The Coldest March: Scott's Fatal Antarctic Expedition
by Susan Solomon
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (December, 2002)
list price: $16.95 -- our price: $11.87
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Editorial Review

The icy deaths of Robert Falcon Scott and his companions on their returnfrom the South Pole in 1912 made them English icons of courage and sacrifice.Soon, however, Scott's judgments and decisions were questioned, and hisreputation became one of inept bungler rather than heroic pioneer. SusanSolomon, senior scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrationin Colorado, approaches Scott's story from a meteorologist's point of view. Sheshows that the three weeks from February 27 to March 19, during which theexplorers fell further and further behind the daily distances they had to coverin order to survive, were far colder than normal. Unusual blizzards of wet snowhad already slowed the party and depleted their provisions and strength. Withoutthese once-in-a-decade phenomena, Solomon believes the party would have returnedto its base on the Ross Sea--second after Roald Amundsen in the race to thePole, but safely. She opens each chapter with comments from a hypotheticalmodern visitor to Antarctica, presumably to give a wider context to the humandrama of the last century, though this reviewer finds them inappropriate. Sheenriches her narratives of Scott's two Antarctic expeditions with vintagephotographs and tables of meteorological data that highlight the explorers'achievements. Their determination was pitted against the worst weather in theworld. Scott's story has been told many times before, but its weatherinformation makes The Coldest March a useful addition to the literature.--John Stevenson ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Dr. Tony's Thoughts
I found the book extremely well researched.As a medical doctor I particularly found the scientific focus intruiging.It reads like a Sherlock Holmes mystery, with excerpts from the explorers themselves and Dr. Solomon's analysis of Scott and the crew trials, tribulations and ultimate fate.
From growing up in Northern Minnesota on the icy shores of Lake Superior the book resonated shivers down my spine.
To quote Scott's words "This surely is a god-awful place."

More Scott apologists bleating
Yet another attempt to 'clear' the name of one of best examples of poor leadership in the history of exploration. This book documents many of Scott's errors but attempts to excuse them through judicious editing, taking quotes out of context, giving the same weight to her opinions, and reference to one-sided hypothetical situations. One thing that is even clearer to me after reading this is that Scott made many of the same errors on his first expedition but did not bother to learn from them or change anything important, surely this is critical in a leader? Another aspect of leadership is assuming things might go wrong and planning for them. Scott assuming EVERYTHING would go right with no margin for error. This included his final major poor decision to take five men, with only 4 sets of skis to the pole.
I think the author wants to believe the marketing about Scott not the evidence, which is disappointing in an acknowledged skilled scientist. She certainly didn't let many of the previously validated facts get in the way of her hypothesis.

Last Place on Earth is better!
Susan Solomon's 400+ pages of closely reasearched and well written material can't disguise Capt. Scott's failings in leadership. He may have possessed a modern scientific outlook in his thinking, but his methodology was so often flawed that his expedition was probably doomed from the start. The PBS companion program "Secrets of the Dead" also does a great diservice to Roald Amundsen, characterizing this professional polar explorer's successful journey to the South Pole as "lucky" and "unplanned." Amundsen's achievement--traversing nearly 2000 miles of unknown territory in the harshest climate on the planet with a mixture of meticulous planning and hearty self-reliance--completely eclipses Scott's slavish & unimaginative repetition of Shackleton's route & methods. Roland Huntford's excellent "The Last Place on Earth" remains the classic study of the Amundsen/Scott polar journeys--don't read Solomon without Huntford. ... Read more

Isbn: 0300099215
Subjects:  1. Adventurers & Explorers    2. Expeditions & Discoveries    3. General    4. History    5. History - General History    6. History: World    7. Modern - 20th Century    8. Polar Regions    9. History / Polar Regions   

December, Piano Solos: 20th Anniversary Edition
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (16 October, 2001)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

December holds the distinction of single-handedly putting Windham Hill on the map and being the new age album most likely to find its way into music collections of all ilk. In spite of being relentlessly overplayed during the holidays, the solo piano recording has aged quite well. Winston shapes holiday war-horses and original compositions into a captivating contemporary statement. His spare, understated style captures the feel of the dark season, employing ample resonance to evoke a reflective spaciousness. The album's straightforward simplicity conveys both the celebration and quietude that characterize the best of the Yuletide spirit.--Richard Price ... Read more

Features

• Enhanced
• Extra tracks

Reviews (32)

Close your eye and dream....
Put on this CD.... stoke up the fire....get your cup of tea.... turn down the lights....close your eyes.

The sound of a solo piano is just so intimate.George Winston can take you on a relaxing ride through a starry night over the snow, all bundled up and warm.The music evokes a sense of peace and soothing pleasure.It's so simple, and so perfectly melodic and in tune.This is a "Christmas" album that you can play all year round, whenever you need to relax, clear your mind and unwind.

I'm not sure why it's labeled "New Age" music, other than being acoustical tunes.But whatever the label, Windham Hill found a gem in George Winston, and this is one of his best CDs.Buy this one first, then try his other "season" CDs.You won't regret it.

It's not Christmas without "December"
This is, hands down, my all-time favorite Christmas album.The mood fits the Christmas season so perfectly that I have to make a point of not listening to it out of season (come January, it goes back on the shelf until next year).One of my favorite things to do this time of year is turn out the lights, put "December" on and watch the snow fall.That, to me, is the Christmas season at its absolute blissful finest.

Deserves a lot more than 5 stars!GET IT NOW!
This CD is amazing!Have you ever heard Canon in D played on the piano?If not, you need to... everyone needs to!It is beautiful and amazing and wonderful and every good thing.The whole CD is just wonderful.It is soothing and relaxing and festive.Get it now and you will love it forever! ... Read more

Asin: B00005NNDO
Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Neo-Classical    4. Pop    5. Solo Instrumental   

Porter-Cable 9876 14.4-Volt 3/8" Cordless Drill Kit
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $183.29
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Editorial Review

Power, power, and more power is in hand with Porter-Cable’s redesigned 14.4-volt cordless drill. Don’t let the light weight in hand fool you: this unit tackles even the toughest jobs, packing up to 360 inch/pounds of torque with its 20-position clutch. Bit changes are a snap with the 3/8-inch keyless chuck, and because it comes with two 14.4-volt batteries, you won’t be down on the job. Porter-Cable’s attention to detail is evident in the Grip-to-Fit adjustable soft grip system, with three removable grip inserts for a comfortable, custom fit to your hand. You'll like the one-button release on the batteries for quick, easy changes. Indispensable to the professional as well as a great drill for the homeowner.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• One year warranty/30 day performance certification
• Includes two 14.4-volt/2 amp-hour batteries
• 3/8" keyless chuck for easy bit changes
• 360 in./lbs.torque, 20 position clutch
• Two speed gear box

Reviews (30)

Absolutely the best.
I have owned this drill for at least two years. Have not had one problem with it, but then I do take care of my tools and I use them as they were meant to be used, unlike some of the other people that are writing these idiotic reviews. One guy has stripped out three clutches? Others can't get any time out of the batteries? Maybe they should read the owners manual and learn how to charge and discharge batteries. I have this drill and the 9.6 volt and neither have given me any problems. Having said all this the only thing I would do differently is I would buy the 1/2" drill, just because of that few times that you need to use a larger bit. For the difference in cost it would be worth it.

Porter Cable
Like most things in their product line it is excellent....
Works just like you would expect and I see no problem...

More clutch problems.
First of all let me say that my experience is with a P-C Model 872, 14.4 V drill and not with the 9876. That being said I feel that my experience is so similar to those negative ones expressed here that it bears noting.
I bought the 872 new in April 2000. The clutch has stripped out three times, most recently yesterday. P-C tells me that they cannot repair it under warrenty this time. What a piece of junk!
Incidently, I am strictly a home user. ... Read more

Asin: B0000302Q6
Subjects:  1. Porter-Cable    2. (Portercable)    3. Cordless Tools    4. (Volt)    5. (V)    6. Drill-Drivers   

Canon PowerShot A70 3.2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $399.99
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Editorial Review

Featuring a high-tech design with aluminum front cover and metallic handgrip, the Canon PowerShot A70 combines a sense of both the modern and the traditional. Despite its entry-level designation in Canon's digital lineup, the 3.2-megapixel PowerShot A70 is a surprisingly advanced model with a higher resolution than its counterpart A60 model and more manual features than you'll find on most digital point-and-shoots.

Optics and Resolution
The PowerShot A70 features a 3.2-megapixel sensor that can capture images up to 2,048 x 1,536 pixels, producing print enlargements up to 11 by 14 inches. It's also equipped with a 3x optical zoom lens (35-105mm, f/2.8-4.8) to cover a wide selection of photographic opportunities, as well as a 3.2x digital zoom. The PowerShot A70 also features Canon's five-point AiAF (Artificial intelligence Auto Focus) system for focusing accuracy, shutter speeds of 15 to 1/2,000 second, and fast sequence shooting at a rate of 2.2 frames per second (fps).

Movie Mode
Shoot up to three minutes of MPEG video at resolutions up to 320 x 240 pixels with sound, editing controls, and VCR-like playback. You can also shoot video at up to VGA resolution (640 x 480) for 30 seconds. The camera can also attach voice memos or sound files of up to 60 seconds to each image.

More Features
Offering a wider scope for photographic experimentation, Canon has also included manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority exposure modes. These modes are supported by a metering system that boasts evaluative, center-weighted average and spot options. Canon's DIGIC (DIGital Imaging Core) processor ensures excellent color rendition and white balance for every shot, as well as super-fast auto focusing, noise-free imaging, and advanced flash exposure performance.

Other features include:

• 1.5-inch TFT (transreflective) LCD monitor.
• Built-in flash with auto, on, off, manual, and red-eye reduction modes.
• Shot modes include manual, portrait, landscape, night scene, stitch assist, and more.

Storage and Transfer
Images and video are stored on CompactFlash memory cards (Type I only) and the included 16 MB card holds approximately 16 images at the Large/Fine setting. Files can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB connectivity, which means it can be connected to any USB-based Windows 98/Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.

Printing
Canon has introduced a series of printers designed to work directly with its lineup of digital cameras. Using these printers, no computer is required--simply connect the camera to the printer and start printing. Printers include Canon's bubble jet direct printers S830D and S530D, and card photo printer CP-100. Of course, photos from your camera can also be printed on any home computer system with an inkjet printer, sent off for online processing, or simply enjoyed on your computer screen.

Power, Size, and Contents
The camera is powered by four AA batteries (alkalines included; rechargeable NiMH batteries recommended). It measures 4.0 by 2.5 by 1.3 inches and weighs 7.6 ounces (without batteries). This package includes the PowerShot A70 digital camera, 16 MB CompactFlash card, four AA batteries, USB and AV cables, wrist strap, and ArcSoft Camera Suite CD-ROM and USB drivers for Windows and Mac. ... Read more

Features

• Up to 3 minutes of video with sound; manual, aperture and shutter priority exposure modes
• Compatible with CompactFlash Type I cards; 16 MB card included
• Powered by 4 AA batteries (alkalines included); connects to PCs and Macs via USB 1.1
• 3.2 megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 8 x 10 prints and medium-quality prints up to 11 x 14
• 3x optical zoom and 3.2x digital zoom (9.6x total)

Reviews (240)

After 1 year warranty, expected problems occurred to me
I thought I would be the exception from experiencing the Black Screen problem.However, I wasn't.13 months after I bought it my camera occasionally had blurry purple come up on the LCD screen and that's exactly how the picture looked.I literally bang it against my hand and then the screen comes up clear.However, since I'm past the warranty, I don't feel like getting it repaired.I'm tempted to look into other Canons like the SD400, but I'm reading how that has a LCD cracking problem.If someone has a good suggestion for a $300 digital, I'm all ears.

This Camera Broke My Heart
I've owned the Canon PowerShot A70 for about 18 months and loved - LOVED! - it.Simple to use, plenty of options for full auto or manual operation, a ton of extras, efficient battery usage, great companion software for easy uploading - all in a compact, attractive, sturdy package.Then the lens retraction mechanism failed and I got the dreaded "E18" error message.I emailed Canon's support desk and got a speedy and thorough reply.But since the one year warranty had expired, I was told my only options were that I could send in the camera to its service center (average cost of repair: $100 - $200) or I could pay $150 and they'd send me a factory refurbished A70.Considering the expense, I'll just spend a little more to get a brand new camera.Unless somebody from Canon is monitoring these posts and wants to cut me a deal on repair costs for my beloved but broken PowerShot A70...

Camera Needed Repair 2 Times in 3 Years!
Although this camera takes wonderful pictures and it easy to use, I wouldn't buy it.We bought it for about $300 and we've had it for less than 3 years.We've need to repair it 2 times.After using it for less than a year, the LCD screen stopped working and the camera took all-black pictures.Canon fixed it because it was still under warranty.A year later, the camera had the same problem but Canon would not fix it. They said I could pay them $150 for a "refurbished" exact same model and send them my old camera.Humm...doesn't make much sense since this camera sells for a little over $190 now anyway.I think it is a bit of a scam. I'd look for something different. ... Read more

Asin: B00008OE5G
Subjects:  1. Digital Camera (Cameras)    2. Photograph (Photography)   

Live in Paris
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 October, 2002)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

Recorded at the historic Olympia Theatre in Paris in November 2001, this is Diana Krall's first live album. Backed by her quicksilver comboof bassist John Clayton, drummer Jeff Hamilton, and guitarist JohnPisano (on some tracks), Krall's jazz heritage comes through loud and clear on this programof standards, ballads, and bossa novas. On Peggy Lee's "I Love Being Herewith You," Bob Dorough's "Devil May Care," and Frank Sinatra's "Fly Me to the Moon," Krall's snappy, postbop piano playing shows off her debt to Nat "King" Cole and Jimmy Rowles. Her cool contralto vocals are illuminated by the Orchestre Symphonique Europeen, under the direction of Alan Broadbent, as well as the London Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Claus Ogerman. Krall's deep take on Joni Mitchell's "A Case of You" is a great choice for an encore, and the CD concludes with Billy Joel's "Just theWay You Are" (a studio track from a film called The Guru), withtenor saxophonist Michael Brecker and bassist Christian McBride. This collection only hints at what Diana Krall has to offer in the future.--Eugene Holley Jr. ... Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (108)

Let's Fall In Love (with this CD)
I saw Diana Krall on the same European tour at London's Royal Albert Hall, so was looking forward to listening to this.I purchased this CD a few weeks ago and yesterday put it away on the CD rack for the first time.However, unlike a lot of other recent purchases, I know this CD will be coming off the shelve many many times in the future.

Put simply, Diana Krall is a highly effective song interpreter, both in her singing and her playing.I was a little concerned when looking at the song list and the number of pop songs on it - five of the 12 songs here.I needn't have been.It takes guts to take really well known pop songs and give them jazz arrangements.It takes musical brilliance to do so this successfully.Her interpretation of Bacharach's "The Look Of Love" is stunning.When she sings "I can hardly wait to hold you..." the longing in her voice is passionate without a hint of melodrama.I have never heard this song performed this beautifully.Joni Mitchell's original version of "A Case Of You" was brilliant, one of the best songs on Blue, an acknowledged classic.Yet fellow Canadian Krall reinterprets the song with great success offering a moving tribute to her native land.I'm not a big fan of Billy Joel's "Just The Way You Are", possibly because it's just been overplayed, but Krall's version (the only studio track) is upbeat and magnificent.

The CD gets off to a great start with the jumping "I Love Being Here With You" which showcases Diana and her band in top form and obviously loving every minute of what they're doing.There is that feeling of a band just being "on" that's rarely captured in studio recordings.Most of the songs have extended instrumental breaks and Ms. Krall really gets the opportunity to show off her chops, as does guitarist John Pisano whose playing is excellent throughout.

Let's be real, if you're preferred style of jazz is avant garde or free jazz, this isn't for you.However there is a legitimate genre of vocal jazz and there are few albums in the genre that offer such an irresistable listening experience from start to finish.

Astounding
Let it be said that I AM a Diana Krall fan.Of all her albums, this is an essential must-have for anyone who likes jazz or loves Diana Krall.I agree that some of Ms. Krall's albums have been over produced and over orchestrated (namely The Look of Love - what's with all the bossa novas anyway?).But this album is where Ms. Krall shines.I mean REALLY shines!I can't help but tap my foot, sing along and wish to god that I could play piano when I listen to this CD.

It doesn't get any better than "A Case ofYou", "Maybe You'll Be There" and "I Love Being Here With You".My only wish would be that "Do It Again", "All or Nothing At All" and "I Don't Know Enough About You" had been included on the CD like they had on the DVD... which I also highly recommend.

'S Wonderful
I steadfastly refused to jump on the Diana Krall bandwagon.I tried and enjoyed a number of the other wave of female jazz/pop singers.I really liked a lot of that stuff.And I thought I was avoiding a middle-of-the-road crowd favorite without much to offer.As is so often the case I WAS WRONG AND I AM SORRY.Live In Paris is magnificent.That voice, that confidence, that attitude - it's all good.The only thing potentially better would be to actually be in Paris at a Diana Krall concert.Enjoy! ... Read more

Asin: B00006J9OT
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Contemporary Jazz    3. Jazz    4. Pop    5. Standards    6. Vocal Jazz    7. Vocal Pop   

Patton U2-20 20-Inch Hi-Velocity Whole-House Air Circulator
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $79.99
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Editorial Review

Tough yet precision-balanced, this industrial strength 20-inch fan blows enough air at once to cool an entire house, apartment, large garage, or workshop. By rotating 360 degrees, the head angles to point in any direction, with three speeds to chose from for perfect comfort. A chrome stand with rubber grips positions the fan securely, and an auto-off safety feature prevents overheating. Clips make the front grill guard easy to remove (no screws to mess with) so that the blades can be dusted when necessary. Lightweight and portable, this fan helps save on energy costs by exhausting stale, hot indoor air and drawing in cooler outside air. With its three-wire grounded cord that wraps on the back for storage, the all-metal fan meets OSHA requirements and comes with a 10-year warranty. --Ann Bieri ... Read more

Features

• 20-inch high-velocity fan cools whole house or one room
• Rotates 360 degrees on stand to blow in any direction
• Lightweight and portable; 3-speed comfort control
• Auto-off safety features prevents overheating
• Grill guard unclips for easy blade cleaning

Reviews (22)

Devestatingly awesome, but loud
Simply the most powerful fan you can get.Don't spend eighty bucks on that overpriced Vornado when you can get a good all-steel fan like this.We're having work done in our basement and the contractors love it I'm afraid they're going to take it home with them!

It's impossible to point this fan to blow horizontally because the fan housing strikes the floor.I think it's intended to be angled a little bit up or down or maybe that's why it's on sale.

The housing is all-metal so it has a three-prong, grounded plug.That's what I need in a wet environment.I'm not a fan of the so-called "double-insulated," plastic housings that do not have grounded plugs.

Great air movement.Loud and vibrates the floor
We bought this fan for an upstairs game room turned exercise room.It works wonders.This room gets very hot.There's no wall that seperates it from the downstairs, so it gets all of the heat from our fire place.We've pointed the fan towards the treadmill and it is great at keeping us cool and moving the air.It is loud and vibrates the floor quite a bit, as would be expected, but it's great while excerising or doing some other loud activity.

THE Best Fan Money Can Buy
I have owned this exact same fan for about 8 years and it is still going strong.I rarely use it past the medium setting
(lest I be blown over!) and after reading other reviews, next
summer I will use it DOWNSTAIRS to blow the cold airUP!
My split level home should be much cooler (and less costly
to cool).Thanks for the tip! ... Read more

Asin: B00002N8C1
Subjects:  1. Portable Fans   

The Rottweiler : Centuries of Service (Howell's Best of Breed Library)
by LindaMichels CatherineThompson
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (10 November, 1998)
list price: $27.99 -- our price: $27.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

"With training, socialization and responsible owners, the Rottweiler is a wonder dog--it's up to you to make the difference." With these words, Linda Michels and Catherine Thompson dispel the myth that rottweilers are mean and dangerous dogs. Quite to the contrary--they love rottweilers for their strength, loyalty, looks, and personality, and their admiration for the breed is lovingly conveyed throughout their book, The Rottweiler: Centuries of Service. This handsome volume provides a wealth of information about the breed, with sections on rottweiler history, defining characteristics, finding the right rottie for you, living with and caring for a rottweiler, entering shows, and breeding your dog. There's also a chapter called "Headliners" that functions as a sort of rottweiler hall of fame--and where the authors' extreme enthusiasm perhaps gets a little carried away: "The first time Cathy saw CH Erno Von Wellesweiler, SchH I, she knew that she had seen a real Rottweiler." In addition, there's information on the American Rottweiler Club and other organizations and resources for the enthusiasts of the breed. Filled with color photographs and expert advice, this is a great book for serious rottweiler lovers. --Andy Boynton ... Read more

Reviews (5)

wonderful book
this is the third book i have read on rottweilers. i have enjoyed every page of it. it is very easy to read and understand. the pictures are fabulous. the topics cover almost everything you would want to know about the rottweiler. the authors have many years of experience with rottweilers and give their advice, hints, and instructions on things such as showing and building a whelping box. i love this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in this breed from curiousity to expert.

Dedication To The Breed
We have 2 dogs... a Boxer and a Rottweiler. After I bought "The Boxer - Family Favorite" by the same publisher (Wiley & Sons), I decided I must have this one regarding my other favorite breed... the Rottweiler. A good looking hard cover book with 250+ pages of excellent info. Pictures adorn most pages. Topics include: History, breeding, basic care, health & symptoms, activities for you & your dog, training tips, size & incredible strength, enjoyment, and so much more. It is clearly evident that authors Thompson and Michels are dedicated to the breed. Anyone owning or considering the Rottweiler as a pet should have this book. I have half a dozen books on the breed and I find myself reaching for this one the most. Any dog-lover will admire all the pictures of these big beautiful animals and understandable print. A wonderful read.

Excellent Reading
One of the best books on the breed that I have ever read, written by two experts! ... Read more

Isbn: 0876050844
Subjects:  1. Animals / Pets    2. Dogs - Breeds    3. Dogs - Breeds - Working & Herding Dogs    4. Pets    5. Rottweiler dog    6. Dogs    7. Pets / Dogs / Breeds   

Billy Joel - Greatest Hits Vol. 1-2
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 October, 1998)
list price: $31.98 -- our price: $28.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

It's one of the cruel ironies of music today that Billy Joel has been relegated to a kind of adult-contemporary hell, where his legacy is measured by soft-rock staples such as "Just the Way You Are," "Piano Man," and "New York State of Mind." To be sure, well-crafted ballads are a part of his legacy, but they're hardly the whole story, as this collection of his early and mid-period hits amply demonstrates. From the unbridled biographical boasting of "The Entertainer" and the ambitious storytelling of "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" to the careening abandon of "Only the Good Die Young" and the thoughtful social commentary of "Allentown," Joel was as complete an artist as the last three decades have produced. --Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Features

• Enhanced
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (117)

Great Compilation...but
I was just noticing the tracklisting Amazon put out.I could've sworn "She's Always A Woman" was on this Greatest Hits Package.

Am I correct?

Focuses on Billy's Hits - but also take note...
With a 14 year career and 10 studio albums under his belt, Billy Joel was long overdue for a greatest hits album. At the same time, Billy Joel had established himself as premier act in the music industry. With his 1985 release "Billy Joel Greatest Hits Volume I and Volume II", Billy Joel delivers a 2 CD set that takes his "top hits" from his previous albums. In addition, Billy adds two "new songs" ("You're Only Human" and "The Night is Still Young") - both are of the high caliber quality of music that his fans have become accustomed to. Overall, there may be some minor quirks, but this is a solid set of Billy's work

I look at Billy Joel's career as having three phases.The first phase is what I call "Old Billy Joel".This basically includes all of his material from "Cold Spring Harbor" through "Turnstiles". These are perhaps the strongest days as the piano sound, but they also contain most of Joel's least heard material. The next phase is what I call "Middle Billy Joel".This was his most successful period and covers from "The Stranger" to "Billy Joel Greatest Hits Volume I and Volume II".Joel would go through a transition during this phase - expanding his musical horizons and exploring different avenues.The final phase is the "Later Billy Joel" phase - this covers "The Bridge" to "River of Dreams"."Greatest Hits Volume I and Volume II covers the two phases - "Old Billy Joel and "Middle Billy Joel".

As mentioned above, this collection focuses on Billy's "top hits". With a few exceptions, this focuses on the songs that were the most commercially successful singles from his studio albums. As a result, some songs that are considered "Billy Joel Classics" are not on here. The most notable songs that are missing are: "Angry Young Man", "Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)","Vienna", "Honesty", "Stiletto", "Sometimes a Fantasy", "All For Leyna", "Laura", "Leave a Tender Moment Alone", and "An Innocent Man" (this song was included on a a later release "Volume 3").In fairness, there are still 25 songs included over 2 CDs - so there is a lot of music and I can understand not being able to fit these songs.In fairness, I wouldn't have dropped any of the 25 songs that were included.

It is important to understand that there are two versions of "Greatest Hits Volume I and Volume II". The original release included edited (i.e. shortened) versions of several tracks from their original studio albums.These tracks include: "The Stranger", "Just the Way You Are", "My Life", "Big Shot", and "Pressure". This original release also includes two live versions of older songs taken from "Songs From the Attic" ("She's Got a Way" and "Say Goodbye to Hollywood"). There was a remastered edition that was released in 1998. The nice thing is that these include the full versions of the edited songs as they were on their original studio albums. As for the live songs, they have been replaced with the studio versions ("She's Got a Way" from "Cold Spring Harbor" and "Say Goodbye to Hollywood" from "Turnstiles"). Although I like having the live versions, I much prefer having full versions of songs to edited versions (I have no use for any song that is shortened from its original form), therefore I would advise getting the remastered version.

In addition to "Greatest Hits Volume I and II", there are several other compilations available.In 1997 Billy would release "Greatest Hits Volume III" that would include songs from the "Later Billy Joel" phase plus "An Innocent Man" and "Keeping the Faith" ("Middle Billy Joel songs).Billy would release a boxed set called "Billy Joel: Complete Hits Collection" that includes the remastered version of "Greatest Hits Volume I and II", "Greatest Hits Volume 3", and a fourth disk that includes outtakes and live versions from a College Tour he did. In 2001, Billy Joel would release anothe two disc collection entitled "The Essential Billy Joel".This collection does include some songs missing from "Greatest Hits Volume I and II" (i.e. "Miami 2017", Honesty", and "Leave a Tender Moment Alone"), however that collection is missing "The Stranger", "Pressure", and"Scenes From an Italian Restaurant".Despite the inclusion of some of the missing songs on "Greatest Hits Volume I and Volume II", I would avoid "The Essential Billy Joel" Overall, my first choice would be to go the Boxed Set collection, but if you want to focus on just Phases 1 and 2, then get the remastered"Greatest Hits Volume I and Volume II".

One thing that I like about "Greatest Hits Volume I and Volume II" is that the collection is in chronological order of when the songs are released - for the most part.There are some minor quirks with this:"She's Got a Way" was really from Billy's first album, so it should be the first song - however it is included just before "The Nylon Curtain" tracks because the original version of this collection had the live version from "Songs From the Attic". On the other hand, on the original version of the collection, they include the "Songs From the Attic" version of "Say Goodbye to Hollywood" with the "Turnstiles" songs (they do get this right on the remastered release).By having songs in chronological order, it allows me to see how the artist progresses and changes over time.

My version of the collection came in a "double CD case" with a nice booklet.In an unusual move for a Greatest Hits collection - all of the lyrics are included.The musician and production credits are included only for the new songs.Overall, this is a great place to get those "Phase 1 and 2" Billy Joel "Hits" in one place.I'd still recommend trying for the Boxed Set, but if not - the remastered version is the next best thing.

The Cream Of The Crop
Billy Joel has always made great music throughout his 30 year career. But undoubtedly his best material, both commerically and creatively, were his first 10 years (1975-85). 1985's "Greatest Hits Volume 1 & Volume II". You can't go wrong with two discs from this amzing period in Billy's career, when he was at the top of his game.

Basically what you get on these two discs are all of Billy's big hit singles up to 1985, including "Piano Man", "Just The Way You Are", "My Life", "You May Be Right", "It's Still Rock And Roll To Me", "Tell Her About It" and "Uptown Girl" . Also you get some of his best album tracks as well, including "Captain Jack", "The Entertainer", "New York State Of The Mind", "Scenes From An Italian Restaurant" and "The Stranger". All of these songs are excellent rock and pop numbers that deserve the praise they so often get. When this collection was first released in 1985, two new songs, "You're Only Human (Second Wind)" and "The Night Is Still Young", were inclued and became singles, with the former song going to number nine on the charts, becoming Billy's eighth top 10 single in 10 years.

This is an amazing compilation of Billy's best songs. You can also pick up volume three, which has some great music on it. But please get this one. You will not be sorry.

... Read more

Asin: B00000DCHI
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Album Rock    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock    6. Singer/Songwriter    7. Soft Rock    8. United States of America   

Toshiba SD1700 DVD Player
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $179.99
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Editorial Review

With the Toshiba SD1700 DVD-Video player, you'll get Toshiba quality and all the features common to Toshiba DVD players--for a bargain price. The SD1700's feature set includes parallel video output (great for multi-room viewing), Dolby Digital and DTS digital-audio output (for use with a surround-decoding AV receiver), Spatializer N-2-2 virtual surround sound (for making your two speakers sound like four), three slow-motion speeds, and an icon-based onscreen display for simple setup and adjustments.

Another key feature is the player's ColorStream component-video outputs. A component-video connection is the ideal way to connect a digital video source like DVD to a TV display (requires compatible inputs), resulting in increased image purity, and incredibly lifelike and very crisp color resolutions. The 10-bit D/A converter with high-resolution filter ensures excellent picture quality, while the 24-bit/192 kHz audio converter with dialogue enhancement renders clear and dynamic sound reproduction.

Some of the more convenient features are audio CD and DVD-R compatible playback, four forward and reverse scan speeds, and a unique first setup menu that assists viewers in accurately setting up their player to suit their system's capabilities. Parental lock, time search, camera angle select, and 4-power picture zoom are all included on this model, as are S-video, composite video, and coaxial digital outputs, giving you a wide range of connection options.

The SD1700 comes with a remote control and a one-year warranty on parts and a 90-day warranty on labor from Toshiba. ... Read more

Features

• Icon-based onscreen display, Spatializer N-2-2 virtual surround sound (simulates surround through stereo speakers)
• 10-bit video digital-to-analog conversion with 500 lines of horizontal resolution for startling image clarity and resolution far superior to VHS tape
• Component-, composite-, and S-video outputs accommodate a range of TVs
• Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound outputs feed digital surround signals to compatible AV receivers
• 4x picture zoom with 4 forward and reverse scan speeds

Reviews (94)

Worst DVD Player ever made
I grant this DVD player does have a good picture.But it has a few problems with freezing and sticking video picutures. Glinches in it plays a DVD. Or not even able to read the DVD it self. I blamed it on the DVD's them self.But it turned out to be the DVD player.I also have problems with it not playing DVD.I put the DVD's in this Toshiba and they would not play.I took them to my neighbors and put the same DVD in their DVD player and they played. I would think twice on buying this DVD player again.I cannot even rate it for the problems it has casued.Also the DVD Player is under a class action suit becasue of these reasons.

Working great after 2 1/2 years!
I must be one of the lucky ones, it still does everything asadvertised. Even if it died today, I`m not going to whine about a $99 player because it didn`t last 10 years.

No Audio because of bad capacitors
The wrong kind of capacitors are installed on C927, C928, C929. The sound will not work because of this. It is fixable and the fix is cheap if you know what your doing. ... Read more

Asin: B00005AW1X
Subjects:  1. sd-1700, d1700; d-1700, s1700    2. s-1700, dvd1700, dvd-1700    3. dv1700, dv-1700, 1700dvd    4. sd2700, sd-2700, sd-1600, sd1600    5. dvd-video    6. DVD Player (Digital Versatile Disc Players)   

Porter-Cable 879XXX14.4-Volt Flashlight (battery not included)
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $33.92 -- our price: $29.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

The best reason to include this Porter-Cable 14.4-volt flashlight in your toolbox is simply the convenience of being able to run it off your other Porter-Cable 14.4-volt batteries. It's easy to switch in the battery just when you need it, and without the battery, the unit is very lightweight and takes up little space. But it does provide plenty of illumination when and where you need it most, and it's heavy enough to sit upright on its battery so you can aim it and use it hands free. It has a 110-degree swiveling head and heavy-duty xenon bulb and comes with an extra bulb. Please note that a battery is not included with this model. --Jonathon Tudor ... Read more

Features

• One year warranty/30-day performance certification
• Uses same 14.4-volt battery (not included) as Models #9876, #9877, & #9878 Drill/Driver
• 110 degree swiveling head
• Heavy-duty xenon bulb
• Convenient on/off switch

Reviews (4)

Check your battery pack first...
If, like me, you purchased a Porter-Cable Cordless 14.4v Drill/Driver and are looking to add the convenient flashlight, take note: not all Porter-Cable 14.4v D&D's are alike.My drill, purchased just a couple of years ago, uses batteries with a protuding stem, Battery Pack #8720. This light uses a battery pack with a nearly flush top (#8723).Learn from my mistake and save the frustration (and return shipping cost).

Rugged and convenient
I purchased this light included with a kit of other PC tools. Although I didn't think I'd use it much, I have. It works great and it is reliable. The adustable head is great for pointing lighting on task. The only downside is that you'll always wonder where that extra battery is for a while before you remember that it is on the flashlight!

Very good but could have been better
I purchased this flashlight to go with the 14.4V Porter Cable drill I purchased a month ago. I appreciate the flashlights bright light, nice ergonomics, spare bulb, solid construction, good looks and of course, the main reason I got it, compatibility with my drills charger/battery. I would have liked it more if the beam was adjustable (like Maglights are), and if it had an intermediate switch that allowed for quickly flashing the light on/off without having to fully click it on then click it off. If you already have a 14.4V charger and battery then this flashlight is worth getting; but it could have been designed a little better. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SUQ1
Subjects:  1. Porter-Cable    2. (Portercable)    3. Cordless Tools    4. Lights    5. (Volt)    6. (V)   

One Love: The Very Best of Bob Marley & the Wailers
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 May, 2001)
list price: $19.98
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Editorial Review

One Love, a remastered retrospective of poli-spiritualmusical icon BobMarley's major-label work completed before his 1980 death fromcancer, may well replace 1984's Legend as thebest-selling reggae album of all time. One Love is 20 cuts toLegend's 16, a set that plays in chronological order of releaseas opposed to party mix. As with the latter, One Love presentsthe sweet organ-driven and feedback-scarred live version of "No Woman,No Cry" as well as album versions of classics like "I Shot theSheriff," "Get Up, Stand Up," and "Jamming." Single versions of"Buffalo Soldier" and "Exodus" sidle up to the full-band cut of"Redemption Song" and the soulful Marley/Curtis Mayfield medley, "OneLove/People Get Ready." A fine sampler of the Tuff Gong years from1972's Catch aFire and onward, One Love is aimed at the casual Marleyfan rather than the hardcore completist, though its final track isindeed a rarity: the Marley-penned, Lee "Scratch" Perry-produced "IKnow a Place." A moving ballad-styled anthem of solidarity and freedom,it was recorded in 1977 and is unavailable on any other Bob Marley &the Wailers album. One Love gives clear evidence of why Marley'slegacy endears and endures nearly a generation after his passing.--Paige La Grone ... Read more

Reviews (38)

Really good, but missing some songs
Bob Marley and the Wailers are my favorite band, and I also like this CD, I just think it's missing some essential songs like "Concrete Jungle" and "Trenchtown Rock", other wise this is a good album featuring some of Bob's most classic reggae.

Jah Man Bob marley does it again
Bob Marley has influenced my life in many ways my friend gave me this cd and hespeaks of such love that i now have 14 Bob cds.

a good start to the Legend of the Wailers
The music and instrumentation on this disc is unbelievable.I would reccommend this over Legend if you could only buy one Wailers disc for your collection.The set covers all of the Albums from this musical genius' career and really shows why his cd's are still selling 25 years or so after his death.This cd covers more than Legend and in my opinion is better.The booklet tells you a little about each of the albums, so if you like a certain few songs and how they sound, you can go and buy the album and get more of the same type sound.One Love offers a few rare songs like Iron Lion Zion and I Know a Place. This disc is probably the best start to learning about Bob Marley and his amazing band the Wailers. ... Read more

Asin: B00005J9U1
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Reggae   

Sony PlayStation 2
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $199.99
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Editorial Review

The PlayStation2 is equipped with a 128-bit Emotion Engine processor that enables lightning-fast gameplay and impressive graphics power. The console builds on its home entertainment value by doubling as a DVD player and accommodating most of the original PlayStation's vast library of games. PS2 is known for its excellent selection of titles for the older gamer. ... Read more

Features

• Please visit your local Target Store to purchase this item
• Platform: PlayStation 2
• With progressive-scan DVD player

Reviews (726)

Good system, not quite the best
But you can't blame Sony. A vast library of games could be found. Now they've got the new PS2. Slimmer and better than the original PS2. Speaking of original, many games began on a Playstation. Though it has longer load times compared to Xbox, it got a head-start on games. Something that makes it better than Xbox is DVD. Unlike the Xbox, you can play DVDs WITHOUT any extra equipment required. But Sony is like Nintendo and Microsoft, making their games, for their system(why not?). PSOne games can be played on it. Maybe... about 8 PSOne games aren't compatible with PS2. Sony hasn't given in though. It's still the most prefered console.

PS2 overall
For christmas about 3 years ago i got an XBOX well that night when i was playing it something went wrong it told me the controller wasnt plug in when i knew it was so i had to returned it.After that i got a new XBOX and over the time frame i had itkept saying to sendit to microsoft but i never did. so about a year ago i bought a gamecube well that thing just sucked it had no gamesi hated it. so finally about 2 months ago i traded my XBOX,GAMECUBE and GAMEBOY SP in for a PS2.And let me tell you the PS2 is the real deal this thing has so many games has no problems . Every week i go out and buy a new game and the controller is so easy to use. so if you dont know what to buy im telling you i give PS2 4 stars.

Time to choose
My review is about which system you should pick- X-Box or PS2?
Well first of all x-box has way better graphics. but the thing that really matters is games. PS2 games to me are for five year olds. For example, Sly 2. What 11 year old kid wants to play as a raccoon? My point is that kids today are different. WE LIKE VIOLENCE!!!!!!!! So if your considering a PS2, you should think of the person who will be playing it. ... Read more

Asin: B00004TMRB
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. PS2 (PSX2)    3. Sony Playstation (Play station) 2    4. Playstation2 (Play station2)    5. Console (ps2console playstation2console)   

Gladiator
Director: Ridley Scott
Average Customer Review:
DVD (21 November, 2000)
list price: $29.99
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Editorial Review

A big-budget summer epic with money to burn and a scale worthy of its golden Hollywood predecessors, Ridley Scott's Gladiator is a rousing, grisly, action-packed epic that takes moviemaking back to the Roman Empire via computer-generated visual effects. While not as fluid as the computer work done for, say, Titanic, it's an impressive achievement that will leave you marveling at the glory that was Rome, when you're not marveling at the glory that is Russell Crowe. Starring as the heroic general Maximus, Crowe firmly cements his star status both in terms of screen presence and acting chops, carrying the film on his decidedly non-computer-generated shoulders as he goes from brave general to wounded fugitive to stoic slave to gladiator hero. Gladiator's plot is a whirlwind of faux-Shakespearean machinations of death, betrayal, power plays, and secret identities (with lots of faux-Shakespearean dialogue ladled on to keep the proceedings appropriately "classical"), but it's all briskly shot, edited, and paced with a contemporary sensibility. Even the action scenes, somewhat muted but graphic in terms of implied violence and liberal bloodletting, are shot with a veracity that brings to mind--believe it or not--Saving Private Ryan, even if everyone is wearing a toga. As Crowe's nemesis, the evil emperor Commodus, Joaquin Phoenix chews scenery with authority, whether he's damning Maximus's popularity with the Roman mobs or lusting after his sister Lucilla (beautiful but distant Connie Nielsen); Oliver Reed, in his last role, hits the perfect notes of camp and gravitas as the slave owner who rescues Maximus from death and turns him into a coliseum star. Director Scott's visual flair is abundantly in evidence, with breathtaking shots and beautiful (albeit digital) landscapes, but it's Crowe's star power that will keep you in thrall--he's a true gladiator, worthy of his legendary status. Hail the conquering hero! --Mark Englehart ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• DTS Surround Sound
• Widescreen
• Dolby

Reviews (1511)

Magnificiant motion picture
This is a great movie. Russell Crowe shows why he is such a great actor here playing Maximus. He carries this movie throughout. You also have great performances from Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Richard Harris, Oliver Reed, and Djimon Hounsou. The action is great, the lines are catchy, and you have a great plot from start to finish. A truly remarkable motion picture worth seeing!

A sword-and-sandal epic!!!
Gladiator revisits the epic genre last seen in Ben Hur and in Stanley Kubrick's Spartacus. Scott's Gladiator successfully explores the formidable savagery of the Roman gladiator games and the ageless and universal appeal for violence.

Having proven his valiant commitment to Rome, the great General Maximus (Russell Crowe) earns the respect of his army and of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Weakened by a lifetime of war, yet conscientious of the brave and noble nature of his General, the dying Caesar decides to appoint Maximus as his successor and bewilders his ambitious and amoral son Commodus. Before the true successor is officially announced, however, Commodus silences his father's wishes, coerces his observant sister Lucilla, rises to power, and condemns Maximus and his vulnerable family. Escaping death, Maximus is sold into slavery and is trained as a gladiator by Proximo, who knows how to exploit the spectators' thirst for violent entertainment, and who teaches Maximus the importance of winning a crowd. Driven by the mission to avenge Commodus' cruelty and corruption, and guided by his unshakable principles and sense of justice, Maximus is transformed from a slave to a hero.

Gladiator is the product of the carefully choreographed sword fights, of magnificent set design, especially the reconstruction of the Coliseum, accurate costume designs, and weaponry design. Gladiator captures most of its glory in the heroism of its main character Maximus, the General/Gladiator. The character's strength and appeal derives from a well-developed role and from Crowe's accurate personification and skillful performance.

Gladiator, however, owes most of its success to its clever exploration of the notion of "spectatorship". By providing violent images of the gladiator games, the film portrays the Roman crowd's thirst for violence while simultaneously confronting the film's spectators with their appeal for screen violence. In this manner, Gladiator connects the violence of the arena with the violence of the screen and establishes a common ground between the "Roman mob" and the "movie theater mob". Consequently, Gladiator manages to lure the viewer into reacting as the Roman crowd does, ultimately rejecting the villains and sympathizing with the inspiring hero, as the Roman crowd does. All in all, Gladiator is a spectacular film that cleverly uses its poignant images and its powerful characters to create a dramatic story that speaks of the corruptibility of the human mind and the redeeming powers of love and justice.

Historically inaccurate, enjoyable
Gladiator by Ridley Scott won a lot of awards and was praised by a number of people. It is a gritly movie, with revenge, honor, triumph and some decent acting. It is supposed to based on history of Roman empire, but much maligned. A lot of similarities exist between this movie and Braveheart. I do notice that a number of people like both movies, probably due to the similarities. It will easily appeal to people who are drawn to battle and blood sports. Like a number of recent movies, it suffers from a lack of good screenplay. The days of great epics are gone. Many have compared it to Spartacus and found this wanting. I do not concur. Spartacus had spectacular acting and screenplay. I cannot remember any of the great lines in this movie, though it had good graphics.

Spartacus on the other hand had Lawrence Olivier, Peter Ustinov and Kirk Douglas give magnificent performances. Even the lines in the movie are resplendent. That movie has stood the test of the time, which I suspect this will not. People who see such movies would say this is a movie, not a documentary, so it need not be close to the truth. In the past, directors like William Wyler used to Gore Vidal to clean up the script for movies such as Ben-Hur. Nowadays, they do not bother. If something is inaccurate why bother, very few people read about the Roman empire, its rise and fall. All they want is a brief 2 hours of spectacle. I shudder to think that they go back home thinking that what they saw was the truth. This movie had a good score and decent photography, so I give it 3 stars. I can watch a few times, but it falls short of the great epics. The laughable part was an emperor fighting with a general in the arena. I do not know who came up with that, do people who see the movie stop and think for a moment how stupid that is. ... Read more

Asin: B00003CXE7
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-action/Adventure   

Night Train
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 May, 1997)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

This 1962 recording represents Oscar Peterson at his most commercially accommodating, yet his trio with Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen never fails to swing. The program includes such familiar melodies as the title track (which began life as Duke Ellington's "Happy Go Lucky Local"), "Georgia on My Mind," and "The Honeydripper." With the notable exception of the gospel-like original "Hymn to Freedom," most of the tracks clock in at around three minutes. This reissue contains several alternate takes that were wisely left off the original LP, including such unlikely jazz vehicles as "Volare" and "My Heart Belongs to Daddy." --Rick Mitchell ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (32)

The Oscar Peterson Trio, Night Train
Night Train.
My first exposure to the legendary, Oscar Peterson.

I had seen this album for months before I bought it. One of the things that attract me to jazz are the album covers. I love the great vintage 50's and 60's jazz album covers. This one is no execption.

Okay, I buy the album, I pop it in. The trio swings on this tune that's been around since the big bands. They're runnin' through it like they have been playing it for years. Somehow, they convert this dance band number from the 40's, into a small trio jazz piece. That is almost as hard as turning, Sing Sing Sing into a small group version.

Anyhow, they finsish. Ray Brown just finishes an awesome solo, and Peterson trades breaks with Ed Thigpen, Ben Thigpen's son, while Brown does his walking bass line.

Going on.
Peterson is choosing the oddest material for an early 60's piano trio. C Jam, by Duke Ellington, D&E, which probaly wasn't even done since 1951 by The Modern Jazz Quartet, is great. Peterson is throwin' out standards and famous jazz tunes all over the place. Bags' Groove all the way!

Ah, this album was great. And with the great bonus features? Ah, it can't get any better. One of the greatest jazz albums of all time. Night Train, a swinging success.

J'Estin
Jazz piano (with bass and drums) doesn't get any better than this.Many musicians I know consider this Oscar's best album.His treatment of the blues is extraordinary, to say the least. It just might make you cry.

Night Train!!!
Night Train.
My first exposure to the legendary, Oscar Peterson.

I had seen this album for months before I bought it. One of the things that attract me to jazz are the album covers. I love the great vintage 50's and 60's jazz album covers. This one is no execption.

Okay, I buy the album, I pop it in. The trio swings on this tune that's been around since the big bands. They're runnin' through it like they have been playing it for years. Somehow, they convert this dance band number from the 40's, into a small trio jazz piece. That is almost as hard as turning, Sing Sing Sing into a small group version.

Anyhow, they finsish. Ray Brown just finishes an awesome solo, and Peterson trades breaks with Ed Thigpen, Ben Thigpen's son, while Brown does his walking bass line.

Going on.
Peterson is choosing the oddest material for an early 60's piano trio. C Jam, by Duke Ellington, D&E, which probaly wasn't even done since 1951 by The Modern Jazz Quartet, is great. Peterson is throwin' out standards and famous jazz tunes all over the place. Bags' Groove all the way!

Ah, this album was great. And with the great bonus features? Ah, it can't get any better. One of the greatest jazz albums of all time. Night Train, a swinging success. ... Read more

Asin: B0000047D4
Subjects:  1. Bop    2. Jazz    3. Mainstream Jazz    4. Pop    5. Swing   

Toy Matinee: Special Edition
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (06 February, 2001)
list price: $17.98
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Reviews (44)

Music doesn't get better II
I cannot put into words how I feel about this cd.The first thing that cought my hear was the Legatto (Holdsworthian) guitar solo at the end of Jenny Ledge.I couldn't believe I was hearing this on the radio.I had to hear the rest.

I hear Gentle Giant,Peter Gabriel, John Lennon(Julian sings on it), Pink Floyd, Yes, Steely Dan etc.I think the blend of these and others make for a very original sound.

Ignore the naysayer!
I don't buy music because of hype......I buy it because it moves me or moves someone whose opinion I trust and then explore it for myself.The one-star review listed herein really chaps my hiney, because clearly this is someone who had some sort of pre-conceived notion about what he expected to hear.

Toy Matinee was a creation of more than just technical proficiency....it was the coming together of two totally disparate individuals with a common desire to craft great music.

What makes it great?Aside from the seamless production and the skillful instrumentation, there are thoughtful lyrics, interesting progressions, and a deft blending of pop and progressive rock sensibilities.Songs like "last Plane Out" and "the Ballad of Jenny Ledge" are wonders of groove and texture.

Kevin Gilbert's voice, while not an instrument like a Steve Walsh or Perry, is a gem, rough around the edges and full of passion and conviction.He sang about themes he lived, and for a life as short as his, that was quite a lot of living indeed.

Ignore hype.Ignore also dismissive, cranky, pissy naysaying.

Check it out for yourself......other than Mr. Poopypants I have never heard of anyone saying anything other than, "What else has he done?", to which I then direct them to the excellent Kevin Gilbert solo albums, Thud and the Shaming of the True, his earlier works with Kaviar and Giraffe, and for the curious, the non-Kevin G. album called 3rd Matinee which featured Patrick Leonard and Richard Page (this album is less brilliant but still has some very enjoyable tracks).

Toy Matinee has been for me an album that started me on an entirely different life path, so forgive me if I seem a bit defensive.Kevin Gilbert is an incredibly influential artist for someone the general public knows relatively little about.......find out for yourself!

Do yourself a favor and buy this right now!
Look. Everything is subjective and there is certainly no allowing for taste. But if you claim to like brilliant pop music, peerless songwriting, crack musicianship, taut arrangements, pristine engineering, and that most elusive holy grail of all... something that touches your soul, then you will invest the money and time to give this disc repeated listenings until you "get it"! Most people do so immediately. Some take a little longer. Then there are the extremely rare few who are hopeless and will never understand, and deserve to be subjected to endless loops of whatever it is that they think rocks. HA. Fools!

Forget them. You deserve the best. Get it. Clear some quality time. Crank it up. Rediscover what most pro audio engineers on this planet already know: THIS IS MUSIC YOU MUST HAVE. ... Read more

Asin: B000058TDD
Sales Rank: 88444
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Rock   

Living Legacy
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 August, 1999)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $11.98
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Led by guitarist (and reactor-coifed) David Hinds, British reggae band Steel Pulse proved itself the musical and socially conscious equal of its Jamaican counterparts in 1978 with the stunning Handsworth Revolution. Twenty years and 14 albums later, the band remains the most internationally successful UK reggae group for the simple reason that--as demonstrated by this, the group's first live album--Steel Pulse puts on an extremely tight and dynamic show. The centerpiece of Living Legacy (which was recorded between 1996 and 1999) is "Medley Medley," a 14-minute excursion through a dozen of the nine-piece band's major and minor hits. What makes it all work is the combination of Hinds's politically uncompromising yet melodic songwriting and his distinctive, reedy voice. Everything else--wicked percussion, echoing breakdowns, metal guitar solos--is gravy. --Richard Gehr ... Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (8)

BUY THIS ALBUM!
As a steel pulse fan, I have to say this is my favorite album from the group. Songs like "Klu Klux Klan", "Medley Medley", and "Bodygaurd" are the best songs on the CD but there really isn't a bad song on the enire album. When I bought the CD I could not stop litening to it for months. Its just goes to show how incredible Steel Pulse is live. If you are a Steel Pulse fan I would highly recommend this album. This is roots reggae at its finest...NO DANCEHALL! It makes me sick that reggae is turning intohip-hop/pop. Artists like Steel Pulse are helping to keep reggae the way it should be.

LOVE IT!
I LOVE this CD.I'm buying a new one today because I lost all my CD's in a fire.This is the only CD out of all the ones I lost that I've even bothered to re-purchase; that's how good it is.Everything always vibes together with Steel Pulse-the harmony between the lead and back up singers, the instruments.It seems like there are no breaks between the songs, it's just one continuous perfect jam.They are excellent live, nothing short of perfection.I've seen them a few times and listening to this CD takes me right back to those shows.This was the first Steel Pulse CD I listened to and will always be my favorite!

ridiculous
Quite simply this is a ridiculous live album. The band is excellent on most tracks, absolutely scorching on Bodyguard, Reggae Fever, Not Kings James Version (in the medley) and a few others. In fact, I have never heard a song that improved more from studio to live than Bodyguard. This is probably the third best live reggae album I've ever heard (behind Bob's Live & Babylon by Bus), and would be a favorite live album of mine regardless of musical genre (slightly behind the Bob albums, Filmore Concerts by Allman Brothers, Europe 72 by Grateful Dead, and Band of Gypsys by Jimi Hendrix). ... Read more

Asin: B00000JQZI
Subjects:  1. Contemporary Reggae    2. Pop    3. Reggae    4. Reggae-Pop    5. Roots Reggae   

The Shining
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Average Customer Review:
DVD (14 September, 2004)
list price: $19.96 -- our price: $14.97
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Editorial Review

Stanley Kubrick's The Shining is less an adaptation of Stephen King's bestselling horror novel than a complete reimagining of it from the inside out. InKing's book, the Overlook Hotel is a haunted place that takes possession of its off-season caretaker and provokes him to murderous rage against his wife and young son. Kubrick's movie is an existential Road Runner cartoon (his steadicam scurrying through the hotel's labyrinthine hallways), in which the cavernously empty spaces inside the Overlook mirror the emptiness in the soul of the blocked writer, who's settled in for a long winter's hibernation. As many have pointed out, King's protagonist goes mad, but Kubrick's Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) is Looney Tunes from the moment we meet him--all arching eyebrows and mischievous grin. (Both Nicholson and Shelley Duvall reach new levels of hysteria in their performances, driven to extremes by the director's fanatical demands for take after take after take.) The Shining is terrifying--but not in the way fans of the novel might expect. When it was redone as a TV miniseries (reportedly because of King's dissatisfaction with the Kubrick film), the famous topiary-animal attack (which was deemed impossible to film in 1980) was there--but the deeper horror was lost. Kubrick's The Shining gets under your skin and chills your bones; it stays with you, inhabits you, haunts you. And there's no place to hide... --Jim Emerson ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Dolby

Reviews (604)

Here's.... well, you know
One of two films that has scraed me, The Shining finally gets a digital transfer to be reckoned with. Stanley Kubrick's original, intended ratio of 1.33 to 1 is included here, with a monumental, Criterion-equivalent transfer and terrific 5.1 sound. Vivian Kubrick's made for TV documentary on the making of the film is included along with the original theatrical trailer as bonuses. I guess you can't argue with that. Thanks Kubrick, we'll miss you...

A Masterpiece Of Psychological Horror!
This movie has so much great things... you can go on and on talkng about it.Stanly Kubrick best known for such movies as Spartacus(Kirk Douglas), A Clockwork Orange(Malcolm MaDowell), and Full Metal Jacket(Matthew Modine).Definitely giving us the best horror of the 80's I would say.
You pretty much have a family watching over an enormous gigantic hotel, who like people has its share of secrets over the decades it was built.The darkest of all secrets, a man suffering the enclosed lonesome feeling "Cabin Fever"... when the man killed his family with an axe.Now this tale is just about to be retold with a new killer behind the axe.
Jack Nicholson I would say had his hugest performance ever right here as the most feared father you could ever imagine.Stretching his 13 nominations of movies such as One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, The Postman Always Rings Twice, Batman, A Few Good Men, Hoffa, Wolf, As Good As It Gets, About Schmidt, and Something's Gotta Give.Shelly Duvall(Popeye, Roxanne) had such a strong impact as the mother in this film... that as clumsy as she looked, she never once gave up.
The hotel in this movie believe it or not also plays a character of its own.You have those huge rooms and quiet corners that really do fill you with a sense of feeling a little paranoid.You have ghosts such as the twin girls, who for some people scare you more than Nicholson with an axe would scare you.You have other ghosts who are there with no purpose at all, such as the girl in the bath tub... really just there to freak you out.You even have an imaginary bar tender that talks to you, giving you drinks that aren't there... showing you how desperate you can be to talk to somebody under these lonely circumstances.Then you have ghosts like the previous caretaker, the man who killed his family... talking to Nicholson, even unlocking him out of a door later in the film.The most unexplainable and oddest thing also, is the son Danny and his imaginary friend... who shows you things, giving Danny the gift known as the Shining.
The hedge maze and the chilling snow outside are both factors of having you feel trapped and isolated.To really have you want to go crazy out of your mind.And for a movie to give you all of these elements, and to have you actually believe and feel like you're really there... is a successful thriller.
I don't even want to begin telling you how bad you have to get this movie, if you haven't already.By now I think people should be writing review after review about The Shining, to say how crazy of a movie it really is more than wondering how good it is.Whoever hasn't seen this, just doesn't know horror movies at their full potential.Buy it now, it's worth any price.

the best horror movie still
It's so funny how Andy Sands is bent on negatively reviewing this great film and then he has the nerve to compare it to Gremlins 2. Both the Shining and Gremlins 2 are two different movies you imbecile. Do not review anymore movies Andy, it appears you still have a lot of growing up to do. ... Read more

Asin: B00005ATQJ
Subjects:  1. Horror   

Elton John - Greatest Hits 1970-2002
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 November, 2002)
list price: $24.98 -- our price: $20.99
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Editorial Review

This is the first attempt to consolidate all of Sir Elton's hit singles, from three labels, in one collection. It once would've required at least four CDs to own the best stuff here. Many think the legendary performer was at his best in the early to mid-'70s, and the incredible string of singles that ran from 1970's "Your Song" through 1977's "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" remains mighty impressive. But in retrospect, as they're presented here, '80s hits like "I'm Still Standing" and "Sad Songs" add much to an already amazing legacy. Three Disney tunes, the lush "The One," and two from Songs from the West Coast, which was hailed as a return to those '70s golden days, represent the later years. Collectively, these tracks reinforce the notion that, despite Michael Jackson's later proclamations, John was once the closest thing post-'60s music had to a genuine king of pop, respected by hipsters and the mainstream alike. --Bill Holdship ... Read more

Reviews (160)

never buy rap
I would never buy a Elton John cd because of the person he is so thankfully my sister bought it f