International music reviews

I can't espress how much I love this CD! The Feng Shui tips are so easy to understand and impliment and the music is great. I highly reccomend it to anyone who has even thought about getting into Feng Shui.

This CD is Amazing! If you ever wanted to get into Feng Shui, but just didn't know where to start, this 2 disc set is for you! Lillian Too is a world renown author on Feng Shui and she combines her welth of knowledge on the subject with music that is both entertaining and soothing. Basically what you get on this disc is beautifully ambiant music with an overlay of simple Feng Shui tips. I can't express how much I love this CD and I think others will feel the same!

I'm new to Feng Shui. I think Lillian Too's 2 CD set was the perfect introduction for me. The simple Feng Shui tips have really helped me get started and I love lustening to the music. In my opinion, this is an indespensable tool for any Feng Shui newbie.

Jon Anderson's 1976 solo album "Olias of Sunhillow" is one of my favorite pieces of music. It doesn't quite sound like Yes, yet it has that ethereal quality that their classic era records had. (Close to the Edge, Tales of Topographic Oceans, Relayer). Using synthesizers, tape loops, ethnic instruments, sound effects and different voices, Jon creates a rich, evocative world. It's one of the few albums I've entirely uploaded to my MP3 player and I usually listen to the album once every couple of days, and it never gets old for me.

The lyrics tell a story of a fellow called Olias, who lives in Sunhillow, a land where "each man belonged" and where "the slightest confrontation was dissolved before the start". With his friends Ranyart and Qoquaq (pronounced ko-quake) and many others he boards the Moorglade (a ship that can fly, powered by song). On it, they fly into space, past their moon, ascending to the stars, searching, searching...

I remember the first time I heard this record, it was like experiencing a dream, it really, really was. Atmospheres, feelings and adventures floating through the speakers, merging into each other. It's one of the few albums I think can truly be called otherworldly. My favorite segments include "Meeting (Garden of Geda)" with its strange choir harmonies and rather modern sounding beat, "Solid Space" with its uplifting synths and eerie electronic thunder, and "Naon" with its thick percussion and a chant/chorus from Jon that sounds kind of like like a thousand people singing their hearts out from the mountaintops. Beautiful. It's all as detailed and rich as any fantasy novel. I can picture all that is happening just as well, if not better, than some stories.

The album artwork both inside and out is brilliant and just as evocative as the music. I just wish there was more of it.

Highly, highly recommended for prog rock fans, Yes fans, and lovers of fantasy of all kinds.

I guess there are some of us who know what we like when we hear it. This is it for me. Being a yes fan from 1972 I knew Jon would continue his magic with beautiful sounds that make you think of what's behind the universe if you have any poetic cells at all. Being a musician, I am jealous and yet moved to be able to experience what this music does to me. It makes me feel rich and important as a human. I hope I haven't over done it but what is life without sounds that entertain the angels?

Turn of the lights and listen to this in the dark. As usual with Anderson, there are highly complex lyrics that might just be gobbldygook but it doesn't matter as the sound collages and vocals are stunning. At the beginning of the vinyl second side, a percussive chant that fades in conjures up in my mind, the image of Hannibal & his elephants swaggering through a swirling snow storm over the Alps! As another reviewer states, the album is truly cinematic in scope. The final 10 minutes is one of most beautiful sections of music I've heard ever and I would like to have it played at my funeral! A simple guitar piece is followed by a celtic sounding melody backed by a pulsing heart beat and spectral choir before angelic harps herald the joyous 'to the runner' section. The album then finishes with a beautiful & peaceful 'ascent into heaven' coda. When you open your eyes as the album ends, you are jolted back into harsh reality. In a way the second side may be the prog equivalent of the Abbey Road medley. The first side doesn't quite flow so well but nothing's perfect. I'm really pleased to see so many glowing reviews of this album from people who have enjoyed it over the years. One of the UK music publications once had a less than complimentary article on 'Ten albums by artists who should have known better'. Olias was one of them! Bowie's Tonight and ABC's Beauty Stab were also included, both of which I really like!

Though I prefer the American cover, I have to admit the European cover says it all. The Pogues. If I Should Fall from Grace with God. Spelled out in a classic font. Black and red text like a Bible. On the left, we have Spider Stacy with his western string tie, his slicked back gangster hair, and his Generation whistle. These and his direct, Clint Eastwood stare look exactly like his whistle sounds: a reverb drenched keen over Finer's spaghetti western scores. Next to him stands Andrew Ranken, looking like the displaced R&B drummer he is. He doesn't get to showoff until the next album, Peace and Love, but a close listen reveals how much of the band's energy comes from his simple floor tom and snare parts. Bottom left, Daryl Hunt and his hair. Hey, Pogues or not, it was the eighties, and his hair was nothing compared to Cait's. Phillip Chevron. The odd man out even in a group of odd men. One of the two in the band with a genuine lilt, but his with strange Broadway squeal that somehow managed to harmonize with MacGowan when it was needed. And Shane in the middle, holding himself up (we won't speculate why as some are prone to) with a bodhran. It strikes me now, in 2005, how young he looked back then, beardless and broad-eared. This well-read man had a genuine gift early, which is rare for literary talents. To his right, Terry Woods with his first full-length appearance. Founding member of Sweeny's Men, who managed to beat even Fairport into the Celtic folk-rock scene. Guitar abandoned, he grips his cittern as if it and his tux are the only things separating him from these ruffians. On bended knee, Jem "Country" Finer. You can take a boy out of the country, but I doubt anyone would tell you to take the country out of Irish music after Jem made it work. He was no Earl Scruggs, but I get the feeling even Shane learned something about songwriting from this plaid-shirt wearing former computer science teacher. And last but not least, James "Maestro" Fearnley, his beautiful Hohner stretched out. Piano accordion may be a bad choice for Irish melodies, but James had something grander in mind and, by gob, he made it lilt and bounce somehow and lifted the music higher, no matter what Shane says in hindsight.

And then the album itself. Some say it's overproduced, that Lillywhite ruined The Pogues. I don't know what I can say except listen to the first eight notes of "If I Should Fall from Grace with God" and see if you can stop there and not finish the next eight or the whole song or the whole album. I couldn't. That's how I got hooked. This is the first album I heard by The Pogues, and I have only the fondest memories for it. In other words, I'm obviously biased. With little serious competition, I claim this as my favorite album of all time. Having played celtic music for 10 years now myself, I'm still amazed to find I can learn from it in composing, arranging, and engineering to this day. Pure art. A masterpiece.

The Bosstones, Dropkick Murphys, Black 47, Flogging Molly, and countless other bands since have been influenced by the madness of The Pogues. The lead singer Shane MacGowan's notorious reputation for drinking and drug use and actually making it through a set has overshadowed the musicians, who are as confrontational as any punk rock band. I'd put this up against London Calling and Joshua Tree (U2's producer also worked on this one) easily because it still sounds as fresh as it did over 15 years ago.

The result is classic. It's got a great beat. The title track is a punk meets Celtic explosion. Turkish Song of the Damned gives it a middle-eastern flavor. The "Fairytale of New York" is the most known off of this, with Kirsty MacColl duetting with Shane on one of the greatest Xmas songs ever written. Any song that starts off with "It was Xmas Eve babe, in the drunk tank" HAS to be good. But it's a catchy song that you will have a hard time getting out of your head for weeks. "Metropolis" is an instrumental, and "Fiesta" is an insane punk mariachi celtic clash. Irish coffee with tequila.

The Medley and Worms are the more traditional songs but done Pogues style, and "Broad Majestic Shannon" round this one out.

Not a bad song in the bunch. Not a dull moment, and this one competes with "Rum.."as greats.

Shane McGowan's vocals can be an assault on the unappreciative ear, like they were on my own. But I listened closer, thank the lord. Some may compare them to other Irish/punk outfits, but who might they be? The Pogues are a mainstay, a unique and fresh(even now)Perspective on classic rock,punk, and rooted Irish songwriting. They bridged the gap between my parents' taditional Irish tunes, and my own rock prefernces, and brought a better understanding of both. I used to hate the old Irish songs, now I devour the trad. bands, Lunasa, Altan, and Dervish. I'm drawn in to my own American tastes with better perspective, and my best band, Irish as well, U2 has remained the same, yet widened my appreciation of all music. They will always be the best.

Yet through it all, the Pogues are more like the Ramones than the Chieftans(or is it the other way around?). They are more like the Bothy Band than the Clash(or is that the other way around?) Comparisons are worthless here. There are no other Pogues(although I do recomend Shane McGowan and the Popes CD "The Snake"). The tempo is strong and aggressive. "Bottle of Smoke" is an insane whirly-gig of a drunken horse bet. "Fairytale of New York" is glorious, and pitiful, a great dancing lament. "Medley" will be the most recognised, another Irish music purist called it the "heart" of the record. The heart of the record, for me, is "Thousands Are Sailing." This is an emmigrant's song, really, a thrusting and angry ballad with soul. The Brendan Behan referance is perfect. The Pogues are Irish Music Rebels.

"Essential" Pogues is more rare, but the best introduction and compilation of great Pogues songs. If you can find it, grab it!

Been year and half since someone put down a comment, so I will. I remember when I came home one day in Germany and my mum telling see saw on Galavision that a mexican singer was murdered by a fan. I asked her the name but she couldn't remember. I didn't think of it anymore until the day I went to the video store and saw a cover with Jennifer Lopez and the name Selena written on it. Immediatly I knew that that was the singer my mum told me about couple of years before. Took the film home and to be honest I didn't know what to expect. I just fell in love with Selena's music and with Selena as well, she seemed to be a great person to be around with. This was my first Selena CD and I don't regret of ever buying it cause it's just great. "No me queda mas" is my favourite. I must say I really don't like to hear Selena singing in english, don't get me wrong the songs are good, it's just that when I hear her singing in spanish, her voice comes out so strong and passionate, it's just beautiful. So everyone who wants to get to know Selena, this cd is the best! Get this one first and then the others... or just get them all at the same time, you won't regret it!! Selena, you're always in our hearts...

Well I have to say this is probably her best album to get if you want both spanish and inglish hits this one just about has them all the popullar ones that is. I must say I was veary dissapointed in her other album titled her greatest hits only because it has all her inglish hits on one cd and I mean all of them. They don't skip one and you see thats what I thought wasent right her spanish stuff was really good to, infact her spanish songs like the ones on this cd those are her real hits the inglish wasent till later I just think they should have mabe thought about her spanish hits as well, and made a cd with all of them on it like the songs (Besitos and Tengo Ganas De Llorar). those are not even all the ones I wanted theres more then that but I have to say this cd has most of them but I still think they should make a greatest hits of all her spanish to. I mean it's like I said that is the real selena thats what she is known for is her spanish hits! Thats what really got her where she would have still been right now. I like you alot selena I miss you and I just whant poeple to remember that you have spanish songs that are really good to, not just your inglish. So get this cd it is the best deal you will be able to find cause other wise all her hits are scattered around on many of her other cds, and why hastle buying all of them when you can buy this one. It is a great cd and as for her greatest hits well....! shame! I "pitty" that one lets put it this way I only give it a 1 mabe to 3 star other then that no comment!

I saw the film Selena for the first time this past November and immediately fell in love with her. I went out and bought this CD and i must say it's great. Before i bought this cd the only Selena song i knew of was Dreaming of You and now i know them all. I really can't fault any song on this album and in my opinion her Spanish songs are the best(even though i can't understand all the words). Como La Flor, Amor Prohibido, No Debes Jugar and Bidi Bidi Bom Bom are my fav!

I simply love it. A co-worker at a store I worked at in Boston used to bring it in to play, and gave me a copy for Christmas, probably back in 1994 or so. The songs, and oh...that voice! I don't know French, and maybe that's part of the reason I can play it over and over, because I don't understand the lyrics, so I never do get tired of them! However, there are times when I wish I knew what he was singing about, but the literal English translations that I can find simply have no feeling to them, let alone make much sense. I also have a few other CDs of his, and am dying to get the latest DVD! If anyone can help with they lyrics - and the meaning the songs convey, please let me know! Until then, ignorance is still bliss...

Just about a week ago, a friend of mine introduced me to this CD.
Not on purpose, mind you-he just popped it in the CD player in the car. I was amazed from my first listening experience how comfortable and gently beautiful the lyrics AND instrumentation blend together. My favorits at this early stage (although I admit I'm completely addicted to this CD) are Je t'aime...Les Vidanges Du Diable....Le Noceur... & Samedi Soir. My knowledge of the french language (at best) is very elementary...but I'm learning. And Francis Cabrel makes it very easy to want to learn more.

Cabrel's earlier albums carry a definite Neil Diamond-esque feel to them. This album manages to cast this aside (as much as is possible) and acheives a very mature yet fresh and energetic feel to it. Nearly completely acoustic, it has a great folksy feel. I love all but maybe one or two songs on this album (and even those "disliked" songs would make me pause on the radio dial if I heard them). Cabrel makes perfect use of the 4 minute mileu to make his points or tell his stories, which generally manage to be both specific and generally applicable stories, hence making them resonate beyond the bounds of the words themselves. Lastly, Cabrel is great for learners of French as he sings clearly and is relatively easy to understand, yet sounds as French as French can be.

This was one of the first Italian singers I got into. Eros has a powerful voice and his mucis is from the heart. I really enjoy this cd. It definately will make you feel like you are in Italy. I fell in love with Eros as his music really will touch your heart. Even if you don't speak Italian, this is a great purchase if you want to hear the beautiful italian language.

THIS IS THE SECOND CD I HAVE ORDERED AND BOTH START SKIPPING IN A SECTION AFTER SEVERAL PLAYS. AND YES IT IS A DIFERENT CD PLAYER.

I am a New Zealand Maori woman who visited Russia in May 2005. In the middle of the Siberian Plains, Irkutsk, I heard Eros for the first time ever. I do not understand the Italian language, or Spanish or Russian for that matter but the rhythm, beat and feeling was awesome. By the end of October 2005 I should have all his cd's-I had to shop through amazon.com because there are none of his cd's in NZ. Actually, there are a couple but not many.
He has been the best musical experience I've had in a long time and the duet he does with Tina Turner on her double cd is perfect-what an amazing combination.
cheers.

This was one of the first Italian singers I got into. Eros has a powerful voice and his mucis is from the heart. I really enjoy this cd. It definately will make you feel like you are in Italy. I fell in love with Eros as his music really will touch your heart. Even if you don't speak Italian, this is a great purchase if you want to hear the beautiful italian language.

THIS IS THE SECOND CD I HAVE ORDERED AND BOTH START SKIPPING IN A SECTION AFTER SEVERAL PLAYS. AND YES IT IS A DIFERENT CD PLAYER.

I am a New Zealand Maori woman who visited Russia in May 2005. In the middle of the Siberian Plains, Irkutsk, I heard Eros for the first time ever. I do not understand the Italian language, or Spanish or Russian for that matter but the rhythm, beat and feeling was awesome. By the end of October 2005 I should have all his cd's-I had to shop through amazon.com because there are none of his cd's in NZ. Actually, there are a couple but not many.
He has been the best musical experience I've had in a long time and the duet he does with Tina Turner on her double cd is perfect-what an amazing combination.
cheers.

An interesting thing about when a band takes time off to purse solo project, is that you get to see what each member brings into the mix, and how good a synergy they produce. A-ha is my favorite band, so I bough "Wild Seed" just for that fact not knowing what to expect...I was blown away. Not putting down in any way Morten's work as A-ha's vocalist, in this solo effort you feel the emotional color of every song coming thru with the intention of conveying the message as never before. This is particularly evident in both it's spiritual songs: Lord, Lay Me Down Tonight and Ready To Go Home. Brodsky Tune and East-Timor contrast as political themes, one sung in anger, and East-Timor as a beautiful plead of liberation. This album almost made me wish a-ha didn't get back together (kidding)...just makes me wish Morten would make more albums in English.

A lot of people at the time of the release of this album, did'nt think that Morten could write or produce propper compositions like his collegues in a-ha. However he proved the critics wrong.

The album is a fantastic piece of art and very much typical of Morten. Very mature, very thoughtful and very melancholic.


Of all the soloprojects from the members of a-ha, Morten's Wild Seed album has been the biggest sucess.

AND in response to Mr. Brian E. Erland "Rainbow Sphinx"

Morten Harket can still hit the high notes as he did during the 80's with a-ha. He still does it when he tours with his collegues in a-ha. Both in old and new songs.

The song " Summmer Moved On " from the a-ha album " Minor Earth Major Sky " ( 2001 ), includes a note that Morten holds for 20, 2 seconds ( without any studio enhansments ). This is a world record.

With the release of A-ha's first album, 'Hunting High And Low' back in '85 lead vocalist Morten Harket displayed one of the most amazing male voices on the contemporary world scene. While A-ha's popularity remained high in Europe in the years to follow, it was only their first album that made a dent in the American musical consciousness.

Morten's obscure solo effort 'Wild Seed' was recorded in Gernamy in '95 and is available only as a very expensive CD import. Containing -12 original tracks- (words by Havard Rem and music by Morten Harket), we discover a very mature, mellow Morten who has seen and done it all while remaining true to his music and to himself.

His voice is a little deeper now with a slight, raspy tone emerging now and then. I doubt if he could still hit that high note like he could in the '80's, but he really doesn't need to. If he has lost something in his vocals he more than makes up for it in his heartfelt emotional delivery of each and every song. For Morten there's definitely a life in music to be had after A-ha. I hope he pursues it.

My Highest Recommendation!

I was totally blown away by the magnitude of brilliance that this band performed in this MTV Unplugged performance in Dublin back in 1999. I did not truly appreciate their music style and didn't think much of them as a band until this CD. Andrea Corr the lead vocalist has a stunning and talented voice, in the top 5 of female lead vocalists that have fantastic voices. This Irish group has all the talent and in this CD with an orchestral arrangement in the background have excelled. Two new music songs are introduced 'Radio' and 'Dreams'. These two songs are as good as the traditional Irish instrumental songs that are in their own right majestic.

This group related to each other have not lost their connection to their roots and quite simply and amazingly create their sound around the use of beautiful and ancient Irish musical instruments like the "Bodhran" and "Dobro". They mix the new songs with their older hits like 'Forgiven, Not Forgotten', 'Runaway' and 'Queen of Hollywood'.

This CD is entertaining and anyone who listens to this band will become instant fans of this purely Irish talent called 'The Corrs'.

"Unplugged" has been recorded on 5th October 1999 at Ardmore Studios in Ireland for MTV Music Television (MTV produces Unplugged series since 80`s) in pleasant atmosphere accompanied by The Irish Film Orchestra. In my opinion, this is one of the best, even the best concert in The Corrs' career. Containing their classics (Only When I Sleep, Runaway, What Can I Do...), some covers (Old Town by Phil Lynott, No Frontiers by Jim McCarthy, Everybody Hurts by R.E.M.) and two new songs taken from the prepared In Blue album (Radio, At Your Side) - this is a short preview of the stuff you can find there. But if you listen to this CD, you will be simply breathless. You know, all the Corrs' songs seem to be written especially for an acoustic performance which really suits them... I must not forget their talent and their ability to play live so fantastic. Unfortunatelly, before this CD was released, Corrs' mom Jean died at the hospital while waiting for lungs transplantation...

Songs review
Only When I Sleep - opening the concert - "Ladies and Gentlemen, please, welcome... The Corrs!". Sit down, feel comfortable, more than one hour of the best music is expecting you...

What Can I Do - the beginning is inspired by the original version from the Talk On Corners album, but the vocals are replaced by strings. After refrain you can feel the influence of remix by Tin Tin Out. It ends with impressive "Hold me and love me", typicall for the live performance...

Radio - the first new song on the album, full of memories and nostalgy of what we had and what is over now... It was performed brilliantly on the concert, maybe that's the reason I don't undersatnd how it was even possible to defile it few month later for In Blue album...

Toss The Feathers - this acoustic version without hard sounds of electric guitars makes you even calm... Caroline shows herself as an excellent bodhran player. It is funny to me, that in the middle of the performance audience considered it to be the end and started to clap. Ooops ...

Runaway - a really "classic". Always sweet, always loving... and always touching your heart:-)

Forgiven, Not Forgotten - an excellent performance... It includes also intro as Sharon's violin solo. It also makes me.. calm. But still haunting and still brilliant!

At Your Side - a new number two, which also deserved a terrible defiling on In Blue album. But here it is one of the pillars of the album. It is about a friendship strenght, that you always need someone you can rely on, who catches your hand when you fall...

Little Wing - Jim together with Anto Drennan and Keith Duffy performed here an excellent guitar play. A cover of Jim Hedrix's song got a big applause...

No Frontiers - Andrea took rest a little while and that's a chance for Caroline and Sharon to show how good singers they are. Only acocmpanied by piano they sung a great cover by Jim McCarthy. (Well, dear Andrea, don't U think that you should leave more space for your sisters? :-)

Queen Of Hollywood - a song which conquered hearts of fans all around the world even though it was never released as a single. It cannot be missed here! But what I miss is a folk outro, as it was performed on the album version...

Old Town - I love this song! It is so true and open-hearted that sometimes I cannot believe it... "The girl's a fool she broke the rules, she hurt him hard, this time he will break down, she's lost his trust and so she must know all is lost..." Yes, yes, the trust is what is the most important in the relationships. It is just like a rose made of glass - beautiful, but so fragile. And if you break this rose, even by accident, not intentionally, you cannot make it as it used to be before. Either you are not able to put it together or if you happen to glue it together after troubles, it always leaves scars... "She plays it hard, she plays it tough, but that's enough - the love is over, she's broke his heart and that is rough, but in the end she'll soon recover the romance is over". And one more comment: You know, how does it feel to spend your money in the Old Town when you know that the one you love so is NOT HERE? "I've been spending my money in the old town, but it's not the same, honey, with you not around..."

Lough Erin Shore - it always reminds me green valleys of the genuine Ireland, the arrangement doesn't matter:-))

So Young - a live performance suits this song more. Why? It makes it more free, more true, more spontaneous... and more ..."live":-)

Everybody Hurts - to re-make a classic is always so hard task, but the Corrs did well. They played it for the first time during a charity concert in Omagh after a terrorist bomb attack... and they've keep it... Even though the songs was played in the middle of MTV sesison, you can find it on the very end of the album... as a song for goodbye...
----------------------------------------------
Dreams - Japaneses, Americans and Mexicans "deserved" one more track... For the others it is available on standard DVD or Radio single. And as always, this unplugged arrangement suits this song so;-)

Hey you Americans who still ignore The Corrs musical talented playing, i suggest you people to listen this very album. "The Corrs unplugged" is another best album of The Corrs, and it is playing live. By this album The Corrs have shown to the world and all music fan out there that they can a lot better than they've ever imagined.
The album is opened by a tremendous live playing of "Only when i sleep" where the combination of irish musical influence and catchy rocks of unplugged playing sounds amazing. The following tracks such as "What can i do?", "Forgiven not Forgotten", and the IN BLUE'S tracks "Radio" are extremly different from the studio playing version. They can raise up the tempo meanwhile they can still maintain the melodic tempo. If you are a type of person who's expecting a song with meaningful and inspiring lyrics, the album has "At your side" and "No Frontiers". And then, if you are looking forward to hear the legendary oldies tracks, perhaps you will eager to listen REM'S "Everybody Hurts", Jmmy Hendrix "Little wing", and Jimmy McCarthy "No frontiers", all with new arranggements ang repackage. For ballads listeners the album has "Queen Of Hollywood" and "Little Wing". For irish traditional music fans (including me), it has an up beat "Toss the feathers" and a melancholic "Lough Erin Shore".
The album is just properly complete to all distinguished listeners. The album reached succes with 5 millions selling worlwide. The Corrs rocks!!!!!!!!!!

i am impressed witht the collection of songs of Marc Antony however the songs do not include the ad lib versions as included on his other cds. They seem to cut the song off just when the real dancing part comes into play. I was very disappointed with that. The sound quality was awesome. I would recommend this CD but with a caveate that one would find that the fading of the tracks cuts off some of the best of each song.

This Album like many of Marc Anthony's creations are flawless. There a very few albums that i like every song and this is definatley one of those rare ones. I think this album has bought together a great selection of Marc Anthony's most treasured works of art. His Voice is stunning and his words really capture you and have so much meaning, meanwhile some of his songs are really upbeat and a great to dance 2. I would recommened this album as well as purachasing every cd because there are songs there that everyone can enjoy and for all ages as well.

I love Marc Anthony and in my eyes he can do no wrong. This is a great cd to add to your collection.