Kakaku：1001 saved$10.01
Decca
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (A Wonderful Musical Comedy) 『"Cheryomushki" (1963) is a wonderful film with a wonderful story. I found that I really loved the music and the songs were in my head for days. The film is basically a light musical romantic comedy, with lots of singing and dancing but it offers a glimpse into life in the USSR in the 1960's. I highly recommend it. Many people might think that a Soviet film could somehow be drab or depressing, but this film is anything but; it is extremely uplifting and even inspiring. The film is done in Russian, but the subtitles are so well done that English speakers will hardly notice that.
Apparently Shostakovich is widely regarded as the one of the best composers of the 20th century. After viewing this film I did a bit of research on him and I stumbled on a DVD biography. I was amazed by the man's life story. He was indeed an amazing talent, and this film proves it, even if nothing else did. "Cheryomushki" is a film to own. I can't recommend it highly enough.
The transfer to DVD is virtually flawless, which is unusual for a film made back in 1963 (or for any film). The soundtrack is great. I read the small print and the DVD was made in Europe, in Western Germany, but of course the version sold here is set up to work with American DVD players (region 1-6 or basically the whole world - NTSC).』
(Another Side of Things) 『I ordered this DVD entirely for the music of Shostakovich, my candidate for the greatest 20th C composer of all. Well, the music, although charming, is deliberately light-weight and not at all the most interesting thing about this production. It says something about the soviet "experiment" that a composer of Shostakovich's earnestness would have written such a gentle bit of populism. Can you imagine Milton Babbit or Thomas Ades, or any high-art western composer writing such music without being condescending? The movie Cherry Town was filmed in 1963. The fact that it, or any other soviet popular art form, was never noticed in any way in the USA seems to me to speak volumes about the conduct of the Cold War. People in the USA were satisfied to know only one side of the story. The USSR was so demonized during the 50s, 60s, and later that this film will be hard for most Americans to watch honestly and evaluate fairly. It's a musical comedy, closest in style and appeal to the Bing Crosby stuff of the 50s, or to "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" and "Oklahoma". It's wonderfully innocent and romantic, and OPTIMISTIC! IDEALISTIC! ??? In Russia? Yes, in Russia. But it's not a white-wash of soviet society. In fact, it's sharply satirical of bureaucratic corruption, of inefficiency, and of the new-man culture of newly urbanizing Russia. Watch it with an open mind. Can you remember any comparably pointed social commentary in any American musical comedy of the same era? All in all, however, it's probably a one-time viewing production, which is why I've given it only a four-star. But I confess that I'm not a musical comedy fan; I wouldn't give five stars to any Broadway musical other than Porgy and Bess.』
(Musical - Soviet Style) 『"Cheryomushki" (1963) directed by Gerbert Rappaport - is a screen adaptation of the Musical (operetta) written by one of the greatest Composers of the 20th Century, Dmitriy Shostakovich. The music, indeed is splendid, the voices are marvelous and some of the duets are simply great (Lida and Boris singing and dancing in the costumes of the different epochs). The film itself is a typical Soviet comedy of the 60th which plot revolves around four couples who all try to move into an apartment in the new neighborhood, Cherymushki. This comedy is entertaining and well acted but too sugary and lightweight to be truly memorable.』
(NOT REGION 2!!) 『This DVD is NOT, as stated by Amazon, Region 2 encoded. It is an NTSC Region 0(1-6) DVD, and is playable on all standard DVD players. Don't know why it has been listed as Region 2. I just received my copy from Amazon, and am very pleased. It's great to have this entertaining film and intersting historical document finally available to Shostakovich fans in the west.』
(Fantastic work and film!) 『What a great artist Shostakovich was! A masterpiece that overwhelm thousands of composers. The film is in perfect tune with the music. Own it and show it to all your friends! Shostakovich is simply the 2oth centrury best composer.』
Kakaku：149 saved$1.49
Sunset Home Visual Entertainment (SHE) / Good Times Video
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Very Good Documentary on Elvis Presley) 『If your looking for a reasonably priced, and entertaining overview of Elvis Presley's life and career, this is the DVD that you should buy.
I was surprised at some of the rare footage that I had not seen before, such as Elvis on the Milton Berle show aboard the USS Hancock, and Uncle Milty playing his twin brother, Melvin.
Suprisingly for a low priced DVD, the picture quality of the documentary and sound is top notch as well. I was suprised at the many performances and interviews that you will see throughout this documentary.
Pick this one up ladies and gentlemen, it is well worth the price! TCB』
(Good Overview of The King) 『(3 1/2 *'s) 'Elvis: King of Entertainment' is more of a documentary than it is a compilation of performances. It is an overview of the highlights of his life, his career, his performances, and his movies. As a sampler it works well. Interspersed with television performances and interviews, it is a testament to the phenomena that Elvis is and was. The only drawback is that the brief touches of each highlight will only be teasing and never really satisfying. Seeing footage of his army induction, his wedding, and early as well as Las Vegas performances are an interesting draw.
(Avoid by all means the companion video 'Elvis: Rare moments with the King,' which is published by the same company, is shorter, and repeats the highlights here. With almost no musical samples, the latter is almost more an archive of only sociological importance.)』
(Incredible account of the Life of a King) 『This DVD is one of the most comprehensive documentaries of the King's history. It starts during the war years and documents the influence the local charismatic churches had on his life. A great deal of the video coverage is a first for Elvis fans. The account then continues on through his meteoric climb to fame, shows TV footage not seen before and continues on through his movie career to his return as a live entertainer enchanting the world. A tuely worthwhile account for all you Elvis fans out there.』
(More doumentary and little substance) 『Not bad for a 'history of elvis' type program. Not much at all in the way of any performing. It moves slow and tends to lose you in the first 15 minutes or so. If you want to learn about how elvis got to be "Elvis" then this would be a good disc. If you are looking for simply his shows&songs, this is the wrong DVD.』
(Elvis DVD-King of Entertainment) 『Arrived in good time. Looks great. Have not watched it since it is a Christmas gift. Trust all is well.』 『Description: A tribute to the king of rock n' roll, Elvis Presley, in a documentary about the performer's life on, and off the stage. Includes footage from television appearances (including the Ed Sullivan Show), time spent in the Army, live concerts, his wedding, movies, and more!』
IPhone 3G used's review (Worth adding to "Silver Apples" and "Wild Bull") 『There was a time when I first got a couple of CDs of Morton Subotnick's electronic music. One of them has the 2 early masterpieces "Silver Apples of the Moon" and "The Wild Bull." The other had "Touch" and "Jacob's Room." Both on the Wergo label. I've read how "Jacob's Room" stunk before I bought the CD. I was aware of that. I listened to it twice and agree that "Jacob's Room" stunk (is that why it's no longer in stock?). Later, however, I notice this Mode CD containing "Touch" and other electronic works that are NOT "Jacob's Room." It must've gotten on the market shortly after I bough the Wergo CD. So I sold the Wergo CD at an auction (more than what I paid for, and I didn't ask for much) and got this Mode CD when I had a chance. On it, there's "Touch", "A Sky of Cloudless Sulphur" and "Gestures: It Begins With Colors." If you like "Silver Apples" as well as "The Wild Bull" then you may wanna get this Mode CD. This is Volume 1 of his works. I wonder when there'll be volume two...
Oh yes, you may also wanna get the New Albion CD, "The Key To Songs / Return." Another worthy addition of Subotnick's electronic music.』
IPhone 3G used's review (DESTINED TO BE AN OCCULT CLASSIC) 『REMINDS ME OF THE FIRST JAMES TAYLOR ALBUM, WITH A TOUCH OF MCCARTNEY. QUITE AN ACHIEVEMENT.』
(watershed) 『Amazing first album. Sublime production only compliments the simple, beautiful melodies.』
(A trip to "unconscious oceans") 『I felt like I was being gently taken by the hand to an unexpected trip across "unconscious oceans", when I heard The Forest of Alvary for the first time. I was taken there by surprise, for I had bought this CD on an impulse over the net, without knowing exactly what to expect of it, after a friend of mine had told me how "different" and "undefinable" the music of this new band (Color Plates) was. More than just "different", I found some of the songs to be deeply inspiring, with lyrics at the same time youthfully poetic and agelessly wise. One of my favorite songs is "Morning after the storm", with its swingy beat that somehow reminds me of the idealistic "we-can-change-it-all" attitude of the 1970's ... I also enjoy listening to "When villages were safe with smiles", with its strange (yet curiously reassuring) outerspace feel. The importance of love, companionship, and respect for our natural environment are sung here with a sweet, yet powerful vibe. It is very refreshing to see how these universal emotions can be expressed in such youthful and unpretentious way.』
(A Great New Group) 『The best music is derivative as well as synthetic...as this is. Easy to listen to, but with layers of complexity. A terrific first album.』
(Can't believe it's finally out!!) 『This long anticipated release by the Color Plates (Evan Kaplan&Dustin Bowlin) had all of the indie-folk crowd perked with "never ending anticipation." The broad-based homage to British psychadelic rock (Syd Barret, The Hollies, Pink Floyd, Donovan) combined with the synergy of US folk-rock (Wilco, Beechwood Sparks, Holly Modle Rounders) has definatley laid the foundation for may more "trip-happy" relelases from this promising group. Even the CD design exudes "peace, love&mysticism." Can't wait till there on their upcoming U.S. Tour. "Keep on truckin'" Color Plates!』 『Original Release Date: July 16, 2002』 fetish『 Water Colors 』
『 Natural States 』
『 Canyon Dreams 』
Kakaku：67 saved$0.67
Miramar
IPhone 3G used's review (Great water visuals and Pete Barden music is great) 『I love this video. Mike Boydstun did a great job in post production with great attention to timing and building the video to the fabulous music.』
IPhone 3G used's review (Globalaza) 『This cd is terrific but, admittedly, it has grow on you. It is very well done with some great tracks but it is best listened to in its entirety, not picking a favorite track or two "out of context." Otherwise, it may seem like just another electro-house-techno creation that is as nameless and faceless as so many others.
Taken together as a single cd, not a collection of tracks, it is a well-crafted trip that explores many of the reaches of good danceable electronica. Compare with Tobi Neummann "Fliederlieder" in its complexity and completeness.』
(Still Sounds Really Good) 『I purchased this CD years ago and liked it a lot right away and listened to it many times with full enjoyment. Over the years I picked up so many more CDs that I had forgotten about this gem until I recently took it in my car and went on a trip and listened to it many times over. Once again I have discovered what a great mix this is and it does not feel "tired" at all even several years after release. If you are into house/ tech house or have an open mind to dance music give this one a listen, I highly recommend it.』
(a journey through dance) 『The fading in of the tribal drums beats taking us through an experience of gradual trance of house/dance sounds. Terry Francis has compiled a great piece of dance Dejaying, and it appeals to not just dance house music fans, but to anybody who has an open mind towards the way Dejaying is going. I must admit I was not a great house music fan until a friend recommended that I give this album a listen, what a great mate thanks Gary Girrard. Even though this album is now a few years old it has stood the test of time, other similar artists of interest : Ian Pooley, Cassius, other record labels: soma, global underground』
(started to truely love this disk) 『I found a tower records that sells all the "listening station" music for hella cheap prices and I have been picking up lots of older compilations and "mix tape CD's" like many of the first Global Underground Series disks. So it actually quite rare for me to perk up and suddenly latch on to one of them as being "special", but I am sitting here at 6am in the mornafter hours of music. I just listened to crystal methods vegas, before that radiohead's amniesiac, before that DZihan and Kamien's "Freaks and Icons. So I have a varied taste in music to say the least. Then suddenly here I am with your basic Tech house mix .. and it all makes sense. This album really is beautiful. At least at 6am in the morning when you can't focus on dancing or whatever. When the beats start to slowly sink into you head and rush over you like a good underworld track. Amazing .. I have a rule against giving "dj's and comilation albums 5 stars, cause I reserve the 5 stars only for the greatest "produced" albums of the year, but I might just have to come back and re-edit this rating if it gets any better.
and no I am not on drugs.』
(tech-house: a welcome middle ground to explore) 『Francis, voted Best New DJ by Muzik magazine in 1997 and current Fabric resident DJ, started in the house scene before jumping to the forefront in the hot new "tech-house" sound. Like any good sub-genre, this style is exactly as it implies, fusing steady techno rhythms with the soul and accessibility of house. Listener newbies may find this splash of color to steel techno beats, and preference to rhythm over house banging, a welcome middle ground to explore.
Architecture flows seamlessly through pieces of dub and deep-end, and in typical techno form forgoes lyrics - replaced effectively with a stream of soundbites, dialogue, and radio transmissions. In fact, an hour of this may be too smooth for some listeners, with tracks selected best for the blend and not an emotional charge. Those looking for a tireless ride on rhythm, however, may have found their answer. Grade: B+』
大満足！北国のホタテ・いくら・ボタンエビがぎっしり！
