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October 2007
Look for "Rick's Pick" 
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| CLASSICAL |
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| Title: |
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Variations on ?America? and Other Works |
| Label: |
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Naxos
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Composer:
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Charles Ives |
| Performer: |
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United States Marine Band |
| ISBN: |
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9786311362051 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00747313055975 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNAXO8570559 |
| Cat.#: |
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8.570559 |
| 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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While Charles Ives' treatments of traditional American musical themes could sometimes be a bit on the sarcastic side, there's nothing but affection and good humor in his youthful "America" variations, which are played beautifully here by the U.S. Marine Corps Band. Also included are 16 other brief pieces, including the emotionally complex wartime composition "They Are There!" and the humorous "The Circus Band." Highly recommended to all collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Lighten Our Darkness: Music for the Close of Day |
| Label: |
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Collegium (dist. Koch)
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Cambridge Singers / Rutter |
| ISBN: |
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9786310544625 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00040888013129 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCLGM131 |
| Cat.#: |
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COLCD 131 |
| Period: |
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Various |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Nobody does contemplative sacred music like the Cambridge Singers, and this two-disc set finds them at their best. The pieces are all selected for the appropriateness to evening worship, and include works by John Sheppard, Orlando de Lasso, William Byrd, Louis Bourgeois, and even Rachmaninov. The second disc is a recording of a complete, 22-minute Office of Compline. Simply, quietly spectacular. (RA) |
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| $8.99 |
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| Title: |
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Symphony No. 4; Hungarian Dances |
| Label: |
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Naxos
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Composer:
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Johannes Brahms |
| Performer: |
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London Philharmonic Orchestra / Alsop |
| ISBN: |
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9786311521809 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00747313023370 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNAXO8570233 |
| Cat.#: |
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8.570233 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Marin Alsop continues to solidify her position as one of the world's great conductors on this insightful account of Brahms' fourth symphony and his delightful Hungarian dances. Her richly expressive take on the opening movement of the symphony and her warm, rubato-filled interpretations of the dances show someone with not only a solid command of her ensemble, but also a convincing and personal vision of the music itself. Highly recmomended. (RA) |
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| $8.99 |
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| Title: |
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Six Quartets for Bassoon and Strings, Op. 1 |
| Label: |
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Naxos
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Composer:
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Georg Wenzel Ritter |
| Performer: |
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Paolo Carlini; I Virtuosi Italiani String Trio |
| ISBN: |
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9786311400005 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00747313050079 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNAXO8570500 |
| Cat.#: |
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8.570500 |
| Period: |
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Classical |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Georg Wenzel Ritter was famous in 18th-century Mannheim for his skill as a bassoonist, and if his compositions were few (six bassoon quartets and two concertos) and not terribly innovative, well, it's worth bearing in mind that innovation was not exactly central to the classical ideal. What mattered more were loveliness of melody and modestly creative adherence to form -- which these charming quartets exhibit in spades. They are very nicely played by this Italian ensemble. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Jasnogorska Muzyka Dawna - Musica Claromontana Vol 11 |
| Label: |
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Dux (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Amando Ivancic |
| Performer: |
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Concerto Polacco; Sine Nomine / Toporowski |
| ISBN: |
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9786311218129 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754989026 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDDUX 0352 |
| Cat.#: |
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DUX 0352 |
| Period: |
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Classical |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This is the thirteenth volume in an ongoing series of live recordings of music from the Pauline chapel of Jasna Gora in Poland, an institution rich in sacred musical history. This disc features a mass setting and several Marian works by Father Amando Ivancic, whose style is typical of the High Classical period but refreshingly unadorned and straightforward. The singing is sweetly beautiful, and the period-instrument Concerot Polacco plays with energy and elegance. Very highly recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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Destination London: Music for the Earl of Abingdon |
| Label: |
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Berlin Classics (dist. Albany)
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Wilbert Hazelzet; Marion Moonen; Bernadette Verhagen; Barbara Kernig |
| ISBN: |
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9786311504796 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00782124179823 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBERCBC1798 |
| Cat.#: |
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0017982BC |
| Period: |
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Classical |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Lord Abingdon was not only a wealthy English patron to top-notch composers of his day, but also a fine flautist himself. So it's no surprise that these lovely chamber confections by Stamitz, J.C. Bach, Abel, and Haydn were all written for two flutes and continuo. A bit more surprising are the whimsical pieces by Lord Abingdon himseld, including a capriccio subtitled "For the cure of the spleen." Very fun, and beautifully played on period instruments. (RA) |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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Le Jugement Dernier / O'Reilly |
| Label: |
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Pan Classics (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Marc-Antoine Charpentier |
| Performer: |
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Ensemble European William Byrd |
| ISBN: |
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9786311296080 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754000370 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNWPN10175 |
| Cat.#: |
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10 175 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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To me, this sacred choral collection by Marc-Antoine Charpentier seems to take the least attractive aspects of Monteverdi and combine them with the least attractive aspects of later Romanticism and combine them into one rather depressing whole. But then, consider the subject matter. And the soloists and instrumentalists are exquisite. Recommended to all early music collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Vesperae De Confessore: |
| Label: |
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Dynamic (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Claudio Monteverdi |
| Performer: |
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Ensemble Concerto; World Chamber Choir; Gruppo Vocale Laurence Feininger / Gini |
| ISBN: |
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9786311218631 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754995928 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDDYNA543 |
| Cat.#: |
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CDS 543 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Most people love Monteverdi's madrigals, but I've enjoyed his sacred choral music most. This collection of vespers music (with a small handful of "da capella" works, which feature instrumental accompaniment) is less monumental than the widely recorded Vespers of the Blessed Virgin off 1610, but is equally stirring in a more modest way. The performances are excellent. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Rose van Jhericho: The Song Book of Anna of Cologne |
| Label: |
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Raumklang (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Anna of Cologne |
| Performer: |
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Choralis Coeln / Jonas |
| ISBN: |
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9786311296226 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754000608 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRMKG2604 |
| Cat.#: |
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RK 2604 |
| Period: |
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Medieval |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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If your patrons include some of the many who were swept up in Hildegard Von Bingen fever back in the 1980s and 1990s, then snap up this stunningly beautiful collection of sacred medieval songs by Anna of Cologne. Monodic but tastefully accompanied by imaginative instrumental arrangements, these songs are a brilliant example of the devotio moderna movement in early 16th-century Germany. Absolutely wonderful. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Missa Super Oeniades Nymphae; Motets |
| Label: |
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Hyperion (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Composer:
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Jacob Regnart |
| Performer: |
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Cinquecento |
| ISBN: |
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9786311446553 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00034571176406 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD CDA67640 |
| Cat.#: |
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CDA67640 |
| 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 disc features eight ravishingly beautiful motets and a mass setting by the relatively obscure Habsburg court composer Jacob Regnart. The man himself is actually quite well known in historical terms, but his music is not recorded nearly as often as it should be, based on the evidence here. The six-voice, all-male Cinquecento ensemble delivers these pieces with all the warmth and hushed reverence one could ask for -- but also with a strong undercurrent of sturdy power. Highly recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| COUNTRY/FOLK |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Red Hot From Blue Rock |
| Label: |
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Texas World Records
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Artist:
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Lucky Tomblin Band |
| ISBN: |
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9786311529935 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00614511750721 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTEXW0144 |
| Cat.#: |
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| Genre: |
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Country & Western |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Bandleader Lucky Tomblin is a charmingly unassuming singer, but there's some serious virtuosity lurking behind him -- notably in the person of famed Telecaster slinger Redd Volkaert. There's not much in the way of fancy-pants pyrotechnics here, though; this is a solid, meat-and-potatoes set of honky tonk classics and old-school modern country compositions. The package includes a "making of" DVD -- keep an eye on Volkaert's fingers. (RA) |
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| $15.99 |
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| Title: |
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Chinese Boxes |
| Label: |
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Vanguard Years
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Artist:
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Kim Richey |
| ISBN: |
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9786311239827 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00015707982320 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDVANG79823 |
| Cat.#: |
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79823-2 |
| Genre: |
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Popular Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Kim Richey’s been cast as a country singer, but Chinese Boxes is more of a pop-influenced singer-songwriter’s showcase, full of finely crafted tunes that get in your memory and just won’t leave. Richey writes with a poet’s grace and a keen ear for a catchy phrase, and she adds just the right level of instrumentation to fill out her rich lyrics. Very nice. (GH) |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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Live: Newcastle, UK |
| Label: |
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Kufala
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Artist:
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Eddi Reader |
| ISBN: |
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9786309099457 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00825084003620 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDKFLA0036 |
| Cat.#: |
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KUF 0036 |
| Genre: |
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Folk-Pop |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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The Kufala label specializes in "authorized bootlegs" -- high-quality live recordings of entire sets. Because these recordings cater to completists, they are often somewhat repetitive, and Eddie Reader's four discs for the label are unusually so. So most libraries probably only need one of them, and this one is a good choice -- it finds her in a relaxed, good-humored mood with a small acoustic band accompanying her on beautifully rendered versions of her original songs and some Robert Burns tunes as well. Lovely. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Talk Memphis |
| Label: |
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Antone's
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Artist:
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Toni Price |
| ISBN: |
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9786311547519 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00049891006326 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTXSM0063 |
| Cat.#: |
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TMG-ANT 0063 |
| Genre: |
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Blues |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Toni Price's previous releases have ranged over a faitrly wide spectrum of Southern styles, from blues to country to soul to R&B. On Talk Memphis she focuses on a vintage Stax/Volt soul sound, with detours into acoustic-based folk-rock (notice the quietly stunning "Sunflower") and updated disco (notice her gritty interpretation of Ashford & Simpson's "Runnin' Out"). Very nice. (RA) |
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| JAZZ |
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| Title: |
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Hope Waits |
| Label: |
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Radarproof Records (dist. City Hall)
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Artist:
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Hope Waits |
| ISBN: |
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9786311515198 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00786851221022 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRDRP1019 |
| Cat.#: |
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RPR 1019 |
| Genre: |
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Vocals |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The Louisiana-born Hope Waits comes by the blues the hard way – she’s the daughter of an alcoholic father, and her mother was murdered when she was 21. Opening with a smoky version of Jackie Wilson’s “I’ll Be Satisfied,” Waits delivers a great CD highlighted by her compelling vocals and a diverse set list. Some tunes recall Bonnie Raitt’s early blues work (“You Crossed The Line”), while Waits evokes Billie Holiday on a haunting version of “Yesterdays.” Some of the strongest moments come when Waits sings her own tunes, such as the beautiful “Fortune Teller” or the blues shuffle “Get Behind the Mule.” This is a remarkable young singer with a fresh approach to blues and jazz, and with the right marketing, could emerge as the next Norah Jones. Highly recommended. (GH) |
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| $14.98 |
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| Title: |
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Live At The 1964 Monterey Jazz Festival |
| Label: |
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Monterey Jazz Festival Records
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Artist:
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Thelonious Monk |
| ISBN: |
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9786311411490 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00888072303126 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMTJF30312 |
| Cat.#: |
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MJFR-30312 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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In 1964, Monk was an established jazz icon, playing robust sets with a quartet featuring tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse. This set of unreleased material from the Monterey Jazz Festival is great Monk. His playing is spry and engaging, Rouse’s tenor is rich and spunky, and there’s a fresh element to the quartet, as (then) young bassist Steve Swallow adds his distinctive sound to this excellent group. The CD includes six classic Monk tunes, stretched out at around 10 minutes each. Any set of previously unreleased Thelonious Monk material is noteworthy; when the performances and recording quality are of this quality, it’s cause for celebration. (GH) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Basie At Birdland |
| Label: |
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Blue Note
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Artist:
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Count Basie |
| ISBN: |
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9786311407578 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00094639744923 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBNOT97449B |
| Cat.#: |
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0946 3 97449 2 3 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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This live set captures Basie’s blistering 1961-era band, a wonderful ensemble fronted by top-notch soloists, playing tight arrangements, and chugging along on the inimitable rhythm work of pianist Basie and guitarist Freddie Green. It's an intimate club date, and you can hear the crowd respond as Basie encourages his band. This reissue of the original 1962 Roulette recording features an additional 8 cuts. A marvelous, swinging set from a mature master. (GH) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Floratone |
| Label: |
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Blue Note
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Artist:
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Floratone |
| ISBN: |
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9786311407363 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00094639387922 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBNOT93879 |
| Cat.#: |
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0946 3 93897 2 2 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Floratone is a series of improvisational collaborations between guitarist extraordinaire Frisell and drummer Matt Chamberlain, with production touches and sound shaping by Tucker Martine and Lee Townsend. Think very tasteful and experimental Frisell guitar workouts, touching on various folk/jazz/rock bases, pushed through an ambient filter with hints of Bill Laswell or Brian Eno. Totally mesmerizing, with plenty of funky touches. Frisell continues to push the envelope, with amazing results. Very highly recommended. (GH) |
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| $22.99 |
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| Title: |
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Say What!? |
| Label: |
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Us3
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Artist:
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Us3 |
| UPC: |
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5060087760094 |
| Cat.#: |
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US3CD003 |
| Genre: |
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Acid Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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If you lost patience with Us3 back in the 1990s, when the band's jazz influences felt kind of like affectations and they had a hard time generating really compelling hooks, then maybe it's time to give them another listen. As time goes on their jazz gets more muscular and their songs get more and more hip-hoppy, and after fifteen years their sound has become sharp and tensile, their grooves irresistible. Say What!? is a powerful follow-up to 2005's Schizophonic. (RA) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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The Toys of Men |
| Label: |
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Heads Up (dist. Fontana)
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Artist:
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Stanley Clarke |
| ISBN: |
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9786311561386 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00053361312824 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHEAD3128 |
| Cat.#: |
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HUCD 3128 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Bassist and composer Stanley Clarke has been putting the funk in jazz fusion since he helped create the genre as a founding member of Return to Forever in the early 1970s. His latest release finds him in both full-on jazz-funk mode and in more contemplative moods, as well as trying his hand at political commentary on the six-part title suite. There are some sonically strange moments here, but mostly this is highly engaging and at times deeply moving music. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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The Complete On the Corner Sessions |
| Label: |
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Sony Legacy
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Artist:
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Miles Davis |
| ISBN: |
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9786311517666 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00886970623926 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCOLM06239 |
| Cat.#: |
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88697 06239 2 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New/Reissue (6-discs) |
| Comments: |
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This last installment in Columbia’s “metal spined” Miles Davis box sets ushers the series out with a funky, cataclysmic bang. The Complete On The Corner Sessions features Miles’ electric vision in its fullest studio manifestation, often featuring nearly a dozen musicians in a churning, mesmerizing blend of percussion, funk bass, and horns. Featuring the original LP On The Corner (1972), plus sessions that appeared on Big Fun (1969) and Get Up With It (1974), this 6-CD box features over 2 hours of previously unreleased material. Electric Miles Davis set the fusion standard, and this is some of his most daring fusion on record. Very highly recommended. (GH) |
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| ROCK/POP |
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| $17.00 |
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| Title: |
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Radio Ghosts |
| Label: |
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P&N Records
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Artist:
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Chris McDermott |
| UPC: |
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700261202341 |
| Cat.#: |
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| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Radio Ghosts is guitarist/singer/songwriter McDermott’s homage to early Philly-based soul, and it’s an impressive tip of the hat to radio-friendly songs from the 60s and 70s. Rather than playing a set of covers, McDermott crafts a strong set of tunes that have the flavor and arrangements of soul, only highlighted by his fierce acoustic lead guitar. A fine set. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Cinematic: Classic Film Music Remixed |
| Label: |
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Six Degrees (dist. Fontana)
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786311479490 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00657036114029 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSXDR1140 |
| Cat.#: |
|
1140 |
| Genre: |
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Dance, DJ |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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We can argue, if you want, about whether or not the world needs an album of techno remixes of movie themes from cinema classics like Ben Hur, Inherit the Wind, and For a Few Dollars More (let alone such slightly less classic titles as Hour of the Gun and Gaily, Gaily). But there's no arguing with the musical results -- these remix artists (including the Real Tuesday Weld, King Britt, Bombay Dub Orchestra and many others) show a real affection for the source material, and their treatments are all over the place. I mean that in the best possible way. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Subhuman |
| Label: |
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Mute
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Artist:
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Recoil |
| ISBN: |
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9786311407721 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00724596936122 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMRCD69361B |
| Cat.#: |
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9361-2 |
| Genre: |
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Dance, DJ |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Depeche Mode alumnus Alan Wilder has been making solo recordings under the name Recoil off and on for more than twenty years. His latest is a dark, unhappy album filled with sharp but subtle grooves and elements of blues, dub, ambient electronica and chilly techno all mixed up in the mix. If you're in a bad mood and want to just relish it for a while, and if you like electronic beatmongering, then this disc will fill your rainy afternoon very nicely. Expect demand where Depeche Mode has a following. (RA) |
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| $24.98 |
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| Title: |
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Live On Sunset Strip |
| Label: |
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Rykodisc
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Artist:
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Raspberries |
| ISBN: |
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9786311354667 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00014431087929 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRYKO310879 |
| Cat.#: |
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RCD 10879 |
| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set (3-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Before Eric Carmen was a solo hitmaker, he fronted a power-pop quartet called the Raspberries. The original lineup reunited in 2005 for a concert at the House of Blues in Los Angeles, much of which is presented here in this two-CD/one-DVD digipack set. The band sounds surprisingly good -- tight both instrumentally and vocally, and the songs don't sound nearly as dated as you might expect. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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Colossal Youth |
| Label: |
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Domino/Ada
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Artist:
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Young Marble Giants |
| ISBN: |
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9786311486153 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00801390013522 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDDOMN00135 |
| Cat.#: |
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| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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Reissue (3-discs) |
| Comments: |
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In 1980 punk was evolving into post-punk, and everyone played loud, so the Young Marble Giants caused a small sensation by coming seemingly out of nowhere (Cardiff), releasing this quiet masterpiece, then shortly afterwards breaking up, and basically disappearing. With most tracks featuring just bass, either guitar or organ, a primitive rhythm machine instead of a drummer, and, most importantly, the unaffected voice of Alison Stratton, restraint and precision were the operative words. This exemplary reissue offers the Colossal Youth LP on one disc, collects EPs and stray tracks on a second, and even adds a Peel session on a third disc, plus a nice booklet with an excellent essay by Simon Reynolds, photos lyrics, etc. Domino deserves an award for making this long out of print album available again with all the bells and whistles it deserves. (SA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Can I Keep This Pen? |
| Label: |
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Ipecac (dist. Fontana)
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Artist:
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Northern State |
| ISBN: |
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9786311424704 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00689230009221 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDIPCC92 |
| Cat.#: |
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IPC92 |
| Genre: |
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Hip Hop |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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There's more singing on Northern State's second full-length album, and there are fewer orphaned rhymes, but otherwise this scrappy all-female New Jersey hip hop trio sounds pretty much the same as they always have: articulate, funky, just a little bit snotty, and not too proud to rhyme "state of confusion" with "Asian fusion." It's hard to escape the feeling that they're still not all the way at the top of their game -- but they're getting closer, and it's been a fun trip so far. (RA) |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Lonely Heart |
| Label: |
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Tzadik (dist. Koch)
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Artist:
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Massacre |
| ISBN: |
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9786311129913 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00702397761921 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTZDK7619 |
| Cat.#: |
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TZ7619 |
| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Massacre is a legendary avant-garde power trio consisting of guitarist Fred Frith, bassist Bill Laswell, and drummer Charles Hayward (replacing original member Fred Maher). Their masterpiece remains 1980's Killing Time, and though they've made several other recordings in recent years none of them has reached the standard set by that debut. This is perhaps the most disappointing of their recent work, a live recording that features several moments of brilliance hidden within long stretches of not-terribly-inspired improvisational exploration. Frith is incapable of making a fully boring album, but Laswell isn't, and he doesn't do much to help things along here. Completists will want this, but libraries that only need one Massacre album should go with the ReR reissue of Killing Time that came out last year (ReR/FR 010, BTKey BECDRERMFRO10). (RA) |
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| WORLD/ETHNIC |
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| $11.98 |
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| Title: |
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Kala |
| Label: |
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Interscope
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Artist:
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M.I.A. |
| ISBN: |
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9786311412183 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00602517425651 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B000965902 |
| Cat.#: |
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965902 |
| Genre: |
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Rap, Hip-Hop |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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M.I.A., a Sri Lankan who made her breakthrough while living in London and who now lives in NYC, must qualifiy as a world citizen based on the number and variety of cultural currents that flow through her music. The hiphop/Caribbean/South American styles that dominated her first album, Arular, are supplemented here by Bollywood, southeast Asian, Liberian, and god knows what other influences. If anything this album is even better than its predecessor, more serious, complex and self-assured, certainly no sophomore slump. By singing/rapping in a kind of creolized English, she universalizes the music while leaving in all the idiosyncracies, giving us a simultaneously cosmopolitan and ethnic vibe. This album represents the cutting edge of ‘world’ music, and it’s one of the most anticipated releases of the year. (SA) |
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| $13.98 |
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| Title: |
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King Tubby Meets The Aggrovators at Dub Station |
| Label: |
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Trojan/Red
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Artist:
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King Tubby |
| ISBN: |
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9786311231234 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00060768057524 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTROJ8075 |
| Cat.#: |
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| Genre: |
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Reggae Music |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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Saxophonist Tommy McCook was the leader of the Skatalites, and he was active all through the ska, rock steady, and early reggae eras, but these recordings were made with the Aggrovators, the session band for Bunny Lee, in the mid-70s roots era. King Tubby, who invented dub as we know it, remixed the tracks for this all-instrumental album, which ‘borrows’ music from a variety of sources, so much of it will sound vaguely familiar. Not as psychedelic as Lee Perry’s dub, but solidly funky, and a great example of a special moment in the evolution of Jamaican rhythm. (SA) |
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| $39.98 |
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| Title: |
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Golden Afrique Vol 3 |
| Label: |
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Harmonia Mundi USA
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786310847559 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00785965951153 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD 495115 |
| Cat.#: |
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| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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Compilation (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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The third volume in this series covers southern Africa, and at first it appears to have a more historical bent than the previous two, beginning as it does wit the original recorded version of The Lion Sleeps Tonight from 1949. But it soon settles down into a more modern groove, with the first disc covering township jive and Zulu choral styles from South Africa, and the second disc the mbira-influenced guitar pop of Zimbabwe and Tanzania. As with the previous two volumes, the set strikes a nice balance between covering the major artists and avoiding tracks overly familiar from other compilations, and informative liner notes are included. Highly recommended. (SA) |
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| Title: |
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The Roots of Chicha: Psychedelic Cumbias from Peru |
| Label: |
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Barbes
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786311560778 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00881626907924 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBRBR269079 |
| Cat.#: |
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BR0016 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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"Chihcha" was the name given to a strange and delightful fusion of Colombian cumbia rhythms and the sounds of traditional Peruvian music. The result is very urban and surprisingly modern-sounding, given that all of the recordings featured here were made between 1968 and 1978. Very highly recommended. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Zanzibara 3: The 1960s Sound of Tanzania |
| Label: |
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Buda Musique
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786311532676 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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03341348601427 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBUDA860142 |
| Cat.#: |
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860142 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
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Glistening, cascading guitars; dense vocal harmonies; percolating and pulsating rhythms -- this is African pop music that seems to exist outside of time and space. A product of its time and place it may be, but it's hard to imagine anyone anywhere and in any era not finding it completely entrancing. Check out the rest of the series as well. (RA) |
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| $11.98 |
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| Title: |
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Sparrow & Dragon -- Again! |
| Label: |
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VP
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Artist:
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Mighty Sparrow & Byron Lee |
| ISBN: |
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9786311518427 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00054645236423 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDVP 2364 |
| Cat.#: |
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VPCD 2364 |
| Genre: |
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Calypso |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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In 1975, the legendary calypso singer Mighty Sparrow was past the peak of his popularity, and the great bandleader Byron Lee had also been eclipsed by younger reggae talents. But their reunion album (revisiting a 1969 release titled Sparrow Meets the Dragon, also recently reissued by VP) finds them both sounding youthful and energetic. The music is a pure delight; Lee's Dragonaires are as tight and bouncy as ever, and Sparrow is still in fine voice. Recommended. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Boca Do Rio |
| Label: |
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Vagabundo (dist. City Hall)
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Artist:
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Boca Do Rio |
| ISBN: |
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9786311181591 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00709363729527 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDVNBD4 |
| Cat.#: |
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0004 |
| Genre: |
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Brazilian-American |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Kevin Welch leads this San Francisco-based collective, which plays music deeply rooted in Brazilian samba, funk, and jazz. Their playing is expert and often intoxicating, but you definitely get the feeling that this is a group you need to see live in order to get the full impact. Highlights include the gently funky "My Samba" and the lvoely "Time Alone." (RA) |
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© CD HotList 2004 |
