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April 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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Orchestral & Chamber Music |
| Label: |
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Musikproduction Dabringhaus und Grimm (dist. Koch)
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Composer:
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Johann Melchior Molter |
| Performer: |
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Nova Stravaganza / Rampe |
| ISBN: |
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9786309059314 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309059319 |
| UPC: |
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00760623127927 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDKHI MDG3411279 |
| Cat.#: |
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MDG 341 1279-2 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Never heard of Johann Melchior Molter? Chances are good that your patrons haven't either, unless they're trumpet or clarinet players and stumbled across one of his concertos on a budget-priced collection of baroque masterpieces someplace. This program, which includes two overtures, two sonatas and one concerto grosso, makes it clear that Molter deserves more attention than he's gotten. Recommended to all libraries with a collecting interest in baroque music. (RA) |
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| $11.98 |
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| Title: |
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Cantatas; Motets; Chorales; Chorale Preludes |
| Label: |
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EMI Classics
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Composer:
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Johann Sebastian Bach |
| Performer: |
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King's College Choir; Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields / Marriner |
| ISBN: |
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9786309122384 |
| ISBN-10: |
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630912238X |
| UPC: |
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00724358605228 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDEMIC86052 |
| Cat.#: |
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5 86052 2 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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Reissue (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Sure, it's just another budget-priced reissue twofer, but look closely at the performers: the soloists include Elly Ameling, Janet Baker and Ian Partridge, and that's the King's College Choir on the motets. If your library owns the original LPs from 1968 and 1972, this is your chance to replace them with nicely-remastered CDs for next to nothing. (RA) |
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| $12.99 |
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| Title: |
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William Bolcom |
| Label: |
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First Edition
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Composer:
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William Bolcom |
| Performer: |
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Louisville Orchestra / Smith |
| ISBN: |
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9786309162205 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309162209 |
| UPC: |
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00809157003328 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDFSTEFECD0033 |
| Cat.#: |
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FECD-0033 |
| Period: |
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20th Century |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
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This disc brings together three recordings originally issued on different releases in 1992: Bolcom's Seattle Slew Orchestral Suite, his first symphony, and what was then the world-premiere recording of his third symphony. These are fine performances of modern but accessible works, beautifully recorded, and they should help bring attention to an American composer who deserves more popular recognition than he has received. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Mugam Sayagi: Music of Franghiz Ali-Zadeh |
| Label: |
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Nonesuch
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Composer:
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Kronos Quartet |
| ISBN: |
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9786309018243 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309018248 |
| UPC: |
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00075597980424 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNONEN79804 |
| Cat.#: |
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79804-2 |
| Period: |
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20th Century |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Franghiz Ali-Zadeh is an Azerbaijani composer with a tendency toward complex but light-sounding chamber works that draw deeply on the folk music of her region. You already know who the Kronos Quartet are, and won't be surprised in the slightest to learn that they're playing folk-derived classical music by an Azerbaijani composer. Gorgeous stuff, passionately played. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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One |
| Label: |
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Ecstatic (dist. Allegro)
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Composer:
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Michael Torke |
| Performer: |
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Baltimore Symphony Orchestra / Zinman |
| ISBN: |
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9786308736377 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308736376 |
| UPC: |
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00723721059453 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAGROECR92201 |
| Cat.#: |
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ER092201 |
| Period: |
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20th Century |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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Michael Torke is one of the most consistently enjoyable composers of the post-minimalist school -- unapologetically tonal, rhythmically exciting, completely approachable without being condescending or simple-minded. If you and your patrons like One, check out the other, similarly-titled releases in the series. (RA) |
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| $7.99 |
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| Title: |
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French Music for Wind Quintet |
| Label: |
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Naxos
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Composer:
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Francis Poulenc; Jacques Ibert; Darius Milhaud; Jean Francaix |
| Performer: |
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Wind Quintet of the Danish National Symphony Orchestra |
| ISBN: |
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9786309159212 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309159216 |
| UPC: |
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00747313235629 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNAXO8557356 |
| Cat.#: |
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8.557356 |
| Period: |
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20th Century |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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One-third of Les Six are represented here, and not surprisingly, their pieces are among the most impressive on this fine program. Poulenc, in particular, is his whimsically charming self in the Sextet for piani and wind quintet, but Milhaud's gorgeous Cheminee du Roi Rene is no less attractive. The playing is first-rate, and the recorded sound very good. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Piano Trio; Piano Quintet |
| Label: |
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Black Box (dist. Koch)
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Composer:
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Alfred Schnittke |
| Performer: |
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Barbican Piano Trio; Jan Peter Schmolck; James Boyd |
| ISBN: |
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9786309058881 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309058886 |
| UPC: |
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00680125109323 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDKHI BBM1093 |
| Cat.#: |
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BBM1093 |
| Period: |
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20th Century |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Alfred Schnittke's famously stark and brooding chamber works -- which are almost as effective as Shostokovich's in granting an emotional window into the life of an artist in the Soviet world -- are given deeply felt performances here by the Barbican Piano Trio, augmented on the second piece by violinist Jan Peter Schmolck and violist James Boyd. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Music of Giorgio Koukl |
| Label: |
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Gasparo
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Composer:
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Giorgio Koukl |
| Performer: |
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Various Performers |
| ISBN: |
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9786309211538 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309211536 |
| UPC: |
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00755101036228 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDGAS GS362 |
| Cat.#: |
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GSCD-362 |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The Czech composer Giorgio Koukl made a conscious turn away from the avant-garde during his early years as a composer, and while his work is not always strictly tonal, it is both intellectually challenging and delightfully accessible. This disc offers a fine overview of his chamber works and one vocal work, the eleven-part Liturgia di San Giovanni Chrisostomo. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Die Schone Mullerin |
| Label: |
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EMI Classics
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Composer:
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Franz Schubert |
| Performer: |
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Ian Bostridge; Mitsuko Uchida |
| ISBN: |
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9786309170248 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309170244 |
| UPC: |
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00724355782724 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDEMIC57827B |
| Cat.#: |
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5 57827 2 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Ian Bostridge + Mitsuko Uchida + Schubert = pure, unadulterated, honey-flavored heaven. (RA) |
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| $11.99 |
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| Title: |
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Cecilian Vespers |
| Label: |
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Avie
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Composer:
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Alessandro Scarlatti |
| Performer: |
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Philharmonia Chorale; Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra; various soloists / McGegan |
| ISBN: |
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9786309042934 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309042939 |
| UPC: |
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00822252004823 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAVER48 |
| Cat.#: |
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0048 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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This appears to be the first full recording of Alessandro Scarlatti's Cecilian Vespers on period instruments, and Nicholas McGegan was a fine choice to lead the project. Some might wish for a performance with a bit more majesty, but his relatively small forces (playing on period instruments) bring out the delicate beauty of these pieces, and the sound quality and vocal soloists are all first-rate. Recommended to all classical collections. |
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| COUNTRY/FOLK |
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| $18.99 |
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| Title: |
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Down In The Basement: Joe Bussard's Treasure... |
| Label: |
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Old Hate (dist. Redeye)
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786307821258 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6307821256 |
| UPC: |
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670725100424 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDREDEOLDH1004 |
| Cat.#: |
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CD-1004 |
| Period: |
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1920s-1930s |
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Blues, country, jazz |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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In record collector circles, Joe Bussard is a legend. Shelved in the basement of his Maryland home is arguably the world's best collection of American vernacular music. For this CD, Mr. Bussard picked out 24 of his favorites and Old Hat Records lovingly compiled them for a CD that is an essential overview of American "roots" music from 1926-1937. Many of these tracks have been reissued before, but never have they sounded so good. The packaging--as usual for Old Hat--is exemplary, as well, with a 72 page booklet that is entertaining and informative. Recommended for any library with a collection of American roots music. (SM) |
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| $15.99 |
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| Title: |
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God's Got It |
| Label: |
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Aum Fidelity (dist. Allegro)
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Artist:
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Reverend Charlie Jackson |
| ISBN: |
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9786307911751 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6307911751 |
| UPC: |
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00642623410127 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAGROCQU101 |
| Cat.#: |
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CASE-101 |
| Period: |
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1970s |
| Genre: |
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Gospel/Christian Music |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
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This is a powerful collection of sanctified sides by an overlooked guitar evangelist. Born in Mississippi, the Reverend Charlie Jackson's background in the blues is evident on these recordings, which feature mesmerizing, churning grooves that bring to mind John Lee Hooker, Howlin' Wolf, and a host of other electric country blues. Released on 45rpm singles by the small Booker label out of New Orleans, the recordings are sparse and raw, generally just vocals, electric guitar, hand-clapping, and, at times, Jackson stomping on a piece of wood. The early 1970s recording dates are truly surprising, but the sound is timeless. (SM) |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Crazy: The Demo Sessions |
| Label: |
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Sugar Hill
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Artist:
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Willie Nelson |
| ISBN: |
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9786307497101 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6307497106 |
| UPC: |
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00015891107325 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSUGA1073 |
| Cat.#: |
|
1073 |
| Genre: |
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Country & Western |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
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Recently discovered, these 18 truly stunning demo performances were recorded by Nelson in the 1960s —- some solo, some with a small combo —- to pitch his songs. The title track was, of course, picked up by Patsy Cline. Historical importance aside, this CD is one of the best of Nelson's career, ranking with his seminal 1970s albums. Regrets and heartbreaks dominate these lovely songs, and the titles tell the story: "Opportunity to Cry," "I've just destroyed the world," "Permanently Lonely," and so on. But for a new experience in misery check out the unlisted track, "Save Your Tears." (SM) |
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| $12.98 |
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| Title: |
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Heritage |
| Label: |
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Six Degrees Records
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Artist:
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Darol Anger (et al.) |
| ISBN: |
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9786309168436 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309168436 |
| UPC: |
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00657036100725 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSXDR361007 |
| Cat.#: |
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657036 |
| Genre: |
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Folk |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This is a lovely celebration of traditional American songs and tunes put together by one of the pioneers of the New Acoustic movement. Contributing players and singers include Mary Chapin Carpenter, Willie Nelson, David Lindley, John Hartford and many, many others. The album's hushed, almost reverential tone gets a little bit wearing at times, but overall this project demonstrates very nicely why these songs have endured so long. Recommended. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Sundown |
| Label: |
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Collector's Choice
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Artist:
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Rank & File |
| ISBN: |
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9786309253712 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309253719 |
| UPC: |
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00617742052022 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCLLC5202 |
| Cat.#: |
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CCM-520-2 |
| Genre: |
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Country/Rock |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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Whether or not Rank & File actually invented cowpunk, you can certainly argue that they helped to perfect it. Their three long out-of-print albums (Sundown, Long Gone Dead and Rank & File are now -- finally! -- being reissued on CD by the Collector's Choice label, and all three should be seriously considered by any library with a comprehensive pop music collection. For those that need to be more selective, stick with this one, the band's brilliant debut. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Lonely Runs Both Ways |
| Label: |
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Rounder
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Artist:
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Alison Krauss & Union Station |
| ISBN: |
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9786308912030 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308912034 |
| UPC: |
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00011661052529 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECD116 6105252 |
| Cat.#: |
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610525 |
| Genre: |
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Country/Bluegrass |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Recommending a new Alison Krauss album hardly seems necessary at this point. A fine fiddler, she realized long ago that what grabs people and hangs onto them is her heartbreaking voice -- and as a result, she's been moving steadily away from the bluegrass mainstream ever since. But that voice has managed to drag even the most hidebound traditionalists with her. Pick up her latest and see why. Chances are good that you'll be in tears before the end of the first track. (RA) |
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| $24.95 |
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| Title: |
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Bluegrass Journey |
| Label: |
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Bluegrass Productions
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786308777059 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308777056 |
| UPC: |
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00881580000013 |
| Prod.#: |
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BEDDVMI BSF001 |
| Cat.#: |
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BSF001 |
| Genre: |
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Music Videos - Bluegrass |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The title Bluegrass Journey sort of implies a historical overview of bluegrass music, but this is actually more of a snapshot of where the music stands right now. Consisting primarily of footage shot at the annual Grey Fox festival and the annual World of Bluegrass convention, it provides an enjoyable look at some of the most popular traditional and progressive bluegrass artists on the current circuit. Featured artists include the Del McCoury Band, Nickel Creek, the Dry Branch Fire Squad and Peter Rowan. (RA) |
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| JAZZ |
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| Title: |
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Spiritual Unity |
| Label: |
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ESP-Disk
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Artist:
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Albert Ayler Trio |
| ISBN: |
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9786309242808 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309242806 |
| UPC: |
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00825481010023 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAGROESP1002 |
| Cat.#: |
|
1002 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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The ESP-Disk catalog has been re-released through various European labels the past few years, but after many licensing disputes and such, most of the recordings are once again out of print. Now, ESP-Disk itself is back in business and reissuing some of their treasures, including this, the first ESP-Disk recording. With Ayler on sax, Gary Peacock on bass and Sonny Murray on percussion, this album, recorded in under an hour, captures an amazing snapshot of NYC jazz in the early 1960's. The original mono recording has been remastered for this CD and it sounds wonderful. Highly recommended. (DC) |
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| Title: |
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Well-Tampered Accordion |
| Label: |
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Winter and Winter (dist. Allegro)
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Artist:
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Guy Klucevsek |
| ISBN: |
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9786309222961 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309222961 |
| UPC: |
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00025091010622 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAGROWTR106 |
| Cat.#: |
|
910 1062 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz Music, Theater Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Any time you want to mention the accordion and not talk about polka music, Guy Klucevsek inevitably comes into the picture. To call Klucevsek just "an accordion player" is truly an injustice. Able to transcend and genre and idiom, his work is always refreshing and original. This latest collection includes not only pieces written specifically for the CD, but also earlier commissioned works, Burt Bacharach arrangements and accompaniments for audio books. It is quieter than some of Klucevsek's earlier CDs, but, even after several decades, he can still startle and excite with his instrument. It is not only recommnended for libraries with jazz collections, but it should be in any collection with a strong commitment to new American music. (DC) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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End Of The World Party (Just In Case) |
| Label: |
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Blue Note
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Artist:
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Medeski Martin & Wood |
| ISBN: |
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9786308720956 |
| ISBN-10: |
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630872095X |
| UPC: |
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00724359563329 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBNOT95633 |
| Cat.#: |
|
95633 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Here’s a CD that celebrates everything that has come before by creating something new. It unabashedly borrows from the 70’s and 80’s, but every time it begins to seem derivative, Medeski Martin & Wood do a sonic summersault. The disc will demand your attention by fusing rock, jazz and funk in a way that is totally fresh. (GM) |
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| $18.95 |
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| Title: |
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Magic Meeting |
| Label: |
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Artist Share
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Artist:
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Jim Hall |
| Cat.#: |
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0002 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Released on the upstart ArtistShare label, this is a typically brilliant and occasionally intellectually challenging trio date from jazz guitar's reigning elder statesman. Hall is accompanied by drummer Lewis Nash and bassist Scott Colley, and delivers a fine set of originals and standards that includes a gorgeous rendition of Sonny Rollins' joyful "St. Thomas" on which Hall's guitar tone and note choices explicitly echo the sound of a steel drum. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Saxophone Summit: Gathering Of Spirits |
| Label: |
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Telarc Jazz
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Artist:
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Michael Brecker; Dave Liebman; Joe Lovano |
| ISBN: |
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9786308685866 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308685860 |
| UPC: |
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00089408360725 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTELA83607 |
| Cat.#: |
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CD-83607 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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"Summit meeting" is a good description for this session; Liebman, Brecker and Lovano are among the most distinguished members of the saxophone community right now, and you can bet that high school jazz-band kids will be hunkered down next to their speakers or cranking up their iPods for the next year, parsing all the arrangements and solos. (Helpfully, the liner notes even tell you who's playing in which stereo track.) (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Come Escape With Me |
| Label: |
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Munich (dist. Allegro)
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Artist:
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Amina Figarova |
| ISBN: |
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9786309222954 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309222953 |
| UPC: |
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00742451546521 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAGROMRC465 |
| Cat.#: |
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BMCD 465 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Amina Figerova was raised in Azerbaijan and trained from age 3 as a classical pianist and composer. She brings that discipline and technical brilliance, as well as a powerful sense of swing, to her work as a jazz composer, pianist and bandleader, which is nicely documented here on this septet date. All compositions are original, and her band is exceptional. Recommended to all jazz collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Smokin' At The Half Note |
| Label: |
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Universal Music Group
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Artist:
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Montgomery, Wes |
| Performer: |
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Wes Montgomery and the Wynton Kelly Trio |
| ISBN: |
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9786309137630 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309137638 |
| UPC: |
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00075021034761 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B000393402 |
| Cat.#: |
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| Genre: |
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Jazz Music |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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One of the finest and most influential jazz guitar albums ever recorded, this classic outing from 1965 features the incomparable Montgomery with Miles Davis’ former rhythm section. The title is accurate – this set sizzles with Montgomery’s tasteful solos and the trio’s brilliant, easy-going interplay. This reissue adds an additional half-dozen live tracks from the same era. Absolutely essential for any jazz collection (GH). |
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| $14.00 |
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| Title: |
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Critical Brass |
| Label: |
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Hungry March Band
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Artist:
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| Performer: |
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Hungry March Band |
| Cat.#: |
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3 |
| Genre: |
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Brass Band, Big Band |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Dancing out of Wiliamsburg, Brooklyn by way of everywhere else, comes what must be one of the funnest group of renegade band geeks around. The Hungry March Band has played everywhere from Lollapalooza to your nephew's bar mitzvah, all the while dazzling with showmanship and originality. What could be seen as a joke is really no laughing matter, music-wise. This ever-expanding ensemble is hot. With mixtures of swing, ska, African rhythms, Indian marching bands and Sun Ra, Ellington and Mingus thrown in for good measure, this CD aims high and hits the mark. Any academic library that collects band music could use this to show some of those horn majors that the future may contain mermaid costumes and CBGB's, but the repertoire is a lot more eclectic than they may have thought. All other libraries should buy this CD because it is just plain excellent. (DC) |
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| ROCK/POP |
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| $59.98 |
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| Title: |
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Hip Hop Box |
| Label: |
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Universal Records
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786308426988 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308426989 |
| UPC: |
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00044006958828 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECD440 0695882 |
| Cat.#: |
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| Genre: |
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Rap, Hip-Hop |
| Release type: |
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Compilation (4-discs) |
| Comments: |
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A quote from the liner notes gives perspective on the place of hip hop today “…to anybody born after 1970, hip hop is rock ‘n’ roll”. It’s been over 25 years since Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight” became the first hip hop hit. This compilation offers a sampling of much of the music that helped shape the course of the genre. In addition to Sugarhill Gang, you hear other early innovators such as Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa, as well as some recent artists like 50 Cent. This is a must have for any collection weak on popular music. Libraries that have started adding hip hop only recently should also consider buying this. (GM) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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High |
| Label: |
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Sanctuary
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Artist:
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Blue Nile |
| ISBN: |
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9786308692604 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308692603 |
| UPC: |
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00060768636828 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECD607686368 |
| Cat.#: |
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06076-86368-2 |
| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This is only the Blue Nile's fourth album in a career extending over twenty years, but their releases are always well worth the wait. This is Scottish soul music, a peculiar kind of urban melancholy, partly electronic and partly acoustic, built around the heart-tugging voice of Paul Buchanan. Get this if you ever need something to play on a rainy afternoon, but be prepared to wait for the next installment. (SA) |
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| Title: |
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Automatic For The People |
| Label: |
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Warner/Reprise/Maverick
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Artist:
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R.E.M. |
| ISBN: |
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9786309100627 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309100629 |
| UPC: |
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00081227817527 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDWARN78175 |
| Cat.#: |
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| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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Reissue (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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With Automatic for the People, R.E.M. combined lyrical maturity with rich, acoustic arrangements, and in the process created a masterpiece. Haunting and wistfully melancholy, Automatic’s songs muse on mortality, loss and redemption, all accompanied by a compelling mix of acoustic guitars, strings, and keyboards. This double disc reissue features an exquisitely remastered CD, plus a DVD containing a documentary, a photo gallery, a 5.1 surround sound mix of the songs, and lyrics (!). Essential for any pop or rock collection, this just gets better with age (GH). |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Before The Poison |
| Label: |
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Anti
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Artist:
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Marianne Faithfull |
| ISBN: |
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9786309073426 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309073427 |
| UPC: |
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00045778673223 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDANTR86732 |
| Cat.#: |
|
86732 |
| Genre: |
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Popular Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Working primarily in separate collaborations with PJ Harvey and Nick Cave, Faithfull has crafted another superb album of adult pop. No ear-catching production tricks, just that voice singing songs about real life and real love with all of the gravity and authority her fans have come to expect. Not exactly fun, but perfect for anyone who doesn't have time for trifles. (SA) |
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| $13.98 |
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| Title: |
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Hurricane Bar |
| Label: |
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Mute (dist. Caroline)
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Artist:
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Mando Diao |
| ISBN: |
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9786309184542 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309184547 |
| UPC: |
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00724596928028 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCDISMUT9280 |
| Cat.#: |
|
9280-2 |
| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Sweden consolidates its hold on the slightly sleazy, British-derived, 1960s-ish guitar-rock marketplace with Mando Diao, whose second full-length is another popsmart explosion of vaguely dissolute, charmingly sloppy and decidedly anthemic guitar pop. If your patrons go for the Vines, the Hives and the Libertines (and if they're old enough to cherish memories of the Clash), then they'll thank you for adding this one to your collection. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Cosmic Game |
| Label: |
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ESL (dist. Caroline)
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Artist:
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Thievery Corporation |
| ISBN: |
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9786309094582 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309094580 |
| UPC: |
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00795103008120 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCDISESL81 |
| Cat.#: |
|
081 |
| Genre: |
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Rock/Electronica |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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You can always count on Thievery Corporation to provide a fresh look at the increasingly tired genre of dance music. Not only do they draw on impressive rare-groove resources and offer an engagingly eclectic assortment of musical styles (reggae, trip-hop, Latin, funk) but they mix and blend them in genuinely intelligent and exciting ways. If you're tired of cookie-cutter turntablism and dilletantish worldbeat pablum, these guys may be just what you (and your patrons) are looking for. (RA) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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LCD Soundsystem |
| Label: |
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DFA/Capitol
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Artist:
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LCD Soundsystem |
| ISBN: |
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9786309119902 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309119907 |
| UPC: |
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00724386394422 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCAP 63944B |
| Cat.#: |
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63944 |
| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Thanks to the strangely irresistible single "Daft Punk Is Playing at My House," this album is generating lots of buzz among avant-dance cognoscenti. Singer James Murphy pays explicit tribute to the Fall on the single (and on "Movement"), and pretty much everything else on this album comes across as slyly subversive and unapologetically electro-clashy. Great for Friday afternoon staff parties. (RA) |
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| $13.98 |
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| Title: |
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Cheap at Half the Price |
| Label: |
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ReR/Fred
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Artist:
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Fred Frith |
| ISBN: |
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9786309116642 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309116649 |
| UPC: |
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00752725901024 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRERURERFRO06 |
| Cat.#: |
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ReR/FRO 06 |
| Genre: |
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Avant-Rock |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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It's too bad that this second CD reissue of Frith's 1983 classic lacks the two bonus tracks that were added to the previous East Side Digital version, but it's still a landmark of sweetly quirky avant-rock by one of the genre's most beloved exponents. Highlights include "Cap the Knife" ("One loving lick from a little pet dog could kill/Ha ha") and the surprisingly acerbic "Same Old Me," which sounds an awful lot like the work he did during the same period with Massacre. Recommended. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Side One |
| Label: |
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Sanctuary
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Artist:
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Adrian Belew |
| ISBN: |
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9786309049544 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309049542 |
| UPC: |
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00060768473829 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECD607684738 |
| Cat.#: |
|
84738 |
| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This may be the best solo album yet by King Crimson singer/guitar-slinger Adrian Belew. His usual whimsy is nicely undercut by no-nonsense drumming (thanks to the brilliant Danny Carey) and his whacked-out guitar pyrotechnics are nicely complemented by the whacked-out bass pyrotechnics of noted weirdo Les Claypool (of Primus fame). Excellent. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Bettye Swann |
| Label: |
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Honest Jons/Astralwerks
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Artist:
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Swann, Bettye |
| Performer: |
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Bettye Swan |
| ISBN: |
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9786308845734 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308845736 |
| UPC: |
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00724359884127 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCDISASW98841 |
| Cat.#: |
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ASW-98841 |
| Period: |
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1968-1970 |
| Genre: |
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Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
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Southern soul perfection recorded for Capitol Records between 1968 to 1970 by the sadly underrated Bettye Swann. Although the CD leans more towards the ballad end of the spectrum, there are some nice uptempo sides too, particularly Tony Joe White's "Willie & Laura Mae Jones" and a strange re-arrangement of Merle Haggard's "Today I Started Loving You Again." But it's the ballads that keep one coming back--many of which were taken from the country & western charts, showing once again that rhythm & blues and country & western were never that far apart, except in the pages of Billboard and on DJ play lists. Highly recommended for collections of American popular music, particulary those focusing on southern traditions. (SM) |
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| Title: |
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Motorhead |
| Label: |
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Cleopatra
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Artist:
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Motorhead |
| ISBN: |
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9786309032089 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309032089 |
| UPC: |
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00741157144628 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCLEO1446 |
| Cat.#: |
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CLP 1446-2 |
| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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It almost seems like a crime to append bonus tracks to the famously short and sharp debut by the pioneering punk/metal band, but so what? There's a poster and a nice faux-leather package to ease make up for it. This album was brilliant in 1977 and somehow it sounds even better today, dodgy production and all. Recommended to all pop collections. (RA) |
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| WORLD/ETHNIC |
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| $14.00 |
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| Title: |
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Boniche Dub II |
| Label: |
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APC
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Artist:
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Lili Boniche |
| Cat.#: |
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A.P.C. 024 |
| Genre: |
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French-Arab Music, Dub, Rai Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Algerian Rai music performer Lili Boniche recorded a labum "Alger Alger" with Bill Laswell producing. Laswell then proceeded to create some dub versions of those recording sessions. This second collection is a fascinating mix of traditional melodies with studio experimentation. At times both new-age and danceable in it's tone, "Boniche Dub II" captures the essence of a musical genre not often heard here and brings it to a different listening range. (DC) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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A Foreign Sound |
| Label: |
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Nonesuch Records
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Artist:
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Caetano Veloso |
| ISBN: |
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9786308384127 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308384127 |
| UPC: |
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00075597982329 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNONE79823 |
| Cat.#: |
|
79823-2 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This great Brazilian singer/songwriter has occasionally sung in English before, but this is a whole album of standards sung in English. Since his definition of a standard includes Nirvana's 'Come As You Are' and Dylan's 'It's All Right, Ma' as well as the expected Richard Rodgers, Irving Berlin, and Cole Porter songs, you could say that this record tells us a lot about the singer. On the other hand the inventive, low-key arrangements let us hear the material with fresh ears as well. (SA) |
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| $20.98 |
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| Title: |
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Ghana Soundz: Afro-Beat, Funk & Fusion |
| Label: |
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K7 Studio
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Artist:
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Various |
| ISBN: |
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9786308861154 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308861154 |
| UPC: |
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00740042944121 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDK7 SDW1 |
| Cat.#: |
|
SNDWCD001 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
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Very different from the mellow highlife style commonly associated with Ghana, this music is more like the fierce soul/jazz influenced sound of Fela's Afrobeat, with occasional hints of juju and rumba. Forget about the fact that these tracks are mostly obscure or even unreleased, and just enjoy the discovery of yet another treasure trove of recordings of modern African music. And make sure you have some floor space cleared out, because you're going to want to dance. (SA) |
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| Title: |
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Danca Ma Mi (Dance With Me) |
| Label: |
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Narada
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Artist:
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Maria De Barros |
| ISBN: |
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9786309198235 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309198238 |
| UPC: |
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00724357827720 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDNARA78277 |
| Cat.#: |
|
7 19198 2 |
| Genre: |
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World Music/Cape Verde |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Anyone who comes away from this album anything less than smitten with some combination of Maria De Barros' voice, her songs, or the music of Cape Verde in general should probably have his or her pulse checked. Sweet, funky, irresistibly danceable and melodically ravishing, Danca Ma Mi is one of the most enjoyable albums I've heard so far this year. Strongly recommended to all world-music collections. Or just about any other collection, frankly. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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I Am the Upsetter |
| Label: |
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Trojan/Sanctuary
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Artist:
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Lee "Scratch" Perry |
| ISBN: |
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9786309279897 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309279890 |
| UPC: |
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00060768052024 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECD607680520 |
| Cat.#: |
|
TJNBX225 |
| Genre: |
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Reggae |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set |
| Comments: |
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Legendary reggae producer and certifiable madman Lee "Scratch" Perry is responsible both for some of the strangest and for some of the most wonderful reggae recordings ever made (some of which fall into both categories simultaneously). This beautifully packaged four-disc set traces his work from the early 1960s to the end of his most productive period, the late 1970s, and includes an insightful selection of hits and obscurities. Any library with a collecting interest in reggae music should snap this one up. (RA) |
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| $14.98 |
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| Title: |
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Rough Guide To Zydeco |
| Label: |
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World Music Network
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Artist:
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Various |
| ISBN: |
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9786309077035 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309077031 |
| UPC: |
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00605633114522 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDWMN 331145 |
| Cat.#: |
|
RGNET 1146 CD |
| Genre: |
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Zydeco, Cajun |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
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The Rough Guide Anthologies are always a nice way of introducing new listeners to a broad perspective of any particular genre. This Zydeco compilation has some of the major names such as Boozoo Chavis and Clifton Chenier, as well as some newer groups. I wouldn't call this collection definitive, nor should it be labeled brilliant. However, one certainly doesn't find as many new Zydeco anthologies out there as one might have a decade or so ago. And if the library collection needs some filling in of gaps, this CD would certainly fit the bill. (DC) |
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© CD HotList 2004 |
