June 2007
Look for "Rick's Pick"

CLASSICAL
$39.98	Title:    Margarete - Maximilian I Label:    Preiser (dist. Albany) Composer:    Various Composers Performer:    Capilla Flamenca ISBN:    9786311155981 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00904629311342 Prod.#:    BECDPREIORF265 Cat.#:    ORF 265 Period:    Medieval/Renaissance Genre:    Classical Release type:    Reissue (2-discs) Comments:    The first of these two discs offers an imaginative reconstruction of what might have been a typical feast-day mass at the Habsburg Court, circa 1500; the second disc focuses on secular music of the same time and place -- works by Ockeghem, De La Rue, Isaac, and Agricola feature on both discs. The performances are quite good, though the boy trebles seem to be straining just a bit on the De La Rue mass. Recommended to all early music collections. (RA)
$11.98	Title:    The Rosslyn Motet Label:    Divine Art (dist. Albany) Composer:    Thomas J. Mitchell Performer:    Members of the Tallis Chamber Choir; Chartres Singers ISBN:    9786311155714 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00809730412226 Prod.#:    BECDDARTDD24122 Cat.#:    ddv24122 Period:    Medieval/Modern Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    This strange and wonderful disc consists of two pieces: the first is a conjectural "realisation" of the music that musicologist Thomas J. Mitchell and his son Stuart believe is coded into various sculptural designs in the Rosslyn Chapel of Edinburgh. The second is a modern sequence of songs written by Mitchell in a medieval style, and based on the structure of the Chartres Labyrinth in France. Deeply idiosyncratic, but also quite beautiful. (RA)
$16.98	Title:    Music from Magdalen: The Magdalen Collection Label:    Coro (dist. Allegro) Composer:    John Sheppard et al. Performer:    The Sixteen / Harry Christophers ISBN:    9786311132739 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00828021604928 Prod.#:    BECDAGROCRO16049 Cat.#:    COR16049 Period:    Renaissance Genre:    Classical Release type:    Reissue Comments:    Harry Christophers, himself a former singer in the chapel choir at Magdalen College, Oxford, here presents a marvelous program of Tudor music in honor of the late Bernard Rose, one of the great musical scholars of the college. This disc was recorded in 1997 and is therefore probably part of the reissue project currently underway under the aegis of Christophers' new Coro label, but the liner notes are coy about the album's provenance -- this also may be the first time this program has been released. Libraries should check holdings before purchasing, but having done so should consider gorgeous release this an essential addition. (RA)
$39.96	Title:    Sonate Metodiche Label:    Accent (dist. Qualiton) Composer:    Barthold Kuijken Performer:    Georg Philipp Telemann ISBN:    9786311071335 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00675754979522 Prod.#:    BECDACCE94104 Cat.#:    ACC 94104 Period:    Baroque Genre:    Classical Release type:    New (2-discs) Comments:    In the early 1980s, when I first became seriously interested in early music, the names of the various members of musical Kuijken family were already being mispronounced in hushed and reverent tones among my similarly-inclined friends. 25 years later the Kuijkens remain at the top of their profession, as this excellent two-disc collection of Telemann sonatas demonstrates. Played on flute, harpsichord and viola da gamba by Barthold and Wieland Kuijken with Robert Kohnen, these pieces transcend their generally didactic nature to provide yet more evidence of both Telemann's inventive genius and the Kuijken brothers' interpretive brilliance. Highly recommended to all classical collections. (RA)
$8.99	Title:    Flute Quartets Label:    Naxos Composer:    Johann Baptist Vanhal Performer:    Uwe Grodd; Janaki String Trio ISBN:    9786311089354 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00747313023479 Prod.#:    BECDNAXO8570234 Cat.#:    8.570234 Period:    Classical Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    Although he didn't particularly like the flute, Mozart managed to write some of the most charming music in the classical repertoire for that instrument, including a ravishingly lovely set of flute quartets. Anyone who has been seduced by those pieces is also sure to enjoy these, written by Mozart's contemporary Johann Baptist Vanhal and played (on modern instruments) with elegance and grace by the Janaki String Trio with flutist Uwe Grodd. Lovely performances beautifully recorded -- and there are more where these came from, so here's hoping for a second installment soon. (RA)
$5.98	Title:    Six Harp Sonatas Label:    Arte Nova (dist. Allegro) Composer:    Antonio Rosetti Performer:    Charlotte Balzereit ISBN:    9786311144398 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00723721288150 Prod.#:    BECDAGROANO962270 Cat.#:    ANO 962270 Period:    Classical Genre:    Classical Release type:    Reissue Comments:    This is a charming collection of sonatas for solo harp composed by Antonio Rosetti and played (on a Louis XVI harp) by the wonderful Charlotte Balzereit. The instrument's slight tuning problems are a small price to pay for the experience of hearing this music played on an instrument of the period in which it was written, and Balzereit's interpretations are lilting and sweet. This would be a must-purchase even if it weren't for the super-budget pricing. (RA)
$16.99	Title:    String Quartets Opus 18, nos. 2 & 3 Label:    Naive Composer:    Ludwig Van Beethoven Performer:    Quatuor Mosaiques ISBN:    9786311093221 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00822186089026 Prod.#:    BECDNAIVE8902 Cat.#:    E 8902 Period:    Romantic Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    Period-instrument performances of Beethoven's string quartets are still pretty rare, and this one by the Quatuor Mosaiques sets a high standard. They do a fine job of communicating the passion and energy of these romantic works while working within the dynamic limitations imposed by instruments of the period, and make it sound easy. Highly recommended. (RA)
$11.98	Title:    Virtuoso Horn Duo Label:    MSR Classics (dist. Albany) Composer:    Franz Joseph Haydn; Antonio Rosetti; Antonio Vivaldi; Kerry Turner Performer:    Kerry Turner; Kristina Macher; Sinfonietta Cracovia / Darius Wisniewski ISBN:    9786311155875 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00681585118122 Prod.#:    BECDMSRCMS1181 Cat.#:    MS 1181 Period:    Classical; Modern Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    Two classical concertos and one baroque concerto for two horns are presented here along with a modern piece by one of the featured horn players, Kerry Turner. The Vivaldi work is actually a transcription of what had been a concerto for two violins, and there's some question as to the authenticity of the Haydn piece, but no matter -- the music is all quite wonderful, as is the playing by both Turner and Macher. Recommended to all classical collections. (RA)
$8.99	Title:    Tempest Fantasy; Mood Swings; B.A.S.S. Variations; Scherzo Label:    Naxos Composer:    Paul Moravec Performer:    Trio Solisti; David Krakauer ISBN:    9786311025598 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00636943932322 Prod.#:    BECDNAXO8559323 Cat.#:    8.559323 Period:    Modern Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    Paul Moravec is a contemporary composer, but despite the harmonically advanced edginess of his sound he is a man clearly influenced at a very deep level by the romantic tradition and (refreshingly) unwilling to leave the power of tonality behind. He won a Pulitzer Prize for this exuberant five-movement exploration of the themes of Shakespeare's The Tempest, and the three brief pieces that round out the program are hardly any less impressive. Essential. (RA)
$21.98	Title:    Glaciers in Extinction for Hyperbass Flute & Tape (2005) Label:    Col Legno (dist. Qualiton) Composer:    Roberto Fabricciani Performer:    Roberto Fabbriciani ISBN:    9786311071540 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00675754970024 Prod.#:    BECDCLEG20254 Cat.#:    20254 Period:    Modern Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    It's a bit pricey, but for those who thrive on electro-acoustic experimentation this disc is a real find. Fabricciani plays a "hyperbass flute" and augments its sound with both extended techniques (taps, multiphonics, etc.) and analog tape manipulation to create a dark, mysterious and fascinating sound world. (RA)
COUNTRY/FOLK
$18.98	Title:    Moonswept Label:    429 Records Artist:    Roches ISBN:    9786310982298 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00795041763624 Prod.#:    BECDSAVO17636 Cat.#:    FTN 17636 Genre:    Folk/Pop Release type:    New Comments:    Call them folk or call them pop or whatever -- the fact is that the Roche sister are still one of the most consistently compelling and enjoyable (if sometimes willfully quirky) harmony trios in the business, and they're mighty fine songwriters as well. Their latest is sure to please their devoted cult of fans, and may even win them some new ones. If you find yourself put off by the self-conscious goofiness of "No Shoes," hang on for the quietly luscious "Long Before." Highly recommended. (RA)
$39.98	Title:    The Definitive Collection 1947-1966 Label:    Time Life Music Artist:    Stanley Brothers ISBN:    9786311068243 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00610583196221 Prod.#:    BECDTLIFM19303 Cat.#:    B0007883-02 Genre:    Bluegrass Release type:    Boxed Set (3-discs) Comments:    The price for this three-disc retrospective is maybe just a bit high (and the sound quality on some tracks is atrocious), but this kind of multi-disc overview is long overdue and the detailed liner notes and rare photos help boost the value-to-money ratio. Then there's the quality of the music itself, which is some of the most hair-raising bluegrass ever recorded. No folk or country collection should be without this set. (RA)
$16.98	Title:    If You Ain't Got the Do-Re-Mi: Songs of Rags and Riches Label:    Folkways Artist:    Various Artists ISBN:    9786310978444 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00093074019528 Prod.#:    BECDFOLK740195 Cat.#:    SFW40195 Genre:    Folk Music Release type:    Comments:    The Folkways label was and is a treasure trove of recorded folk music, and the Smithsonian acquired its catalog of recordings a few years ago. Produced in collaboration with the new Museum of American Finance History, this collection focuses on songs about money, from Woody Guthrie’s dust bowl ballads (the title song and "Pretty Boy Floyd") to songs we’ve come to think of as standards, like "Brother Can You Spare a Dime" and "Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out", and everything in between. This kind of thematic collection is a great way to introduce a new generation of listeners to folk music as an essential, and entertaining, aspect of American culture. (SA)
$13.99	Title:    Room to Grow Label:    Addie Belle Music Artist:    Adrienne Young ISBN:    9786311176009 ISBN-10:    6311176009 UPC:    881626906521 Cat.#:    AYCD 0999 Genre:    Country/Folk Release type:    New Comments:    Room to Grow is singer/songwriter/banjoist Adrienne Young’s third CD on her own AddieBelle Records label, and it’s a pure delight. The songwriting is superlative – Young continues to expand her poetic/ethical vision with beautifully crafted tunes tinged with ecological and relationship themes. The singing and playing are excellent, supplemented by the talents of guests like Phish’s Mike Gordon and renowned guitarist Will Kimbrough, who co-writes four of the songs. There’s a bit more of a pop feel (call it crossover, if you will) to this disc, but that should only add to Young’s appeal. Adrienne Young is a stunningly talented artist, and this might be the CD that propels her to national stardom. Very highly recommended. (GH)
$17.98	Title:    Apples Label:    Topic Artist:    June Tabor ISBN:    9786310979182 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00714822056823 Prod.#:    BECDTOPI568 Cat.#:    TSCD568 Genre:    Folk Music Release type:    New Comments:    Tabor’s latest opens with “The Dancing,” a lovely evocation of Edwardian working-class life, when lithe feet might lead to romance. It’s Tabor at her best, brilliantly making each tune her own, her voice gracefully accompanied by accordion, viola, piano, and string bass. Tabor includes various traditional songs that, in their inimitable way, capture timeless emotions, and she annotates each song to provide context. For instance, she notes that “The Auld Beggraman” is Child Ballad No. 279, that “The Old Garden Gate” was collected in 1903 by Ralph Vaughn Williams, and that “I Love My Love” was collected by Cecil Sharp during his 1918 one of his songcatching forays into southern Appalachia. In this way, Apples is far more than a beautiful collection of material, it’s a testament to and document of the enduring power of folksong. Very highly recommended. (GH)
$15.98	Title:    Frost and Fire: A Calendar of Ritual and Magical Songs Label:    Topic Artist:    The Watersons ISBN:    9786311061633 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00714822056328 Prod.#:    BECDTOPI563 Cat.#:    TSCD 563 Genre:    Folk Music Release type:    Reissue Comments:    English folksong revivalists the Watersons started their legendary recording career with the release of this classic recording in 1965. Based on seasonal traditional songs from across the calendar year, these brilliant performances (and the wonderfully annotated liner notes) document the legacy of pre-Christian rituals on contemporary British celebrations. This recording caught the ear of Traffic’s Steve Winwood, who based his version of “John Barleycorn Must Die” on the Waterson’s version from this album. Very highly recommended. (GH)
$17.98	Title:    The New Shoes Label:    Compass Artist:    Nuala Kennedy ISBN:    9786310978086 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00766397445229 Prod.#:    BECDCOMS974452 Cat.#:    7 4452 2 Genre:    Celtic Release type:    New Comments:    Nuala Kennedy is a very fine Irish flute player and singer who has played in such bands as Fine Friday and Harem Scarem. Here solo debut offers no big surprises -- great reel and jig sets, most traditional and a few original -- but will appeal strongly to fans of traditional Celtic music with a modern touch. It's hard to say whether her singing or her flute playing is more enjoyable; her rendition of "Erin on the Rhine" is especially touching. (RA)
$20.98	Title:    My Name Is Buddy: Another Record by Ry Cooder Label:    Nonesuch Artist:    Ry Cooder ISBN:    9786310946351 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00075597996128 Prod.#:    BECDNONE79961 Cat.#:    79961-2 Genre:    Country/Folk Release type:    New Comments:    My Name Is Buddy is a magical morality tale by Ry Cooder, in which Buddy Red Cat, Lefty Mouse, and Tom Toad travel through a Steinbeckian America. It’s a tale of broken economic dreams, labor unrest, corrupt company stooges, sundown towns, and Depression-era angst and redemption. Think Woody Guthrie meets Orwell’s Animal Farm, with soundtrack help from Sarah Ogan Gunning. Musically, Cooder digs deep into blues, old-time string music, country, Mexican folk forms, and jazz, freely changing styles from song to song to underscore the diversity of American culture. He’s joined by an amazing cast of musicians, including folk icons Mike and Pete Seeger and the Chieftain’s Paddy Moloney. My Name Is Buddy is one of the most original recordings I’ve heard in years, a remarkable conceptual work of unabashed liberalism and wonderful music. Very highly recommended. (GH)
JAZZ
$16.98	Title:    Borrowed Time Label:    Tone Center (dist. Ryko) Artist:    Steve Khan ISBN:    9786311210741 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00026245405622 Prod.#:    BECDRD 454056 Cat.#:    TC 4056 2 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    New Comments:    One reason to love guitarist Steve Khan is that he loves Thelonious Monk so much. He opens his latest with a warm and charming Latin arrangement of "I Mean You," and then proceeds to deploy his tastefully creative chops on a varied program of originals and standards. Sidemen include bassist John Patitucci, drummer Jack DeJohnette, and percussionist Manolo Badrena, among many others, and his arrangements vary from quite straight-ahead to dreamily modern. Highly recommended to all jazz collections. (RA)
$16.98	Title:    Refugee Label:    Zoho (dist. Allegro) Artist:    Hector Martignon ISBN:    9786311131633 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00880956070520 Prod.#:    BECDAGROZMR200705 Cat.#:    ZM 200705 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    New Comments:    Pianist Hector Martignon works in a decidedly Afro-Cuban style, but there's something unique about the hard edges around his sound and something decided unusual about his particular brand of Latin jazz -- I wish I could put my finger on what it is. It may have to do with his equal ability to swing and to bounce (and even, in one startling instance, to stride!), or with the occasionally sideways nature of his chord changes. Whatever the explanation, this is a thrilling album -- one that should find a place in most jazz collections. (RA)
$16.98	Title:    Dialogues Label:    Arbors (dist. Allegro) Artist:    Kenny Davern & Ken Peplowski ISBN:    9786311131763 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00780941131727 Prod.#:    BECDAGROARB19317 Cat.#:    ARCD 19317 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    New Comments:    Great swing and traditional jazz from two of the genre's finest living clarinetists. Aided by the likes of guitarist Howard Alden and drummer Tony DeNicola, Davern and Peplowski romp joyfully through a program that includes such classic fare as "High Society," "Crazy Rhythm," "If Dreams Come True" -- and even a samba arrangement of Kid Ory's deathless "Muskrat Ramble." Great stuff. (RA)
$12.99	Title:    It's About the Melody Label:    Blue Canoe Artist:    Saltman Knowles Quintet ISBN:    9786311208861 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00613847010325 Prod.#:    BECDBUCN1032 Cat.#:    BC1032 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    New Comments:    Bassist Mark Saltman and pianist William Knowles lead a quintet that prominently features singer Lori Williams on this winning collection of original songs. As the title indicates, there is a focus on sung melody rather than on extended improvisation, though the solos are consistently enjoyable as well. Williams is a very fine singer, and the songs themselves are generally lovely, if occasionally just a bit too wordy. Nice. (RA)
$13.98	Title:    Tijuana Moods Label:    RCA Victor Artist:    Charles Mingus ISBN:    9786311142721 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00886970553322 Prod.#:    BECDRCAV05533 Cat.#:    88697 05533 2 Genre:    Jazz Music Release type:    Reissue Comments:    Born in the Arizona border town of Nogales, the great bassist/composer Charles Mingus found musical inspiration for this album from a visit to Tijuana, another Mexican border town. The music paints a rich, rhythmic evocation of Tijuana’s energy and rhythms. When Tijuana Moods was released in 1962 Mingus called it “the best recording I ever made.” While many Mingus fans would debate this assertion based on the number of masterpieces in the Mingus canon, it’s certainly in the top tier of his work. Highly recommended. (GH)
$14.98	Title:    Path To Infinity Label:    Metropolitan Artist:    Todd Herbert ISBN:    9786310979069 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00667961112625 Prod.#:    BECDMPLN1126 Cat.#:    MR1126 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    New Comments:    Tenor saxophonist Todd Herbert writes in a powerhouse, straight-ahead hard-bop mode and plays in a style that strongly evokes that of John Coltrane -- though with more harmonic discipline. His tendency is to play a bit sharp, but not distressingly so, and his energy is infectious. He leads a powerful quartet on this almost all-original program. A talent to keep an eye on. (RA)
$24.98	Title:    Essential Benny Goodman Label:    CBS Artist:    Benny Goodman ISBN:    9786311142684 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00886970949125 Prod.#:    BECDCOLM09491 Cat.#:    88697 09491 2 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    Reissue (2-discs) Comments:    Dubbed the “King of Swing,” clarinetist/bandleader Benny Goodman helped define the swing era through his beautiful playing and his excellent bands. This 2-disc set is a fine collection of his best material from the 1930s and 40s, and includes small group sessions and cuts from the famous 1938 Carnegie Hall concert. Arguably the best single Goodman collection available. Recommended. (GH)
ROCK/POP
$21.98	Title:    Cloudland Label:    Universal Artist:    Pere Ubu ISBN:    9786311081235 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00602498464151 Prod.#:    BECDMSIM713095 Cat.#:    9846415 Genre:    Rock, Alternative Music Release type:    Reissue Comments:    After having virtually invented art-punk (or "avant garage" as they call it) in the late 70s, Pere Ubu emerged from a six-year hiatus in 1988 to record for the Fontana label, eventually releasing four CDs which until now have long been out of print. The Tenement Year (1988), Worlds in Collision (1991), and Story of My Life (1993) are all fine records, but Cloudland is perhaps the most accessible, one of the more fun releases in an occasionally challenging career. Each of these re-issues features excellent remastered sound, generous bonus tracks, and extensive liner notes. (SA)
$19.99	Title:    Live at the Bloomsbury Theatre, London [DVD] Label:    Rhino Home Video Artist:    The Zombies ISBN:    9786310946122 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00603497271221 Prod.#:    BEDDRV 972712 Cat.#:    R2 972712 Genre:    Music Video - Pop/Rock Release type:    New Comments:    Prior to their demise in 1967, the Zombies produced some of the finest British pop of the decade, and were best known for their refreshingly original hits “Time of the Season,” “She’s Not There,” and “Tell Her No.” Decades later, Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone (the Zombies’ musical brains and majestic voice, respectively) regrouped for a few live gigs. The concert is a uniformly fine set of tunes that reminds us what a wonderful pop band the Zombies were – and still are. And the aforementioned hits still sound great. Recommended. (GH)
$18.98	Title:    Excitable Boy Label:    Rhino Artist:    Warren Zevon ISBN:    9786311018415 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00081227999773 Prod.#:    BECDRHIN101778 Cat.#:    R2 101778 Genre:    Rock, Alternative Music Release type:    Reissue Comments:    Zevon’s third LP was the singer/songwriter’s best-known recording, and included the hit “Werewolves of London.” He revealed his dark side on the title track, about a murderous sociopath, and featured two fine Cold War-era tracks, the mercenary’s tale of “Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner,” and the errant American adventurer’s lament, “Lawyers, Guns, and Money.” This is classic Zevon, comically dark and musically punchy. (GH)
$31.98	Title:    Live at the Cow Palace: New Years Eve 1976 Label:    Rhino Artist:    Grateful Dead ISBN:    9786310819501 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00081227481629 Prod.#:    BECDRHIN74816 Cat.#:    R2 74816 Genre:    Rock, Alternative Music Release type:    New (3-discs) Comments:    For Deadheads, a Grateful Dead show was often a communal party, and the energy the fans created often lifted the band’s performance. This 1976 New Year’s Eve show in San Francisco, the Dead’s home town, is such a gig. And while the sound isn’t great, it is a fine document of this band in full party mode. (GH)
$59.98	Title:    Complete Peel Sessions 1986-2004 Label:    Castle Music (dist. Ryko) Artist:    Wedding Present ISBN:    9786311094815 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00021823627823 Prod.#:    BECDCSLM236278 Cat.#:    CMXBX1447 Genre:    Rock, Alternative Music Release type:    Boxed Set (6-discs) Comments:    Five discs of bratty, glistening, high-speed Brit-pop and one disc of Ukrainian folk songs -- that's what you get in this brilliant box of recordings made by the Wedding Present for legendary producer John Peel in the mid-1980s. And if you don't think that sounds like a party, then I'm sorry, you're either too old or too young. I guess this collection isn't really essential for every library, but I have a hard time imagining one that wouldn't benefit from it. (RA)
$14.98	Title:    One More Bullet Label:    Stomp Artist:    Toasters ISBN:    9786311078525 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00626177005527 Prod.#:    BECDAGROSTM55 Cat.#:    STMP055 Genre:    Ska Release type:    New Comments:    There are three broad categories of ska band: those that come to ska from punk; those that come to it from reggae; and those that come to it from R&B. The Toasters, a band that has faithfully carried the Two-Tone ska banner for decades now, falls firmly into the third category. Horn-heavy but with a strong tendency towards blocky, rockish beats, the Toasters are one of New York's most consistent and reliable bands. Every pop collection should own one or two of their albums, and this one is as good a place to start as any (Dub 56 complements it well). (RA)
$69.98	Title:    The Collection Label:    CBS Records Artist:    Sly & The Family Stone ISBN:    9786310976792 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00886970643429 Prod.#:    BECDCOLM06434 Cat.#:    706434 Genre:    Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues Release type:    Boxed Set (7-discs) Comments:    Sylvester Stewart and his band Sly & the Family Stone were very popular in their late 60s/early 70s heyday, but their influence went underground shortly afterwards, only emerging full strength decades later. Finally Sony (Epic/Legacy) has done right by Sly’s legacy, issuing this boxset of their first seven albums with great documentation, remastered sound, bonus tracks -- a classy package all around. The individual albums are also now available as well, Stand and There’s a Riot Goin’ On being the best of the lot. For most listeners the double-CD compilation The Essential Sly & the Family Stone will be more than adequate, especially since it contains the key singles "Hot Fun In The Summertime" and "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" which never made it onto the albums in this collection, but this is the motherlode for true believers and for anyone who wants to explore this vital music more deeply. (SA)
$13.98	Title:    Motown Remixed Vol. 2 Label:    Motown Artist:    Various Artists ISBN:    9786310993614 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00602517255777 Prod.#:    BECDUMG B000858902 Cat.#:    80003589-02 Genre:    Soul/Rhythm & Blues Release type:    New Comments:    The only thing more fun than a collection of vintage Motown singles is a collection of remixed vintage Motown singles -- assuming, that is, that the remixers can maintain the right balance between reverence for the source material and innovative treatments of it. On the second installment in this enjoyable series, the balance is generally just right: a reggaeton-inflected mix of "I Want You Back," an uptempo house mix of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," a dark but subtly complex treatment of "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" -- you get the idea. Very fun. (RA)
$18.98	Title:    Sweet Warrior Label:    Shout! Factory Artist:    Richard Thompson ISBN:    9786311167380 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00826663105551 Prod.#:    BECDSOTF31055 Cat.#:    826663-10555 Genre:    Rock Release type:    New Comments:    I take second place to no one in my love for Richard Thompson, but even I have to confess that his last few albums have left me lukewarm. Sweet Warrior is a blazing return to form for this jaw-droppingly talented guitarist and songwriter. He's back in electric mode and it sounds like he's been given a blood transfusion as well -- his voice is better than ever, his solos are edgy and focused, and his songs are tightly constructed, catchy, and sharply observed. This is probably the best Richard Thompson album in fifteen years. Essential. (RA)
WORLD/ETHNIC
$2.98	Title:    Riverboat Records: Rhythm Of The River Label:    Riverboat (dist. World Music Network) Artist:    Various Artists ISBN:    9786310645896 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00605633004526 Prod.#:    BECDRVB R33045 Cat.#:    TUGPR1045 Genre:    World Music Release type:    Compilation Comments:    If your collection could use a handy overview of a wide variety of world music traditions, then look no further than this unbelievably super-budget-priced compilation from the well-respected Riverboat label, which includes selections from artists popular in Cuba, India, Africa, Europe and elsewhere. Those that need to collect more extensively will find this compilation a handy index to the label's back catalog. (RA)
$20.98	Title:    Bokoor Beats: Label:    Otrabanda (dist. Sterns) Artist:    Various Artists ISBN:    9786311108987 ISBN-10:    UPC:    08713897901627 Prod.#:    BECDSTENOTB08 Cat.#:    OTB08 Genre:    World Music Release type:    Compilation Comments:    Pricey but worth it, this very fine compilation surveys 50 years of Afrobeat, afro-rock and electric highlife music from Ghana -- much of it played or produced by John Collins and his Bokoor band. Extensive historical notes and song annotations make this set instructive as well as enjoyable. Highly recommended to all world and ethnic music collections. (RA)
$18.98	Title:    Cult Cargo: Grand Bahama Goombay Label:    Numero Group (dist. Ryko) Artist:    Various Artists ISBN:    9786311163641 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00656605804729 Prod.#:    BECDRD 58047 Cat.#:    014 Genre:    World Music Release type:    Compilation Comments:    The city of Freeport, Grand Bahama was mostly uninhabited until a tourist boom hit in the late 1950s; shortly thereafter, a population spike brought with it a quickly-developing music scene, one that drew heavily on American R&B influences. What this compilation documents is the sound that can occur when those influences are absorbed and developed in a place far removed from Memphis and Detroit -- the resulting sound is familiar but slightly strange, and consistently quite fascinating and enjoyable. No academic collection concerned with the history of pop music should pass this one up. (RA)
$17.98	Title:    Sweet Talking Label:    Heartbeat Artist:    Heptones ISBN:    9786311150337 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00011661782822 Prod.#:    BECD116 6178282 Cat.#:    11661-7828-2 Genre:    Reggae Release type:    Compilation Comments:    The Heptones were one of the best harmony trios of the late rock steady and early reggae eras, and their work at Clement "Coxsone" Dodd's Studio One remains some of the finest of the period. This collection brings together 18 of their best singles, several in previously unreleased extended versions, along with historical notes and full lyrics. Excellent. (RA)
$18.98	Title:    Mi Sueno Label:    Nonesuch Artist:    Ibrahim Ferrer ISBN:    9786311073117 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00075597998672 Prod.#:    BECDNONE139068 Cat.#:    139068 Genre:    World Music Release type:    New Comments:    Cuban vocalist Ibrahim Ferrer came to much-belated international attention thanks to Ry Cooder’s Buena Vista Social Club project. Mi Sueño is a collection of romantic Cuban boleros, songs where the spare, elegant instrumentation provides just enough context for Ferrer to captivate with his intimate, engaging style. Ferrer died just before this recording was finished, but left enough recorded material to complete this beautiful CD. Highly recommended. (GH)
$17.98	Title:    Rio Baile Funk: More Favela Booty Beats Label:    Essay Recordings (dist. Forced Exposure) Artist:    Various Artists ISBN:    9786310546070 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00881390200924 Prod.#:    BECDESAY9 Cat.#:    B000G8P1IW Genre:    Dance, DJ Release type:    Compilation Comments:    This is a second volume sampling the sound of modern urban Brazil. This music is as far from the cool sound of bossa nova as possible, the result of the convergence of foreign influence (primarily from rap music), native poverty, and modern technology. It’s not subtle, but it definitely is danceable. (SA)
$16.98	Title:    Abacabok Label:    Crammed (dist. Ryko) Artist:    Tartit ISBN:    9786310575063 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00876623001522 Prod.#:    BECDRD C230015 Cat.#:    58830 Genre:    World Music Release type:    New Comments:    Tartit is another example of the "desert blues" ensembles whose recordings are appearing more regularly lately than other African styles, but this Tuareg group has actually been around for quite a while. Electric guitar does appear occasionally, but the sound is primarily acoustic, with simple percussion and both male and female choruses, often singing in call-and-response format. The sound seems much more ancient to western ears, but just as alluring as other comparable groups. (SA)

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