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| CLASSICAL |
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 |
| |
| $7.99 |
| |
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| |
 |
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| Title: |
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Naxos Quartets Nos. 3 and 4 |
| Label: |
|
Naxos
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Composer:
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Peter Maxwell Davies |
| Performer: |
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Maggini Quartet |
| ISBN: |
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9786309271204 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309271202 |
| UPC: |
|
00747313239726 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDNAXO8557397 |
| Cat.#: |
|
8.557397 |
| Period: |
|
Modern |
| Genre: |
|
Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
The Naxos label has done something wonderful with the profits it has realized by being the world's most successful classical label: it has commissioned a series of ten string quartets by the celebrated British composer Peter Maxwell Davies. This disc is the second in a projected five-disc series, all of them recorded by the excellent Maggini Quartet, which has worked closely with Maxwell Davies during the composition process. No library should be without these important and highly enjoyable recordings. (RA) |
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 |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Mahler: Symphony No. 8 in E Flat |
| Label: |
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EMI
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Composer:
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Gustav Mahler |
| Performer: |
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City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra; various choruses and soloists/Rattle |
| ISBN: |
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9786309263230 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309263234 |
| UPC: |
|
00724355794529 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDEMIC57945B |
| Cat.#: |
|
5 57945 2 |
| Period: |
|
Romantic |
| Genre: |
|
Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Featuring one of the most gorgeous opening sections ever written, Mahler's eighth symphony is perhaps his happiest -- which isn't to say that it's exactly happy, but it's optimistic, and and the usual dark bombast is leavened by moments of openhearted lyricism that are tremendously moving. Simon Rattle leads the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and a huge combined chorus in a powerful live performance. Recommended. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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A Dream |
| Label: |
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Naive
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Composer:
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John Dowland |
| Performer: |
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Hopkinson Smith |
| ISBN: |
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9786309273079 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309273078 |
| UPC: |
|
00822186088968 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDNAIVE8896 |
| Cat.#: |
|
E 8896 |
| Period: |
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Rennaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Hopkinson Smith may be the world's finest living lutenist, and this recording finds him working through a wonderful collection of pieces by one of Europe's finest composers for the lute, John Dowland. He has wisely chosen a program that includes both Dowland's lighthearted galliards and pavans and his more melancholy "lamentations"; the result is a disc of shimmering beauty and nicely varied mood. Very highly recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Virtuoso Cantatas |
| Label: |
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Virgin Classics
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Composer:
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Antonio Vivaldi |
| Performer: |
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Ensemble Artaserse; Philippe Jaroussky |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309263216 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309263218 |
| UPC: |
|
00724354572128 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDVIRG45721B |
| Cat.#: |
|
5 45721 2 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Chances are pretty good that your library already has all the Vivaldi concerto recordings it needs. But I'll bet money that you're a bit thin when it comes to his cantatas. This disc offers a delightful opportunity to redress that gap in the collection, with a program of five rarely-recorded solo cantatas all performed by the wonderful young countertenor Philippe Jaroussky with the excellent Ensemble Artaserse. The production quality is exquisite. (RA) |
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 |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Twentieth Century Oboe Concertos |
| Label: |
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Cedille (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Czech National Symphony Orchestra; Alex Klein/Freeman |
| ISBN: |
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9786308952234 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308952230 |
| UPC: |
|
00735131907927 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCED 079 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CDR 9000 079 |
| 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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This two-disc set features three oboe concertos by 20th-century composers both famous (Bohuslav Martinu) and less so (Pawel Sydor, Marco Aurelio Yano) in powerful and vibrant performances by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra with oboist Alex Klein. The Martinu piece is perhaps the most easily accessible, while the Sydor is the most dark and difficult; all are well worth hearing. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Bolivian Baroque Music From the Missions of Chiquitos and Moxos Indians |
| Label: |
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Channel Classics (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Florilegium |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309254726 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309254723 |
| UPC: |
|
00723385221050 |
| Prod.#: |
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BESAHMD CCSSA22105 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CCS SA 22105 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical Music |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Here is another welcome reminder of the rich heritage of baroque music contained in the archives of various Jesuit missions in South America -- music composed both by transplanted Europeans and by natives, often involving local languages and musical elements. This collection of delightful vocal and instrumental works comes from several Bolivian archives, and should be considered an essential purpose for any early-music collection. (The second disc is a DVD documentary of the recording project.) (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Music From the Eton Choirbook |
| Label: |
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Gimell (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Composer:
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John Browne |
| Performer: |
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Tallis Scholars |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309254740 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
630925474X |
| UPC: |
|
00755138103627 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDHMD CDGIM036 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CDGIM 036 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
A new album by the Tallis Scholars, this one featuring music by John Browne from the legendary Eton Choirbook. Need more be said? (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Dialogo del Gigante Golia: Oratorios |
| Label: |
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CPO
|
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Composer:
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Giacomo Carissimi |
| Performer: |
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Musica Fiata; La Capella Ducale/Wilson |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309272010 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309272012 |
| UPC: |
|
00761203998326 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCPO 99983 |
| Cat.#: |
|
999 983-2 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
These four oratorios by the great Giacomo Carissimi (teacher of Charpentier, among other notable) do not seem to have been recorded before -- indeed, three of them were thought until recently to be entirely lost. Musica Fiata and La Capella Ducale perform them with an admirable mixture of muscle and elegance, and are beautifully recorded; Roland Wilson evinces fine performances by the various soloists. An essential purchase for any early-music collection. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Les Plus Belles Pages |
| Label: |
|
Bridge
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Composer:
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Fernando Sor |
| Performer: |
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David Starobin |
| ISBN: |
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9786309210685 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309210688 |
| UPC: |
|
00090404916625 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDBRIDBCD9166 |
| Cat.#: |
|
9166 |
| Period: |
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Classical |
| Genre: |
|
Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Fernando Sor wrote symphonies, operas, chamber music, piano pieces, songs and ballets, but his most enduring and beloved works are those he wrote for the six-string guitar, which was a relatively new instrument during his day. On this wonderful disc, David Starobin reminds us of why those works have endured so well -- Sor's sense of melody was almost Schubertian, and the pleasing tension between logic and passion in his chord progressions evokes Beethoven and late Mozart. Starobin's playing is richly nuanced and very nicely recorded. Highly recommended to all collections. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Chamber Music |
| Label: |
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Gasparo
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Composer:
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Pierre Jalbert |
| Performer: |
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Maia Quartet; Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble; et al. |
| ISBN: |
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9786309155887 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309155881 |
| UPC: |
|
00755101036129 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDGAS GS361 |
| Cat.#: |
|
GSCD-361 |
| Period: |
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Modern |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
The music of Pierre Jalbert, who serves currently as composer-in-residence to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, is spiky and astringent, but still quite accessible -- you never get the feeling he's trying to push you away, but his music has a satisfying crunch and rewards careful listening. This program is a nice assortment of chamber works ranging in scale from a toccata for solo piano to Transcendental Windows, for 12-piece ensemble. Perhaps the highlight is his wonderful piano trio, dating from 1998. Recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Vier Letzten Dinge |
| Label: |
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CPO
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Composer:
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Joseph Eybler |
| Performer: |
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Rheinische Kantorei; Das Kleine Konzert/Hermann Max |
| ISBN: |
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9786309272058 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309272055 |
| UPC: |
|
00761203702428 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCPO 777024 |
| Cat.#: |
|
777 024-2 |
| Period: |
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Laste Classical/Early Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
The charmingly poodle-haired Hermann Max is back with another brilliant recording by a relatively obscure composer. Eybler was a student of Albrechtsberger and Haydn and a major figure in the Viennese court, but his work is infrequently recorded today. This delightful oratorio will convince newcomers to go back and look for more of Eybler's stuff -- keep an eye out for his requiem and his chamber works. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Ascanio In Alba |
| Label: |
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Brilliant Classics
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Composer:
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart |
| Performer: |
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Musica ad Rhenum / Wentz |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309075345 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309075349 |
| UPC: |
|
00675754810627 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDBRIL92347 |
| Cat.#: |
|
92347 |
| Period: |
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Classical |
| Genre: |
|
Classical |
| Release type: |
|
Reissue (3-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
It's been about ten years since the last recording of this opera in its entirety (not counting the original issue of this set, which came out in 2003 and is now available again at budget price). This was one of Mozart's early operas, and though it's not a masterpiece, it will be of obvious interest to any deep library collection. The performance and recording quality are both good, if not really stellar. (RA) |
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| COUNTRY/FOLK |
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| Title: |
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You Gotta Dig A Little Deeper |
| Label: |
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Rounder
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Artist:
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Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver |
| ISBN: |
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9786309239792 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309239791 |
| UPC: |
|
00011661055728 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECD116 6105572 |
| Cat.#: |
|
11661-0557-2 |
| Genre: |
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Bluegrass |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Here's something unusual -- a secular Doyle Lawson album! Musically speaking, though, there are no real surprises here: he and his band put just as much energy, conviction and soul into songs like "Heartbreak Number Nine" and "Girl from West Virginia" as they do into their gospel material. And with banjoist Terry Baucom back in the fold, their sound is more powerful than ever. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Libertango |
| Label: |
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Compass
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Artist:
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Sharon Shannon |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308743610 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308743615 |
| UPC: |
|
00766397439228 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCOMS974392 |
| Cat.#: |
|
7 4392 2 |
| Period: |
|
Modern |
| Genre: |
|
Folk Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Sharon Shannon is one of the bright new stars in the Irish music constellation. Her facility with the button accordian combined with bouncy innovative arrangements are a delight for the celtic music novice as well as the gourmet. Pop singer,Sinead O'Conner joins Shannon on two selections as well as other musical notaries. Libertango also features some unique blending of irish and international styles and is a valuable addition to any collection of modern Celtic music. (JM) |
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|
 |
| |
| $17.98 |
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|
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| Title: |
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Woodyboye: The Songs Of Woody Guthrie And Tales Worth Telling Vol 2 |
| Label: |
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Appleseed (dist. Koch)
|
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Artist:
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Joel Rafael Band |
| ISBN: |
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9786309220653 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309220659 |
| UPC: |
|
00611587108623 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDKHI APR1086 |
| Cat.#: |
|
APR CD 1086 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
There are two reasons to add this to your collection. First, Rafael is an excellent interpreter of classic Woody Guthrie tunes. Second, the Guthrie clan has let Rafael add music to some of Woody’s previously unavailable lyrics (just like they did with Billy Bragg). The four “new” tunes here (including the eerie “Dance Around My Atom Fire” and the poignantly spiritual “Your Sandal String”) further enrich Guthrie’s standing as one of America’s greatest artistic treasures. Highly recommended. (GH) |
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|
 |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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The Best There Ever Was: Legendary Early Blues |
| Label: |
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Yazoo (dist. Koch)
|
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
|
9786307880729 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6307880724 |
| UPC: |
|
00016351300225 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDKHI YAZ3002 |
| Cat.#: |
|
3002 |
| Period: |
|
1920s-1930s |
| Genre: |
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Blues |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
Without the thematic and geographic restrictions of Yazoo's previous rural blues compilations, The Best There Ever Was is essentially a "best of" the label's incredible back-catalog of country-blues. Imagine if you had a friend who owned the best blues reissue label ever, and he made you a mixed CD. This is especially suited to libraries with a limited American 'roots music' budget, and is something you can recommend to any patron curious about the genre. (SM) |
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|
 |
| |
| $14.98 |
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| Title: |
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Complete Recordings: 1928-1929 |
| Label: |
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County Records
|
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Artist:
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Roane County Ramblers |
| ISBN: |
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9786308688614 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308688614 |
| UPC: |
|
00009001353023 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCNTY3530 |
| Cat.#: |
|
3530 |
| Period: |
|
1920s |
| Genre: |
|
Folk Music |
| Release type: |
|
Reissue |
| Comments: |
|
The Roane County Ramblers recorded 12 sides between 1928 and 1930, and this reissue contains all of them. 12 cuts may seem short by today's standards, but it is worth the price as this is top-shelf Tennessee old-time music. The star is undoubtedly fiddler Jimmy McCarroll, but the Ramblers are an incredible ensemble--tight, hot, and intense, with wonderful interplay between instruments. Great sound and packaging from County, as usual. (SM) |
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|
 |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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A Prairie Home Companion With Garrison Keillor (DVD) |
| Label: |
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Rounder
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786308888601 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308888605 |
| UPC: |
|
00011661321892 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BEDD116 6132189 |
| Cat.#: |
|
11661-3218-9 |
| Genre: |
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Folk/Country/Spoken Word |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
If you've ever wondered what's going on visually during the weekly live broadcasts of NPR's beloved A Prairie Home Companion, now's your chance to find out with this fine DVD. This 30th-anniversary broadcast features performances by the regular cast as well as guest artists BR549, Inga Swearingen, Jearlyn Steele and Cindy Cashdollar. (RA) |
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| JAZZ |
|
 |
| |
| $15.99 |
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| |
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| Title: |
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Try This At Home (DVD) |
| Label: |
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Euroarts (dist. Naxos)
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Artist:
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Bobby McFerrin |
| ISBN: |
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9786309273901 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309273906 |
| UPC: |
|
00880242513977 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BEDDEUAR2051397 |
| Cat.#: |
|
4157 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
If you've ever wondered what a Bobby McFerrin concert is like, here's your chance to find out. Just remember that you might be disappointed: he comes across as a bit distant and smug, even as he ventures out into the audience and involves its members in his performances. Nor are all of his numbers very musically impressive; he's obviously improvising quite a bit, and the results are frequently melodically dry and lyrically silly without being as much fun as they should be. There are some exciting moments, though, and this DVD will be of special interest to libraries supporting vocal programs. (RA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $17.98 |
| |
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| |
|
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| Title: |
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Live At The Iridium |
| Label: |
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Telarc Jazz
|
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Artist:
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Monty Alexander |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309167590 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309167596 |
| UPC: |
|
00089408361029 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDTELA83610 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CD-83610 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
In a live setting, Monty Alexander's sweet melodicism and romantic tendencies are shown to best advantage, as this fine set from the legendary Iridium club demonstrates. Bassist Hassan Shakur, drummer Mark Taylor and percussionist Robert Thomas, Jr. support Alexander nicely on a varied program of originals and standards. (RA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $18.98 |
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|
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| |
|
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| Title: |
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Deep Song |
| Label: |
|
Verve
|
|
Artist:
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Kurt Rosenwinkel |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309160638 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
630916063X |
| UPC: |
|
00075021034563 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDUMG B000392802 |
| Cat.#: |
|
B000392802 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Guitarist Rosenwinkel’s latest is, as the title suggests, a deeply textured collection. While sometimes moody and atmospheric, Deep Song consistently shines with creative solos and excellent instrumental interplay between Rosenwinkel, saxophonist Joshua Redman, and pianist Brad Mehldau. It’s a mature, collaborative effort where the sum of the parts outshines the individual efforts, and as such showcases the fine talents of Rosenwinkel and his collaborators. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Live in 95 |
| Label: |
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Arbors (dist. Allegro)
|
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Artist:
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|
Dan Barrett Quintet |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308939259 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308939250 |
| UPC: |
|
00780941128024 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDAGROARB19280 |
| Cat.#: |
|
ARCD 19280 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
This is an effortlessly enjoyable live set by something of a neo-swing supergroup led by guitarist Harold Arlen and featuring guest vocals by his wife, the sultry-voiced Terrie Richards. Favorites like "Jeepers Creepers" and "Skylark" make their inevitable appearances, as well as less well-known fare like Johnny St. Cyr's "Oriental Strut" and the Harding/Warren composition "9:20 Special." Highly recommended to all jazz collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Stop-Start |
| Label: |
|
Sons Of Sound
|
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Artist:
|
|
Trio East |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309133328 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309133322 |
| UPC: |
|
00656607002529 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDSOFS20025 |
| Cat.#: |
|
SSPCD025 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
I confess, pianoless jazz trios make me uneasy. It's not that the format can't work, just that it do frequently doesn't. This one, featuring trumpeter Clay Jenkins, bassist Jeff Campbell and drummer Rich Thompson, most assuredly does. Campbell is effective at defining the harmonic context for Jenkins' solos, and Thompson is a paragon of taste. The tunes, mostly standards, are well chosen. Highly recommended to all jazz collections. (RA) |
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|
| ROCK/POP |
|
 |
| |
| $13.98 |
| |
|
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| |
|
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| Title: |
|
Guero |
| Label: |
|
Interscope
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Beck |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309239198 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309239198 |
| UPC: |
|
00602498639238 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDUMG B000348102 |
| Cat.#: |
|
B0003481-02 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
This is Beck's return to working with the Dust Brothers, who also produced his seminal Odelay. While not as great as that album (what is?), this record combines its humor and sample-based hip-hop influence, with the more mature sounds of later-period Beck. A success on its own terms. (SA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Willie Hightower |
| Label: |
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Honest Jon's (dist. Caroline)
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Artist:
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Willie Hightower |
| ISBN: |
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9786309063809 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309063804 |
| UPC: |
|
00724357713627 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCDISASW77136 |
| Cat.#: |
|
ASW77136 |
| Period: |
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1960's |
| Genre: |
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Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
Another fine 60s southern soul compilation from Honest Jons (see Bettye Swan CD, April HotList). Like so many R&B singers his age, Hightower was smitten with Sam Cooke, and at times sounds uncannily like his hero. But Hightower's voice is grittier, raspier, and--dare I say it--equally as warm and soulful as Cooke's. The six sides recorded by soul legend Rick Hall in Muscle Shoals may be the standouts, but the quality is consistent throughout. Gripe: lack of recording session information and discography. (SM) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Sounds of Goodbye |
| Label: |
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Big Beat Records
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Artist:
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Gosdin Brothers |
| ISBN: |
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9786308266584 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308266582 |
| UPC: |
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00029667423526 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBIBE235 |
| Cat.#: |
|
235 |
| Period: |
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1960s |
| Genre: |
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Country & Western |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
Classic 1960s country-rock and prog-country thankfully rescued from hopeless obscurity. Vern Gosdin, as a C&W star in the 70s and 80s, was known as "The Voice," and on these recordings his prodigious vocal abilities are teamed with brother Rex's high harmonies and backing by various West Coast country-rock heavies, including the incredible guitarist Clarence White and other Byrds members. Highly recommended. (SM) |
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| $11.98 |
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| Title: |
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Full Circle |
| Label: |
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Epitaph
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Artist:
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Pennywise |
| ISBN: |
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9786309203199 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309203193 |
| UPC: |
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00045778673926 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDEPIT86739 |
| Cat.#: |
|
86739-2 |
| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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In late 2004, the Epitaph label reissued the first four Pennywise albums (Pennywise,, About Time, Unknown Road, and Full Circle) in preparation for a new studio album slated for spring of 2005. Unlike the bands to which they're most often compared (Bad Religion, the Offspring), Pennywise have always been a bit melodically dry, but their sound is lots of tight, fist-clenching fun. If your library doesn't need all four reissues, go with this one, the fourth in the series and the most sonically rich of them. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Transistor Radio |
| Label: |
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Merge Records
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Artist:
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M. Ward |
| ISBN: |
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9786309134400 |
| ISBN-10: |
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630913440X |
| UPC: |
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00036172956029 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMERG29560 |
| Cat.#: |
|
29560 |
| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This is M. Ward’s fourth full-length album and his most accessible to date. Ward’s distinctive singing is a mixture of a croon and a drawl that has been dipped in honey, and I find it enthralling. His music is very much in the American folk tradition, from country blues to breezy pop, and all of the songs have the feel of your grandfather’s lo-fi 78 rpm records. The album takes one back to the heyday of radio and is dedicated to the “last of the remaining independent radio stations.” If you like Iron & Wine, Tom Waits and Gram Parsons then you will want to give M. Ward a listen.(DB) |
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| Title: |
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Scratch: All The Way Live (DVD) |
| Label: |
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Immortal
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786309271112 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309271113 |
| UPC: |
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00827596900435 |
| Prod.#: |
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BEDDIMRT90043 |
| Cat.#: |
|
SCR 004-3 |
| Genre: |
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Hip Hop/Turntablism |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Turntables are the new guitars, and this exciting DVD documents a recent tour by four of turntablism's most jaw-droppingly accomplished artists: Z-Trip, DJ Jazzy Jay, Mixmaster Mike and the X-Ecutioners. Not only is this program a thrilling experience in itself, it's also a very handy way to shut up anyone who disparages hip hop for a perceived lack of complexity; these DJs' skills will have you disbelieving both your eyes and ears. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Funeral |
| Label: |
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Merge Records
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Artist:
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Arcade Fire |
| ISBN: |
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9786308737992 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308737992 |
| UPC: |
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00036172955527 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDMERG29555 |
| Cat.#: |
|
29555 |
| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Funeral is the full-length debut of Montreal’s Arcade Fire. The band creates an intense, theatrical, hook-filled sound that is equal parts chamber pop, indie rock and folk rock. It is a heady mixture that elicits a range of emotions. Most importantly, it makes one feel alive, which is impressive for an album dedicated (in liner notes) to their recently departed family members. This is a highly recommended debut that should lead to bigger and better things for Arcade Fire. (DB) |
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| Title: |
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Live In Providence (DVD) |
| Label: |
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Spinart
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Artist:
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Richard Thompson Band |
| ISBN: |
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9786308870057 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308870056 |
| UPC: |
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00750078016099 |
| Prod.#: |
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BEDDSART780160 |
| Cat.#: |
|
SPART 160 |
| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
This DVD documents a mostly brilliant set by British folk-rock legend Richard Thompson's stripped-down electric band. His second guitarist is most effective when he's playing guitar, rather than saxophone or, especially, mandolin (with which he ruins an otherwise explosive version of "Shoot Out the Lights"), but Thompson himself is in rare form and special praise is due bassist Rory McFarland. The extra features, which include vintage live footage and interviews, are especially fun. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Take Fountain |
| Label: |
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Manifesto
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Artist:
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Wedding Present |
| ISBN: |
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9786309112538 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309112538 |
| UPC: |
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00767004390123 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMANO43901 |
| Cat.#: |
|
MFO 43901 |
| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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There's something about this band -- on the one hand they're pretty straightforward British alt-guitar-pop, on the other hand they sometimes manage to sound just like New Order. You'll get a whiff of Modest Mouse every once in a while, too. These are not bad things, nor are the CD-ROM video tracks included on the U.S. version of this fine album. Recommended. (RA) |
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| WORLD/ETHNIC |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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World Psychedelic Classics 3: Love's a Real Thing: The Funky, Fuzzy Sounds of West Africa |
| Label: |
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Luaka Bop
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Artist:
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Various |
| ISBN: |
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9786309206244 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309206249 |
| UPC: |
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00680899005227 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDV2 90052 |
| Cat.#: |
|
90052 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
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Another amazing afro-funk compilation, this time from David Byrne's Luaka Bop label. This music reflects Anglophone and Francophone west Africa's early 70s assimilation of the sounds and attitudes that came out of the UK and the US in the late 60s. A polyrhythmic take on mind-expansion with a political undercurrent. Irresistible. (SA) |
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| Title: |
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Arular |
| Label: |
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XL
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Artist:
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M.I.A. |
| ISBN: |
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9786309134509 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309134507 |
| UPC: |
|
00634904918620 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDXLRC491862 |
| Cat.#: |
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XLCD 186 |
| Genre: |
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Dance, DJ |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The buzz has been building on this Sri Lankan expatriate living in London, based on some singles and a bootleg mixtape she did with DJ Diplo (Piracy Funds Terrorism vol. 1), and now the album is finally here to back up the hype. A heady mix of hip-hop, dancehall, reggaeton, Rio baile funk, and indie rock, 'Arular' undermines critical concepts like "authenticity" with its brazen appropriation of styles and voracious sense of fun. This is the world music of the 21st century, so you might as well get used to it. (SA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Musique Celtic |
| Label: |
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Compass
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Artist:
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Rosheen |
| ISBN: |
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9786309206268 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309206265 |
| UPC: |
|
00766397440125 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCOMS974401 |
| Cat.#: |
|
7 4401 2 |
| Genre: |
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Celtic/Canadian |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Rosheen is a Quebec-based band that specializes in Celtic folk music, which its members play expertly and with infectious enthusiasm. It would be nice if they threw in a few more Quebecois tunes along with Irish standards like "Morrison's Jig" and "Star of the County Down," but the original tunes are brilliant and the whole album crackles with energy and joi de vivre. Recommended. (RA) |
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| $14.99 |
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| Title: |
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Dancehall Sessions |
| Label: |
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Sessions/Select-O
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786309223647 |
| ISBN-10: |
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630922364X |
| UPC: |
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00698458622525 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDSSNS225 |
| Cat.#: |
|
SESHDCD225 |
| Genre: |
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Reggae |
| Release type: |
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Compilation (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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This is a very nicely done, budget-priced overview of the early dancehall-reggae scene, circa 1980-1987 or so. Importantly, it includes significant recordings from both the Kingston and London scenes and features contributions from such legendary artists as U Brown, General Levy, Frankie Paul, Chaka Demus and a young Shabba Ranks. A few clunkers are included in the 30-track program, but that's frankly par for the course -- the album wouldn't be a fair representation of the music without them. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Sumiglia |
| Label: |
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ECM
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Artist:
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Savina Yannatou |
| Performer: |
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Savina Yannatou & Primavera en Salonico |
| ISBN: |
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9786309161369 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309161369 |
| UPC: |
|
00602498240502 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDUMG B000404602 |
| Cat.#: |
|
B000404602 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Classically-trained singer Yannatou once again leads her extraordinary band on a musical journey around Greece, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean. They’re masters at recasting folk and popular songs into fresh arrangements that celebrate both the uniqueness and similarities found in music from 11 different countries and regions. ECM’s pristine recording allows each subtlety and nuance to shine. Highly recommended. (GH) |
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