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November 2008
Look for "Rick's Pick" 
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| CLASSICAL |
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| $55.98 |
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| Title: |
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Symphonies, Ouvertures |
| Label: |
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Zig-Zag Territories (dist. Allegro)
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Composer:
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Ludwig van Beethoven |
| Performer: |
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Jos van Immerseel; Anima Eterna |
| ISBN: |
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9786311976944 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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03760009291690 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDZGZG80402 |
| Cat.#: |
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ZZT080402.6 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (6-discs) |
| Comments: |
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This is an excellent set of Beethoven’s symphonies (and some of his overtures) performed on period instruments by Anima Eterna under the direction of Jos van Immerseel. These recordings, obviously a labor of love, are passionate and intriguing. They aim to offer authentic interpretations that are as close as possible to the performance practice of early 19th century Vienna. The liner notes are substantial and include a discussion of the process surrounding AE’s production of these recordings, and historical background on each piece. This set would be a valuable addition to any library – and definitely mine as soon as I can afford it!(PS) |
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| $17.00 |
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| Title: |
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Motets; Hymns; Chansons; Sanctus |
| Label: |
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Blue Heron
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Composer:
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Guillaume DuFay; Hugo de Lantins; Johannes Ockeghem |
| Performer: |
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Blue Heron Renaissance Choir |
| UPC: |
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634479477393 |
| Cat.#: |
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BHCD 1001 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Calssical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This remarkable disc focuses on sacred and secular music from Guillaume DuFay, one of the towering figures of Renaissance choral music, performed by a startlingly fine choral ensemble from the Boston area. The mix of spritely secular chansons and more restrained devotional music works better than one might expect, and the Blue Heron Renaissance Choir is absolutely top-notch. Here's hoping we don't have to wait another eight years for their next release. (RA) |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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Beatissima Beatrix: Works by Tinctoris & Stokem |
| Label: |
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Hungaroton (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Johannes Tinctoris; Johannes de Stokem |
| Performer: |
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Voces Aequales |
| ISBN: |
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9786312266754 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754009342 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHUGR32583 |
| Cat.#: |
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HCD 32583 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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2008 marks the 500th anniversary of the death of Hungary's Queen Beatrix, and in honor of that event the six-voice men's choir Voces Aequales has put together this solemnly beautiful program of sacred works by Beatrix's music teacher, Johannes Tinctoris, and one of his contemporaries. The centerpiece is Tinctoris' only know full-scale mass, a fine example of a parody mass based on the perennial favorite "L'Homme Arme." Nothing about the music presented here breaks any new ground, really, but both composers are excellent and the pieces have rarely (if ever) been previously recorded; the ensemble is not quite as polished as, say, the Hilliards, but acquits itself very nicely. Recommended to all early music collections. (RA) |
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| $21.98 |
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| Title: |
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Solos For A German Flute |
| Label: |
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Accent (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Georg Friedrich Handel; Charles Dieupart |
| Performer: |
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Les Buffardins |
| ISBN: |
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9786312265627 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754009649 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDACCE24194 |
| Cat.#: |
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ACC 24194 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The "German flute" of this album's title is the transverse flute, as opposed to the recorder. Most of the pieces collected here are reworked sonatas and overtures originally written for other high-pitched solo instruments, and all are played exquisitely by the always-wonderful ensemble les Buffardins, led by baroque flutist Frank Theuns. Perhaps not essential for every classical collection (which is likely to own representative chamber works by Handel already), this disc can still be confidently recommended to all specialist collections and especially those with an emphasis on period-instrument performance. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Paribus Vocibus: Polifonia Religiosa a Veus Iguals |
| Label: |
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La Ma de Guido (dist. Albany)
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Composer:
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Tomas Luis de Victoria |
| Performer: |
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Lluis Vich Vocalis |
| ISBN: |
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9786312120438 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00841471540066 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDLMDGLMG4006 |
| Cat.#: |
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LMG4006 |
| 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 is an unusual and attractive program of sacred pieces written by the great Spanish composer Tomas Luis de Victoria for "equal voices," or voices of a similar range. The program includes motets, hymns, responsories, a Magnificat setting and several vespers psalms, all sung with an astringent and dark-hued beauty by the Valencian ensemble Lluis Vich Vocalis. Recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| $41.99 |
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| Title: |
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La Transfiguration de Notre Seigneur Jesus-Christ; Visions de l'Amen; other works |
| Label: |
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Naive
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Composer:
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Olivier Messiaen |
| Performer: |
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Various Performers |
| ISBN: |
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9786312100812 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00822186821794 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNAIVMO782179 |
| Cat.#: |
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MO 782179 |
| Period: |
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20th Century |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set (6-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Olivier Messiaen was perhaps the most influential composer of serious sacred music in the 20th century, and this budget-priced box brings together six discs' worth of recordings of some of his most significant religious works as well as three of his nature- and birdsong-based orchestral pieces. The performances are excellent, and this box offers an easy way for any library to quickly acquire some of the essential works of one of France's greatest composers. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Studies for Player Piano |
| Label: |
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Other Minds (dist. Allegro)
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Composer:
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Conclon Nancarrow |
| ISBN: |
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9786311976906 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00684390101228 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDOTMD1012 |
| Cat.#: |
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OM 1012/15-2 |
| Period: |
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20th Century |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set (4-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Conlon Nancarrow's works for player piano delivered a level of harmonic density and rhythmmic complexity that could never have been handled by a human player. If the tradeoff was a certain roboticness in the boogie-woogie rhythms and a slight stiffness in the ragtime swing, that very precision is part of what makes these works thrilling. This 4-disc box reissues all four of the LPs originally issues in the 1970s on the 1750 Arch label and includes all of Nancarrow's studies; the remastered sound is still somewhat imperfect, but it's good enough. No collection of 20th-century music should be without this set. (RA) |
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| COUNTRY/FOLK |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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The Imagined Village |
| Label: |
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Real World (dist. Ryko)
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Artist:
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The Imagined Village |
| ISBN: |
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9786312216964 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00884108014226 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRWRC80142 |
| Cat.#: |
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USCDR W147 |
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Folk/Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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An all-star ensemble of British folkies and rockers (Martin Carthy, Paul Weller, Sheila Chandra, Trans-Global Underground, Billy Bragg, etc.) creates a weird and wonderful melange of traditional melodies and electronic funk grooves on this delightful album. I promise you've never heard "John Barleycorn" given this kind of treatment, nor "Tam Lyn" recreated as a reggae-funk toasting vehicle. Things occasionally get just a bit heavy and self-important, but this album is a joy overall. (RA) |
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| $14.98 |
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| Title: |
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Polk Miller & His Old South Quartette |
| Label: |
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Tompkins Square (dist. Fontana)
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Artist:
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Polk Miller |
| ISBN: |
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9786312421238 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00894807002028 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTPKS2028 |
| Cat.#: |
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TSQ 2028 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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Polk Miller grew up on his father’s Virginia plantation and developed an appreciation for African American music. He eventually toured and recorded with four African Americans, his Old South Quartette, which honored rather than mocking or exploiting their folk and spiritual roots. This disc collects the group’s seven Edison cylinders from 1909. Miller died in 1913, but the Old South Quartette reconvened to record seven more songs in 1928, also presented here. “The Bonnie Blue Flag” may be the only recording of the Confederate anthem by a Confederate veteran. “Oysters and Wine at 2 A.M.” could be seen as a precursor to current rappers extolling their bling lifestyle. (MC) |
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| $14.95 |
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| Title: |
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Stomp, Glide, Wobble |
| Label: |
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Ruthless Rabbit
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Artist:
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Northside Southpaws |
| UPC: |
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700261235271 |
| Cat.#: |
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RRR1967 |
| Genre: |
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Old-Time Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The Northside part of this duo’s name refers to Chicago. The southpaw part derives from the fact that they both play left handed, but that probably doesn’t matter on CD. With John Hasbrouck on resonator mandolin and Matt Gandurski on resonator guitar, the music is all high energy, fun stuff. They play roots music, which is to say that they include old time string band tunes, rags, and waltzes, and play them very well, but with a modern sensibility. The duo has gotten the attention of the acoustic music world, now it’s your turn. (JW) |
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| Title: |
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For Pence and Spicy Ale |
| Label: |
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Topic
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Artist:
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Watersons |
| ISBN: |
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9786311960226 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00714822057424 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTOPI574 |
| Cat.#: |
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TSCD574 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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This lovely reissue from 1975 is a showcase of English folksong, rendered a cappella by Mike, Lal, and Norma Waterson, with Martin Carthy joining the band for the first time (the band would later morph into its current incarnation, Waterson:Carthy). The delivery is intimate and sincere, the songs a slice of bucolic British folk material, and the whole package is simply wonderful. Close your eyes and imagine you’re in a small pub in England, somewhere lost in time, a pint nearby and good company all around. This album’s often considered one of the Waterson’s best, for good reason. Highly recommended. (GH) |
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| $14.98 |
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| Title: |
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Heritage |
| Label: |
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Obuck (dist. Burnside)
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Artist:
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Youngers |
| ISBN: |
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9786312534075 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00700261245607 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDOBCK2456 |
| Cat.#: |
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2456 |
| Genre: |
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Country/Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This Pennsylvania-based quartet plays roots-rock with a strong populist bent. Their songs deal with workingmen’s laments, lost loves, and hard living, while their music is very much in the country-rock tradition. They enlist some heavyweight help on this recording with production assistance from John Carter Cash and accompaniment by Ronnie McCoury. It was even recorded at Johnny Cash’s home studio – which make sense. These are songs that Johnny himself would have liked quite a bit – I can imagine him covering the title track. Very nice. (GH)
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| Title: |
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Friends of Old Time Music: The Folk Arrival 1961-1965 |
| Label: |
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Folkways
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786310535579 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00093074016022 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDFOLK740160 |
| Cat.#: |
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40160 |
| Genre: |
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Folk |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set (3-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Beginning in 1961, a group of New York City folk music enthusiasts formed an organization dedicated to increasing the popularity of American traditional music by bringing some of the most important folk musicians of the day to perform before New York audiences. Doc Watson, Dock Boggs, Roscoe Holcomb, Mississippi John Hurt, Bill Monroe and His Bluegrass Boys, The Stanley Brothers, and Jesse “Lone Cat” Fuller are just some of the acts who performed. These concerts were recorded and excerpts are now available on the three disc set, Friends of Old Time Music. In many cases these were the first performances these now widely known folk musicians played to urban audiences; for some performers, these recordings are among the few examples of them playing before any live audience. Although the recordings do reveal some of the sound system limitations of the early 1960s, the high quality and historical significance of the selected performances will inspire most listeners to forgive any minor imperfections. The subsequent success of many of these artists shows how successful the organizers were in achieving their goal. (CLHD) |
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| $15.99 |
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| Title: |
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Cajun Jamboree |
| Label: |
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Swallow/Select-O
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Artist:
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Joe Bonsall & The Orange Playboys |
| ISBN: |
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9786311970737 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00046346620922 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSLLW6209 |
| Cat.#: |
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SW-6209 |
| Genre: |
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Country |
| Release type: |
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Best of |
| Comments: |
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Not the Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys, this Joe was a singer and accordionist popular in the Louisiana and East Texas region from the 1960s to the 1980s. This latest release in the label’s Cajun Pioneer series features 27 tracks by Bonsall and his group, selected from their three albums. Regionally important, they never broke through to the national stage, but that doesn’t prevent the music from being flamboyant, enormously fun, and highly danceable. This is a great addition for Cajun music fans. The only thing missing is a lyric sheet with some translations for the Frenchless. (JW) |
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| $12.98 |
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| Title: |
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Hallowed Ground |
| Label: |
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Big Book (dist. Burnside)
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Artist:
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I See Hawks In L.A. |
| ISBN: |
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9786312112013 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00724101200625 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBBKR14 |
| Cat.#: |
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BBR 14 |
| Genre: |
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Country |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This group’s new release continues to find them deep in California alternative country, with influences ranging from Gram Parsons to honky-tonk, but extending their reach into Celtic, Tex-Mex, and bluegrass. Most songs were written by members Rob Waller and Paul Lacques, with themes ranging from eco-catastrophe to suicide pacts, but despite the odd twists, they fit right into a tradition that can be traced to both the Flying Burrito Brothers and Hank Williams. The music is excellently performed, memorable, and in an alternate world, "Carbon Dated Love" would be a hit on country radio. (JW) |
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| JAZZ |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Conversations with My Family |
| Label: |
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Resonance
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Artist:
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Mike Garson |
| ISBN: |
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9786312066354 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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07241018993240 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRSNC1004 |
| Cat.#: |
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RCD-1004 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Best known as David Bowie’s pianist, Garson has been working in jazz as well, and here puts together a great package. The CD/DVD combination includes two different sets. The CD consists of Garson’s compositions that he’s written over the years for family members, with short interludes between. They range in style from romantic and gentle to spiky and avant-garde, but all seem of a single piece, arranged as a suite. The DVD has a somewhat different lineup, and includes a set of standards in concert, along with an interview. This is all beautifully arranged and fascinating listening. (JW) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Swing Out |
| Label: |
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MCG Jazz (dist. Fontana)
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Artist:
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Bob Mintzer Big Band |
| ISBN: |
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9786312328353 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00612262103025 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMCGJ1030 |
| Cat.#: |
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MCGJ 1030 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Mintzer’s latest covers a wide swath of big band territory, from the traditional to the contemporary, and even pushes a bit beyond, all to good effect. Six originals mix nicely with three other compositions to give the listener variety, fun, and music to think about. Here he plays with rhythm changes, turns of phrase, and lots of soloing from band members. The playing is flawless and challenging in the best sense of the word. This is a great addition to any big band collection. (JW) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Stride Piano Duets: Live In Toronto, 1966 |
| Label: |
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Delmark (dist. City Hall)
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Artist:
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Willie |
| ISBN: |
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9786312073567 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00038153024925 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDDMRK249 |
| Cat.#: |
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DE249 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This previously unreleased concert tape from Toronto in 1966 by two stride piano masters is a rare treat. Smith and Ewell had never played together before, and Willie was in his late sixties, Don, fifty. Here they trade solos and banter, play old standards, and clearly have a ball. They flow smoothly together, and despite their differences in style it’s often difficult to tell which player is which. The music is sweet and nostalgic, virtuosic and brilliant. This is a must-have for fans of stride piano. (JW) |
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| $15.00 |
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| Title: |
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Concerti |
| Label: |
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Ambient
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Artist:
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Gene Bertoncini |
| Cat.#: |
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CD-007 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This beautiful recording features Bertoncini’s classical guitar, string bass, and a string quartet led by jazz violinist Mark Feldman. The results are gorgeous across a playlist that includes jazz standards, a Bertoncini original, a Beatles tune, and a 13 minute version of the adagio from Concierto de Aranjuez (best known from Miles Davis’ Sketches of Spain). Great arrangements and excellent performances make this a welcome addition to the jazz-with-strings canon. (GH) |
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| $14.98 |
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| Title: |
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Pass It On |
| Label: |
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Emarcy
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Artist:
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Dave Holland Sextet |
| ISBN: |
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9786312400769 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00600753106679 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B001186002 |
| Cat.#: |
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B0011860-02 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Dave Holland delivers yet another remarkable recording, this time fronting a new sextet featuring trombonist Robin Eubanks, drummer Eric Harland, pianist Mulgrew Miller, alto saxman Antonio Hart, and trumpeter Alex Sipiagin. Tunes vary stylistically, ranging from a free-influenced tribute to saxophonist Sam Rivers, to hard-hitting grooves, to evocative ballads. Great stuff from one of the finest contemporary bandleaders in jazz. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Guitars |
| Label: |
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Halfnote/Mccoy Tyner Music
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Artist:
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McCoy Tyner [CD/DVD] |
| ISBN: |
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9786312431121 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00616892453727 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMCYT924537 |
| Cat.#: |
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4537 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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One of the greatest living jazz pianists gets together with four of the greatest living jazz guitarists (and one banjo player) on this challenging but excellent disc. Marc Ribot, John Scofield, Bela Fleck, Bill Frisell and Derek Trucks all join Tyner for a wild and woolly program of standards, originals and improvisations. Tyner sounds positively invigorated by these collaborations, and the duets with banjoist Fleck are particularly interesting. Also interesting is the accompanying DVD with session footage. Highly recommended to all collections. (RA) |
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| ROCK/POP |
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| Title: |
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Tell Tale Signs: The Bootleg Series Vol. 8 |
| Label: |
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Columbia
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Artist:
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Bob Dylan |
| ISBN: |
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9786312430520 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00886973579527 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCOLM357952 |
| Cat.#: |
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88697 35795 2 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New (3-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Digging deep into traditional music, old blues, and other records for inspiration, Bob Dylan revitalized his career in 1989 with Oh Mercy, followed by two CDs of traditional folksongs, then wrapping it up with the brilliant troika of 1997’s Time Out Of Mind, following with Love and Theft in 2001 and Modern Times in 2006. Collectively, they were three of his strongest recordings since the mid-1970’s, showing his masterful understanding of the American folk canon and his stunning gifts as a songwriter. Tell Tale Signs contains two CDs of outtakes, unreleased songs, soundtrack recordings, and ephemera from this highly creative time of Dylan's illustrious career. The results are consistently amazing. Very highly recommended. (GH) |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Fate |
| Label: |
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Park The Van (dist. ADA)
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Artist:
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Dr. Dog |
| ISBN: |
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9786312196556 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00788377110323 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDPKTV71103 |
| Cat.#: |
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PTV.25 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Recorded in their own Philadelphia studio, Dr. Dog explore themes of destiny on their latest album. Psychedelic harmonies reminiscent of Abbey Road comingle with vocals like Mott the Hoople and John Lennon’s early solo work. It’s as if they are about to burst out into “All the Young Dudes” or “Jealous Guy” but instead declare, “I’m gonna marry you out of common sense.” The sound is borrowed, but the lyrics are their own. (MC) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Rise And Fall, Rage And Grace |
| Label: |
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Columbia
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Artist:
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Offspring |
| ISBN: |
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9786312121756 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00886970290821 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCOLM02908 |
| Cat.#: |
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02908 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Once you've gone completely pro, can you still claim "punk" designation? More importantly, does it matter? The Offspring have never completely regained the popularity that their "Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)" novelty tune gained them massive acclaim ten years ago, but they still play the kind of tight, hooky, noisy pop-punk that has never gone completely out of style in the past three decades. Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace is of a piece with the best of their earlier work, and introduces a few new touches of optimism and emotional openness as well. Public libraries should expect demand. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Motorizer |
| Label: |
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Steam Hammer/SPV
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Artist:
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Motorhead |
| ISBN: |
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9786312349877 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00693723916323 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSTMH239163 |
| Cat.#: |
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91630 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Good heavens. Does this 30-year-old band sound harder, faster and tighter than it did 20 years ago? No, it can't be. And yet -- wait, yes, those are definitely my eardrums twitching crazily on the floor in tiny pools of blood... Excellent. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Slime & Reason |
| Label: |
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Big Dada (dist. Revolver)
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Artist:
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Roots Manuva |
| ISBN: |
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9786312358107 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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05021392123820 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBGDA123 |
| Cat.#: |
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bdcd123 |
| Genre: |
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Rap/Reggae |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Like most forms of pop music, hip hop is most interesting at the margins. And Roots Manuva has been one of England's most interesting marginal hip hop acts for years. His latest is a dark, texturally spare exploration of quirky and often Caribbean-flavored beats, vaguely political themes and patois-laced rhymes, and makes me wish he'd get into the studio with Lady Sovereign and get really nuts. Hand-sell this one to your patrons and watch their eyes go wide. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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The Om Remixes |
| Label: |
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Om (dist. ADA)
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Artist:
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Kaskade |
| ISBN: |
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9786312443988 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00600353082021 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDOM 30820 |
| Cat.#: |
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30820 |
| Genre: |
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Dance, DJ |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Very few DJs can make house music that holds my attention, but Kaskade is one of them. This disc brings together some of his best remixes, featuring such A-list club artists as Colette, Rithma, King Kooba and J-Boogie's Dubtronic Science. Kaskade's arrangements are sophisticated, but tend to wear their complexity lightly while keeping the beats solid and showcasing the melodic content of the songs on which they're based. DJs who can innovate without drawing attention away from the artists whose work they're mixing are even rarer. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Provisions |
| Label: |
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Yep Roc (dist. Redeye)
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Artist:
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Giant Sand |
| ISBN: |
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9786312372684 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00634457218826 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDYP 2188 |
| Cat.#: |
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YEP2188 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Giant Sand is the project/band of indie godfather and mastermind Howe Gelb, whose revolving cast of players is a who’s who of indie rock. Here, Gelb is like Byron’s Manfred in the Arizona desert, or the Preacher-sage of Ecclesiastes re-located to Tucson. The whole sound here is cinematic, space-desert sun drenched-cowboy noir-rock. His hushed sung-spoken vocals convey an urgent intensity and comforting assurance. He translates daunting tragedy and hardship that we all face into melodies, textures and lyric and sonic atmospheres that are poignant, inspiring, and affirming. (TWB) |
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| Title: |
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Live at Royal Albert Hall 1971 |
| Label: |
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Sundazed (dist. Koch)
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Artist:
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Byrds |
| ISBN: |
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9786312103196 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00090771117724 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSDZ 11177 |
| Cat.#: |
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11177 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The Byrds were in fine form on this evening at London's Royal Albert Hall in 1971, where they played a set that songs from all their different periods. They also included an acoustic set and an a capella encore of “Amazing Grace.” The most impressive feature of this set remains the instrumental interplay and to a slightly lesser degree, the vocal harmonies. This previously unreleased recording should help both those new to the Byrds as well as old fans recognize why the Byrds are so frequently mentioned when discussing Americana music, American folk-rock, and alternative country. (CLHD) |
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| Title: |
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Vivian Girls |
| Label: |
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In The Red (dist. Revolver)
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Artist:
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Vivian Girls |
| ISBN: |
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9786312310082 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00759718516128 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDITRD161 |
| Cat.#: |
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ITR161CD |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Yes, they are an underground sensation. The Brooklyn-based trio (of women) love punk rock, Wipers, Black Tambourine and The Shangri-Las, and what they do with these influences will make you want to play this one over and over. Like their musical forebears Talulah Gosh, Tiger Trap and all things C86, Vivian GIrls make music that is both accessible and intriguing. The ingenious quality here is their marriage of sweet girl-group harmonies, shoegaze distortion, and a wall of sound aesthetic that creates a sonic atmosphere that is both familiar and foreign. These are song of love and heartbreak. Whether reveling in new infatuation or pining at home, these songs are completely addictive. (TWB) |
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| $13.98 |
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| Title: |
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Dear Science |
| Label: |
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Interscope
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Artist:
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TV On The Radio |
| ISBN: |
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9786312425908 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00602517823839 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B001188202 |
| Cat.#: |
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001188202 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Art-rock became a dirty word a long time ago, but it’s the best description I can think of for TV On The Radio’s sound. The reason this art-rock deserves a chance is that the very dense, layered production and the broad sonic palette – everything from noise and loops to multi-tracked vocals and horns – doesn’t get in the way of the songs, although they may require a few spins before they sink in. On their third full-length album TVOTR prove that sometimes making every album sound different from the one before, maybe even every song different from the one before, is a formula that works wonders. A band to watch. (SA) |
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| $24.98 |
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| Title: |
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Fumbling Towards Ecstasy |
| Label: |
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RCA
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Artist:
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Sarah McLachlan |
| ISBN: |
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9786312261698 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00828768728529 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRCA 87285 |
| Cat.#: |
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82786 872852 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set (3-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Canadian singer/songwriter McLachlan gained international fame in 1993 with this album, a quietly engaging work marked by beautiful production and deeply personal songwriting. It went platinum and made her an international star. This reissue includes the original disc, the Freedom Sessions CD (which includes demos and alternate takes of the same material) and a live concert DVD. This has been a personal favorite since it came out 15 years ago, and it’s great to see it get the Legacy reissue treatment. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Pleased to Meet Me (Expanded Edition) |
| Label: |
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Rhino
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Artist:
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Replacements |
| ISBN: |
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9786312431015 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00081227990237 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRHIN513982 |
| Cat.#: |
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R2 513982 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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One of the most influential post-punk bands of the 1980s, the Replacements recorded four LPs on a regional label before landing their big national break in 1985, when they signed with Sire. 1987’s Pleased to Meet Me, their second Sire recording, was their first to put a bit of production polish on their previously raw sound. Recorded in Memphis, it featured “Alex Chilton,” a tough, melodic tribute to the former Big Star singer that encapsulates their power and appeal – they delved deeply into Memphis/American rock roots, channeling it all through their raw post-punk energy, in the process creating some of the most impressive and original American music of the 1980s that easily rivaled REM’s output for creativity and energy. Rhino has reissued the entire Replacements Sire catalog, including Tim (1985), Pleased to Meet Me (1987), Don’t Tell A Soul (1989), and All Shook Down (1990). Each has extensive liner notes and plenty of extra tracks. All are recommended. (GH)
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| Title: |
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Willy and the Poor Boys |
| Label: |
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Fantasy
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Artist:
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Creedence Clearwater Revival |
| ISBN: |
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9786312168843 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00888072308794 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDFTYR30879 |
| Cat.#: |
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FAN-30879 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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If your library is still making do with LPs (or even previous, inferior CD reissues) of titles from the Creedence Clearwater Revival catalog, then September was your lucky month, because that's when the Fantasy label (finally) reissued CCR's first six albums at midline price, with remastered sound and bonus material that includes B-sides and live versions. You need all of these, but if budget woes are forcing hard choices, then start with this one, Green River (BT Key BECDFTYR30878) and Cosmo's Factory (BT Key BECDFTYR30880). No other band of the era combined social commentary and sheer unaldulterated fun as gracefully as this band did, and their music still sounds fresh and exciting today. (RA) |
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| WORLD/ETHNIC |
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| Title: |
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12" Rulers: Jah Thomas |
| Label: |
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Greensleeves (dist. Ryko)
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786312098614 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00601811161425 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDGNSV111614 |
| Cat.#: |
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GRELCD614 |
| Genre: |
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Reggae |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
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The early 1980s was something of a magical time in reggae music -- the roots-and-culture style was giving way to the more worldly dancehall genre, and for a few years the two influences blended into a rhythmically powerful but frequently uplifting musical fusion. The Greensleeves label's 12" Rulers series celebrates this period with compilations of extended mixes of significant singles from the period, many featuring regular vocal versions followed by remixed deejay cuts. This one focuses on the output of producer Jah Thomas, who created heavyweight tracks for the likes of Triston Palma, Little John, and Peter Metro -- all of whom are featured on this fine collection. A must for all reggae collections. (RA) |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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No Matter |
| Label: |
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Metastation (dist. City Hall)
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Artist:
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Bill Laswell; Mark Nauseef; Kudsi Erguner; Markus Stockhausen |
| ISBN: |
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9786312275718 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00658137002222 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMTAT22 |
| Cat.#: |
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MT022 |
| Genre: |
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Hard to say |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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I'm classifying this one as "World/Ethnic," since the primary instruments are the ney (an end-blown, Persian flute), meditation bells, and gongs. But the other two instruments are trumpet and Bill Laswell's electric bass, so the genre designation is questionable. What this really is is Bill Laswell Music, which (in this case, anyway) means contemplative, beatless and probably improvised music played by a wonderfully mismatched ensemble of virtuosos whose musical traditions are largely unrelated but come together with a kind of mysterious beauty. This isn't Laswell's most compelling project ever, but it certainly creates an evocative mood. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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The Mystic World of Augustus Pablo: The Rockers Story |
| Label: |
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Shanachie
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Artist:
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Augustus Pablo |
| ISBN: |
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9786312134268 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00016351456823 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSHAN45068 |
| Cat.#: |
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45068 |
| Genre: |
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Reggae |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set (5-discs) |
| Comments: |
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He was a small, quiet, retiring man, but producer and multi-instrumentalist Augustus Pablo exerted an enormous influence on reggae music during its classical phase before dying tragically at the age of 46. Pablo was responsible for making the melodica part of the reggae soundscape, and was also known for his use of minor melodies and for his facility as a producer of dub mixes. This spectacular four-CD/one-DVD set provides an excellent overview of his finest work along with some rarities that even hardcore fans will likely not have heard, and sweetens the deal with a brief (and sometimes amateurish) DVD program that includes interview and live concert footage. A must for any serious reggae collection. (RA) |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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Kompakt Total 9 |
| Label: |
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Kompakt (dist. Forced Exposure)
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786312309956 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00880319036125 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDKPKT67 |
| Cat.#: |
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CD 067 |
| Genre: |
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Electronica |
| Release type: |
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Compilation (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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One of the problems with techno for digital music fans is its reliance on the 12” vinyl format, but the Cologne label Kompakt meets those who don’t have turntables halfway with their annual serial of Total compilations. As always this ninth edition of the series compiles recent single-only releases as well as adding a number of tracks exclusive to this set. Kompakt’s big names are here -- Matias Aguayo, DJ Koze, Gui Boratto, Justus Koehncke, Superpitcher, Thomas Fehlmann, etc. – but over the course of two CDs striking tracks by lesser-knowns also stand out, and overall a useful snapshot of the current state of the art emerges. (SA) |
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| $14.98 |
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| Title: |
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In The 7th Moon, The Chief Turned Into a Swimming Fish and Ate The Head of His Enemy by Magic |
| Label: |
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Crammed Discs (dist. Ryko)
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Artist:
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Kasai Allstars |
| ISBN: |
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9786312216643 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00876623005810 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCRMD300581 |
| Cat.#: |
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CRAW 44 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The third CD in the Crammed Discs label's Congotronics series features the Kasai Allstars, who, as their name suggests, draw from several different musical groups, not to mention several different ethnic groups. This gives the album a more varied sound than that of Konono No 1, the first Congotronics album, but the music is still highly percussive with call-and-response vocals and the trademark sound of distorted thumb-pianos. Another variation on the union of the traditional and the ultra-modern keeps this series interesting. (SA) |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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The Silimbo Passage |
| Label: |
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World Adventures
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Artist:
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Seckou Keita Quartet |
| ISBN: |
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9786312406754 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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05060115940627 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHBDK2008 |
| Cat.#: |
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WA2008 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Unlike many Afro-European fusion projects, this one has nothing to do with electronica or hip hop beats. Instead, it's basically an Afro-jazz album centered on the kora playing of Seckou Keita. He's helped out by a violinist, a bass player, and a percussionist, as well as a number of contributing sessioneers -- notably singer Binto Suso, who lends sweetly keening vocals to several tracks. The result is a bright and refreshing take on world music. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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© CD HotList 2004 |
