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November 2005
Look for "Rick's Pick" 
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| CLASSICAL |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Symphony no. 9 in E minor (The New World); Symphony No. 2 |
| Label: |
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Telarc
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Composer:
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Antonin Dvorak; Bohuslav Martinu |
| Performer: |
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Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra/Jarvi |
| ISBN: |
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9786309602947 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309602942 |
| UPC: |
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00089408061622 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTELA80616 |
| Cat.#: |
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CD-80616 |
| Period: |
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Romantic/20th Century |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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I know, I know -- you think you already own enough recordings of the New World Symphony. And you're probably right. But man, you should hear the Cincinnati SO with Paavo Jarvi. And the pairing with the Martinu piece is perfect. So you really should consider investing eighteen bucks of your meager budget in yet another performance of this potboiler. Seriously. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Symphony no. 2; Hungarian Dances |
| Label: |
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Naxos
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Composer:
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Johannes Brahms |
| Performer: |
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London Philharmonic Orchestra/Marin Alsop |
| ISBN: |
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9786309614940 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309614940 |
| UPC: |
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00747313242924 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNAXO8557429 |
| Cat.#: |
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8.557429 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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It is absolutely true that we need more women conductors, and there are those who would tell you that that's reason enough to buy the latest from Marin Alsop with the London Phil. What I'll tell you is that you should buy it because the orchestra plays with creamy perfection and Alsop leads them with a firm but supple hand. The sound is great and the disc is cheap. Why are you still reading this? (RA) |
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| $33.99 |
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| Title: |
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Madrigali Libri 1-3 |
| Label: |
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CPO
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Composer:
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Carlo Gesualdo |
| Performer: |
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Gesualdo Consort Amsterdam/van der Kamp |
| ISBN: |
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9786309625823 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309625829 |
| UPC: |
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00761203713820 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNAXO777138 |
| Cat.#: |
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777 138-2 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Carlo Gesualdo is one of the strangest, most impressive and most tragic figures of the Italian Renaissance. A nobleman of stunning musical talent, but at the same time a deeply emotionally and mentally disturbed man, he wrote vocal music of a chromatic complexity that was quite out of place in its time. His madrigals and lamentation settings are among the most unusual and beautiful ever written. These two discs bring together the frist three books of Gesdualdo's madrigals, in richly expressive performances by the excellent Gesualdo Consort Amsterdam. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Sacred Music |
| Label: |
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Dynamic (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Claudio Monteverdi |
| Performer: |
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World Chamber Choir; Ensemble Concerto/Gini |
| ISBN: |
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9786309619600 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309619608 |
| UPC: |
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00675754858629 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDDYNA491 |
| Cat.#: |
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CDS 491/1-2 |
| Period: |
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Late Renaissance/Early Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Claudio Monteverdi is perhaps the single most important figure in the transition period between Renaissance and baroque music. His sacred music is still performed and recorded on a regular basis today, and as this splendid recording demonstrates, there are still treasures to be found and recorded among his unpublished work. This two-disc set of motets and cantatas includes two world-premier recordings, the Gloria a otto voci and Confitebor a 4; everything is performed very well, if not always absolutely perfectly, and the sound quality is very good. Despite the rather high price, this important recording should be seriously considered for all classical collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Te Deum; Grand Office des Morts |
| Label: |
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Virgin Classics
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Composer:
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Marc-Antoine Charpentier |
| Performer: |
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Les Arts Florissants/Christie |
| ISBN: |
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9786309654212 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309654217 |
| UPC: |
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00724354573323 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDVIRG45733B |
| Cat.#: |
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5 45733 2 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Man. No one did big, lavish, fancy-schmancy ceremonial music like Charpentier, and very few groups can play and sing Charpentier with the kind of panache and elegance shown by the wonderful Les Arts Florissants under the direction of William Christie. What's billed here as the Grand Office des Morts is a modern liturgical reconstruction that includes two of the composer's Messes pour les Trepasses a 8, along with his Prose des Morts. The performances are splendid and the sound quality wonderful. Very highly recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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23 Canzone |
| Label: |
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Hungaroton (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Pietro Lappi |
| Performer: |
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Sonatores Pannoniae |
| ISBN: |
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9786309620330 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309620339 |
| UPC: |
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00675754862626 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHUGR32295 |
| Cat.#: |
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HCD 32295 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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I have mixed feelings about recommending this disc. On the one hand, the content is highly valuable -- 23 previously unrecorded ceremonial canzone by the obscure (but wonderful) Florentine composer Pietro Lappi. On the other hand, the performances leave a little something to be desired -- accuracy of intonation, mainly. The cornets never seem to be quite in tune with the organ, and the sackbutts are never quite in tune with each other. But for academic purposes, this recording is well worth acquiring. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Quadrivium: Motets. Vol. 1 |
| Label: |
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Glossa (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Guillaume Dufay |
| Performer: |
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Cantica Symphonia |
| ISBN: |
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9786309620170 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309620177 |
| UPC: |
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00675754857028 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDGLSA31902 |
| Cat.#: |
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GCD P31902 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Musicologists will enjoy Guido Magnano's 16-page exposition on Pythagorean music theory and its application to the work of Guillaume Dufay, and hipsters will be impressed by the trendy packaging. But what will captivate listeners are the creamy blend of Cantica Symphonia's voices and the stark beauty of Dufay's polyphonic writing. The "volume 1" designation in the title is encouraging -- let's hope the group will go on to record all of Dufay's motets. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Stella Maris |
| Label: |
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ECM
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Composer:
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Various; Sungji Hong |
| Performer: |
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Trio Mediaeval |
| ISBN: |
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9786309599889 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309599887 |
| UPC: |
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00028947630210 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B000505702 |
| Cat.#: |
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1929 |
| Period: |
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Medieval/Modern |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This very lovely vocal program by the Norwegian women's ensemble Trio Mediaeval opens with selections from 12th- and 13th-century England, followed by a commissioned three-voice mass written for the group by Sungji Hong. Hong's work is deeply influenced by music of the same period as that which produced the motet and conducti of the first section, but is also clearly a product of the 21st century. Everything here is exceptionally beautiful, and should be seriously considered for any classical collection. (RA) |
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| COUNTRY/FOLK |
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| $14.98 |
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| Title: |
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Out of this World |
| Label: |
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Spinning Records/Goldenrod
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Artist:
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Libana |
| Performer: |
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Libana |
| ISBN: |
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9786309277176 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309277170 |
| UPC: |
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00827322906724 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSPNG6 |
| Cat.#: |
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Spinning 006 |
| Period: |
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Various |
| Genre: |
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New Age Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Even though they have been together for 25 years, most people have not yet heard of Libana, a group comprised of seven women from the Boston area. Libana sings traditional songs by and about women from all over the world. Out of this World is a live album that features music from South Africa, Bulgaria, and many other countries. The women sing and accompany themselves on a variety of traditional instruments and the effect is often spellbinding. This music is wrongly classed as "new age" but in actuality, is serious folk music and belongs in any modern folk collection. (JM) |
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| Title: |
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American Primitive: Volume 2 Pre-War Revenants 1897-1939 |
| Label: |
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Revenant
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786309617842 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309617842 |
| UPC: |
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00630814021429 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDREVN214 |
| Cat.#: |
|
214 |
| Genre: |
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Folk |
| Release type: |
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Compilation (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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The long-awaited follow-up to American Primitive Volume 1: Raw and Rare Gospel is a stunning collection of blues, gospel, country, and the utterly unclassifiable. The music, recorded between 1897 and 1939, ranges from strange curiosities to the transcendent, while some cuts manage to be both. Although some recordings are fairly frequently compiled, the emphasis is on the unknown--mysterious artists who disappeared into the darkness after recording. Thus, many tracks will be new to even the biggest roots music fans. The only quibble is that even the most careful patrons are going to smudge and scratch these CDs if left in the original packaging. A classic. (SM) |
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| Title: |
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Crossing The Tracks |
| Label: |
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Rounder
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Artist:
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Bela Fleck |
| ISBN: |
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9786309636461 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309636464 |
| UPC: |
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00011661012127 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECD116 6101212 |
| Cat.#: |
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11661-0121-2 |
| Genre: |
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Bluegrass/Jazz |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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This is where it all started, folks. "It all" meaning, of course, the emergence of the fingerpicked five-string banjo as a genuine vehicle for jazz. Not that Bela Fleck's debut solo album (originally issued in 1980) was that wild and crazy in and of itself -- yes, he recorded "Spain," but most of the album was much closer to straight-ahead bluegrass -- but it was the starting point for a pretty wild, crazy and rewarding career. As is often the case with these Rounder reissues, the full-line pricing is a bit hard to justify in the absence of new content, but this album is essential nonetheless. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Cornbread Nation |
| Label: |
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Sugar Hill
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Artist:
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Tim O'Brien |
| ISBN: |
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9786309572325 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309572326 |
| UPC: |
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00015891400525 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSUGA4005 |
| Cat.#: |
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SUG-CD-4006 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Anyone familiar with modern folk music knows that West Virginia native Tim O'Brien is one modern folk's finest. On his latest release, he dips back into traditional tunes like "Foggy, Foggy Dew" and "House of the Rising Sun" which is rendered as a slow country ballad. O'Brien also deals with modern themes like love on the internet in "Running Out of Memory" (which is performed in a traditional bluegrass style) and a soulful, yet funky rendition of Harlan Howard's classic "Busted." This CD is a delight and shows the versality of this ackomplished folk artist. (JM) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Let 'em Run |
| Label: |
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Red House (dist. Koch)
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Artist:
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The Bills |
| ISBN: |
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9786309209719 |
| ISBN-10: |
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630920971X |
| UPC: |
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00033651018629 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDKHI RHR186 |
| Cat.#: |
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RHR CD 186 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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You might think when you first hear The Bills third CD release Let Em Run that you were listening to old bluegrass, country and folk standards. The truth is that aside from a sensual rendering of "Stardust," all the tunes are originals. The Bills have perfected the art of composing songs in various musical genres and making them sound traditional. This is an exciting CD with first-rate instrumentation, excellent vocal arrangements and just darn good songwriting. If The Bills music continues to deliver this level of quality and sheer energy, their future in modern folk music will be established. Their hybrid stylings are interesting to any musician and just plain fun. (JM) |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Old Time Mountain Banjo |
| Label: |
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County
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786309584601 |
| ISBN-10: |
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630958460X |
| UPC: |
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00009001353320 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCTYR3533 |
| Cat.#: |
|
3533 |
| Period: |
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1920s - 1930s |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
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An expanded CD edition of an old County LP, this is something every old-time country or folk fan will (or should!) want to get their hands on. Expertly compiled, the CD contains a wide variety of banjo styles played by performers of the 1920 and 1930s, well-known and obscure. Typical of work by the fine folks at County Records, the notes, the sound--the whole package--is exemplary. (SM) |
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| $30.98 |
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| Title: |
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Chronicles: Guitar Town; Exit 0; Copperhead Road |
| Label: |
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MCA
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Artist:
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Steve Earle |
| ISBN: |
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9786309635518 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309635514 |
| UPC: |
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00602498834305 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B000501502 |
| Cat.#: |
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B0005015-02 |
| Genre: |
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Country Rock |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set (3-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Like the John Hiatt box recommended below, this one brings together two excellent albums with one pretty good album in a no-frills, three-for-the-price-of-two box set. If you already have these three albums separately, there's nothing new included here to make this set any more definitive than the single discs -- but if you want to quickly and cheaply beef up your coverage of one of country music's most distinctive and talented voices, here's your chance. (RA) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Dream Big |
| Label: |
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Capitol Nashville
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Artist:
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Ryan Shupe & the Rubberband |
| ISBN: |
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9786309575630 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309575635 |
| UPC: |
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00094633736924 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCAP 37369B |
| Cat.#: |
|
37369 |
| Genre: |
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Country/ Folk |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Ryan Shupe & the Rubberband have crafted a unique sound that matches deft musicianship with clever lyrics. Imagine New Grass Revival writing tunes with NRBQ, and you start to get the picture. Stylistically their music incorporates bluegrass, pop, reggae, and country, with lots of fuzzy room in between. They can be delightfully silly, as in the opening track “Banjo Boy,” about a near-superstar doomed because his axe of choice is the banjo. This one’s hard to pigeonhole, but the chops are excellent, the songwriting’s polished, and it’s all delivered with an infectious zeal. (GH) |
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| JAZZ |
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| Title: |
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Complete Village Vanguard Recordings, 1961 |
| Label: |
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Riverside Records/Concord Jazz
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Artist:
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Bill Evans |
| ISBN: |
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9786309623904 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309623907 |
| UPC: |
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00025218444323 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRVSD4443 |
| Cat.#: |
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3RCD-4443-2 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set (3-discs) |
| Comments: |
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This new set contains every recorded note from the legendary sessions that resulted in Evans’ two albums Live at the Village Vanguard and Waltz for Debby – five sets recorded on June 25, 1961, that stand as some of the finest and most important piano music in jazz. A study in pure brilliance, Evans’ playing is romantic and expressive, while the musical relationship between Evans, bassist Scott LaFaro, and drummer Paul Motian set the standard for subtlety and cohesiveness in a closely-knit piano trio. Some of the most revered music in jazz, this disc has a timeless beauty that very few recordings have ever matched. Absolutely essential for any jazz collection. (GH) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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8 Armed Monkey |
| Label: |
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Thirsty Ear/All Saints
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Artist:
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KTU |
| ISBN: |
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9786309593054 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309593056 |
| UPC: |
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00700435716223 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTHRS57162 |
| Cat.#: |
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THI 57162.2 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz/Prog |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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I'm filing this one under Jazz even though it could go just as easily under Rock/Pop, because it's likely to appeal more to fans of avant-garde jazz than to fans of King Crimson and Kluster, the two groups whose members got together to form this experimental quartet. 8 Armed Monkey is a strange and fascinating mash-up between accordion, samples, drums and Warr guitar (a device like the Chapman Stick), which features lots of dark, ominous key signatures and dense, almost frenetic rhythmic patterns, suggesting a sort of tribal music with urban preoccupations. Two tracks are slower, but no less dark and ominous. This isn't something most people would listen to for enjoyment, but it's all pretty fascinating. (RA) |
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| $35.98 |
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| Title: |
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Complete Verve Remixed: Deluxe Box |
| Label: |
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Verve
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786309736109 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309736108 |
| UPC: |
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00602498853153 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B000543402 |
| Cat.#: |
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B0005434-02 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz/Dance |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set (4-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Always fun if not always essential, the Verve Remixed project has, over the course of three albums, unleashed modern DJs and producers on material from the Verve label's capacious catalog of vintage jazz recordings, resulting in all kinds of house, dub and techno reworkings of classic jazz by the likes of Anita O'Day, Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, Ramsey lewis and Archie Shepp. This package brings together those three albums along with a bonus disc of previously unreleased content at a budget-line price. Recommended to libraries that didn't pick up the albums when they were released separately. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Bird On A Wire |
| Label: |
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Original Cast Records
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Artist:
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Joan Crowe |
| ISBN: |
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9786309283009 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309283006 |
| UPC: |
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00825346870328 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDORCA8703 |
| Cat.#: |
|
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| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This is an unusually eclectic set for a jazz album -- everything from a Beatles cover to standards to funky modern pop to a bluesy original. What holds it all together is Joan Crowe's warm, elegant but unpretentious voice, which is never anything less that a complete pleasure. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Imaginacion |
| Label: |
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Torii
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Artist:
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Bill Cunliffe |
| ISBN: |
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9786309376527 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309376527 |
| UPC: |
|
00822621000524 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTOR 5 |
| Cat.#: |
|
5 |
| Genre: |
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Latin Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This is a consistently enjoyable, high-energy set of Afro-Cuban jazz from a very fine pianist, composer and arranger. Cunliffe is showing off his eclecticism a bit here, what with the Steely Dan number and the song from Willy Wonka, and good for him. His ten-piece band is big enough to make his arrangements sound rich and bold, but not big enough to slow them down or make them sludgy. Recommended to all jazz collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Thelonius Monk Quartet With John Coltrane At Carnegie Hall |
| Label: |
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Blue Note
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Artist:
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Thelonious Monk |
| ISBN: |
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9786309634344 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309634348 |
| UPC: |
|
00094633517325 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDBNOT35173B |
| Cat.#: |
|
35173 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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If you've been paying any attention at all to the jazz press over the last couple of months, then you've been hearing all about this gem of a discovery -- a beautifully recorded, cleanly (if inadvertently) preserved tape of two sets played in 1957 by the Thelonious Monk Quartet, featuring tenor saxophonist John Coltrane. But if you don't care about the really quite staggering historical import of this recording, then just buy it because it's one of the richest and most enjoyable documents of post-bop jazz you're likely to come across in any ten-year period. Both Monk and Trane are in top form, and the sound is amazingly good. Absolutely essential for all jazz collections. (RA) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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The Small Hours |
| Label: |
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United One (dist. Qualiton)
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Artist:
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Andrea Wolper |
| ISBN: |
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9786309621221 |
| ISBN-10: |
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630962122X |
| UPC: |
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00675754857929 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDUNON3101 |
| Cat.#: |
|
3101 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
There's nothing strange or quirky about Andrea Wolper's warm, beautifully modulated voice -- but her arrangements? Those are something else again, from her torchy, dreamy ballad setting of "Dancing on the Ceiling" to her elaborately slow take on Van Morrison's "Crazy Love." The mood throughout the program is slow and sensuous, with only a couple of midtempo interludes to break the spell. Very nice. (RA) |
|
|
| ROCK/POP |
|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Retrospective 1995-2005 [Limited Edition] |
| Label: |
|
Rhino
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Natalie Merchant |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309497123 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
630949712X |
| UPC: |
|
00081227312220 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDRHINE73122 |
| Cat.#: |
|
R2 73122 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Merchant’s post-10,000 Maniacs career has been marked by well-crafted albums highlighted by Merchant’s unmistakable vocals and intelligent lyrics. Her most recent work has included a foray into traditional folk music, all filtered through Merchant’s singular performance style and unwavering dedication to her own muse. Rhino’s two-disc retrospective includes one CD of material from her four studio albums, plus an additional disc of rarities, outtakes, and unreleased material. Taken together, this offers a fine overview of Merchant’s career. Recommended. (GH). |
|
|
 |
| |
| $29.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
The London Howlin' Wolf Sessions: Deluxe Edition |
| Label: |
|
MCA/Chess
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Howlin' Wolf |
| ISBN: |
|
9786307414429 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6307414421 |
| UPC: |
|
00008811298524 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECD088 1129852 |
| Cat.#: |
|
0088 112 985-2 |
| Genre: |
|
Blues Music |
| Release type: |
|
Reissue (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
This one's a bit older than what we usually cover here at CDHL, but it escaped my notice when it was originally issued in 2002, and I think it's worth bringing to everyone's attention. This summit meeting between Howlin' Wolf, Eric Clapton, Hubert Sumlin and the Rolling Stones' rhythm section has been slagged both by the press and some of its participants, but I confess to having enjoyed it for years. Naysayers notwithstanding, I think this version of "Rockin' Daddy" is thrilling, and even the painfully awkward false start (and ensuing dialogue) on "Little Red Rooster" is charming. Unfortunately, the bonus disc adds only alternate mixes and outtakes, no new songs. But the reissue is still very welcome. C'mon, who are you going to believe, me or Eric Clapton? (Don't answer that.) (RA) |
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|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Talking Heads DualDisc Brick |
| Label: |
|
Rhino
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Talking Heads |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309652928 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309652923 |
| UPC: |
|
00081227472221 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BEDFRHIN74722 |
| Cat.#: |
|
74722 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
|
Boxed Set (8-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Now granted, the packaging is something of a low-grade disaster as far as libraries are concerned (white spines with no titles + artsy postcard inserts = deep shelving annoyance). But the content is brilliant: all eight of Talking Heads' studio albums, each of them remastered and expanded with bonus tracks, and each disc featuring a DVD side with a Dolby 5.1 stereo mix of the album, live video and other multimedia goodies. If you've been wondering what's been taking Rhino so long -- they've have control of this content for years --you can now stop wondering and snatch this box set up immediately. No pop collection should be without this excellent set. (RA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $30.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Chronicles: Bring the Family; Slow Turning; Stolen Moments |
| Label: |
|
A&M
|
|
Artist:
|
|
John Hiatt |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309635549 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309635549 |
| UPC: |
|
00602498825761 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDUMG B000483202 |
| Cat.#: |
|
B0004832-02 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock |
| Release type: |
|
Boxed Set (3-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
If your library doesn't already own these three classic John Hiatt titles, then consider picking up this low-budget threefer -- there's nothing extra and no frills, just the original discs thrown into a box with the three original insert pamphlets, at a three-for-two price. But the package offers a perfect John Hiatt sonata: the utterly brilliant Bring the Family followed by the so-so Slow Turning, finished off with the very good Stolen Moments. Rootsy, wry, warm singer-songwriter fare for the just-over-40 set. (RA) |
|
|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Pure Genius: The Complete Atlantic Recordings, 1952-1959 |
| Label: |
|
Atlantic/Q Records
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Ray Charles |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309631473 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309631470 |
| UPC: |
|
00081227473129 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDATL 74731 |
| Cat.#: |
|
74731 |
| Genre: |
|
Rhythm & Blues/Jazz/Soul |
| Release type: |
|
Boxed Set (8-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Charles’ tenure with Atlantic (1952-59) is one of brilliance and a dazzlingly innovate creativity; it documents the emergence of a unique American master. Not only did Charles polish his R&B chops to perfection during the 50’s, he also showed impressive jazz credentials on a series of dates with vibraphonist Milt Jackson – as pure a blend of jazz & soul as you’ll find anywhere. Everything he recorded for Atlantic is here – live dates and studio material, and some of Charles’ finest jazz, soul and R&B on record. Essential for any serious collection of American music. (GH) |
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|
 |
| |
| $15.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Red Hash |
| Label: |
|
Drag City (dist. Caroline)
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Gary Higgins |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309497437 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
630949743X |
| UPC: |
|
00781484029526 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDDRGC295 |
| Cat.#: |
|
|
| Period: |
|
1970s |
| Genre: |
|
Folk/Rock |
| Release type: |
|
Reissue |
| Comments: |
|
It's a pleasant surprise when a rare, legendary, and so-called "lost masterpiece" lives up to collector hype, and Gary Higgins's Red Hash actually exceeds expectations. Recorded in 1973 and self-released just before Higgins was sent to the hoosegow on a drug bust, Higgins's gorgeous and (gently) psychedelic folk recordings immediately sank into an undeserved oblivion. Hopefully, this reissue, along with some unexpected live shows and frequent name drops by the 'new folkies' (and you librarians!), will give Red Hash a second life. (SM) |
|
|
 |
| |
| $19.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Fun House: Deluxe Edition |
| Label: |
|
Rhino Records
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Stooges |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309532749 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
630953274X |
| UPC: |
|
00081227317522 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDRHIN73175 |
| Cat.#: |
|
R2 73175 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
|
Reissue (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Though no one would have believed you if you had claimed this in the late 60s/early 70s, the Stooges are one of the cornerstones of modern American music, and Rhino is finally giving the band the well-deserved deluxe reissue treatment. The self-titled debut album, which has also been updated, is good, but Fun House is where the original Stooges line-up perfected its sound, and the remastering and the extra disc of bonus tracks make this an essential document in rock history. (SA) |
|
|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Royal Albert Hall London, May 2-3-5-6 2005 |
| Label: |
|
Rhino
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Cream |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309637550 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
630963755X |
| UPC: |
|
00603497042128 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BEDDRV 970421 |
| Cat.#: |
|
|
| Genre: |
|
Music Video - Pop/Rock |
| Release type: |
|
New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Cream’s psychedelic blues opened doors in the late 60’s – they provided the first exposure many had to the music of Robert Johnson, Willie Dixon, and other blues greats. They also defined the power trio, and opened the doors for Led Zeppelin and slews of imitators. By all accounts, Cream was a definite musical power, and they do a remarkable job of revisiting their former glory on these explosive 2005 reunion gigs from Royal Albert Hall. Older, wizened, but not missing any chops, Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker roar through a substantial chunk of their iconic catalog on this consistently impressive two-disc outing (alas, they omit “Tales of Brave Ulysses”). Excellent sound & video production add to the value of this historic event. (GH) |
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|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Mesmerizing The Ultra |
| Label: |
|
Organic Music/Fontana
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Bassnectar |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309606006 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
630960600X |
| UPC: |
|
00874574000014 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDOGNC0001 |
| Cat.#: |
|
0001 |
| Genre: |
|
Electronica/Funk |
| Release type: |
|
New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Pop music seems to become more and more ghettoized each year (month? week?). Today's fan of "dance music" is tomorrow's deep-ambient-glitchcore snob, wrinkling his nose in disgust at those who still like hardcore-twostep-garage. So Bassnectar comes as a wonderfully catholic suprise; whether you're a fan of IDM, drum'n'bass, dub, hip hop or jungle (or maybe even -- dare we suggest it -- all of the above), you'll find plenty to love on this intelligent and generously-packed album, which features guest artists as disparate as KRS-One, Buckethead, Freq Nasty and even the always dubtastic Noam Chomsky. Brilliant. (RA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $16.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
The Pearl |
| Label: |
|
Astralwerks
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Harold Budd & Brian Eno |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309668431 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309668439 |
| UPC: |
|
00094633197626 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDATWR31976 |
| Cat.#: |
|
3 31976 2 |
| Genre: |
|
Ambient |
| Release type: |
|
Reissue |
| Comments: |
|
Virgin/Astralwerks continues its long-overdue excavation of the Brian Eno catalog with this minor gem of a recording from the tail end of his "ambient" period. It's a gorgeously soporific collaboration with pianist Harold Budd, who provides the introspective noodling around which Eno weaves synthesized filligrees and washes (all of which is given additional atmosphere by the young Daniel Lanois). Some bonus tracks would have been nice, but the remastered sound is glorious. (RA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $19.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Hip Hop Gold Dust |
| Label: |
|
Antidote
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Prince Paul |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309684073 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309684078 |
| UPC: |
|
00602923611624 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDK7 ANT116 |
| Cat.#: |
|
ANTCD116 |
| Genre: |
|
Rap, Hip-Hop |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
When a producer of Prince Paul's stature, experience, and willful wackiness clears out his basement, the musical results are going to be interesting at least. This generous collection of previously unreleased hip hop tracks features artists both A-list (De La Soul, Stetsasonic, Biz Markie) and obscure (LA Symphony, Resident Alien), all of them supported by Prince Paul's signature grooves -- elegant, crafty, funky and often funny. The skits are as stupid as they are inevitable, but the music is, indeed, gold. (RA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $15.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Return The Gift |
| Label: |
|
V2 Records
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Gang Of Four |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309638090 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309638092 |
| UPC: |
|
00638812727022 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDV2 27270 |
| Cat.#: |
|
6388127270 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
The recent proliferation of jaggedly funky, overtly political postpunk bands has led to a resurgence of interest in Gang of Four, the pioneers of the genre. As a result, the band both reunited for a tour and went back into the studio to re-record some of its classic tracks for this "new" album. The songs are as thrilling as they always were, but the new versions don't necessarily shed much new light on them. What is exciting is the bonus disc of new remixes that is only available on the UK version , which will be released in a limited edition. Get that if you can. If you can't, and if your library doesn't already have Gang of Four's back catalog in its collection, then this U.S. version of Return the Gift is a worthwhile compromise. (RA) |
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|
| WORLD/ETHNIC |
|
 |
| |
| $13.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Welcome To Jamrock |
| Label: |
|
Tuff Gong/Universal
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Damian Marley |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309611369 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309611364 |
| UPC: |
|
00602498851258 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDUMG B000541602 |
| Cat.#: |
|
B0005416-02 |
| Genre: |
|
Reggae |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Bob Marley had quite a few kids, and an impressive number of them have turned into gifted reggae artists in their own right. Damian is the latest to make a big splash with his conscious, rootswise dancehall sound. His third album features such A-list guests as Bounty Killer and Eek-A-Mouse, and such C-list guests as Bobby Brown. All of it features a nice sonic mix of gritty, up-to-the-minute beats and heartfelt socioreligious lyrics, and a fine rendition of his father's "Pimper's Paradise." Recommended. (RA) |
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|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Mahala Rai Banda |
| Label: |
|
Crammed (dist. Rykodisc)
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Mahala Rai Banda |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309673060 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309673068 |
| UPC: |
|
00876623000228 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDRYKOC230002 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CRAW 31 |
| Genre: |
|
World Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Quick, check your collection: how is it fixed for raucous Hungarian Gypsy wedding music? It's a bit low? Okay, then run, don't walk, to your nearest CD dealer and grab this wonderful album by Bucharest's answer to the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. It's funky, it's loud, it's joyful, it will make you want to get married all over again, or at least go to a block party or a baptism or whatever -- judging from the video track that accompanies the music program on this disc, these guys will play at just about any public function. Highly recommended to all party-loving librarians. (RA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $17.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Kongo Magni |
| Label: |
|
World Village (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Boubacar Traore |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309586070 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309586076 |
| UPC: |
|
00713746805128 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDHMD 468051 |
| Cat.#: |
|
468051 |
| Genre: |
|
World Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
The music of Mali is often said to sound like the blues, and Boubacar Traore’s new record, with harmonica and accordion accompanying his guitar, may sound eerily familiar to American ears. It’s a good example of Malian acoustic guitar, not as revelatory as his first recordings to reach the West (especially Sa Golo), but still rewarding. Recommended for any library that collects African music. (SA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $17.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Rive Gauche Rio |
| Label: |
|
Six Degrees
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Celso Fonseca |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309286024 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309286021 |
| UPC: |
|
00657036111325 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDSXDR361113 |
| Cat.#: |
|
657036-1113-2 |
| Genre: |
|
World Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Celso Fonseca has worked with several of the movers and shakers of Brazilian music (Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, Chico Buarque, etc.), and like Veloso, whom he resembles vocally, he comes out of the bossa nova tradition. This is very gentle music, mostly acoustic guitar, string bass, and percussion, but listen closely and you can hear subtle electronic touches. Perfect for the chillout crowd, as well as anyone who likes classic songwriting. (SA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $15.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Throw Down Your Arms |
| Label: |
|
Handleman CO
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Sinead O'Connor |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309652911 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309652915 |
| UPC: |
|
00805859003123 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDHAND805859003123 |
| Cat.#: |
|
THCVCD001 |
| Genre: |
|
Reggae |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Expect a deeply divided response to this album. Some will say that Sinead O'Connor's slavishly faithful renditions of such roots reggae classics as "Door Peep," "Vampire" and "Curly Locks" bring so little new insight to the material that there's no reason to listen to these versions rather than the originals. Others will say that her heartfelt singing, always a thrill even when her concepts are weak or silly, is reason enough. One thing is certain: many of your patrons are going to want to hear this album. (RA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $18.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
The Dangermen Sessions Vol. 1 |
| Label: |
|
V2 Records
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Madness |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309457370 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309457373 |
| UPC: |
|
00638812726926 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDV2 27269 |
| Cat.#: |
|
27269 |
| Genre: |
|
Reggae/Ska |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
We should have seen it coming, shouldn't we? The Madness reunion, I mean. What with Gang of Four going back to the studio and ska stubbornly refusing to die completely, this album was inevitable. And good for them, I say: this is really a thoroughly winning collection of old-school ska, reggae and calypso songs, all delivered with that disarmingly straightforward Cockney charm that has always characterized Madness. Recommended. (RA) |
|
© CD HotList 2004 |
