Browsing Category: "Music"

Surfing with the Alien

Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 | Music with No Comments »

Surfing with the Alien

User Reviews

5 Stars Outstanding
Even without a single vocal,this is a lot of fun to listen to.Great instrumental rock.Satriani’s best album and no weak material.Essential for fans of 80’s metal and for fans of guitar oriented rock.Joe Satriani influenced a lot of guitarists including Dimebag and Zakk Wylde.Great job,Joe.

3 Stars Better with repeated listenings, but …
JS was highly recommended by a good friend … unfortunately, I must say “Surfing” was not initially for me. Maybe with one exception, I just didn’t hear any “hooks” or emotionally memorable tunes. The playing here was technically good but it just reminded me of a bland soundtrack background. Give me Clapton, Guy, Buchanan, Steve Kimock, or Steve Howe anyday. The cd did get better with repeated listenings, but I think I definitely need to check out other JS offerings.

5 Stars Buy this Album!
Don’t read this review, buy the darn album! This is instrumental rock that’s accessible without being watered down. After a few moments of muffled studio chatter, the album literally starts off like a jet engine and doesn’t stop rocking until “Always With Me, Always With You.” A tasteful ballad that doesn’t descend into cliched sap. Things kick up again with “Satch Boogie” and take a turn for the strange at “Hill of the Skull.” Even though that is kind of a one-off, it’s amusing.

“Circles” and “Lords of Karma” are complex songs, not as frenetic as the first three, but with excellent melodies. “Midnight” is pure beauty that segues into “Echoes,” which is a bit like “Circles” but with more restraint. It ends the album not with a bang, but with a whimper for more. Every rock fan needs this record.

5 Stars What a ride!
His first, and to many arguably his best. This is my second copy of it, after playing the first one till it was ruined. This started a whole genre of funk metal shredders, and has some truly innovative songs that have stood the test of time. You will never get tired of this CD.

5 Stars Hang ten, good buddy!
A totally superior album in almost every regard. With a couple of qualifiers. One: you like marvel comics. Marvel, in case you are not aware, usually (well, up till the 90s) had a straightforward approach, the good guys were distinguishable. Easy to focus on, though with a lot of subtle stuff in between frames, in frames, etc. This albums a lot like that, cuz first of all, it’s all about marvel. And American comics in general. The last song is especially about its waning. Second: the hero is the guitarist. Everything else takes a back seat. The drumming is competent, the bass is competent, there’s no singer. But oy, can Satriani ever play! I would be very hard pressed to point to more than a handful of guitarists whose skills are so evident! Pluck, pluck, pluck! Also, like a comic: its compressed. The songs are all superinteresting and excellent, but the album’s play time is quite short (around 40 minutes) If you absolutely require a singer, and superawesome bass and drums, as well as a long play time, you’ll probably think this is about 4 stars.

Note: I was extremely disappointed to discover that none of these songs were included in the recent FFour movie. Yknow, the one with the surfer?

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Joy Best of Apollo 100

Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 | Music with No Comments »

Joy Best of Apollo 100


An English studio group, Apollo 100 was assembled by arranger Tom Parker and consisted of musicians Clem Cattini formerly of the Tornados, Vic Flick, Z. Jenkins, Jim Lawless and Brian Odgers. Parker, a multi-instrumentalist, had built a career as a session musician when he decided to form Apollo 100 in 1972. This Best of Collection features the Hit’s ‘Danse Macabre’, ‘Reach For The Sky’ and the group’s first single ‘Joy’. Repertoire. 2005.

User Reviews

5 Stars APOLLO 100
I originally purchased the LP version of this record way back when. With the coming of CD’s I wanted to upgrade this record to cd but could not find it anywhere. With the help of some computer literate people we found it on Amazon.com. I am thrlled to add this to my collection. I will definitely use Amazon.com when looking to upgrade future records. The CD has every song on the LP with the addition of several more which I have been looking for. A real treat to find them all in the same place. As this was a Christmas present from James to me, his father Al, I must say it has been a pleasure dealing with you.

4 Stars Joy: Best of Apollo 100
I love the songs on this album. I bought it for “Joy”, but love the rest. My only complaint is the quality of the CD itself. It may have been used, but several of the tracts are so filled with static they are not listenable.

5 Stars Joy
At last, the album from the 1970’s available on CD with many new tracks. A true listening “joy” with everything from Beethoven to the Beetles. Being reunited with the songs from the original album was terric, but I also enjoyed the new songs – especially the haunting version of “Amazing Grace”. Thanks! Apollo. And keep rockin’!

5 Stars Been looking for this for years!
I have been searching for this music for years. Was so thrilled when I finally found it, and since getting the CD, have listened to it over and over. I love it! This is for anyone who loves instrumental music. It’s both a lot of fun to listen to as well as sentimental. I may even need to get a second copy!

5 Stars Great stuff….and holds up well!
This is a great flash from the past. I had the album as a kid, loved it then, and hoped to find it on CD…and to my surprise, it isn’t dated at all, and sounds as fresh today as it did then.

It’s a true gem, a real find….BUY THIS!!

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A Brides Guide to Wedding Music

Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 | Music with No Comments »

A Brides Guide to Wedding Music


The process of choosing music for a wedding day can certainly be a daunting process for any couple. There are many choices and the questions can be endless. Traditional music or something off the beaten path? Will your Mom cry (and not in a good way) if you do not come down the aisle to the traditional Wedding March from Wagner, or are you eager to try something new? This collection is designed to give the bridal couple some key pointers to navigate the world of classical music for their wedding day. The package includes over 3 1/2 hours of music on 3 CDs for all portions of the wedding service, all from the Naxos classical label (known for high-quality recordings at inexpensive prices). Wedding day favorites are there, along with new discoveries and tunes you may have never considered for a wedding. All pieces are hand selected by professional wedding musicians and consultants. As a bonus, the 20 page booklet will lead you through the process of choosing music, from hiring musicians to sample programs. Everything you need to create your own unique personal wedding soundtrack.

User Reviews

5 Stars perfect music for your wedding
I bought this cd set for our wedding. It is wonderful because it is broken into 3 cds. The 1st cd has songs for the prelude, the 2nd cd has songs for the processional and interlude, the 3rd has songs for the recessional and postlude. It was perfect. We chose Pachabel’s Canon in D for our Processional and Offenbach’s Barcarolle for our Recessional. You will love this cd set.

4 Stars Great Help for doing Weddings
Being a sound tech at my church this CD comes is great for anything that may come along. I’ve had weddings where the couple didn’t even have any music picked out and I can use this CD for everything. It’s in my Ipod so I have all 3 discs available to fill in any music that I would need.

5 Stars New packaging is beautiful!
I recently re-purchased this item, since I lost the first copy I had – oops! But, I was happy to buy it again once I saw the pretty new packaging! This new version has a little booklet that gives wedding planning tips and has a nice package for the discs too!

5 Stars GREAT WEDDING MUSIC!
I used these CD’s for my wedding, and I was so happy I did. You need to buy this CD if you like having a traditional wedding! :)

5 Stars A must have in your music library
I had ordered this cd on the recommendation of the musical director from my Church who has quite an extensive international background. I mistakenly thought I would just use it to pick out songs for the ceremony portion of my wedding. It turns out it has so many classical songs from Bach and many other artists. I listen to it often because the music is so beautiful.

I recommend it to anyone who likes classical music or would like a sampler of some of the great composers and artists. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

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