Hine

The third and last album by Rupert Hine under the disguise of the ghost group Thinkman, Hard Hat Zone walks away from the subjects of media manipulation and information games…

The third and last album by Rupert Hine under the disguise of the ghost group Thinkman, Hard Hat Zone walks away from the subjects of media manipulation and information games. Most of the pieces, still written by Hine with lyrics by Jeannette Obstoj, deal with environmental themes, with titles like "Mother Nature's Angry" and "November Whale" being quite explicit. The tone becomes vehement but also preachy in the solemn "Take Them to the Traitors' Gate," dedicated to Prince Charles (his involvement with environmental causes was avant-gardist at a time when it was not yet fashionable). The songs don't have the impact and hook-laden melodies of those on The Formula, but the singer/producer still did a good job…

New Zealand born soprano Kiri Te Kanawa is of Maori descent. Her earliest vocal studies were with Sister Maria Leo in Auckland. She won the Melbourne Sun contest and went to London where she studied with Vera Rozsa at the London Opera Center. It was there that she first appeared on stage as the second lady in Die Zauberflöte of Mozart. In 1969, she sang Elena in Rossini's La donna del lago at the Camden Festival.

Hayley Westenra - Pure (Special Edition - 2004) (2CDs)
Classical | Easy CD-DA / Flac & Cue, No Log | Artwork included | 5 % recovery | 400 MB | RS.com
Audio CD: 15 Nov, 2004 | Label: Decca

British import version includes a bonus ECD featuring seven audio tracks and the stunning video for "Pokarekare Ana." On her debut, Hayley Westenra, a 16-year-old singing sensation from New Zealand, endures the inevitable comparisons to Charlotte Church, but it's the impression she's made that's placed her in such lofty company. And not many fledgling artists can boast of having the legendary George Martin contribute songs and arrangements to their album. PURE might be the best description of her singing - crystal clear and devoid of mannerisms. It's not simply the beauty of her voice that impresses, however, but how effectively she uses it. The precocious soprano demonstrates the poise, versatility, and musical instincts of a seasoned pro. Westenra moves gracefully through a program made up primarily of Euro - pop ballads but also includes arrangements of well - known classical melodies, as well as a pair of Maori songs. Highlights include affecting renditions of "In Trutina" from Carl Orff's 'Carmina Burana' and the traditional spiritual "Amazing Grace." And, in what might be an effort to defy easy categorization, she changes direction on the closing track, and lets loose on Kate Bush's "Wuthering Heights." Given such eclectic song choices and Westenra's impressive voice, PURE is certain to bring plenty of attention to this talented young artist.

cdwow.co.nz

Thinkman wasn't a typical band. Founded 1984 by producer Rupert Hine, he remained the only real member all along. The band first appeared on the soundtrack Better Off Dead. They were conceived as another vehicle for Hines musical ideas. This is the first of three albums recorded by Rupert Hine under the name Thinkman.

Heads Or Tales is the fifth studio album by the Canadian progressive rock band Saga and was originally released in 1983. The album was the second of the band's to be produced by 1980s producer Rupert Hine. Although it did not receive the commercial success of the previous collaboration between the band and Hine, both "The Flyer" and "Cat Walk" became respectable radio hits for the band with the album eventually securing gold status in Canada and Germany.