September 2007
Look for "Rick's Pick"

CLASSICAL
$149.98	Title:    Complete Works Label:    Brilliant Classics (dist. Koch) Composer:    Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Performer:    Various ISBN:    9786310417578 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00842977025408 Prod.#:    BECDBLLT92540 Cat.#:    92540 Period:    Classical Genre:    Classical Release type:    Boxed Set Comments:    I was so impressed by Brilliant Classics' Bach box that I thought I'd better go back and check out their similarly-configured 170-disc box set of Mozart's complete works. And I wasn't disappointed. Like the Bach box, it features a mix of modern- and period-instrument performances (with a tilt this time towards the modern side) and consistently high performance and sound quality. Most interesting are the piano concertos, most of which are performed on modern instruments, but a few of which are performed on period instruments with a harpsichord soloist. While most libraries will want to own multiple versions of many of Mozart's works, this box offers a high-quality and low-cost way to ensure basic coverage of his entire oeuvre -- and is therefore a tremendous bargain and very highly recommended to all collections. (RA)
$16.98	Title:    Debussy & Liszt Label:    Cedille (dist. Allegro) Composer:    Claude Debussy; Franz Liszt Performer:    Jorge Federico Osorio ISBN:    9786311324301 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00735131909822 Prod.#:    BECDCED CED98 Cat.#:    CDR 90000 098 Period:    Romantic Genre:    Classical Release type:    New (2-discs) Comments:    The two-for one pricing is only the most mundane attraction of this passionately beautiful disc, on which the Mexican-born pianist Joreg Federico Osorio (who has previously won praise for his recordings of works by Spanish and Mexican composers) offers his interpretations of works by two of Northern Europe's most beloved and idiosyncratic composers. He plays Debussy's two books of preludes, and Liszt's three Sonetti del Patrarca, Les jeux d'eau a la Villa d/Este, and Vallee d'Obermann. Highly recommended.
$12.99	Title:    Messe Pour Le Port Royal Label:    Naive (dist. Naxos) Composer:    Marc-Antoine Charpentier Performer:    Les Demoiselles de Saint Cyr; Emmanuel Mandrin / Michel Chapuis ISBN:    9786311314166 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00822186089125 Prod.#:    BECDNAIVE8912 Cat.#:    E 8598 Period:    Baroque Genre:    Classical Release type:    Reissue Comments:    Missed this one when it was originally released ten years ago? Then take advantage of this midprice reissue, and prepare to be ravished by the austerely beautiful writing and the lushly beautiful singing by the all-female choir. Stunning. (RA)
$25.98	Title:    Symphonies 88-92 Label:    EMI Classics Composer:    Franz Joseph Haydn Performer:    Berliner Philharmoniker / Simon Rattle ISBN:    9786311407370 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00094639423729 Prod.#:    BECDEMIC94237 Cat.#:    3 94237 2 Period:    Late Classical/Early Romantic Genre:    Classical Release type:    New (2-discs) Comments:    It's getting harder and harder to find recordings of Haydn symphonies and chamber music on modern instruments, but Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic make a solid argument for the continued relevance of that setting with this fine recording of five Haydn symphonies and one sinfonia concertante -- all performed in concert, in a surprisingly dry acoustic. It's probably my imagination, but the instrumental forces sound a bit smaller than usual. Recommended. (RA)
$16.98	Title:    Virtuoso Accordion Label:    Bridge Composer:    Various Composers Performer:    Mikko Luoma ISBN:    9786311155608 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00090404922121 Prod.#:    BECDBRIDBCD9221 Cat.#:    9221 Period:    Modern Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    This disc brings together seven challenging and modernistic works for the accordion by seven living European composers. Some are more forbidding than others, but Vladimir Zubitsky's Carpathian Suite is really quite charming, despite the dissonances. Mikko Luoma plays with both fire and precision. A fascinating album. (RA)
$15.98	Title:    Typical Music Label:    New Albion Composer:    Evan Ziporyn Performer:    Sarah Cahill; Arden Trio; Gamelan Galak Tika; New England Conservatory Philharmonia / Dante Anzolini ISBN:    9786309746481 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00022551012820 Prod.#:    BECDNA 128 Cat.#:    NA 128 Period:    Modern Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    Ziporyn characterizes these compositions as living "in the margins, between musical traditions," and that's as good a description as any. The solo piano piece, the piece for piano trio, and the gamelan/orchestral work all partake of modern and traditional sounds and incorporate both Eastern and Western elements. All are somewhat challenging but exceptionally lovely, and are beautifully played by the various soloists and groups. Very highly recommended to all contemporary-music collections. (RA)
$21.98	Title:    Coronatio Solemnissima: The Coronation of Emperor Leopold I (1605) Label:    Christophorus (dist. Qualiton) Composer:    Antonio Bertali et al. Performer:    Johann Rosenmuller Ensemble / Arno Paduch ISBN:    9786310866598 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00675754963323 Prod.#:    BECDCRSE77283 Cat.#:    CHR 77283 Period:    Renaissance Genre:    Baroque Release type:    New Comments:    As is almost always the case, this reconstruction of Leopold I's coronation mass relies heavily on musical conjecture (it's not even known for sure whether the mass itself was written by Antonio Bertali, though this seems likely), but as is also usually the case with these reconstructions of gala imperial celebrations, it's so much fun that historical accuracy can happily take a backseat. And this is also a world-premiere recording of this particular mass, so that's an added incentive to purchase. Excellent (Super Audio hybrid) recording, brilliant performances. Highly recommended. (RA)
$11.98	Title:    The Schubert Recordings Label:    MSR Classics (dist. Albany) Composer:    Franz Schubert Performer:    Joshua Pierce ISBN:    9786311155868 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00681585120422 Prod.#:    BECDMSRCMS1204 Cat.#:    MS 1204 Period:    Romantic Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    One of the greatest challenges any pianist can take on is that of presenting the music of Schubert in a way that gets at the emotional depth beneath his simplicity, without resorting to exaggerated romantic bombast. Joshua Pierce does so as well as any on this fine program, which includes the B-flat major sonata (D. 960), the Allegretto in C Minor (D. 915) and the Six Moments Musicaux. Brilliant. (RA)
$39.98	Title:    Matthaus-Passion 1769 Label:    Preiser/Orf (dist. Albany) Composer:    Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach Performer:    Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra & Choir ISBN:    9786311255254 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00904629312059 Prod.#:    BECDPREIORF316 Cat.#:    CD 316 Period:    Classical Genre:    Late Baroque/Early Classical Release type:    New (2-discs) Comments:    Originally issued in 2002 (and still bearing that date, though this seems actually to be a new reissue), this is a gorgeous account of a rarely-recorded Passion setting by J.S. Bach's most accomplished son. Controversial as Koopman's settings and interpretations sometimes are, it's difficult to imagine anyone objecting to the results here -- the soloists are excellent, and both the chorus and orchestra are rendered with rich, colorful clarity. An essential purchase for all early-music collections. (RA)
$16.98	Title:    Missa Resurrectionis: Easter Sunday in Imperial Vienna 1666 Label:    Rezound (dist. Loft Recordings) Composer:    Antonio Bertali Performer:    Yale Scholar Cantorum; Yale Collegium Players; Spiritus Collective / Simon Carrington & Robert Mealy UPC:    617145501325 Cat.#:    RZCD 5013 Period:    Baroque Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    This is a world-premiere recording of a forgotten mass by an almost-forgotten composer, the great Antonio Bertali (cf. the Coronatio Solemnissima recording recommended elsewhere in this issue). Recorded live by several different Yale student ensembles, this is a startlingly magnificent disc that will be a revelation to anyone not familiar with this criminally neglected composer of the Hapsburg Court. (RA)
$15.98	Title:    Lost Style Label:    New Albion Composer:    Ge Gan-Ru Performer:    Shanghai Quartet; Karen Woodard; Margaret Leng Tan; Frank Su Huang ISBN:    9786310937120 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00022551013421 Prod.#:    BECDNA 134 Cat.#:    NA 134 Period:    Modern Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    It's not very often that you get the honor of purchasing for your library a copy of an instrumental work that, upon its premiere in China 25 years ago, was denounced by the government as "decadent" and "incendiary" (a work for solo cello, no less). That opportunity alone makes this disc worth the purchase price, but the long-form "Four Studies in Peking Opera" and the wonderful "Wrong, Wrong, Wrong!" (for voice and toy instruments) are just as good. Ge Gan-Ru is a rare and brilliant talent, one whose work should find a place in most collections. (RA)
COUNTRY/FOLK
$16.98	Title:    Stevie Barr and Friends: Along the Crooked Road Label:    Arhoolie (dist. Koch) Artist:    Stevie Barr ISBN:    9786311311691 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00096297053126 Prod.#:    BECDARHO531 Cat.#:    CD 531 Genre:    Bluegrass Release type:    New Comments:    Yes, this is banjoist Stevie Barr and friends -- lots of friends. Just about every track features a different lineup of sidemen, and most are pickers you've probably never heard of. The sound balance is a little fun (boy, those rhythm guitars are loud) and some of the performances are a little bit raggedy, but the charm of these tunes goes beyond the obvious enthusiasm of the players. I didn't think another interesting version of "Sally Ann" was possible, but these guys have convinced me otherwise, and if the guitar on "Bye Bye Blues" is a little bit out of tune, the chord changes will still take you by surprise. Maybe not utterly essential, but fun. (RA)
$17.98	Title:    It's Now Or Never Label:    Rykodisc Artist:    Robert Gordon and Chris Spedding ISBN:    9786311354735 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00014431091520 Prod.#:    BECDRYKOR310915 Cat.#:    RCD 10915 Genre:    Rockabilly/Country Release type:    New Comments:    This is a collection of Elvis Presley songs taken back where they belong -- the the country and rockabilly roots that were always at the heart of his sound. Legendary rockabilly shouter Robert Gordon and twangerrific guitar hero Chris Spedding are joined here by the Jordanaires, Presley's former backing vocalists, and they all sound wonderful. Gordon's voice may be aging, but he's still got plenty of fire in his delivery. Recommended. (RA)
$17.98	Title:    Good News Label:    Rounder Artist:    Charlie Sizemore Band ISBN:    9786311412305 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00011661059122 Prod.#:    BECD116 6105912 Cat.#:    11661-0691-2 Genre:    Bluegrass Release type:    New Comments:    Charlie Sizemore is one of those guys whose name you've heard if you follow bluegrass music at all, but whom you might not be able to place immediately. His first album for the Rounder label is good enough to have you going back to the record bins looking for his older stuff. A high-energy band backs up some of the most effortlessly beautiful vocals in the genre, and his sense of humor is a treat as well -- check out the hilarious "Alison's Band," a wistful and probably (though not necessarily) fictional recollection of trying out for Alison Kraus's group. And who is Matt DeSpain? I thought that was Jerry Douglas on dobro... (RA)
$17.98	Title:    Bluegrass Melodies Label:    Rounder Artist:    Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press ISBN:    9786311275740 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00011661058224 Prod.#:    BECD116 6105822 Cat.#:    11661-0582-2 Genre:    Bluegrass Release type:    New Comments:    Here's the thing about Bobby Osborne: not only is he still singing as strongly at age 76 as he did at age 25, but he's also still expanding the boundaries of bluegrass music the same way he was when he started out fifty (fifty!) years ago. Yes, I was just as skeptical as you are when I saw that he covers John Denver on this album. And yes, he blew the smirk right off my face. I sure do miss Sonny, though. (RA)
$18.98	Title:    With All Due Respect: The Irish Sessions Label:    429 Records Artist:    Young Dubliners ISBN:    9786310890890 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00795041763921 Prod.#:    BECDSVY 17639 Cat.#:    FTN 17639 Genre:    Celtic Folk/Rock Release type:    New Comments:    Had enough Rock'n'Reel? No? Me either. So we'll both have lots of fun listening to this rollicking collection of rocked-up Irish songs, many traditional ("Leaving of Liverpool," "Foggy Dew") and a few modern ("Fall from Grace With God," "Raglan Road"). More respectful than the Pogues, more rockish than the Oyster Band, the Young Dubliners are the perfect complement to any St. Paddy's Day party. (RA)
$17.98	Title:    Time And Tide Label:    Topic Artist:    Steve Ashley ISBN:    9786311284766 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00714822056922 Prod.#:    BECDTOPI569 Cat.#:    569 Genre:    Folk Release type:    New Comments:    Steve Ashley was one of the founding members of the Albion Band, and has remained something of a quiet legend on the British folk-rock circuit. His latest finds his voice a bit ragged, but his wry songwriting is still a pleasure to hear, even if he does occasionally lapse into overly precious song structures and overly preachy lyrics. Light relief: the cheesy synth-Latin bump and startlingly funny lyrics of "Pub Carpets." (RA)
$17.98	Title:    When at Last Label:    Compass Artist:    Russ Barenberg ISBN:    9786311259184 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00766397445922 Prod.#:    BECDCOMS974459 Cat.#:    4459 Genre:    Bluegrass Release type:    New Comments:    Russ Barenberg is a guitarist who seriously needs to get into the studio more often. A gifted tune composer as well as a prodigiously talented picker, he has the rare ability to play brilliantly while always serving the tune itself rather than constantly showing off his own dexterity. This disc will be a revelation to anyone coming to his music for the first time -- but good luck finding very much more of it on the market. (RA)
$15.98	Title:    Rearview Mirror Tears Label:    Train Wreck Artist:    Kendel Carson ISBN:    9786311053904 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00670501002621 Prod.#:    BECDTRWR0026 Cat.#:    0026 Genre:    Country Rock Release type:    New (2-discs) Comments:    Kendel Carson is the fiddler for the excellent Canadian folk-rock band The Paperboys, and on her solo debut she stays mostly in a medium-tempo country-rock mode. The songs were mostly written by producer Chip Taylor, but they sound tailor-made for her sometimes contemplative and sometimes snotty voice. Highlight tracks include "I Like Trucks" and "Gold in the Hills (of Saltery Bay)", which is that rarest of things -- a happy country love song. Very nice. (RA)
$17.98	Title:    Versatile Heart Label:    Rounder Artist:    Linda Thompson ISBN:    9786311412312 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00011661321724 Prod.#:    BECD116 6132172 Cat.#:    11661-3217-2 Genre:    Folk Music Release type:    New Comments:    With her ex-husband Richard, Linda Thompson made some of the finest recordings of the folk/rock movement in the 1970s. In 2002, Linda Thompson released her first CD in 17 years, the marvelous Fashionably Late. Five years later (as if it were possible) her songwriting’s better, her voice is more confident, and she’s at the top of her game. This is a set of gems, ranging from live tunes with a Hank Williams feel, to traditional British fare, to gorgeous folk arrangements. Many familiar faces from British folk music lend a hand, including Martin and Eliza Carthy and John Kirkpatrick, adding more musical punch to this brilliant outing. Her son Teddy is her constant companion, adding guitar and songwriting, and creating a formidable foil to her singing. A wonderful, highly recommended recording from one of British music’s greatest voices. (GH)
$17.98	Title:    DoorWay Label:    Rounder Artist:    Ron Block ISBN:    9786311251072 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00011661058729 Prod.#:    BECD116 6105872 Cat.#:    11661-0587-2 Genre:    Bluegrass Release type:    New Comments:    Ron Block, best known as the banjo player in Alison Krauss’ backup band Union Station, delivers a very strong album that’s steeped in the bluegrass gospel tradition. But don’t think this is cut straight from the gospel cloth – these are original songs with a highly personal bent, with arrangements that range from straight-ahead bluegrass to the pop-influenced bluegrass that Union Station does so well. Stellar sidemen round out this fine recording, including some excellent work by fellow Union Station member, dobro wizard Jerry Douglas. Recommended. (GH)
JAZZ
$10.98	Title:    Everybody Digs Bill Evans Label:    Riverside Records/Concord Jazz Artist:    Bill Evans ISBN:    9786311215050 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00888072301825 Prod.#:    BECDRVSD30182 Cat.#:    RCD-30182 Genre:    Jazz Music Release type:    Reissue Comments:    Everybody Digs… was pianist Evans’ second album as a leader, recorded in 1958 with fellow Miles Davis alumni Paul Chambers on bass and Philly Joe Jones on drums. The music’s exceptional, but what sets this Keepnews Collection reissue apart are the liner notes by Orrin Keepnews, the legendary producer who sat at the controls for both the original recording and this remastered version. His reflections offer a rare glimpse of Evans and the recording process, and will find a receptive audience with jazz junkies. Exceptional remastering and a bonus track round out this fine reissue. Recommended. (GH)
$19.98	Title:    Heartplay Label:    Naim Artist:    Charlie Haden & Antonio Forcione ISBN:    9786311271681 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00797537109824 Prod.#:    BECDNAIM098 Cat.#:    CD098 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    New Comments:    Charlie Haden has the greatest musical gift a bass player can hope for: the ability to make everyone he works with sound better. Here he is paired with Italian acoustic guitarist Antonio Forcione for a contemplative and entirely gorgeous set of original compositions (plus one cover of a Fred Hersch tune). Spectacular. (RA)
$18.98	Title:    Live At MCG Label:    MCG Jazz (dist. Fontana) Artist:    Billy Taylor & Gerry Mulligan ISBN:    9786311424797 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00612262102523 Prod.#:    BECDMCGJ1025 Cat.#:    MCGJ1025 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    New Comments:    This performance was recorded in 1993, just a few years before baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan passed away. He and pianist Billy Taylor were lifelong friends, and that relationship is audible here -- they bop and swing their way with both energy and tenderness through a set composed mainly of standards, including such familiar fare as "Body and Soul," "Darn That Dream," and even the hoary old chestnut "Stompin' at the Savoy." A wonderful document of a great musical partnership. (RA)
$14.99	Title:    Live in San Francisco Label:    Storyville (dist. Naxos) Artist:    Stephane Grappelli ISBN:    9786311314234 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00880491260721 Prod.#:    BEDDSTYV26072 Cat.#:    26072 Genre:    Music Videos - Jazz Release type:    New Comments:    Long after his partner Django Reinhardt (with whom he helped create a unique style of gypsy jazz in Paris in the 1930s) had died, violinist Stephane Grappelli was still delighting audiences with his frothy and exhilarating interpretations of swing standards. This DVD was recorded at two Bay Area performances in July of 1982, and finds him at the top of his form. Watching him trade fours with the members of the David Grisman Quartet on "Sweet Georgia Brown" is worth the cost of the whole DVD. Highly recommended to all jazz collections. (RA)
$16.98	Title:    First Flight Label:    Summit Artist:    Pete McGuinness Jazz Orchestra ISBN:    9786311230190 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00099402481920 Prod.#:    BECDSUM 481 Cat.#:    DCD 481 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    New Comments:    Pete McGuinness is a true quadruple threat, a world-class composer, arranger, trombonist, and (anazingly enough) singer. You get to hear him at his best on this exceptional big-band recording, which should be required listening for all students of jazz composition and arrangement. (RA)
ROCK/POP
$11.98	Title:    Cool Out and Coexist Label:    ROIR Artist:    Dub Trio ISBN:    9786311258552 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00053436830420 Prod.#:    BECDROIR368304 Cat.#:    RUSCD 8304 Genre:    Rock, Alternative Music Release type:    New Comments:    Dub -- the (usually reggae-based) art of radically remixing instrumental tracks to create an entirely new musical experience -- is, by its nature, usually a studio endeavor. New York's Dub Trio made its name by proving that dub can be created live, without post facto studio trickery. Their second album is, in fact, a live album, and it's tons of fun -- though fans of their first release may be startled by the amount of thrashing hardcore punk there is between the blissed-out reggae tracks. Note in particular the reggaeton-flavored "Casting Out the Nines." Recommended. (RA)
$15.98	Title:    Discotheque Label:    Disko B (dist. Forced Exposure) Artist:    Stereo Total ISBN:    9786310315287 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00880918013923 Prod.#:    BECDSKOB139 Cat.#:    139 Genre:    Dance, DJ Release type:    New Comments:    There's always been something a bit nylon and trashy about the European take on disco music, and no one exemplifies that tendency more gleefully than the Franco-German duo Stereo Total. Discotheque. Looking for a robotocially sleazy version of the Rolling Stones' "Mother's Little Helper"? How about some seriously disjointed glitch-reggae, or a four-part dub suite by Mad Professor? They're all right here, baby. Roll up in your big sunglasses and knotted disco scarf, and let's get the party started. (RA)
$14.98	Title:    Build a Nation Label:    Megaforce Artist:    Bad Brains ISBN:    9786311230510 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00020286104827 Prod.#:    BECDMRIR1048 Cat.#:    MEGA1048 Genre:    Rock, Alternative Music Release type:    New Comments:    Heads up, Babylon: This is the long-awaited return to form by one of hardcore punk's most influential bands, a group that made history by not only perfecting the form but by messing with it as well -- their dreadlocked Rastafarianism, their unabashed instrumental virtuosity, and their tendency to lapse into dubwise reggae without warning all broke the rules of hardcore on too many levels to explain here. Suffice it to say that this album should have George W. Bush shaking in his cowboy boots, and that no comprehensive pop collection should be without it. (RA)
$16.98	Title:    Strange Names & New Sensations Label:    429 Records Artist:    Steve Forbert ISBN:    9786311248720 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00795041765222 Prod.#:    BECDSAVO17652 Cat.#:    FTN 17652 Genre:    Rock Release type:    New Comments:    I must not have been paying attention, because I had no idea Forbert's voice was so rough -- and rest assured it has not smoothed out as he's embarked on his sixth decade. But his perspective has gotten both more wry and more gentle, and that's always a winning combination. Note his affectionate remembrance of Spalding Gray and his hilarious take on New Jersey place-names (complete with Springsteenesque glockenspiel). Nice. (RA)
$13.98	Title:    Just Roll Tape: April 26th 1968 Label:    Rhino Artist:    Stephen Stills ISBN:    9786311301753 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00081227997915 Prod.#:    BECDRHIN215676 Cat.#:    R2 215676 Genre:    Rock Release type:    New Comments:    Stephen Stills was at his artistic peak when he popped into a studio to record these demos in April, 1968, a few months before recording the landmark first Crosby, Stills & Nash album. The set list includes songs later covered by CS & N (“Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” “Wooden Ships”) and cuts that would later show up on his first few solo recordings and the magnificent Manassas LP. Lost for decades, this set of tunes shows what a fine songwriter and guitarist Stills was before ego and drugs took their toll. (GH)
$12.99	Title:    Under The Scorpio Moon Label:    Zakz Records/Select-O Artist:    Joe Rathbone ISBN:    9786311288993 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00670747444445 Prod.#:    BECDZAKZ4444 Cat.#:    Genre:    Rock, Alternative Music Release type:    New Comments:    Singer/songwriter Rathbone crafts solid, melodic songs with memorable hooks. Overall, his vocal delivery evokes Alejandro Escovedo, albeit less world-weary, while his electric guitar work sounds like he’s been listening to old REM and Television records. Good, intelligent power pop. (GH)
WORLD/ETHNIC
$13.98	Title:    African Classics: Le Rail Band Featuring Mory Kante Label:    Ryko Distribution Artist:    Le Rail Band ISBN:    9786310978482 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00878068000498 Prod.#:    BECDRD 800049 Cat.#:    SLCD 125 Genre:    World Music Release type:    Compilation Comments:    As with the other entry in the African Classics series reviewed this month, there’s virtually no documentation here. These are apparently 1970s Rail Band recordings featuring Mory Kante, who joined the band after original vocalist Salif Keita had departed for Les Ambassadeurs, but the real stars here are guitarist Djelimady Tounkara and saxophone player Kabiné Keita. In this case there are other good recordings by this group available, but mostly from the later period, after they had regrouped as The Super Rail Band. The recorded sound here is dull, as on the other compilation, but the music will be more satisfactory to fans of African music, and making these tracks available does provide a valuable perspective on the history of this legendary Malian group. (SA)
$13.98	Title:    African Classics: Les Ambassadeurs Featuring Salif Keita Label:    Ryko Distribution Artist:    Les Ambassadeurs ISBN:    9786310978468 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00878068000474 Prod.#:    BECDRD 800047 Cat.#:    SLCD 123 Genre:    World Music Release type:    Compilation Comments:    This collection of early material by Les Ambassadeurs comes with no documentation on the provenance of the tracks, just a history of the group on the insert. The sound quality leaves something to be desired too, and fans of African music should be warned that there are some ill-advised synthesizers present and also that Salif Keita seems not to appear on every song. The music is far from bad, and there are not many sources for music by this important group, but I would recommend the compilation on Rounder called Les Ambassadeurs Internationales with Salif Keita first. (SA)
$18.98	Title:    Two Sevens Clash - The 30th Anniversary Edition Label:    Shanachie Artist:    Culture ISBN:    9786311312001 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00016351456526 Prod.#:    BECDSHAN45065 Cat.#:    45065 Genre:    Reggae Release type:    Reissue Comments:    Culture’s first album originally came out at the height if the UK punk explosion (1977, the ‘two sevens’ which some Rastas believed to be a bad omen), and its aura of apocalyptic dread resonated strongly in the British underground, its reputation continuing into the Thatcher era and beyond. Featuring sweet harmony singing over first-class rockers rhythms from the era’s best Jamaican session men, this one is an acknowledged classic, certainly one of the greatest ‘conscious’ reggae albums ever. The improved sound on this 30th anniversary reissue and the addition of a handful of dub versions and extended 12” mixes make it a good selection, whether your collection has the original version or not. (SA)
$17.98	Title:    Meu Samba Torto Label:    Compass Artist:    Clara Moreno ISBN:    9786311259177 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00766397446028 Prod.#:    BECDCOMS974460 Cat.#:    7 4460 2 Genre:    Brazilian Release type:    New Comments:    Clara Moreno's latest album is a notably stripped-down affair, one on which the sounds of her voice and an acoustic guitar are the predominant (and in several cases the only) elements. Her voice is lovely, and if the overall sound is a bit dry, it's also quite soothing and relaxing. The more you focus on the singing, the more you hear. Recommended. (RA)
$19.98	Title:    Si, Para Usted (The Funky Beats of Revolutionary Cuba Volume One) Label:    Light In The Attic Artist:    Various Artists ISBN:    9786311318553 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00061297617548 Prod.#:    BECDLITAWAX002 Cat.#:    Genre:    World Music Release type:    Compilation Comments:    Because Cuba has only one record label, the state-sponsored EGREM, most of the music made in Cuba in recent decades has been embargoed and unheard in the U.S. There are a couple of vaguely known quantities here – Irakere and Los Van Van – but these are mostly tracks you literally cannot hear anywhere outside of this licensed compilation. It was assembled by Dan Zachs, who hosts a Canadian podcast/radio show called Waxing Deep, which features this kind of Cuban funk/rock/fusion, along with other music from around the world. Judging from what can be heard here, it sounds like sometimes socialism and art can work together and thrive. (SA)
$14.98	Title:    Remixed: UFO's Over Bamako Label:    Modiba (dist. Ryko) Artist:    Vieux Farka Toure ISBN:    9786311431818 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00185266000053 Prod.#:    BECDRD 600005 Cat.#:    5 Genre:    World Music Release type:    New Comments:    Son of the late Ali Farka Toure, Vieux Farka Toure has taken the Malian sounds of his father's music and expanded them somewhat, as all good musical sons tend to do. But his music remains fundamentally acoustic, which is what makes this collection of remixes (based on tracks from his self-titled debut album) so interesting -- mixers include Cheb i Sabbah, Karsh Kale and Eccodek, among others. But they all do a good job of infusing Toure's music with new textures and beats without undermining the subtle beauty of the original versions. Recommended. (RA)
$17.98	Title:    On the Other Side of Dub Label:    Heartbeat Artist:    Lone Ranger ISBN:    9786311315835 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00011661782426 Prod.#:    BECD116 6178242 Cat.#:    11661-7824-2 Genre:    Reggae Release type:    Reissue Comments:    This is a fine reissue of a true reggae classic -- the debut full-length from legendary reggae toaster Lone Ranger. This version adds several bonus tracks and previously unreleased stereo mixes of tracks from the original album. This is vintage dancehall from the early days (1981), when the music was still "rootswise" and the lyrical concerns were still "conscious," even in the outdoor sound-system dances that would soon usher in the harder and more decadent dancehall and ragga styles of the 1980s and 1990s. (RA)
$28.98	Title:    Rebel Music, Vol. 2: A Reggae Anthology Label:    Trojan Artist:    Various Artists ISBN:    9786311115565 ISBN-10:    UPC:    05050159934621 Prod.#:    BECDMSIM664413 Cat.#:    TJCCD346 Genre:    Reggae Release type:    Compilation Comments:    Compiler Dave Hendley has gone well beyond the usual suspects in putting together this collection of vintage roots reggae from the late 1960s and early 1970s. You've got a few tracks from familiar names like Desmond Dekker, Ken Boothe, and Dennis Brown, but check out the rarities from Carlton & the Shoes, the Conquerors, and the Jay Boys. (As usual, though, Cornell Campbell's sweet voice steals the show.) Very nice. (RA)
$18.98	Title:    Two Sevens Clash - The 30th Anniversary Edition Label:    Shanachie Artist:    Culture ISBN:    9786311312001 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00016351456526 Prod.#:    BECDSHAN45065 Cat.#:    45065 Genre:    Reggae Release type:    Reissue Comments:    The packaging is a little annoying -- the single disc comes in a digipack case with about the same dimensions as a DVD package -- but this deluxe reissue is long overdue. It combines the original program of one of the most influential reggae albums in history with five extended and dub versions of the album's best tracks, and sheds new light on the best record this prolific band would ever make. Sad that bandleader Joseph Hill didn't live to see its release, though. Essential. (RA)

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