Maxwell

What else can be said about Maxwell's music other than, timely, romantic, relaxing, and sensuous?

I can recall how women used to swoon over Maxwell in the 1990s. When he would come to town, they would make sure they were in attendance, and when he released new music, his loyal female fans were the first in line. I kept hearing songs from this album on AOL radio and it provoked me to listen to this album once more. Wow! I was captivated by the middle of the first song. Music lovers, this is real music! This album contains singing, instrumentation, and lyrics! I do not see why any living thing wouldn't find something they thoroughly enjoyed on "Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite."

This album contains a lot of instrumental breakdowns within the songs and I loved that! Of course, there is enough of Maxwell crooning, but all of the instruments really make this album a distinguished and memorable work. Each song is worth listening to; he gives his listener more falsetto than we are used to, and he sounds fresh, young and sexy on from track one to track eleven! The weakest moments are "Welcome" and "Suitelady", but even they exceed mediocrity. The songs that were released, "Sumthin' Sumthin", "Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)" and "Whenever Wherever Whatever" are easily three of the best songs of the 1990s. "Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)" and "Sumthin' Sumthin'" are dance numbers thumping with wonderful baselines, while "Whenever Wherever Whatever" is a flawless, emotional ballad that you will never forget once you have heard it. Maxwell's voice is crystal clear in this ballad and the way the guitar cries will make the listener shed tears, also.

Pick this album up right now! You are surely in for a treat. Sometimes we purchase albums and listen to them once and throw them away afterward because we did not enjoy it. I am willing to bet that this album has never been thrown away. This is his best work and he can't make an album better than this.

Mikeisha's Top 5

1. "Whenever Wherever Whatever"
2. "Sumthin' Sumthin'"
3. "Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)"
4. "Dancewitme"
5. "Reunion"

I purchased this cd in 96 when it first came out.....I fell in love with the man, with the sound, with the vibe and the aura. How dare this reviewer try and pigeonhole this artist? Maxwell (to TRUE R & B fans) is a breath of fresh air. He can seduce a 70 year old as well as a 25 year old with his passionate stylings.......I happened to hear him on the BET awards show in June in honor of Al Green doing "Simply Beautiful"....I nearly died and went to heaven! The man is still awesome (sans his Neo fro)and I just wanted more, more, more.........

I think that the critic should stick to reviewing Rock music.....cuz this genre right 'chere....YOU know nuttin about!!!!

great album by maxwell. one of my favorites to listen to when i just want to mellow out.

a great, slow, sexy set of love songs but hardly in the traditional sense. no up tempo to change the pace of things. but where is maxwell now? to be enjoyed over and over again.

Maxwell will make you fall in love.(with him):-) He is very open to expressing the feelings men go through, not hiding anything. The best music out today, closest artist we'll ever get to Marvin Gaye.

I absolutely loooove Maxwell!!! What can I say other than this CD made me fall in love all over again.

Maxwell is the type of artist, who for me, as soon as he releases an album, I'll go out and purchase it without first hearing any of the album's tracks. That is how much confidence that I have in his talent and ability. So I was rather disappointed when I first listened to this album. Quite frankly, it seemed rather mediocre. It was not something that I expected from someone with his caliber of talent and ability. Initially, I had considered filing this album away or selling it. But I decided to give it another chance and I EVENTUALLY grew to like it-which was the problem I had with this album. At times I wish he would have pushed himself farther and been a little bit more adventurous as he had been on "Embrya" (a criminally underrated and unappreciated album). But I guess he was still reeling from the chastening he received from critics on his last album, and perhaps he decided to keep it simple. Overall, it's a decent album-not mind blowing, not spectacular-just a decent album. Some of the stand out tracks are, 'Lifetime', 'Get to Know You', 'W/as My Girl' and 'This Woman's Work' (a classic Kate Bush track, from the She's Having A Baby Soundtrack).

this was a great CD for me and my wife. bring back wonderful memory of our love to each other

because of the style of song writing and music but, I think all his cd's are good.

What can I say? I love this man's music. He is truly a vessel for putting down the soulful peace and love/baby-making grooves.

He is always on rotation in our CD player and my personal playlist.

Mmmmm... Max!

I don't even get what some of these songs are about. The single stood out most and there were maybe 2 other tolerable songs but the others left me lost.

I've been meaning to write this review forever but never got around to it. Forgot about it even. But then I started listening to Maxwell's "Til The Cops Come Knocking", came here to see the actual name for the CD it was on (couldn't remember) and kinda saw this CD right after his debut..

I was like, "OK. Time to speak my mind."

The sounds are very different and it will take you forever to understand what he's talking about on some of these songs.

I bought it for less than 7 bucks used but hey, that's cause I'm a fan of some of the songs he's done in the past (Til The Cops...Lifetime, This Woman's Work, etc...) and will always be a fan of his smooth vocal delivery.

Should have just purchased Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite...^_^

1.8 stars.

End Note: I like different, original music but this was like a Rubik's cube; impossible for me to solve and figure out!!

I didn't get into Maxwell or buy this CD until 2006. After enjoying his videos on VH1Soul I decided I wanted to hear more. I knew I wanted Urban Hang Suite and Now but I hesitated about buying Embrya. I'd read some negative reviews and it never got much airplay. I'm so glad I decided to hear it for myself. I believe that 99% of the negative reviews are because of the weird song titles and because it is not as funky as his debut. Play the entire CD once or twice and you will get past all of that and discover it for the lush romantic jewel that it is. The singles Luxury and Matrimony are feel good midtempo songs. Drowndeep is sensuous and sweet. Those are my favorite songs but this album has so much more to offer.

sensual, passionate, deep, dreamy, bubbly, exotic and sexy is what i can describe this album....( is that the reason why they call this neo soul ? )

After his much hailed debut album, "Urban Hang Suite", Maxwell followed up with the less critically acclaimed "Embrya". Like its predeccesor, "Embrya" is a concept album, built around a theme or idea where each song is like a chapter in a novel. Essentially, this album is about birth/rebirth-the beginning of something new (the album cover illustrates this, as Maxwell appears as though he is in the womb). It continues where "Urban Hang Suite" ended and it's almost as if it is a sequel. Where "Urban Hang Suite" had Maxwell lamenting over lost love, "Embrya" finds him moving forward and finding new love. Many people just couldn't conceptualize this album-with its odd titled songs and varying music styles. Some critics dismissed it as self-indulgent. Therefore, album sales were a bit sluggish. In my opinion, I feel this album is superior to "Urban Hang Suite" and it is where my preference lies. The genre of music on his debut album pretty much stuck to the same format-there were elements of Funk, R&B and Soul, whereas, "Embrya" is more mellow and experimental branching off into different directions. There is a bit of reggae, hawaiian and what some refer to as "New Age" or "World Music". Being a fan of Sade, I enjoy the blending of varying music styles. Maxwell is no philosopher; many of the lyrics deal with love and eroticism (topics he seems to have pretty much mastered) and there is an element of spirituality ('Submerge: Til We Become The Sun'). The album begins with 'Gestation: Mythos/Everwanting To Want You To Want' and ends with 'Embrya' (a play on the word "embryo") which sounds almost like an ultrasound. I really can't pick a favorite song on this album, as I love them all. Some highlights include, 'Know These Things: Shouldn't You', 'Drowndeep: Hula' and 'Submerge: Til We Become The Sun'. While this album may not have been the darling of critics, it is an overlooked and undervalued album. Admittedly, it may be an acquired taste for some, but given a chance it will be appreciated as the lost gem that it is.

As usual, Anonymous 4 has researched (usually one year) and compiled an album of music that flows as if the pieces were written to be performed together. The musicality and the pitch is impeccable. Those who gave few stars to this recording and performance are commenting with regard to personal preference rather than truly rating this wonderful performance. These women research, arrange and perform historic pieces that present programs in a set time period. Lovely, just lovely. As a musician, I find no fault with this compilation.

Very pretty with vocals and insturmentals. However, if you're looking for something that's actually Pagan and has Yule carols keep looking.

The recording is fine . . . it just didn't appeal to me personally

Anonymous 4 has brought us a beautiful selection of 19 traditional songs from England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. These include a lesser known work by Henry VIII as well as more contemporary songs by John Tavener, Richard Bennett, Geoffrey Burgon and Benjamin Britten, and a piece commissioned for the group from Peter Davies. Andrew Lawrence-King accompanies on Irish harp, Baroque harp and psaltery. There is a short essay on the traditions and legacy of the concept of Yule, a Cetic midwinter celebration, and this and the informative liner notes are given in English, French and German, accompanied by Celtic drawings.

The songs are pure, simple and very beautiful -- a welcome addition to your holiday listening.

This is a remarkable quartet, singing with purity and style, from the haunting to the merry, medieval chant to modern settings of Celtic religious texts. Where there are arrangements, they are lovely and the instrumental pieces are simple and beautiful. This is the first time I have heard this group of women, and I am enchanted. It's a cappella at its very best: look to your laurels, King's Singers and Chanticleer, here come the ladies!

If your a fan, then you already know the deal. This CD is awesome! I recommend it highly.

If you have looked at any of my other music reviews you will know that I don't usually purchase music on Amazon mainly because I can just go to the store and pick it up or dub it from a friend. I normally get hard to find items on Amazon. Anyway, Maxwell is the bomb, I don't know what else there is to say. This is his live joint.... I mean it is awesome and if you don't have it, you need to get it. I normally speak from a dudes perspective so...dude....order the cd...call ya girl up and tell her to come by...make a nice dinner, dim the lights, put on LOVEJONES in the dvd player...burn some warming oil...spray on some ROMEO GIGLI cologne...kick the MAXWELL UNPLUGGED cd.... lay back and watch it all unfold! If you don't have the cd your missing out! If you can't decide if you want to order it, have ya girl contact me and I'll show you how to do it! YMMV! NEOSOUL06.

I am a music fanatic and a fan of many musicians.

But I can honestly say that this man is the only musician who has inspired me to buy all of his music. Okay so there are only four (4) CDs so far but #5 is coming soon right? I actually bought three copies of "Embrya". I had one on the player and one to keep, still wrapped and both copies disappeared -- poof! -- without a trace. lol

"Unplugged" is hot (as is the Man). Why doesn't this one come in a DVD format?! I would definitely buy it.

Everything that a live album should be. Don't sleep on this album, it's worth every minute of your time.

This Maxwell CD is bar none truly amazing. Love it, love it. Maxwell, your fans are waiting steadfast for your new CD. In the meantime, release the DVD version of MTV Unplugged!!! How super sweet that would be.

I recently read that there are really two Christmas holidays: the federally-recognized secular "day off", and the true holy day. Quite true. If you seek to return to the latter, look no farther than this collection of music that harkens back to when Christians really understood the significance of the day. The angelic voices of Anonymous 4 will quickly become a seasonal favorite.

I will just reiterate that this is a compilation of 4 existing CDs- Legends of St. Nicholas, Wolcum Yule, On Yoolis Night, and A Star in the East. If you don't own any of them, or even if you just own one of them, I would strongly suggest buying this set, since you'll save a lot of money from buying each disc individually.

Anonymous 4 performs all the music flawlessly. If you're looking for Christmas music that lifts up the spirit, you can't do much better than these recordings. Legends of St. Nicholas is an interesting and beautiful collection of chants devoted to the historical figure Nicholas of Myra (who became Santa Clause in our culture); Wolcum Yule is focused on Christmas songs from the British isles, some of them familiar and some not- after listening to Britten's "New Year Carol" on the "Wolcum Yule" CD, I wish people would replace Auld Lang Syne with that on New Year's celebrations; "On Yoolis Night" focuses on Christmas music from the Medieval period and is a must-listen for any early music lover; "A Star in the East" is a sublime and haunting collection of music from medieval Hungary- you won't find music like this anywhere else. What can I say? Highly recommended- this is perfect music to listen to this holiday season, and particularly when you're at home on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.

The previous reviewer is correct - this isn't new music, so if you already have these albums, do not buy this set.

However, if you don't have these albums (or have never heard of the Anonymous 4), this is a BEAUTIFUL collection of their Christmas music. These women have amazing voices and, on top of that, a wonderful way of bringing to life music that had been thought dead since the Middle Ages. I am particularly fond of their music about St. Nicholas, being deeply interested in medieval hagiography. You simply must add this collection to your personal stash of music!

This is a great compilation of Anonymous 4 Christmas music - but it is NOT new. It simply boxes 4 existing CDs together. The CDs are Legends of St. Nicholas, Wolcum Yule, On Yoolis Night, and A Star in the East. If you already have those CDs, there is nothing new here.

This studio recording of the Lerner and Loewe classic is quite good. In fact, until the Jack Cassidy/Shirley Jones version was finally released on CD, this was by far the best CD available of the score. The singing is very good, the sound quality is excellent, and all the songs are here intact. So is the dance music--all of it. Which brings up one of the problems with McGlinn's studio recreations. He is a fanatic for completeness. He goes overboard with it. At least in this recording he hasn't resurrected songs that were cut out of town as he did for other recordings such as "Show Boat" and "Anything Goes." There's usually a very good reason songs get cut out of town: they don't fit, or they just aren't very good. But I digress. We're talking about "Brigadoon." Here, I think there is just too much of the dance music.

The most glaring fault in this recording, however, has to be the unbelievably slow tempo of "The Chase." If you want to hear how this piece should sound, check out conductor Lehman Engle's tempo on the Cassidy/Jones version. McGlinn's rendition literally drags.

So, if you're into completeness for completeness' sake, or if you just like unbelievably slow tempos, this is the recording for you. Otherwise, get the Jack Cassidy/Shirley Jones recording. It's the best.

This is the best recording of Brigadoon I've found to date. It includes dialogue, making it easy to follow the story, unlike some recordings which only have the songs.

Another plus is that the insert has the lyrics for each song printed, and a synopsis of the story. Helpful for the few plot points that are not obvious from the recording itself.

Definitely better than the movie.

This album is beautiful. The arrangements and the singing are beyond compare. As a director, it gives some fresh ideas for musicality and arrangement. I appreciate another venue from which to enjoy this wonderful musical!

Far better to listen to the music than see the movie! The voices were beautiful, especially on "There But For You Go I."

How wonderful to have a complete, beautifully performed recording of this great (and somewhat forgotten) show. When it opened it was slightly overshadowed by Rodgers and Hammerstein (who around this period had South Pacific and The King and I running simultaneously), but what a gem of a musical. Don't go by the truncated film, except for the breathtaking dancing of Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse, it's whittled down to 5 songs from the broadway score and hugely disappointing. You can even tell all the sets are painted backdrops.
But this recording is a charmer and couldn't be cast better. Rebecca Luker and Brent Barret are perfect as Tommy and Fiona. And Judy Kaye runs away with the recording with her comic turns.

Turn up the volume, sit back and get lost in Brigadoon!!

The music is beautiful, and this is the definitive Christmas opera, but the original recording is much better. This is an almost too polished version. Every sylable is just so, and each part is so perfect it is almost boring. The child in the original is much better because he is not so polished that it seems affected.

This recording (produced in 1986), directed with the help of the composer, Gian Carl Menotti, is the most perfect piece of music I have encountered in many years. Amahl's (James Rainbird)voice is of such sweet clarity and nuance that it brings me to tears. The orchestra (Covent Garden Symphony) is beautiful and multi-layered. Each time I listen to it, I discover some other little piece of phrasing by another instrument that adds to the complex tapestry of the over all musical score. I have purchased several copies of it for friends. I have listened to other versions of Amahl for over 50 years, and this is, by far, the best I have ever heard. For pure listening pleasure of a treasured Christmas classic, I cannot recommend it highly enough. I even listen to it throughout the year, regardless of the season. I simply do not understand other people's criticism of it. Perhaps I am musically naive, perhaps they are musical snobs. It is pure musical bliss in my book, and I can't get enough of it.

If you know the opera by heart, have performed it countless times, then you know that no recording is as good as the orginal 1951 recording. I find it difficult to listen to any other. I wish that it would be released again!

Gee - sorry to those who like this modern recording but I like the 1951 recording the best.I have both the LP which is quite scratched by now and the CD which is quite good except for the pauses between tracks. I recommend the 1951 version available from Amazon (or at least it was in 2001).

I'm currently studying the role of Amahl's mother, and I got this recording by the luck of the draw. Kaspar is horribly flat throughout, which is a shame. It was a difficult recording to listen to once, I dread bearing it the number of times I will need to over the next two months.

I'm going to try to return it this afternoon.

This disc includes some songs that, while I like them, are not what people might consider the "best" of G&S. Of course, anything by G&S is good, it's still not the "best of the best."

There has got to be something that better represents the G&S canon.

Don't know about those other reviewers, but I just can't make out very much of the lyrics. Maybe those folk have better CD players or better hearing, but it's pretty much a blur to me. I strongly recommend "The Ultimate Gilbert and Sullivan" instead.

Wonderful sonfs! It is a 2 CD. The songs bring memories and are soothing and happy and some make great exercise "dance". Really happy with it.

If you have been looking for a really fine collection of those wonderful AM radio instrumental hits from the great artists, movies, composers - this is a wonderful set. I love to put it in the CD changer on random, and just enjoy the lush and lilting music that takes me back three to five decades ago, when this sort of real MUSIC was played on the air and everywhere. Truly a treat for us baby boomers. Get it; you won't be disappointed.

CD 1 Track List

1. Fly Me To The Moon (Bossa Nova)
2. Up The Lazy River
3. Patricia
4. Yellow Bird
5. Sail Along Silvery Moon
6. It's Only A Paper Moon
7. Blue Tango
8. Theme For Young Lovers
9. Love Is A Many Splendored Thing
10. Around The World
11. Love Me Tender
12. Brian's Song
13. Love Is Blue
14. Peg O' My Heart
15. The Stripper
16. Moon River
17. Somewhere My Love
18. Wake The Town And Tell The People

CD 2 Track List

1. The Peter Gunn Theme -- Ray Anthony And His Orchestra
2. The Good, The Bad And The Ugly -- Hugo Montenegro, His Orchestra And Chorus
3. Theme From The Man With The Golden Arm -- Richard Maltby & His Orchestra
4. Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White -- Pérez Prado Orchestra
5. Calcutta -- Lawrence Welk
6. Melody Of Love -- Billy Vaughn & His Orchestra
7. Canadian Sunset -- Hugo Winterhalter & His Orchestra
8. Lisbon Antigua -- Nelson Riddle
9. Theme From A Summer Place -- The Percy Faith Orchestra
10. Wonderland By Night -- Bert Kaempfert
11. Theme From Love Story -- Henry Mancini & His Orchestra
12. Shangri-La -- Robert Maxwell His Harp And Orchestra
13. Moonglow & Theme From Picnic -- Morris Stoloff Conducting The Columbia Pictures Orchestra
14. I Cover The Waterfront -- André Kostelanetz
15. Love Theme From Romeo & Juliet -- Henry Mancini
16. So Rare -- Jimmy Dorsey
17. Tonight You Belong To Me -- Lawrence Welk And His Sparkling Strings
18. Fascination -- Dick Jacobs And His Chorus And Orchestra

Several years ago we bought this great collection for my mother-in-law, who's in her 80s, and while a lot of the music was familiar to me and my husband, she knew every song. Now it's one of our favorites, too. Anyone who loves music will appreciate this. The double-disc set contains many memorable tunes, from Hugo Winterhalter's "Canadian Sunset" to Jimmy Dorsey's "So Rare".