Greetings from Amazon.com Delivers Soundtracks Editor, Jason Verlinde FEATURED IN THIS E-MAIL: * Word for Word: John Williams * New and Notable Soundtracks: "American Beauty," "For the Love of the Game," "Le Grand Freddy," and "King Kong" * Amazon.com Presents the Best of the Century * Digital Download: "American Beauty" tracks and "Dracula" by Philip Glass and the Kronos Quartet * New and Notable Musicals: "Whistle Down the Wind," "Wonderful Town," "Do Re Mi," and Barbara Cook * Artist Essentials: The best of James Horner WORD FOR WORD: JOHN WILLIAMS **************************** "I'm aware that I'm pushing you here, but I need to do that. If we were playing this without the picture we would do it a little slower, but we have to play it exactly to make it work with the film." --Composer John Williams to the London Symphony Orchestra, heard at his scoring session for "The Phantom Menace" Read more of Amazon.com's look inside "The Phantom Menace" soundtrack recording sessions: Soundtracks You can find the soundtrack for "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000IQMT/entertainmentsit NEW AND NOTABLE SOUNDTRACKS *************************** "American Beauty" Original Soundtrack http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00001X4Z6/entertainmentsit Filled with oddball oldies and some catchy alternative-rock tracks courtesy of Elliott Smith, Eels, and the Folk Implosion (not to mention Thomas Newman's ominous score), "American Beauty" sounds exactly like the generation gap should. For a movie about suburbia gone awry, this is the perfect soundtrack. Fun but frenzied. "For the Love of the Game" Original Soundtrack http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000K3WB/entertainmentsit One thing about the "For the Love of the Game" soundtrack: it doesn't discriminate in the genre department. With a little bit of country (Vince Gill, Trisha Yearwood), a little rock (Semisonic, Steely Dan), and even a touch of R&B (Chante Moore and JoJo), there's something here for everyone. A couple of covers (Johnny Lang doing "Paint It Black," Lyle Lovett doing "Summer Wind") add a little variety to the standard soundtrack fare. "Le Grand Freddy" Freddy Cole http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000K0XQ/entertainmentsit You loved the "Thomas Crown Affair" soundtrack and want something new? Try "Le Grand Freddy," the latest album from Nat "King" Cole's sibling. This smoky tribute to the music of Michel LeGrand features jazzy renditions of "I Will Wait for You," "Make the World Your Own," and--of course--"The Windmills of Your Mind." Great stuff. "King Kong" Original Soundtrack http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JZAL/entertainmentsit Before Max Steiner's score for "King Kong," soundtracks didn't exist. Afterward, they became crucial components to any movie. Hearing Rhino's new remastering of this 1933 classic is an unforgettable experience. With plenty of dialogue snippets (it sounds like a vintage radio show) and sound effects, Steiner's glorious orchestrations-- full-bodied and still scary--are all the more powerful. AMAZON.COM PRESENTS THE BEST OF THE CENTURY ******************************************* As the century comes to a close, Amazon.com takes a look at the landmarks in books, music, and video of the past 100 years. Selected by our editors, our lists take you decade by decade from the turn of the century all the way to the end of the millennium. But don't just take our word for it; cast your vote for the best book, video, and CD in our best-of-the-millennium poll for your chance to win our customers' 300 favorite music, book, and video titles. Music of the century DIGITAL DOWNLOAD **************** The best thing about the "American Beauty" soundtrack? For some, it's the tracks by the Folk Implosion. You can now download the Folk Implosion's "Free to Go" in our digital downloads area. And while you're there, be sure to check out Philip Glass and the Kronos Quartet's latest collaboration, a new score for Tod Browning's horror classic "Dracula." We also have the classical maverick's track "Excellent, Mr. Renfield" available as a free download. Soundtracks NEW AND NOTABLE MUSICALS ************************ "Whistle Down the Wind" Original London Cast http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JJWL/entertainmentsit Though Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Whistle Down the Wind" barely made a dent in the U.S. during its short run, fans of the composer will find plenty to love about it. The story of faith--set during Christmastime in the South--is filled with rock and gospel-inspired tunes. It's a good musical, too (once you get past all those British accents doing their best to sound like they're from Louisiana). "Wonderful Town" 1999 Studio Cast http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000K4EL/entertainmentsit Here's how musicals should be done. The solid cast of Brent Barrett, Audra McDonald, and Thomas Hampson breathe new life into Leonard Bernstein's lesser-known Broadway effort and prove that it still has plenty of legs. Memorable tunes--"A Little Bit in Love," "Conga," and "My Darlin' Eileen," to name just a few--and great music make this a great choice for fans of musicals. "Do Re Mi" 1999 Original Cast Recording http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000K2CW/entertainmentsit Like "Wonderful Town," this is a product of lyricist masters Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Brian Stokes Mitchell and Nathan Lane steal the show in this obscure musical from the '60s. With jazzy tunes and a strong cast (not to mention a bonus interview with Comden, Green, and composer Jule Styne), it's easy to recommend this seldom-heard musical. "The Champion Season: Live at the Cafe Carlyle" Barbara Cook http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000K2CR/entertainmentsit Disappointed by the new Streisand disc and looking for something special? Try Barbara Cook's tribute to Broadway director and choreographer Gower Champion. Cabaret records seldom sound as delightful as when Cook, accompanied on this live recording by pianist-arranger Wally Harper, takes on tunes from "Hello, Dolly!", "Annie Get Your Gun," "Carnival," and more. And yes, to some ears, she does sound a little like Barbra.... ARTIST ESSENTIALS: THE BEST OF JAMES HORNER ******************************************* Looking for the essential albums of composer James Horner? We've picked them out, everything from "Willow" to (what else?) "Titanic." Emerging Artists ****** Give the Perfect Gift -- Get the Perfect Gift Does Aunt Ida send polka CDs when you'd prefer pop? Create an Amazon.com Wish List and save everyone the agony of the unwanted gift. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=entertainmentsit&payh=subst/wishlist/wishlist-portal.html Clueless as to what to get your Kentucky cousin for Christmas? Send him an e-card and tell him to set up an Amazon.com Wish List so you can easily find and send him his heart's desire. http://cards.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=entertainmentsit&path=tg/cards/browse-cards/-/228225/1 ****** You'll find more great music, articles, and interviews in Amazon.com's Soundtracks section at Soundtracks
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