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| CLASSICAL |
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| Title: |
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Mass in E Flat; Te Deum in D; Quod in orbe |
| Label: |
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Chaconne (dist. Koch)
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Composer:
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Johann Nepomuk Hummel |
| Performer: |
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Collegium Musicum 90/Richard Hickox |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308852695 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308852694 |
| UPC: |
|
095115071229 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDKHI CHN0712 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CHAN 0712 |
| Period: |
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Classical |
| Genre: |
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Late Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
The second installment in the Chaconne label's Hummel Mass Edition series is a selection of three large-scale liturgical pieces written by Hummel when he was a composer in the Esterhazy court. Although still classical in its structure, this is music that clearly anticipates the romantic movement that was already beginning to gather steam; all three pieces, but especially the sonically huge Te Deum, make use of large instrumental and vocal forces and musical gestures that are grand and inspiring. The performances and recording are excellent. Very highly recommended to all music libraries. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Historic Performances 1938 & 1953 |
| Label: |
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Bridge
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Leontyne Price; Samuel Barber |
| ISBN: |
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9786308816307 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308816302 |
| UPC: |
|
090404915628 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBRIDBCD9156 |
| Cat.#: |
|
9156 |
| Period: |
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Various |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
This disc brings together a 1953 recital by the great soprano Leontyne Price, performing a program that includes the world premiere of Barber's Hermit Songs. It also includes a previously unreleased recording of Barber's own 1938 performance at the Library of Congress, accompanying himself on the piano on a program of lieder and folk songs. Sonic shortcomings notwithstanding, its obvious historical significance makes this disc a must for any classical collection. (RA) |
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| $15.50 |
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| Title: |
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Symphonies nos. 4 & 5 |
| Label: |
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Bis
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Composer:
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Ludwig van Beethoven |
| Performer: |
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Minnesota Orchestra/Osmo Vänskä |
| UPC: |
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7318599914169 |
| Cat.#: |
|
BIS-SACD-1416 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This is the first in a projected five-year, five-disc recording project by the Minnesota Orchestra. It plans the record all of the Beethoven symphonies in that time, and this first entry in the series bodes well for the future. A little bit more orchestral presence would be nice, but the sound is pleasing and warm, and the orchestra plays with exceptional vigor under the direction of Osmo Vänskä. This is a hybrid conventional and Super Audio CD (the SACD layer is recorded in surround stereo), so those with more advanced machines will get even more pleasure from this fine disc. (RA) |
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| $3.98 |
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| |
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| Title: |
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Symphony in D Minor; Symphony in G Minor; Pavane |
| Label: |
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EMI Classics
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Composer:
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Cesar Franck / Eduardo Lalo / Gabriel Faure |
| Performer: |
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Orchestre National de la Redifussion Francaise / Sir Thomas Beecham |
| UPC: |
|
724356294929 |
| Cat.#: |
|
5 62949 2 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
This super-budget-line disc revives all or part of three separate recordings from the early 1960s, all of which demonstrate Beecham's impressive ability to draw energetic and deeply committed performances from his orchestras. These three pillars of the romantic repertoire are the perfect grist for Beecham's particular mill, and the sound quality on this reissue compilation is more than acceptable. Recommended. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| |
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| Title: |
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Missa O Crux Lignam; Motets; Chansons |
| Label: |
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Harmonia Mundi
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Composer:
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Antoine Busnois |
| Performer: |
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Orlando Consort |
| UPC: |
|
093046733322 |
| Cat.#: |
|
HMU 907333 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Even those who find four-voice ensembles of male singers to be a bit dry should give a listen to this very impressive performance by the Orlando Consort. The program includes a handful of motets and chansons grouped on either end of a lovely performance of Antoine Busnois' rarely recorded Missa O Crux Lignam. This one compares quite favorably to Pomerium's now-ten-year-old recording for the Dorian label. Very highly recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $33.96 |
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| |
 |
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| Title: |
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Andromeda Liberata: Serenata Veniziana |
| Label: |
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Archiv
|
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Composer:
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Antonio Vivaldi (and others) |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308889417 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308889415 |
| UPC: |
|
028947709824 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDUMG B000345602 |
| Cat.#: |
|
B0003456-02 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
It was recently discovered that one of the arias in this anonymous serenata is identical to one written by Vivaldi. This has led to feverish speculation that the entire work is Vivaldi's, though that hypothesis has yet to be proved. In the meantime, the music itself is certainly top-notch, as are the performances on this new recording. The only real complaint is with the full-line price for a two-disc set that contains only 98 minutes of music... (RA) |
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| |
| $29.98 |
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| |
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| Title: |
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Essercizi, K. 1-30 |
| Label: |
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Harmonia Mundi
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Composer:
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Domenico Scarlatti |
| Performer: |
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Alain Planes |
| UPC: |
|
794881752423 |
| Cat.#: |
|
HMC 901838.39 |
| Period: |
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Late Baroque/Early Classical |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Alain Planes gives an elegant and energetic account of Domenico Scarlatti's thirty "musical exercises," playing them on an original Schantz fortepiano from the early 19th century. While his playing can't be faulted (and a period-instrument performance of these important works is always welcome), not everyone will enjoy the somewhat clattery tone of the instrument itself. Still, collections supporting a keyboard curriculum should not hesitate to purchase. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Concertos pour Piano |
| Label: |
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Harmonia Mundi
|
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Composer:
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Joseph Haydn |
| Performer: |
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Andreas Staier; Freiburger Barockorchester/Gottfried von der Goltz |
| UPC: |
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794881753727 |
| Cat.#: |
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HMC 901854 |
| Period: |
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Classical |
| Genre: |
|
Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Neither the critics of his day nor Haydn himself considered his concertos to be among his greatest achievements. But that's a relative measure, of course, and these three concertos would stand up nicely against those of any of his contemporaries, with perhaps the exception of Mozart. Andreas Staier plays confidently but sensitively, and his fortepiano is beautifully recorded; the Freiburger Barockorchester is at the top of its game. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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| $36.98 |
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| |
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| Title: |
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Vespro della Beata Vergine |
| Label: |
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Naive/Opus 111 (dist. Naxos)
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Composer:
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Claudio Monteverdi |
| Performer: |
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Concerto Italiano/Rinaldo Alessandrini |
| UPC: |
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709861304035 |
| Cat.#: |
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OP 30403 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Did we really need another recording of this, one of the most celebrated and frequently-performed monuments of the late Renaissance? I might have said no until I heard this glorious account by the Concerto Italiano under the baton of Rinaldo Alessandrini. The performance is crisp, warm and energetic, the recording quality superb, the packaging lovely. And needless to say, the music is spectacular -- this is one of the most celebrated monuments of Renaissance music for a reason. (RA) |
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|
| COUNTRY/FOLK |
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| $20.00 |
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| Title: |
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History of the Chadbournes: Honky Tonk in Nachtlokal |
| Label: |
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Leo Records
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Artist:
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Eugene Chadbourne |
| UPC: |
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5024792040629 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CD LR 406 |
| Genre: |
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Country, Cajun, Experimental |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
I'm loathe to class Chadbourne as "Country", as he really is all over the place musically. This CD, however, a collection of live performances, is as toe tapping as any Grand Ole Opry program. With songs by Rogers & Hammerstein, Loretta Lynn and Rahsaan Roland Kirk, as well as traditional tunes, Chadbourne adds his one-of-a-kind touches for a treat. (DC) |
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| $16.00 |
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| Title: |
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Michael Jerome Browne & the Twin Rivers String Band |
| Label: |
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Borealis
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Artist:
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Michael Jerome Browne & the Twin Rivers String Band |
| UPC: |
|
773958116320 |
| Cat.#: |
|
BCD163 |
| Genre: |
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Country/Folk |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
What makes Canadian singer and multi-instrumentalist Michael Jerome Browne so much fun is that you're never completely sure what type of music you'll hear from him next. This album offers a strange and wonderful hybrid program of old-time string band music, Cajun dance tunes and traditional blues, and it all hangs together amazingly well. Browne plays fiddle, guitar, banjo and several other instruments as well as singing gruffly and beautifully. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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 |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Traditional Bluegrass |
| Label: |
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Arhoolie
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Artist:
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Vern Williams Band |
| ISBN: |
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9786308575136 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308575135 |
| UPC: |
|
096297051429 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDKHI ARH514 |
| Cat.#: |
|
514 |
| Genre: |
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Bluegrass |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
California bluegrass bands have a tendency to be somewhat slick and jazzy. Not so the Vern Williams Band, which recorded these live tracks at various venues in California and Canada during the 1980s and plays and sings as if it were the 1940s. The program is almost all potboiler material, but the band's energy and commitment are enough to put even the most hackneyed songs across convincingly. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Great Big DVD & CD |
| Label: |
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Zoe
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Artist:
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Great Big Sea |
| ISBN: |
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9786308850813 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308850810 |
| UPC: |
|
601143105920 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECD011 4310592 |
| Cat.#: |
|
01143-1059-2 |
| Genre: |
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Canadian Folk |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Watching the DVD portion of this two-disc set, what strikes me most is the surprisingly high number of teenage kids who are willing to pack a large stadium to listening to mostly acoustic Maritime folk-rock. Maybve it's shouldn't come as such a shock, though. With GBS, original compositions rub shoulders with traditional shanties and ancient patter songs, and the result is always more fun than a barrel of drunken sailors. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $17.98 |
| |
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| |
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| Title: |
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American Sea Shanties and Songs |
| Label: |
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Rounder
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786308798191 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308798193 |
| UPC: |
|
018964151928 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDROUR15192 |
| Cat.#: |
|
18964-1519-2 |
| Genre: |
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Folk |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
|
If you're looking for a stirring, invigorating collection of sea shanties sung by stouthearted young folkie revivalists, you'll need to look elsewhere. But if you want to hear individual old salts recalling and performing the songs they actually used to facilitate their work aboard various vessels in the late 19th and early 20th century, you'll want to brave the lousy sound quality and quavering voices and give ear to this fascinating collection. (Originally issued on LP in 1952.) (RA) |
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|
| JAZZ |
|
 |
| |
| $16.98 |
| |
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| |
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| Title: |
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So Long 2nd Street |
| Label: |
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Highnote Records
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Artist:
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Joel Harrison |
| ISBN: |
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9786308789427 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308789429 |
| UPC: |
|
632375943127 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDHNR 759431 |
| Cat.#: |
|
9431-2 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Jazz and country don't necessarily make the most obvious musical fusion, though the combination is hardly without precedent. But guitarist and singer Joel Harrison's take on the pairing is interesting, to say the least -- he's an idiomatic singer, and his arrangements of traditional songs like "Shady Grove" and "Waterbound" are only slightly less quirky than his dark takes on the Carter Stanley composition "Riding on the Midnight Train" and Jimmy Webb's "Wichita Lineman." Not essential, but definitely worth hearing. (RA) |
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 |
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| $15.98 |
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|
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| Title: |
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Funk Fantastique |
| Label: |
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Prestige
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Artist:
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Charles Earland |
| ISBN: |
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9786308640018 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308640018 |
| UPC: |
|
025218313025 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDFMP 183130 |
| Cat.#: |
|
PRCD-11030-2 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
This collection includes four tracks previously released on the 1972 album Charles III and five of similar vintage that have not previously appeared on record. Earland's thrilling Hammond organ technique is unfortunately buried under some serious overproduction on some of these tracks, and Joe Lee Wilson's vocal on "Auburn Delight" is kind of embarrassing. Though there are definite bright spots elsewhere on the program, this disc is probably not an essential purchase for most jazz collections. (RA) |
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 |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Neighbourhood |
| Label: |
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ECM
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Artist:
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Manu Katche |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309679468 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309679465 |
| UPC: |
|
00602498698150 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDMSIM480842 |
| Cat.#: |
|
B0005921-02 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Celebrated drummer Manu Katche has been working with ECM artists since the early 1990s, but this is his first release as a leader. His compositions are sophisticated but straight-ahead, and generally more contemplative than swinging. Those expecting the kind of rhythmic fireworks you hear in Katche's work as a pop drummer will be disappointed, but those who are longstanding fans of the patented ECM Sound will love it. (RA) |
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 |
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| $13.98 |
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| |
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| Title: |
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Porgy & Bess...Redefined! |
| Label: |
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Capri
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Artist:
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George Gershwin |
| Performer: |
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Mark Masters Ensemble |
| ISBN: |
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9786309191014 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309191012 |
| UPC: |
|
00054987406928 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCPRI74069 |
| Cat.#: |
|
74069-2 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
"Redefined!" may be something of an exaggeration -- many of the songs in Gershwin's beloved opera are now jazz standards and have been arranged scores of times for various types of jazz ensemble for years. But Mark Masters' big-band arrangements of these familiar melodies are indeed innovative and interesting, and for the most part they swing mightily. Definitely worth hearing. (RA)
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|
 |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Spiral |
| Label: |
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Telarc
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Artist:
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Hiromi |
| ISBN: |
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9786309945082 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309945084 |
| UPC: |
|
00089408363122 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDTELA83631 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CD-83631 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
A new release from pianist and composer Hiromi Uehara is always cause for excitement, even if the excitement is mixed with a little bit of bafflement. On her third album she continues to express a uniquely complex, forward-looking, energetic, but really quite accessible vision of modern jazz, one that will irritate traditionalists while delighting those who mgith have feared that jazz has no new territories to explore. (Early copies of the album include a DVD with a Dolby 5.1 Surround mix of the album and live performance footage.) Definitely worth hearing. (RA) |
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| |
| $16.98 |
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| |
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| Title: |
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Richter 858 |
| Label: |
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Songlines (dist. Forte)
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Artist:
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Bill Frisell |
| Performer: |
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Bill Frisell |
| UPC: |
|
77435155127 |
| Cat.#: |
|
SGL SA1551-2 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
The music on this CD -- sometimes harsh and grating, sometimes surprisingly lyrical -- was composed by guitarist Bill Frisell for a CD that accompanied a book of paintings by Gerhard Richter. The music has now been released as a separate Super Audio CD that includes a CD-ROM slideshow of the paintings that inspired the music. The liner notes include interviews with both Frisell and Richter, and the entire package is fascinating. Those expecting Frisell's usual nice-guy pastoral jazz may be shocked, but should be reminded that this sort of avant-garde skronk used to be his bread and butter. (RA) |
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| $15.98 |
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| |
|
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| Title: |
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Seven Days of Falling |
| Label: |
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215 Records
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Artist:
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Esbjorn Svensson Trio |
| ISBN: |
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9786308683411 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308683418 |
| UPC: |
|
898841000071 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECD215R2007 |
| Cat.#: |
|
215-2007 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Pianist and composer Esbjorn Svensson and his trio specialize in modern, impressionistic jazz that is at its most effective on the slower and more contemplative numbers. "Ballad of the Unborn" and "Believe, Beleft, Below" are both gentle and powerful, whereas the uptempo stuff tends to meander, though in a technically impressive way. This CD comes with a bonus DVD that includes live footage of a Stockholm concert. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Tribute to Jack Johnson |
| Label: |
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CBS/Epic
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Artist:
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Miles Davis |
| ISBN: |
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9786309051530 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309051539 |
| UPC: |
|
827969359921 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCOLM93599 |
| Cat.#: |
|
|
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
Reissue |
| Comments: |
|
Weaved together from a blistering studio jam by guitarist John McLaughlin, drummer Billy Cobham, and bassist Michael Henderson, Tribute to Jack Johnson is Davis’ most explosive studio fusion album. Davis and McLaughlin both play brilliantly, ripping incendiary solos with abandon. This is an essential work for any jazz fusion collection. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Complete Norman Granz Jam Sessions |
| Label: |
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Verve
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308886690 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308886696 |
| UPC: |
|
602498634608 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDUMG B000325202 |
| Cat.#: |
|
000325202 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz Music |
| Release type: |
|
|
| Comments: |
|
This is a MUST HAVE for any collection. Norman Granz is perhaps best known as the force behind Jazz at the Philharmonic, but during the 40's and 50's, he recorded 10 jam sessions on his own label, Clef Records. This remastered set of 5 discs (all 10 sessions) is an indispensable record of many of the best jazz musicians of all time. Great remastering; the sound quality is excellent. Don’t miss this one. (GM) |
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| $19.99 |
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| |
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| Title: |
|
Solos |
| Label: |
|
Songlines (dist. Forte)
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Wayne Horvitz & Robin Holcomb |
| UPC: |
|
774355155028 |
| Cat.#: |
|
SGL SA1550-2 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
To call these piano solos "jazz" is maybe stretching the definition of the genre just a bit, but it's as close as I can come. Both Holcomb and Horvitz have recorded in a variety of groups and solo contexts, and here they simply take turns playing their own and each other's compositions, with a few improvised pieces thrown in as well. The mood is mostly contemplative, sometimes pastoral, occasionally a bit spiky. Very nice. (RA) |
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| |
| $13.00 |
| |
|
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| |
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| Title: |
|
Greener Than Blue |
| Label: |
|
Zoning (dist. Cadence/NorthCountry)
|
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Artist:
|
|
Claire Ritter |
| UPC: |
|
702797000828 |
| Cat.#: |
|
ZR1008 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Pianist and composer Claire Ritter is one of the best-kept secrets in American jazz, and it's really about time someone did something about it. Her playing is technically virtuosic but never flashy; her compositions are forward-thinking but never forbidding or inaccessible; her arrangements are brilliant. Her latest album features Stan Strickland on reeds and Bob Weiner on drums, and manages to be simultaneously gentle, energetic, bluesy, elegant and complex. Absolutely wonderful, and an essential purchase for any jazz collection. (RA) |
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| |
| $15.00 |
| |
|
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| |
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| Title: |
|
Alto Quartets |
| Label: |
|
Organized Sound
|
|
Artist:
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|
James Fei |
| Cat.#: |
|
4 |
| Genre: |
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Avante-Garde, Experimental, Electro-Acoustic |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Fei's work with saxophones is truly unique. Some of the tracks on Alto Quartets contain pieces with nothing but flutter tonguing or with extra saliva on the reeds. Others delve into issues of indeterminacy and synchronization. It's not your usual jazz quartet, but any collection needing to showcase some of the more modern approaches to jazz would do well to acquire this recording. (DC) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Stereo Nucleosis |
| Label: |
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A440 (dist. Rykodisc)
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Artist:
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Wertico |
| ISBN: |
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9786308423703 |
| ISBN-10: |
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630842370X |
| UPC: |
|
821254403627 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRD 544036 |
| Cat.#: |
|
4036 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
This one will grow on you. Percussionist Paul Wertico surrounds himself with highly innovative musicians and the result is a pleasing disc covering a range of styles. Wertico’s drums and the guitar of John Moulder highlight the layered interplay. (GM) |
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| ROCK/POP |
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| $11.98 |
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| Title: |
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Livin' On The Run |
| Label: |
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Velocity (dist. Rykodisc)
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Artist:
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Scott Grimes |
| ISBN: |
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9786309141781 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309141783 |
| UPC: |
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00185417071123 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRD 170711 |
| Cat.#: |
|
0711 |
| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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If his face looks vaguely familiar, it's probably because you watch ER, on which he provides comic relief as a hilariously clueless doctor. And if his music sounds familiar, it's because he misses the 80s -- the guitar-rock 80s, that is, not the synth-pop 80s. (And for the record, he was a rocker long before he was an actor.) How's the album? Surprisingly good. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Welcome to Diverse City |
| Label: |
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Forefront
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Artist:
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Tobymac |
| ISBN: |
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9786308794209 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308794201 |
| UPC: |
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724386641724 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCHMG66417 |
| Cat.#: |
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66417 |
| Genre: |
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Rock/CCM |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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You know, when I was a kid there was no such thing as "fun Christian rock." It wasn't allowed, you see. There was Stryper and there was Amy Grant, and neither was any fun, and that was the way it was supposed to be. Now they've got all these Christian rappers and ska bands and emo bands and R&B bands and a good half of them manage to kick all kinds of musical butt while quoting the Psalms, and it's hard to know what to think. One thing I do know: tobyMAC's latest solo joint is more good, funky, soulful fun than 99% of the secular albums I heard in 2004. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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2 |
| Label: |
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Inside Out
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Artist:
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Jelly Jam |
| ISBN: |
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9786308757884 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308757888 |
| UPC: |
|
693723608228 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDIOUT236082 |
| Cat.#: |
|
60822 |
| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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There's no reason at all why this album should be listenable, not when it's played by three guys from three different progressive-rock outfits. Luckily, though, the trio's shared taste for massive grooves and irresistible pop hooks is powerful enough to counteract their more discursive prog tendencies, and the result is one of the tightest and most satisfying pop albums of the year. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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In Retrospect: The Best of the Toasters |
| Label: |
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Stomp (dist. Allegro)
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Artist:
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The Toasters |
| ISBN: |
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9786308064173 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308064173 |
| UPC: |
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626177004124 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAGROSTM41 |
| Cat.#: |
|
41 |
| Genre: |
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Rock/Ska |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
Almost ten years after the last big wave of ska revivalism in the U.S., the Toasters remain the finest exponents of the R&B-based variety of New York ska (as opposed to the reggae-based variety, which was centered on the Version City label and studio). This retrospective offers an excellent overview of the band's agile but muscular music, from its early days in the 1980s to its final work in the last days of its Moon Ska NYC label. Highly recommended to all pop collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Lost In The Grooves: Scram's Capricious Guide to the Music You Missed |
| Label: |
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Routledge
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Artist:
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Kim Cooper & David Smay, eds. |
| ISBN: |
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9780415969987 |
| ISBN-10: |
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0415969980 |
| Prod.#: |
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BK0006038395 |
| Cat.#: |
|
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| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Sure, it's a bit condescending for the editors of Scram magazine to assume that you "missed" Deerhoof's The Man, the King, the Girl or Dorsey Burnette's Here & Now, but admit it -- you did. This delightful book won't fill all the holes in your collection, but it will fill some of them and will send you in a few directions you probably didn't even know existed. Especially recommended to larger pop music collections. (RA) |
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| |
| $28.98 |
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| Title: |
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Happiness in Magazines |
| Label: |
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Astralwerks
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Artist:
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Graham Coxon |
| ISBN: |
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9786308757037 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308757039 |
| UPC: |
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724357751926 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMSIM350283 |
| Cat.#: |
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ASW 60387 |
| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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He's the former lead guitarist for Britpop legends Blur, but his solo albums have been a strange mishmash of messy concepts and low-fidelity sound. Happiness in Magazines finds him embracing guitar rock and power-pop without completely abandoning his sonic laziness or charming quirkiness. Not bad at all. (RA) |
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| $12.98 |
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| Title: |
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Camper Vantiquities |
| Label: |
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Spinart Records
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Artist:
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Camper Van Beethoven |
| ISBN: |
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9786308424625 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308424625 |
| UPC: |
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750078014323 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSART780143 |
| Cat.#: |
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SPART 143 |
| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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In 2004, the SpinArt label began an ambitious reissue program targeting the catalog of the famously strange 1980s band Camper Van Beethoven. All (or at least most) of those albums are worth a second listen, but this collection of rarities, demos and outtakes is especially fun. Song titles like "We Workers Do Not Understand Modern Art" and "Porpoise Mouth" are not misleading. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Ursadelica |
| Label: |
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ESL
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Artist:
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Ursula 1000 |
| ISBN: |
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9786308783012 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308783013 |
| UPC: |
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795103007925 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCDISESL79 |
| Cat.#: |
|
079 |
| Genre: |
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Rock/Dance |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Kinda loungy, kinda jazzy, kinda kitschy and always funky, Ursula 1000's combination of goofy soundplay, retro-chic musical references and surefire breaks is always lots and lots of good, crazy fun. This compilation finds him mixing and matching all kinds of modern and old-school pop sounds from around the globe, and while the resulting mixture may not have much academic relevance outside the postmodern scene, it sure makes for great listening. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Out Of The Darkness |
| Label: |
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Ubiquity
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Artist:
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As One |
| ISBN: |
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9786308821004 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308821004 |
| UPC: |
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780661115823 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUBIQ11158 |
| Cat.#: |
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URCD 158 |
| Genre: |
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Rock/Dance |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Kirk Degiorgio, who records under the name As One, is a master of downtempo electronic funk whose latest album includes cameos by singers Paul Randolph, Jinadu and Cathy Battistessa as well as rapper MC Lacks. Characterized by a perhaps more life-affirming mood than his last effort, Out of the Darkness is sonically complex but easily approachable and ultimately uplifting. Recommended to all pop collections. (RA) |
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| $14.98 |
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| Title: |
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Never Odd Or Even |
| Label: |
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Sci Fidelity (dist. Rykodisc)
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Artist:
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Kyle Hollingsworth |
| ISBN: |
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9786308878886 |
| ISBN-10: |
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630887888X |
| UPC: |
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662102102220 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRD 21022 |
| Cat.#: |
|
1022 |
| Genre: |
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Rock/Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Those knowledgeable with the "jam band" phenomenon will recognize Kyle Hollingsworth as the keyboardist for the String Cheese Incident, and will recognize the sound on his solo debut as one that is close to (but not identical with) funk-jazzers Medeski, Martin & Wood. Endlessly inventive, impressively fleet-fingered and an undisputed master of the groove, Hollingsworth shows himself here to be a fine bandleader as well. Here's hoping for more solo efforts in the future. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Grey Veins To The Parking Lot |
| Label: |
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Union 2112 (dist. Allegro)
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Artist:
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Frenetics |
| ISBN: |
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9786308732591 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308732591 |
| UPC: |
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626177102820 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAGROUNN28 |
| Cat.#: |
|
28 |
| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Derivative? You bet. But this is rock'n'roll, where originality is as likely to be a liability as a blessing. So if you and your patrons like the kind of openhearted, big-guitar punk rock that the Clash perfected in the late 1970s, or the kind of sharp, mopey-poppy New Wave rock that the Cure perfected at about the same time, or even art-punk of the Mission of Burma variety, you'll find pleasing variations on those themes here, and you'll find them delivered with bracing freshness and vigor. Very highly recommended. (RA) |
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| $15.99 |
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| Title: |
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Ashgrove |
| Label: |
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Yep Roc (dist. Redeye)
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Artist:
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Dave Alvin |
| ISBN: |
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9786308521881 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308521884 |
| UPC: |
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634457207523 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDREDEYEP2075 |
| Cat.#: |
|
YEP 2075 |
| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Fans of the Blasters will lament the absence of Dave Alvin's more golden-voiced brother Phil, but there's no questioning Dave's songwriting ability or his constantly-growing guitar chops. His latest finds him continue to explore and refine his roots-music vision, and danged if he isn't singing a bit more melodically these days as well. Dave Alvin has been a national treasure for decades; we can only hope most of the nation will figure that out someday. (RA) |
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| WORLD/ETHNIC |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Montreal (Live) |
| Label: |
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Narada
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Artist:
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Jesse Cook |
| UPC: |
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724386607621 |
| Cat.#: |
|
66076 |
| Genre: |
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World |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Guitarist Jesse Cook comes out of the flamenco tradition, and the immediately recognizable rhythms and inflection of that music are usually present in his performances. But he has also absorbed a number of other musical influences (among them North African music and jazz), and his approachable and exciting sound has made him something of a superstar in worldbeat circles. This live album showcases him in his natural element, with a large band. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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No Boundaries |
| Label: |
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Heads Up
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Artist:
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Ladysmith Black Mambazo / English Chamber Orchestra |
| UPC: |
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053361309220 |
| Cat.#: |
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HUCD 3092 |
| Genre: |
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World |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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I was prepared to hate this album. There's absolutely no reason why a collaboration between the world-famous South African vocal ensemble Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the English Chamber Orchestra should work. It would be reasonable to expect both that the orchestral strings would drag down the singers and that the relatively simple chord progressions of the songs would lead to dead-boring orchestral arrangements. Neither turns out to be the case; the results of this unlikely project are both emotionally involving and musically fascinating. Very highly recommended to all music collections. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Stone Monkey |
| Label: |
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Narada
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Artist:
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Kazu Matsui |
| UPC: |
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724357975827 |
| Cat.#: |
|
79758 |
| Genre: |
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World/Electronica |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Kazu Matsui plays the shakuhachi (or end-blown bamboo flute) and has been using it to create all kinds of worldbeat fusion music for years. The degree to which this stuff is one's cup of tea will vary from person to person, of course, but if your collection supports a curriculum in modern Asian music you ought to have at least one of his albums on hand. This one is electronically funky and categorically strange, but usually in an engaging way. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Greatest Hits: Queen of African Pop |
| Label: |
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Narada
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Artist:
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Brenda Fassie |
| UPC: |
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724387554726 |
| Cat.#: |
|
75547 |
| Genre: |
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World/Africa |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
Brenda Fassie was a beloved figure in South African township music, a tremendously popular singer for over twenty years before her untimely death in 2004 at age 39. This disc brings together twenty of her most popular recordings, and while the production style is sometimes cheesy and the sound quality occasionally a bit dodgy, the music itself is well worth hearing. Recommended. (RA) |
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| $15.99 |
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| Title: |
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Eek A Speeka |
| Label: |
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Greensleeves
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Artist:
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Eek-A-Mouse |
| ISBN: |
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9786308566646 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308566640 |
| UPC: |
|
601811127728 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDGREL277 |
| Cat.#: |
|
GRELCD277 |
| Genre: |
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Reggae |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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In a genre filled with soundalike singers and shamelessly derivative toasters (or rappers), Eek-A-Mouse has long been one of the most immediately distinctive voices. His nasal singing style and bing-boing vocalese are goofy and fun, but lurking beneath the surface silliness are often surprisingly thoughtful lyrics (though equally often there's nothing beneath the surface at all). His latest offers plenty of both, and it's lots of fun. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Happiness: The Best Of Michael Rose |
| Label: |
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Heartbeat
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Artist:
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Michael Rose |
| ISBN: |
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9786308651472 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308651478 |
| UPC: |
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011661777125 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECD116 6177712 |
| Cat.#: |
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11661-7771-2 |
| Genre: |
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Reggae |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
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Happiness is kind of an ironic title for an album that features the song "Plastic Smile," in which Michael Rose criticizes women who smile too much, but it's still a great look back at the career of one of reggae's most influential singers. The collection covers both his early roots recordings with Black Uhuru and his later dancehall work with such deejays and singers as Shabba Ranks and Maxi Priest. Recommended. (RA) |
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