Vodka & Caviar: The Ultimate Russian Spectacular

On this CD:

1. Gayane Suite No.1, for orchestra Suite
Composed by Aram Khachaturian

Conducted by Constantine Orbelian

2. Spartacus, ballet in 4 acts Adagio
Composed by Aram Khachaturian

Conducted by Constantine Orbelian

3. Prince Igor, opera (completed by Rimsky-Korsakov & Glazunov) Polovtsian Dances
Composed by Alexander Borodin

Conducted by Constantine Orbelian

4. Eugene Onegin, opera, Op. 24 Grand Polonaise
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky

Conducted by Constantine Orbelian

5. The Swan Lake, ballet, Op. 20 Waltz
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky

Conducted by Constantine Orbelian

6. The Sleeping Beauty, ballet, Op. 66 Waltz
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky

Conducted by Constantine Orbelian

7. Masquerada, incidental music & suite for orchestra (or piano) Suite
Composed by Aram Khachaturian

Conducted by Constantine Orbelian

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 1 In F Sharp Minor (1910)
Piano Sonata No. 2 (1919)
Dream In Exile: Intermezzo (1916)
Burlesque (1920)
Nereid (1919)
In A Vodka Shop (1915)

Album Description

Although best known for his symphonic poems such as Tintagel, Bax also wrote prolifically for the piano. His early life was dominated by the keyboard and in his twenties he appeared in concerts playing his own music and that of famous European contemporaries. On this first volume of the complete piano works, two epic sonatas are combined with impressionistic miniatures. The First Sonata, a turbulent Lisztian single movement abounding in colouristic effects, particularly at the bottom of the keyboard, was inspired by the new piano music of the Russians, particularly that of Scriabin. The foreboding Second Sonata was described by the composer himself as `concerned with the warring forces of light and darkness', perhaps an autobiographical response to the recently ended war or the Easter Rising or both.

Customer Reviews:

Bax to the Max - Engaging Sonatas and other Gems.......2007-04-15

Arnold Bax has his share of enthusiasts, mostly those who appreciate his symphonic poems and other large-scale orchestral works. Although I've heard a few of these orchestral works on the radio, this particular recording is the only CD I own of Bax's music. I bought this CD because I was enticed by the Naxos description of these Sonatas: "turbulent Lisztian" and "warring forces of light and darkness." Whatever Bax's reputation with orchestral music is, after judging these two sonatas, I think his piano compositions are highly-crafted, aesthetically pleasing, and full of dark but beautiful intensity.

I disagree with the reviewer below me that these sonatas are "boring" or tend to "meander." I wonder if we're hearing the same music. Both Sonatas, particularly the massive Second, are structural organisms, replete with motifs and identifiable themes. I certainly didn't get the impression that the First Sonata was "meandering." Of somewhat Lisztian-Scriabinesque descent, the 22 minute work explores highly Romantic but contrasting themes. Ashley Wass's extraordinary dynamics are apparent; he expresses the forte passages with triumphant passion and plays the soft moments with poise. Bax himself demonstrates an interesting conglomeration of pianistic styles in this First Sonata. One hears Lisztian tremolos, Scriabin-like dissonances and in the marvelous chiming Bells of the coda, a tinge of Rachmaninov. Overall, this is a well-balanced and emotionally engaging 20th century piano sonata.

The Second Sonata, a mammoth of a single-movement composition reaching 28 minutes, is a unique work with an entirely different scope in mind. Not since Beethoven's 5th Symphony have I experienced such a convincing battle of themes, of darkness and light. The incredibly dark opening and its subsequent late-Liszt theme is a significant "motto" or motif of darkness. This ominous music is pleasantly melodic and the contrasting fanfare of the "light" theme is wonderfully majestic. For 28 minutes the themes riposte and parry each other. Darkness always seems victorious in its return, but the power of light is never doubted. By the end of the extended coda, it's difficult to say which theme has won. Musically, in the final cadence, it "sounds" like the light won, but somehow the grim darkness theme still lingers in the background. This is just original and excellent piano writing. Bax employs convincing pianistic devices: shadowy tremolos, dissonant arpeggios, sonorous experiments in the lower registers, and rich chordal textures.

The last four pieces are not as masterful as the two Piano Sonatas, but are full of charm, excitement and some gorgeous melodic ideas. "Dream in Exile," for example, possesses terribly haunting music in the Romantic style. Although not akin to a Chopin Nocturne, it certainly matches the seductive beauties of those Chopin miniatures. The next piece, "Burlesque," is obviously lighter material and somewhat jovial, displaying an oriental characteristic. But after the brooding gloom of the previous works, this little piece makes for good diversity. The "Nereid" piece is, according to Bax, "nothing but tone color - changing effects of tone." Yet it's still tempting to imagine a dreamy vision of swimming water nymphs while listening to the murky harmonies. From the start, the last piece, "In a Vodka Shop," sounds exactly like "Burlesque" with its Russian rhythms and loud declarations. It's not that memorable but still prevails as an enjoyable trifle.

Bottom line: Bax's two large Piano Sonatas are astounding works of the late-Romantic early-Twentienth-Century mold. With flavors of Russian piano-writing, mystic-Scriabin and Lisztian virtuosic ornamentation, the music is superficially pleasant. Yet delving deeper into this music, and upon repeated hearings, one can pick up on tremendously effective coloring, sonorities, and structural suggestions. This CD is Naxos Gramophone Editor's Choice for a reason: it contains dramatic, compelling, and substantial music. Highly Recommended!

Meandering but dramatic.......2007-03-01

I found Wass' playing formidable, but the pieces themselves do little to hold my attention. They are wandering pieces with no clear cut themes or movements to organize the pieces.

Wass has a formidable techqnique, and I'm sure he plays his compatriot's pieces with passion, but they are simply too boring. Sonata no. 1 has its moments, while the Sonata no. 2 is somewhat dry. The other smaller pieces are fun, light pieces.

Average customer rating:

Fistful of Caulk

Manufacturer: Trashtone
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CA3A5A
Release Date: 2004-12-28

Russia Land Of The Tsars (Original Motion Picture Score)

Average customer rating:

A Television Soundtrack With Motion Picture Qualities
Too much variation
Great instrument use
How the East was Won
a dramatic, exceptionally fine score

Russia Land Of The Tsars (Original Motion Picture Score)
Gary Pozner
Manufacturer: Whirled Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The French Revolution [Original Film Soundtrack]
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King Arthur
The Illusionist
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ASIN: B00009OLTK
Release Date: 2003-05-20

Tracks:

The Russian People
The Vikings Set Sail
Peasants
Murder of Brothers
Russians and Ottomans
The Uprising
The Mongol Yoke
Baru Kahn
Paying Tribute to the Mongols
The People battle the Mongols
Prince Dimitry
The Holy City Falls
Moscow
The Feast
Ivan Claims the Crown
Glory of Ivan the Terrible
Ivans Reign of Terror
Despair Across the Land
Ivan Dies
Peasants try to Survive
The Oprichniki
Russias Neighbors
Peasants become Slaves
Polish Pretender
Time of Troubles
Save the Motherland
Peter the Great is Crowned
Sophias Rumor
Peter Takes Charge
Stronghold of Azov
The Warrior Tsar
Peter Sails the Seas
The Streltsy Revolt
Death at St. Petersburg
Tsar Peter and Marfa
Tsarevich Alexei is Tortured
The Battle with Sweden
Elizabeths Moonlight Ride
Elizabeth summons Sophia
Paul and Catherine
Catherine the Great
The Murder of the Tsar
Catherine Reforms Society
Catherine the Great Dies
Paul makes a Mess of Politics
Paul is Killed
War in Crimea land
Russian People Unite
Tsar Alexander Liberates Paris
Conspirators Meeting
Iron Tsar Nicholas
Conspirators plot Revolution
Alexander Pushkin Loses the Duel
Russia at War
The Saddest War
The Iron Tsar Dies
The Plot takes Shape
Sophia Plans an Attack
Start the Revolution
The Poor are Even Poorer
Into the Future
Nicholas and Alexandra
Tsar Nicholas Expands
Funeral Bride
Navel War against Japan
Protestors at the Tsars Palace
The Murder of Rasputin
Tsar Nicholas returns Home
Bloody Sunday
The End of the Empire
The Romanov Family is Executed
The Beginning of a New Russia

Album Description

The album is a beautiful mix of small and large ensembles, old and new melodies, recounting the history of Russia in music. The album like the film, RUSSIA LAND OF THE TSARS, has the task of representing over 1000 years of Russia's rich history. If you listen to the album from beginning to end you will feel yourself experiencing The Vikings, then the Mongols, then Ivan the Terrible, then Catherine the Great, then Peter the Great, then the revolutions, then Lenin and then Stalin, and then even the hope of what Russia will now become. The music will remind you of the great Russian Masters Glinka, Tchaikovsky, Moussorgsky and Prokofiev. Included in the album is a Russian History Outline showing where the music fits in with the historic events.

When we asked the composer, Gary Pozner, why he thought this soundtrack CD was so special he said it was how vast the music variety is on it, and how special the performances of the musicians are. We, just like the filmmakers, had to reenact the history of Russia. It wasn't an easy task, but it was truly a labor of love. We also asked Gary were the Russian influences came from, because when you look at his biography and see it mostly consists of working with fridge elements of the music scene--Lou Reed, Taking Heads, Debbie Harry,Tom Tom Club, David Byrne, Bernie Worrel, Nona Hendryx, UTFO, Mimi Goese, Peter Gabriel, he explained that all he grand parents were from Eastern Europe, and he just thought of them and channeled their spirits.

While the album is a soundtrack it definitely stands on its own. It's Tchaikovsky meets Peter Gabriel. (for a shot of vodka, of course)

Customer Reviews:

A Television Soundtrack With Motion Picture Qualities.......2004-11-30

Most people would not think of buying a score to a historical piece aired on the History Channel. But after listening to Gary Pozner's score to Russia: Land of the Tsars I saw a different type of composing. I am a huge Hans Zimmer fan and have been a film enthusiast for a long time. What this score does is that it competes in quality to almost any major film score. The only difference is in the way the score has been edited.

Since this score was done for a historical documentary on television it had to be edited and done in a way that would fit a historical documentary. Any informational piece found on Discovery, National Geographic, or History is going to have narration. So in order to make the score work it cannot be too over the top like most films scores and it has to be done in short pieces. This one CD holds 72 tracks, that's right, 72! The reason for this is because of the narration of the piece and how a documentary is made. There cannot be a continuous over the top score playing during a television piece because it will distract the audience from the program's real purpose, to inform. So how can a composer make a score exceptional if it cannot be chock full of emotion and breathtaking pieces? The composer would instead make it true to its historical origin. That's why I love Gary Pozner's scores so much. He is able to create a subtle score that captures the feel of the time period and location of what is being presented in the program. Don't get me wrong here, the score is not a boring, droning piece. It has many astounding moments in it. You'll never see a film score that is so true to the origin of the film's plot.

If you love Hans Zimmer's scores then you'll enjoy Gary Posner's work a lot. He uses lots of string instruments in this score to enhance the feel. This comes highly reccomended from a lifelong film enthusiast and a true Hans Zimmer fanatic. You can learn more about Gary Pozner and his work at his site, whirledmusic.com

Too much variation.......2004-10-15

The documentary "Russia: Land Of The Tsars" tracks the history of Russia from the years 862 to 1991. Musically, Gary Pozner presents us with all facets of Russian music. From male choirs, to Russian violin and even throat singing - it all passes by. Certainly, this is a chance for any composer to show a wide range of musical styles and instrumental colours.

However, what this soundtracks lacks is budget. The orchestration feels as if it consists of one cello, one flute, one violin, synthesizer brass and percussion. You'll have to keep in mind that "Russia, Land Of The Tsars" is a History Channel documentary. Composers aren't granted large sums of money for projects like that.

Something else I didn't like about the album was that it's divided into 70+ little tracks of mostly two minutes and less. Of course this is also because of the documentary, but maybe one or two suites or concert pieces would have made the album much better. Now the score never seems to settle down, loses the necessary flow, and prevents the listener from being absorbed by the music. Also, there is no notable thematic material or development; or rather, there are too many little melodies and themes about as well as too many instruments. There's nothing that binds it all together, as a powerful recurring set of themes would.

This is Pozner's first soundtrack release on his Whirled Music label. While it certainly shows promise, the thin orchestration and lack of powerful thematic material makes me redirect you to his second release: `The Quest For King Arthur', which is much better.

This one gets two stars

Bram Janssen,
The Netherlands

Great instrument use.......2004-02-26

This cd is beautiful without a doubt! But i was a bit dissapointed with the fact that some of the songs are only 30 seconds long or shorter. Some of the songs on this cd are so beautiful that you wish you can hear more and those are the ones that are very short. Another thing that the buyer has to consider is that this cd is only 63 minutes long and it has total of 73 songs so imagine how short some of the songs are... I would have thought if this cd was made the way it was with as many songs as it is the songs should have at least flowed together... but the differeces between the songs are big, in other words the songs are so short that you know the song is over and there is the next song and it's different. Then i am left with a feeling "but i want to hear more of the other song." That is the down side about it. Other than that i think this cd is very dramatic and intense but beautiful. It isn't anything that you've heared of before. I would suggest to buy this cd to listen to when you have lot's of company everyone is talking and enjoying the music in the background. If you want to buy this cd to listen through head phones unfortunately this does't quite fit the criteria.

How the East was Won.......2003-08-11

Russia Land of the Tsars was a production on cable, telling the story (as certain scholars see it) of Russian history through the lives of six tsars.

The score is interesting, not only for the blend of Russian traditional and classical themes, but for the way the composer designed the score for the miniseries. If you are interested in scoring films, this is very instructive in the economical use of material and the structure of a set of music for a visual production.

And it's very nice just to put on the player and listen to for background music.

a dramatic, exceptionally fine score.......2003-06-26

Though this score significantly enhances the documentary "Russia: Land of the Tsars", it also stands alone as a terrific sound journey, brilliantly conceived, with imaginitive melodies, instrumentation, and fascinating rhythmic patterns. The varied use of string instruments is marvelous, as in the exciting "The Feast" and "Ivan Claims the Crown" (tracks 14 and 15), and the spectacular "Start the Revolution" (track 59).
There is an occasional musical reference to Moussorgsky and Tchaikovsky, as well as a piano concerto by Lev Abeliovich (played by Alexander Tutunov), but this is a very unique work, and one I will enjoy for many years to come.

The CD comes with a fold-out that includes the track listings, and an exquisite cover painting of a horse and rider. Mr. Pozner conducts the OSU Symphony Orchestra, and co-produced this CD with Alex Carlson, who is Concert Master. Marian Carlson is listed as Musical Director. "Russia Land of the Tsars" received an Emmy nomination for Best Score, and total playing time is 63: 46.

The film and its music cover a lot of ground, from the Kievan Rus period (862-1242), to the Soviet Era, and there is a thrilling pace to this CD which I am sure will get the attention of the major Hollywood producers. Remember Gary Pozner's name ! Chances are, you will be hearing a lot of his film scores in the near future.

Average customer rating:

Bax: Piano Music

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Lullaby
Country-Tune
Not Too Fast And Very Decisive In Rhythm - Allegro Passionato
Tempo I (Allegro Deciso) - Piu Lento
Tempo I - Languido E Lontano - Allegro Moderato - Broad And Triumphant
Winter Waters
Lento. Tenebroso. Slow - Moderato Eroico - Allegro Moderato - Presto
Lento - Vivace - Tempo I
Tempo I - Molto Largamente - Lento

Tracks:

I Allegro Moderato - Vivo - Andante Con Moto - Tempo I - Vivace
II Lento Moderato
III Allegro - Moderato Molto Espressivo - Tempo I
Water Music
A Hill Tune
In A Vodka Shop
I Allegro Giusto - Largamente - Vivace
II Allegretto Quasi Andante
III Allegro - Allegro Maestoso - Trionfale - Tempo I

Tracks:

Nocturne (May Night In The Ukraine)
Gopak (National Dance)
The Maiden With The Daffodil
The Princess's Rose Garden
Apple-Blossom-Time
On A May Evening
O Dame Get Up And Bake Your Pies
Nereid
Sleepy Head
A Romance
Burlesque

Tracks:

Whirligig
What The Minstrel Told Us
Legend
Dream In Exile
A Mountain Mood
Mediterranean
Serpent Dance
Ceremonial Dance
The Slave Girl
In The Night
Toccata
Paean
II Lento Espressivo

Average customer rating:

Vodka Context
Everlounge
Manufacturer: Deko Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000FKGIJ2

Product Description

Track Listing: 1)Confabulations 2)Shikse Girl 3)Hollywood Loaf 4)Cowardly Dear Jane Letter Tango 5)Minivan Lovers 6)Friend Over 7)Cad 8)Clammy Casino 9)Another Time, Another Place 10)When Dreaming Fails 11)The Dreaming Fail(Live) 12)To Hell With Love(Live)

Average customer rating:

Fun and unforgettable
A phenomenal 1970's glam-rock recording from Japan.

Tokyo-New York
Vodka Collins
Manufacturer: Man's Ruin
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Real Hillbilly Motherfucker
Original Recipe

ASIN: B00000DFJS
Release Date: 1997-09-09

Tracks:

Automatic Pilot
Billy Mars
Terminal City
Sands Of Time
Pontiac Pan
Diamond To Dungarees
Monitor
Vacuum Girl
Scratchin'

Customer Reviews:

Fun and unforgettable.......1999-11-07

This record will indelibly stamp itself on your mind. It is chock full of memorable tunes, hooks, and cool arrangements. It sounds retro, but in the best sense. A fun and fantastic record.

A phenomenal 1970's glam-rock recording from Japan........1999-02-26

The effect on the current Japanese rock scene by the band Vodka Collins is enormous. Vodka Collins were the biggest glam-rock group in Japan in the early 70's, and they started a trend of singing in Japanese with an English accent, and mixing Japanese and English lyrics together in the pop song, a first. This style is copied today by virtually every pop group recording hits today in Japan. Formed by Hiroshi Oguchi, the former drummer of the Tempters, the "bad boys" of the Tokyo rock scene, and Alan Merrill, the pathologically eccentric pretty-boy guitarist/singer, Vodka Collins rose to the top quickly. By 1973 they were the hippest group in the country. The album "Tokyo-New York" was released and had three hit singles on it. "Automatic Pilot", "Sands Of Time" and "Billy Mars". Their song "Scratchin'" was used as a T.V. theme song as well. The songs were written by Alan Merrill, with Japanese lyrics by Hiroshi Oguchi. Alan Merrill is a very catchy songwriter as evidenced by his later composition "I Love Rock'n Roll" by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Merrill actually recorded it first with his post-Vodka Collins group, the Arrows, in 1975 in the U.K. He sang the original RAK Records Arrows version! The music of Vodka Collins was as current as any of their foreign contemporaries T-Rex and David Bowie. Marc Bolan of T-Rex, and his wife June, loved Vodka Collins "Tokyo New York"! This band could have been competitive in the international music market but the recordings were never released outside of Japan until now, more than 25 years later. Bad management split up the band at its peak in 1973 as it was headlining a show at the world famous Budokan arena. Pity, as the music was in the true spirit of the times, and cutting edge 70's glam rock. This CD is the real velvet goldmine. It's clever, sexy, and it rocks. Unlike so many albums from this period here's a recording that stands the test of time. Both thumbs up to Man's Ruin Records for re-releasing it.

Vodka & Caviar: The Ultimate Russian Spectacular

Average customer rating:

Terrific Fun!

Vodka & Caviar: The Ultimate Russian Spectacular

Manufacturer: Delos Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00005O6DD
Release Date: 2001-09-11

Tracks:

Gayaneh: Ste: Sabre Dance - Philharmonia Of Russia/Constantine Orbelian
Gayaneh: Ste: Dance Of The Rose Maidens - Philharmonia Of Russia/Constantine Orbelian
Gayaneh: Ste: Lullaby - Philharmonia Of Russia/Constantine Orbelian
Gayaneh: Ste: Lezginka - Philharmonia Of Russia/Constantine Orbelian
Spartacus: Adagio - Philharmonia Of Russia/Constantine Orbelian
Polovtsian Dances: Intro: Andantino - Spritiual Revival Chor Of Russia/Lev Kontorovich
Polovtsian Dances: Allegro Vivo - Spritiual Revival Chor Of Russia/Lev Kontorovich
Polovtsian Dances: Allegro - Spritiual Revival Chor Of Russia/Lev Kontorovich
Polovtsian Dances: Presto - Spritiual Revival Chor Of Russia/Lev Kontorovich
Polovtsian Dances: Moderato Alla Breve - Spritiual Revival Chor Of Russia/Lev Kontorovich
Polovtsian Dances: Presto - Spritiual Revival Chor Of Russia/Lev Kontorovich
Polovtsian Dances: Allegro Con Spirito - Spritiual Revival Chor Of Russia/Lev Kontorovich
Eugene Onegin: Grand Polonaise - Philharmonia Of Russia/Constantine Orbelian
Swan Lake: Waltz - Philharmonia Of Russia/Constantine Orbelian
Sleeping Beauty: Waltz - Philharmonia Of Russia/Constantine Orbelian
Masquerade Ste: Waltz - Philharmonia Of Russia/Constantine Orbelian
Masquerade Ste: Nocturne - Philharmonia Of Russia/Constantine Orbelian
Masquerade Ste: Mazurka - Philharmonia Of Russia/Constantine Orbelian
Masquerade Ste: Romance - Philharmonia Of Russia/Constantine Orbelian
Masquerade Ste: Galop - Philharmonia Of Russia/Constantine Orbelian

Customer Reviews:

Terrific Fun!.......2002-11-28

I bought this album for the Waltz from Masquerade and fell in love with all the music. This is pure fun music, wonderful for a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Average customer rating:

Great introduction to eccentric world of Momus
The many moods...
A protruding mouthful of perversion

20 Vodka Jellies
Momus
Manufacturer: Le Grand Magistry
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Ping Pong
Stars Forever
Little Red Songbook

ASIN: B00000IAFZ
Release Date: 1997-11-18

Tracks:

I Am a Kitten
Vogue Bambini
Poisoners
Nikon 2
Giapponese a Roma
Paolo
End of History
London 1888
Streetlamp Soliloquy
Inflatable Doll
Saved
Someone
Howard Hughes
Three Beasts
Good Morning World
Germania
Girl With No Body
Radiant Night
Orgasm Addict
Nobody

Album Description

This 1996 Momus album (a collection of rarities) was his North American debut as well as the first release on Le Grand Magistery. Critically acclaimed and in the Top 10 lists of Time Out NY and CMJ. Includes the pedophile anthem "I Am A Kitten," as well as a loungecore cover of the Buzzcocks "Orgasm Addict" among it's eclectic 20 tracks.

Customer Reviews:

Great introduction to eccentric world of Momus.......2006-03-23

Momus writes songs for pretty Japanese girl popstars and has had hits in Japan doing this but I like his own records most. This Cd compilation includes his original demo versions of songs he wrote for Kahimi Karie and The Poison Girlfriend. The End of History the Poison Girlfriend sounds a bit like Belle & Sebastian backed by The Pet Shop boys. It is one of the most beautiful tender songs I have heard. Momus has been a big influence on Belle & Sebastian. This album is a wonderful introduction to Momus and his eccentric pop.

The many moods..........2002-07-12

Nick Currie (Momus) first appeared in the 4AD band "The Happy Family", after that he launched a solo career writing & singing his own work as well as writing for others. Initially I was attracted to this CD, a bit of a career grab-bag of odds & ends, as it features his versions of the tracks recorded by he divine Kahimi Karie ("Giaponese a Roma", "Good morning World", "Nikon 2" and others) but I'm pleased to say that everything else is good too.

People often tend to harp on about the kinkier aspects of his work, and of course that features here, but you have to admire a guy that can sing a track like "Vogue Bambini" where he plays a Japanese Teenage Girl lamenting her lack of fertility, or can recite the silly bubblegum rap in "Good Morning World" ("liar, liar pants on fire, mummy's in the kitchen with electric wire") AND get away with it so damned easily. If you fancy a challenge and enjoy great, darkish pop, you shouldn't be disappointed.

A protruding mouthful of perversion.......2000-04-08

I heard this after the standard-setting "SF," and so may never be impressed again. This is itself 73 minutes long, so I conclude epics are the norm for this guy. This is similar both musically and lyrically to SF, tinges of humor and grotesqueness sprinkled throughout. ...a provocative listen by any account. Initiate yourself with SF, though.

Vodka & Caviar: Ultimate Russian Spectacular [SACD]

Average customer rating:

Sonically disappointing

Vodka & Caviar: Ultimate Russian Spectacular [SACD]
Philharmonia of Russia , and Orbelian
Manufacturer: Delos Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005O547
Release Date: 2001-08-28

Customer Reviews:

Sonically disappointing.......2007-05-31

This is the first Delos recording about which I can say that it just doesn't sound good. It doesn't sound bad, mind you, but the microphones were placed so far from the orchestra that the recording is awash in reverberation. As soon as the volume rises, it seems as if I were listening to this fine orchestra in a gymnasium. You couldn't pick out an individual instrument or line if your life depended on it. I know there is a horn section in there somewhere, but darned if I can hear it.

This 2001 recording made in Moscow, Russia is not a John Eargle job, which may be the reason. Eargle did a lot of work on defining the best placement of microphones for surround recording. Hopefully, engineer Jeff Mee did not follow his mentor's theories because if he did, then the dearly departed John Eargle failed for one of the few times in his life. It may be the hall, but if so, Mee did nothing to tame it. However you cut it, this is not a well engineered recording from an audiophile's perspective.

Shame. The performance is quite good. I must say, though, that I wish recording companies would quit filling out Russian music CDs with warhorse Tchaikovsky works that have been recorded 10,000 times. Even Borodin's Polotvsian Dances is becoming over-worked. (Telarc also did this in their recent Russian music "spectacular" SACD.) The Khachaturian music is worth the admission. Somehow this composer remains underappreciated in the United States.

Average customer rating:

Vodka Sonic

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B0002DTE7K

Product Description

Features the foolowing tracks: 1. Take It Down 2. Bad Rain 3. Secret Sneak 4. Phrase That Pays 5. The Shoe 6. Trike 7. Apathy 101 8. Slipping Back 9. The Cat Saw Everything 10. You See It You Break It You Buy It

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

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