CD-Charts Position 1

Masterworks of the New Era - Volume Nine

Search: In the beginning
from: ERM Media

Release Date September 15, 2006

CD-Charts Position 2
Average Rating:

Solar Fire

Search: In the beginning
by: Manfred Mann's Earth Band

Release Date June 29, 2004
I have been aware of Manfred Mann for a long time, thanks to the endless cycling of his smash hit remake of Springsteen's "Blinded by the Light" on classic rock radio stations here in Massachusetts. Although I was a little uncertain, the positive reviews of Solar Fire by other proggers, the Gustav Holst-ish Planets theme, and the album cover art (which depicts a very cool star field) were far too much to resist. The Solar Fire album was released in 1973 and features great keyboardist Manfred Mann himself (Hammond organ, mellotron, mini-moog); along with a cast of very good musicians including Colin Pattenden (Rickenbacker bass); Chris Slade (drums); and Mick Rogers (guitars, lead vocals). In addition, there are occasional backup vocals provided ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
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Haydn: The Creation; Missa in tempore belli

Search: In the beginning
from: EMI Classics

Release Date January 23, 2007
A MOVING AND INSPIRATIONAL INTERPRETATION OF 'THE CREATION'.
More than any other composition that Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) wrote, this work reflects his very early beginnings, a small peasant village in Austria, where people sang folksongs for the pure joy of it, and where dancing on the green was a daily occurence.
With 'The Creation' we come to the culmination of Haydn's work. It was written to a text prepared by Baron Gottfried van Swieten, who reworked pre-existent material: a libretto orignally given to Handel that went unused. In 'The Creation' the choruses serve not only to reflect and praise the process of creation, but also to provide columns upon which the oratorio's architecture rests.
Interestingly enough the oratorio ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 4
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A la Una: In the Beginning

Search: In the beginning
by: Sarah Aroeste

Release Date June 15, 2003
Sarah Aroeste and her band have revived the Ladino language in this new album which sounds wonderfully ethnic yet should appeal to a wide audience thanks to the extremely smart arrangements of Shephardic folks songs that, according to the liner notes, date back as far as the 15th century. I immediately liked the catchy rhythms which compliment her beautiful singing, and there seems to be a multitude of interesting instruments that really add to the flavor of the album. What I especially appreciate are that the English translation of the lyrics are included in the liner notes, giving me the chance to appreciate the songs not only for their melodic quality, but also for the message they convey. Once you know the meaning of the song, then you can try to sing along with ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 5
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The Barber of Seville / B. Ford, D. Jones, A. Opie; G. Bellini [in English]

Search: In the beginning
by: Gioachino Rossini, Gabriele Bellini, Bruce Ford, Della Jones, English National Opera Chorus & Orchestra, Alan Opie

Release Date March 28, 2000
The singing is uniformly fine. I particulalrly admire the tenor singing of the count, he has a fine tone and is secure throughout.

But as another reviewer has highlighted it is the humour that is truly realised. This is opera farce and can only be truly rendered when the language is understood.

This is a set which realises both humour and first class singing. Whilst we will always want to hear Callas, Berganza and Alva this set will undoubtedly take its place as one of the most engaging performances of this opera available in the English speaking world. A rewarding listen on all points, excellent!

CD-Charts Position 6
Average Rating:

Pure Evil

Search: In the beginning
by: Darkstar

Release Date January 03, 2006
The singing is uniformly fine. I particulalrly admire the tenor singing of the count, he has a fine tone and is secure throughout.

But as another reviewer has highlighted it is the humour that is truly realised. This is opera farce and can only be truly rendered when the language is understood.

This is a set which realises both humour and first class singing. Whilst we will always want to hear Callas, Berganza and Alva this set will undoubtedly take its place as one of the most engaging performances of this opera available in the English speaking world. A rewarding listen on all points, excellent!

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

And in the Beginning: The Complete Early Man 1968-69

Search: In the beginning
by: Man

Release Date July 19, 2004
The singing is uniformly fine. I particulalrly admire the tenor singing of the count, he has a fine tone and is secure throughout.

But as another reviewer has highlighted it is the humour that is truly realised. This is opera farce and can only be truly rendered when the language is understood.

This is a set which realises both humour and first class singing. Whilst we will always want to hear Callas, Berganza and Alva this set will undoubtedly take its place as one of the most engaging performances of this opera available in the English speaking world. A rewarding listen on all points, excellent!

CD-Charts Position 8
Average Rating:

Revelation

Search: In the beginning
by: Man

Release Date February 05, 2007
Absolutely stunning debut from Man.Originally released in 1969,'Revelation' was the band's very first release.The only other Man CD's I have are 'Greasy Truckers Party' and 'The 1999 Party Tour'(see my reviews).Great progressive psych here to be fully experienced.Such good playing.Best tracks are "And In The Beginning","Empty Room","And Castles Rise","Don't Just Stand There" and the best cut of the entire disc "Future Hides It's Face".Line-up:Deke Leonard-guitar&vocals,Clive John-keyboards,Ray Williams-bass,Mike Jones-lead guitar and Jeff Jones-drums.Should maybe appeal to fans of Wishbone Ash,Caravan,Trapeze and Uriah Heep.

CD-Charts Position 9
Average Rating:

Revelation

Search: In the beginning
by: Man

Release Date April 16, 1996
Absolutely stunning debut from Man.Originally released in 1969,'Revelation' was the band's very first release.The only other Man CD's I have are 'Greasy Truckers Party' and 'The 1999 Party Tour'(see my reviews).Great progressive psych here to be fully experienced.Such good playing.Best tracks are "And In The Beginning","Empty Room","And Castles Rise","Don't Just Stand There" and the best cut of the entire disc "Future Hides It's Face".Line-up:Deke Leonard-guitar&vocals,Clive John-keyboards,Ray Williams-bass,Mike Jones-lead guitar and Jeff Jones-drums.Should maybe appeal to fans of Wishbone Ash,Caravan,Trapeze and Uriah Heep.

CD-Charts Position 10
Average Rating:

Dawn of Man

Search: In the beginning
by: Man

Release Date April 21, 1998
Absolutely stunning debut from Man.Originally released in 1969,'Revelation' was the band's very first release.The only other Man CD's I have are 'Greasy Truckers Party' and 'The 1999 Party Tour'(see my reviews).Great progressive psych here to be fully experienced.Such good playing.Best tracks are "And In The Beginning","Empty Room","And Castles Rise","Don't Just Stand There" and the best cut of the entire disc "Future Hides It's Face".Line-up:Deke Leonard-guitar&vocals,Clive John-keyboards,Ray Williams-bass,Mike Jones-lead guitar and Jeff Jones-drums.Should maybe appeal to fans of Wishbone Ash,Caravan,Trapeze and Uriah Heep.