Customer Reviews

Honolulu City Lights - 20th Anniversay

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

 

 

Everytime I travel to the mainland I think of Keola and Kapono's tribute to their home in "Honolulu City Lights" and "Honolulu City Lights" is the song that I recall every time I return. The Beamer Brothers are from a well known and well respected musical family in Hawai'i spanning many generations. The songs on the album tend to reflect their Hawaiian heritage and the real music of Hawai'i. For those who enjoy slack key guitar this is a must have album!

First off, I must correct amazon's listing. I believe this album was first released in 1976 and not 1987. I was finishing high school on Oahu when Keola and Kapono was starting the revival of real Hawaiian music and would go into Waikiki to listen to their show. The music still gives me chills. This is not the traditional "Haole" music but the blend of real Hawaiian spirit and Aloha with traditional and western instruments. They are great artists and their music always lifts me up.

I fell in love with "Honolulu City Lights" when it was first released in the late 70's and I was living in Hawaii. The vocal talents of Keola and Kapono struck me from the first time I heard them. Over the years, I played this album again and again. Then, true to the times, after purchasing a new stereo without a record player, I could no longer listen to my favorite of all albums. A recent trip to Honolulu renewed my interest and, much to my delight, I found the "Honolulu City Lights" CD. Six weeks later, the CD is still in my car stereo, and I listen to it every day. Twenty years has only increased my love of this album and the beautiful music the Beamer Brothers created.

The Beamer's music defines an era. A certain time - the late 1970s; and a certain place - Hawaii. I was a student at UH-Manoa during that magical period and will never forget the sights and sounds of life in peaceful Mo'iliili near the university, with the razzle-dazzle of Waikiki just a short walk, or a 25-cent bus ride, away across the Ala Wai Canal. "Honolulu City Lights" was my favorite, though I also recall endlessly humming "Kaliponi Slack Key" (also featured in the film, "Big Wednesday," which debuted in 1978). Nowadays, living in Palau and Guam, I pass through Honolulu often on my way to/from the mainland. I still hear the Beamers, even while sitting in the Honolulu airport departure area! Talk about going "mainstream." Thankfully, their music has also since been enshrined with Hawaii's finest. As it should be. A real Hawaiian treat!

I have listened to the Beamers (Keaolo and Kapono) since their days in the Territorial Tavern. Their albums bring back fond memories of my days in Hawai'i, but Honolulu City Lights nearly moves me to tears. This is a great album with not one bad cut.

Honolulu City Lights is THE BEST Hawaiian music collection of all time. The Beamer Brothers are in top form here. Every song is beautiful, enchanting, endearing and makes you long to return to the islands. When you visit Hawaii, listen to the music in the background at all the fancy hotels- it comes from this album.

Auwe! Review which said this wasn't the right song must have wrong title. this was written by Keola, sung by him & brother Kapono, not Kapolo! It's a love song for Honolulu, brings bittersweet memories of her charms. Any music with either is guaranteed quality. I left my heart in Honolulu, but have music to remember her.

I first heard this on a visit to Honolulu in 1980 - I was blown away (to use a term from the time). It is possibly the most mellow album ever recorded and never fails to relax me and put me an island mood. The Beamer brothers voices are warm and fluid, the slack key guitar vivid and soothing at the same time. I transferred the music to a cassette tape, which I listened to for years. On a 2006 visit to a Honolulu shop, I found the 20th anniversary CD, along with a note saying this had been honored as one of the best Hawaiian albums of all time. I agree. I still listen to it in my car. Mahalo, Beamer brothers!

I bought this CD because the last track, "Only Good Times," was featured in the movie "Big Wednesday." While at first I was piqued to discover the rest of the album was not in the same style as that particular song, I nevertheless grew to enjoy "City Lights." The sentiment of the songs is pure. You'll be put at ease by the restful mood of the Beamer brothers' slack-key guitar sounds.

I was so excited when I got my order. We are going back to Hawaii for a visit and this particular song hold a specisl place in my heart. Sad to say I ordered 3 CD's and NONE of them would play. Will return for 3 new ones.