Amazon.com essential recording

Ella Fitzgerald's voice was satin to Louis Armstrong's sandpaper, but when you put them together on a single song, their chemistry was unimpeachable. This disc selects highlights from the three albums they made together at Verve (including their Porgy and Bess), and adds a spiffy live track from the Hollywood Bowl. Though they don't harmonize much (Armstrong's voice wasn't built for harmony), Ella's dignified swing and flashes of teasing wit play off Satchmo's gritty, good-humored roar symbiotically. The material is mostly lightweight Tin Pan Alley stuff (lots of Gershwin, plus the likes of "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm"), and they fly it like a kite. --Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Absolute Perfection
Who would have thought that it could have worked? The pitch-perfect, articulate, and yes, angelic voice of Ella Fitzgerald combined with the gravelly grunts and growls of Louis Armstrong...Two very different singers with very different styles getting together to record? But it does work, and the result is absolute perfection.

The way Louis and Ella blend, harmonize, and play off each other is simply astounding to hear. And I think that's the secret of why these two superstars were such stellar musicians: They loved making music. Just listen to the fun they're having on "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" and "Gee, Baby, Ain't I Been Good to You." It's not only delightful, it's heavenly. Listen and lose yourself in the slow, unhurried harmonies of "Stars Fell on Alabama." And from the opening, emotion-packed trumpet statement of "Summertime," you know you're in for a powerful listening experience.

It's rare that you find a musician who really, I mean REALLY loves performing. To find two such artists on the same disc? Indescribable. These two greats were put on this earth to make music and they made music with all their might. And we're fortunate enough to have it with us. This disc is heaven. Buy it. Treasure it forever.

TOTAL TIME: 68:03

Perfect album for a summer evening
Ella and Louis provide the perfect soothing music for a summer evening on this cd. Ella's singing is not quite as crisp as I've heard on some other recordings, but these two jazz vocalists compliment each other wonderfully. If you like this, check out Ella's "Best of the Songbooks" or Louis with another jazz genius on the cd "Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson."

Let's Call the Whole Thing Awesome
This is a truly fantastic collection of classics and there's pretty much nothing I can add to it...it's untouchable. May I recommend lighting some candles, clearing off the floor and swinging away the night with your lovey dovey, socks optional. I mean, this is not a pathetic waste of money or time... you deserve the best, and it doesn't get any better than Ella and Louey!!!

Who Gets Five Stars If Not These Two?
For many, the names of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong are synonyms for jazz. The two knew each other well but it is rather surprising that they did not record more than three albums together. These are: "Ella and Louis", "Ella and Louis Again" and "Porgy and Bess". In 1997, the Verve label selected the cream of the three albums for this compilation.

Picking the best of the three must have been pretty difficult. But on the other hand, there was nothing to be screwed up, it all sounds so good... As the liner notes say, 'the voices could hardly be more different,' but how well they went together. Smokey, throaty "Pops" and pure, glittering Ella... and THEY DID MUCH OF THIS STUFF WITH JUST ABOUT NO REHEARSAL! Armstrong adds his trumpet to many of the complation's selections, too.

From the first "Ella And Louis" LP, this collection contains "They Can't Take That Away From Me", "Under A Blanket Of Blue", "Tenderly", "Stars Fell On Alabama" and the glorious take of "The Nearness Of You".

Selections from "Ella And Louis Again" are, in my opinion, slightly lacking in comparison with the first album, but, nevertheless, they're still awfully good. Here we have six of them: "Autumn In New York", "Stompin' At The Savoy", "Gee, Baby, Ain't I Good To You", "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off", the wonderful "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" and "Love Is Here To Stay."

As for "Porgy and Bess", no representative selection of Ella and Louis (or even of one of them) would do without the heavenly version of "Summertime." Also, Ella sings "I Wants To Stay Here" and Satchmo has his "There's A Boat Dat's Leavin' Soon For New York" here.

The last track, "You Won't Be Satisfied" was recorded live in front of the audience and is a wonderful treat and the great closer for this impeccable CD.

There could be a lot more to say about this particular album. It should be an essential purchase for any jazz fan. Indeed, for every music fan.

Magical!
I can listen to this CD forever. The magical and silky voice of Ella together with Louis's trumpet and vocals takes you to another world.. I am a jazz fan and this is one of the best CDs that I've ever listened to.. A must-have! ... Read more

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Long considered a jewel in Verve Records' very impressive crown, Fitzgerald's songbook collections of various composers--a series that was started by the success of this set--are all wonderful, but her natural wit and intelligence was at its most perfect with Cole Porter's erudite, urbane songs. While not as scat-oriented as her small group outings, these Porter sets offer her most realized pop performances.Also, the gold remastering does a fine job of bringing out the nuances in the arrangements, making this a treasure for the serious collector and the casual listener alike. A true American music gem. --Skip Heller ... Read more

Reviews (23)

You MUST Get This CD! There's nothing better than this.
Oh Ella! I wish I could tell her how much I have enjoyed this CD. She is the stuff dreams are made of. That voice! How did you do it Ella? So effortless for you. Incredible. This is my all time favorite CD. I listen to all kinds of music and cannot go a day without hearing Ella sing Cole Porter. Don't hesitate to buy this- you'll listen to it the rest of your life. Cole Porter's lyrics pour out of her so perfectly. Those songs were made for her to sing! Her phrasing is impeccable. I just cannot express how amazing this Songbook is. BUY IT!

Ella Shows Why She Reigns! 1st Lady of Song!!!!
All 30-plus tunes here are just fine. Some not quite great but about a dozen all time winners, even in these over-recorded Cole Porter songs. There's nice notes too, and spirited arrangements by Buddy Bregman. Most of these could have been recorded tomorrow, much less 1956!! My favorites?! ALL THRU THE NIGHT, a slow swinger, ANYTHING GOES, including the seldom heard intro, a real swinger, as good as Frank's version the same year. TOO DARN HOT,super hot, even better than Ann Miller's version in KISS ME KATE (but as a dancer Ann can't be beat!)LETS DO IT!, I LOVE PARIS, YOU DO SOMETHING TO ME, the best version I've heard, RIDIN HIGH, another super hot blaster, YOURE THE TOP, as good as Crosby's best version (PS Do they write songs like this anymore?!)..LOVE FOR SALE, different with its haunting,brooding style, and I like the horns here which IMHO are not dated! ITS DELOVELY another super hot ball of fire. NIGHT AND DAY, the 2nd best swing version (after Frank's version), ACE IN THE WHOLE yet another super hot ace! Maybe a few are not among the best recordings of many recorded ditties, still mainly aces...I prefer Ella's Gershwin songbook, with more songs, and more less known ones, but this costs less, and is surely a fine start!!

FLOATING ON A STARLIGHT CEILING
Ella Fitzgerald could sing about a garbage dump and make it sound beautiful. This CD is a great collaboration between the voice of Ella and the songwriting genius of Cole Porter. Ella was definitely the first lady of song and will be the last. No other singer on this planet comes close to her style, diction and her amazing scats. Her incredible voice, the timeless lyrics by Cole Porter and the great production talent of Norman Grantz makes this a CD to play over and over again.

Here's a reason to stay alive, if you're looking for one.
So count your blessings. They don't make records like this any more.

The Perfect Combination
Ella is the best jazz singer ever and Cole Porter was certainly one of the best composers of his time. This is an amazing CD. Any jazz lover will adore it. ... Read more

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In light of all the hit Broadway musicals that have stumbled in their translation to the big screen, The Music Man stands out as an exception; it is one of the best-loved movie musicals of all time. A great deal of the credit goes to composer Meredith Willson, who resisted studio pressure to hire a big name for the title role (Frank Sinatra or Cary Grant) in favor of the Tony-winning stage star, Robert Preston, who turns in one of Hollywood's most magical performances as the spellbinder who hoodwinks a small town in Iowa. Shirley Jones did not perform the show on Broadway, but she had cut her teeth as a musical ingenue in the films of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! and Carousel and gives Marian the librarian a lovely voice and charming personality. Most importantly, Willson's score combines marching bands and barbershop quartets to capture perfectly the spirit of America's heartland at the turn of the century. A classic. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (22)

The "Only" Music Man
Among the many fine things which can be said regarding this Original Soundtrack Recording of "The Music man", the most impressive would be to simply say "Robert Preston"! Robert Preston IS The Music Man - the one and only Music Man! Robert didn't simply perform this role . . . he was the personification of The Music Man. I really can't imagine any one else coming even close to his characterization. Just listen to Preston's delivery of "Ya Got Trouble" and every thing you need to know about "The Music man" is there!
This album has it all: great "marching band music", great performers like Shirley Jones, Buddy Hackett, The Buffalo Bills, and Robert Preston, and great songs. (The Buffalo Bills/Shirley Jones' "Lida Rose/Goodnight My Someone" sticks in your musical mind and you find yourself humming and singing it throughout the day/night for inexplicable reasons at the oddest times.
I have loved this recording since it was first issued. On cd it keeps the beauty of this music and these performers more alive than ever.

Wonderful, but could be better.
This is a great soundtrack, but it is unfortunate that Warner's did not give us more on the CD than the standard LP 44 minutes. For instance, there is extensive dance music in the "76 Trombones", "Marian the Librarian", and the "Shipoopi" numbers that could have been included on the CD, and wasn't. And although I do admire Shirley Jones, and she was a beautiful Marian, Barbara Cook was more believeable in the look of a small-town spinster librarian, and her voice is one of the greatest that the musical world has ever heard. Shirley Jones' singing is pleasant, Barbara Cook's singing is thrilling. But, Barbara Cook had as much a chance of recreating her Broadway role as Julie Andrews, Angela Lansbury and Ethel Merman did in "My Fair Lady", "Mame" and "Gypsy". Hollywood has never appreciated true musical talent. But, this is a fun album. Buddy Hackett is a bit hard to take, but Hermione Gingold is a treasure.

I love it! (With the occasional disappointment)
I absolutely love this soundtrack--I think the songs are even better on the album than in the movie. However, as most of us feel...Shipoopi (I didn't like the song to begin with) sung by Buddy Hackett? What? That was disappointing. But it's worth a listen, just for my personal favorites: 76 Trombones (of course), Goodnight My Someone, and Till There was You.

This is a CD I keep returning to--it's marvelous...one of a small list of musicals I truly enjoy listening to. You'll find something you really like--I'm sure of it. Highly recommended.

Great Performances/ Painful Sound !!
I don't fault the performances of Robert Preston, Shirley Jones, etc..... they're all great. My major complaint with this movie soundtrack is the harsh sound quality. There is too much treble and not enough balance in the mid to lower range. The result is a recording that is actually painful to the ears. I believe a much better remastering job is needed. Am I the only reviewer who noticed this? Beware.

Music Man is better than ANYTHING!!!
This is THE BEST music I have ever heard! I listen to the soundtrack all the time, and I love it so much that it is severely worn out. I would definately reccomend this to anyone who likes good quality music. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

You could fill box set after box set with Nat "King" Cole's work--and those are certainly out there--and never hit a less-than-stellar note. But for the creme de la creme, it'd be hard to fault this career-spanning, 22-song retrospective. From the swinging jump blues of "Straighten Up and Fly Right" to the easy lope of his definitive "Route 66" to the lush balladry of "Mona Lisa," every facet of the great singer-pianist's is explored. Bookended by Cole's original version of "Unforgettable" and his posthumous duet with daughter Natalie, this collection provides an ideal introduction to--or a stirring reminder of--Nat "King" Cole's legacy. --David Sprague ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Issues with the package and sound but never with the music
Nat King Cole is an American icon. Some sixty years later his early recordings with the King Cole Trio are still highly regarded by jazz afficianados around the world. And many of his solo efforts remain among the best loved songs of all time.
This collection contains some of both. If you have never heard the King Cole Trio, you are certainly in for a treat. Among the selections included here are the incredible "Straighten Up and Fly Right" from 1943 as well as other favorites like "You Call It Madness (But I Call It Love) and one of the great standards "(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons)". This 22 track disc also includes some his biggest hits as a solo artist including "Mona Lisa", "Ramblin' Rose" and of course "Unforgettable". Also included here is the hit 1991 duet version of "Unforgettable" with his daughter Natalie where Nat's vocals were dubbed in from the original 1952 hit.
While one is hard pressed to criticize the music of Nat King Cole this collection does have some considerable flaws. First of all, there are absolutely no liner notes. Now I realize that there are literally hundreds of releases available by Nat King Cole but considering that this one is called "The Greatest Hits" you would think that Capitol might feel compelled to offer a short biography and/or discography of the man. After all, he spent his entire recording career on Capitol and was really that labels bread and butter for two decades. Secondly, it is worth noting that these recordings do not appear to have been remastered. Older fans would probably not have a big problem with this and may prefer to hear these songs the way they remember them. However, I mention it because it may well be an issue for some listeners.
But make no mistake about it, this is still a wonderful collection of the music of Nat King Cole. I was disappointed though that my very favorite Nat King Cole tune of all time "That Sunday, That Summer" was not included here. Nat King Cole died in 1965. I distinctly remember my mother crying when she heard the news. He remains one of the most beloved figures in American music history. So whether you choose this particular disc or decide on something else you will probably not be disappointed.

More class than ALL'a today's performers put together...
Along with Sammy Davis, Jr., Nat King Cole is somebody I was introduced to by my pops, who would play these records to death when I was a lil' kid in the early '80s, an' even I couldn't get enough of 'em. In fact, this is the first singer that I distincty remember enjoying as a child. An' now, even today, I can't say enough praises about this man. Nat King Cole simply put could not make a bad song. Whether it was in the tenderness of his flawless voice or in the sweet sounds of his piano, his tones have never been matched and I can hardly think of any performer in the past century of music on his level. From the heartfelt ballads to the finger-snapping swingers all of these songs are great. The timeless standard 'Unforgettable' (jus' try an' find a romantic comedy without that joint!), 'Route 66 (Get Your Kicks On)', 'Walkin' My Baby Back Home', 'Ramblin' Rose', 'For Sentimental Reasons (I Love You)', 'Too Young', an' all the rest are jus' irreplaceable. As much as I enjoy big band music and fully-equipped orchestras and arrangements, I've always found sumpin' soothing and comforting in just hearing Cole's gentle voice coupled with his equally-gentle piano over anything else. But my personal favorite song by him has actually been retained from my childhood, an' thas' 'Orange Colored Sky'. Is' one'a my favorite songs of all time, an' anytime I hear it playin' I will sit an' listen to it. Even if I'm in the most irritable an' don't-mess-with-me-or-I'll-break-your-face mood in the world I will sit there an' yell "FLASH! BAM! ALAKAZAM!" with a big ol' smile. If you are just being introduced to his work, then this is a great purchase to make as your starter. Another great one is the album 'After Midnight Sessions' culled from his recordings with his jazz trio, and the untouchable classic 'Christmas Song' album. All in all, this is a great collection, probably THE best 'greatest hits' album of ALL TIME. An' it will find a permanent place in any true music fan's collection. You got no class if it doesn't.

The Greatest Hits is not so great.
To begin with, the song "The Very Thought of You", one of his most beautiful songs, is not even included. Then, "Nature Boy" is not the stereo version, but a 1940's mono version in inferior sound. The whole cd is badly produced. After I bought this cd and found it sadly lacking, I purchased the cd titled "Unforgettable Nat King Cole" (on Capitol,released 2000). It has all of the great hits in stereo and in perfect sound. It should receive the 5 star rating. Why people should rate the "Greatest Hits" album 5 stars is beyond me. It should get at most 2 stars. I'm sorry I was snookered into buying it. I can always use it as a coffee coaster.

good stuff
realy enjoy thes songs nat has a nack in music ramblin rose especially and bon natale nataly real good also i like music everything from a-z &0-9 +_)(*&^%$#@!~

He's my man but
Wonderful selection of his hit songs, but not re-mastered...sounds pretty weak, much better try his "Loved Songs" now that's my man! ... Read more

Reviews (25)

A soundtrack you just can't miss out on!!
The 1956 soundtrack to the movie version of the musical "The King And I" is truely a classic.
The soundtrack has recently been remastered with a better sound quality, and bonus tracks, and most of all the complete movie version of the ballet "The Small House Of Uncle Thomas".

The soundtrack includes the voices Deborah Kerr and Marni Nixon as the singing voice of Anna. Marni dubbed the singing parts, and Deborah did the speaking parts of the songs.
Yul Brynner as the king. Rita Moreno and Leona Gordon as the singing voice of Tuptim. Leona Gordon slightly augmented some of Ritas parts on her songs. We have Terry Saunders as Lady Thiang. Ruben Fuentes who dubbed the singing voice of Carlos Rivas in the role of Tuptim. And features Rex Thompson as Louis.
Those are all the voices you will hear on the soundtrack.

The soundtrack starts off with the Main Title. Next is Anna and Louis with "I Whistle A Happy Tune", where Anna teaches her son what do when afraid. Next is the beautiful "My Lord And Master" sung by Tuptim, where Tuptim sings how this King knows nothing about her, and how he may think shes just for him, he'll never know she loves another man. Rita Moreno does a beautiful job with the song and sadly was cut out of the movie. Next is "The March Of The Siamese Children", where the children are presented to Anna. Next is the underscoring of "Anna And The Royal Wives", followed by Anna's "Hello, Young Lovers", which is one of the most touching song in the score, where Anna sings to the Royal Wives how she once had a love of her own. Next is the kings "The Puzzlement", where hes states his confusions about his conflicts. Next is one of the most popular songs from the movie "Getting To Know You", where Anna sings to the Royal Children and Wives about getting to know them. Next is the underscoring "Garden Rendezvous". Next is Lun Tha's and Tuptim's beautiful "We Kiss In The Shadow", where the two lovers sing how they barely have any time to be with eachother, and hope for one day to be free. The song is mixed with "I Have Dreamed", their other duet, how they have dreams of them being together. Next is Anna's comical soliquy "Shall I Tell You What I Think Of You?". This is one song where you will hear Deborah and Marni going back and forth with the vocals, you can barely tell the difference. Next is the extremely touching "Something Wonderful", sung by Lady Thiang where she tells Anna deep down the king is truely something wonderful. Next is the "Prayer To Buddha", where The King and everyone pray to Buddha about the British comming. The British have arrived and Anna and her old friend Sir Edward see eachother and dance to the "Waltz of Anna and Sir Edward". Next is the beautiful ballet "The Small House of Uncle Thomas", narrated by Tuptim and sung with the Chorus, the ballet is Tuptims version of the story of "Uncle Toms Cabin". Next is the "Song Of The King", sung by The King and Anna, where the King expresses how many women belong to one man. Thats followed by another popular song, "Shall We Dance", where the magic start to spark between the King and Anna. Next is the underscoring "The Letter". The closing track is the "Something Wonderful REPRISE" sung by the chorus. The bonus track is the LP version of the "Overture".

Those are all the tracks, and they are amazing. Only a few songs from the score are missing including "Royal Bangkok Academy", Lady Thiang and Wives "Western People Funny", The Prince and Louis' "A Puzzlement REPRISE", And a few other Reprises are missing.

Overall, this classic soundtrack is worth it! You just have to own this classic.

Magnificent recording of classic R and H score
The film version of "The King and I" is one of the best (and best-loved) filmizations of a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, and for good reason. With that wonderful, melodic score so superbly orchestrated, Yul Brynner magnificently recreating his (and I do mean HIS) stage role of the King, and the wonderful Deborah Kerr as Anna, how can you miss? The soundtrack of the film is equally good, with the lovely orchestrations and performances of the songs retained beautifully. Marni Nixon, the legendary "ghost singer," dubs Deborah Kerr, in her most successful assignment to date as far as integrating her voice with Kerr's goes, (magnificently demonstrated in "Shall I Tell You What I Think of You," a great song unfortunatly cut from the film). She is also in peak voice, too, and sounds beautiful. Brynner's two songs, the great "A Puzzlement" and "Song of the King," are fine, as well, though he doesn't dominate the CD as he did the movie. But then, why complain about that, with so many other good things to make up for it? With such charming, beautiful songs as "Hello, Young Lovers," "Getting to Know You," and, of course, "Shall We Dance," all superbly performed by Nixon, as well as a good supporting cast of singers. Leona Gordon "augments" the voice of Rita Moreno's Tuptim, and though she falters a little bit when hitting the high notes of "My Lord and Master," (also cut from the film) otherwise her voice is beautiful, nicely bolestering a less-than-steller Reuben Feuntes (who dubbed Carlos Rivas's Lun Tha) during the beautiful "We Kiss In A Shadow" and "I Have Dreamed." (The last song, also cut; a shame) And Terry Saunders' Lady Thaing gives a beautiful, moving reading of "Something Wonderful," as well. One of the best recordings available of a classic R and H score, and not to be missed.

VERY GOOD WORK, but no MUSICAL NOTES
EXCELLENT WORK... However, we wanted to play this songs by ourselves, but there are no musical notes. That is the only missing part.

beautiful musical!
great and beautiful songs. It's a lovely soundtrack to a grand musical. Marni Nixon has such a beautiful and clear voice, so lovely and feminine. Yul Brynner has a wonderful masuline voice, very beautiful. All the tracks sound really good. It has some of the most beautiful and remembered songs on it, like, "Hello Young Lovers," and "Shall we Dance."

Beautiful Music. Mediocre sound quality.
This is one of my favorite musicals and it is a delight to have this recording. The sound quality is lacking, however. They could have done a better job with the remastering. ... Read more

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"If you wanna hear me sing serious, buy an album," Dean Martin says early in this 70-minute disc, underlining his point by deliberately mangling the last word's pronunciation. Issued to catch the wave of Steven Soderbergh's remake of the Pack's romp, Ocean's 11, Live at the Sands is the second official issue of a Martin/Frank Sinatra/Sammy Davis Jr. show. This September 1963 date, though, is nimbler and funnier than the previous year's set preserved on The Summit in Concert. Some of the same jokes are told, but this Vegas jaunt adds at least one new running gag (Dino's brief rendition of "It's My Party"), and Sammy also gets a few racially tinged zingers off in return for those of his partners. Oh, and lest we forget, there's good music. Martin actually plays it straight on two Guys and Dolls duets with Sinatra, who also turns in a half-dozen strong performances on his own. Plenty of mystique is present, but Sands captures the trio hard at work as well. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (41)

This is the One
"Ladies and Gentlemen - direct from the bar, Dean Martin!"

And with that sendoff begins one of the best live recorded cds I've ever heard. Recorded in 1963 during one of the many live performances at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas, more than a CD, this is a time capsule of a bygone era - a swingin' and much less serious time, before the assasination of JFK and the turbulant Sixties began. Frank, Deano, and Sammy are absolutely on top of their game.

The Rat Pack mythology was shaped during the filming of "Ocean's 11" in early 1960. The five leading men - Frank, Dean, Sammy, Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop - filmed during the day and then gathered onstage at the Sands Hotel at night. These "Summit Meetings" as Sinatra called them, not only galvanized Las Vegas as thousands of visitors poured into the gambling mecca without a prayer of getting a room reservation, but also made headlines and piqued imaginations as news reverberated around the world.

The Rat Pack's support of Senator John F. Kennedy (Lawford's brother-in-law) in his bid for the presidency became a cornerstone of his campaign, even as he was a ringside visitor at their shows. It was a moment in time, in history, never to be repeated. "There they were," writes Bill Zehme in his liner notes to THE RAT PACK LIVE AT THE SANDS, "twice nightly, without fail, tearing it up together through the dinner show at eight and back again at midnight, primed for even greater mayhem and off-color foolery."

The audio quality of this CD is fantastic and the music and dialogue sound great. The guys are absolutely irreverant, witty, and have a great time with the audience and eachother. Stand-up, impressions, music, cocktails - everybody is having a blast, the Rat Pack included, and it comes through loud and clear on this CD.

There are other Rat Pack CDs out there - a lot in fact, but NONE that truly capture their very essence like this one. Listen to this one and prepare to be taken back and find out what it was all about.

One of my 5 favorite CDs
This CD is a slice of history. It is a modified version of the act that Dean, Frank and Sammy came up with to perform at the "Summit" in early 1960.

If you're just after straight music, there are plenty of other CDs to choose from.

As for me, I'll go with the live recordings because they are just that, *ALIVE*. Frank, Dean and Sammy are still as vibrant on the recording as they were in early September, 1963. If you want to laugh at crazy jokes, hear Sammy's incredible impressions or sing along with the timeless tunes, this is the album.

After listening to this CD, I'm hooked on LIVE Rat Pack recordings (I'm in the process of collecting all I can find). I just wish someone would come up with a video of what was happening on stage. I someone makes a DVD, I'll buy it!

If this sounds interesting and you like Sammy, I particularly recommend "Sammy Davis Jr. At the Cocoanut Grove" (recorded in 1962, Reprise). Its all Sammy (although I did mistake Sammy's impressions of Frank for Mr. Sinatra the first few times through.)

:-)

If you love a good time, this CD is guranteed to "leave you swinging..."

Best of the Rat Pack
This cd is a real treat. It's like stepping back in time for an evening of great entertainment. The music, singing, and jokes are all great. This cd is vastly better all around than the Live and Swingin' set (which I also bought just for the dvd). If you are a fan of the Rat Pack or just want to know what all the fuss was about, buy it and enjoy.

Drink To Me Only...
One of their shows. Astonishing! Jokes about booze, jews, negros, italians, gangsters,... and songs! Very nice! Some of jokes are repeated from previous performances and some are new!

This is Great
I've had this CD for a while now, and I love it! It's hilarious. It seems to me that life was much more carefree before Political Correctness took over. I really don't think the Rat Pack would be allowed to put on a performance like this today. It's excellent, if you don't have it, buy it. Trust me, it's not a waste of money. (Unless you hate the Ratpack) ... Read more

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Barbra Streisand's bravado made her one of the 1960s' overnight sensations. This 40-cut compendium traces her recording career from early tracks that frequently relay her subtlety to often impressive accommodations with soft rock and still later vibrato-fests that find her taxing the limits of performer's ego and listeners' ears. The narrative is one of direct, sometimes showy, emotion giving way to empty displays of technique. By 1983's icky anthem "A Piece of Sky," Streisand has plowed under the light touches of "Lover, Come Back to Me" and the triumphal Central Park version of "Happy Days Are Here Again." Where she produced schlock masterworks when teamed with Neil Diamond ("You Don't Bring Me Flowers") and Donna Summer ("Enough Is Enough") in the '70s, a diva summit with Celine Dion led to the car wreck of 1997's "Tell Him." Essential wraps up with previously unreleased takes of "Someday My Prince Will Come" and "You'll Never Walk Alone." --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (91)

It Hasn't Left the CD Player!
It's hard to imagine one album that would so completely encapsulate the career of Barbra Streisand... but this essential collection does so wonderfully. It's appropriate that Barbra begin the collection with "A Sleepin' Bee"... her 1st broadway song. All of the early classics are here, though I am surprised at the inclusion of "I Stayed Too Long at the Fair". I would have picked "Starting Here, Starting Now". The 70's are well reflected on this 1st disc as well. "Stoney End" is a personal favorite. Even Barbra's two disco classics are included! It's amazing to see the diversity of songs she has recorded. Ballads, pop, disco, broadway, film. All are well respresented here. I would have foregone "Lazy Afternoon" in favor of "Songbird" or "Prisoner". The 2nd disc starts with Barbra's #1 "Woman In Love" and touches base on most of her noteworthy songs up to the present day. I would have preferred the live version of "As If We Never Said Goodbye" and teh inclusion of "Left in the Dark" but this collection was most special because of the two new additional songs. It must have been difficult to pick from well over 50 albums and find the 40 best songs. Barbra's voice is such an incredible instrument. The power, majesty and beauty are still there as strong as ever before. This is a perfect 40th Anniversary collection. Now I look forward to a new album of contemporary songs. Perhaps a "Guilty Again" or a
"Broadway Album - Act III". Perhaps an album of uptempo songs
a la Cher or a Pet Shop Barbra such as was done for Liza Minelli. Gay men have always been Barbra's most ardent fans and it would be incredible to hear Barbra's voice back on the dance floor after all these years. Sure it would be a commercial venture but would also be great fun. Barbra has long said she has wanted to give something back to the gay community. Forget about a film which would be seen and promptly forgotten. Her fans fell in love with her voice 1st and that is the part of her talent that will endure the longest. An album of fun high-energy anthem type songs perhaps mixed with a couple of contemporary power ballads would be magic... perhaps entitled "NightLight". If only Barbra would realize how many fans love her dance songs she wouldn't be so hesitant. It seems she hasn't forgotten the floundering "Emotion" album, but hey, that had 3 charting singles and MTV airplay, so how bad was that? I'm sure whatever Streisand does, it will continue to enthrall the millions of people who've been enchanted by the gifts of this extraordinary woman.

America's Best Selling Female Vocalist - A Collection
Barbra Streisand's four decades of beautiful music are perfectly captured on this sterling two CD set. Disc One introduces us to 60's Streisand, a new star who would the standard for standards at a time when the prevailing taste in pop music was the Beatles. Her passionate and powerful renditions of "Happy Days Are Here Again", "He Touched Me" and "On A Clear Day" set the stage for America's most beloved female vocalist. The latter half of this disc captures Barbra in exquisite vocal form as her voice matures and loses its early "reed" like quality in favor of a more powerful and melodic vibrato. The 70's showcases her successful forays into various styles of music from light rock ("Stoney End") to disco ("The Main Event/Fight") and cements her status as America's premier interpreter of loved songs ("Evergreen").

Disc II captures Streisand at the zenith of her sales career with the songs from her brillant collaboration with Barry Gibb. From there her music finds a deeper & richer showcase in the songs from her film "Yentl". Barbra's best album of the 80's, "The Broadway Album" is well represented here and finds Barbra returning to her musical roots and reestablsihing herself as the ultimate interpreter of Broadway standards. Even the start of the 90's has Barbra continuing this theme with songs from "Back to Broadway". The latter half of the 90's teams Barbra with Bryan Adams and Celine Dion in memorable pop confections.

The two new songs included here ("Someday My Prince Will Come" and "You'll Never Walk Alone") both recorded in 2000 are superb. Her new rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" is in itself reason enough to buy the album!

Her fortcoming album "Duets" will feature performances with Josh Groban ("All I Know Of Love") and Barry Manilow ("I Won't Be the One To Let Go"). If reviews of her latest live performance on 9/30/02 are any indiction, Barbra is in "better than ever" voice and it would seem that there are many more golden moments for Barbra to come!

For those who choose to critique Barbra the photo or Barbra the person with childish and inappropraite remarks... all I can say is... are they running low on Zoloft or something? Get a grip!

Chris Sullivan

I only sing for the money
Once in a book Streisand it was written that Streisand said I only sing for the money. Well it is very clear that it is true for this emotionally barron diva, lacks any conviction, though she is technically gifted, she doesn't show any real passion or convictuin in her singing, just pure shallowness...

terrible,i despise it
please dont buy or listen to this horrible double disc compilation of fourty of the lousiest,atrocious horrid,horrible,crappy throwaway songs you will hear.you will get better box sets than this so avoid this disaster at all costs.get the box set of black sabbath instead.

Fabulous! I love it!
There are female singers, and there is Barbra Streisand, who is a total goddess. She sings, performs, acts, directs, and produces. She is, in a word, amazing. I'd eat off the ground she walks on! This collection is fabulous. You gotta get it. Buy now! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Tom Jones all but invented saucy power pop back before the sixties even started to swing when his second single "It's Not Unusual" rocketed up the UK charts in 1965. After that initial triumph the singer never looked back, tying his hair back with a thin black ribbon and putting some rather expressive body English into his stage moves, which assured that the stage floor would be routinely pelted with various undergarments pitched by enthusiastic fans. Almost four decades later both Jones and his audience are no less fervent as Wales' second-most famous export runs through his extensive and varied songbook, still imbuing his old chestnuts like "What's New Pussycat?" and "Delilah" with a sense of naughty fun and irony. But Jones is at his best while giving the latest generation of rockers a run for their money, as he pairs up with the likes of Wyclef Jean, the Sterophonics, Art of Noise, the Cardigans, and Mousse T; as he overhauls staid tired standards like "Mama Told Me (Not To Come)" or "Baby It's Cold Outside" with his arch humor and gutsy delivery. Prince's "Kiss" crackles with an inner light that even the great Minneapolis savant didn’t intend, while his duet with Portishead is as cold and disturbing as a grave. A must have album. --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Tom Jones proves he still has it!
This is a wonderful cd and a must have for all Tom Jones fans.It
includes some of Tom's older songs with the perfect blend of his
newer ones.Sexbomb and Kiss are both destined to become Tom Jones classics.My husband and I had the pleasure of seeing Tom in
Las Vegas a couple of years ago.Trust me,Tom is still "Burning
Down the House"

The voice, the man, the power...
Okay, I'm not a long-time Tom Jones fan. In fact, I like country music (which is why I absolutely loved "Green, Green Grass of Home," by the way). However, Tom Jones is one of those guys who transcends genres. And I'm living proof that even a country boy knows how to get it on!

Okay, after that corny statement (I'm not too sure what it means, either), let me tell you about the music of this CD. If you're a Tom Jones fan, this review is probably pointless; you know the quality of the music you're going to get, and you're anxious to get it. If you're new, like me, then you might want to read on.

The album's three best (in my opinion) are: "It's Not Unusual" (of course), "Kiss" (a little pop, but hey, he's versitile), and "Sometimes We Cry" (a duet with Van Morrison, a stellar performance from both men).

Okay. I won't go into each song by detail; there's 19 of them, and that could take a while. Let me just describe to you the range of styles this man has: from the classics "She's a Lady" and "What's New Pussycat," to the pop "Kiss," to the rockers "Mama Told Me Not To Come" and "Burning Down the House," to the hiphop of "Tom Jones International" and "Black Betty," to the country of "Green Green Grass of Home" and "Without Love," to the blues of "Motherless Child." He even gets a little spy action with the theme to "Thunderball."

Quite a guy.

Except for the Van Morrison duet, Jones is best when he's on his own. Still, you should enjoy these songs; they're timeless, they're priceless, and they are truly classics. Tom Jones: one heck of a performer, one heck of a guy, one dandy album.

Something about a nearly 60 year old singing Sex Bomb...
is a little weird. He's now 60, but almost was when he recorded that song. It works. This album is full of great tunes that showcase his unique voice. The duets that he features here from his album "Reloaded" were hits in the UK, and sound great. I like the old stuff here. "She's A Lady" sounds great today as it ever did.

Tom Jones is truly living legend.
We loved this album. The duets were wonderful and when Tom and Van Morrison get going there is nothing better..

GREAT STUFF!!!!!!!!
Tom Jones has one of the best voices of the last 40 years. I wish he had done a duet with his pal Elvis Presley!Great cd! ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A "Politically Correct" Compilation?
A 2-CD "best of" compilation for Billie Holiday without "Strange Fruit" doesn't make sense, but historically record labels have been reluctant to include this song. I wonder whether their reasoning is that the song's lyrics, about the lynching and hanging of a black from a tree, are unsuitable for mainstream audiences, which implies that they thought Holiday had crossed the line from blues or jazz (I think she's a blues singer through and through) to pop. After all, many blues recordings contain lyrics just as if not more gruesome than "Strange Fruit", but that doesn't result in their getting left off the compilation disks. If we can't hear the Holiday version of "Strange Fruit", then the soundtrack to "Lady Sings the Blues" by Diana Ross has a version of the song that is pretty convincing.

regarding the absence "Strange Fruit"
A couple reviewers remarked about the absence of "Strange Fruit" from this compilation. The reason for its absence is very simple: Billie did not record the song for Columbia. If you want "Strange Fruit," get _The Commodore Master Takes_ or the Verve compilation _Lady in Autumn_.

"Strange Fruit" is missing because Columbia was afraid to touch it in the late 30s, not because of any current "political correctness." I'm pretty sure they'd love to have the song now.

Most major jazz artists recorded for many different labels, so "best of" and "greatest hits" compilations usually aren't as comprehensive as we might wish them to be. Usually you have to buy two or three different sets to touch on all the major bases.

Descent Compilation
Apart from the fact that some of my favorite Billie Holiday songs are missing...its still a very good intro to those first timers. I first heart HOliday when I was 18 years old..and 5 years later...I still can't get enough of her ...she's such a great singer...along with Ella Fitzgerald she is the only one who can bring me to tears.

Incomplete Sampler
Far from being a jazz buff, I'd still take issue with the other recommendations of this set to be a sufficient Billie Holiday sampler for the general public. The single most important reason - it's missing "STRANGE FRUIT".

It is Jazz's "Guernica", and therefore belongs in *any* Billie Holiday collection.

The Ultimate Billie Holiday collection!!!
I have so enjoyed this album! All the favorite jazz songs sung by the beautiful crooning voice of Holiday! If you are a jazz fan, you don't want to miss this CD! ... Read more

Reviews (77)

Wonderful addition to anyone's CD library
I first fell in love with Steve Tyrell's music through the movie Father of The Bride. This put me on a mission to seek out all he had produced. My library is full of every Steve Tyrell CD there is. His music is the perfect accompaniment to a night at home alone or with friends. He sets the atmosphere in a positive, warm way like no other artist can. I love his music and anxiously await yet another fantastic CD.

With a little help from his friend...
There simply is no such thing as a bad album from Steve Tyrell who has brought back so many of the songs I loved while growing up. He has a universal appeal to all ages -- maybe sex appeal, maybe happiness showing through, which is, in and of itself, very appealing. The music is magnificent and personal, as if he is singing it to you. Alas, I hope it won't change since just about the time the CD was released, his Stephanie lost her several-year battle with cancer and died in his arms. She was truly his partner, inspiration, and helped get him from producing records to singing, both of which he has done flawlessly. I have all of his CDs and hope he continues to make them but, more than that, hope he knows that so many of us will treasure what we have, until he is ready to make more music.
I would recommend that anyone get this album -- it's beautiful, wonderful, and truly a tribute to love.

Soothing and Enchanting Voice
The first time I heard Steve Tyrell's music was on the internet radio. And since then I became one of his fans. It was October 2003, My dad bought this album for me and I was enjoying listen to this album 'till now. My favorite tune in this album is "This guy's in love", he re-arranged the living legend of easy listening composer, Burt Bacharach. In this album, steve's successfully re-arranged and sang all the songs with compassionate, soothing and enchanting voice that you will listen to it over and over again. This CD is highly recommended for those of you like some of these great vocalists such as Michael Buble, Tony Bennet, Frank Sinatra, Dianna Krall and many other great vocalists. I guarantee you wouldn't regret it !!

Love this CD!
I first saw Steve Tyrell on the "Today" show doing an interview w/Katie Couric re: the death of his wife from colon cancer. While I was quite touched by his loss I was blown away by the snippets of music they aired of this CD.
I received it yesterday and I cannot tell you how many times I have played it ... over and over and over again. I rarely read who producers or arranges music on cd's, but I had to know, I love this cd that much. Kudos to all involved. This is one sexy cd. It reached that romantic part of me that we have all experienced in that first rush of new love, no matter what age you happen to be. It makes me feel happy, glowing, girlish.

I've purcahsed Rod Stewart's "All American Songbook"and Michael Buble's first cd and while they were both OK, I hardly listen to them. I've already put in my Amazon cart another of Steve TYrell's CD's. What a rush! BUY IT.

With Style And Elegance, Steve Tyrell Leads The Way!
Steve Tyrell can really sing! With his latest release "This Guy's In Love", he demonstrates his musical prowess, as he effortlessly performs 14 complimentary selections, and leads the way back to the wonderful tunes from the Great American Songbook. His original interpretations of these classic songs breaths new-life into them, and once again validates the obvious; these beautifully written tunes are truly timeless. It is challenging to do justice to this music, but as always Steve has proven his musical worth and given us a great album to enjoy over and over again.

If you LOVE listening to GREAT CROONERS and BIG BAND SWING, I would also recommend, Monte Procopio "Swingin' With Style" CD. He is another great crooner that can really SWING and deserves a listen. Buy both these CDs, you can't go wrong! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Lions and tigers and bears, the yellow brick road, gamboling midgets, warnings scrawled high above by a skywriting witch: No movie ever imprinted itself on young imaginations or endured in adult memory more than MGM's classic 1939 musical, and no movie score ever hooked as forcefully into our collective cultural memory.This exemplary soundtrack finally treats this deserved classic to a thoughtful and comprehensive rendering (an even more detailed, expanded version was also released simultaneously as a deluxe box) that confirms the enduring power of Harold Arlen's original music and E. Y. "Yip" Harburg's lyrics. On film, the songs unreeled as a mixture of discreet songs and multi-themed medleys with frequent reprises, a presentation preserved here, epitomized in the "Munchkinland Musical Sequence." If not as concise as Bobby McFerrin's legendary, hilarious concert compression of the entire musical story, this telling of The Wizard of Oz relives the film just as vividly. "Over the Rainbow" is here, of course, precisely where it should be in the sequence, as as timelessly luminous and wistful as ever. --Sam Sutherland ... Read more

Reviews (17)

The WONDERFUL Wizard of Oz
This is a wonderful recording of the classic movie. If you love the movie then you will love this cd. All of the songs are on it including the Jitterbug which was cut from the movie. Judy Garland is outstanding like always. This cd should be in everyone's collection.

great for any oz fan
great for any oz fan!all the songs from the original movie.any wizard of oz lover would be delited.great music!not any cut or shortened songs.wonderful.brings back many memories.best cd i have heard!

A Soundtrack Good For People of All Ages!
The Wizard of Oz is a great movie, one of the best musicals ever made and this is a good soundtrack with the wonderful songs from the movie and I highly recommend to fans of all ages of ths classic gem of a movie!

A fantastic soundtrack with great sound quality
I don't get why other reviews bash the sound quality. I think it's just fine, myself. But oh well.

I previously owned this soundtrack on cassette tape in a few incarnations, most recently this version, which was my favorite. But sadly, I've lost them all. But now I finally own it on CD, and I couldn't be happier. Extended versions, outtakes, and the classics we all know and love. Just like the purple sticker on the packaging says, it is "the most beloved movie of all time."

However, I do have some beef with this soundtrack, which is why it is rated only four stars instead of five. All 26 tracks clock in at a total of a measly 39 minutes. Considering most CDs hold at least 74 minutes, and there was so much music, including extended versions and outtakes, they could have crammed a bit more onto this disc, including more outtakes, such as the score from a deleted scene where the Wicked Witch of the West actually turned the Tin Man into a beehive as she'd threatened earlier in the film. Let's hope one day there's a single-disc Special Edition with more music or a reissue of the double-disc deluxe edition with all the music. But I guess they wanted people to buy the deluxe edition, and putting too much on the single-disc version could have talked people out of buying it.

All in all, while I would have liked for there to be more music, but for the reasonable price you pay, you get all the songs, digitally-remastered, with extended versions and outtakes. A must-have for your CD collection if you don't want to shell out money for the double-disc edition on eBay or Amazon or spend time searching in stores for it, but want the soundtrack.

Sound Quality was Good;All the Favorite Songs from the Movie
My daughter has just discovered the Wizard of Oz and is enthralled. I was hesitant to purchase the soundtrack, given how the other reviews said the sound quality was poor. I don't know if they re-mixed the songs or what, but the sound quality on our CD is just fine -- it's equivalent in quality to the soundtrack on the DVD. The CD has all of the favorite songs from the movie, of course. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

One of the more successful attempts by another studio (here Fox) to make a quality animated film on par with Disney was Anastasia. The music by David Newman and songs by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (the Broadway team that won a Tony for Ragtime) give the movie a sturdy backbone. From the Zhivago-gone-Broadway opening number "A Rumor in St. Petersburg" to the Oscar-nominated get-up-and-sing "Journey to the Past," the CD is filled with bright numbers, including low-key pop versions of several of the songs. The vocal talent is exceptional, especially Liz Callaway (Grizabella in Broadway's Cats) as Anastasia (Meg Ryan supplied the speaking voice). Bernadette Peters and Jim Cummings (doing a mean Christopher Lloyd impersonation as the speaking voice of the movie's heavy, Rasputin) offer solid support, with kudos to Kelsey Grammer as Vlad, the portly sidekick. The album's (and film's) star is "Once Upon a December," simply one of the most beautiful songs ever from an animated film. Using a waltz motif that is heard throughout the film, the song--with sparse lyrics--builds into a sweeping and memorable number. It will have your dancing princesses asking for repeats. The CD's liner notes include complete lyrics. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (72)

THE MOVIE BEWITCHES YOU; THE MUSIC HAUNTS YOU!!
20th Century Fox's first animated motion picture is a visual beauty; its lusciously vibrant score extremely rich and captivating. Newman's Oscar-nominated score is truly the highlight of the movie. From spine-chilling choral operas to soulful tunes; it has such an astounding gravity and emotional depth that it easily ranks among the best scores composed for dramatic films.

The songs are mostly above average; ranging from Broadway styled verses to pop numbers. Three of the songs are magnificent whereas the other three are quite forgettable. "Rumor In St. Petersburg"; "Learn To Do It" and "Paris Holds A Key" become really irksome after the first hearing. The Oscar-nominated "Journey To The Past" is a wonderful song with its fine lyrics and moving tune. The pop version, performed by the late Aaliyah is also an enjoyable track and will be loved by her heart-broken fans. The villain's number, "In The Dark Of The Night" (by Jim Cummings) has a touch of rock music, nonetheless it makes for good hearing. And for those who love pop songs, "At The Beginning" is an excellent number. Performed by Donna Lewis and Richard Marx, you feel like listening to this song over and over again. However, the tune that lingers on is "Once Upon A December". It has a haunting depth that really touches an inner part of the heart. Liz Callaway is stunning as the singing voice of Anya and Deana carter's country version of "Once Upon A December" is a treat you can't afford to miss.

The compilation from Atlantic records is good, but sadly, we get to hear only a little more than twenty minutes of Newman's fabulous score, which as I said before is one of the best to ever grace any motion picture drama, animated or non-animated. Among them, the 'Prologue' and 'Finale' are definitely the highlights. 'Reminiscing with Grandma' and 'Kidnap and Re-Union' have such mesmerizing sad tunes that they haunt your memories. And the most astonishing part is, like Menken's Disney scores, they are nothing elaborate nor use a host of instruments. Only the piano and a flute and occasional female chorals make it sound so sweetly beautiful and sadly melodious, you will simply marvel at the emotional depth and beauty. The booming Russian opera heard in the "Prologue" was banned by the Soviet Government but Newman masterfully blends it into his composition to produce a spine-chilling effect. However, the CD would sound better if only it had included a few more minutes of the score. Parts like, 'At the Russian Ballet' or 'He Didn't Take The Money' and 'The final encounter with Rasputin' could have easily made themselves part of this superb soundtrack.

A last remark, this soundtrack is positively not for kids or those who like fast and fun oriented music as in Hercules, Aladdin and Tarzan. Kids will hardly understand the sentimental beauty of the songs or the depth of the score. I strongly recommend it to those who love soothing numbers and emotional choral scores.

TRACK LISTINGS:

1. Rumor In St. Petersburg
2. Journey To The Past [**** Very Good]
3. Once Upon A December
4. In The Dark Of The Night
5. Learn To Do It
6. Learn To Do It (Waltz Reprise)
7. Paris Holds A Key
8. At The Beginning [***** Excellent]
9. Journey To The Past (Aaliyah)
10. Once upon A December (Deana Carter) [*****Excellent]
11. Prologue [*****Excellent]
12. Speaking Of Sophie
13. Nightmare
14. Kidnap And Re-Union [****Very Good]
15. Reminiscing With Grandma [*****Excellent]
16. Finale [*****Excellent]
17. Viaje Tiempo Atras (Thalia)

GOOD MOVIE... GREAT SOUNDTRACK !
While I must admit to being partial to Walt Disney when it comes to animation and the soundtracks that accompany their films, ANASTASIA caught me by surprise. A classic tale, told in an uncomplicated way that children can follow easily, it's score and songs are a perfect compliment. "Once Upon a December" is a touching and beautiful song, worthy of it's "music box" box stature,and sung wonderfully by Liz Callaway and, while I'm no fan of country music, Deana Carter also delivers a fine version. "Journey to the Past " is another great song , performed by Liz Calloway as Anastaisia's singing voice and also by Aaliyah. The score itself is a wonderful mix of flavorsand influences, acknowledging the settings of both Russia and Paris . All in all, it's a wonderful CD, pleasing enough for children of all ages. Highly recommendable.

Fantastic!
I LOVED this soundtrack! It brought back loads of memories from when I was six (that's how old I was when the movie came out), and the songs are B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L! My favorites are 'Journey to the Past', and 'Once Apon a December'. They bring back the most memories for me. Blast from the past! Even if you haven't seen the movie, you'd love the music anyway. Liz Callaway's voice is lovely! Also, the soundtrack features bonus tracks, and special one of 'Journey to the Past' in spanish. Very cool! I highly reccomend this soundtrack to anyone!

Great for people of all ages
I've had this CD since I was about 7, [am now 13] and I still listen to it.

I can't get over how the songs just explode with beauty and grace but also boldness and exitment.

For singers, these songs are great warm ups.

Grade A material

I am very glad to have bought this because
I am glad to have bought this because I am related to the Romanovs through Queen Victoria and am sad and can imagine what they must have felt like that day they were killed. When I listen to it I think about them alot. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Evita was Andrew Lloyd Webber's last show with Tim Rice before he went on to projects with less interesting collaborators, so it's no surprise that it remains his most consistently involving and rewarding work. Loosely based on the life of Eva Peron, the charismatic wife of post-World War II Argentine president Juan Peron, Rice's compelling story of one woman's rise from poverty to power is complemented by Lloyd Webber's colorful music as propelled by vigorous Latin rhythms. The showstopper, of course, is "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina," but the score is full of gems, including "On This Night of a Thousand Stars," "Oh, What a Circus," and "Another Suitcase in Another Hall." Headlining the 1978 Broadway cast, Patti LuPone is fabulous in the title role, showcasing her big voice and brash egotism in the role she was born to play. Mandy Patinkin is Che, the Greek-chorus character commenting on and criticizing the Perons, and his tenor is sweet on the ballads and powerful on the driving numbers. LuPone and Patinkin made their names with Evita (and took home well-deserved Tonys), but it's the third principal, Bob Gunton, who elevates this cast to the stratosphere. As Peron--a role often filled by a nonsinger--Gunton inflects his strong voice with both menace and sensitivity. Forget the movie; this is the definitive version of this score, and an essential cast recording. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (71)

Please. Buy another recording. ANY other recording.
I have listened to myriad versions of Evita. The concept recordings, the Original London Cast (the best!), the movie, the touring casts...this Original Broadway Recording. Unhappily, this is the worst one of all. Patti LuPone ruins the music with her heavy sound that sounds as though it emanates solely through her nose. While appropriately enthusiastic in songs like "Buenos Aires," she lacks a certain youthful vibrance that Elaine Paige captured perfectly in the OLC. And the Che on this recording lacks David Essex's bite and sarcastic tone, also available on the OLC. If you're looking for a stage recording to compare with the recent movie, a word to the wise: do not buy the Broadway recording. It's painful, to say the least.

Perfect rendition of an imperfect but excellent score
Yes, Andrew Lloyd Webber has an irritating tendency to write a few wonderful pieces of music, then fill up the remainder of the show with reprises. Yes, Tim Rice's lyrics can be more than a little inane.

However, those few wonderful pieces of music are truly superb. And while the lyrics *can* be ridiculous, there are plenty of moments in which they shine -- and then linger in your mind long after those moments have passed.

I heard this recording after that of the movie and found the difference to be striking. Not only are the voices clearer and more vibrant, but some of the sharpest lyrics were cut from the movie because they cast a very negative light on Eva Peron. Plus, "Another Suitcase in Another Hall" was done by the *right* character in this recording. It works out so much better that way.

I've never heard Julie Covington sing (at least not that I can recall), and Madonna doesn't quite have the range or the sheer force required for the part, but Patti LuPone was such a perfect Evita that one can hardly ask for more. Her sharp soprano voice isn't the type that everyone will like, and to some it's probably an acquired taste. Yet it is perfect for the title part of this musical. She has easily the highest non-operatic voice I've ever heard, and she skillfully employs it with amazing forcefulness.

Antonio Banderas acts a great Che, but he simply is not a singer, with a voice not far above merely 'decent.' I did like Colm Wilkinson's singing in Les Miserables, but my guess is that as Che he wouldn't master the flawless, matchless vocal subtlety of Mandy Patinkin's Che. Patinkin's voice may be light and even effeminate (though the latter only when he sings falsetto, in my opinion), but what some listeners seem to miss is that Che is not *supposed* to be "rough and tough" -- he's supposed to be bitterly cynical and angry. Patinkin's emotional range is as wide as his vocal one, making him wonderful in the part. I've seen his Che described as "chilling," and that's the right word. Patinkin does indeed produce a chilling, even jarring fusion of lilting tenor song (and here he has a *beautiful* voice) and harsh diatribe of Evita that lends a wonderfully surreal note to the show.

Is this recording perfect? No, but only because _Evita_ itself, like any musical, cannot be absolutely without flaws. But there's no question that it's worth buying and listening to again and again.

If you want the definitive Evita, look no further
I was first introduced to Evita through the movie version. I bought that soundtrack, then I bought the broadway version to compare. Man was I blown away!!! This is the best cast album avalable. It has the best orcestrations, real lush, it just reaches down and touches your soul.

The cast is fantastic, this show could not have been cast better.

Patti Lupone as Evita- This woman can sing. Other reviewers have said she is too harsh and screeches too much. However I believe that harshness helps to capture the essense of the real Eve Peron. She was not that sweet and soft like the way Madonna portrayed her. She was a forceful and at times menipulating woman. Patti really evokes that in her porformance. Her stand out numbers for me are "Buenous Areis," and of course "Don't Cry for me Argentina."

Mandy Patinkin as Che- I love, love, LOVE Mandy's porformance as Che. His falsetto is really efective, it really helps convey hatred of Eve. However, Patinkin is not all falsetto, he can go into a low growl at times. There is only one way to describe his Che......downright bone chilling. You have got to hear Mandy sing "And the Money Kept Rolling in (And out)", pure perfection. I love his high notes during the chorus!!

Bob Gunton as Juan Peron- Creepy. Mr. Gunton scares me as Peron. He is a great singer, but his rolling of every R. is annoying. No particular standout number here, he does great on "Dice are Rolling" though.

Mark Syers as Magaldi- Not great, just a blip on the radar screen for me

Jane Ohringer as Peron's Misstress- Awesome, She really shines on her one and only song, "Another Suitcase in Another Hall"

Bottom if you want A great Evita recording, there is none better then the broadway cast. Plus it presents the entire show, not many cast recordings can boast that feat. Buy it and enjoy forever!!!!!

Brilliant
I recently saw a local performance of Evita, and was so moved that I immediately ran out and bought this CD. I'd had the LP in the 80s- indeed, I listened to it so much that I memorized it- and I've seen the Madonna version, but I probably hadn't heard this performance in at least ten year. And what a revelation it was.

It takes nothing away from the Madonna/Banderas version to say that this recording is simply transcendant. Patty LuPone's Evita is so powerful, so moving, that some of these selections bring me near to tears. And Mandy Patinkin's Che is, like so many of his interpretations, absolutely sui generis, without comparison. He moves effortlessly from a beautiful, lyric countertenor to a deep roar, never losing the character as he does so. Bob Gunton's Peron is simlarly nuanced, as are many of the smaller roles.

I think- and I'm certainly not alone in believing this- that Evita is by far the best of the Lloyd-Webber musicals, due in no small part to the work of his lyracist, Tim Rice. And this is certainly the best version of Evita ever produced.

Beautiful classic
I grew up listening to this album on my mother's record player, and I've loved it since I was young. This particular recording (Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin) not only reminds me of my childhood, but it is one of the best musical compilations I've ever experienced, transcending ALL genres. Absolutely perfect. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Fiddler on the Roof is one of Broadway's great classics. Based on the tales of Sholem Aleichem, the musical tells the humorous and heartbreaking story of the milkman Tevye as he tries to maintain the simplicities of his traditional life even as his daughters grow up and Russia heads toward revolution. Many of Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick's songs have become touchstones of popular culture, including "Tradition," "If I Were a Rich Man," and "Sunrise, Sunset." As Tevye, Zero Mostel leads--and at times dominates--the original 1964 Broadway cast, displaying irrepressible swagger and bluster. A young Julia Migenes plays his middle daughter, Hodel, while those who only know Bert Convy as a game-show host will be surprised by his pleasant voice as her suitor. The CD includes two previously unreleased songs but no lyrics. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Superior Original Cast Recording -- The Best!
Just as they say that the book or the play are always better than the movie, it is also almost always true that the original cast recording of a play out-shines the luster of any movie sound track - true, true, true! -- I have seen "Fiddler on the Roof" as a wonderful film, as well as a fantastic stage production. I'm also familiar with the original movie sound track. All are great entertainment. The only tangible thing to top all of it off is this CD recorded from the original Broadway stage production. Zero Mostel is THE ONLY Tevje! His rendition of "Tradition" and "If I Were A Rich Man" are priceless. The tunes "Matchmaker, Matchmaker" and "Do You Love Me?" also are done best in this recording. If you are a fan of Broadway Shows, like I am, you will appreciate this superior original that has often been copied, but never duplicated!

The most beloved Broadway musical of the 1960's
It might seem an odd choice for the honor, but "Fiddler on the Roof" is undoubtedly the most beloved Broadway musical of the Sixties. The book by Joseph Stein is based upon the stories of Sholem Aleichem, with music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, the songwriting team whose earlier Tony Award winning success "Fiorello!" certainly never suggested they could create something as wonderful as "Fiddler." Zero Mostel heads the cast as Tevye, the dairyman, with Maria Karnilova as Golde, his wife, who, with "Do You Love Me?" have the best love duet between two married people in musical history.

At the heart of the story are the efforts by Tevye to deal with the way God keeps presenting him with challenges, from needing to take care of a lame horse ("If I Were A Rich Man"), to getting his oldest daughter engaged to one man ("To Life") only to see her marry another ("Sunrise, Sunset"), and finally to leave the only home he has ever known to travel to A