Two Miles High Music

Keeping the fires burning, the Five Americans followed up their thumping garage/frat-rock classic, "I See the Light," with a jangling chart-topper, "Western Union," and a 1967 album of the same name, chock-full of harmony-laced rockers just as hot. The Dallas (by way of Oklahoma) quintet were equally at home on powerhouse covers as they were on their own steamy originals. From the original Abnak Records stereo masters.

Once upon a time, before a certain cable network began making instant stars of demographically-correct groups who'd never performed live, bands learned the ropes from the bottom up. They played teen dances and local clubs, released a local hit or two, then broke nationally, honing their writing and performing skills in the process. Quite often, the results were devastatingly effective. All of which is why the Five Americans have always been one of our fave bands. And we have here all the evidence necessary to prove our case in court.

Few pop smashes can be instantly identified by something as deceptively simple as the 'Dit-dit-dit-dah-dit' staccato keyboard hook introducing the Five Americans' '67 hit 'Western Union.' To celebrate the Sundazed purchase of the entire Abnak tape vault, here's a stomping Five Americans compendium assembled with the band's full participation. With 25 smash tracks, it's the very best of this groovy Dallas garage-frat combo, including chart-toppers like 'Western Union,' 'I See The Light,' 'Sound Of Love,' 'Zip Code,' and memorabilia galore! All tracks recorded 1965-1969. Includes two previously unissued tracks, 'You Can't Win' & 'Letters, Pictures, Melodies'. 2003.

OK horn fans, here it is…one the world’s esteemed chamber groups teams up with one of the world’s most storied horn sections for a CD that is-literally and figuratively-a blast! This recording is by any measure a virtuoso performance; these nine guys, all gifted in their own right, combine their talents to create an end result that is nothing short of breathtaking. From commissioned works to clever arrangements, the American Horn Quartet and the Horns of the New York Philharmonic tear through this music with a verve and flair rarely heard these days. In short, if you’re a fan of the horn, you must have this recording!

The hits kept on coming from heroic Dallas fivesome the Five Americans with their third longplayer, 1968’s Progressions. Both "Zip Code" and "Evol–Not Love" careened up the charts as the Five Americans squared off on live stages throughout the Deep South with the Doors and Jefferson Airplane— and more than held their own against the best American rock ’n’ roll had to offer. From the original Abnak Records stereo masters.

American Idol: Season 5 Encores features the top 12 finalists singing their best performances from this season. Rocker Chris Daughtry offers his take on Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive." Kellie Pickler contributes her special version of Patsy Cline's "Walkin' After Midnight." And, Taylor Hicks sings the classic Doobie Brothers hit "Takin' It to the Streets."

The rumors were true--as a showcase for raw vocal chops, American Idol has gotten better every season. The good news for buyers of American Idol Season 5 Encores, then, is that to a one, each of the dozen tracks collected here is easy on the ears: Kellie Pickler's Patsy Cline re-do, "Walkin' After Midnight," clip-clops along with a pleasing North Carolina sweetness. Melissa McGhee proves she was voted off too early with the belt-a-holic opener "What About Love," and Kevin Covais makes a case for his inclusion on a future Disney soundtrack with the wistful "When I Fall in Love." If this disc launches thousands Web discussions, though--and it probably already has--it'll be for its final-fiver selections. Paris Bennett's "Midnight Train to Georgia" singlehandedly snaps preconceived notions about the show's talent caliber, even if you're not familiar with the spunky 17-year-old singing it. Chris Daughtry's "Wanted Dead or Alive" may not have a lot on Bon Jovi's version, but it showcases his rock-god pipes to maximum benefit. By far the best vocal arrives on track nine, though: Elliott Yamin's "Moody's Mood for Love" outshines everything around it. If Taylor Hicks fans are pleased with his straightforward, husky-voiced rendition of "Takin' it to the Streets" here, chances are they're equally glad he was handed the crown. But for some, Elliott's track may be strong enough to incite cries for a first-ever AI recount. --Tammy La Gorce

Pete Seeger's life, music, and legacy encapsulate nearly a century of American history and culture. He has immersed himself in folk music and used it, like Johnny Appleseed, to "plant the seeds of a better tomorrow in the homes across our land." The songs in this collection of 139 American Favorite Ballads narrate tales of ordinary people and their extraordinary deeds, and show Pete at the crossroads of the past and the future putting his own stamp on America's folk song heritage while bequeathing it to generations to come. 5 CDs, each with its own booklet of extensive notes, nearly 6 hours of music!