Scarlatti: Il Primo Omicidio

Advantages: Unparalleled playing, Unbelievably good bargain for 6 CDs!
Disadvantages: Um, paper sleeves? No, seriously, it's great

...This box set comprises recordings from 1985-89, when Horowitz was 81 years old! In 1986 Horowitz returned to Russia after 60 years away to give his monumental Moscow recital of which the live recording is included in this set. I personally find this performance of Liszt's Sonetto 104 del Petrarca to be the finest ever recorded. Alongside this is Scarlatti, Mozart, Rachmaninov, Scriabin, Schumann, Chopin, Moszkowski, and Schubert. Accompanying this recital is 5 other discs of outstandingly unique playing. As he got older, Horowitz's playing became a sort of caricature of itself in the nicest possible way. By this I mean, his dynamics became more extreme, he became more expressive than ever, and his sense of style was heightened to new levels. Horowitz's Mozart playing has been criticized for being too free and not in Mozart... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Primo's beats
Disadvantages: the voice can annoy a bit

...Gangstarr are an absolute legend in hip-hop. never before have a duo come through with such amzingly consitent beats and lyrics. full clip shows why they have been hailed as masters for the last ten years. they are both genius in their own right, but if we are honest, it is DJ Premier who truly takes them to another level. he is simply the best hip-hop producer ever - bar none. you can instantly tell a primo beat. it's simple it's catchy, it's got meaty sratches, it absolutely rocks. people say his tunes are too similar but hey - if it ain't broke....guru rhymes on tunes such as mass appeal and just to get a rep are killers, but he occasionally fails to bring the same spark as primo does to the duo. every tune on this compolaion is a winner. long live gangstarr - but can they continuosly maintain the immensely high standards they have... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average off topic

Advantages: DJ Premier's Masterful Production, Guru's Well-Written Lyrics, No Filler, Some Guests
Disadvantages: A few weaker tracks

...platinum at all. Guru and Primo's mission is to give the hip-hop-heads and backpackers something to listen to that isn't riddled with money refrences, over-the-top production, and uninspired, weak lyrics. However, selling records and putting out singles isn't something that they dont want to do, and they prove it, with two amazing singles. The first of the two is the lead "Skills". The beat is a funky-laid back and fun instrumental, by Primo, providing a tight backdrop for Guru. Guru drops literate and well-written rhymes with a perfect delivery about Gangstarr's dominance of hip-hop, with tight braggadiocio. Definetely a head-bobber. The next single is the amazing "Right Where You Stand". This is a new Gangstarr classic in the making, as Guru is joined by Jadakiss who drops a verse and the chorus. Guru spits some classic battle rhymes... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful