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October 2006
Look for "Rick's Pick" 
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| CLASSICAL |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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Light |
| Label: |
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Cantaloupe (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Ethel |
| ISBN: |
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9786310483245 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00713746303723 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD CA21037 |
| Cat.#: |
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CA21037 |
| Period: |
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Modern |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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If you've had it up to here with hipper-than-thou string quartets playing modern compositions that explore the disputed liminalities of modern and postmodern musical discourse by co-opting (both ironically and unironically) elements of popular and "classical" culture and yada yada yada, then chances are good that you'll reject a string quartet called Ethel out of hand. And yes, there's some annoyingly cutesy pomo twaddle on this disc. But there are also some moments of transcendant beauty, such as the extracts from Marcelo Zarvos' Nepomuk's Dances. Recommended overall. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Hemispheres |
| Label: |
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Archer Records (dist. Red)
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Composer:
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Lily Afshar |
| ISBN: |
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9786310378244 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00822533192621 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDARHR3319262 |
| Cat.#: |
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ARR-31926 |
| Genre: |
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Classical/World |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This is a fascinating collection of classical guitar pieces drawing on a wide variety of world music traditions, including a newly commissioned work by Reza Vali (for which Afshar installed quarter-tone frets on her guitar) and world premier performances of pieces by Gerard Drozd, Garry Eister and others. Any collection supporting a classical guitar curriculum should consider this disc an essential purchase. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Creation: Renaissance Works from Johannes Ockeghem & Estonian Sacred Folk Songs |
| Label: |
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K&K Verlagsanstalt (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Johannes Ockeghem |
| Performer: |
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Heinavanker Ensemble |
| ISBN: |
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9786310306278 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754921422 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDKKV 21 |
| Cat.#: |
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KuK 21 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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If only it were possible to give multiple stars -- this drop-dead gorgeous disc would get 10. It mingles sacred songs from the great Flemish composer Johannes Ockeghem with religious folk songs from Estonia, all performed without accompaniment by the six-voice Heinavanker Ensemble. The result is less a blending of sounds than a juxtaposition of them, the simple and lilting Estonian melodies counterbalancing the lush richness of Ockeghem's settings. Absolutely, stunningly beautiful. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Flute Sonatas (Complete) |
| Label: |
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Brilliant Classics (dist. Koch)
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Composer:
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Michel Blavet |
| Performer: |
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Jed Wentz; Musica ad Rhenum |
| ISBN: |
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9786310481074 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00842977030037 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBLLT93003 |
| Cat.#: |
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93003 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set (3-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Few French flutists of the 18th century were as famous and adored (in his time) as Michel Blavet, and if his is no longer exactly a household name, well, the same is true for many of his then-famous contemporaries. If your collection has an embarrassing gap where his compositions should be, plug it definitively with this nicely recorded, beautifully played and irresistibly priced three-disc set, which contains all of his known works for flute. Jed Wentz plays on copies of three different historical instruments, providing a nice overview of the different tones available to flutists of the period. Highly recommended to all early-music collections. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Benedicam Dominum |
| Label: |
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MDG (dist. Koch)
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Composer:
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Thomas Stoltzer |
| Performer: |
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Josquin Capella / Meinholf Bruser |
| ISBN: |
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9786310416885 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00760623139425 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMDGR6051394 |
| Cat.#: |
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MDG 605 1394-2 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This collection of vocal works by the 15th-century Polish composer Thomas Stoltzer is something of a grab-bag -- mostly psalm settings, but also a Christmas antiphon, a Marian responsory, a lovely Magnificat setting and a Requiem introit. As such, though, it provides an excellent introduction to the work of a largely forgotten master of polyphony, and features very fine performances by the Basel-based Josquin Capella under the direction of Meinholf Bruser. Recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| $16.99 |
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| Title: |
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Nonet, op.77; Quintet, op. 44 |
| Label: |
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CPO
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Composer:
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George Onslow |
| Performer: |
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Ma'alot Quartet; Mandelring Quartet |
| ISBN: |
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9786310432878 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00761203715121 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCPO 777151 |
| Cat.#: |
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777 151-2 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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These are lovely performances of very fine chamber music by a truly underrated figure in French 19th-century music. Comparisons with Beethoven and the late Haydn are inevitable, especially given his florid style and skillful approach to thematic development, but ultimately Onslow had a sound all his own, one that is beautifully rendered by these two ensembles (playing on modenr instruments). Recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| $12.99 |
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| Title: |
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Clarinet Quintet; Kegelstatt Trio |
| Label: |
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Naive
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Composer:
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart |
| Performer: |
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Quatuor Mosaiques; Wolfgang Meyer; Patrick Cohen |
| ISBN: |
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9786310430775 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00822186050590 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNAIVV5059 |
| Cat.#: |
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V 5059 |
| Period: |
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Classical |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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Originally issued in 1992, this disc finds the well-respected Quatuor Mosaiques taking on two of the more popular works in Mozart's chamber repertoire. The twist is that they play them on period instruments, which is especially revelatory in the case of the Clarinet Quintet -- Wolfgang Meyer plays a basset clarinet, and his sound is dark, warm and lovely. If your collection only needs one rendition of these works then you might want to go with something more mainstream, but if you need different performances for comparative purposes, this one is a must. (RA) |
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| $16.95 |
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| Title: |
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Messe & Te Deum a Huit Voix |
| Label: |
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Glossa (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Marc-Antoine Charpentier |
| Performer: |
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Concert Spirituel / Niquet |
| UPC: |
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8424562216112 |
| Cat.#: |
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GCDSA 921611 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Charpentier's Mass and Te Deum settings for eight voices are among the most sumptuously lovely of his career, and find him writing at the peak of his compositional powers. This disc features gorgeous performances of both works by the always-reliable Concert Spirituel, recorded in the warm and resonant acoustic of the Eglise Notre Dame du Liban in Paris. Added bonus: conductor Herve Niquet is seriously rocking that Gilligan hat in the booklet photo. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Guilio Cesare (DVD) |
| Label: |
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Opus Arte (dist. Naxos)
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Composer:
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Georg Friedrich Handel |
| Performer: |
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Glyndebourne Opera; Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment |
| ISBN: |
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9786310184166 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00809478009504 |
| Prod.#: |
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BEDDOPSA0960 |
| Cat.#: |
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OA 0950 D |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Opera |
| Release type: |
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New (3-discs) |
| Comments: |
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David McVicar's setting of Handel's classic opera is a strange and quirky one -- one that is bound to generate much controversy and discussion, and thus a prime candidate for any library's classical collection. Costumes and set design place the action in turn-of-the-century Egypt, with the obviously female Sarah Connelly playing the part of the obviously male protagonist. Beautifully staged and sumptuously performed, this is a performance designed to put any traditional discussion of "authenticity" on its head. Love it or hate it, you probably need to make this performance available to your music students. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Hymnes and Songs of the Church |
| Label: |
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Naxos
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Composer:
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Orlando Gibbons |
| Performer: |
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Tonus Peregrinus |
| ISBN: |
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9786310430409 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00747313268122 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNAXO8557681 |
| Cat.#: |
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8.557681 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Whether or not you are, like me, a complete and abject sucker for the sound of early English hymnody, you should seriously consider adding this collection of 17th-century hymn tunes by Orlando Gibbons to your classical collection. Arranged handily according to the liturgical year, it combines gorgeous performances of Gibbon's music with new hymns and new arrangements by the members of Tonus Peregrinus. Brilliant and heartbreakingly lovely. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Da Pacem |
| Label: |
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Harmonia Mundi
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Composer:
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Arvo Part |
| Performer: |
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Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir / Hillier |
| ISBN: |
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9786310483382 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00093046740122 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD HMU907401 |
| Cat.#: |
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HMU 907401 |
| Period: |
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Modern |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Another brilliant installment in the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir's ongoing survey of the sacred vocal music of Arvo Part, this one features a blend of new and older pieces, most of them involving more harmonic movement than fans of works like Tabula Rasa and his Passion setting might expect. As usual, the singing is luminous and the music is stunningly beautiful, infused with the sense of glowing spiritual wonder that has become Part's hallmark. Highly recommended to all collections. (RA) |
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| COUNTRY/FOLK |
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| Title: |
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Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc. (Expanded & Remastered) |
| Label: |
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Rhino
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Artist:
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Dwight Yoakam |
| ISBN: |
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9786310559261 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00081227413521 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRHIN74135 |
| Cat.#: |
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R2 74135 |
| Genre: |
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Country & Western |
| Release type: |
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Reissue (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Bakersfield country star Dwight Yoakam exploded onto the trad honky-tonk scene with this fine debut album, which has been expanded for this reissue by a second disc (documenting a live 1986 performance at the Roxy) and, more interestingly, by the complete set of demo recordings that garnered him his label contract in the first place. I'd have preferred that the final recordings precede the demos on disc one rather than vice versa, but either way this is an essential piece of modern country music history. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Rogue's Gallery: Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs and Chanteys |
| Label: |
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Anti
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786310386546 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00045778681723 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDANTR86817 |
| Cat.#: |
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8G817-2 |
| Genre: |
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Folk/Pop |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Producer/visionary Hal Willner has an uncanny knack of assimilating eclectic musical talent and producing wonderfully unique results. Willner was the genius behind the TV show Night Music in the 80’s (the greatest music program to ever grace the small screen, woefully overdue for DVD release), as well as such star-studded albums as 1989’s Disney tribute Stay Awake (featuring Tom Wait’s dark “Hi Ho” and Sun Ra’s rousing “Pink Elephants” – did I say eclectic?). Willner’s latest project is a compilation of sea chanteys and pirate songs, partially produced and inspired by Johnny Depp, the flamboyant captain of the Disney Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Willner sorted through hundreds of folk and sea songs, culling 43 tunes for this 2 CD set. This annotated collection features work songs, historical ballads, bawdy broadsides, drinking songs, pirate ditties, and a treasure trove of other lore. Featured artists include Richard Thompson, Lucinda Williams, Martin & Eliza Carthy, Bono, Sting, Brian Ferry, Bill Frisell, Loudon and Rufus Wainwright, Lou Reed, and many more, each adding their individual take on a particular song. A true delight -- very highly recommended. (GH) |
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| $24.98 |
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| Title: |
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Personal File |
| Label: |
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Sony
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Artist:
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Johnny Cash |
| ISBN: |
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9786310189499 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00827969426524 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCOLM94265 |
| Cat.#: |
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1CK94265 |
| Genre: |
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Country |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Recorded in his home studio and archived as “personal files,” this two-disc collection of previously unreleased material was discovered in Johnny Cash’s studio by his son, and includes many of Johnny’s favorite songs. It’s just Cash and a guitar, with spoken introductions to many tunes that describe why they were important to him (the first song he sang in public, how he learned one song from a radio show, etc.). Historically, these offer insight into Cash’s musical influences; as performances, they are intimate, beautiful wonders. If it were possible to have a private concert of Johnny Cash playing and talking about his favorite songs, this collection would be that. This is an important addition to Cash’s canon and comes very highly recommended. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Half Century of Hits |
| Label: |
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Time Life Music
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Artist:
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Jerry Lee Lewis |
| ISBN: |
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9786310247786 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00610583181821 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTLIFM19232 |
| Cat.#: |
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OPCD-7863 |
| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set (3-discs) |
| Comments: |
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I guess this should have been classed under Rock/Pop, but the more I listen to this career-spanning three-disc compilation, the more convinced I become that it's the country boogie in Jerry Lee Lewis' sound that mattered first and most, and that matters still. So I'll call it country; you call it what you want, but don't kid yourself: unless your library already holds a comprehensive collection of his albums, this set is a must-have. By the way, here's another thing I noticed for the first time: he was a better singer in 1975 than he was in 1957. Killer. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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One Meatball |
| Label: |
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Appleseed
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Artist:
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Various |
| ISBN: |
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9786310371948 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00611587109620 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAPPL1096 |
| Cat.#: |
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APR CD 1096 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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New/Reissue |
| Comments: |
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One Meat Ball is the brainchild of the ever-mirthful Christine Lavin, who gathers 19 singer/songwriters to offer witty observations on the ever-popular topic of food. A few classics are here, including Pete Seeger’s “Maple Syrup Time” and Dave Van Ronk’s version of the title tune, but most of the disc consists of original tunes by talented singer-songwriters on such topics as coffee, pie, bacon, blackberries, French toast, fudge, and root beer. It even includes a spiral-bound cookbook with recipes associated with the songs. It’s great fun, and offers musical mettle to G.B. Shaw’s oft-quoted assertion that "There is no sincerer love than the love of food." (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Gloryland |
| Label: |
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Harmonia Mundi
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Artist:
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Anonymous 4; Mike Marshall; Darol Anger |
| ISBN: |
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9786310442174 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00093046740023 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD HMU907400 |
| Cat.#: |
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HMU 907400 |
| Genre: |
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Folk/Gospel |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Given the great success of Anonymous 4's previous celebration of American folk hymnody (American Angels, HMU 907326), a follow-up was inevitable. What was not inevitable was their teaming up with neofolk legends Mike Marshall and Darol Anger, whose fiddle, guitar and mandolin add a new dimension to the vocal quartet's sound. They also seem to have convinced the ladies that it's not necessary to trill their Rs when singing folk hymns, which is a good thing. Every library that owns the first disc will want to pick up this one as well. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Legends of Country Music: The Best of Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys |
| Label: |
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Columbia/Legacy
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Artist:
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Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys |
| ISBN: |
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9786310452333 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00827969385821 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCOLM93858 |
| Cat.#: |
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82796 93858 2 |
| Genre: |
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Western Swing |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set (4-discs) |
| Comments: |
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This 105-track, 4-disc set is one of the best overviews ever released of the long career of Bob Wills, one of the pioneers of the Texas jazz-country fusion known as Western Swing. If it weren't for Bob Wills, there's no telling what the music of Merle Haggard, Lyle Lovett and Willie Nelson would have sounded like -- and there would have been no Asleep at the Wheel at all. This set goes all the way back to Wills' earliest recordings with the Fort Worth Dough Boys and proceeds through his successful career at the head of the Texas Playboys, and includes a great mix of hits and obscurities. Essential. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Departure |
| Label: |
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Signature Sounds/Newsound
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Artist:
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Mammals |
| ISBN: |
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9786309939210 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00701237129525 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSGNS1295 |
| Cat.#: |
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SIG 1295 |
| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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| Comments: |
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The Mammals are one of the most important and interesting bands on the picking circuit today. In a literal sense, they’re heirs to the folk-revival scene – singer/guitarist Tao Rodriguez-Seeger is Pete’s grandson, fiddler/singer Ruth Ungar is Jay Ungar’s daughter, and they’ve recently toured as Arlo Guthrie’s backup band. Departure features mostly original material, balancing protest songs with love songs and travel songs. Highlights include guitarist/songwriter Chris Merenda’s brilliant anti-war ballad “Alone on the Homestead,” the anti-globalization “Silk Song,” and the wistful lament about the loss of collective historical memory, “Follow Me to Carthage.” The Mammals don’t just carry Pete Seeger’s genes, they embody his social ethics and songwriting skills. They also add a modern twist to the folk revival, as one might expect from a band that styles themselves as “subversive acoustic traditionalists.” Highly recommended, as are their earlier albums, Evolver and Rock That Babe. (GH) |
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| JAZZ |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Live At The Blue Note |
| Label: |
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DRG Brazil
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Artist:
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Gal Costa |
| ISBN: |
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9786310445700 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00021471161427 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDDRG 31614 |
| Cat.#: |
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31614 |
| Genre: |
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Latin Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The famous Blue Note club offered an unusually intimate environment for this wonderful live recording by the legendary Brazilian singer Gal Costa and a small ensemble, but she adjusted her style without any obvious effort and the result is a warm and winning program of bossa nova classics and obscurities. Few jazz artists are aging as gracefully as Gal Costa. (RA) |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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Live |
| Label: |
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BHM (dist. Navarre)
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Artist:
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Bill Evans/Randy Brecker Soul Bop Band |
| ISBN: |
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9786310198798 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00090204899654 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBHMP1003 |
| Cat.#: |
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BHM 1003-2 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Those who remember saxophonist Bill Evans' gentle fusion albums of the 1980s and Randy Brecker's soulful fusion albums of the 1970s may be surprised by some of the headlong, bop-inflected material on this two-disc live album. Featuring an all-star backing band that includes bassist Victor Bailey, guitarist Hiram Bullock and others, this set offers plenty of hot energy and some nice contemplative moments as well. Recommended. (RA) |
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| $19.99 |
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| Title: |
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As We Speak |
| Label: |
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Wavetone
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Artist:
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Mark Egan |
| UPC: |
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755603764022 |
| Cat.#: |
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WT8640 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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This two-disc set is a trio session featuring bassist Mark Egan, guitarist John Abercrombie and drummer Danny Gottlieb. Most of the pieces are Egan compositions, but the others contribute as well, and the trio's sound is a fascinating combination of the soft atmospherics that longstanding fans of Egan might expect and the kinds of harmonic adventurousness that longstanding fans of Abercrombie might expect. Maybe not essential for every jazz collection, but very nice. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Above the Clouds |
| Label: |
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Arbors (dist. Allegro)
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Artist:
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Dave Glasser |
| ISBN: |
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9786310511764 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00780941133721 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAGROARB19337 |
| Cat.#: |
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ARCD 19337 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Alto saxophonist Dave Glasser plays with a sharp, clear tone and a gentle but insistent bounce that keeps his swing sounding joyful on such standards as "Our Love Is Here to Stay" and "Easter Parade," even if it slightly undermines his groove on his own New Orleans-flavored "A Little Funky." Overall, this is a very enjoyable excursion in straight-ahead quartet jazz. (RA) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Consequence Of Chaos |
| Label: |
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Telarc
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Artist:
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Al Di Meola |
| ISBN: |
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9786310541051 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00089408364921 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTELA83649 |
| Cat.#: |
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CD-83649 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
For some years now, famed fusion guitarist Al Di Meola has been focused mainly on acoustic styles, playing flamenco and tango music on classical guitar. Consequence of Chaos is being billed as his return to solid-body electric guitar, and his fans will not be disappointed: if anything, his time in the acoustic wilderness has only honed his chops and expanded his harmonic sense, while bringing a new multicultural flavor to his compositions. This album finds him playing both electric and acoustic instruments, and he's accompanied by an all-star cast of supporting players that includes drummer Steve Gadd, pianist Chick Corea, bassist John Patitucci and many others. Recommended. (RA) |
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 |
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| $19.95 |
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| Title: |
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Jazz Shots from the East Coast - Vol. 1 (DVD) |
| Label: |
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Video Music, Inc. (dist. MVD)
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786310092645 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00022891805298 |
| Prod.#: |
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BEDDVMI 2869052 |
| Cat.#: |
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2869052NT |
| Genre: |
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Music Video - Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
This collection of jazz footage offers no introductions, no context, no commentary -- just live filmed and videotaped performances by such legendary figures as Bill Evans, Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, Keith Jarrett and Jimmy Smith. It's part of a series of such collections with West Coast and East Coast themes, and while the content itself is a treasure trove, the lack of liner notes may prove frustrating for some users. Recommended to all libraries supporting a strong jazz curriculum. (RA) |
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| ROCK/POP |
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| |
| $24.98 |
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| Title: |
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Head on the Door |
| Label: |
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Rhino
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Artist:
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Cure |
| ISBN: |
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9786310383378 |
| ISBN-10: |
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631038337X |
| UPC: |
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00081227406325 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRHINE74063 |
| Cat.#: |
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R2 74063 |
| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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Reissue (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Cure fans can argue endlessly about which of the band's 1980s albums are best, but I think I'd put The Head on the Door very near the top, just under their wonderful debut. Weird but pop-smart where previous efforts had just been weird or depressing, this one brings together everything the band did best in one handy (if slightly too compact) package. The compactness problem is solved with this deluxe reissue by the addition of 18 tracks of demos and rarities. In other words, Rhino does it again. (RA) |
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| $24.98 |
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| Title: |
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Blue Sunshine |
| Label: |
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Rhino
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Artist:
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Glove |
| ISBN: |
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9786310383354 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6310383353 |
| UPC: |
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00081227080327 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRHIN70803 |
| Cat.#: |
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R2 70803 |
| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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Reissue (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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In 1983, the Cure's Robert Smith teamed up with Siouxsie & the Banshees guitarist Steve Severin for this intriguing little musical detour. Their work as the Glove doesn't exactly sound like either the Cure or the Banshees, but there aren't any really shocking departures here either; hints of gothic and Middle Eastern influences are all over the place, and vocalist Jeanette Landray brings a nice outside touch to the band's sound. This deluxe reissue includes numerous alternate mixes and almost a whole disc's worth of demos featuring Smith on vocals. Perhaps not an essential purchase for most libraries, but those with comprehensive pop music collections should give it serious consideration. (RA) |
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| $11.98 |
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| Title: |
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Son of Schmilsson |
| Label: |
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RCA
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Artist:
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Harry Nilsson |
| ISBN: |
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9786310083421 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00828767824925 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRCA 78249 |
| Cat.#: |
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82876-78249-2 |
| Genre: |
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Popular Music |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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Nilsson’s 1972 Son of… is an eccentric, witty collection. “Spaceman,” the album’s hit, mocks the perils of stardom, and “Remember (Christmas)” is a lovely bit of pop songwriting, but that’s about as straightforward as the record gets. Parody abounds: “Joy” takes on tears-in-your-beer country tunes, “You’re Breakin’ My Heart” is a vicious send-up of the love ballad, and “I’d Rather Be Dead” features a senior citizen’s choir singing a cheerful ditty about the merits of euthanasia over incontinence. Four additional takes are included on this remastered set, including “What’s Your Sign,” a compendium of cheesy pick-up lines. Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Nicky Hopkins, Peter Frampton, and others round out the cast. Nilsson was unique in the pop canon of the 70’s, and this album shows why. (GH)
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| Title: |
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Surrounded |
| Label: |
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Rhino
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Artist:
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Bjork |
| ISBN: |
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9786310101880 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00081227321222 |
| Prod.#: |
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BEDFRV E73212 |
| Cat.#: |
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R2 73212 |
| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set (7-discs) |
| Comments: |
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After her strange and intermittently interesting stint as singer for the Icelandic avant-pop group the Sugarcubes, Bjork Gudmundsdottir embarked on an equally strange and much more consistently interesting solo career, which is nicely documented in this handy 7-disc box set (one for each of her studio albums since 1993). Each volume is a DualDisc, containing the original album on one side and a DVD program on the other; the DVD side includes a DTS Surround Sound mix of the album as well as all of the videos originally released in conjunction with that album. Remixes would have been nice as well, but this is a very good opportunity for any library to plug holes that may exist in its coverage of charmingly off-the-wall (and occasionally genuinely startling) pop music. (RA) |
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| $12.98 |
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| Title: |
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Natural World |
| Label: |
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Astralwerks
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Artist:
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Prophet Omega |
| ISBN: |
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9786310518565 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00724356058323 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDATWR60583 |
| Cat.#: |
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ASW 60583 |
| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Journeyman rock drummer Joe Magistro went out on his own for this debut album, on which he calls himself Prophet Omega and plays multiple instruments as well as wielding multiple samples. The result? A deceivingly messy-sounding but actually tightly constructed program of songs that draw on 70s funk, 90s techno and timeless guitar rock. The verdict? Pretty dang good -- and that's Gang of Four alumna Sara Lee playing bass on "Hit the Deck." Yeah. (RA) |
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| $10.98 |
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| Title: |
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Funk It! -- Remixed Hits |
| Label: |
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Hypnotic/Cleopatra
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Artist:
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James Brown |
| ISBN: |
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9786310422787 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00741157157222 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCLEO1572 |
| Cat.#: |
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CLP 1572 |
| Genre: |
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Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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As the title indicates, this is a collection of aggressively modern techno remixes of old funk-soul classics by James Brown, all of them created by people you're unlikely to have heard of (except for maybe Hyper). Now, one could argue that all of hip hop history consists of little more than James Brown remixes, and thus that history has obviated this particular project. Or one could shut his mouth, get up offa that thing and dance. I suggest the latter course. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Brookland/Oaklyn |
| Label: |
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Anticon (dist. Caroline)
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Artist:
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Alias & Tarsier |
| ISBN: |
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9786310162904 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00655035505923 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDATCN59 |
| Cat.#: |
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ABR0059 |
| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Who says that long-distance relationships can't work? Well, musical ones anyway. The title of this album hints at the fact that Rona "Tarsier" Rapadas and Brendon "Alias" Whitney occupy opposite coasts of the U.S., and make their music by swapping tapes and files back and forth between them. The music that emerges is by turns dreamy, jittery, funky and gorgeous, sometimes evoking the Cocteau Twins and sometimes sounding a bit like a cross between Bjork and Squarepusher. Nice. (RA) |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Andrew Bird & The Mysterious Production of Eggs |
| Label: |
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Righteous Babe (dist. Koch)
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Artist:
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Andrew Bird |
| ISBN: |
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9786309103185 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00748731704322 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDKHI RBR43 |
| Cat.#: |
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RBR 043 |
| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Andrew Bird brings a refreshing sense of musical adventure and whimsy to his projects, one that defies labels and categories. His tunes are quirky, oddly evocative creations that give you the distinct sense that the overall feeling a song imparts is more important the sum of the words and music. A classically-trained violinist, his songs seamlessly weave engaging, largely acoustic ensemble work with lyrics that balance on a tightrope between meaninglessness and profundity. His titles alone (“Fake Palindromes,” “Opposite Day”) give some sense of his lyrical playfulness. A personal favorite is “Tables and Chairs,” ripe with visions of a post-apocalyptic, post-industrial world where, in the “crumbled financial institutions of this land,” there’s a big party with dancing bears, a band, and “that’s not all / woah!...there will be snacks!” (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Amplivate |
| Label: |
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Love Million Records
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Artist:
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Kid Beyond |
| ISBN: |
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9786310554259 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00676941776122 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDLOMI0108 |
| Cat.#: |
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LM0108 |
| Genre: |
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Dance, DJ |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Beatboxing is the art of creating intricate beats (usually in a hip hop context) using only one's mouth. Good beatboxers will have you disbelieving your eyes as you watch them spin out complex and seemingly impossible sonic patterns. Imagine the best one you've ever seen or heard, then multiply him or her by a factor of, oh, ten or so -- that's Kid Beyond. This EP includes four tracks, all of them actual songs and all of them constructed entirely of his vocal sounds; it also includes four remixes by various DJ admirers. Spectacular and essential. (RA) |
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| WORLD/ETHNIC |
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| $31.98 |
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| Title: |
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Double Check |
| Label: |
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Piranha (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Artist:
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Stella Chiweshe |
| ISBN: |
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9786310167466 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00826863190029 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD PIR1900 |
| Cat.#: |
|
1900 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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Compilation (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Stella Chiweshe plays the mbira, or thumb piano, and sings, and she has made a fine career in a field dominated by men. This is a double album with oddly named halves – Trance Hits covering more traditional styles, and Classic Hits displaying a more modernized style featuring electric guitars. A fine album, but by all means start with Thomas Mapfumo if you want to explore the music of Zimbabwe. (SA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Na Opereta Segregamulher E Amor |
| Label: |
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V2 Records (dist. ADA)
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Artist:
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Tom Ze |
| ISBN: |
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9786310084688 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00680899006224 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDV2 90062 |
| Cat.#: |
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68089-90062-2 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Tom Ze is one of the original 60s Tropicalistas, the one who was pretty much forgotten until his career was revived by David Byrne’s Luaka Bop label in the early 90s. This concept album – Ze calls it an operetta – is impossible to describe and difficult to follow, even with a full English libretto (no Portuguese) in the CD booklet. But these songs can still be enjoyed by listeners who may not care that the story is built around Ze’s very own brand of feminist anthropology. For Brazilian completists and lovers of the strange and wonderful. (SA) |
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| $11.98 |
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| Title: |
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Introducing Etran Finatawa |
| Label: |
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World Music Network (dist. Ryko)
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Artist:
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Etran Finatawa |
| ISBN: |
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9786310245423 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00605633510522 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRD 335105 |
| Cat.#: |
|
INTRO105CD |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Etran Finatawa is a group that combines members of two nomadic ethnic groups, the Tuareg and the Wodaabe, who play a variant of the west African guitar music popularized mostly by Malians. They come from Niger, a country between Algeria and Nigeria that we have not heard from very much yet. Very nice music but hardly revelatory, and thus a non-essential purchase. (SA) |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Waterhouse Redemption |
| Label: |
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Greensleeves
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Artist:
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Sizzla |
| ISBN: |
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9786310120225 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00601811129128 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDGNSV111291 |
| Cat.#: |
|
GRELCD291 |
| Genre: |
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Reggae |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Sizzla is one of the most gifted of the current crop of young Bobo Dread singjay performers, and his affection for old-school reggae and early dancehall backing tracks lends his music a refreshing old-new quality. The religious and social messages of his lyrics are sometimes harshly intolerant (and would be widely condemned if they were promulgated by a Babylonian), but on this album he focuses on lyrics of romantic love and general uplift, all of them delivered over classic King Jammy rhythms. Recommended to all reggae collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Radiodread |
| Label: |
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Easy Star
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Artist:
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Easy Star All-Stars |
| ISBN: |
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9786310474564 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00657481101421 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDMRIR1014 |
| Cat.#: |
|
ES-1014 |
| Genre: |
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Reggae |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Remember the Easy Star All-Stars' Dub Side of the Moon -- a reggae reinterpretation of the classic Pink Floyd album? It was a surprise hit in 2003 and spawned a successful live tour. Now comes Radiodread, a similar recasting of Radiohead's OK Computer. Should it work? Nope. Does it work? Amazingly, yes. Check, in particular, Horace Andy's brilliant reinterpretation of "Airbag" and the Meditations' rootsy take on "No Surprises." A must for every pop collection. (RA) |
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| $19.95 |
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| Title: |
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Lee 'Scratch' Perry in Concert - The Ultimate Alien (DVD) |
| Label: |
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Video Music, Inc. (dist. MVD)
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Artist:
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Lee |
| ISBN: |
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9786310092638 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
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00022891022893 |
| Prod.#: |
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BEDDVMI DRG228 |
| Cat.#: |
|
DRG-228 |
| Genre: |
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Music Video - Pop/Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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To really understand Lee "Scratch" Perry -- wait, scratch that. No one understands Lee "Scratch" Perry. To really get a sense for what Perry is like, you need to see him. His brilliantly quirky production work of the 1970s tells you what a genius he is, but to get a glimpse of the madness that drives his genius you need to see him onstage in all his diminutive glory, wearing a a royal robe and a cap covered with random found objects, dancing around with a faraway look in his eyes, rapping nonsensically about ingratitude and insanity and being a space alien. Notice also the brilliant tightness of his (apparently all-British) backing band on this live performance. Perhaps not essential for every library, but definitely recommended to all reggae collections. (RA) |
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© CD HotList 2004 |
