Heartbeat Review

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(More customer reviews)Sakamoto is the master of all genres, and this album is no exception.
Begins with warmth, ends with peace, and a smattering of feelings in between. This runs the gamut of emotions, and is able to move you along with them.
IF you want to enhance your mood and pick yourself up, get this CD.
Track 4, LuLu is a very urban feel, much like Take Five. High Heels, on the other hand, (which is from a movie) is a very rainy-day in Paris feel, you can almost see rose petals falling on a gray backdrop. Very touching.
I give this CD a high rating, and think it is universally appealing.
Chris Born

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Stevie Wonder: Live at Last (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased the Stevie Wonder - Live At Last yesterday and I have to say that finally Motown stepped up and put together a great DVD featuring one of the great pioneers of our musical time. Simply one of the best from beginning to end. My all time favorite song is also featured on this DVD "Visions", I went to see Stevie in concert this last year in Philadelphia, and I would have to say that the picture quality and the surround 5.1 DTS sound made me feel like I was at the concert all over again at a reasonable price. I was also amazed at how wonderful Stevie's daughter sounds on her solo. All in all....this is definately a classic DVD with all of his favorite songs, from "I Wish", "All I Do", " "As", "Don't You Worry About A Thing", "Superstition", "Overjoyed" to the all time classic "Lately". Truly a must have for any music lover and keep in mind that after almost 6 decades....Stevie Wonder is still selling out arena not only in this country....but around the world. If you've never been to a Stevie Concert.....sit back, relax and enjoy this 2 hour DVD concert....you may never get a chance to enjoy great music like this again, so don't take it forgranted. Just simply enjoy and again....thanks Stevie and Motown.....You both finally got it right!!!!!

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This is Stevie's first EVER official DVD release!! Filmed at the O2 Arena, London, UK on September 30th and October 1st 2008 in front of 15,000 people, this show was part of the A Wonder Summer Nights Tour which visited the US, Europe and the UK as well as Australia and New Zealand.1. Intro / All Blues2. As If You Read My Mind3. Master Blaster (Jammin')4. Did I Hear You Say You Love Me5. All I Do6. Knocks Me Off My Feet7. Uk Medley*8. Higher Ground 9. Spain10. Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing11. Visions12. Living For The City13. Part-Time Lover14. Overjoyed15. Lately16. I'm Gonna Laugh You Right Out Of My Life 17. My Cherie Amour18. Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)19. Sir Duke20. I Wish 21. Isn't She Lovely22. You Are The Sunshine Of My Life23. I Just Called To Say I Love You24. You Are The Only One (Snippet)25. Superstition26. So What The Fuss27. As*UK MEDLEY TRACKS ARE London Bridge Is Falling Down (Traditional) * Fool On The Hill (The Beatles) * I Wanna Hold Your Hand (The Beatles) * I Can't Get No Satisfaction (Rolling Stones) * That's What Makes The World Go Around (The Sword In The Stone - Disney)

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En Vivo (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)I travelled from Massachusetts to Miami to see this show, along with a friend and my brother who lived in Florida at the time and I did not regret it. Roberto Carlos is still at the top of his game. Vocally, he is still in great form. There is really not much else I can say except that he has accomplished it all during his amazing career. What a singer! I have both the standard DVD and the Blue Ray format of this concert and while the Blue Ray has a better picture, the standard DVD has a better sound. I would encourage anyone to invest in this product as I believe you will not be disappointed. The show was spectacular.
Al Pina

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Two unforgettable nights, one incredible artist: Roberto Carlos took to the stage on Thursday May 24 and Friday May 25, 2007, and wowed audiences with his greatest hits sung in Spanish. For fans of this legendary Brazilian artist, it was a much-awaited return. Roberto Carlos had not performed in the U.S. for a decade. Returning to perform at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami (formerly: Carnival Center for The Performing Arts). Roberto Carlos performed two shows produced by Day 1 Entertainment; the incomparably talented singer and songwriter, backed up by his band E Coral, once again demonstrated why he has sold over 100 million records worldwide.On the second night of "Roberto Carlos en Concierto," the performance was recorded for what will become Roberto Carlos' first Blu-ray release ever in Spanish! Delighting the audience at the sold-out theater with classics such as "Emociones", "Desahogo", "El Día Que Me Quieras" and "Amigo", among others. At the end of the concert, and after a standing ovation, Roberto Carlos came back and performed to three encores as a gesture of gratitude to his loyal fans and audience. Portuguese-speaking fans and lovers of Roberto Carlos' songs in his native language were also acknowledged with the song "Acrostico". This "Live" performance will delight all fans of Roberto Carlos for many years to come.Blu-ray Disc Tracklisting 1. Abertura (Medley); Café De Manh\Detalles\Emociones 2.. Emociones; Emociones\Bienvida 3. Que Sera De Ti 4. Cama Y Mesa 5. Detalles 6. Desahogo 7. El Dia Que Me Quiera 8. O Calhambeque (Mi Cacharrito) 9. Mujer Pequena 10. Acrostico 11. Propuesta 12. Concavo Y Convexo 13. La Distancia 14. Amigo 15. Jesus Cristo 16. Amada Amante 17. Un Gato En La Oscuridad (Un Gato Nel Blu) 18. Yo solo Quiero (Un Millon De Amigos) Bonus Features Spanish Sub-titles Video/Audio Full 1080i30 HD Picture PCM (Uncompressed) Stereo (48kHz/24 bit) PCM (Uncompressed) 5.1 Surrond Sound 984kHz/24 bit

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Soundtrack Review

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(More customer reviews)I couldn't be happier with Linda Eder's latest release, Soundtrack. And a huge thank you to both Eder & her label, Verve, for giving the fans new albums two years in a row - way to deliver, Eder & team! As a film music album, Soundtrack is a throwback of sorts to the type of music that garnered Eder legions of fans - Broadway showstoppers and standards - but with a generally more understated, intimate feel to the set. Her first album for Verve, The Other Side of Me, was a departure from that previous norm. While I loved that release, it's decidedly more laid-back, country feel marked quite a change from releases like It's No Secret Anymore or By Myself. Soundtrack sees Eder interpreting 11 songs from a wide variety of films, ranging from the Henry Mancini-Johnny Mercer penned "Charade" (from the 1963 film of the same name) to "Falling Slowly" from the 2007 sleeper hit Once. From the well-known to the more obscure, Eder takes each song and puts her own unique spin on the lyric and arrangement. It would've been so easy for Eder to deliver power-ballad versions of classics like Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love" or Bryan Adams "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You." However, I'd argue that you'll be hard-pressed to find versions that are more elegant, understated, and emotive than Eder's take on these classics. The lyric is front and center, and Eder proves once again that she's a master at wringing ever drop of emotion, every nuance, from the words of a song. Another of my favorite tracks is the stunning version of "Falling Slowly" - the power in this arrangement and delivery gives one chills! While the Presley and Adams songs are perhaps not unexpected song choices, Eder also ventures into some surprising territory by putting her own unique spin on the BeeGee's "If I Can't Have You" and the Beatles' "Help," the latter a tribute to her son's love for their music. Prior to hearing the album, some of the song choices (like the Beatles' cover) had me wondering if Eder could successfully pull off her own version. I need not have doubted. The entire album has a cohesive, beautifully constructed feel to it, and Eder succeeds in making each song her own. Sountrack would be an excellent companion piece to Eder's 2003 musicals-themed album, Broadway, My Way. It's also a great set with which to introduce new fans to Eder's work, in how it successfully melds her ability to interpret classic song with the more laid-back, country-touched arrangements she's favored in recent years. This album is another winner from Ms. Eder, one I'll be enjoying for years to come.

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Linda returns to her Broadway roots on this release. The 12 tracks span roughly the last 50 years in cinema, from Mancini's "Charade," the title tune of the 1963 movie starring Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn, to "Falling Slowly," the Academy Award winner from Once, the 2007 Irish musical film. The originals may be familiar and beloved, but Eder and her band dramatically reworked the arrangements, rendering the songs in an intimate, fireside style. Other highlights include an aching version of Yvonne Elliman's 1977 disco hit "If I Can't Have You," from Saturday Night Fever and a faithful rendition of "Valley of the Dolls," the theme of the 1968 flick that Dionne Warwick turned into a No. 2 pop hit.

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Quiet Nights Review

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(More customer reviews)My record collection is blessed with great Brazilian jazz and bossa nova. From Stan Getz to Antonio Carlos Jobim's Wave to Eliane Elias. It's a tough genre to pull off - to give it that cool, breezy, laid-back, I-wish-I-had-another-Mojito kind of feeling. If done well, the listener is transported to a gorgeous beach with beautiful women and cool mist of ocean spray, spawned by the hip grooves of quiet sophistication. If done poorly, the listener is pushed headfirst into the nearest elevator. I'm still punching the numbers looking for a more exciting floor . . .uh . . . I mean tune. Krall no longer seems to revel in the music. Instead, I get a sense she fell in line behind Tony LiPuma and headed to the studio with a few chords and one-too-many string programs. We witnessed Miles Davis fall from Kind of Blue to struggling through Cindy Lauper tunes late in his career. Krall seems to be on a similar fall from greatness. Let us hope and pray she finds her mark again. This ain't it. Save your money and pick up Eliane Elias "Sings Jobim."

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Diana Krall's 12th album Quiet Nights is an intimate recording of ballads and bossa novas from the team that brought you her best-selling GRAMMY Award-winning CD The Look of Love.Accompanied by her quartet and orchestra, Diana turns her sensual vocals and consummate piano skills to "The Boy from Ipanema", "Walk on By"and other classic tunes.Quiet Nights is initially available as a limited edition CD including 2 bonus tracks - her stunning rendition of the Bee Gee's "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart" and the standard "Every Time We Say Goodbye". Also available on LP pressed on 180 Gram Vinyl.

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Caught In The Act (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)Many opinions have been posted here on the release of this CAUGHT IN THE ACT blu ray. Why reissue something we have already seen? Why no new live material from Michael Buble? These can be valid questions but I also agree that they also have nothing to do with the quality of this item. I shall try to offer my perspective and hopefully it will help you decide whether you wish to purchase it.
First off, I in no way think Michael Buble is milking his fans. Blu ray is an amazing gift to film and video enthusiasts. A good blu ray transfer is miles above even the highest quality dvd in picture quality and audio presentation. Due to the brilliance of blu ray almost everything that sold well on dvd is being reissued on blu ray for it is such an improvement. I doulble dipped here and was thrilled when I heard it was coming on blu ray.
I have a high end blu ray player, a hd television and a high end receiver. An hd television is really a must to be able to fully appreciate blu ray. I found the picture quality stunning. Colors are crisp, flesh tones are amazing and the clarity crystal clear. When Michael is on stage you can see every line on his face, every drop of sweat. He appears as if he is in your room with you, as if you are actually at the concert. This is the reason for blu ray.
I must admit at first with the audio i had a problem finding the best level to play it at. I found the volume varied greatly from the audience clapping to Michael singing. I was surprised for DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 is an excellent source. But then I remembered my receiver had different audio settings for music recordings so I changed the audio to CONCERT and it greatly improved but when I changed it to JAZZ the sound bacame impeccable. The sound level between Michael and the orchestra was perfection and audience participation stayed at a greatly enjoyable steady level. He runs into the audience, uses lighting a lot in his show and the picture holds strong thru it all.
The performance most Michal Buble fans will already know. First off, the concert is 120 minutes and not the 90 minutes it says in the item description by Amazon. This is a stellar concert with a wide range of superb song selections. Michael Buble is in true form with his pure artistry in the forefront. I have seen him live twice and watching this brings me back again. The dvd never really did for me. Michael is an amazing performer. He puts so much into his stylings of his songs including his effective body movements and his camaraderie with the audience is a joy to watch. He is funny, energetic, sincere, humble and a true gentleman.
Bottom line, you know Michael Buble and you probably already know this concert. If you love the concert and have the equipment to enjoy blu ray at its finest I recommend double dipping here. When I watch it on my 37" hd tv I am mezmerized and have no complaints. I find this blu ray transfer a huge success.

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This Blu Ray features sensational young crooner Michael Buble, with footage from his first 'Great Performances' PBS special, plus a live performance at the Wiltern in Los Angeles.

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Il Divo: An Evening with Il Divo - Live in Barcelona (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)I got my copy November 25.
I experienced the concert live in Melbourne in October 2009, at the tail end of the tour. The performance was polished and near perfect. The extra visuals (lighting, video) was a little distracting at times, grabbing your eye when you felt you should have been focusing on Il Divo. The sound was amongst the best at any concert; maybe a little loud when there would be impact in any case, but all of this is quickly forgiven and I don't remember ringing in my ears afterwards. At times, it was hard to believe the vocals and the band were live; the sound seemed too good.
With my recent memories of the concert, it's hard not to make comparisons when watching what turns out to be a much earlier concert, presented in Hi Def clarity on Blu-ray, where details don't go unnoticed. The guys do not appear to flow as naturally as I remember, and my wife thought the same thing. They just don't seem as comfortable and I got the sense they were having a much better time months later and enjoying themselves more. Maybe that's a disadvantage of filming early in the tour with the advantage of having a product that can be released while the tour remains fresh? I won't dwell on this, but if you attended a show late in 2009, you'll probably appreciate what I'm saying. Simply, they appear a little more serious and obvious about their markers and what direction they should be looking. Compared to months later, they don't seem to be having as much fun or be as relaxed.
As expected, the sound is beautiful. To that, the only real criticism (?) is that audience noise at times may be a little too detailed; you can hear the occasional individual chatter, but maybe this is part of the clarity the producers want for you? With regard to the visuals, there is not so much focus on the lighting and surrounding video and the stage presence of the band to distract you but you get a very good sense of the "artistic vision". This was well done and watching it on video helps to absorb some of the detail that may have been missed on the night.
Have you seen Il Divo - Live at the Greek Theatre? That is available at most retailers in the bargain bin. At least now the justification becomes apparent. If I had nothing else to compare it with, I would not likely be as harsh, but to compare that effort with the Barcelona concert it becomes obvious that Il Divo have matured in the best possible way and this latest release has taken a quantum leap over previous DVD only offerings.
If you went to the concert, I know you're going to buy this and love every minute of it. You will groan that the "extras" last about 10 minutes, but I would argue that is all that is required. The whole concert is faithfully reproduced, albeit without the intermission and obvious encore interlude. And I love the fact that the editing doesn't make me feel like some of the audience should have their own credits!
If you like Il Divo but haven't yet forked out for a CD or DVD to call your own, start with this concert. FIVE STARS because it has all of their best material, the difference from show to studio is not worth arguing, there are some new songs and this is by far the best presention to date. And you never know... There is a good chance you might even become a fan and finally "get" what all that hype is about!


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1. On Tour (Documentary)2. Overture (Live In Barcelona - DTS HD Master Audio Surround 5.1)3. Somewhere (Live In Barcelona - DTS HD Master Audio Surround 5.1)4. Unbreak My Heart (Regresa A Mi) (Live In Barcelona - DTS HD Master Audio Surround 5.1)5. La Promesa (Live In Barcelona - DTS HD Master Audio Surround 5.1)6. Angelina (Live In Barcelona - DTS HD Master Audio Surround 5.1) 7. Isabel (Live In Barcelona - DTS HD Master Audio Surround 5.1)8. Bridge Over Troubled Water (Live In Barcelona - DTS HD Master Audio Surround 5.1)9. She (Live In Barcelona - DTS HD Master Audio Surround 5.1)10. Passera (Live In Barcelona - DTS HD Master Audio Surround 5.1)11. Unchained Melody (Senza Catene) (Live In Barcelona - DTS HD Master Audio Surround 5.1)12. Mama; Mama\ Instrumental Interlude (Live In Barcelona - DTS HD Master Audio Surround 5.1)13. Nights In White Satin (Notte Di Luce(Live In Barcelona - DTS HD Master Audio Surround 5.1)14. The Winner Takes It All (Va Todo Al Ganador) (Live In Barcelona - DTS HD Master Audio Surround 5.1)15. Without You (Desde El Dia Que Te Fuiste) (Live In Barcelona - DTS HD Master Audio Surround 5.1) 16. Pour Que Tu M'Aimes Encore (Live In Barcelona - DTS HD Master Audio Surround 5.1) 17. Everytime I Look At You (Live In Barcelona - DTS HD Master Audio Surround 5.1)18. Hallelujah (Aleluya) (Live In Barcelona - DTS HD Master Audio Surround 5.1)19. Adagio (Live In Barcelona - DTS HD Master Audio Surround 5.1)20. La Vida Sin Amor (Live In Barcelona - DTS HD Master Audio Surround 5.1)21. Caruso (Live In Barcelona - DTS HD Master Audio Surround 5.1)22. The Power Of Love (La Fuerza Mayor) (Live In Barcelona - DTS HD Master Audio Surround 5.1) 23. My Way (A Mi Manera)(Live In Barcelona - DTS HD Master Audio Surround 5.1)24. Amazing Grace (Live In Barcelona - DTS HD Master Audio Surround 5.1) 25. The Impossible Dream(Live In Barcelona - DTS HD Master Audio Surround 5.1)

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