Reviews (6)

The 3 Stars Has Nothing To With Nancy's Singing
I assigned just 3 stars to this compilation not because I agree with another reviewer who regards her as the "queen of mediocrity." Rather, it's due to the complete lack of liner notes, some questionable sound quality, and the omission of some pretty signifcant hits in favour of some obscure cuts.

Emanating from CNR Records of Belgium the selections are: 1] These Boots Are Made For Walking; 2] Summerwine; 3] Things; 4] Did You Ever; 5] Friday's Child; 6] You Only Live Twice; 7] Highway Song; 8] Elusive Dreams; 9] Storybook's Children; 10] Sugar Town; 11] Something Stupid; 12] Jackson; 13] Sand; 14] Sundown Sundown; 15] Some Velvet Morning; 16] I've Been Down So Long; 17] Tony Rome; 18] How Does That Grab You, Darlin'; 19] Lady Bird; 20] So Long Babe.

Tracks 2, 8, 9, 12 - 16, and 19 are duets with Lee Hazlewood, track 3 is with Dean Marin and, of course, track 11 features her illustrious father, Frank.

However, tracks 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 14, and 16 were NOT hits - not on this side of the Atlantic anyway. They may have been in Europe, but of course there are no liner notes to tell us this. "Sand" was the B-side of Lady Bird.

Much better selections would have been In Our Time [# 46 in 1966]; Love Eyes [# 15 in 1967]; Lightning's Girl [# 24 in 1967]; 100 Years [# 69 in 1968]; Happy [# 74 in 1968]; Good Time Girl [# 65 in 1969]; and God Knows I Love You [# 97 in 1969].

On track 18 - at least on my copy - her voice only emanates from one side which is disconcerting. The others are only "OK" in terms of sound quality. The best to be said about this CD is the inclusion of her first charted hit from 1965 - So Long Babe - a # 86 that October and one that is hard to find.

As for her ability as a singer, I don't buy into that mediocrity slight. Granted, she was no Aretha Franklin, nor did she have her dad's unique way with a song, but nevertheless she had 21 Top 100 singles, six of which went Top 40 WITHOUT Lee Hazlewood. In 1981 she even had three Country charters in duets with Mel Tillis - Texas Cowboy Night, Play Me Or Trade Me, and Where Would I Be. Not too shabby a career, I'd say.

Greatest Hits
This is a good greatest hits compilation featuring a lot of Nancy's well known hits. We have Nancy by herself which is my favorite way to listen to Nancy, but there are also many of her duets with Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and of course Lee Hazlewood. Nancy had 21 charted hits and with this CD we get a nice sampling.

Greatest hit compilations are a nice way to be introduced to Nancy but to really appreciate her talent and her contribution to the world of music, you must get hold of her reissues starting with "Boots" and continuing through to her latest CD "California Girl"

Nancy's Greatest Hits (import)
This import collection of Nancy Sinatra's greatest hits covers an eclectic array of Ms. Sinatra's collection. She has had 21 charted hits in her career and some of them are included on this album. Greatest hits CDs from this artist are getting harder and harder to come by so when one is available it is wise to buy it now. The songs on this particular CD are varied in that they include not only Ms. Sinatra's solo hits but also a selection of duets with partners Lee Hazlewood, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. I prefer Nancy by herself with the attitude of "Friday's Child" incredibly sexy "Son of A Preacher Man" and "Light My Fire" and the beautiful "You Only Live Twice".
I must add however, those who only limit themselves to greatest hits collections, they are missing out on what Nancy is all about. Find her reissue albums beginning with "Boots" and "How Does That Grab You" and then move through them all to her current release "California Girl" and you will discover why she was the beginning of the evolution of females in rock and roll.

Great Collection!
This is one of the finest collections of Nancy's songs. It includes the #1 hit "Something Stupid" with Frank Sinatra as well as classics as "Some Velvet Morning" and "Summer Wine" with Lee Hazelwood. It also includes a nice bonus, with Nancy singing "Things" with Dean Martin on her TV special "Movin' With Nancy."
This is a hard-to-find CD, because most stores usually carry her
Sundaze CD's. IT's great to see that... sells it!

has Summerwine
Nancy Sinatra is a pretty woman with a sweet voice and used them to make a difference to our GIs in Vietnam when they needed a note of support from home. She is justifiably the Vietnam War's "sweater girl", and I am greatful for what she meant to my father and others who served.

The CD has all her usual favorite songs, including my favorites Summerwine, Sugartown, Something Stupid, Things and, of course, ...Boots... which is just fun. Unfortunately Amazon doesn't provide the songlist and since this is an import, a web search reveals mostly foreign sites, which universally list "Summertime" instead of "Summerwine". I assume this is a spell checker gone amuck, in the hands of someone who was not alive in the 60s. ... Read more

Amazon.com

As an interpreter, Nancy LaMott shunned extremes. Whatever clouds may have darkened the sky, she always sounded as if they couldn't possibly lead to a thunderstorm--only a gentle rain that would eventually becomes, well, shine. And so her tribute to lyricist Johnny Mercer typically avoids emotional extremes, exploring instead subtle in-betweens. The low-key version of "Moon River" that starts things off is indicative of this album's subdued mood. LaMott was well aware she wasn't a swinger, so her take on finger-snapping classics such as "Accentuate the Positive" (instead of the song's usual spelling "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate") and "That Old Black Magic" is sensitive rather than jazzily buoyant. Her minimalist approach reaps maximum rewards on "P.S. I Love You" and "On the Atchison, Topeka & the Santa Fe," on which she basically engages in duets with carefully selected instruments (an acoustic guitar and a stand-up bass, respectively). --Elisabeth Vincentelli ... Read more

Reviews (10)

The great female vocalist shines!
Nancy Lamott was the great female vocalist and she shines on this set of classic songs.

Beautiful and moving
American standards, intelligently delivered with well-thought-through arrangements. The highlight, for me, is one of the few recordings of both parts of "Hit the Road to Dreamland," as it was originally written for the movies. I wasn't familiar with the haunting "Whistling in the Dark" until I heard her sing it; it's wonderful. There isn't a bad cut on the CD. Her untimely death was a tragedy, but her voice and sense of style will live on in this must-have CD.

Brilliant
Combine the talents of a songwriter like Johnny Mercer, a singer like Nancy Lamott, an arranger like Chris Marlowe and miraculous things happen. Nancy wraps herself around each and every song, making every word meaningful.It's just a joy to hear.The legal battle over her estate is now settled and her entire discography is available from Midder Music. Don't delay a minute to add this jewel to your collection!!

The American Songbook Shines.
This was the first Nancy Lamott album I purchased, after hearing her do "Moon River" live on the Charles Grodin show.A week later she was dead.Unfortunately, her recordings nearly suffered the same fate, apparently the result of legal problems surrounding her estate.I considered myself lucky to have latched on to them before they temporarily went out of circulation.They're back, but for how long?The combination of her luminous, crystal-clear voice, passionate yet intelligent interpretations, and Johnny Mercer's timeless musical poetry makes this album indispensable if not "urgent" for any serious collector of the art of American popular song.I would place it just slightly behind "My Foolish Heart" among the spare but priceless recordings she left behind.

Nancy sings standards like they were supposed to be sung!
Many have tried to sing these old familiar songs; few have succeeded in doing so. Nancy achieved something that most could not: honest, informed, and thoughtful interpretation. She didn't change them; she made them better. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Excellent if not ultimate...
Hailing from the U.K., Petula Clark was an established star there and in other parts of Europe, especially France (one should not hold that against her though) when she, paired with the songwriting talents of Tony Hatch, blasted onto the American pop charts with her signature tune "Downtown" in 1964. And she was no one-hit wonder by any means as she saw 20 more of her recordings appear in the top-100 over the next decade. Though she has been an active performer for four decades, her golden era was in the 60's and this collection from BMG gathers up her biggest hits along with a few non-pop-charting tunes. And while this piece does offer the cream of her musical pop crop, it is by no means the "ultimate", inferring a complete or comprehensive, collection. With the plethora of Clark CD's in the market, the title may merely be a way to garner attention for what otherwise would be perceived as just another PC compilation. However, as a single disc, greatest hits piece, this is top of the line. Anyone who ever had a pop station tuned in during the 60's will instantly click with such tunes as "I Know A Place", the bouncy "Downtown" follow-up, "I Couldn't Live Without Your Love", "My Love", the multi-Grammy nominated "Don't Sleep In The Subway" and the heart-wrenching bittersweet "Kiss Me Goodbye". While some of her lesser-charting tunes are absent here, there are so many superb tracks here that the avid fan and casual listener alike can enjoy the entire disc without tiring of the music. Adding to the qualities here is the excellent sound quality encouraging the listener to relish every nuance of these performances. Finishing up the package is a 16-page liner notes booklet with the artist's history, track details and pics. As such this piece represents about the best single-disc collection of this icon of 60's adult pop music. A definite buy.

All the American sixties hits on single CD
Petula began her recording career in the forties (at a time when she was more interested in acting than singing) and continued to record in the new millennium, making her career one of the longest in popular music history. Despite some excellent recordings at other times, the sixties were her best and most productive and it is that music that forms almost the whole of this collection.

Downtown is the song that people remember Petula best for (at least in the English speaking world) and it rightly opens this collection. Other hits include I know a place, Round every corner, My love, A sign of the times, I couldn't live without your love, Color my world, This is my song and Don't sleep in the subway. You're the one is a song written by Petula, which was a hit for her in other counties, but it was the Vogues who had the American hit.

If you are looking for a single CD containing all Petula's American hits of the sixties and you're not interested in other aspects of her career, this is the ideal collection for you.

The first eighteen tracks here also formed the first eighteen tracks of the double-CD Downtown to Sunset Boulevard, a compilation that also includes plenty of songs from stage and screen as well as some of her seventies music. If you are interested in these aspects of career, you might consider buying that compilation instead.

Petula Clark's American Hits
The pairing of Tony Hatch with Petula Clark was perhaps the best composer / female vocalist match of the 1960's. This CD contains all fifteen of Petula's American top forty hits. Her vocals in these tracks are characterized by impeccable timing, finesse, and deceptive power. The #1 hit My Love, The Other Man's Grass Is Always Greener, Colour My World, and Round Every Corner are playful songs with silly lyrics that are elevated by lush musical arrangements and Pet's superb vocals. Don't Sleep In The Subway is a beautiful, buoyant, up-tempo song, and Downtown and I Know A Place are 60's classics. Don't Give Up is a beautiful uplifting song with Petula's trademark jazzy improvisations and The Cat In The Window is an excellent pop/jazz blend with odd lyrics.

The other six songs display Petula's versatility. Her recording of You're the One is the equal of the Vogues version. Happy Heart and Call Me are also excellent tracks and I Don't Know How To Love Him is one of many excellent show tunes Petula has recorded during her long career.

If you like a few of her American hits, this is the Petula Clark CD to purchase. However, if you enjoy several of her songs, you will obtain more value and enjoyment from one of her multi-CD compilations which draws from her extensive, diversified catalogue of more than 1,000 recorded songs, such as Downtown To Sunset Blvd, Legendary, or the 2002 release, The Ultimate Collection.

FINALLY . . . ALL THE U.S. HITS ON ONE COMPILATION CD
Petula Clark was not only the first British female vocalist to top the U.S. charts when "Downtown" hit #1 in early 1965, but she was the most successful as well. Over the next few years, she followed her introduction to American audiences with fourteen more titles that registered in the Top 40, and for the first time ever, all of them have been compiled on one CD. Those not familiar with Clark's work beyond "My Love" and "This is My Song" may be surprised to find included here songs more commonly associated with the Vogues and Chris Montez - but Clark not only recorded "You're the One" and "Call Me" for her "I Know a Place" LP, she also co-wrote the former. Kudos to Sony Music Studios in NYC for mastering the originals, giving them a crystal clear quality that perfectly showcases Clark's distinctly impeccable phrasing. This is the perfect collection not only for long-time fans who still follow Clark in her 64th year of entertaining - having just hit the Top 20 in France with a new release there, she holds the record for the longest span on international music charts, an astounding 49 years - but for those who want a definitive compilation of hits from the most successful British female vocalist in recording history. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This revamped version of the Carpenters' two original Singles LPs may, despite the absence of some Top 40 charters, stand as the definitive single-CD collection of the duo's hits. Included are most of the reasons Karen Carpenter's bring-the-pain vocals are still revered by thrift-shopping college kids and their moms alike. Despite the act's squeaky-clean image, Karen was of course more than touched by tragedy; at least one of the more hopeful of these tunes, "For All We Know," has doubt built right into its title. The best of this is smart, cry-in-your-Evian pop that sounds a lot less dated than it might in your memory. "Close to You" and "Hurting Each Other" are actually soulful claims on their then-new soft-pop tradition, while the towering "Goodbye to Love" is worthy of Rumours-era Christine McVie. Despite some duds, mostly from its later period, 1969-1981 makes its case for this enduring and sometimes classic outfit. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (43)

Karen Carpenter Could Sing Anything
Karen and Richard Carpenter were very good at a certain style of music. Every song I have heard Karen Carpenter sing has been enhanced by her beautiful, mellow, clear voice. This CD collects most of the Carpenters most popular music from their 13 years of creating a style that was seminal in the definition of adult contemporary music.

What is amazing about this music is that is sounds as contemporary today as it did when it was originally released. While many people may attempt to apply "timeless" to the music of various artists, thus far the Carpenters' music is timeless, and I think it will continue to be timeless in the adult contemporary genre for some time to come.

While Karen and Richard's music was mellow and mainstream, the art, technology and effort put into the music pushed music to several limits. Karen tried very hard to create the most perfect music possible. When you listen to many female vocalists you hear when they take a breath. Karen did her best to turn her head from the microphone when she took a breath so you didn't hear the breath. Karen and Richard pushed multi-track vocals to the limit of technology, recording track after track of Karen's voice, and then combining tracks to create the gorgeous harmonies that are typical of the Carpenter's music.

The focus on perfection and technique could easily become the focus of the music, allowing the art to become lost. The Carpenter's always kept art as an important part of their music. Karen had an incredible vocal talent to sing as though she was singing to each and every listener. Her voice was able to communicate emotion in a way that few other vocalists have been able to achieve.

This CD is perfect for both casual and serious fans of the Carpenters, for anyone who appreciates mellow music, and for those who consider adult contemporary to be their favorite type of music. I warn the focused listener that this music can become an emotional experience. Turn up the stereo on "Superstar," turn out the lights, lay back in a comfortable overstuffed chair, and feel the emotions evoked by the song; Karen Carpenter sang to strum the chords of your soul.

Singles 1969-1981
This CD is the best compliation of the hit selections of Karen and Richard Carpenter I have ever heard. While one can acquire much more comprehensive selections in a one or two CD set, this single CD truly captures the "Best" of the Carpenters. From the rich full sounds of "We Have Only Just Begun" to the soft sensentive melody "I Believe In You", the listener will revist an era of non forgettable songs. "Touch Me While You Are Dancing" and "I Won't Last A Day Without You" are so superbly performed by Karen with her rich voice and the "Reprise" used to close the CD leaves one remembering a time and era as well as a singer who we all shall forever miss. Richard Carpenter has performed an excellent tribute to his Sister in the development of this CD.

One of the Best
This is a great Carpenters greatest hits CD. All of the essential songs on here. This is a perfect CD for any new Carpenters fans to start off with. All of the songs are perfect and sound flawless. Karen & Richard are the best!

Too Many Redone songs!
How many times is Richard Carpenter going to muck with the original masters to "spruce" these songs up? I wanted the original version of the songs on this CD, not poor redos! From a collector's standpoint this is a waste of money because songs like "It's Going To Take Some Time", "Goodbye to Love", "Superstar", and "Yesterday Once More" were redone and can be found on other numerous Carpenters collections. "It's Going To Take Some Time" here has a "staccato" choppy sound to me, and a different piano to boot. "Goodbye to Love" is also redone using different instruments, and "Yesterday Once More" suffers from the same. The CD should be titled "The Singles 1969-1981 Redone". True some songs are original or at least seem like it, such as "For All We Know" with a reprise at the end, "Bless The Beasts and The Children", and a few others. But really, if we're going to get "the singles", why can't we have the original single version of "Top Of The World" without the twangy steel guitars? My 45 doesn't sound that way! Message to Richard Carpenter: Go back to the original masters, if you even know which ones they are, give us those original versions, and then please, please stay out of the recording studio.

Simply beautiful....
I love this cd so much, it just makes me feel warm inside. Karens voice had the ability to penetrate your heart like nobosy else...This is the best collection for casual fans like me who are just now discovering Karens music! ... Read more

Album Description

The classical-pop act's sophomore album. 13 tracks. Decca.2002. ... Read more

Reviews (118)

Beautiful, vibrant strings
From the very first track, Allegretto (which you will no doubt know from the diamond commercials), you will be captivated by the modern beauty and power these talented ladies bring to the CD. I was actually in an antique store in Crown Point, Indiana when I heard the lush sadness of Big Love Adagio and asked what CD was playing. Having since purchased it I can personally say that the entire album is just as amazing. Since then a cousin of mine has bought it, a cousin who normally prefers Eminem and other pop stars. When I bring it in the car everyone wants me to play it at top volume because of the power these songs have. Other favorites on the disk include Kashmir, Libertango, and the unexpected but nevertheless marvelous take on the James Bond theme. If you are willing to open your mind and look beyond the strict confines of classical music and realize that the past (the beauty of a violin) and the present (making it an electronic violin) can come together and make, pardon the pun, beautiful music than you will enjoy this CD. I certainly have.

A fun variation on your "typical" classical music
I'm an avid music lover and I adore classical music. However, I am always ready for something fun and different and Bond's "Shine" album definitely delivers.

Shine includes some classic songs performed with a definite modern "groove." A lot of them also have some interesting ethnic music undertones. The first track (you may recognize it from the "Diamonds are Forever" commercials) and the "Bond on Bond" are fantastic! The performance quality is excellent.

I only give this CD four stars, however, because most of the songs sound basically the same, i.e., there is very little diversity in the basic "feel" of the music and it can get a little monotonous. Actually, for fun, upbeat, exciting and unique classical music with a groovy twist I would highly recommend anything by the music group Nova Era (composer Andres Roca). Unfortunately, I haven't found their CDs on Amazon, but they have a website. Back to Bond, they're lots of fun -- listen to the samples and if you like what you hear, that's pretty much the whole album. Four solid stars!

The Ladies Do It Again
Once again, another quality colelction of songs from the quartet. The way they arrange the songs will make you feel like dancing, laughing and relaxing all at once!

A great way to introduce peopel to classical music!

Shine needs to Re-Born
"Born", Bonds first album, was an incredibly inspiring and amazing album: varied, passionate, deeply enlivening. "Shine" is the opposite; repetitive tunes- uncreatively commercial and superficial; simply mediocre. Considering "Born" one of the best albums in my library, Shine was a total disappointment. I wasted $18 on an album I could't bear to hear more than once...what a contrast to their other work!

Fabulous Four make great music
I loved it. It is upbeat, fun, exciting ---- a nice change from the same monotonous classical we all have been listening to. A lovely combination fusing classical/instrumental/pop!
5 stars! Can't wait for another (but not the remixed) ... Read more

Amazon.com

Just a one-disc sampling of Bacharach's definitive three-CD box The Look of Love, this collection nonetheless captures some of the most essential of his writing collaborations with lyricist Hal David. Among them are a half-dozen of the greatest singles the two conjured for Dionne Warwick in the '60s; from the sorrowful "Anyone Who Had a Heart" to the bittersweet "Do You Know the Way to San Jose" and the savvy "I'll Never Fall in Love Again," they're among the best examples of postwar pop. The A-1 quality only flags on the final three lugubrious tracks. The Very Best is a mostly appealing selection, but it's hard not to feel that the title should instead appear on a full platter of Warwick classics. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (10)

SOME OF THE BEST SONGS OF THE MASTER OF POP
You may say that there are lots of compilations with these same recordings. But there is something different here: the Rhino pattern. They give to the listeners very precious informations about Burt and the singers, so it increases the pleasure of listening the songs. But I would like to suggest people at A&M/Universal to release on CD all the Maestro's albums (they were released on digital format only in Japan). In America, you have only Reach Out, Make It Easy On Yourself, Butch Cassidy, Painted From Memory and One Amazing Night (the last one, released by N2K Encoded Music). All of us, Bacharach fans, deserve it! I've already bought all of them in Japanese editions, but I'd love to see them released in the US.

The Best Versions of His Best Songs
I was having the devil's own time trying to find a CD with "Alfie" on it when I stumbled across this one. What a goldmine! Not only is it a great selection of Burt's absolute best, it's the VERSIONS of them you remember. Dionne Warwick is especially prominent. I'm finding that Burt Bacharach's music is timeless--I love it and so does my five year old daughter. We listen to it all the time in the car, with her singing along. Her favorite song? Alfie, of course!

The Very Best Of Burt Bacharach
You can't go wrong.If you want a quality sample compilation of the original old hits you know including some harder to find cuts such as "Alfie", you probably will not find a better selection.As subjective as a review is, there is a good chance you will agree.

This CD has At Least Three Certified Masterpeices...
...and we're talking song/perfomance/arrangement masterpieces. And you may even be able to find more on this priced right product. My opinion is that:

#1 Alfie is pop music at it's finest. When Warrick goes "until you find the love you missed...you're nothing", it is a moment of greatness, captured on tape.

#2 Dusty Springfield's rendition of The Look of Love, even without the digital noodlings of Bill Inglot and staff at Rhino records, was a must have item. This version you will fall deeply for.

#3 Can you find a better matching of artist/writer/arrangement than that version of Dionne's Do you Know The Way to San Jose?
I don't think so...

But, when I say there are three certified masterpieces here do I mean those three mentioned above or BJ Thomas' Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head, Jackie Deshannon's What the World Needs now Is Love or Chris Cross' Arthur's Theme?

Get what I Mean?

One thing, though. Where's The Carpenter's Close to You? Or This Guy's In Love With You by Herb Alpert? A Part II wouldn't be in the future would it?

Like a time machine back to the 60's and early 70's
I remember hearing some of these tunes when I was very young, some even as a toddler with my mother. I recently bought this album as a present for my mother -- I must admit I really enjoyed listening to it though. There are a few songs on here that I did not recognize and/or did not care for, but most are wonderful. Personal favourite: "I say a little prayer" by Dionne Warwick. Other great songs include: "Walk on by" again by Dionne Warwick [I also like the Strangler's version -- not on this album -- which is surprisingly faithful to the original. The Strangler's stamp of approval makes this song particular chic!] and "What's new Pussy Cat" by Tom Jones (I wonder if anybody else could get away with this song -- Tom adds macho edge to an otherwise fairly soppy lyric -- result: magic!). Good value. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Kitchy Fun
I like to re-discover music from my childhood. Neil Diamond's reputation got a bit battered after the seventies and he became an "easy-listening" favorite. Listening to these tunes now, they do seem a bit kitchy. A lot of Diamond's lyrics provide unintentional laughter - examples: "I am I said, to no one there. And no one heard at all, not even the chair..." and "the love she sang to me, the love she brang to me..." That having been said, one can't help but sing along with most of these songs which have seeped into our collective subconscious. At the end of the day, Diamond is a really good songwriter. This is a great collection of his best songs from the seventies. It leaves off early hits like "I'm a Believer" and "Girl, You'll be a Woman Soon" and all his eighties stuff like "Forever in Bluejeans" - for those, you have to buy two other Greatest Hits compilations.

NEIL DIAMOND IN GREAT FORM!
Anyone who loves listening to Neil Diamond sing will love this CD. All his greatest hits (before the Jazz Singer) are on this CD -- "Sweet Caroline", "Cracklin Rosie", "Song Sung Blue", "Play Me", "Shilo", "Holly Holy", "I Am...I Said", and more! You couldn't find a better CD of Neil Diamond songs!

With "Kentucky Woman" I'd have given it 5 stars
This is a very good collection of Neil Diamond from pre-adult contemporary years. I love most of these tracks. No one could take a simple melody and layer it with rich orchestration and vocal dynamics to provide such fine pop music like Neil Diamond - take "Stones" as an example. This is not a complicated song, but it does not become jaded even after all these years. I ALMOST approve of the song selection with the following exception - I would have not included Neil's cover of "He Ain't Heavy..." - even when this was released I felt that it added nothing at all to the orginal version that i dearly loved by the Hollies. By removing this song from the list there would have been room for "Kentucky Woman" and there would also been room for "Thank the Lord for Nighttime" or "Solitary Man". That said, put this album on when you have company for dinner and you'll see how these songs all are such welcome reminders of long ago - Sweet Caroline, Cracklin' Rose, Shilo, Play Me, I am I said, Done too Soon (maybe pop's first intro to what would become rap many years later), Brooklyn Roads (what a fine song!), etc, etc.

This guy's voice is perhaps my generation's version of Frank Sinatra - he could take just about any melody and make it interesting and pack a lot of emotion into the song without going over the top. Only Neil was a composer and ole Blue Eyes was not. Both singers mananged to evolve over many years with different styles and I say all of this with the greatest respect for FS. This is a really good album but I'd have tweaked the song selection just a little.

His best single disc collection.
This just might be the best collection of his, depending on what you want. This is 18 tracks of original excellent "Neil Diamond". It's much better than his "12 Greatest Hits", and way better than "The Millennium Collection". However, only so much fits on one cd, and this is missing alot. There's also the 2-disc "Greatest Hits 1966-1992", and the 2-disc "Essential Neil Diamond", but both of those have numerous live versions of songs, some not so good, and obviously they cost more. Both are great if you don't mind 1/3 live songs. Overall, I would go with this. It's one cd, with only one live song, and the rest are the original classics. Too bad it doesn't have "Heartlight" though.

A Decent Collection Of Neil Diamond's Most Popular Hits.
Having written songs for other artists (notably The Monkees hits "I'm A Believer" and "A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You"), Neil Diamond scored big in the mid-sixties with the songs "Solitary Man", "Kentucky Woman" and especially "Cherry Cherry". But it wasn't until the late 60's/early seventies that Diamond's popularity skyrocketed with hits such as "Sweet Caroline", "Cracklin Rosie", "I Am...I Said", and "Song Sung Blue" to name just a few. A brilliant and diverse songwriter, he wrote love songs, songs based on African salutations such as "Soolaiman", as well as gospel influenced songs as "Walk On Water" and "Holy Holly". He became one of the seventies most popular acoustic artists along with James Taylor, Cat Stevens, Jim Croce and Paul Simon. "The Neil Diamond Collection" while not a complete retrospective of Diamond's musical output (seriously lacking are "Solitary Man" and "Kentucky Woman") it does contain many of his most popular hits as well as some b-sides. If you enjoy listening to the seventies acoustic singers/songwriters then this collection will not disappoint. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Dionne Warwick's vocals were never more strong, more vulnerable than when she sang the songs of Burt Bacharach and Hal David--and, oh, yeah, "Who Can I Turn To" and the theme from "Valley of the Dolls," the two non-Bacharach/David songs included among the 24 singles collected here. Both technically and emotionally, this was an unstoppable team: from the drama of "Don't Make Me Over" to the tongue-in-cheek backing singers on "Are You There (With Another Girl)," the barely veiled civil-rights message of "Reach Out for Me" to the deceptively bouncy "Do You Know the Way to San Jose," this CD sheds light on one of the most perfect marriages of pop form and content this side of Sinatra's classic Capitol work. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Who does it better?
The answer, of course, is NO ONE! Dionne Warwick is simply the BEST! I will never understand why this fine singer is so underappreciated by the media - her peers, like Aretha Franklin and Patti LaBelle, benefit from the support of radio and a million television appearances, but Ms Warwick is left out of the limelight. What a shame. This album represents the best of Ms Warwick's golden days with Scepter - a period that found her in excellent voice and unsurpassed technical ability, with devoted fans all around the world. She has made truly outstanding music since those days, but the music captured in this collection is permanently etched in all music lovers' hearts and minds. One of the other customer reviews said that Warwick's cousin Whitney Houston could learn a thing or two from her, and I COULDN'T AGREE MORE! Warwick managed to remain a class act for the course of her whole career (minus the Psychic Friends thing) and never comes across as a tempermental prima donna! Also, she doesn't feel the need to yell, scream, and perform all of the other vocal gymnastics that her cousin and many other singers find so necessary. She stays true to the meaning of a song, as is beautifully illustrated on this collection. All of you young singers out there, TAKE NOTES! THIS IS WHO YOU WANT TO EMULATE!

Classic Dionne
This is perhaps the definitive collection of 1960s classics by that synergetic team of Burt Bacharach, Hal David and Dionne Warwick. Ms Warwick has always been able to smooth over the rough edges of Bacharach/David's arrangements better than anyone. She makes the difficult time changes and occasional lip-knotting lyrics flow seamlessly. Hers is a classic pop voice - clear, clean, sexy and emotional. My favourites on this disc full of classics are Don't Make Me over, Are You There (with Another Girl), Message to Michael and, of course, Windows of the World. My only gripe is that it doesn't contain Wishin' and Hopin' - surely that should have made it ahead of one or two which are there. PS. I saw Dionne in concert here in Australia some few months ago, and although her voice now struggles at the top of the range, that beautiful phrasing and smooth, warm, confident delivery is still there. It was a great night full of reminiscence and reassurance.

I love her songs I love her voice
I love her songs and I love her voice. "The Dionne Warwick Collection" is a must have. "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?," "Walk on By," "I Say a Little Prayer" and "I'll Never Fall in Love Again" really demonstrate the coolness and soothing quality of her voice. She has an ability to deliver a tune and make the listener just sit back, slow down and just take it nice and cool.

The Very Best by Burt Bacharach's Muse
Gifted with one of the most recognized and loved voices in music, Dionne Warwick's collective body of work is nothing less than outstanding. This Greatest Hits CD contains 24 of her best known songs. My personal favorites are "I Say A Prayer" (I prefer this version even to Aretha Franklin's), "I'll Never Fall In Love Again" and "Message To Michael" (I'm very partial to that one).

Dionne Warwick always managed a good balance between sentimental torch song/heartbreaker and sweet love ballad. While touching on the painful side of lovers' quarrels, the songs always offer an uplifting hopefulness about a happy ending. She says she'll never fall in love again, but you know she will.

Dionne Warwick represents a rare "mentor/muse" relationship (with the writer/lyricist Burt Bacharach being the one inspired by the great songstress) unseen since Marlene Dietrich/Friedrich Hollander. The two must have truly believed in one another to collaborate on so many wonderful music arrangements. Ms Warwick can easily be counted among the top ten female vocalists of our time. I highly recommend this CD.*...

A beautiful, musical package deal
I scoffed when a friend of mine recommended this cd to me. I focused on her latter efforts of psychic network fame. I'm glad I kept an opened my mind because this cd is a treasure. You can't go wrong with the perfect combination of Bacharach/David arrangements and the fresh, talented voice of Warwick. "A House Is Not A Home" is worth the price of the cd alone. You can hear the vulnerability of a young Dionne Warwick in "Don't Make Me Over"(the song written specifically for her). The final track,
"The Green Grass Starts to Grow" is like medicine. The song can truly lift you up when you're down. If anyone ever told me that this would be one of my favorite cds a few years ago, I would have laughed in their faces. Today, this is a cd I could never live without. I play this cd all the time. Go out and get this one!!! ... Read more

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Curb Records has long specialized in low-budget repackagings of previously released material, and they certainly haven't gone out of their way with this 12-song Dean Martin compilation. Culled from his Capitol years, this does indeed feature some great moments--"That's Amore," "Volare," "Inamorata" and "Come Back to Sorrento" are all present and accounted for--and if you need a little Dino to spruce up a mix tape, this'll certainly do ya. However, Collectors Series offers much more bang for your buck, even if it costs a few extra dollars. --Dan Epstein ... Read more

Reviews (10)

All Time Favorites
This is a good disc to grab up most of Dino's biggest Capitol recordings. Seven of the twelve tracks are Italian numbers which is not unusual, this is Dino we're talking about. The swinger on the disc is "You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You", and in my opinion the best ballad on the disc is "Innamorata". There really are no filler tracks here, each song is pure Dino.

Totally Dino!!! We love him as always!
Steubenville, you must be proud of the man. Every song makes you feel good, and Dean's smooth delivery is as fresh as the day he decided to give up being a blackjack dealer. Buy this and play it til Somebody Loves You!!! Then you must compare it to his live stuff as well, as he is now featured in the Ratpack Uncensored. the studio quality of this CD is much higher than the live performance, but the comparison is well worth it, to get a flavor for his sense of humor.

It's Dino
Hard to go wrong with this. Some of Dino's better known work! The sound quality isn't bad, making this is a great selection to drive to, or just kick back and unwind with!

Velvety with Satin Overtones
Not one recording in this collection leaves the listener flat. Indeed, each stands on its own in substance and depth. My favorite is "That's Amore" because it has a special private meaning. Continuing, though, one wonders how an Italian velvety smooth voice can create a vision of twilight in the South Pacific when singing "Return to Me." While it may not take place on an island beach, the softness and satin-like coolness of this recording brings forth such a vision--how utterly refreshing. The warmth of Mr. Martin's voice has been a gift to us all.

memories
I have had the tape for years,but I wanted the CD. I have loved listening to his voice and still miss is TV show. I wish they would rerun the show ... Read more

Amazon.com

Although his commercial triumphs rivaled Frank Sinatra's during his late 1950s breakthrough, Johnny Mathis the pop singer could seem both overshadowed and confined by that early success in the years since. But this rich, often warmly surprising entry into the contemporary Pop Standard Reinterpretation Sweepstakes finds a singer more artistically focused than he's been in years, employing a voice that remains one for the ages. His definition of "standard" here is variously classic (the majestic title track and "Love is Here to Stay"), loose (a take on Jobim's lilting "Dindi" that's the perfect showcase for every delicate nook of the singer's vibrato-rich tenor) and left-field (Herman's Hermits' brit-invasion hit "A Kind of Hush" perfectly recast as prime Mathis ballad), but his performances flow with a deceptively effortless grace that's a tribute to his nearly half-century as a recording artist. Producer/arranger Jorge Callandrelli frames Mathis in spare orchestral backdrops that allow him ample space to soar, then nudge him gently into swing mode on "This Can't Be Love" and "Day By Day." The album closes with an evocative, de facto medley pairing a magically innocent, if unlikely cover of The Muppets' "Rainbow Connection" with Mathis' duet with Ray Charles on "Over the Raindbow," culled from the r&b legend's final album. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Isn't it the Best?
This cd is one of Johnny Mathis' best! His voice is as smooth as ever and like fine wine he gets better and better with age.

MATHIS- Greatest Album since 1960s- BUY, BUY, BUY,
MATHIS ALBUM BEST SINCE 1960s---
Johnny Mathis has done the best recordings since 1960 on this album "Isnt It Romantic" its gone straight in to my top 10 favourite Mathis albums.(I have 100 plus)
The mans voice is astounding, so rich smooth and as usual effortles. The orchestra is just out of this world and the pace of each recording brings a new quality to the lyrics of the Great writers of these classic songs.
I love the song "Dindi" my favourite here, I wish Mathis would record a full album of latin songs like this one, this recording just blows me away. "The Rainbow Connection" is a heart-melter from The Muppets. "A Kind of Hush" tenderly sung and then swings to the orchestrations. Mathis and Ray Charles duet " Over the Rainbow is included here what can be said that already hasnt,a deserved Grammy Winner for being original and so unique.
This album shows that Johnny Mathis is the best singer in the business and I would say Tony Bennett is a close 2nd.
I cant fault this album in any way. The younger stars of today like Bubble and Feinstein 2 other great artists,would struggle to match the quality of this singer. You can hear the difference in Johnny Mathis from yesteryear, naturally, he is nearly 70 but he just doesnt sound it at all.
The voice is not worn or tired in any way. Its richer,deeper, softer,less highly pitched, more baritone- just beautiful.
The Producer and arranger here has to be mentioned "Jorge Calandrelli" whom Ive never heard of before now ,"where have you been all the years Johnny Mathis has been recording?" Please do another album with him soon you have the ultimate compliment together.
To any real collector or appreciation of a Great Voice for jazz or easy listening then this is an absolutley MUST HAVE cd. (Iam going to buy another just for back up) hehe. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do................... AAAAA+++++ 5-STARS

Someone once said that if Frank Sinatra is Chairman
of the Board, then, Johnny Mathis is the CEO.CD's like this one prove that point.Simply put, no one is better than Johnny Mathis.

Mathis at his best
They don't call Johnny Mathis the King of Romance for nothing, and with "Isn't it Romantic" he proves once again why he deserves that title. There are songs that seem to be made for Johnny Mathis, and this collection of songs include some of them. Johnny's rendition of "Day by Day" and "Dindi" are brillantly orchestrated and sung. Its a well known fact that Johhny Mathis loves to record with a live orchestra as he does here. His voice shines through on each and every song effortlessly. Even in a rare instance, when you catch a word in a lyric where he may not have caught it just right and it went just a tiny bit flat, as in "This Can't be Love", its ok, thats the best part of knowing your getting the true unretouched voice, and not the magic of technology. Which as you know if it wanted to, can make even Kermit the frog sound good, on every word and every syllable in that word, but you would miss the true essence of a master singer at work. None of that fix it up technological magic is needed here, give me the natural performance any day, it's the best, as is Johnny Mathis. Also included in this collection, is "There's a Kind of Hush" this rendition reminds me of Natalie Merchants version of "One Fine Day", maybe the slower pace is all these songs needed to make them go from good to great. With the Nat King Cole classic "This Can't Be Love" you will also find "Almost Like Being In Love" these are two examples of how Johnny Mathis can take well known songs and find a way to make them his own, by giving it that Mathis touch. The only negative, if any, is the inclusion of "Over The Rainbow", not that it is bad by any means, its great, but it is on the final Ray Charles CD, "Genius Loves Company". I would have liked it instead if Johnny could have included a song like "Pure Imagination" as one of the selections on this CD. I recently saw Johnny Mathis in concert, and he performed this song, and he performed it beautifully. All in all this is a must buy CD. For those Johnny Mathis fans it's another CD to add to your already large collection. For those few who are not yet Johnny Mathis fans, this and other Johhny Mathis CDs will make you ask yourself one question....Why am I not a Johnny Mathis fan? He is simply the best there is bar none.

"Romantic" Sets The Standard for Mathis Again
Prime Cuts:There's A Kind of Hush, Cottage for Sale, The Rainbow Connection

As he has done all through his career, Mathis has once again grace us with a grand swath of standards from composers including Richard Rodgers, George Gershwin, Harold Arlen and Alan Jay Lerner.So, what makes this CD indispensable?What keeps this album from being tautological?Regardless of the innumerable permutations of these classics, this veteran of romantic musical excavates has a way of approaching each song with a stunning balance of emotional commitment and seasoned command.Though Mathis has had tackled most of the chestnuts from the American songbook, it's hard to imagine he's had not covered "Love Is Here to Stay" until now.Nevertheless, it's better late than never as Mathis shows us one again how he can take a classic love ballad and sing it as if he owned the song."The Rainbow Connection," often associated with the Jim Hensons' the Muppet Show, is another highlight.Given a grandiose production backed by some lush sounding orchestra, this is track which will linger with affectionate aftertaste.

Of a more unlikely cover is the Brit Invasion hit (also associated with the Carpenters) "There's A Kind of Hush."Performed at a languid, but chimerical pace, Mathis' much toned down version of this understated love ballad is stellar.Even when romance has lost its luster, Frank Sinatra's more obscure "Cottage for Sale," has never sounded more lonesome as Mathis plaintively croons:"A little dream castle/With every dream gone/Is lonely and silent/The shades are all drawn/And my heart is heavy/As I gaze upon/A cottage for sale."Loneliness has never shutter with such starkness and embitterment.Picking up the tempo, though not the emotional disposition, "Almost like Being in Love" has a swinging feel with a waltzing tilt.

With no disrespect to the late Ray Charles, this jazz legend was not at his best when dueting with Mathis on "Over the Rainbow."In fact, not only does Charles sound a haggard, but a little off beat.Incidentally, "Over the Rainbow" is also found on Charles' final duets CD "Genius Loves Company."Technically, this means that there are only 9 newly recorded tracks here. In this day and age where most CDs contain an average of 10-12 songs, this is quite a fleece.Nevertheless, despite these minor quibbles, the meritorious quality of "Isn't It Romantic" once again acquits this 60-something crooner with honors. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If Ricky Martin is the party boy of Latin crossover pop, Enrique Iglesias is more a romantic traditionalist in the mold of dad Julio. Even his uptempo, lust-driven tunes, like this album's "Love 4 Fun" and "One Night Stand," are hardly the frantic sweatfests Martin provides. Escape, Iglesias's first disc since his 1999 Top 40 breakthrough, is already a guaranteed success thanks to its first single, "Hero," which gained attention when he performed it on the September 2001 Tribute to Heroes. Title aside, this gooey love song isn't really fitting for its adopted purpose as a post-terror anthem ("You can take my breath away"?), but one imagines that won't make much difference. Iglesias is at his best when playing a little sly, like when he appropriates Nelly's "E.I." chant on "Don't Turn Off the Lights" or makes a barely veiled suggestion of what he really likes about you in the opening lines of "She Be the One." --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (146)

Pretty good!
While some national magazines have lobbed pretty harsh criticism at this CD, it's not as bad as those publications would have you think. Though it's not a major musical milestone, I don't really think Enrique Iglesias was shooting for an album that would change people's lives. What he does deliver, though, is a nice collection of uptempo songs with an occassional ballad thrown in for good measure. The CD kicks off with three very enjoyable tracks. "Escape," "Don't Turn Off The Lights," and "Love To See You Cry" are almost club-ready tracks, just a remix away from packing dancefloors. True, much of it is derivative, but at least he's drawing from quality stuff--"Love To See You Cry" sounds very close to Modjo's "Lady (Hear Me Tonight)." From the opening trio of tracks, the album shifts gears for the current radio staple, "Hero." Enrique Iglesias is not the greatest of ballad singers, but his delivery here is solid, and he does have a fairly strong voice to work with anyway. He often seems to substitute breathy vocals for soul, but with something as confectioner-sweet as this, it's excusable. The only other track that slows down is "Maybe," is midtempo track that kind of blends into the rest of the album. If there's one thing this CD is guilty of, it's of trying to put its arms around too many different uptempo sounds. "I Will Survive" does borrow somewhat from the Gloria Gaynor disco classic, but it also seems to be lyrically paced in a manner close to Paula Abdul's "Straight Up." "Love 4 Fun" sounds like an updated Ace of Base track. And "She Be The One" is a pretty weak lyrical stab at being hip (nice beat, though). The other two tracks, "One Night Stand" and "If The World Crashes Down" would fit perfectly on Cher's "Believe" album. The final three songs are Spanish-language versions of three of the tracks on the album. Is this album perfect? No, not at all (the Mariah Carey-esque shreiking at the end of "Don't Turn Off The Lights" is pretty startling and doesn't really help the song out). But the production is pretty good (Iglesias co-produced a lot of it, as well as co-writing all of the songs), and even if it does draw from some less-than-stellar talents, he has been able to craft songs that are pleasing to hear, if not life-altering. It's also interesting to note that he seems to rely less on the Latin rhythms that punctuated his last English-language album, and that serves him fairly well. This time next year, you probably won't be listening to this one incessantly, but then again, CDs that spin in your CD player for more than twelve months are fairly few and far between. If you're a fan of breezy pop songs, then this one's for you. Chances are you'll be hearing a lot of these songs on the radio over the next few months anyway, so consider this a sneak peek into what 2002 holds for us.

This is the ONE!
If you are looking for music to make you want to dance and move your hips the Latin way... This is the ONE! YOU have no time to loose because everyone is singing to the Enrique #1 video.. Escape! Everyone knows the lyrics and of coarse you don't want to be left out.
I love all the songs because they all have an intimate touch to them. They are entertaining and they have such a unique wonderful message.
What can I say? I've been his #1 fan since I was 10yrs. old. It has been eight years since I fell in love with Enrique's voice! He is my HERO! I can wake up listening to this CD anyday! Even my mother liked the music and she's not an Enrique Iglesias fan what-so-ever.
This album really resembles the kind of effort that a young talented man can be capable of accomplishing. I really admire this kind of work from him. I have always known his talent that is why his popularity with this album does not surprise me.

I Don't Know Why Why... But I Love To See You Cry...
Gosh! I love this album! The BEST CD I have ever listen to. Very good music. If you ask what's my favorite song would be and I would pick "Love To See You Cry" because it is very touchful feeling and very beautiful background of music and good beats and very heavy bass. Perfect words in it. Your the BEST Enrique. I vote you a 5 stars! - Tyson Love from Robesonia, PA USA

One of my favorite albums
When this albu came out, I was a little skeptical that he would be good. But I bought it anyway. Enrique is one of the most talented performers to come out of the last decade. The lyrics are charming like You can run/You can hide/But you can't escape my love/. His old man, Julio, is not nearly as talented as his son. This is a must-have for fans of latin pop or just pop.

Different from his usual style
This is a very good album as most of Enrique's albums have been (with the notable exception of "Cosas del Amor") however, there is a much different sound and feel to this album. A number of the songs have a disco and/or R&B rhytym to them. Generally I'm not a fan of disco, 70's sounding music or R&B for that matter, but the blend along with some Latin rhythms and Enrique's talented singing work well on this collection.

I find "Hero" both in English & Spanish to be particularly annoying (and dripping with sap) but then I suspect that this song isn't supposed to appeal to men anyway! However, all the other tracks are at least good and some quite good. The title track, "Escape", has been a radio hit and is probably the best song on the CD, but "Don't Turn off the Lights" is also very good - sounds good in Spanish as well! "I Will Survive" has that 70's disco sound reminiscent of the original track from the 70's by the same title - makes sense! "She Be the One" has a definite R&B almost Hip-Hop style to it - amazing how this guy can sing in different styles and make the songs work!

Enjoy! ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Silky smooth original vocal caviar!
If you like Diana Krall and Norah Jones but haven't heard Stacey Kent, you're in for a treat. She does not have the level of success or fame of those other two, but she's got a voice that just brings you in to the music. She's got the slightest accent to her singing, which adds to the appeal. This album is a good place to start with Stacey Kent, with "In Love Again" as another strong choice. This is one of those albums that is well recorded and engineered to the point that audiophiles will put it on to demonstrate their sound systems, but it's not just about the quality of the sound, its about the quality of the music. Highly reccommended!

boy next door - stacey kent
As an admirer of and collector of Stacey Kent's CD's I did not think she could possibly outdo any of her previous recordings. However - I was wrong - her latest album supasses them all for perfection ofher slightly husky voice and choice of songs. "Say it isn't so" is gorgeous as are "The Trolley song" and "Too darned hot" (sorry Mel and Ella but this version is a strong contendere) and "Making Whoopee" which to me supasses many other recordings. I particularly enjoyed "Ooh.Shoo-be-doo-be" which I was not familiar with - a cute swinging number. I also considered "You've got a friend" -poignently and exquisitely done and a real winner!Well done Stacey - I hope I can get to see you live one day soon in Washington DC.

the same
I think Stacy Kent has real talent, (and her husband sax player Jim Tomlinson has even more) she can put a kittenish sexy twist on songs. Washington Post called her voice "adult sexuality". She's a big hit in England.

At first she's a revelation. But...There's a problem. She is like a three speed bike, she has three deliveries, slow, moderate and fast. She has a handful of albums out. But the more you listen, the more the songs all sound the same, same inflection, same arrangement, same timing, regardless of which song she is singing.

What she need's is to sing with dynamic range and to get some new arrangements, put more of herself, more feeling in the music, instead of making more coy cookie-cutter albums.

And maybe give Tomlinson and his Stan-Getz sax tone more space.

Her Richard Rodger's album remains her best.

The Moment I Saw Her Smile... The Girl Next Door
Great for your car and for soothing your nerves in traffic jam. This is music to make you feel good!

BEST YET!
I'm a huge Stacey Kent fan, just saw her live in Oyster Bay, which was such a treat, and got the new album, which is her best yet. Do not miss out on this engaging voice with a smile and such delightful timing. You can't help but hang onto each and every word! ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Basia's amazing debut
Basia's solo debut is simply a stunning album, and a worthy successor to the genre-blending harmonic bliss of Matt Bianco's "Whose Side are you on." The first time I ever heard the single "Time and Tide," I thought the clear, assured voice sounded like a young Linda Ronstadt, and I still think it's a brilliant single to kick off an amazing body of work. The songwriting (with Danny White) is sensitive and insightful, the melodies rich and full of Latin and jazz influences and textures. It is music too smart and sophisticated for the masses, and it's a credit to Basia that she doesn't strive to be more commercial. She's big in Brasil and many Latin countries, and I believe that attests to her appreciation of melody and Latin musical forms. Whether she is mining the melancholy of post-relationship emotion in "From Now on," tearing it up on "How Dare You," floating breezily through "Miles Away," or singing a glorious tribute (and repaying her debt of influence) to Brasilian superstar Astrud Gilberto on "Astrud," she always sounds elegant and intelligent. Matt Bianco fans might miss the zany genius of Mark Reilly, but Basia and Danny White prove with this CD that they are worthy colleagues of Mr. Reilly and his musical mayhem machine. You can't help but be excited about how to follow such a spectacular debut.

Time and Tide, an everlasting album
This is my review on the songs in Time and Tide, the first solo album of Basia Trzetrzelewska. She has succeeded in combining many music styles, from Latin, Ballad, a little Pop, and Jazz. I got the US version CD, so I don't include 'Give Me That' and 'Forgive and Forget'.

Promises
A nice song with a Bossa-Nova style with her own characteristics; so let's call it Basia-Nova. In this song, Basia asks us not to be hypocrites. Just say yes when we ask ourselves that we often broke our promises. The moral message of this song is that, just say yes if you can do it, or no if you can't. This song became one of my favorites among Basia's songs. Really, really nice. If you don't believe me, go and ask anybody, they will all say the same!

Run for Cover
A nice song with a fast tempo makes you really run for cover. The music is so dynamic, so alive; you won't be able to keep your body, ore at least your hand, still. When you hear this, you'll feel like you want to dance.

Time and Tide
A really classic song with a nice touch. Great voice! I can't comment more except this is a state-of-the-art song.

Freeze Thaw
The fast tempo Bossa-Nova style seemed to be the characteristic of Basia, although she also can sing the slow one nicely. This song is one of the examples.

From Now On
This is the original version of this song. Although the voice is not so deep and bold, it has a nice touch. The sound of the acoustic guitar from Peter White gives this song a big plus mark.

New Day for You
This birthday song reminds you that there will always be a new day in you life. Helps you to remember that there always be a true best friend for you. If you want a different birthday 'present', this is the right song.

Prime Time TV
A song that gives us a fact that many TV programs depend on the popular demands. Although the pattern of them is generally similar, we are still mesmerized by them, by the 'unreal' lives they offer. Who is the foolish one? The audiences or the producers?

Astrud
Nice song, I can even hear her breath when she started to sing at the beginning of the song. This song somewhat has a sensual atmosphere, maybe because Basia's voice is so soft but strong when she sings it.

How Dare You, Miles Away
These two songs have the Swing Jazz style although different in tempo. Basia's characteristics are still strong in them, so the songs are not the ordinary Swing Jazz. Therefore, let's call it 'Swing Jazzia'. No matter the one is fast and the other is slow, they are beautiful and enjoyable.

Her first solo album, Time and Tide, is a great success. In general, all songs in it have a special quality, which make them everlasting songs. No matter how old they are, the songs are still up-to-date, even for the next five or ten years from now. You won't be sorry.

A Basia Classic
This is the album which brought Basia to my attention and for that I'll be eternally grateful! It's difficult to categorize Basia's music on this album as it runs the gamut from Brazilian-based Samba/Bossa Nova to 80's techno-pop but whatever you call it, it's a wonderful, unique experience.

After 17 years, it's still one of my favorite albums ever...
...and I'm talking top 3 from a 42 year old who's been into music since the age of 3. I have purchased this album many times over, on vinyl, cassette, and CD, to give away as gifts. I don't know how to describe this one, except to quote a review I remember from People magazine in 1987: "the definition of cool." It's cool, in an oh so hot way. The cool of jazz, the fiery passion of brazilians stylings, from this skinny little Polish lass with the biiig voice. I've yet to encounter an album that touches me like this one.

a fan of bossa nova and samba sung in english
One of my favorites albums! Basia gives a special touch to bossa nova and samba singing them in english. Always in my car stereo!!! ... Read more

Album Description

KT Tunstall is a sparkling new songwriter with Chinese blood, a Scottish heart, great legwarmers & a cool name. KT celebrates classic singer-songwriting in the tradition of Rikki Lee Jones, Carol King & Fleetwood Mac with an articulate, accessible, immediate brew of rootsy sass, wistful quandary & after-hours atmosphere. The latest in a line of outstanding contemporary Scottish songwriters including Texas, Fran Healy, Teenage Fanclub & The Beta Band, KT's unique perspective offers a rare emotionally connecting intensity through it's gripping lyrical bite & heartfelt melody. Her debut album 'Eye To The Telescope' is the creative consequence of an inquiring imagination with production duties supplied by Steve Osborne (U2, New Order, Doves). Includes one bonus track 'Black Horse & The Cherry Tree' (Performed On Later With Jools Holland). Includes the bonus track 'Black Horse And The Cherry Tree' (live on Later With Jools Holland). EMI. 2004. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Tunstall Amazes
Don't let the cowboy stomp of "Black Horse & The Cherry Tree" fool you, this is no country singer. This Scottish lass proves, on her debut Eye To The Telescope, that legwarmers, a low voice and some rock thrash can go along way.
Her album is filled with luscious tunes from the second single "Other Side Of The World," with its subtle demeanor to the "Stoppin' The Love."
Standouts include the lonesome "Under The Weather" and the superbly put-together "Suddenly I See."
The lyrics are not strapping, wavering between straight talk to that of middling nature. The arrangement is what graces this effort. Tunstall rocks out without being too shrill or too acoustic. The blend of rock instrumentation makes this the finicky endeavor that it is.
KT Tunstall has released a profound record that feeds a niche that has been hungry since the hay day of Lilith Fair.

Fantastic CD
I first heard K.T. Tunstall while listening to Virgin Radio, U.K. on iTunes.The moment that first song that I heard finished, I knew that I had to have the CD.She has a wonderful, low voice which she uses quite effectively.I think my favorite song on the album is "Black Horse and Cherry Tree" which is a spunky song with a great beat and fun lyrics.Well worth the $27 to have it delivered to your door.Tunstall's music is most comparable to Norah Jones and maybe even Melissa Ethridge, but she has a sound that is definately all her own.

Gorgeous, addictive music with no genre boundaries
This is the best debut album I've heard since Jason Mraz 'Waiting for my Rocket to Come', and like Mraz, KT Tunstall is one of those artists so naturally talented she crosses genre boundaries and defies description ... but what's the point in churning out words which can't convey the pure pleasure of listening to her? If you like Beth Orton, Sarah McLachlan, Shawn Colvin, Tori Amos, Patty Griffin, Joni Mitchell or Lucinda Williams then do yourself a favour and listen to this album. KT's voice is amazing and her songs are addictive. I hope she becomes a major star.

Soulful Songstress Scores Bigtime
KT Tunstall is a refreshing breath of air and I highly suggest that anyone go out and buy this record.Her lyrics are powerful and intelligent, her voice ever evolving depending on which track you listen to. All the same, good range, and you can tell that she sings with great passion that can only come from one place-the heart. I feel like she sings from personal experiences and this is something that everyone can relate to.This gal is gonna be HUGE. She is currently touring the UK in the next couple of months and tickets are CHEAP-Pick some up and go see her while you can in a small environment-the atmosphere will be incredible.KT has staying power and I feel that she is going to be around for a very long time, and I can't wait to see how her songs grow and evolve over time. As for the comparisons to Dido...I can't understand this. KT is light years ahead of Dido and much more soulful-so don't let the comparisons fool you, have a listen and decide for yourself.Pick this album up-its an essential for any collection. 5 Stars.

All eyes to the Telescope because this one's a star!
This is an excellent debut by an exceptionally talented and promising artist. I'm being honest when I write that every track is a standout: refreshing and sassy.My personal favourites include 'Suddenly I See', 'Other Side of the World' and 'Black Horse and the Cherry Tree' but the entire album is great.At first I couldn't put my finger on what I liked so much about this album but after listening to it for the about the third time I realised that she sounds very similar in style to Jeff Buckley (with maybe a hint of Macy Gray): her voice exudes that coolness, sexuality and intimacy that comes with great confidence in one's ability.I'm not saying that she's an instant legend but if you do listen to this album you will hear something different from the norm and definite evidence of greatness in the making.Excellent music with fantastic songwriting that's cool and emotional.Brilliant! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Warm-hearted and tender-voiced, Anne Murray's lovely, inspirational music is perfectly paired with songs of devotion, praise, and faith on this double-disc collection. Of those as seen on TV compilations, there is only one song not available elsewhere, the delightful "Let There Be Love," recorded with her daughter Anne. One listen to these 26 enchanting, inspirational classics and any listener will be lost in devotional prayer.--James Conde ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Excellent! - Or Should I Say Wonderful?
When I first learned that Anne Murray was going to do an inspirational album for her next release, I'll admit that I was a little skeptical. I thought "not 'Peace In the Valley' and 'The Old Rugged Cross'". Being a long-time fan of Anne's, I just wasn't too sure about this whole idea. Well, I shouldn't have doubted! While completely different from her last studio album (1996's "Anne Murray"), this is an outstanding acheivement for Anne. First off, Anne's voice gets better and better with every album. Second, the arrangements for the songs are great and third, Anne's daughter, Dawn, has a beautiful voice, too. Bottom line: its great music. I especially like "Amazing Grace", "Let It Be" "In The Garden", "You've Got a Friend", "Elijah", "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and, Of course, "Let There Be Love". Oh Yeah, "Peace In The Valley" and "The Old Rugged Cross" are good too. Just buy It!

Another great recording from Anne Murray
Whether it is pop, country, folk or gospel, nobody can match Anne Murray's talented styling. The best tracks are "Bridge Over Troubled Water", "Bedside of a Neighbor", "Song of Bernadette" and of course, the duet with her daughter Dawn Langstroth, "Let There Be Love". This CD is great for Christmas or any time of the year. I can't wait for Anne's next CD...

The most emotion ever from Anne !
This album is without doubt the best Anne Murray recording ever. What a comeback. This tasteful, inspiring album is filled with lots of emotion and will make your spirits soar ! The opening cut, "Lord I hope this day is Good" provides but a glimpse of what is to come. Her powerful performances on "Amazing Grace", "Let it Be", "Put a little Love in your Heart", "The Lord's Prayer", "I Believe in You" and "I can see Clearly Now" among others, leaves no doubt as to why this album went #4 Country, #38 Pop, and #1 Contemporary Christan on the Billboard Charts, having sold well over 1 million copies. Treat yourself-buy it today !!!

Inspirational songs suit Anne well
Many of these songs will be familiar to you via other versions, though there are a few exceptions, most notably Elijah, written by Gene MacLellan. Anne has recorded several of his songs, most notably Snowbird.

This is not a gospel album, though there are a lot of gospel songs here. Amazing grace, Peace in the valley, The old rugged cross, In the garden, Whispering hope and How great thou art can all be found on plenty of gospel albums.

Lord I hope this day is good was first recorded by Don Williams, who took it to the top of the country charts. Lee Ann Womack has also covered it.

Bridge over troubled water is, of course, a classic song, first recorded by Simon and Garfunkel, which also appeared on LeAnn Rimes' inspirational album. It seems destined to appear on many similar albums. Anne doesn't add anything new to the song, but I was pleased to see it included here.

Other covers include Lean on me (Bill Withers), Let it be (Beatles), What a wonderful world (Louis Armstrong), I can see clearly now (Johnny Nash), You've got a friend (James Taylor) and Put a little love in your heart (Jackie De Shannon).

Anne is in fine voice throughout, and anybody familiar with Anne's music will know what to expect - and get it.

Anne Murray - What A Wonderful World
Amazon.com is advertising this CD as two discs and when I received it, I found the CD to have an assortment of slections from both discs on one CD. Needless to say, the title song - "What A Wonderful World" was not on there. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Live and Swingin’ is undoubtedly for those who already own some of the guys’ worthier recordings. Oh, but the guys? Frank, Dean, and Sammy (or, as Jackie Masonhad it on The Simpsons, "the Candy Man!") For most anyone who cares, though, this is a must-buy item: a slightly edited version of the 1962 Villa Venice tapes along with a DVD that preserves a rarely seen, full-length serious/funny/anarchic Rat Pack performance from ’65. (For sentimentalists’ sake, it was taped on Tina Sinatra’s 17th birthday; she makes a brief appearance onstage with the fellas.) All kidding aside, the trio makes with the serious singing – though perhaps those who came to hear Sammy get through an entire mini-set without interruption will want to go elsewhere, as his partners’ shtick barely allows him to finish a line, much less a song. Sinatra aficionados will find the DVD indispensable, as he paws his way through a mellow version of "My Kind of Town" (benefit location "St. Louis"!) and "Fly Me to the Moon." --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (17)

This is fantastic
This cd/dvd set is amazing. The other reviewer said something about the original Summit meetings, and how he saw clips. That does not mean that they were completely taped. This Dvd is a complete live performance of the stage act ever. What you get here is 4 fantastic talents. One is most versatile and talented performer ever. Sammy Davis Jr. is amazing at everything he does on here. Whether it is singing, doing impressions, showing the latest dance moves or doing great comedy. Dean Martin who is not only a fantastic singer but one of the funniest men to ever grace a stage. It makes think that he was the funny one in the Martin and Lewis team. Then you have the King of Late Night trading barbs with the kings of later night. Finally, you get Frank Sinatra powered by the Count Basie band singing with joy and abandonment. The Cd features songs from several performances, but the way they put it together makes sound like a normal Pack performance. My recommendation is BUY THIS CD/DVD SET. No matter what.

CD/DVD a Great Bargin
"Live and Swingin', The Ulitimate Rat Pack Collection," brings you back to another time in America. I am too young to have seen the Rat Pack live, but this CD/DVD combination provides the next best thing.
Disc one is an audio-only CD with performances of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Sammy Davis Jr. at a Chicago nightclub in 1962. Disc two, which was actually broadcasted about two years ago on cable's TV Land, shows a 1965 St. Louis performance by the same trio, with a very young Johnny Carson MCing. If you like the Rat Pack mythology and all that it stands for, then this collection is perfect. Thankfully, through all the clowning, there are some very good performances here, both on the CD and DVD, from Sinatra, Martin, and Sammy Davis, Jr. The comedy segments are also enjoyable, you can clearly see, at least at this point in their careers, that the three really enjoyed working with each other.
For about the price of a new CD, you get a CD and DVD. A great deal. Highly recommended.

Hey Frank, How do you make a Fruit cordial??
This cd should have been titled "The Schtick Remains The Same!" Every live Rat Pack cd seems to have the same routines with little variation, so really you only need one. This would be my choice. The guys are in good form as their politically INcorrect selves and there is lots of good stuff here, but the main attraction is the dvd. I first owned part of this live concert for Dismas House on a bootleg record. Then on a British import cd. Now it's GREAT to be able to own it COMPLETE on videodisc. FRANK, DEAN, SAMMY with JOHNNY CARSON standing in for an ailing Joey Bishop, backed by the Count Basie Orchestra conducted by QUINCY JONES. How cool is that?? Picture quality is as good as it can be for a B&W kinescope and the "boys" really play up something fierce. Laughing at everybody including themselves. Sammy is a real DYNAMO. I remember when he was Down here in the 70s guesting on a variety show and he ended up taking over the studio orchestra and the whole program with his masterful improvisation. The show ran an hour over the time limit and the following program was cancelled, such was the glory and talent of THE MASTER! I'd like to see Snoop Dogg do that. He's stuck for something to say and do in a 5 minute spot on Conan O'Brien....but I digress! So unless you are a TOTAL FANATIC, this cd/dvd is most likely all the Rat Packery you'll need for some nostalgic good fun. Humorless, thin-skinned wowsers and pain-in-the-*ss PC bozos who get so very offended at racsist and sexist jokes should keep well away.

Goody Goody!
One show on Cd, and the other on DVD. One from Chicago and one from St. Louis. Very entertaining. Those guys were fabulous.

Fun, but not enough music
It is a fun cd full that really gives you a peek at what it was like to be at one of the Rat Pack's performances. But it is a little lacking in the music area for me. A bit too much laughing anc cutting up, but that's why you buy the live cd isn't it? ... Read more

Reviews (56)

One of THE Best Albums of All Time
Many people under the age of 50 probably have an image of the older Frank Sinatra, belting out "New York, New York," or clowning with Sammy, Dean, and Joey in some Rat Pack picture.
One listen to "Songs for Swingin' Lovers," however, it quickly becomes obvious that Frank Sinatra was more than just an aging lounge singer, and this album is one of the landmark albums of the 20th century.
From the beginning chords of "You Make Me Feel So Young," which opens the albums, Sinatra and arranger Nelson Riddle are in prime form. The hits keep coming, "It Happened in Monterey," "You're Getting to Be a Habit With Me," "Pennies from Heaven," "I've Got You Under My Skin," "Makin' Whoopee," "Anything Goes," etc. Sinatra's singing is impeccable and the Nelson Riddle Orchestra swings.
This album, along with Sinatra's "A Swingin' Affair," are generally regarded as among his best, and among the top albums of all time. These are the first of the "concept" albums, and, along with "Sings for Only the Lonely," provide examples of why Sinatra was considered one of our most important artists. If you like music, any kind of music, then you need to have these in your CD library.

Sinatra and Riddle record "I've Got You Under My Skin"
If we are talking about essential Frank Sinatra albums for a music collection, the first one would have to be 1954's "In the Wee Small Hours," a superb collection of ballads that helped establish the former bobbysoxer heartthrob as the premier saloon singer of his generation. But the second album on that list would be 1955's "Songs for Swingin' Lovers," in which Sinatra and arranger Nelson Riddle go in the opposite direction, providing a stellar collection of pop standards reinterpreted for the crooner who was becoming a damn fine singer. Several of the songs, such as "Pennies From Heaven" and "I've Got You Under My Skin," actually predated the start of Sinatra's career, but in the case of the latter Sinatra provided what is arguably the definitive version of the Cole Potter classic and the song that in retrospect defined Frank Sinatra as the premier vocalist of the 20th century (sorry for the understatement). The zesty tone for the album is established with the opening track, "You Make Me Feel So Young," while other great tracks if you had to be picky would be "You Brought a New Kind of Love to Me" and "Too Marvelous for Words." All of these songs give you the undeniable sense that Sinatra is just having a great time singing each and every one of them. Riddle's arrangements, done with a core rhythm section and a full orchestra, are the key to unlocking the door to musical greatness and are as fine as anything he ever did for Sinatra or anyone else. Part of the problem is that nobody really remembers what most of these songs sounded like before Riddle and Sinatra reworked them into the songs we know today. I may well change my mind tomorrow, but today I would make the case that "I've Got You Under My Skin" is the greatest Frank Sinatra song.

Swing this Baby!
Probably my favourite Sinatra's album. Released in 1956. Arrangements are done by Nelson Riddle and sound great.

Buy the British (EMI Int'l) boxed set. Worth every penny!!
I've read numerous other reviews suggesting sub-par sound quality and digital transfer from the master tapes. To be clear, my 5-star rating is not in reference to this (American) Capitol re-release. Instead, my rating refers to the remastered version of this album contained in the 21-CD British boxed set released in 1998 ("The Capitol Years") released by EMI International. This set is also available on Amazon.

I realize that, given its hefty price, the British boxed set will likely only appeal to devoted fans and those seeking to really delve into the annals of Sinatra on Capitol, but I own it and can attest to the fact that every album is remastered beautifully. Sound quality is superb on all. The only slight flaw is in the track timing on the "Where Are You?" album within that set (please see my review of the boxed set discussing this flaw). To solve this problem, I recommend buying the boxed set and also buying the "Where Are You?" album separately (the American Capitol release of that album is perfectly fine).

This album, along with most (if not all) of his other Capitol work, represents Sinatra in peak form. Great, timeless recordings of great songs.

Terrific!!!
I enjoy listening to every tune on this CD. If you're looking for a finger snapping Frank at his best - this is the album for you. ... Read more

Album Description

1997 compilation on MCA featuring the best that Capt. Kirk &Mr. Spock recorded for the label between 1967-1970. Includesmaterial from all four of Nimoy's albums & Shatner's 'The Transformed Man'. Wacky fun ranging from Broadway numbers toprotest songs to Shakespeare narrations to covers of Dylan &Beatles tunes! 24 tracks in all, including Shatner's covers of 'It Was A Very Good Year', 'Mr. Tambourine Man' & 'Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds' and Nimoy's covers of 'Abraham, Martin And John', 'Put A Little Love In Your Heart' and 'Sunny'. ... Read more

Reviews (45)

Mister tambourine man... MISTER TAMBOURINE MAN!!!
I love so-bad-it's-good music, so obviously I had to have this CD. There's so much superlatively, deliciously, appallingly bad stuff on this CD it's hard to know where to begin. Most of the CD is taken up by Nimoy, but the few Shatner tracks scale heights of awfulness that few other artists have even approached (not even Bobby Goldsboro). "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" and "Mr. Tambourine Man" prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that method acting and popular songs are not a marriage made in heaven. In fact, together they are possibly the worst songs ever recorded by anyone anywhere. I challenge you to listen to these two songs back-to-back and decide which is worse -- perhaps that's something man was never meant to know. The Nimoy tracks are not quite as spectacular, but there are many highlights there too: "Highly Illogical" is delightfully awful, and "The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins" is completely demented (it's a favorite on the Dr. Demento show). The rest of the songs are mostly just evidence of Mr. Nimoy's incredibly mediocre singing voice; some of them, like "Both Sides Now" should be included on a future compilation entitled "Good Songs Sung by Bad Singers". This CD is a treasure that you'll enjoy for years, although not for the reasons the artists intended.

A great cure for a bad mood
Being a fan of the Golden Throats Great Celebrity Sing-Off, I thought "Spaced Out" would be a worthy addition to my collection of weird music. And this disc definitely does not disappoint in the weird department.

Nimoy has more disc time than Shatner does, but since Shatner tends to recite Shakespeare at loud decibels more than anything else, this really isn't a problem for me (though I must confess his "Hamlet" is strangely catchy). And if you're in a bad mood or have had a rotten day, "Spaced Out" will definitely bring a smile to your face.

Certainly, we're not talking great musicians or great music here, which anyone even casually acquainted with Nimoy's and Shatner's musical efforts should already know. Nimoy doesn't screech like Shatner, which is in his favor. However, though Nimoy tries really hard, he can't seem to stop himself from going off key from time to time, as is the case in his rendition of the legendary Bobby Darin's "If I Were A Carpenter."

But - it's his very off-keyness and his earnest enunciation (he pronounces EVERY syllable of EVERY word, unlike most rock "artists" who think mumbling is cool) that makes this disc...well...hysterically funny. (And his spoken-word Spock-isms like "Highly Illogical" are a scream too). And of course, Shatner's "Mr. Tambourine Man" and "Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds" are always good for a laugh. It's so bad, it's good, as the saying goes.

But for the record, I also want to note that some of Nimoy's tracks actually aren't that bad. For example, he does a very passable rendition of "If I Had a Hammer" wherein he actually does sing on key, and his "I Walk the Line" is certainly no worse than Johnny Cash's. In fact, Nimoy's "I Walk the Line" may even be better than Johnny Cash's, since Nimoy actually sings, whereas Johnny Cash talks his songs.

So - to sum up - buy this disc. It's a great cure for a bad mood or a rotten day - and you may be surprised at how some of Nimoy's tunes aren't half bad!

Star Wars Rules
Now, while I appreciate the fact that two trekkers have made utter fools of themselves on this record, I have to wonder why Han Solo and Chewbacca never got their own album!?!?! Han is clearly tougher than Spock, and Chewbacca could kick Kirk's butt across the klingon territories. I just don't understand this logic. Here would be my ultimate album:

1. I Raped Kirk - Darth Vader and the Vaderettes
2. Shove Those Pointed Ears (Up Your Bum) - The Cantina Band
3. Scotty's Got Alzheimers - Princess Leah (feat. Snoop Dogg)
4. Chekov Is A Wigger - The R2D2 Posse
5. Grand Moff Tarkin Should've Been Named Grand MUFF Tarkin (Because He's A Pussy) - The Lightsabres

so please do us all a favor, and all Star Trek fans please kill yourself now. do it. Live Short And Prosper.

After reading these reviews...
I've already been laughing for the past 45 minutes, and I
just ordered the album - it hasn't arrived yet. I think Amazon
is missing a marketing opportunity by not charging people to
read these reviews, because they're hysterical!

Nearly flawless oddity
Has any recorded moment surpassed the intense dementia of Shatner's final scream in "Mr. Tambourine Man"? Do we really want to know?

This absurd CD opens the window to two cult favorites who found second careers as outlandishly kitsch performers. Much has been said of Nimoy's earnest, flat baritone; the reams of Shatner critiques could fill a large, easily combustible windmill -- but that would be too convenient, and a loss to people like me who occasionally need to be reminded why they (and others) actually listen to this stuff -- closely.

These recordings are either dizzying, hardcore, lovable dreck, or, to some, aural manure. History won't decide: you will, if you dare.

I have a complaint about this disk. Yes, just one, about two selections. One of the "Nimoy" tracks doesn't belong here for any reason, as it's nothing more than forgettable lounge muzak with zero artistic input from the Green One. "Music to Watch Space Girls By" sounds like a Herb Alpert outtake where he forgot his trumpet. Also, "Spock Thoughts" is just "Desiderata" recited blandly over third-rate background noise. I can do better, and so can you.

Instead, the compilers should have included "You Are Not Alone," a hideously warbled message of solidarity in this vast, impersonal universe (certainly a theme dear to Spock), and "Alien," a superior spoken dissertation on, well, alienation. They're featured on some other CD that costs nearly $60 used. I'll stick with my cut-out bin cassette for now.

The highlights of "Spaced Out" for me are the most famous offerings: the delirious Shatner takes on Dylan and the Beatles, plus the Nimoy novelty "Bilbo Baggins." The "Golden Throats" CD includes a quizzically-voiced, faded-in lead-in to Shatner's "Lucy in the Sky" edited off for this CD, but it seems we completists will always suffer a little. Also not to be missed are the bathyspherical depths of Nimoy's faulty tone and phrasing found on "Where is Love" and "Sunny"; the pure, howling turgidity of his deconstruction of "Proud Mary"; and a horror actually released as a single (according to the entertaining sleeve notes), and possibly written just for the Vulcan maestro -- "I'd Love Making Love to You," which exudes as much sultry seduction as a frozen duck on an antenna.

I try to imagine how the backing musicians made it through these sessions without screaming themselves, and wetting the floor with laughter.

P.S. I don't know how to create the "voting buttons." ... Read more

Reviews (14)

"It's Impossible" to pass up Very Best of Como....
RCA's The Very Best of Perry Como is a wonderful 21-song set which covers nearly 30 years of this barber-turned-crooner's career. I purchased this album one year after its release in July of 2000, and although I do love Como's voice and smooth delivery of such songs as "Papa Loves Mambo" (a Billboard Top 10 hit in 1954), I am fond of this record for sentimental reasons. When I was a girl growing up in Florida, my stepfather and I would either watch one of Como's TV specials or listen to his recordings on a record player. When I listen to "Some Enchanted Evening" from Rodgers and Hammerstein's "South Pacific," I remember watching Como perform this classic ballad on our black-and-white TV, my stepdad (a Navy veteran who served in the Pacific in World War II) at my side.
As I said earlier, this CD is a retrospective of Como's long and successful career, starting with the 1940s Swing Era hit "(A Hubba-Hubba-Hubba) Dig You Later" to his sweet, romantic "And I Love You So" from the 1970s. Some of my favorite tracks include Slim Willet's "Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes," "Because," and an English language cover of Armando Manzaneros "Somos Novios," better known as "It's Impossible."
If you like Perry Como or want an album of easy listening music with one of the great talents of the genre, The Very Best of Perry Como belongs in your music library. I heartily recommend it.
Betty June Moore

Love it and I am 35!
I am 35 and my husband and I love Perry Como. Our 7 year old daughter who LOVES Pappa Loves Mambo and the ABC song too! We push the repeat button and she could listen to this one for hours. I love Perry Como's songs. Thanks to my grandma who I loved to hang out with she and I shared it, especially during the holidays. He was a great guy and singer. We like listening to this on our weekend drives we always take. It really sets the mood. A total family outing! Just wish I had the car from that era! I have to say every song on this is great! I highly recommend this to anyone my age!

Hey, I'm 16 years old and I LOVE it!!
Perry Como is awesome. For those who like retro and are tired of the ratpack and Brian Setzer, try Como. This cd is so totally cool. I love Catch A Falling Star, and Papa Loves Mambo(the one from the commercial). I've turned half of my high school onto this cd, kids at my school are now making out to Perry Como. I'd recomend this to any teeneger, it sure beats Britney Spears and The Back Street Boys.

Yo, this is like my Great Grandparents music, but it's jiggy
I'm jiggy with' dis. It all cool baby. Perry Como is so out, he's in. I especially like the novelty songs, he badder than Snoop Dog. Even if you think ya Grampa's music sucks, this music is cool, maybe Gramps had good taste in music afterall, yo yo it all cool babydoll... Dis' music rocks, it da bomb, it's phat, it's da sh*t!!!

and i love her so
it describes how much i love my wife and 2 little girls more then i ever could!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Linda Ronstadt's appeal crossed so many genre lines it's impossible to categorize her as anything other than a gifted vocalist. She enjoyed success on country and rock charts alike with a voice that capably handled the requirements of both styles. There was a commanding roughness to her you-did-me-wrong classic, "You're No Good," that mixed both soul and R&B stylings into her vocals. In a similar vein, she handled the Motown standard, "Heat Wave," like a pro, this time giving it the slightest hint of a country twang. She even rose to the occasion of covering Buddy Holly's "That'll Be the Day." Rondstadt had some of her best moments with material that had a more emotional element, regardless of genre. "Love Is a Rose" and "Tracks of My Tears" are good examples of the disparate styles she could navigate with equal aplomb.Greatest Hits doesn't chronicle Rondstadt's hits past the mid-1970s, but is still worth owning, not only for the songs themselves, but as a point of reference in her career. --Steve Gdula ... Read more

Reviews (24)

A Rock Icon
You can't go wrong with this album. Even if you are a avid Linda Ronstadt fan, this is a good listen. It's perfect too if you are a new fan and want a good intro to her music. GREATEST HITS was her first compilation, and focused on her early career in the late 60's and early 70's. The earliest being her cover of the Stone Poney's "Different Drum". "Long, Long Time" is one of my favorite songs she has ever done, and it's on here, originally appearing on her 1970 album SILK PURSE. Another cover is her rendition of "Silver Threads and Golden Needles", which is inspired and a nice mix of country and rock, from her 1973 album DONT CRY NOW. Also included from that album is "Desperado" and "Love Has No Pride". Then came her breakthrough album in 1974, HEART LIKE A WHEEL, which spun off the hits "It Doesn't Matter Anymore", "You're No Good" and "When Will I Be Loved". From her 1975 album PRISONER IN DISGUISE, included is her cover of Neil Young's "Love Is A Rose", her cover of the Motown classic "Heat Wave", and "Tracks Of My Tears". These are all memorable classics. This is a must have album for any listener.

Other than SIMPLE DREAMS, the best Linda Ronstadt out there
SIMPLE DREAMS wasn't the first Linda Ronstadt album I had heard, but because I have a slight prejudice towards "greatest hits" albums, that's how I count it. However, a lot of artists are hit-and-miss with their material, and it's the same with Linda: when she's on, she's unbelievably on (HEART LIKE A WHEEL, SIMPLE DREAMS); when she's off, it can be disastrous (MAD LOVE, GET CLOSER). In that case a greatest hits album may be a blessing in disguise, hence this review. There's no doubting that Linda has a way with choosing material, but not every song is tailored for her talents. This album does the work of digging out the best for those people who don't like to wade through every album in a person's body of work (I am not one of those people, though). Linda's story begins in 1968 when she was the lead singer for a folk-rock band called the Stone Poneys. Their recording of Mike Nesmith's "Different Drum" was a top 20 hit, and introduced the world to Linda Ronstadt's golden voice. She went solo soon after, but it would be about 5 more years before she truly became a star. In the meantime, she did her best to make a wide variety of songs her own, from country to rock to even country-rock.

Linda's first solo album, 1969's HAND SOWN...HOME GROWN is not represented on here, but her best early song is the ballad "Long, Long Time" from her 1970 album SILK PURSE, which is primarily remembered for Linda's backing band, members of whom would go on to form The Eagles. Her self-titled 1971 album is glossed over in favor of 1973's DON'T CRY NOW, which was her first album to be certified gold. The material on that album ranged from the country classic "Silver Threads & Golden Needles", Eric Kaz's much-covered "Love Has No Pride", and her good friends The Eagles's legendary "Desperado". The seeds were being sown for her eventual commerical breakthrough.

1974's HEART LIKE A WHEEL finally shot Linda Ronstadt into the stratosphere, topping the album charts, selling a million copies, and winning her fans with both country and pop fans. Betty Everett's soul classic "You're No Good" was Linda's one and only #1 single, and this song I think demonstrated her range after years of concentrating on her country roots. She also re-invented classics like the Everly Brothers' "When Will I Be Loved" and the Paul Anka's "It Doesn't Matter Anymore" (made famous by one of Linda's most frequently-covered artist, Buddy Holly).

1975's PRISONER IN DISGUISE proved the success of WHEEL was no fluke, even if she was dropped by Capitol Records after that album. It wasn't a blockbuster, but still enough to keep Linda at the top of the pop world. Two Motown classics were the hits, Martha & The Vandellas' "Heat Wave" and the Miracles "Tracks Of My Tears". Making those songs her own would be difficult because they had already been claimed by the previous artists, but Linda still makes a good effort. She's much more successful with Neil Young's "Love Is A Rose", and it's easy to see why Young considered Linda one of his favorite singers.

1976's HASTEN DOWN THE WIND was another high-seller, even if it was a bit of a comedown artistically. The accent was on more contemporary material like Ry Cooder's "The Tattler" and Karla Bonoff, who was another Linda Ronstadt in the making. The hit off this album, however, was of Buddy Holly's "That'll Be The Day". Not that that was a bad thing, because Linda always could do Mr. Holly justice, but it showed how uninspired HASTEN DOWN THE WIND was as a whole.

That's where this album ends, and that's good because the album that followed this collection was the one I (and most other people) consider Linda's masterpiece, SIMPLE DREAMS. But it demonstrated that Linda Ronstadt's time in the spotlight was just beginning, and more hits were soon to follow. Any other Linda albums besides this and SIMPLE DREAMS are risky investments at best, but there's no risk involved with this great collection.

LIFE OF THE PARTY IN THE 1970'S
Linda Ronstadt has had a long and varied career. She has roots in country, and has been a champion in folk, pop, rock, the American Songbook and Spanish/Mexican music. Indeed, Ronstadt was one of the most popular interpretive singers throughout the 1970's. Almost as legendary as her singing career has been the many twists and turns of her own love life as it was played out in the pages of newspapers and magazines. Along with her affairs with the famous and powerful, Ronstadt's sex appeal drew many to her concerts and her records. Many a young man fantasized spending the night with her as she crooned "You're No Good".

But Ronstadt was not without her critics. She did not write her own songs-instead she often took songs which had been hits for others and made them even bigger successes with a much wider audience. Yet it was said that compared to the originals, Ronstadt's versions were cold and distant having little of the emotional depth the lyrics called for. Defenders pointed to Ronstadt's successful track record and charged detractors with sexism-stating that her critics could not deal with a successful, powerful woman.

Even nearly thirty years later, opinion is not settled on the merits of Ronstadt's work. Any casual and fair-minded listener can marvel at the sheer power of her voice. Again, the same listener might also conclude that Ronstadt's versions of works of others are somewhat pale. Even so, there is clearly something uniquely appealing in her singing. It is also fair to say that had Ronstadt never recorded their works many a songwriter would never have emerged from obscurity.

GREATEST HITS was released just a short time after Linda Ronstadt first made her big splash with HEART LIKE A WHEEL, PRISONER IN DISGUISE and HASTEN DOWN THE WIND. These three albums quickly established Ronstadt as a major star. Yet Ronstadt had made only minimal impact since her hit single "Different Drum" released in 1970 up to that point. Ronstadt's record labels clearly wanted to cash in on her newfound success before the fire went out. As such, GREATEST HITS only catches Ronstadt in the middle of the upward arc to the pinnacle of her success. Still, to the public in 1976, this is who Linda Ronstadt was up to that point. GREATEST HITS did it's job of introducing vast audiences to her earlier work as well as the handful of hits she had up to that point. GREATEST HITS now serves as a kind of snapshot of what 1970's music was like at the time with the heavy flavor of "country rock" that saturated nearly everything before the advent of disco and punk.

Those less nostalgic will want a more comprehensive collection than is represented here

Some suggestions:

THE VERY BEST OF LINDA RONSTADT or
THE LINDA RONSTADT BOX SET

If you are to have only one Linda Ronstadt studio album then be sure to buy HEART LIKE A WHEEL.

Highly recommended
This CD, which was originally released in album form in 1976, is a collection of twelve of Linda Ronstadt's greatest songs from the early part of her career. Each of the songs shows off her musical talent to good effect, with no duets included. You're No Good was always one of my all-time favorite songs, so I am very glad that it is included, but all of the songs are very good.

Sadly, the CD paperwork has no "goodies", just a list credits for each of the songs. But, the quality of this CD is very good, and I highly recommend it to everyone.

Linda Rocks!
I remember first hearing Linda Ronstadt's amazing voice come crashing out of the radio sometime in the late sixties as the lead vocalist for the folk-rock group, the Stone Ponies. Her distinctive melodic scream of a vocal style is so distinctive it is hard not to compare with Roy Orbison, whose songs she sometimes recorded. This collection of her hit songs covers the decade or so before she went for the big band and "lush" sounds of her more recent work. It is hard to not appreciate a voice so singular and versatile, even if it is most usually delivered with a fevered wail. I once saw her in a small venue in Lenox, Massachusetts in a small amphitheater setting, with the audience sprawled over an expansive lawn that gradually rose above the covered stage area. She was so good with just her guitar and small group that it is difficult to describe her in words short of superlatives such as phenomenal.

All of her seminal work is included here for you casual enjoyment, from "When Will I Be Loved" to "When Will I Be Loved?", from "You're No Good" to "It's So Easy", and all the others, including "Long, Long Time", "That'll Be The Day", "Love Is A Rose", "Different Drum", "Heat Wave", and many others. This album give us all of Linda's formidable hits, all her in a definitive play list that anyone would want to have to ensure an accurate representation of her volumes of work, from dozens of hit albums recorded and released over more twenty years of popular work. This is an essential album for your collection, and one I have both in the house and in the car. For easy listening as I zoom down the highway. Other than the Beach Boys, on the one hand, or Jackson Browne on the other, nobody articulates the southern California folk rock style as well or as consistently as Linda Ronstadt, the little woman with the big, big voice. Enjoy! ... Read more