoppers

Glee: The Music, Volume 3 ShowstoppersGlee: The Music, Volume 3 Showstoppers features 14 brand new songs from the hit TV show. With ballads like "Beautiful" and "I Dreamed A Dream" plus hits like "Gives You Hell" and "Bad Romance," there's no such thing as too much Glee!

Price: $11.96


Click here to buy from Amazon

Monday, January 24, 2011

# 1: Bach: Goldberg Variations

Translate Request has too much data
Parameter name: request
Translate Request has too much data
Parameter name: request
Most Helpful Customer Reviews

78 of 92 people found the following review helpful: 4.0 out of 5 stars Loving and inspired by turn, August 29, 2007 This review is from: Bach: Goldberg Variations (Audio CD) Simone Dinnerstein, a Julliard graduate that studied with Peter Serkin, has been hailed widely for outstanding techinque, warmth and fluidity in her playing. She was subject of a Harris Goldsmith feature in American Record Guide and has been compared to a young Argerich. She plays widely around New York and elsewhere on the East Coast and scheduled her London debut this year.

Her Goldberg variations are beautifully done and exceptionally thoughtful, there is no question about that. She plays with authority and technique second to none. Eschewing the staccato affect of Glenn Gould, her style is far more akin to Murray Perhaih and others that seek more transluscent legato.

This is not to say she cannot pound the keyboard or turn a phrase with the best of them -- listen to Variation 16 for that. Compared to the last recording of the Goldbergs I heard, by Perhaia, hers is warmer, more humane and perhaps less driven. But she is not afraid to change course in mid-stream -- listen to her abrupt tempo change in Variation 19 and the hop to return to rapidity in Variation 20.

Certainly this is outstanding pianism captured in an elegant sound field and presented for the listener is a 5 X 5 X 5 setting that is up to current DDD standards. I'd like to hear more of the train of thought or stream of consciousness cerebral approach I've heard in Bach from Richter and Elena Kuschnerova but I wouldn't suggest this is a bad performance lacking those qualities. For me, it's not the pinnacle; still, it's a beautifully retouched scan of Bach's masterpiece delivered on a 1903 instrument that sounds like it was made yesterday.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? 

117 of 142 people found the following review helpful: 3.0 out of 5 stars Not the Best Place to Start, but It's Better than Nowhere, October 22, 2007 This review is from: Bach: Goldberg Variations (Audio CD) Given the publicity surrounding this disc's performer, Oprah's recommendation of it, and its subsequent, unsurprising debut at the top of Billboard's classical chart, a review of "just the music" here seems doomed amidst the deluge of journalistic praise. Nevertheless, if someone wants to buy this disc because pundits say it's great, why not, so long as those buyers are also aware that--despite what the pundits say--this is by no means the definitive or the only recording of the Variations to have. In fact, one should get as many as possible, on piano and harpsichord preferably; however, there are three main reasons why this is not the disc to start one's experience of the Goldberg Variations with.

My preference in a review is to emphasize the positives of a recording. For this one, first, the piano generally has a nice sound, and is pleasantly recorded at least most of the time; second, this recording works well as background music. Listened to too closely, or listened to for the arc of the music from its opening aria back to the aria again, then the music continuously breaks down in various ways. This is because, whatever claims may be made for Dinnerstein's technique, it seems either ill-suited to this music, strives too often to be too "delicate" in a work that has many more moods than merely delicate, or because of lapses in technique or judgment or both. It may also be this blanket "delicateness" that results in the frequently excessively slow tempos; all the more so, when Dinnerstein plays nearly every repeat with little to no variation.

With the opening aria, at 5'39 seconds, it is probably not the slowest ever, but nevertheless manages to come off with such a plodding lack of energy that it easily seems twice as long. The contrast that Variation 1 provides for the Aria is world-famous, and an unfortunately welcome relief after the aria in the present case; nevertheless, in Variation 2 and Variation 3 the tempo is so unremitting that they actually seem to run together. The same happens again from Variation 6 to 7. Though comparisons with other recordings are usually facile, nevertheless, switching to one of Nikolaeva's renditions of the Aria and first two variations immediately discloses how thick-fingered Dinnerstein's delivery is.

Is this simply an over-refined persnicketiness on the part of someone too accustomed to his favorite version of the Goldberg Variations? No, since people of all levels of musical sensibility can hear and feel the energy of a committed reading of these pieces, especially when one listens closely. Compare, for instance, how the notes in the left hand right at the very beginning of the opening Aria are nicely "drawn out" compared to being "pushed out" throughout Variation 2 and 3, and even more so in Variation 19. Such playing sometimes works (Variation 13), but much more often makes for a dragging, even muddy quality of the playing that is hard to miss.

In a variation where this works, such as Variation 13, there is indeed a delicacy, though even here the tempo is so belabored that delicacy starts to morph into dullness. And in fact, this over-application of delicacy may be the thing that makes it "safe" for an Oprah recommendation, while also completely missing the very varied number of moods in these pieces that are anything but delicate. Overall, there is a very narrow emotional range of playing here; as if there are only two states, "delicate" and "everything else".

With Variation 20, the disc finally seems to pop out of the largely unvarying musical attitude it has exhibited, if only because the variation in question particularly demands total change of mood. In the opening 15 seconds, there's a degree of the expected snappiness (notwithstanding one suspiciously sour, if not missed, note), but when the rushing triplets arrive, the various runs seem to run together (pun not intended) the first time through, and even more messily in the second half (despite some nice dynamics). It really sounds as if Dinnerstein's fingers are becoming fatigued by the final go round. One does not need to be a musicologist to hear this. The usual returns again with Variation 21, providing another drawn out reading that moves around like something that stops moving when you look at it. Equally so, Variation 22 starts off delicately and singingly enough, but morphs into something strident by the end.

Aspirations to delicacy or not, in Variation 23, the various 32nd note runs that are supposed to sparkle and punctuate either the right hand or the left (depending on which half of the piece is being performed) turn into oatmeal; particularly grotesque is the passage from both 58" to 1'16", and again at 1'27" with the repeat. With Variation 25, the flatness of delicacy has returned full-force. In Variation 26, the opening seems to hit what 23 missed, although the ornament that caps the long ascending rise the first time around (at 25 seconds) is so awkward that it might prompt an involuntary laugh, while the muddiness of the playing before the second repeat (and during the second repeat for that matter) is hard to take.

Again, this is not simply the griping of someone being overly fussy about the music. These are errors untutored ears can hear. Variation 27, for instance, is virtually unrecognizable in its woodenness (Feltsman and especially Canino stray in this direction as well) and length. 15 seconds into the piece, Dinnerstein seems to become lost in the contrapuntal motion, only then to reprise matters with more splotches of accompaniment. Variation 28, at least, keeps the trills fluttering, even when the chords in the left hand nearly march through with galoshes on. Variation 29, however, seems to become completely lost in itself; by this time, the recording quality also seems to have dropped off. I cannot think of a time when the impression created in me of a performance could be described as "incoherent," but it truly seems to be the case here.

Ultimately, whether one deems this disc too erratic or merely idiosyncratic, it still has a place in the catalog of recorded Variations. All the same, this should be the pinnacle neither for connoisseurs nor the unfamiliar alike. However, if this recording succeeds in sparking a listener's curiosity to hear the many other, far more insightful readings of these singularly amazing little masterpieces, then so much the better.

FOOTNOTE:

It is worth mentioning that one reviewer, John P. Boyce, writes that Bach himself would prefer this reading to all others. John P. Boyce (at the time of this review) has written only two reviews for Amazon, both of which are absolutely glowing 5-star reviews. (His second is for David L. Post's first novel.) Given that John P. Boyce may be the same person who commissioned David L. Post's "Variations and Fugue on a Bach-Busoni Chorale" for performance by Simone Dinnerstein herself (see [link removed by Amazon.com], for instance), the objectivity of his reviews may warrant being questioned.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? 

74 of 95 people found the following review helpful: 2.0 out of 5 stars Not equal to the hype, October 17, 2007 This review is from: Bach: Goldberg Variations (Audio CD) I've heard and appreciated so many performances of the Goldbergs, from Landowska to Hantai, from Gould to Tipo and Schiff. One thing in common with all the really satisfying versions I know is a sense of journey and pacing, a sense that the artist knows where they are taking us. This is often felt at the arrival of Variation 25, an important signpost on the way "home." When set up effectively, it is a profound experience, the still heart of the piece. Simone Dinnerstein, however, has by this juncture allotted so much time to underdifferentiated meandering that the "black pearl" (as Landowska called it) feels like just another in a line of slow, melancholy pavanes. One hates to add more cynicism to this world, but the pretty face on the cover, along with the "inspiring" back-story, would seem to be what places this release in Oprah's Record club. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? 
Share your thoughts with other customers:    AdMost Recent Customer Reviews













View the original article here

My Christmas

My ChristmasMillions will rejoice this holiday season with the much-anticipated release of Andrea Bocelli's My Christmas. The first-ever Christmas recording from Andrea is a heart-warming collection of seasonal favorites produced by the legendary David Foster. The lush, beautiful arrangements alongside Bocelli's unmistakable soaring vocals make this a must-have holiday recording. Highlights include "White Christmas," "Oh Holy Night," "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," "Jingle Bells," "Silent Night," "The Christmas Song," and "What Child Is This" among others. My Christmas will also be a major component of a PBS Great Performances special to air on Public Television this December, featuring Andrea and David Foster with additional special guests.

Price: $18.98


Click here to buy from Amazon

O Holy Night (CD/DVD)

O Holy Night (CD/DVD)Jackie Evancho is a 10-year-old soprano prodigy whose performances on "America's Got Talent" won the hearts of millions and brought her into the national spotlight.

Her new CD/DVD set, O Holy Night, features the Christmas favorites “O Holy Night” and “Silent Night” plus the beautiful classics “Pie Jesu” and “Panis Angelicus” – both of which Jackie performed on "America’s Got Talent."

The DVD features Jackie’s performances from "America’s Got Talent" including the audition tape that landed Jackie her spot on AGT. It also includes an interview with Jackie filmed the week following the show’s finale.

DVD Track Listing:
1. Panis Angelicus (Youtube Audition)
2. O Mio Babbino Caro
3. Time To Say Goodbye
4. Pie Jesu
5. Ave Maria
6. An Interview With Jackie

Price: $8.98


Click here to buy from Amazon

# 10: Rock Symphonies

Translate Request has too much data
Parameter name: request
Translate Request has too much data
Parameter name: request
Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 48 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Creative Meshing of Two Genres, July 20, 2010 I've always been a fan of music that crosses genres. Artists like Mike Phillips who mixes hip hop and jazz so well, or the Finnish band "Apocalyptica" who play heavy metal on Cellos.

And of course the "Hip Hop Violinist" herself, Miri Ben Ari who has been featured with such hip hop artists as Kanye West, Scarface, Talib Kweli, Akon, Styles P and others.

I first listened to the snippets of the album, because as much as I love this kind of thing, it's often very hit or miss. For every Miri Ben Ari or Apocalyptica there's a whole slew of others that make you want to burn your ears off.

After listening to three snippets, I immediately bought it. Even if it had been 10 dollars I would have gotten it, because this is really good music.

He covers a wide range of Rock music from Nirvana (Smells Like Teen Spirit) and Guns N'Roses (November Rain) back to Aerosmith (Walk this way) and Led Zeppelin (Kashmir), and also throws in some classical classics such as Beethoven's 5th and Toccata.

I remember the first time I heard Apocalyptica was while viewing the film "Your Friends and Neighbors" in the theater while living in Charlottesville Virginia. I heard them playing Metallica songs on Cellos during the opening and closing credits and was amazed. I had never heard anything like that before.

I felt that again while listening to Garrett's album because I think even though I've heard this type of thing before, it's still something that takes me aback. It's not something you hear every day. You don't turn on the radio and hear this. You tend to hear the same 10-25 songs a day (several times a day) and there's very little exposure to true artists like Garrett.

One of the definite highlights of this album has to be, hands down, his track "Vivaldi vs. Vertigo" in which he brilliantly mashes up the classical Vivaldi with U2's "Vertigo". I actually listened to this several times and just marveled at how great it worked together.

Also his performance of Aerosmith's Walk this way was a powerhouse due to Garrett's fiery violin playing, and the guitars of Orianthi, who was featured in Michael Jackson's "This is It" movie).

Garrett, who studied at Julliard under the legendary wings of Itzhak Perlman, shines brightly on this album, and I imagine that he's got a great career ahead of him.

If you enjoy creative and highly enjoyable music, then this album is for you. The great thing about this album, and others like it, is it really shows you that there's no more lines in music. There's nowhere you can't go.

There are no more limits. The only limitation is your imagination and your creativity and your abilities. As the famous quote says, "If you can dream it, you can achieve it".

And no better example of that lies at the heart of this album.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? 

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful: 3.0 out of 5 stars Lacks the sparkle of earlier albums..., July 30, 2010 This review is from: Rock Symphonies (Audio CD) David Garrett's new album "Rock Symphonies" marks his first new crossover work in several years (2009's David Garrett was largely drawn from David's existing European albums Free and Virtuoso). I loved his mashups of classical vs. pop on his previous albums, and had eagerly awaited "Rock Symphonies." Starting with the majorly-airbrushed album cover (note a partially bare-chested David brandishing his 1772 Guadagnini like an electric guitar that's about to get shredded on stage) and liner notes, David rocks the Kurt Cobain grunge look well...almost an eerie resemblance. Unfortunately, the album itself left me disappointed.

Now, I'm not a big fan of rock / metal, so I'm probably not the intended audience for the album, although I did watch MTV in its infancy and had a fascination with White Lion, Poison and Guns n' Roses as a kid. David's violin is eerily effective at angsty caterwauling on Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit," and imparts menace on Metallica's "Master of Puppets." However, I question some of the production choices: in the middle of Paul McCartney & Wings "Live and Let Die," the interlude sounds like the soundtrack from the classic computer game The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition [Online Game Code]. Led Zepplin's "Kashmir" fares better; the haunting "Kashmir" has echoes of Rimsky-Korsakov's "Song of India" woven throughout. "Walk This Way" had a kind of hoedown vibe; it would have been infinitely cooler to mashup "Walk This Way" with "Cotton-Eyed Joe"(see Vivaldi vs. Vertigo below).

The classical side of the house fares better, with hardcore versions of Albeniz's "Asturias," Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D-Minor (the unofficial Halloween anthem) and "Winter" from Vivaldi. The version of "Asturias" veers into ad-libbing, but also incorporates some delightful Spanish flair into the orchestra's cues. The Toccata was great. Vivaldi vs. Vertigo, however, lacked the rock punch found on David's version of "Summer" on "David Garrett." U2 was almost lost in the background; I would have added some much-needed drama by moving the U2 vocals as the intro to the song, counting in with "uno, dos, tres, catorce" rather than muddying the vocals in the background (again, I wasn't familiar with "Vertigo," so I had to look it up and listen to the song to recognize it woven into Vivaldi vs. Vertigo).

In my opinion, the original song "'80s Anthem" was bland; it sounded a lot like some of David's original compositions off his previous albums (songs like "A New Day," "Chelsea Girl," "Eliza's Song," etc.). I would have much rather seen David's earlier works "Rock Prelude" and "Rock Toccata" recycled; those tracks are way more hardcore than anything on "Rock Symphonies." The much-hyped appearance of Orianthi on "Walk This Way" was kind of muted (although I've heard that the David / Orianthi duet really rocks in his live concert DVD from Berlin); there are more poignant guitar solos elsewhere (there's a lovely call-and-response line in the intro to "Live and Let Die" that was heavenly, but the guitar mostly fades into the background).

Overall, Rock Symphonies is a good album, not great. It kind of grew on me after a few days of listening, but there weren't nearly as many catchy songs as on David's previous releases, nothing with the edge-of-your-seat intensity of "Smooth Criminal" or AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" or even David's original crossover compositions like "Rock Prelude" or "Rock Toccata." If I had to sum up "Rock Symphonies" in one word, it would be "underwhelming." However, David's one of those artists who is even more impressive live, so I'm giving these songs another chance. I've pledged to PBS and am looking forward to seeing David perform these songs live in concert on his Rock Symphonies DVD filmed in Berlin. I'll also order the German version of the Rock Symphonies DVD, which has nearly twice the tracks as the PBS version.

Verdict: fans of David will want to snap this up (and the accompanying PBS pledge exclusive Rock Symphonies DVD filmed in Berlin), but newcomers are better off checking out David's earlier work such as his eponymous North American debut David Garrett or Virtuoso.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? 

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful: 4.0 out of 5 stars Not So Much, August 2, 2010 This review is from: Rock Symphonies (Audio CD) I got this CD as soon as I saw the amazon ad for it. His earlier CD David Garrett was mind-blowing (and I am a grandma!) and I was anxious to play this when it arrived. Okay, so DG is a brilliant violinist and it shows on this album. BUT I doubt he had much to do with the production end of it. He does some great arrangements but some of the cuts here lack his usual vitality. What is most disappointing, though, is the editing. Poor sound quality, the mixing borders on horrible. This is studio work of the worst kind. My feeling is that his producers wanted to rush this out in prep for the spectacular DVD Rock Symphonies available now only from PBS (for the usual overprice donation).
What I want to say most of all here is that if you saw the DVD on PBS, don't expect this CD to be made of cuts of the live performance. The two media only have a name and a very few cuts in common. And none of the jaw-dropping fervor. After hearing DG Live in Berlin, I bought the CD and waited for the release of the DVD, again, a much superior product. "It is not available." on amazon and PBS doesn't have it either. Huh???????????? Maybe if we all scream, his record label will issue a CD of the Rock Symphonies DVD ....
Perhaps it's that some of the excitement about hearing his virtuosity is lost without his obvious delight in playing toe to toe with his bass guitarists and other members of his orchestra in a live venue. His duet with Orianthe is lackluster on this CD; it is a powerhouse on the DVD.
So why four stars instead of three? For those who want more (actually, less for us fans since there are only a few cuts)exposure to this kind of music, you can hear a few great licks sampled here and do ITunes. But to hear the real artist, buy the David Garrett CD. I have several earlier ones, including those for Deutchgrammaphon where he is strictly classical -- and younger. You can see why he is the longtime favorite of Europeans.
Finally, here are some cuts not included in this CD: Schubert' Serenade a la Garrett style, I'll Be There and Billie Jean with Orianthe in a killer performance,Mission Impossible, Child's Anthem, the Pretenders' I'll Stand by You, Zorba, Albinioni's Adagio, Grieg's Peer Gynt Last Movement, and a poignant Hey, Jude where his 13K audience sings to his mike as he plays.
For others of a certain age, his inspriration for combining classical music with rock are U2, Nirvana, Aerosmith, Michael Jackson, the Beatles. But, in a short interview, he says he really bases his selections on the great artists who play their instruments with precision and passion, notably the bass guitars. If you love Beethoven, Bach, Brahms, and the Baroque, you will be delighted with this man's work, a classically trained prodigy who was mentored at Julliard by Izak Perlman.
If you love the violin, you will find DG "awesome."
I have this CD and it'll go into the glove box of the car. But to hear the real Rock Symphonies, I'm calling PBS for the DVD ....
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? 
Share your thoughts with other customers:    AdMost Recent Customer Reviews













View the original article here

# 8: Brothers

Most helpful customer reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful: 4.0 out of 5 stars didn't at first but it gets better with every listen, 23 May 2010 this review is from: brothers (Audio CD) this album isn't as Thickfreakness or any other black keys album early. IT is full of raw, high energy, guitar driven songs. "Brothers" are a more complex and albums. Bass and drums drive most of the songs and guitars seem to be pushed to the background keyed to compile the songs. This makes soft sound and that's why I didn't care for this when I first heard it. None of the songs stand out or are so heavy as "your touch" or "10 a.m. automatic". However, I continued to listen to it and I started to like it more and more. It took a while to grow on me, kind of like an album Wilco or Radiohead. You feel something different each time and begin as songs of different reasons, not only because they have a great riff. help other customers find the most useful reviews This review was helpful?

37 of 43 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars hits the keys right ..., 18 May 2010 this review is from: brothers (Audio CD) I got into the music of Blues Rock duo The Black Keys through their Danger Mouse produced album "Attack & release". I loved them too Hip Hop Blakroc enterprise collaboration.

This time around, Danger Mouse produced only a trace, the groovy organ-sprinkled time-shifting "Tighten up". Everything else was produced by the pair.

I love the diversity between the songs, sung by fuzzy falsetto-"Everlasting light", the funky Blues sonic "Next girl" (very White Stripes), psychedelic "she went for a long time" and falsetto-cantata "the only", the quivering guitar instrumental "black mud", the Ballad of harpsichord absolutely beautiful ' too afraid to love you ", the simmering ballad" I'm not a "and the pair of sixties soul-channeling of the unknown" Brother "and" Never give you up "(cover of Jerry Butler).

This is an album that thing absolutely fabulous. To those who think that there's almost no good music made these days, simply turn to top 40 radio and TV and discover gems like this.

help other customers find the most useful reviews This review was helpful?

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 progression stars, 16 June 2010 this review is from: brothers (Audio CD) don't understand really negative reviews. Just because the band continues to innovate with their music, people act like its a bad thing. They have nothing but admiration for this album and I listened non-stop since its arrival. From start to finish, it arouses emotion and sets a mood. I can't choose a favorite song because this is really an entire album that deserves a start to finish listening. help other customers find the most useful reviews This review was helpful?
Share your thoughts with other Ad customers: most recent customer reviews













View the original article here