Customer Reviews

Classical Gas

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Classical Gas is a bit different from the works for which Mannheim Steamroller is known. The pieces on this album have more of a jazz than classical feel to them. Interestingly, the first time I listened to this album I did not care for it. It was almost nine months before I gave it another shot, and now I really like it. Obviously expectations and frame of mind can have a large impact on how you hear something.

Although some of the other reviews for this album have not been entirely positive, I really like this CD. Classical Gas has always been one my all time favorite instrumental pieces and even though the version on this CD is not like the original I like it more. I like the sound of a full band behind Mason Williams guitar it sounds really good I think. In my opinion this CD is worth getting for Classical Gas alone but there are a few other pieces that are quite nice and enjoyable to listen to as Chanson De Claudine and Vancouber Island which are quite nice. The one track that I'm not particularly excited about is Doot-Doot, I find this piece rather annoying and boring even though I do think is pretty funny. Overall I think is a pretty good instrumental album and Classical Gas will always be the piece that Mason Williams will be remebered for no doubt.

I had no idea this was a different version of Classical Gas. (Beacause I did not read the reviews 1st) so needless to say I was dissapointed, at 1st, then after listing to this updated sound quality version I have to admit I liked it. So now I will order the other album, The Ponogragh Record, so I can have both versions.

Yes...I too bought it for Classical Gas. I only wish I had read the reviews BEFORE I bought it. I've searched years for this song only to finally find it and find that it is a poor rendition of what the original sounded like. Mason is awesome and the rest of the CD is good listening, but if you're a big Classical Gas fan like I am, spare yourself and skip this version. In the original, that guitar spoke to you, reached out and grabbed your senses, took you away to some magical place, made you want to go out and buy a guitar. Kind of like "Apache" by the Ventures, another awesome demonstration of the power and beauty of the guitar. This version of Classical Gas robs you of that appreciation.

I agree with other reviewers that this version of _Classical Gas_ is very VERY disappointing.

It is NOT the version you hear on the radio, and yes, the orchestra completely overpowers the guitar, which is scarcely heard at all save for the very beginning! There's too much funky electronic sound added that does nothing for the work (or any of the other songs on the album for that matter) and if anything subtract substantially from the beauty of the music.

I am learning guitar myself, and my guitar instructor commented that _Classical Gas_ was pretty much "the only notable song Mason Williams ever did".

Listening to the rest of the tracks on this CD, I would be inclined to agree. They're not horrible, but they remind me very much of the kind of elevator music that used to be played on an old Houston station "KODA 99.1"

(they should have called it KOMA, since I used to listen to it in High School late at night, and it would put me to sleep...fast!)

Would suggest potential buyers skip this version and buy the older versions still available, assuming you are out to get a personal copy of the original _Classical Gas_.

I am surprised by some of the negative remarks about this cd. I bought mine years ago and the quality is impeccable. Perhaps there has been a new pressing (or whatever they do for cd's). I really liked the original Classical Gas, but I prefer this one. All the tracks are musical and pleasing. As for Tommy Emmanuel, well, I have a couple of his (and his brother Phil's) cd's, and those are definitely worth exploring. The recordings I have, however are completely different from Mason Williams' style. Now, what about the Shadows?

Like other reviewers, I got this for one reason: "Classical Gas". Disappointing. Williams has done better before. But if you want to here Classical Gas played "right", listen to TOMMY EMMANUEL's version on the album titled (oddly enough) "Classical Gas". Tommy's interpretation is stunning, adding freshness to Williams' classic.

I have always loved this CD. I know it sounds odd that it was a childhood favorite, but I was an odd child. I'm not overly familiar with Mason Williams but I've always been fond of Manheim Steamroller. If you are a Manheim Steamroller fan I would have to say this is a good choice.

i am a big fan of mason williams but i was disapionted with the cd, this version of classical gas did not meet my expectations. ive heard beter on the radio. i regret buying it...

I was disappointed with the overall quality of this cd. I have always enjoyed Mason Williams but this cd doesn't do him justice. The recording quality is poor and the sound produced is very "tinny". It sounded too much like listening to an old transistor radio. Classical Gas itself was a big disappointment. The older recordings of this were less synthesized and had more of Williams' superb playing style. It is such a great piece and this cd didn't give it the right attention. You really would do better to look for a different cd; something else with better sound quality!