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The Opera Band

The debut of the young, classically trained international quintet of sopranos Jo Appleby and Tsakane Valentine, tenors David Habbin and Geoff Swell, and basso Nick Garret offers up a familiar take on the crossover formula that has enriched everyone from genre pioneers The Three Tenors to Russell Watson and beyond. While their occasionally electro-pumped rhythms and youth-angled marketing shtick ("The world's first opera band!") may borrow a page from Opera Babes and Bond, it still manages to evoke the spirit (if not the letter) of its eclectic classical sources. And if the world hasn't exactly been burning for yet another dramatized update of Turandot's melodic "Nessun Dorma," The Pearl Fishers, or--for that matter--"Unchained Melody," Amici Forever's takes on the pop side of the crossover equation are indeed promising, recasting Alex North's "Unchained.." ("Senza Catene") and their reworked theme to the miniseries Band of Brothers("Requiem for a Soldier") in a successful, neo-classical light. If Neopolitan-shaded originals like "Canto Alla Vita" and "Vita Mia" sound like Josh Groban clones, their glorious harmonic vocal reworkings of Faure's "Pavane" ("Whisper of Angels") and Elgar's "Enigma Variations" ("Nimrod: Lux Aeterna") bristle with an ambitious sense of adventure that's missing from much of their crossover competition. Serious opera buffs may still quarrel with the daring "impurity" of it all, but if Amici Forever prod a few more pimply punters to peruse Puccini, won't it all have been worth it? --Jerry McCulley

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Customer Review:

Opera for a new generation!

This quintet of gorgeous young singers from Europe and South Africa bring opera to a new generation who is so familiar with pop bands and pop singers. Their looks alone are enough to turn heads as well as their voices which blend well. I've seen Amici Forever perform live and the choreography and sets really bring a fresh perspective to what most people would think of as stuffy old opera. Each singer takes turns singing lead vocals on each song and they don't over power each other's vocals like Il Divo.
Definitely give this album a try!

Not for purists

Why do purists even sample CDs like this one? There's plenty of warning on the liner notes. I like classical opera and often listen and even attend when the opportunity presents itself. But I like Amici too. Why does classical music have to always be presented in the same old way? It's beautiful done many ways by many artists. (Except Sarah Brightman and Josh Groban - just MHO. If you admire them, that's great. That's what music is all about.) Amici's productions are lovely and new, and I for one enjoy hearing opera without all the earnestness and bellowing once in a while.

Incredibly moving and beautifully produced

I never write music reviews, but I'm making an exception in this case. As the daughter of an opera singer, and a musician myself, I grew up with a lot of the music on this CD. All I can say is it is one of the most moving albums I now own. The voices compliment each other, the delivery appears effortless, the musical arrangements excellent. I sincerely hope we get the opportunity to hear more of Amici. I, for one, will be standing in line waiting for their next CD on the day it is released.

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Keywords: Anthem; Choral; Choral Music; Classical; Classical Artists; Classical Crossover; Czech Romantic Opera; French Romantic Opera; German/Austrian Classical Period Opera; Italian Romantic Opera; Miscellaneous; Miscellaneous Music; Opera; Opera / Operetta / Oratorio; Vocal; Vocal Music;

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Diary of a Mad Black Woman

For years now, music video directors have had no problem at all making the leap to the big screen to direct feature length movies. The cinematic virtues of this are up to debate, but surely a veteran video director will be able to corral a world-class soundtrack, right? In the case of Diary of a Mad Black Woman, the answer’s yes—and no. The talent is certainly impressive on Diary—Natalie Cole, Angie Stone, India Arie—but most of the songs sound like cuts that were left off an album. India Arie’s "Purify Me" is a sweet, light, and excellent bit of confectionery that might be about God, it might be about a physical man—it’s hard to tell. Her other song here , "Different Directions," is definitely about a man, and it kicks. Cheryl Riley’s cover of Jewel’s "One of Us," however, is run-from-the-room-screaming bad. Ms. Cole’s "I Wanna Love Again," a new song, is a sweet, excellently-produced torch ballad, but is not the thing that comebacks are made of. --Mike McGonigal

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Futures

Soundtrack;

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Customer Review:

Loved this soundtrack!!! except...

This soundtrack is a must-have. If you are a fan of the movie, you will love having the CD just as much. I am truly inspired by India.arie's "Purify Me" and Tamia's "Things I've Collected." However, the one song that totally filled my spirit and shook me to the core was Cheryl Pepsi Riley's "One of Us"! Welcome back Ms. Riley. We missed you. God must have been smiling down when He heard your rendition.

My only criticism of this CD is using Natalie Cole in place of Chandra Correlley-Young for "I Want to Love Again". What were they thinking? Don't get me wrong, I love Natalie, but she just doesn't have the soul-stirring "umph" that Ms. Young put on that song. All in all, this is definitely one for your collection Thanks, Tyler Perry, and I am anxiously awaiting your next masterpiece!

Pretty Good

After watching the movie, which I think is one of the best so far this year, I was compelled to purchase the accompanying soundtrack. I really enjoyed India.Arie, Patti Labelle, Natalie Cole and Heather Headley. I was a bit disappointed with Monica and Tamia's songs...I was expecting "more". Overall, the cd is worth adding to your collection.

UPLIFTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I purchased the CD because I loved the movie and all its music. The music and the scenes from the movie were prefectly blended. Every selection on the CD was sung superbly. The only negative thing about the CD was the absence of Chandra Correlley-Young singing "I Wanna Love Again". The lady has a fabulous voice! I love Natalie Cole,but that song should have been sung by Chandra. Other than that, I recommend the movie first, then the
CD. You will not be disappointed with your purchases. I guarantee it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

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Keywords: Black Gospel; Contemporary Gospel; Contemporary R&B; Film Music; Pop; Soundtrack; Soundtracks; Soundtracks & Film Scores;

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I Am Sam - Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture

Jessie Nelson's poignant tale of a mentally challenged man named Sam (Sean Penn) who recruits a lawyer to help him regain custody of his young daughter leans heavily on the lead character's obsession with Beatles songs, and his innocent trust in their wisdom and emotional truth. It's an artistic gambit that shrewdly lends itself to this mostly rewarding collection of Beatles covers by a wide range of contemporary artists, many of whom no doubt leapt at the chance to record a treasured song by their own musical heroes. The renditions are by and large faithful, and inform the elemental genius of the originals by the strength and variety of the artist's voices alone. The husband-wife team of Aimee Mann and Michael Penn (Sean's brother) can't help but find resonance in "Two of Us," just as Nick Cave's latter-day, heart-on-his-sleeve crooner infatuation makes "Let It Be" all his own. It's the reinterpretations that are riskier. While Paul Westerberg's stripped-down, nasal reading of "Nowhere Man" perceptively underscores Lennon's inherent Dylan fetish and Howie Day turns "Help!" from anxious plea to desperate dirge, Grandaddy smugly alt-rocks the energy right out of "Revolution." The Beatles hardly need anyone to burnish their reputation, but this album goes a long way toward underscoring their most undersung legacy as rock's most transcendent melting pot. -Jerry McCulley

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Futures

Soundtrack;

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Customer Review:

Keep An Open Mind

First, a warning: if you're the kind of person who holds Beatles music sacrosanct, and believes nobody but the Beatles should be playing Beatles songs, you'll probably dislike this album intensely. Stay away from it.

For the rest of us (those of us who prefer that our music not be trapped in amber): if you like to hear good songs thoughtfully reinterpreted, this is the album for you. Some covers will probably appeal more than others, according to taste, but don't let your preconceptions stand in the way of liking a song on its merits - for instance, I'm not any kind of fan of Eddie Vedder or the Stereophonics in other contexts, but their respective cover versions here are favorites of mine.

So, once again: if you don't believe any popular music recorded since 1970 is worthy of your attention, don't buy this album. Everyone else: open your mind and your ears, and give it a spin.

A Travesty

I accidently heard this and think it is a terrible album. Why would anybody in their right mind want to listen to bad cover versions of classic songs by mediocre "artists?" Why not listen to the originals? Nobody should be allowed to touch The Beatles' music. Ever. The horrible versions of "Strawberry Fields Forever" and the masterpiece "Let it Be" are especially heinous, but they are all terrible in their own ways. Some are almost insulting. The people contributing to this soundtrack can only wish that they'll be remembered and relevant in 40 years. Maybe I'm sounding harsh, but if you are truly a Beatles fan, you will probably agree with me. Oh, and the movie was terrible too.

Ghastly

This is piece of filth. Beatles songs should not EVER be covered--especially by this untalented menagerie of "performers." The ghoul who sanctioned this album should be tracked down and psychologically evaluated (and imprisoned with a life sentence). I would never wish the trauma associated with listening to this garbage on my worst enemies. The songs are butchered beyond belief and some are almost unrecognizable. I shouldn't have expected any better based on the quality of the film and cast. Any true Beatles fan will be horrified by how badly these treasured songs were brutally maimed. I honestly get nauseous when seeing the track listing. I have never even heard of most of these singers (for good reason, obviously). So please do EVERYONE a favor and buy the original Beatles albums if you want to hear the songs the way they were meant to be heard.

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Keywords: Alternative Pop/Rock; Pop; Soundtrack; Soundtracks; Soundtracks & Film Scores; Tribute Albums;

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In Search of Sunrise, Vol. 4: Latin America

Though he's as close to being the quintessential trance DJ as anyone, Tiësto has in the past used his mix records to drop new, sometimes challenging material (e.g., 2003's Nyana). But that's never been what the Sunrise records are about. Like 2004's Olympics-anthem release Parade of the Athletes, the vibe is all-inclusive, overtly positive, and infused with a strong orchestral bent that broadens its appeal. The first disc works up a lather after a lukewarm start, ending strongly with tracks from Gabriel & Dresden and BT ("Force of Gravity," spiffed up with a Tiësto remix). The second disc isn't so shy, though the Ibiza sheen gets a little glossy. If there's one thing this DJ can do, it's convincingly integrate a distinctive vocal ("Silence," anyone?), and his collaboration with Aqualung's Matt Hales on "UR" is no exception. One gets the sense that Sunrise 4 could have been just one disc and still delivered the essential punch--but even though it's a bit bloated, this collection unquestionably has the epic heft for which Tiësto is known and revered. --Matthew Cooke

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Futures

Box set;

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Customer Review:

It keeps getting better!!!

DJ Tiesto is one of those DJ's out there who can pick 3 12" records out of crates of 1000, and make a set. His talent for listening is much like Oakenfold early on, before he went too big. The Search for Sunrise albums are a series that refuses to settle for less. Each track compliments the other, and is put together with perfection by Tiesto. Its a shame Tiesto's label isn't Perfecto Records, because he proves time and time again that his style and skill at set building doesn't get old and outdated. I feel like each of these records is an emotion, a feeling that Tiesto feels when he thinks about his life touring, meeting people, and having fun. It just so happens that these records can represent other listeners emotions. Nevertheless, this fourth installment of SFS shines on through, and doesn't feel like a big production company chose the tracks. Keep em' coming, Tiesto!!!!!!

Tiesto Does It Again

Tiesto does it again with ISOS 4! True, the chilled out vibe from ISOS 3 isn't there but this is a great mix. CD 1 is a bit more esoteric and takes a while to get used to, but there are some great tunes on there and the Latino spice throughout makes it a great compilation. Track 4 is great and the Blank & Jones remix of "Perfect Silence" at the end is just thumpin'. My God, you just want to get up and MOVE when it begins.
CD 2 is the cream. Tiesto has done it again 'cause--and this might sound cheesy--you don't hear his ISOS mixes you EXPERIENCE them. This one's no different. CD 2 doesn't make you move--it is movement. Just a great mix of songs, transitioning to different beats keeps you on your feet as the music just gets inside you and courses through your veins. Listening to this makes me think of steamy summer nights, a dark club and incredibly hot chicks dressed to kill bumping endlessly to this. Tracks 1, 8, 10, 13 are outstanding, but the best is 14 which is the best Eurotrance I've ever heard. You won't be disappointed.

TRUST MY REVIEW!!! ... I know what I'm talking about!!!

I'm not going to go on and on about ISOS 4. Just know that this is one of the most creatively mixed trance compilations I've ever heard. Tiesto seemlessly mixes different genres of trance. The first disc begins melow with a bit of a latin flare, takes you into track 8, "My World" (one of the most sultry, suductive trance grooves I've ever heard. The second disc is flawless from beginning to end!!! Tracks 1 - 4 ?... PERFECT ! Tracks 6 through 10 MIND-BLOWING, especially track 9, "Gravity", with its deep-ripping, synthesized bass line. WOW!

This album surpasses Tiesto's Nyana...in my opinion. He definately delivered a new, fresh mix of seemless, ambient, heart-thumping trance !!! GO BUY IT !!!

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Keywords: Club/Dance; Dance Music; Electronic; Pop; Progressive Trance; Trance;

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