You could never accuse Damon Albarn of resting on his laurels. Whether it's forming supergroups (The Good, The Bad & The Queen), working with cult animators (The Gorillaz) or making music with musicians from Mali, the former Blur frontman has nurtured a restless, questing spirit not normally encountered in Britop stars. As if to underline his diverse interests, he now turns his attention to Chinese theatre. Monkey: Journey to the West is a theatrical collaboration between Albarn (music), Jamie Hewlett of Gorillaz fame (designs, costumes) and Chinese opera specialist Chen Shi-Zheng. The show itself is an explosive 90-minute circus featuring Chinese acrobats, martial arts experts and contortionists, though the album condenses the experience into 22 songs lasting an hour or so. Recorded in London and Beijing with a mix of European and Chinese musicians, Monkey ... is a genuine attempt at East-West fusion. Featuring a dizzying array of instrumentation--rock guitars, electronics, harps, mandolins, drum machines, strings, plinky-plonk keyboards, giggling girls, chants, even pigs--it's the sort of project that could so easily have gone awry. Yet Albarn, who allegedly mastered the Chinese pentatonic scale, seems to have made it work. Songs like the fluttery "Heavenly Peach Banquet" and the wistful "The Living Sea" are utterly beguiling, and stand in stark contrast to guitar-heavy behemoths like "Battle in Heaven" and the climactic "Monkey Bee." These longer songs are punctuated with incidental pieces such as "Iron Rod", "Into the Eastern Sea" and "Out of the Eastern Sea". While such interludes may distract from a 'normal' album experience, there's enough melodious charm and imaginative whimsy scattered throughout to satisfy even ardent skeptics. --Paul Sullivan

Disappointing, 17 Nov 2008
I'd been really looking forward to this release, unfortunately I have to say it's the worst of Damon Albarn's career.

I was equally disappointed with the opera itself, which I saw last weekend. A few parts were very very good, but on the whole it's really dull.

Quite interesting, incidentally ... (6/10), 11 Sep 2008
I have been a keen advoate of all things Damon Albarn post-Graham Coxon (i.e., Blur's `Think Tank` and beyond) so was understandably quite excited by the album release of `Monkey, Journey to the West`. I had not seen the Chinese opera-spectacular which this album scores but I didn't let that dissuade me from pre-ordering this one from Amazon. What I hadn't realised was that this 22-song collection largely comprises incidental compositions from the opera and doesn't stand up as an album in its own right. Unless you have seen the opera - in which case this might make a compelling souvenir - I feel duty-bound to warn you not to expect something on the scale of other Albarn side-projects such as Gorillaz' `Demon Days`, `Mali Music` or `The Good, the Bad and the Queen`.

There are handfull of lovely individual songs - particularly the Himalayan Kate Bushisms of `Heavenly Peach Blanket' - but the majority are sonic doodles of varying interest. Predominantly comprising synths and drum machines, fleshed out with guitar, harp and strings, some are diverting enough - even narrational - in their own right, but most score some unseen action intelligable only to those who have seen the production. The effect is sometimes frustratingly akin to being stuck in a theatre foyer ticketless while the action gets underway without you in the audience. And unlike a traditional opera, the music seems rather secondary - or at least only complementary to - the action on stage, rather than the other way around. As a souvenir, it's an attractive package, but I've never been a fan of Jamie Hewlett's artwork - Gorillaz for me was always just about the music.

good but great?, 03 Sep 2008
is this any good, yes. would it be any good without damon albarns name on it? yes but surely wouldn't make the light of day on western charts. its a great opeara score and the good thing is even without having seen the show, its easy to imagine how track names complement the music.. worth buying, still undecided.

A beautiful banquet for the ears, 03 Sep 2008
Just received the album this morning, and on the first listen I am taken to a different world of sounds, which spark so many emotions. I feel as if I am traveling with monkey and his pals.

I haven't seen the opera, but this certainly gives me a private peek into how this amazing project came together!!! Good work boys!

could try harder, 02 Sep 2008
Well, there is no doubt Monkey at the Royal Opera House was one of the events of summer 08 in London and I went and was certainly entertained. As a spectacle I think the whole thing came together and there should have been a DVD. Many would like to have seen this who didn't get an opportunity - rather exclusive compared to Gorillaz. So, the music. Does it stand up? Just about. Unlike Gorillaz and Good, Bad Queen you can really hear the joins in this. It's not the production, which is quite masterful. There's electronica, choirs singing in large spaces, brass, trad Chinese instruments etc. all vying for a place in the mix and I feel this works. You could use this CD to show off your hifi for sure. But I hear all the joins in the musical composition (sorry Damon!): there are vocal melodies directly parallel to what you hear on Good, Bad, Queen (Albarn trademark or DNA I guess); the 'chinese' melodies I feel are fairly standard - sort of thing you you hear on Buddhist chant records (where they add percussion and mellotron). There is LOTS of Michael Nyman style rhythm (which is why it won't sound like Gorillaz anywhere)- particularly with orchestral 'strings'. On one track (March of the iron army) this is added to a vocal reminiscent of the score for Nevsky - so if a Nyman/Prokoviev mash up is your thing...Basically, though I want to support the whole idea of this kind of production - there's only Damon Albarn doing all these really interesting projects and, dare I make the comparison with the Beatles, very few composers are able to imagine things that reach such a broad cross-section of the public - I like the idea of the blue rinse set listening to Good Bad Queen and buying art by the 'zombie flesh eaters'!

My Way: the Best of Frank Sinatra collects 46 tracks culled from the estimable American singer's vast back-catalogue for a remarkable two-CD set. Sinatra was one of the greatest voices of his--or any--generation, and for the most part, these songs are some of Old Blue Eyes' finest works: among the best are "Come Fly with Me", "Lady Is a Tramp" and "I Get a Kick out of You".

But with such an immense and classic back-catalogue of songs to choose from, it's a shame that the compilers felt it necessary to add so much cheese: "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" and "Mrs Robinson", for example, don't do Sinatra, the songs, or the listener any justice. Still, that's why CD players have "skip" buttons. --Robert Burrow

Disappointing, 17 Nov 2008
I'd been really looking forward to this release, unfortunately I have to say it's the worst of Damon Albarn's career.

I was equally disappointed with the opera itself, which I saw last weekend. A few parts were very very good, but on the whole it's really dull.

Quite interesting, incidentally ... (6/10), 11 Sep 2008
I have been a keen advoate of all things Damon Albarn post-Graham Coxon (i.e., Blur's `Think Tank` and beyond) so was understandably quite excited by the album release of `Monkey, Journey to the West`. I had not seen the Chinese opera-spectacular which this album scores but I didn't let that dissuade me from pre-ordering this one from Amazon. What I hadn't realised was that this 22-song collection largely comprises incidental compositions from the opera and doesn't stand up as an album in its own right. Unless you have seen the opera - in which case this might make a compelling souvenir - I feel duty-bound to warn you not to expect something on the scale of other Albarn side-projects such as Gorillaz' `Demon Days`, `Mali Music` or `The Good, the Bad and the Queen`.

There are handfull of lovely individual songs - particularly the Himalayan Kate Bushisms of `Heavenly Peach Blanket' - but the majority are sonic doodles of varying interest. Predominantly comprising synths and drum machines, fleshed out with guitar, harp and strings, some are diverting enough - even narrational - in their own right, but most score some unseen action intelligable only to those who have seen the production. The effect is sometimes frustratingly akin to being stuck in a theatre foyer ticketless while the action gets underway without you in the audience. And unlike a traditional opera, the music seems rather secondary - or at least only complementary to - the action on stage, rather than the other way around. As a souvenir, it's an attractive package, but I've never been a fan of Jamie Hewlett's artwork - Gorillaz for me was always just about the music.

good but great?, 03 Sep 2008
is this any good, yes. would it be any good without damon albarns name on it? yes but surely wouldn't make the light of day on western charts. its a great opeara score and the good thing is even without having seen the show, its easy to imagine how track names complement the music.. worth buying, still undecided.

A beautiful banquet for the ears, 03 Sep 2008
Just received the album this morning, and on the first listen I am taken to a different world of sounds, which spark so many emotions. I feel as if I am traveling with monkey and his pals.

I haven't seen the opera, but this certainly gives me a private peek into how this amazing project came together!!! Good work boys!

could try harder, 02 Sep 2008
Well, there is no doubt Monkey at the Royal Opera House was one of the events of summer 08 in London and I went and was certainly entertained. As a spectacle I think the whole thing came together and there should have been a DVD. Many would like to have seen this who didn't get an opportunity - rather exclusive compared to Gorillaz. So, the music. Does it stand up? Just about. Unlike Gorillaz and Good, Bad Queen you can really hear the joins in this. It's not the production, which is quite masterful. There's electronica, choirs singing in large spaces, brass, trad Chinese instruments etc. all vying for a place in the mix and I feel this works. You could use this CD to show off your hifi for sure. But I hear all the joins in the musical composition (sorry Damon!): there are vocal melodies directly parallel to what you hear on Good, Bad, Queen (Albarn trademark or DNA I guess); the 'chinese' melodies I feel are fairly standard - sort of thing you you hear on Buddhist chant records (where they add percussion and mellotron). There is LOTS of Michael Nyman style rhythm (which is why it won't sound like Gorillaz anywhere)- particularly with orchestral 'strings'. On one track (March of the iron army) this is added to a vocal reminiscent of the score for Nevsky - so if a Nyman/Prokoviev mash up is your thing...Basically, though I want to support the whole idea of this kind of production - there's only Damon Albarn doing all these really interesting projects and, dare I make the comparison with the Beatles, very few composers are able to imagine things that reach such a broad cross-section of the public - I like the idea of the blue rinse set listening to Good Bad Queen and buying art by the 'zombie flesh eaters'!

Undoubtedly the best Frank Sinatra compilation available!, 29 Mar 2008
This is an excellent update of the previously released "My Way: The Best pf Frank Sinatra": the record company have added a whole new CD! The single album was already terrific value for money, containing as it did Frank's best loved and most well known songs but the addition of the extra CD has made this an indispensable album for anyone wanting to add some Frank Sinatra to their CD collection - it just beats all the other competition clean out of sight!

If Sinatra fun, gotta have this one!, 20 Jan 2008
Definitely this double album is one of the best compilations of an artist. This double CD contains some of the best song recordings of Frank, and includes all of his best songs, in just the right price. "Something Stupid" sang with his daughter Nancy, was to me a very pleasant surprised, as i never heard this recording before. Seriously, people who are not fun of Sinatra or 60s music of this kind, did not complain listening to both CDs playing one after the other ;)


The best 'best of'.........., 11 Aug 2007
I've had this cd for a while now, it's one I listen to when I want to relax (along with Andrea Bocelli).

I got this purely based on the songs I saw featured & the fact that I reliased my musical taste was changing fast. I played this a lot over Christmas & it really helped me chill out - c'mon girls, you all know what Christmas is like for the lady of the house!!!! *:-D

I'd recommend this album to anyone - especially if it's the only Frank Sinatra cd you plan on buying - it's definately got the 'best of' on this 'best of....' which is unusual (most fo the time it's random & you like a few of the 'best of' tracks!)

Highly recommended CD!

Frank's Way, 14 Jul 2007
My Way: The Best Of Frank Sinatra collects together all of his hits from the Reprise years. But that is not all, most of Frank's best known songs are here as well. Masterpieces such as I've Got You Under My Skin, I Get A Kick Out Of You, Come Fly With Me etc. But these Capitol era classics are all re-recordings from albums such as Sinatra's Sinatra, Sinatra and Swingin' Brass etc. So if your looking for the original Capitol pieces your best bet is the excellent Platinum Collection or all his great albums from that period. However these re-recordings are still pretty good. Nelson Riddle tweaks his arrangement for Under My Skin and Neal Hefti comes up with some briilant arrangements for I Get A Kick Out Of You and Pennies From Heaven matching or prehaps even bettering the orignals. This album is a great intro to Sinatra giving you all his hits on two discs. If your already a fan chances are you already own most of these recordings. If not then this is a great way to get them all. While the re-recordings may not be to everyone's taste it's still a good album. However I do feel that some songs have been missed out, I personally would have liked to have seen more of the Sinatra-Basie albums (represented here by The Best Is Yet To Come and Pennies From Hevean). Prehaps if Reprise had collaborated with Capitol (as they did with the Romance 2 disc cd) then the album would have felt more definitive.

Disappointing, sluggish versions!!!, 04 Jul 2007
When I first looked at the list of songs you get on this double CD album I was really impressed. I didn't think I could go wrong with so many classics included. But..... I have just listened to it (I received it this morning) and I'm afraid I am going to list it on Ebay straight away. I was expecting to get an album with all original recordings but unfortunately it is a collection of half-hearted versions. I was expecting the 'full of life' and 'uplifting' ones you hear, say, on the adverts on telly. Oh no! The versions on this album are far from likely to put a spring in your step. The orchestra seems to drown out Sinatra's voice in almost every track and I was particularly disappointed with 'Mack the Knife' which is my favourite. It usually never fails to make my toe tap away but this time it just made me feel a bit sleepy and bored. Like I said before - nice track list, but they're all a bit lifeless. I am now off to buy his other 'Best of' album from 1997. Wish me luck!?!

Disappointing, 17 Nov 2008
I'd been really looking forward to this release, unfortunately I have to say it's the worst of Damon Albarn's career.

I was equally disappointed with the opera itself, which I saw last weekend. A few parts were very very good, but on the whole it's really dull.

Quite interesting, incidentally ... (6/10), 11 Sep 2008
I have been a keen advoate of all things Damon Albarn post-Graham Coxon (i.e., Blur's `Think Tank` and beyond) so was understandably quite excited by the album release of `Monkey, Journey to the West`. I had not seen the Chinese opera-spectacular which this album scores but I didn't let that dissuade me from pre-ordering this one from Amazon. What I hadn't realised was that this 22-song collection largely comprises incidental compositions from the opera and doesn't stand up as an album in its own right. Unless you have seen the opera - in which case this might make a compelling souvenir - I feel duty-bound to warn you not to expect something on the scale of other Albarn side-projects such as Gorillaz' `Demon Days`, `Mali Music` or `The Good, the Bad and the Queen`.

There are handfull of lovely individual songs - particularly the Himalayan Kate Bushisms of `Heavenly Peach Blanket' - but the majority are sonic doodles of varying interest. Predominantly comprising synths and drum machines, fleshed out with guitar, harp and strings, some are diverting enough - even narrational - in their own right, but most score some unseen action intelligable only to those who have seen the production. The effect is sometimes frustratingly akin to being stuck in a theatre foyer ticketless while the action gets underway without you in the audience. And unlike a traditional opera, the music seems rather secondary - or at least only complementary to - the action on stage, rather than the other way around. As a souvenir, it's an attractive package, but I've never been a fan of Jamie Hewlett's artwork - Gorillaz for me was always just about the music.

good but great?, 03 Sep 2008
is this any good, yes. would it be any good without damon albarns name on it? yes but surely wouldn't make the light of day on western charts. its a great opeara score and the good thing is even without having seen the show, its easy to imagine how track names complement the music.. worth buying, still undecided.

A beautiful banquet for the ears, 03 Sep 2008
Just received the album this morning, and on the first listen I am taken to a different world of sounds, which spark so many emotions. I feel as if I am traveling with monkey and his pals.

I haven't seen the opera, but this certainly gives me a private peek into how this amazing project came together!!! Good work boys!

could try harder, 02 Sep 2008
Well, there is no doubt Monkey at the Royal Opera House was one of the events of summer 08 in London and I went and was certainly entertained. As a spectacle I think the whole thing came together and there should have been a DVD. Many would like to have seen this who didn't get an opportunity - rather exclusive compared to Gorillaz. So, the music. Does it stand up? Just about. Unlike Gorillaz and Good, Bad Queen you can really hear the joins in this. It's not the production, which is quite masterful. There's electronica, choirs singing in large spaces, brass, trad Chinese instruments etc. all vying for a place in the mix and I feel this works. You could use this CD to show off your hifi for sure. But I hear all the joins in the musical composition (sorry Damon!): there are vocal melodies directly parallel to what you hear on Good, Bad, Queen (Albarn trademark or DNA I guess); the 'chinese' melodies I feel are fairly standard - sort of thing you you hear on Buddhist chant records (where they add percussion and mellotron). There is LOTS of Michael Nyman style rhythm (which is why it won't sound like Gorillaz anywhere)- particularly with orchestral 'strings'. On one track (March of the iron army) this is added to a vocal reminiscent of the score for Nevsky - so if a Nyman/Prokoviev mash up is your thing...Basically, though I want to support the whole idea of this kind of production - there's only Damon Albarn doing all these really interesting projects and, dare I make the comparison with the Beatles, very few composers are able to imagine things that reach such a broad cross-section of the public - I like the idea of the blue rinse set listening to Good Bad Queen and buying art by the 'zombie flesh eaters'!

Undoubtedly the best Frank Sinatra compilation available!, 29 Mar 2008
This is an excellent update of the previously released "My Way: The Best pf Frank Sinatra": the record company have added a whole new CD! The single album was already terrific value for money, containing as it did Frank's best loved and most well known songs but the addition of the extra CD has made this an indispensable album for anyone wanting to add some Frank Sinatra to their CD collection - it just beats all the other competition clean out of sight!

If Sinatra fun, gotta have this one!, 20 Jan 2008
Definitely this double album is one of the best compilations of an artist. This double CD contains some of the best song recordings of Frank, and includes all of his best songs, in just the right price. "Something Stupid" sang with his daughter Nancy, was to me a very pleasant surprised, as i never heard this recording before. Seriously, people who are not fun of Sinatra or 60s music of this kind, did not complain listening to both CDs playing one after the other ;)


The best 'best of'.........., 11 Aug 2007
I've had this cd for a while now, it's one I listen to when I want to relax (along with Andrea Bocelli).

I got this purely based on the songs I saw featured & the fact that I reliased my musical taste was changing fast. I played this a lot over Christmas & it really helped me chill out - c'mon girls, you all know what Christmas is like for the lady of the house!!!! *:-D

I'd recommend this album to anyone - especially if it's the only Frank Sinatra cd you plan on buying - it's definately got the 'best of' on this 'best of....' which is unusual (most fo the time it's random & you like a few of the 'best of' tracks!)

Highly recommended CD!

Frank's Way, 14 Jul 2007
My Way: The Best Of Frank Sinatra collects together all of his hits from the Reprise years. But that is not all, most of Frank's best known songs are here as well. Masterpieces such as I've Got You Under My Skin, I Get A Kick Out Of You, Come Fly With Me etc. But these Capitol era classics are all re-recordings from albums such as Sinatra's Sinatra, Sinatra and Swingin' Brass etc. So if your looking for the original Capitol pieces your best bet is the excellent Platinum Collection or all his great albums from that period. However these re-recordings are still pretty good. Nelson Riddle tweaks his arrangement for Under My Skin and Neal Hefti comes up with some briilant arrangements for I Get A Kick Out Of You and Pennies From Heaven matching or prehaps even bettering the orignals. This album is a great intro to Sinatra giving you all his hits on two discs. If your already a fan chances are you already own most of these recordings. If not then this is a great way to get them all. While the re-recordings may not be to everyone's taste it's still a good album. However I do feel that some songs have been missed out, I personally would have liked to have seen more of the Sinatra-Basie albums (represented here by The Best Is Yet To Come and Pennies From Hevean). Prehaps if Reprise had collaborated with Capitol (as they did with the Romance 2 disc cd) then the album would have felt more definitive.

Disappointing, sluggish versions!!!, 04 Jul 2007
When I first looked at the list of songs you get on this double CD album I was really impressed. I didn't think I could go wrong with so many classics included. But..... I have just listened to it (I received it this morning) and I'm afraid I am going to list it on Ebay straight away. I was expecting to get an album with all original recordings but unfortunately it is a collection of half-hearted versions. I was expecting the 'full of life' and 'uplifting' ones you hear, say, on the adverts on telly. Oh no! The versions on this album are far from likely to put a spring in your step. The orchestra seems to drown out Sinatra's voice in almost every track and I was particularly disappointed with 'Mack the Knife' which is my favourite. It usually never fails to make my toe tap away but this time it just made me feel a bit sleepy and bored. Like I said before - nice track list, but they're all a bit lifeless. I am now off to buy his other 'Best of' album from 1997. Wish me luck!?!

If you're sick of "Slade" and Wizzard", give this a go!!, 26 Oct 2007
This is my favourite Christmas CD, it has something for everyone! It's the perfect antidote for the tired old tunes that everyone plays at Christmas (if I hear "I wish it could be Christmas every day" one more time I won't be responsible for my actions), the highlights being "Zat you Santa Claus?" by Louis Armstrong and "Silent Night" by Dinah Washington.
Give it a go and you won't be disappointed, especially at this price!!

A nice Christmas collection, 10 Nov 2004
My wife and I enjoy this collection. There is a little traditional, a little modern, some soulful, some fun. A relaxing mix of music to settle down with.

Pop's rush to raid the cradle continues with this promising, self-titled debut by 25-year-old Canadian singer Michael Bublé. And while the young vocal star's good looks are smart enough for a boy band, his muse seems to have sprung from a more sassy and compelling musical era.

Mentored by Paul Anka (whose 1950s hit "Put Your Head on My Shoulder" is covered in dreamy, cabaret fashion here), Bublé sings in the orbits of Darin and Sinatra, covering swing epoch gems ("Come Fly with Me", "The Way You Look Tonight", "That's All") and rock-era standards (Van Morrison's "Moondance", "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart" by the Brothers Gibb, Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love") with equal aplomb. David Foster's production is typically slick and played to the back row of the bleachers, but it's informed by smart contexts provided by such arrangers as Johnny Mandel, Randy Waldman and Mike Melvoin. If the choices of material are sometimes staid and predictable, they also give the singer a crucial framework for building toward something more challenging; his is a bright future. --Jerry McCulley

Disappointing, 17 Nov 2008
I'd been really looking forward to this release, unfortunately I have to say it's the worst of Damon Albarn's career.

I was equally disappointed with the opera itself, which I saw last weekend. A few parts were very very good, but on the whole it's really dull.

Quite interesting, incidentally ... (6/10), 11 Sep 2008
I have been a keen advoate of all things Damon Albarn post-Graham Coxon (i.e., Blur's `Think Tank` and beyond) so was understandably quite excited by the album release of `Monkey, Journey to the West`. I had not seen the Chinese opera-spectacular which this album scores but I didn't let that dissuade me from pre-ordering this one from Amazon. What I hadn't realised was that this 22-song collection largely comprises incidental compositions from the opera and doesn't stand up as an album in its own right. Unless you have seen the opera - in which case this might make a compelling souvenir - I feel duty-bound to warn you not to expect something on the scale of other Albarn side-projects such as Gorillaz' `Demon Days`, `Mali Music` or `The Good, the Bad and the Queen`.

There are handfull of lovely individual songs - particularly the Himalayan Kate Bushisms of `Heavenly Peach Blanket' - but the majority are sonic doodles of varying interest. Predominantly comprising synths and drum machines, fleshed out with guitar, harp and strings, some are diverting enough - even narrational - in their own right, but most score some unseen action intelligable only to those who have seen the production. The effect is sometimes frustratingly akin to being stuck in a theatre foyer ticketless while the action gets underway without you in the audience. And unlike a traditional opera, the music seems rather secondary - or at least only complementary to - the action on stage, rather than the other way around. As a souvenir, it's an attractive package, but I've never been a fan of Jamie Hewlett's artwork - Gorillaz for me was always just about the music.

good but great?, 03 Sep 2008
is this any good, yes. would it be any good without damon albarns name on it? yes but surely wouldn't make the light of day on western charts. its a great opeara score and the good thing is even without having seen the show, its easy to imagine how track names complement the music.. worth buying, still undecided.

A beautiful banquet for the ears, 03 Sep 2008
Just received the album this morning, and on the first listen I am taken to a different world of sounds, which spark so many emotions. I feel as if I am traveling with monkey and his pals.

I haven't seen the opera, but this certainly gives me a private peek into how this amazing project came together!!! Good work boys!

could try harder, 02 Sep 2008
Well, there is no doubt Monkey at the Royal Opera House was one of the events of summer 08 in London and I went and was certainly entertained. As a spectacle I think the whole thing came together and there should have been a DVD. Many would like to have seen this who didn't get an opportunity - rather exclusive compared to Gorillaz. So, the music. Does it stand up? Just about. Unlike Gorillaz and Good, Bad Queen you can really hear the joins in this. It's not the production, which is quite masterful. There's electronica, choirs singing in large spaces, brass, trad Chinese instruments etc. all vying for a place in the mix and I feel this works. You could use this CD to show off your hifi for sure. But I hear all the joins in the musical composition (sorry Damon!): there are vocal melodies directly parallel to what you hear on Good, Bad, Queen (Albarn trademark or DNA I guess); the 'chinese' melodies I feel are fairly standard - sort of thing you you hear on Buddhist chant records (where they add percussion and mellotron). There is LOTS of Michael Nyman style rhythm (which is why it won't sound like Gorillaz anywhere)- particularly with orchestral 'strings'. On one track (March of the iron army) this is added to a vocal reminiscent of the score for Nevsky - so if a Nyman/Prokoviev mash up is your thing...Basically, though I want to support the whole idea of this kind of production - there's only Damon Albarn doing all these really interesting projects and, dare I make the comparison with the Beatles, very few composers are able to imagine things that reach such a broad cross-section of the public - I like the idea of the blue rinse set listening to Good Bad Queen and buying art by the 'zombie flesh eaters'!

Undoubtedly the best Frank Sinatra compilation available!, 29 Mar 2008
This is an excellent update of the previously released "My Way: The Best pf Frank Sinatra": the record company have added a whole new CD! The single album was already terrific value for money, containing as it did Frank's best loved and most well known songs but the addition of the extra CD has made this an indispensable album for anyone wanting to add some Frank Sinatra to their CD collection - it just beats all the other competition clean out of sight!

If Sinatra fun, gotta have this one!, 20 Jan 2008
Definitely this double album is one of the best compilations of an artist. This double CD contains some of the best song recordings of Frank, and includes all of his best songs, in just the right price. "Something Stupid" sang with his daughter Nancy, was to me a very pleasant surprised, as i never heard this recording before. Seriously, people who are not fun of Sinatra or 60s music of this kind, did not complain listening to both CDs playing one after the other ;)


The best 'best of'.........., 11 Aug 2007
I've had this cd for a while now, it's one I listen to when I want to relax (along with Andrea Bocelli).

I got this purely based on the songs I saw featured & the fact that I reliased my musical taste was changing fast. I played this a lot over Christmas & it really helped me chill out - c'mon girls, you all know what Christmas is like for the lady of the house!!!! *:-D

I'd recommend this album to anyone - especially if it's the only Frank Sinatra cd you plan on buying - it's definately got the 'best of' on this 'best of....' which is unusual (most fo the time it's random & you like a few of the 'best of' tracks!)

Highly recommended CD!

Frank's Way, 14 Jul 2007
My Way: The Best Of Frank Sinatra collects together all of his hits from the Reprise years. But that is not all, most of Frank's best known songs are here as well. Masterpieces such as I've Got You Under My Skin, I Get A Kick Out Of You, Come Fly With Me etc. But these Capitol era classics are all re-recordings from albums such as Sinatra's Sinatra, Sinatra and Swingin' Brass etc. So if your looking for the original Capitol pieces your best bet is the excellent Platinum Collection or all his great albums from that period. However these re-recordings are still pretty good. Nelson Riddle tweaks his arrangement for Under My Skin and Neal Hefti comes up with some briilant arrangements for I Get A Kick Out Of You and Pennies From Heaven matching or prehaps even bettering the orignals. This album is a great intro to Sinatra giving you all his hits on two discs. If your already a fan chances are you already own most of these recordings. If not then this is a great way to get them all. While the re-recordings may not be to everyone's taste it's still a good album. However I do feel that some songs have been missed out, I personally would have liked to have seen more of the Sinatra-Basie albums (represented here by The Best Is Yet To Come and Pennies From Hevean). Prehaps if Reprise had collaborated with Capitol (as they did with the Romance 2 disc cd) then the album would have felt more definitive.

Disappointing, sluggish versions!!!, 04 Jul 2007
When I first looked at the list of songs you get on this double CD album I was really impressed. I didn't think I could go wrong with so many classics included. But..... I have just listened to it (I received it this morning) and I'm afraid I am going to list it on Ebay straight away. I was expecting to get an album with all original recordings but unfortunately it is a collection of half-hearted versions. I was expecting the 'full of life' and 'uplifting' ones you hear, say, on the adverts on telly. Oh no! The versions on this album are far from likely to put a spring in your step. The orchestra seems to drown out Sinatra's voice in almost every track and I was particularly disappointed with 'Mack the Knife' which is my favourite. It usually never fails to make my toe tap away but this time it just made me feel a bit sleepy and bored. Like I said before - nice track list, but they're all a bit lifeless. I am now off to buy his other 'Best of' album from 1997. Wish me luck!?!

If you're sick of "Slade" and Wizzard", give this a go!!, 26 Oct 2007
This is my favourite Christmas CD, it has something for everyone! It's the perfect antidote for the tired old tunes that everyone plays at Christmas (if I hear "I wish it could be Christmas every day" one more time I won't be responsible for my actions), the highlights being "Zat you Santa Claus?" by Louis Armstrong and "Silent Night" by Dinah Washington.
Give it a go and you won't be disappointed, especially at this price!!

A nice Christmas collection, 10 Nov 2004
My wife and I enjoy this collection. There is a little traditional, a little modern, some soulful, some fun. A relaxing mix of music to settle down with.

Simply the best and a bargain, 26 Feb 2008
I have owned this CD for more than 3 years and it is still the best Buble has ever done. I saw him sing most of the tracks at Ronnie Scotts and even now my friends accompanying me that night still talk fondly of the occasion. At this bargain price (feb 2008) you cannot afford to be without it. Everyone will ask you who is singing it. It is just wonderful music. All the songs are beautifully arranged and exceptionally well sung. I listen to it again and again without tiring of it.

Bringing jazz and swing to a new generation!, 04 Feb 2008
As an eighteen year old girl from North London it's not very often i hear jazz or swing music, and to be honest i had never even bothered before. When this album was first released i heard it at a dance class i attended and it got me hooked on Michael Buble and jazz and swing as entire genres of music.
The orchesteral arrangements are good but the outstanding quality of Michael Buble's voice is what sold it to me. He has great phrasing, vocal tone and a fantastic, emotional delivery which makes you feel like every word is being sung to you alone. His voice gives me goosebumps and makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
After buying this CD i began listening to the true legends such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, and in my opinion Michael Buble matches both of these. I have since bought his other albums and lent them to friends who too have become hooked. I could never grow tired of listening to him sing and all his albums are constantly on repeat in my car. Michael Buble has delivered jazz and swing to a whole new generation!

Hooray for Bublé!, 13 Jun 2007
This is the debut album from Canadian singer Michael Buble.
It lasts 49 minutes in total, and has 13 songs:
1. FEVER.
Buble's cover of Peggy lee's cover of Little Willie John's song {!}
The song begins with a double bass {always a good sign!} then builds into a big band stomper! 10/10.
2. MOONDANCE.
Buble's version of Van Morrisons 70's hit.
Possibly the best song on the album. The music alone is fabulous, Buble's vocals make it even better! 10/10.
3. KISSING A FOOL.
Buble's cover of George Michaels song.
Great use of the piano 9/10.
4. FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE.
Buble's version of Stevie Wonders song. Slower than his version, but equally as good {if not better!} 10/10.
5. HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART.
Buble's cover of The Bee Gees hit - 8/10.
6. SUMMER WIND.
Buble's version of Frank Sinatra's song.
This song reminds me of MACK THE KNIFE, great saxophone solo - 9/10.
7. YOULL NEVER FIND A LOVE LIKE MINE.
Buble's cover of the song first sung by Lou Rawls.
It has an aura of a James Bond song about it! good backing vocals - 9/10.
8. CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE.
Buble's version of the Queen song.
Its fab & totally different to the original - 10/10.
9. PUT YOUR HEAD ON MY SHOULDER.
Buble's cover of Paul Ankas song.
Romantic & tender, a totally relaxing song - 10/10.
10. SWAY.
Buble's version of the Dean Martin song.
Sensational! 10/10.
11. THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT.
Buble's superb cover of the Frank Sinatra song - 10/10.
12. COME FLY WITH ME.
Buble's version of the Frank Sinatra song.
Buble was born to sing this song - 10/10.
13. THATS ALL.
Buble's cover of the Frank Sinatra song.
Sexy! 10/10.

I bought this album after hearing Torvill and Dean dance to Buble's version of MOONDANCE on ITV 1. The song was stuck in my head for days!

If you or someone you know adores the big band sound, or you're just a fan of great music, then this album is for you.
Buble makes all the songs on this album his own, and even people who are'nt fond of the Rat Pack sound will undoubtedly be converted!

A perfect valentines day / anniversary gift,

Utterly fabulous!


relax relax, 08 Nov 2006
this is one cd that you can totally relax and unwind to.there is not one song that is not brilliant.i heard this cd while on holiday in spain in july o6. as soon as i came back i searched the net for it.certainly a cd that all ages can listen to.BRILLIANT.

Most enjoyable singer, 24 Feb 2006
This is my second MB CD - awesome! He is excellent in his phrasing, vocal tone and delivery; he must have been practising hard whilst out at sea fishing, singing his crewmates silly! This boy's got the whole package - wow. Buy it and hear him for yourself!

Disappointing, 17 Nov 2008
I'd been really looking forward to this release, unfortunately I have to say it's the worst of Damon Albarn's career.

I was equally disappointed with the opera itself, which I saw last weekend. A few parts were very very good, but on the whole it's really dull.

Quite interesting, incidentally ... (6/10), 11 Sep 2008
I have been a keen advoate of all things Damon Albarn post-Graham Coxon (i.e., Blur's `Think Tank` and beyond) so was understandably quite excited by the album release of `Monkey, Journey to the West`. I had not seen the Chinese opera-spectacular which this album scores but I didn't let that dissuade me from pre-ordering this one from Amazon. What I hadn't realised was that this 22-song collection largely comprises incidental compositions from the opera and doesn't stand up as an album in its own right. Unless you have seen the opera - in which case this might make a compelling souvenir - I feel duty-bound to warn you not to expect something on the scale of other Albarn side-projects such as Gorillaz' `Demon Days`, `Mali Music` or `The Good, the Bad and the Queen`.

There are handfull of lovely individual songs - particularly the Himalayan Kate Bushisms of `Heavenly Peach Blanket' - but the majority are sonic doodles of varying interest. Predominantly comprising synths and drum machines, fleshed out with guitar, harp and strings, some are diverting enough - even narrational - in their own right, but most score some unseen action intelligable only to those who have seen the production. The effect is sometimes frustratingly akin to being stuck in a theatre foyer ticketless while the action gets underway without you in the audience. And unlike a traditional opera, the music seems rather secondary - or at least only complementary to - the action on stage, rather than the other way around. As a souvenir, it's an attractive package, but I've never been a fan of Jamie Hewlett's artwork - Gorillaz for me was always just about the music.

good but great?, 03 Sep 2008
is this any good, yes. would it be any good without damon albarns name on it? yes but surely wouldn't make the light of day on western charts. its a great opeara score and the good thing is even without having seen the show, its easy to imagine how track names complement the music.. worth buying, still undecided.

A beautiful banquet for the ears, 03 Sep 2008
Just received the album this morning, and on the first listen I am taken to a different world of sounds, which spark so many emotions. I feel as if I am traveling with monkey and his pals.

I haven't seen the opera, but this certainly gives me a private peek into how this amazing project came together!!! Good work boys!

could try harder, 02 Sep 2008
Well, there is no doubt Monkey at the Royal Opera House was one of the events of summer 08 in London and I went and was certainly entertained. As a spectacle I think the whole thing came together and there should have been a DVD. Many would like to have seen this who didn't get an opportunity - rather exclusive compared to Gorillaz. So, the music. Does it stand up? Just about. Unlike Gorillaz and Good, Bad Queen you can really hear the joins in this. It's not the production, which is quite masterful. There's electronica, choirs singing in large spaces, brass, trad Chinese instruments etc. all vying for a place in the mix and I feel this works. You could use this CD to show off your hifi for sure. But I hear all the joins in the musical composition (sorry Damon!): there are vocal melodies directly parallel to what you hear on Good, Bad, Queen (Albarn trademark or DNA I guess); the 'chinese' melodies I feel are fairly standard - sort of thing you you hear on Buddhist chant records (where they add percussion and mellotron). There is LOTS of Michael Nyman style rhythm (which is why it won't sound like Gorillaz anywhere)- particularly with orchestral 'strings'. On one track (March of the iron army) this is added to a vocal reminiscent of the score for Nevsky - so if a Nyman/Prokoviev mash up is your thing...Basically, though I want to support the whole idea of this kind of production - there's only Damon Albarn doing all these really interesting projects and, dare I make the comparison with the Beatles, very few composers are able to imagine things that reach such a broad cross-section of the public - I like the idea of the blue rinse set listening to Good Bad Queen and buying art by the 'zombie flesh eaters'!

Undoubtedly the best Frank Sinatra compilation available!, 29 Mar 2008
This is an excellent update of the previously released "My Way: The Best pf Frank Sinatra": the record company have added a whole new CD! The single album was already terrific value for money, containing as it did Frank's best loved and most well known songs but the addition of the extra CD has made this an indispensable album for anyone wanting to add some Frank Sinatra to their CD collection - it just beats all the other competition clean out of sight!

If Sinatra fun, gotta have this one!, 20 Jan 2008
Definitely this double album is one of the best compilations of an artist. This double CD contains some of the best song recordings of Frank, and includes all of his best songs, in just the right price. "Something Stupid" sang with his daughter Nancy, was to me a very pleasant surprised, as i never heard this recording before. Seriously, people who are not fun of Sinatra or 60s music of this kind, did not complain listening to both CDs playing one after the other ;)


The best 'best of'.........., 11 Aug 2007
I've had this cd for a while now, it's one I listen to when I want to relax (along with Andrea Bocelli).

I got this purely based on the songs I saw featured & the fact that I reliased my musical taste was changing fast. I played this a lot over Christmas & it really helped me chill out - c'mon girls, you all know what Christmas is like for the lady of the house!!!! *:-D

I'd recommend this album to anyone - especially if it's the only Frank Sinatra cd you plan on buying - it's definately got the 'best of' on this 'best of....' which is unusual (most fo the time it's random & you like a few of the 'best of' tracks!)

Highly recommended CD!

Frank's Way, 14 Jul 2007
My Way: The Best Of Frank Sinatra collects together all of his hits from the Reprise years. But that is not all, most of Frank's best known songs are here as well. Masterpieces such as I've Got You Under My Skin, I Get A Kick Out Of You, Come Fly With Me etc. But these Capitol era classics are all re-recordings from albums such as Sinatra's Sinatra, Sinatra and Swingin' Brass etc. So if your looking for the original Capitol pieces your best bet is the excellent Platinum Collection or all his great albums from that period. However these re-recordings are still pretty good. Nelson Riddle tweaks his arrangement for Under My Skin and Neal Hefti comes up with some briilant arrangements for I Get A Kick Out Of You and Pennies From Heaven matching or prehaps even bettering the orignals. This album is a great intro to Sinatra giving you all his hits on two discs. If your already a fan chances are you already own most of these recordings. If not then this is a great way to get them all. While the re-recordings may not be to everyone's taste it's still a good album. However I do feel that some songs have been missed out, I personally would have liked to have seen more of the Sinatra-Basie albums (represented here by The Best Is Yet To Come and Pennies From Hevean). Prehaps if Reprise had collaborated with Capitol (as they did with the Romance 2 disc cd) then the album would have felt more definitive.

Disappointing, sluggish versions!!!, 04 Jul 2007
When I first looked at the list of songs you get on this double CD album I was really impressed. I didn't think I could go wrong with so many classics included. But..... I have just listened to it (I received it this morning) and I'm afraid I am going to list it on Ebay straight away. I was expecting to get an album with all original recordings but unfortunately it is a collection of half-hearted versions. I was expecting the 'full of life' and 'uplifting' ones you hear, say, on the adverts on telly. Oh no! The versions on this album are far from likely to put a spring in your step. The orchestra seems to drown out Sinatra's voice in almost every track and I was particularly disappointed with 'Mack the Knife' which is my favourite. It usually never fails to make my toe tap away but this time it just made me feel a bit sleepy and bored. Like I said before - nice track list, but they're all a bit lifeless. I am now off to buy his other 'Best of' album from 1997. Wish me luck!?!

If you're sick of "Slade" and Wizzard", give this a go!!, 26 Oct 2007
This is my favourite Christmas CD, it has something for everyone! It's the perfect antidote for the tired old tunes that everyone plays at Christmas (if I hear "I wish it could be Christmas every day" one more time I won't be responsible for my actions), the highlights being "Zat you Santa Claus?" by Louis Armstrong and "Silent Night" by Dinah Washington.
Give it a go and you won't be disappointed, especially at this price!!

A nice Christmas collection, 10 Nov 2004
My wife and I enjoy this collection. There is a little traditional, a little modern, some soulful, some fun. A relaxing mix of music to settle down with.

Simply the best and a bargain, 26 Feb 2008
I have owned this CD for more than 3 years and it is still the best Buble has ever done. I saw him sing most of the tracks at Ronnie Scotts and even now my friends accompanying me that night still talk fondly of the occasion. At this bargain price (feb 2008) you cannot afford to be without it. Everyone will ask you who is singing it. It is just wonderful music. All the songs are beautifully arranged and exceptionally well sung. I listen to it again and again without tiring of it.

Bringing jazz and swing to a new generation!, 04 Feb 2008
As an eighteen year old girl from North London it's not very often i hear jazz or swing music, and to be honest i had never even bothered before. When this album was first released i heard it at a dance class i attended and it got me hooked on Michael Buble and jazz and swing as entire genres of music.
The orchesteral arrangements are good but the outstanding quality of Michael Buble's voice is what sold it to me. He has great phrasing, vocal tone and a fantastic, emotional delivery which makes you feel like every word is being sung to you alone. His voice gives me goosebumps and makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
After buying this CD i began listening to the true legends such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, and in my opinion Michael Buble matches both of these. I have since bought his other albums and lent them to friends who too have become hooked. I could never grow tired of listening to him sing and all his albums are constantly on repeat in my car. Michael Buble has delivered jazz and swing to a whole new generation!

Hooray for Bublé!, 13 Jun 2007
This is the debut album from Canadian singer Michael Buble.
It lasts 49 minutes in total, and has 13 songs:
1. FEVER.
Buble's cover of Peggy lee's cover of Little Willie John's song {!}
The song begins with a double bass {always a good sign!} then builds into a big band stomper! 10/10.
2. MOONDANCE.
Buble's version of Van Morrisons 70's hit.
Possibly the best song on the album. The music alone is fabulous, Buble's vocals make it even better! 10/10.
3. KISSING A FOOL.
Buble's cover of George Michaels song.
Great use of the piano 9/10.
4. FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE.
Buble's version of Stevie Wonders song. Slower than his version, but equally as good {if not better!} 10/10.
5. HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART.
Buble's cover of The Bee Gees hit - 8/10.
6. SUMMER WIND.
Buble's version of Frank Sinatra's song.
This song reminds me of MACK THE KNIFE, great saxophone solo - 9/10.
7. YOULL NEVER FIND A LOVE LIKE MINE.
Buble's cover of the song first sung by Lou Rawls.
It has an aura of a James Bond song about it! good backing vocals - 9/10.
8. CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE.
Buble's version of the Queen song.
Its fab & totally different to the original - 10/10.
9. PUT YOUR HEAD ON MY SHOULDER.
Buble's cover of Paul Ankas song.
Romantic & tender, a totally relaxing song - 10/10.
10. SWAY.
Buble's version of the Dean Martin song.
Sensational! 10/10.
11. THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT.
Buble's superb cover of the Frank Sinatra song - 10/10.
12. COME FLY WITH ME.
Buble's version of the Frank Sinatra song.
Buble was born to sing this song - 10/10.
13. THATS ALL.
Buble's cover of the Frank Sinatra song.
Sexy! 10/10.

I bought this album after hearing Torvill and Dean dance to Buble's version of MOONDANCE on ITV 1. The song was stuck in my head for days!

If you or someone you know adores the big band sound, or you're just a fan of great music, then this album is for you.
Buble makes all the songs on this album his own, and even people who are'nt fond of the Rat Pack sound will undoubtedly be converted!

A perfect valentines day / anniversary gift,

Utterly fabulous!


relax relax, 08 Nov 2006
this is one cd that you can totally relax and unwind to.there is not one song that is not brilliant.i heard this cd while on holiday in spain in july o6. as soon as i came back i searched the net for it.certainly a cd that all ages can listen to.BRILLIANT.

Most enjoyable singer, 24 Feb 2006
This is my second MB CD - awesome! He is excellent in his phrasing, vocal tone and delivery; he must have been practising hard whilst out at sea fishing, singing his crewmates silly! This boy's got the whole package - wow. Buy it and hear him for yourself!

play it - love it, 01 Jan 2008
The mix of music is perfect.Lulu was great and loved Valantine moon. Gave as christmas presents all round.

Great album - but not much for the long time fan, 11 Nov 2007
I can't argue with the sound of this music. It is all of the highest quality.

Tuxedo Junction always makes me smile, as do most of the other tracks. I would suggest people hunt out the three 'And Friends' albums, as I reckon they could pick those up for not much more than this best of, and have three times as much music, without missing much.

The only issue I have with this album (hence missing the fifth star) is that there is not much incentive to buy this album if you already own the three aforementioned 'And Friends' albums. A better idea would have been to do a retrospective of Jools' solo (or non Squeeze) career, which spans the best part of 25 years, thus giving more 'new' material to more people.

That said, the music is all good, and if you want to smile like a loon, and dance like one too, this album is for you!

Jools Holland Best of Friends CD/DVD, 24 Oct 2007
This is also my first Jools Holland album and I agree with the previous review Wow!! excellent music you'll love it.

what a load of excellent tunes, 18 Oct 2007
This is my first Jools Holland album, i only got it today and so far i have not stopped playing it. Excellent music, tuxedo junction is ace. I'm gonna share this with the neighbourhood so loud, i absolutely love it.
i'm going to buy more when i get paid.

As the song goes, "Merry Christmas" has already "been said many times, many ways". Diana Krall's Christmas Songs is a worthy--though not particularly unique--addition to the holiday catalogue. Krall excels with an approach mastered long ago: elegant delivery that gives extra polish to a very familiar lineup. Some might find her style frosty at times, but that will come as a relief to those who want their carolers to cut through some of the holiday treacle and create a festive, yet grown-up vibe. And Krall does show off her playful side with little, personal touches. In "Winter Wonderland" she promises to "frolic and play the Canadian way", which should draw smiles from her native land. Elsewhere, she ends "Jingle Bells" with the girlishly giddy statement, "I'm just crazy about horses". Well…can't argue with that. --Leah Weathersby

Disappointing, 17 Nov 2008
I'd been really looking forward to this release, unfortunately I have to say it's the worst of Damon Albarn's career.

I was equally disappointed with the opera itself, which I saw last weekend. A few parts were very very good, but on the whole it's really dull.

Quite interesting, incidentally ... (6/10), 11 Sep 2008
I have been a keen advoate of all things Damon Albarn post-Graham Coxon (i.e., Blur's `Think Tank` and beyond) so was understandably quite excited by the album release of `Monkey, Journey to the West`. I had not seen the Chinese opera-spectacular which this album scores but I didn't let that dissuade me from pre-ordering this one from Amazon. What I hadn't realised was that this 22-song collection largely comprises incidental compositions from the opera and doesn't stand up as an album in its own right. Unless you have seen the opera - in which case this might make a compelling souvenir - I feel duty-bound to warn you not to expect something on the scale of other Albarn side-projects such as Gorillaz' `Demon Days`, `Mali Music` or `The Good, the Bad and the Queen`.

There are handfull of lovely individual songs - particularly the Himalayan Kate Bushisms of `Heavenly Peach Blanket' - but the majority are sonic doodles of varying interest. Predominantly comprising synths and drum machines, fleshed out with guitar, harp and strings, some are diverting enough - even narrational - in their own right, but most score some unseen action intelligable only to those who have seen the production. The effect is sometimes frustratingly akin to being stuck in a theatre foyer ticketless while the action gets underway without you in the audience. And unlike a traditional opera, the music seems rather secondary - or at least only complementary to - the action on stage, rather than the other way around. As a souvenir, it's an attractive package, but I've never been a fan of Jamie Hewlett's artwork - Gorillaz for me was always just about the music.

good but great?, 03 Sep 2008
is this any good, yes. would it be any good without damon albarns name on it? yes but surely wouldn't make the light of day on western charts. its a great opeara score and the good thing is even without having seen the show, its easy to imagine how track names complement the music.. worth buying, still undecided.

A beautiful banquet for the ears, 03 Sep 2008
Just received the album this morning, and on the first listen I am taken to a different world of sounds, which spark so many emotions. I feel as if I am traveling with monkey and his pals.

I haven't seen the opera, but this certainly gives me a private peek into how this amazing project came together!!! Good work boys!

could try harder, 02 Sep 2008
Well, there is no doubt Monkey at the Royal Opera House was one of the events of summer 08 in London and I went and was certainly entertained. As a spectacle I think the whole thing came together and there should have been a DVD. Many would like to have seen this who didn't get an opportunity - rather exclusive compared to Gorillaz. So, the music. Does it stand up? Just about. Unlike Gorillaz and Good, Bad Queen you can really hear the joins in this. It's not the production, which is quite masterful. There's electronica, choirs singing in large spaces, brass, trad Chinese instruments etc. all vying for a place in the mix and I feel this works. You could use this CD to show off your hifi for sure. But I hear all the joins in the musical composition (sorry Damon!): there are vocal melodies directly parallel to what you hear on Good, Bad, Queen (Albarn trademark or DNA I guess); the 'chinese' melodies I feel are fairly standard - sort of thing you you hear on Buddhist chant records (where they add percussion and mellotron). There is LOTS of Michael Nyman style rhythm (which is why it won't sound like Gorillaz anywhere)- particularly with orchestral 'strings'. On one track (March of the iron army) this is added to a vocal reminiscent of the score for Nevsky - so if a Nyman/Prokoviev mash up is your thing...Basically, though I want to support the whole idea of this kind of production - there's only Damon Albarn doing all these really interesting projects and, dare I make the comparison with the Beatles, very few composers are able to imagine things that reach such a broad cross-section of the public - I like the idea of the blue rinse set listening to Good Bad Queen and buying art by the 'zombie flesh eaters'!

Undoubtedly the best Frank Sinatra compilation available!, 29 Mar 2008
This is an excellent update of the previously released "My Way: The Best pf Frank Sinatra": the record company have added a whole new CD! The single album was already terrific value for money, containing as it did Frank's best loved and most well known songs but the addition of the extra CD has made this an indispensable album for anyone wanting to add some Frank Sinatra to their CD collection - it just beats all the other competition clean out of sight!

If Sinatra fun, gotta have this one!, 20 Jan 2008
Definitely this double album is one of the best compilations of an artist. This double CD contains some of the best song recordings of Frank, and includes all of his best songs, in just the right price. "Something Stupid" sang with his daughter Nancy, was to me a very pleasant surprised, as i never heard this recording before. Seriously, people who are not fun of Sinatra or 60s music of this kind, did not complain listening to both CDs playing one after the other ;)


The best 'best of'.........., 11 Aug 2007
I've had this cd for a while now, it's one I listen to when I want to relax (along with Andrea Bocelli).

I got this purely based on the songs I saw featured & the fact that I reliased my musical taste was changing fast. I played this a lot over Christmas & it really helped me chill out - c'mon girls, you all know what Christmas is like for the lady of the house!!!! *:-D

I'd recommend this album to anyone - especially if it's the only Frank Sinatra cd you plan on buying - it's definately got the 'best of' on this 'best of....' which is unusual (most fo the time it's random & you like a few of the 'best of' tracks!)

Highly recommended CD!

Frank's Way, 14 Jul 2007
My Way: The Best Of Frank Sinatra collects together all of his hits from the Reprise years. But that is not all, most of Frank's best known songs are here as well. Masterpieces such as I've Got You Under My Skin, I Get A Kick Out Of You, Come Fly With Me etc. But these Capitol era classics are all re-recordings from albums such as Sinatra's Sinatra, Sinatra and Swingin' Brass etc. So if your looking for the original Capitol pieces your best bet is the excellent Platinum Collection or all his great albums from that period. However these re-recordings are still pretty good. Nelson Riddle tweaks his arrangement for Under My Skin and Neal Hefti comes up with some briilant arrangements for I Get A Kick Out Of You and Pennies From Heaven matching or prehaps even bettering the orignals. This album is a great intro to Sinatra giving you all his hits on two discs. If your already a fan chances are you already own most of these recordings. If not then this is a great way to get them all. While the re-recordings may not be to everyone's taste it's still a good album. However I do feel that some songs have been missed out, I personally would have liked to have seen more of the Sinatra-Basie albums (represented here by The Best Is Yet To Come and Pennies From Hevean). Prehaps if Reprise had collaborated with Capitol (as they did with the Romance 2 disc cd) then the album would have felt more definitive.

Disappointing, sluggish versions!!!, 04 Jul 2007
When I first looked at the list of songs you get on this double CD album I was really impressed. I didn't think I could go wrong with so many classics included. But..... I have just listened to it (I received it this morning) and I'm afraid I am going to list it on Ebay straight away. I was expecting to get an album with all original recordings but unfortunately it is a collection of half-hearted versions. I was expecting the 'full of life' and 'uplifting' ones you hear, say, on the adverts on telly. Oh no! The versions on this album are far from likely to put a spring in your step. The orchestra seems to drown out Sinatra's voice in almost every track and I was particularly disappointed with 'Mack the Knife' which is my favourite. It usually never fails to make my toe tap away but this time it just made me feel a bit sleepy and bored. Like I said before - nice track list, but they're all a bit lifeless. I am now off to buy his other 'Best of' album from 1997. Wish me luck!?!

If you're sick of "Slade" and Wizzard", give this a go!!, 26 Oct 2007
This is my favourite Christmas CD, it has something for everyone! It's the perfect antidote for the tired old tunes that everyone plays at Christmas (if I hear "I wish it could be Christmas every day" one more time I won't be responsible for my actions), the highlights being "Zat you Santa Claus?" by Louis Armstrong and "Silent Night" by Dinah Washington.
Give it a go and you won't be disappointed, especially at this price!!

A nice Christmas collection, 10 Nov 2004
My wife and I enjoy this collection. There is a little traditional, a little modern, some soulful, some fun. A relaxing mix of music to settle down with.

Simply the best and a bargain, 26 Feb 2008
I have owned this CD for more than 3 years and it is still the best Buble has ever done. I saw him sing most of the tracks at Ronnie Scotts and even now my friends accompanying me that night still talk fondly of the occasion. At this bargain price (feb 2008) you cannot afford to be without it. Everyone will ask you who is singing it. It is just wonderful music. All the songs are beautifully arranged and exceptionally well sung. I listen to it again and again without tiring of it.

Bringing jazz and swing to a new generation!, 04 Feb 2008
As an eighteen year old girl from North London it's not very often i hear jazz or swing music, and to be honest i had never even bothered before. When this album was first released i heard it at a dance class i attended and it got me hooked on Michael Buble and jazz and swing as entire genres of music.
The orchesteral arrangements are good but the outstanding quality of Michael Buble's voice is what sold it to me. He has great phrasing, vocal tone and a fantastic, emotional delivery which makes you feel like every word is being sung to you alone. His voice gives me goosebumps and makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
After buying this CD i began listening to the true legends such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, and in my opinion Michael Buble matches both of these. I have since bought his other albums and lent them to friends who too have become hooked. I could never grow tired of listening to him sing and all his albums are constantly on repeat in my car. Michael Buble has delivered jazz and swing to a whole new generation!

Hooray for Bublé!, 13 Jun 2007
This is the debut album from Canadian singer Michael Buble.
It lasts 49 minutes in total, and has 13 songs:
1. FEVER.
Buble's cover of Peggy lee's cover of Little Willie John's song {!}
The song begins with a double bass {always a good sign!} then builds into a big band stomper! 10/10.
2. MOONDANCE.
Buble's version of Van Morrisons 70's hit.
Possibly the best song on the album. The music alone is fabulous, Buble's vocals make it even better! 10/10.
3. KISSING A FOOL.
Buble's cover of George Michaels song.
Great use of the piano 9/10.
4. FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE.
Buble's version of Stevie Wonders song. Slower than his version, but equally as good {if not better!} 10/10.
5. HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART.
Buble's cover of The Bee Gees hit - 8/10.
6. SUMMER WIND.
Buble's version of Frank Sinatra's song.
This song reminds me of MACK THE KNIFE, great saxophone solo - 9/10.
7. YOULL NEVER FIND A LOVE LIKE MINE.
Buble's cover of the song first sung by Lou Rawls.
It has an aura of a James Bond song about it! good backing vocals - 9/10.
8. CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE.
Buble's version of the Queen song.
Its fab & totally different to the original - 10/10.
9. PUT YOUR HEAD ON MY SHOULDER.
Buble's cover of Paul Ankas song.
Romantic & tender, a totally relaxing song - 10/10.
10. SWAY.
Buble's version of the Dean Martin song.
Sensational! 10/10.
11. THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT.
Buble's superb cover of the Frank Sinatra song - 10/10.
12. COME FLY WITH ME.
Buble's version of the Frank Sinatra song.
Buble was born to sing this song - 10/10.
13. THATS ALL.
Buble's cover of the Frank Sinatra song.
Sexy! 10/10.

I bought this album after hearing Torvill and Dean dance to Buble's version of MOONDANCE on ITV 1. The song was stuck in my head for days!

If you or someone you know adores the big band sound, or you're just a fan of great music, then this album is for you.
Buble makes all the songs on this album his own, and even people who are'nt fond of the Rat Pack sound will undoubtedly be converted!

A perfect valentines day / anniversary gift,

Utterly fabulous!


relax relax, 08 Nov 2006
this is one cd that you can totally relax and unwind to.there is not one song that is not brilliant.i heard this cd while on holiday in spain in july o6. as soon as i came back i searched the net for it.certainly a cd that all ages can listen to.BRILLIANT.

Most enjoyable singer, 24 Feb 2006
This is my second MB CD - awesome! He is excellent in his phrasing, vocal tone and delivery; he must have been practising hard whilst out at sea fishing, singing his crewmates silly! This boy's got the whole package - wow. Buy it and hear him for yourself!

play it - love it, 01 Jan 2008
The mix of music is perfect.Lulu was great and loved Valantine moon. Gave as christmas presents all round.

Great album - but not much for the long time fan, 11 Nov 2007
I can't argue with the sound of this music. It is all of the highest quality.

Tuxedo Junction always makes me smile, as do most of the other tracks. I would suggest people hunt out the three 'And Friends' albums, as I reckon they could pick those up for not much more than this best of, and have three times as much music, without missing much.

The only issue I have with this album (hence missing the fifth star) is that there is not much incentive to buy this album if you already own the three aforementioned 'And Friends' albums. A better idea would have been to do a retrospective of Jools' solo (or non Squeeze) career, which spans the best part of 25 years, thus giving more 'new' material to more people.

That said, the music is all good, and if you want to smile like a loon, and dance like one too, this album is for you!

Jools Holland Best of Friends CD/DVD, 24 Oct 2007
This is also my first Jools Holland album and I agree with the previous review Wow!! excellent music you'll love it.

what a load of excellent tunes, 18 Oct 2007
This is my first Jools Holland album, i only got it today and so far i have not stopped playing it. Excellent music, tuxedo junction is ace. I'm gonna share this with the neighbourhood so loud, i absolutely love it.
i'm going to buy more when i get paid.

Merry Christmas!, 24 Apr 2008
Diana Krall offers you an incredible revamp of some of the most famous Christmas classics with her lovingly young voice and the nice band that accompanies her will give you everything you need to spend a great Christmas :)

on the downside..., 17 Dec 2006
a lot of good things can be said of DK, she is an incredible singer and an accomplished jazz musician and composer and entertainer. i feel like injecting a little criticisim in this ever growing appreciation.. the music of DK over the time has become increasingly commercial and "polished", her concerts increasingly expensive (and yet costantly sold out). she's probably never been the type of jazz musician to play jam sessions in smoky basements, but her music now sounds so polished that it could even sound artificial, lacking any "soul", a mere commercial excercise (like a Xmas songs CD released before Xmas...). Maybe it's the bad influence of her popstar husband?
It is however a good album and if one really likes Xmas music (as, alas, does my girlfriend), than this is better than nothing.. Merry Xmas.

In a world - Class, 27 Jan 2006
A proper old fashioned Christmas album by the best thing to come out of Canada since Maple Syrup. Makes up for Celine Dion.

Have you noticed how Diana looks like a young (Avengers era) Diana Rigg.

Some seasonal cheer that’s distinctively Diana., 16 Jan 2006
I’m pleased that she has reverted to more classic jazz than her recent offerings which I haven’t enjoyed as much. I heard this in a shop before I realised it was Diana Krall and thought it was an upbeat must buy. This is very much what you expect from a Krall Christmas album. 12 Beautifully orchestrated versions of classic Christmas songs, not always my all-time-favourite versions. For example Ella’s “Sleighride” is hard to beat, but Diana’s version is in her own style. As for “What are you Doing New Years Eve”, I think Harry Connick Jr’s version is far more subtle and therefore superior. “Christmas Time is Here” is a stocking filler. But if you’re fond of Diana and want a new seasonal album to add to your collection you can’t go far wrong.

Christmas Songs - a review, 31 Dec 2005
When i heard that Diana Krall had recorded an album of Christmas songs i approached it with great reservations - but how wrong i was.This album has the Christmas spirit literally bursting from every track.The picks of the album are the up-tempo big band numbers that are quite simply a joy to listen to."santa Claus is coming to town" is easliy the best version i have heard with it's lustrous brass arrangements and Diana's joyous swinging vocals."Jingle bells" and "Sleigh Ride" get the same treatment but there is a gentle and slightly melancholy side to the album with the "christmas song" and "white Christmas" with Diana's dreamy vocals proving the perfect foil to the cheery up-tempo numbers.Forget all the pop compilation Christmas albums and plump for this one alone because it is quite simply the best.

Disappointing, 17 Nov 2008
I'd been really looking forward to this release, unfortunately I have to say it's the worst of Damon Albarn's career.

I was equally disappointed with the opera itself, which I saw last weekend. A few parts were very very good, but on the whole it's really dull.

Quite interesting, incidentally ... (6/10), 11 Sep 2008
I have been a keen advoate of all things Damon Albarn post-Graham Coxon (i.e., Blur's `Think Tank` and beyond) so was understandably quite excited by the album release of `Monkey, Journey to the West`. I had not seen the Chinese opera-spectacular which this album scores but I didn't let that dissuade me from pre-ordering this one from Amazon. What I hadn't realised was that this 22-song collection largely comprises incidental compositions from the opera and doesn't stand up as an album in its own right. Unless you have seen the opera - in which case this might make a compelling souvenir - I feel duty-bound to warn you not to expect something on the scale of other Albarn side-projects such as Gorillaz' `Demon Days`, `Mali Music` or `The Good, the Bad and the Queen`.

There are handfull of lovely individual songs - particularly the Himalayan Kate Bushisms of `Heavenly Peach Blanket' - but the majority are sonic doodles of varying interest. Predominantly comprising synths and drum machines, fleshed out with guitar, harp and strings, some are diverting enough - even narrational - in their own right, but most score some unseen action intelligable only to those who have seen the production. The effect is sometimes frustratingly akin to being stuck in a theatre foyer ticketless while the action gets underway without you in the audience. And unlike a traditional opera, the music seems rather secondary - or at least only complementary to - the action on stage, rather than the other way around. As a souvenir, it's an attractive package, but I've never been a fan of Jamie Hewlett's artwork - Gorillaz for me was always just about the music.

good but great?, 03 Sep 2008
is this any good, yes. would it be any good without damon albarns name on it? yes but surely wouldn't make the light of day on western charts. its a great opeara score and the good thing is even without having seen the show, its easy to imagine how track names complement the music.. worth buying, still undecided.

A beautiful banquet for the ears, 03 Sep 2008
Just received the album this morning, and on the first listen I am taken to a different world of sounds, which spark so many emotions. I feel as if I am traveling with monkey and his pals.

I haven't seen the opera, but this certainly gives me a private peek into how this amazing project came together!!! Good work boys!

could try harder, 02 Sep 2008
Well, there is no doubt Monkey at the Royal Opera House was one of the events of summer 08 in London and I went and was certainly entertained. As a spectacle I think the whole thing came together and there should have been a DVD. Many would like to have seen this who didn't get an opportunity - rather exclusive compared to Gorillaz. So, the music. Does it stand up? Just about. Unlike Gorillaz and Good, Bad Queen you can really hear the joins in this. It's not the production, which is quite masterful. There's electronica, choirs singing in large spaces, brass, trad Chinese instruments etc. all vying for a place in the mix and I feel this works. You could use this CD to show off your hifi for sure. But I hear all the joins in the musical composition (sorry Damon!): there are vocal melodies directly parallel to what you hear on Good, Bad, Queen (Albarn trademark or DNA I guess); the 'chinese' melodies I feel are fairly standard - sort of thing you you hear on Buddhist chant records (where they add percussion and mellotron). There is LOTS of Michael Nyman style rhythm (which is why it won't sound like Gorillaz anywhere)- particularly with orchestral 'strings'. On one track (March of the iron army) this is added to a vocal reminiscent of the score for Nevsky - so if a Nyman/Prokoviev mash up is your thing...Basically, though I want to support the whole idea of this kind of production - there's only Damon Albarn doing all these really interesting projects and, dare I make the comparison with the Beatles, very few composers are able to imagine things that reach such a broad cross-section of the public - I like the idea of the blue rinse set listening to Good Bad Queen and buying art by the 'zombie flesh eaters'!

Undoubtedly the best Frank Sinatra compilation available!, 29 Mar 2008
This is an excellent update of the previously released "My Way: The Best pf Frank Sinatra": the record company have added a whole new CD! The single album was already terrific value for money, containing as it did Frank's best loved and most well known songs but the addition of the extra CD has made this an indispensable album for anyone wanting to add some Frank Sinatra to their CD collection - it just beats all the other competition clean out of sight!

If Sinatra fun, gotta have this one!, 20 Jan 2008
Definitely this double album is one of the best compilations of an artist. This double CD contains some of the best song recordings of Frank, and includes all of his best songs, in just the right price. "Something Stupid" sang with his daughter Nancy, was to me a very pleasant surprised, as i never heard this recording before. Seriously, people who are not fun of Sinatra or 60s music of this kind, did not complain listening to both CDs playing one after the other ;)


The best 'best of'.........., 11 Aug 2007
I've had this cd for a while now, it's one I listen to when I want to relax (along with Andrea Bocelli).

I got this purely based on the songs I saw featured & the fact that I reliased my musical taste was changing fast. I played this a lot over Christmas & it really helped me chill out - c'mon girls, you all know what Christmas is like for the lady of the house!!!! *:-D

I'd recommend this album to anyone - especially if it's the only Frank Sinatra cd you plan on buying - it's definately got the 'best of' on this 'best of....' which is unusual (most fo the time it's random & you like a few of the 'best of' tracks!)

Highly recommended CD!

Frank's Way, 14 Jul 2007
My Way: The Best Of Frank Sinatra collects together all of his hits from the Reprise years. But that is not all, most of Frank's best known songs are here as well. Masterpieces such as I've Got You Under My Skin, I Get A Kick Out Of You, Come Fly With Me etc. But these Capitol era classics are all re-recordings from albums such as Sinatra's Sinatra, Sinatra and Swingin' Brass etc. So if your looking for the original Capitol pieces your best bet is the excellent Platinum Collection or all his great albums from that period. However these re-recordings are still pretty good. Nelson Riddle tweaks his arrangement for Under My Skin and Neal Hefti comes up with some briilant arrangements for I Get A Kick Out Of You and Pennies From Heaven matching or prehaps even bettering the orignals. This album is a great intro to Sinatra giving you all his hits on two discs. If your already a fan chances are you already own most of these recordings. If not then this is a great way to get them all. While the re-recordings may not be to everyone's taste it's still a good album. However I do feel that some songs have been missed out, I personally would have liked to have seen more of the Sinatra-Basie albums (represented here by The Best Is Yet To Come and Pennies From Hevean). Prehaps if Reprise had collaborated with Capitol (as they did with the Romance 2 disc cd) then the album would have felt more definitive.

Disappointing, sluggish versions!!!, 04 Jul 2007
When I first looked at the list of songs you get on this double CD album I was really impressed. I didn't think I could go wrong with so many classics included. But..... I have just listened to it (I received it this morning) and I'm afraid I am going to list it on Ebay straight away. I was expecting to get an album with all original recordings but unfortunately it is a collection of half-hearted versions. I was expecting the 'full of life' and 'uplifting' ones you hear, say, on the adverts on telly. Oh no! The versions on this album are far from likely to put a spring in your step. The orchestra seems to drown out Sinatra's voice in almost every track and I was particularly disappointed with 'Mack the Knife' which is my favourite. It usually never fails to make my toe tap away but this time it just made me feel a bit sleepy and bored. Like I said before - nice track list, but they're all a bit lifeless. I am now off to buy his other 'Best of' album from 1997. Wish me luck!?!

If you're sick of "Slade" and Wizzard", give this a go!!, 26 Oct 2007
This is my favourite Christmas CD, it has something for everyone! It's the perfect antidote for the tired old tunes that everyone plays at Christmas (if I hear "I wish it could be Christmas every day" one more time I won't be responsible for my actions), the highlights being "Zat you Santa Claus?" by Louis Armstrong and "Silent Night" by Dinah Washington.
Give it a go and you won't be disappointed, especially at this price!!

A nice Christmas collection, 10 Nov 2004
My wife and I enjoy this collection. There is a little traditional, a little modern, some soulful, some fun. A relaxing mix of music to settle down with.

Simply the best and a bargain, 26 Feb 2008
I have owned this CD for more than 3 years and it is still the best Buble has ever done. I saw him sing most of the tracks at Ronnie Scotts and even now my friends accompanying me that night still talk fondly of the occasion. At this bargain price (feb 2008) you cannot afford to be without it. Everyone will ask you who is singing it. It is just wonderful music. All the songs are beautifully arranged and exceptionally well sung. I listen to it again and again without tiring of it.

Bringing jazz and swing to a new generation!, 04 Feb 2008
As an eighteen year old girl from North London it's not very often i hear jazz or swing music, and to be honest i had never even bothered before. When this album was first released i heard it at a dance class i attended and it got me hooked on Michael Buble and jazz and swing as entire genres of music.
The orchesteral arrangements are good but the outstanding quality of Michael Buble's voice is what sold it to me. He has great phrasing, vocal tone and a fantastic, emotional delivery which makes you feel like every word is being sung to you alone. His voice gives me goosebumps and makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
After buying this CD i began listening to the true legends such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, and in my opinion Michael Buble matches both of these. I have since bought his other albums and lent them to friends who too have become hooked. I could never grow tired of listening to him sing and all his albums are constantly on repeat in my car. Michael Buble has delivered jazz and swing to a whole new generation!

Hooray for Bublé!, 13 Jun 2007
This is the debut album from Canadian singer Michael Buble.
It lasts 49 minutes in total, and has 13 songs:
1. FEVER.
Buble's cover of Peggy lee's cover of Little Willie John's song {!}
The song begins with a double bass {always a good sign!} then builds into a big band stomper! 10/10.
2. MOONDANCE.
Buble's version of Van Morrisons 70's hit.
Possibly the best song on the album. The music alone is fabulous, Buble's vocals make it even better! 10/10.
3. KISSING A FOOL.
Buble's cover of George Michaels song.
Great use of the piano 9/10.
4. FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE.
Buble's version of Stevie Wonders song. Slower than his version, but equally as good {if not better!} 10/10.
5. HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART.
Buble's cover of The Bee Gees hit - 8/10.
6. SUMMER WIND.
Buble's version of Frank Sinatra's song.
This song reminds me of MACK THE KNIFE, great saxophone solo - 9/10.
7. YOULL NEVER FIND A LOVE LIKE MINE.
Buble's cover of the song first sung by Lou Rawls.
It has an aura of a James Bond song about it! good backing vocals - 9/10.
8. CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE.
Buble's version of the Queen song.
Its fab & totally different to the original - 10/10.
9. PUT YOUR HEAD ON MY SHOULDER.
Buble's cover of Paul Ankas song.
Romantic & tender, a totally relaxing song - 10/10.
10. SWAY.
Buble's version of the Dean Martin song.
Sensational! 10/10.
11. THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT.
Buble's superb cover of the Frank Sinatra song - 10/10.
12. COME FLY WITH ME.
Buble's version of the Frank Sinatra song.
Buble was born to sing this song - 10/10.
13. THATS ALL.
Buble's cover of the Frank Sinatra song.
Sexy! 10/10.

I bought this album after hearing Torvill and Dean dance to Buble's version of MOONDANCE on ITV 1. The song was stuck in my head for days!

If you or someone you know adores the big band sound, or you're just a fan of great music, then this album is for you.
Buble makes all the songs on this album his own, and even people who are'nt fond of the Rat Pack sound will undoubtedly be converted!

A perfect valentines day / anniversary gift,

Utterly fabulous!


relax relax, 08 Nov 2006
this is one cd that you can totally relax and unwind to.there is not one song that is not brilliant.i heard this cd while on holiday in spain in july o6. as soon as i came back i searched the net for it.certainly a cd that all ages can listen to.BRILLIANT.

Most enjoyable singer, 24 Feb 2006
This is my second MB CD - awesome! He is excellent in his phrasing, vocal tone and delivery; he must have been practising hard whilst out at sea fishing, singing his crewmates silly! This boy's got the whole package - wow. Buy it and hear him for yourself!

play it - love it, 01 Jan 2008
The mix of music is perfect.Lulu was great and loved Valantine moon. Gave as christmas presents all round.

Great album - but not much for the long time fan, 11 Nov 2007
I can't argue with the sound of this music. It is all of the highest quality.

Tuxedo Junction always makes me smile, as do most of the other tracks. I would suggest people hunt out the three 'And Friends' albums, as I reckon they could pick those up for not much more than this best of, and have three times as much music, without missing much.

The only issue I have with this album (hence missing the fifth star) is that there is not much incentive to buy this album if you already own the three aforementioned 'And Friends' albums. A better idea would have been to do a retrospective of Jools' solo (or non Squeeze) career, which spans the best part of 25 years, thus giving more 'new' material to more people.

That said, the music is all good, and if you want to smile like a loon, and dance like one too, this album is for you!

Jools Holland Best of Friends CD/DVD, 24 Oct 2007
This is also my first Jools Holland album and I agree with the previous review Wow!! excellent music you'll love it.

what a load of excellent tunes, 18 Oct 2007
This is my first Jools Holland album, i only got it today and so far i have not stopped playing it. Excellent music, tuxedo junction is ace. I'm gonna share this with the neighbourhood so loud, i absolutely love it.
i'm going to buy more when i get paid.

Merry Christmas!, 24 Apr 2008
Diana Krall offers you an incredible revamp of some of the most famous Christmas classics with her lovingly young voice and the nice band that accompanies her will give you everything you need to spend a great Christmas :)

on the downside..., 17 Dec 2006
a lot of good things can be said of DK, she is an incredible singer and an accomplished jazz musician and composer and entertainer. i feel like injecting a little criticisim in this ever growing appreciation.. the music of DK over the time has become increasingly commercial and "polished", her concerts increasingly expensive (and yet costantly sold out). she's probably never been the type of jazz musician to play jam sessions in smoky basements, but her music now sounds so polished that it could even sound artificial, lacking any "soul", a mere commercial excercise (like a Xmas songs CD released before Xmas...). Maybe it's the bad influence of her popstar husband?
It is however a good album and if one really likes Xmas music (as, alas, does my girlfriend), than this is better than nothing.. Merry Xmas.

In a world - Class, 27 Jan 2006
A proper old fashioned Christmas album by the best thing to come out of Canada since Maple Syrup. Makes up for Celine Dion.

Have you noticed how Diana looks like a young (Avengers era) Diana Rigg.

Some seasonal cheer that’s distinctively Diana., 16 Jan 2006
I’m pleased that she has reverted to more classic jazz than her recent offerings which I haven’t enjoyed as much. I heard this in a shop before I realised it was Diana Krall and thought it was an upbeat must buy. This is very much what you expect from a Krall Christmas album. 12 Beautifully orchestrated versions of classic Christmas songs, not always my all-time-favourite versions. For example Ella’s “Sleighride” is hard to beat, but Diana’s version is in her own style. As for “What are you Doing New Years Eve”, I think Harry Connick Jr’s version is far more subtle and therefore superior. “Christmas Time is Here” is a stocking filler. But if you’re fond of Diana and want a new seasonal album to add to your collection you can’t go far wrong.

Christmas Son