Copland: The Music of America

Advantages: The most magnificent and sublime soundtrack that offers something for almost everyone
Disadvantages: The three source songs

...mediocre and rather uninteresting to my tastes to warrant much attention from me. And although this did open a new fan base for the more contemporary-inclined music fans, my preference for the sound of a fullsome symphony orchestra caused me to rather avoid the composer's works altogether. Little did I expect then that Newman would eventually compose one of the most sublime modern scores I have heard in a long while. Angels in America is based on Tony Kushner Pulitzer-prize winning stage play, first performed on Broadway in 1993. In 2003, HBO took the play and transformed it into a mini-series in two parts (Millenium Approaches and Perestroika) under the direction of Mike Nichols and starring such actor-heavyweights as Al Pacino, Meryl Streep and Emma Thompson. Set in the middle of the Reagan administration in the 1980's Angels in American... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Some good tracks
Disadvantages: Some awful tracks, probably too diverse for all tracks to appeal to one person, many of the songs are slow

...The ‘in’ thing at the moment seems to be celebrities starring in reality TV shows. We’ve had Celebrity Driving School, Big Brother, Fame Academy and I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! Recently, ITV viewers saw the final of another celebrity reality TV series – Reborn in the USA. The idea was to take ten former music stars and try to relaunch their careers by taking them on a tour of American cities. They would perform songs live on stage, fitting in with various themes each week (similar to Pop Idol). The theatre audience would vote for their favourites, the bottom two being put to a phone vote at home in Britain to decide who would be kicked off next. The final was held in Britain, where we saw Tony Hadley beat Michelle Gayle. This is the album featuring songs from the series and including all ten... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: a faultless pop album
Disadvantages: peoples perception of Supertramp

...again by a faultless melody and well meant intentions ,ironically the record ends with a nod to the prog rock tendencies of old on the excilerating but over long "Child of Vision "a racing piano driven rock epic made for driving down one of Americas many highways ,a soundtrack and homage to the country that inspired this glorious excessive record. Breakfast in America,s secret to its eternal popularity is that it was never fashionable ,even in 1979 and was never subject to one of those music mag overhauls to re invent it as an iconic masterpiece ,you dont need to be told that this record is good ,you just need to buy it ,listen to it ,and keep it well hidden from any trendy friends who would be to cool to borrow it but desperate enough to steal it .... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful