December 2008
Look for "Rick's Pick"

CLASSICAL
$16.99	Title:    Taverner & Tudor Music, Vol. 2 Label:    Da Capo (dist. Naxos) Composer:    Various Composers Performer:    Ars Nova Copenhagen / Paul Hillier ISBN:    9786312569435 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00636943605622 Prod.#:    BECDDACP8226056 Cat.#:    8.226056 Period:    Renaissance Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    The first volume in this series featured John Taverner's famous Western Wind mass, its sections interspersed with plainchant and briefer sacred pieces by his contemporaries. This disc takes the same approach, using Taverner's Gloria tibi trinitas mass as a starting point and interpolating works by Byrd, White, Tallis and Fayrfax. As always, Ars Nova Copenhagen sing spectacularly under the direction of Paul Hillier; any library that purchased the first volume will want this one as well. (RA)
$15.98	Title:    A Total Matrix of Possibilities Label:    New World Composer:    Lejaren Hiller Performer:    Various Performers ISBN:    9786312417415 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00093228069423 Prod.#:    BECDNEWW80694 Cat.#:    80694-2 Period:    20th Century Genre:    Classical Release type:    Compilation Comments:    Lejaren Hiller was a pioneering composer of computer music (his most famous composition is still the ILLIAC Suite), but he wrote for various combinations of conventional instruments and tape as well. This disc features three compositions: the Computer Cantata (for soprano, chamber ensemble and computer), the Quartet No. 6 for Strings, and A Portfolio for Diverse Performers and Tape. The program is drawn from three out-of-print CRI LPs, and no detail is provided about recording sates or locations. The performances are energetic and witty, and the Portfolio (featuring the Gregg Smith Singers) is especially exciting. Recommended. (RA)
$20.98	Title:    The Tallis Scholars Sing Tudor Church Music, Volume 1 Label:    Gimell (dist. Harmonia Mundi) Composer:    John Browne; William Cornysh; John Taverner; Christopher Tye Performer:    Tallis Scholars / Peter Phillips ISBN:    9786312551393 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00755138120921 Prod.#:    BECDGMELCDGIM209 Cat.#:    CDGIM 209 Period:    Renaissance Genre:    Classical Release type:    Compilation (2-discs) Comments:    The Tallis Scholars are one of the two or three finest mixed-voice ensembles working in the Renaissance repertoire, and this budget-priced two-disc set (along with its companion volume, BTKey BECDGMELCDGIM210) brings together some of their excellent recordings of works by giants of the English Tudor period. The original recording dates span from 1988 to 2005 and include the Western Wind masses by Taverner, Sheppard and Tye, along with a variety of sacred pieces by Tallis and White. The Tallis Scholars are perhaps the best Palestrina ensemble currently recording, but these two collections show that they have, if anything, and even greater sympathy for the works of the English high Renaissance. Highly recommended to all early music collections that doon't already hold the original recordings. (RA)
$16.98	Title:    Dussek Cramer Haydn Label:    Bridge (dist. Albany) Composer:    Franz Joseph Haydn; Jan Ladislas Dussek; J. B. Cramer Performer:    Malcolm Bilson ISBN:    9786312120179 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00090404926327 Prod.#:    BECDBRIDBCD9263 Cat.#:    9263 Period:    Romantic Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    This album is as much about the instrument as it is about the music: on this disc the great early-keyboard specialist Malcolm Bilson plays works of the late classical and early Romantic periods on a replica of a late-eighteenth-century pianoforte built by Longman & Clementi. The pieces (two sonatas and a set of variations on a theme of Mozart) are delightful and Bilson's playing is sensitively designed to show off both the loveliness of the compositions and the unique sonorities of the instrument. Highly recommended, especially to collections supporting any kind of period-instrument program. (RA)
$16.98	Title:    Beethoven & Clement Violin Concertos Label:    Cedille (dist. Allegro) Composer:    Ludwig Van Beethoven; Franz Clement Performer:    Rachel Barton Pine; Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Jose Serebrier ISBN:    9786312453000 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00735131910620 Prod.#:    BECDCED 106 Cat.#:    CDR 90000 106 Period:    Romantic Genre:    Classical Release type:    New (2-discs) Comments:    Even if this two-disc set were not priced as a single disc, and even if the Clement violin concerto were not a world-premiere recording, this album would be eminently recommendable based purely on the lustrous tone of the orchestra, the sweetly singing performance by violin soloist Rachel Barton Pine, and the joyful lyricism of the Clement piece in particular. Very highly recommended to all classical collections. (RA)
$18.98	Title:    Dialogus von der Geburt Christi; Magnificat Label:    Carus (dist. Albany) Composer:    Reinhard Keiser; Christoph Graupner Performer:    Rastatter Hofkapelle / Jurgen Ochs ISBN:    9786312447382 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00409350834172 Prod.#:    BECDCARUC83417 Cat.#:    83.417 Period:    Baroque Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    This lovely pair of Christmas-themed compositions -- the first a Christmas oratorio, and both of them relatively obscure -- is performed splendidly by the Rastatter Hofkapelle and should be snapped up quickly, as it will only be sold through B&T during the last quarter of the calendar year. It's well worth any extra effort you may need to expend. (RA)
$15.98	Title:    Hildegard von Bingen und Birgitta von Schweden Label:    Raumklang (dist. Qualiton) Composer:    Hildegard von Bingen; Birgitta von Schweden Performer:    Les Flamboyants ISBN:    9786312157007 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00675754008758 Prod.#:    BECDRMKG59802 Cat.#:    RKs 59802 Period:    Medieval Genre:    Classical Release type:    Reissue Comments:    This program features seven selections from Hildegard's Symphonia harmoniae caelestium revelationum -- since the mid-1980s a perenially favorite source for medieval specialists -- as well as six selections from the Cantus sororum collection of Birgitta von Schweden. The latter was a composer who lived 150 years after Hildegard but wrote in a similar, monophonic style. Every library that supports a music program probably has a core of Hildegard fans in its patron base, and all of them will be thrilled to find this disc in the collection. The performances are excellent. (Originally issued in 1998.) (RA)
$15.98	Title:    Kammermusik der Bach-Familie Label:    Raumklang (dist. Qualiton) Composer:    Various Composers Performer:    Chursachsische Capelle Leipzig ISBN:    9786312156994 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00675754008741 Prod.#:    BECDRMKG59603 Cat.#:    RKs 59603 Period:    Baroque Genre:    Classical Release type:    Reissue Comments:    Everyone's heard of Johann Sebastian and lots have heard of Carl Philipp Emanuel, but a startlingly large number of Bach's children turned out to be accomplished composers. This delightful disc features a variety of chamber works by Bach and his sons, including a very fine flute quartet by Johann Christian, a duet for two violas by Wilhelm Friedemann, a small-scale overture by Johann Bernhard, and a harpsichord concerto by Carl Philipp Emanuel. Recommended to all baroque collections. (Originally issues in 1996.) (RA)
$17.98	Title:    Trumpet Concertos Label:    EMI Classics Composer:    Various Composers Performer:    Alison Balsom; Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen ISBN:    9786312480457 ISBN-10:    UPC:    05099921621307 Prod.#:    BECDEMIC16213 Cat.#:    2 16213 0 Period:    Classical Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    Equally adept on baroque and modern trumpet, Alison Balsom sticks with modern instruments for this program of classical and late-baroque trumpet concertos by Haydn, Hummel, Torelli and Neruda. As always, her tone is sweet and burnished; the ensemble supports her solidly but without making a fuss, and the pieces are all lovely. Highly recommended. (RA)
$16.98	Title:    Oppens Plays Carter: The Complete Piano Music Label:    Cedille (dist. Allegro) Composer:    Elliott Carter Performer:    Ursula Oppens ISBN:    9786312537274 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00735131910828 Prod.#:    BECDCED 108 Cat.#:    CDR 90000 108 Period:    Contemporary Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    Elliott Carter's 100th birthday has generated a bumper crop of recordings designed to celebrate his remarkable accomplishments while he's still alive to be honored. This one is especially useful, as it provides snapshots of his musical thinking at various points in his career from 1945 through 2007 (with the world-premiere recording of his two-minute composition "Matribute"). His spiky modernism and his wit are both fully on display here, and it's hard to imagine a more sympathetic interpreter than Ursula Oppens. Essential to any classical collection. (RA)
COUNTRY/FOLK
$17.98	Title:    Hill Country Label:    Rounder Artist:    Tony Trischka ISBN:    9786312504283 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00011661020320 Prod.#:    BECD116 6102032 Cat.#:    11661-0203-2 Genre:    Bluegrass Release type:    Reissue Comments:    In the wake of Tony Trischka's Grammy win last year, Rounder is finally reissuing his classic 1985 supergroup session, a mostly instrumental program that features appearances by Tony Rice, Sam Bush, Del McCoury, Jerry Douglas, Eddie Stubbs and many other A-list session players. Trischka's celebrated melodic style is showcased prominently, but he's never been one to sacrifice drive for notes, and lovers of classic meat-and-potatoes bluegrass will find plenty to enjoy here. It's well past time that this beauty found its way onto CD. (RA)
$17.98	Title:    Buena Vista Label:    Red House Artist:    Robin & Linda Williams ISBN:    9786312407157 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00033651021322 Prod.#:    BECDREDH213 Cat.#:    RHR CD213 Genre:    Folk Music Release type:    New Comments:    Listeners of A Prairie Home Companion need no introduction to this duo and Their Fine Group. Their combination of country/bluegrass/Americana has a friendly back porch quality to it that feels like a sunny day at a summer folk festival. This latest bunch of songs is mostly original, finely played, and the kind you can sing along to. After more than thirty years of recording, this is among their strongest releases, and they’ve seldom sounded better. (JW)
$13.98	Title:    Sings Murder Ballads and Disaster Songs Label:    Tompkins Square (dist. Fontana) Artist:    Charlie Louvin ISBN:    9786312590736 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00894807002127 Prod.#:    BECDTPKS2127 Cat.#:    TSQ2127 Genre:    Country & Western Release type:    New Comments:    Louvin’s late-career bloom is in full swing, as this is his second release this year. Completely different in content from his gospel album, the attitude is, curiously, quite similar. His take on these songs tends to be less doom and despair, and more hopeful despite the horrors he sings about. A ballad about the Titanic sits nicely alongside a western swing take on the Old 97 and a couple of classic Louvin Brothers songs from Tragic Songs of Life, all sung with Charlie’s weathered, craggy voice. Excellent musical help from guests including Andrew Bird and Chris Scruggs results in a fine traditional country release. (JW)
$13.98	Title:    Steps to Heaven Label:    Tompkins Square (dist. Fontana) Artist:    Charlie Louvin ISBN:    9786312383789 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00894807002059 Prod.#:    BECDTPKS2059 Cat.#:    TSQ2059 Genre:    Gospel/Christian Music Release type:    New Comments:    The concept is pretty simple. Put 81 year old Charlie Louvin in front of a microphone, and let him sing some of his favorite gospel songs. The arrangements are sparse, with three women backing as a choir, who don’t overwhelm his now softer but still expressive voice. Instrumentation is minimal, mostly piano and guitar. The result is peaceful and joyful, just as Charlie wants it to be. This is as good a country gospel album as you’re likely to find this year, and should be enjoyed by anyone who likes old-time Southern gospel music. (JW)
$13.00	Title:    Lonesome Song Label:    Foghorn Duo Artist:    Foghorn Duo Cat.#:    Genre:    Country Release type:    New Comments:    Stephen “Sammy” Lind and Caleb Klauder have been playing old time music together or with their string band since 2000. Here the two take some classics by Bill Monroe, Norman Blake, and others, mix in a few originals, and give them the classic brother/duo treatment reminiscent of the Louvins or the Whitsteins. They sing and play well individually, and harmonize beautifully, while showing expertise and versatility on several instruments. This is an excellent choice wherever old time country music is popular, although the folded cardboard container won’t stand up to much use. (JW)
JAZZ
$14.97	Title:    This Is Our Moosic Label:    Hot Cup Artist:    Mostly Other People Do the Killing UPC:    884501046572 Cat.#:    082 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    New Comments:    This curiously named band is gaining lots of critical attention lately, and for good reason. Featuring Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition award-winning saxophonist John Irabagon and leader/bassist/composer Moppa Elliott, MOPDtK play wonderfully original music that’s heavily influenced by Ornette Coleman and the Blue Note-Riverside bop years, with sly tips of the hat to, of all things, Boots Randolph, Billy Joel, and “smooth jazz…gone horribly wrong,” to quote Elliott. The album cover itself is worth mentioning – it’s a wry tribute to Ornette’s 1961 This Is Our Music and the town of Moosic, PA, with some of the most revealing and hilarious liner notes I’ve read in some time. Keep your eyes on this quartet. Recommended. (GH)
$16.98	Title:    New Blues Label:    Anzic (dist. Ryko) Artist:    Third World Love ISBN:    9786311888056 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00896434001061 Prod.#:    BECDAZICA400106 Cat.#:    ANZ-7301 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    New Comments:    The fourth release from this mostly New York City-based quartet blends several styles of music, reflecting both the backgrounds of the musicians and their influences. Jazz holds it all together, but strains of Latin, Israeli, and African music are prominent. Trumpeter Avishai Cohen, pianist Yonatan Avishai, bassist Omer Avital, and drummer Daniel Freedman make contemporary jazz you can dance to. Most of the songs are originals, except for a short Ellington piece. Lyrically gorgeous, with both haunting melodies and a great beat, this is music for both the body and the mind. (JW)
$16.98	Title:    Blue Plate Special Label:    Palmetto (dist. Red) Artist:    Will Bernard ISBN:    9786312451235 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00753957213725 Prod.#:    BECDPMTO2137 Cat.#:    2137 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    New Comments:    If you've followed guitarist Will Bernard's work in the past (especially with the brilliant TJ Kirk), then you know what to expect here: jazz-funk with a heavy emphasis on the funk. He's joined by organist John Medeski (of Medeski, Martin & Wood), bassist Andy Hess and drummer Stanton Moore on a set that occasionally turns a little bit weird and abstract ("Blue Plate Special," "571"), occasionally hints at ska ("Gonzo"), and ends on a startlingly gospelly note (a bottleneck version of "How Great Thou Art"). Very, very nice. (RA)
$18.98	Title:    Live at The Jazz Standard Label:    Ipo (dist. Allegro) Artist:    Roger Kellaway ISBN:    9786312575030 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00822019010142 Prod.#:    BECDIPOR1014 Cat.#:    IPOC1014 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    New (2-discs) Comments:    Virtuoso pianist Kellaway has been working in trios lately, but this release shows him in a New York concert with a couple of guests. guitarist Russell Malone and bassist Jay Leonhart are joined by Stefon Harris on vibes and Borislav Strulev on cello, to create a beautiful and unusual combination of sounds. Going all wood, with no drummer, they set up a great swinging session, playing mostly standards, and relying especially on Ellington material. Tricky time signatures and other curiosities are thrown into the mix (“Tumbling Tumbleweeds”?) making for a very fine quintet outing. (JW)
$16.98	Title:    Our Delight Label:    Ipo (dist. Allegro) Artist:    James Moody & Hank Jones Quartet ISBN:    9786312526711 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00822019010135 Prod.#:    BECDIPOR1013 Cat.#:    IPOC1013 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    New Comments:    Two elder statesmen of jazz get together with a rhythm section for this release, and do what they’ve always done separately: make great music. Drawing on compositions by Tadd Dameron and Dizzy Gillespie, Moody (tenor sax and flute) and Jones (piano) give us a tour of their combined century-plus experience. While feet are planted firmly in bebop, they work in plenty of other elements where they seem to fit, and they fit well. This is a very fine release for those who enjoy the sax/piano interplay so evident here. (JW)
$17.98	Title:    Cantando Label:    ECM Artist:    Bobo Stenson ISBN:    9786312401179 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00602517754621 Prod.#:    BECDUMG B001184502 Cat.#:    ECM 2023 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    New Comments:    Stenson and peers are masters of the understated, lyrical, and utterly captivating piano trio format, quietly delivering a set with dazzling control and composure. Digging into a set list that includes originals and tunes by Ornette Coleman, Don Cherry, Alban Berg, and Astor Piazzolla, this trio continues to build one of the strongest catalogs in modern piano jazz. This disc didn’t leave my CD player for a week. Highly recommended. (GH)
$19.98	Title:    Django Music Label:    Hot Club (dist. Qualiton) Artist:    Hot Club De Norvege ISBN:    9786312524557 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00675754010959 Prod.#:    BECDHCR 219 Cat.#:    219 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    New Comments:    This very fine Norwegian jazz combo plays in the style of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, whose Hot Club de Paris virtually created the gypsy jazz genre in the 1930s. The two-guitars-violin-bass format has remained popular with a worldwide cult ever since, and this quartet brings its own slightly unusual twist to the sound; violinist Finn Hauge doubles on harmonica (it sounds better than you think) and this album focuses on slower, somewhat melancholy material. Very nice. (RA)
$119.99	Title:    Jazz Icons: Series 3 [DVD] Label:    Reelin' in the Years (dist. Naxos) Artist:    Various Artists ISBN:    9786312383420 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00747313800247 Prod.#:    BEDDNAXO2108002 Cat.#:    2.108002 Genre:    Music Video - Jazz Release type:    Boxed Set (8-discs) Comments:    If your library hasn't been picking these up piecemeal, then this boxed set (with a bonus disc) offers a cost-effective way to get a great collection of vintage jazz video recordings featuring Sonny Rollins, Cannonball Adderley, Bill Evans, Roland Kirk, Lionel Hampton, Oscar Peterson, and Nina Simone. This is a fine cross-section of swing, bop, cool, vocal and avant-gardish jazz and will make an excellent addition to any collection supporting a jazz studies curriculum. Being able to watch these artists as well as hear them is fascinating. (RA)
ROCK/POP
$13.98	Title:    Little Honey Label:    Lost Highway Artist:    Lucinda Williams ISBN:    9786312457213 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00602517741737 Prod.#:    BECDUMG B001143402 Cat.#:    B 0011434-02 Genre:    Pop/Rock Music Release type:    New Comments:    Little Honey is the most stylistically adventurous album of Lucinda’s stellar career, with highlights and guests artists galore. The disc opens with a power pop duet with Susanna Hoffs, then there’s the rollicking duet with Elivs Costello (“Jailhouse Tears”), plus a few other rockers. She visits her country side on “Well Well Well,” featuring Jim Lauderdale and the legendary Charlie Louvin on vocals. She also bares her wistful side on “Rarity,” a sad lament over a beautiful horn arrangement by Bruce Fowler. Another strong outing from one of the great American songwriters. Recommended. (GH)
$17.98	Title:    Uproot Label:    Agriculture (dist. Revolver) Artist:    DJ Rupture ISBN:    9786312483182 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00804879126720 Prod.#:    BECDAGCT045 Cat.#:    AG045 Genre:    Dance, DJ Release type:    New Comments:    Any library with a collecting interest in electronic pop music should probably just initiate a standing order for everything from the Agriculture label. The latest from DJ Rupture finds him continuing to gently but insistently push the boundaries of dubstep, mixing tracks from worthy obscurities like Frescoe, Maga Bo, and Timeblind into a shimmering tapestry of squidgy beats, grumbling bass and dubwise echoes. Excellent. (RA)
$10.98	Title:    Die Soundboy Die Label:    Tigerbeat 6 (dist. Revolver) Artist:    Kid606 ISBN:    9786312568995 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00751937345824 Prod.#:    BECDTIGB143 Cat.#:    meow143 Genre:    Dance/DJ Release type:    New Comments:    Kid606 takes electro into all kinds of dark, weird new directions on his restless new EP, an all-original program that takes elements from techno, dubstep, ragga, dub and house and puts them to use in a wordless meditation on birth, life, death and dancing. Vocals are sampled and mercilessly mutilated; basslines roar around your head before being sucked back down to the hellish pits from which they emerged; the grooves lurch and pound and sometimes fly. All of the elements are familiar, but the way they're arranged and twisted is completely original. Highly recommended. (RA)
$15.98	Title:    Red Letter Year Label:    Righteous Babe Artist:    Ani DiFranco ISBN:    9786312399582 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00748731706326 Prod.#:    BECDRIGB63 Cat.#:    RBR063-0 Genre:    Pop/Rock Music Release type:    New Comments:    DiFranco hasn’t exactly lost her hard edge, but she seems happier these days. Her songs reflect the changes in her life, including a baby and relocation to New Orleans. Arrangements here are more complex than in past releases, and guest musicians such as the Rebirth Brass Band and a string quartet bring new sounds and a welcome musical depth to her songs. Don’t worry, old fans: Ani is still independent, defiant, politically charged, and headed in the same direction. She’s just switched gears to account for new road conditions. (JW)
$24.98	Title:    Power, Corruption & Lies (Collector's Edition) Label:    Rhino Artist:    New Order ISBN:    9786312467939 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00081227988609 Prod.#:    BECDRHIN516186 Cat.#:    516186 Genre:    Pop/Rock Music Release type:    Reissue (2-discs) Comments:    When Joy Division's lead singer Ian Curtis committed suicide, the remaining bandmembers changed their sound somewhat and carried on as New Order. They went on to become one of the most influential and distinctive bands of the postpunk era. Rhino has now reissued their first five albums in two-disc collector's editions, the second disc in each case containing remixes, B-sides and 12" versions. For my money, Power, Corruption and Lies remains the best of the bunch, but any library with a serious pop collection should add the four others as well: Brotherhood, Low Life, Technique and Movement. Essential. (RA)
$13.98	Title:    Death Of The Paperboy Label:    Morel (dist. Revolver) Artist:    Morel ISBN:    9786312376316 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00844185019156 Prod.#:    BECDMREL022008 Cat.#:    Genre:    Dance, DJ Release type:    New Comments:    Rich Morel is probably better known as the one-time vocalist for house artists Deep Dish, as a DJ (see Blowoff), as a remixologist (aka Pink Noise), and most recently as a collaborator on several tracks for the new Cyndi Lauper record, than as an album artist in his own right. His last release, Lucky Strike, was expertly balanced between dance music and rock, but Death of the Paperboy goes all the way over into rock territory, with a dreamy vibe reminiscent of Roxy Music and a thematically linked set of lyrics designed to create a full album effect. Also highly recommended is the version with the bonus disc, which contains alternate mixes and new material with a more electronic focus. (SA)
$14.98	Title:    Receivers Label:    Jagjaguwar (dist. ADA) Artist:    Parts & Labor ISBN:    9786312444169 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00656605213323 Prod.#:    BECDJGWR52133 Cat.#:    JAG133 Genre:    Pop/Rock Music Release type:    New Comments:    What could be construed as some version of the Tarkus on the cover of the album is appropriate. The experimental/noise rockers here turn from the post-hardcore of their most recent albums to building big(!), layered, anthemic rock epics with vocals and vocal harmonies that are almost operatic in scope at times. While it is their most accessible work to date, it also contains bold experimentation with their signature noise and layers of static, especially in the later tracks, which stand up well to repeated listening. (TWB)
$14.98	Title:    Invol2ver Label:    Global Underground (dist. Fontana) Artist:    Sasha ISBN:    9786312383451 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00828272130221 Prod.#:    BECDGBLUSA002 Cat.#:    GUSA002CD Genre:    Dance, DJ Release type:    New Comments:    So named because it’s a sequel to Sasha’s previous mix CD Involver, Invol2ver finds the superstar DJ selecting a wide variety of sources – Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, Americana artist Ray LaMontagne, and French electronica duo M83, among others less-well-known – and using them to create his own brand of hypnotic tech-house. In fact this album goes far beyond sequencing and beat-matching. Sasha forgoes turntables and uses Ableton Live software, tweaking, editing, and adding sounds to the point where he’s virtually created a newly produced CD, not a compilation. An excellent example of contemporary dance music and technology. (SA)
$15.98	Title:    The New Year Label:    Touch & Go Artist:    The New Year UPC:    0036172102426 Cat.#:    TG324 Genre:    Rock Release type:    New Comments:    Led by brothers Matt and Bubba Kadane who founded the legendary, pioneering, slow-core band Bedhead, The New Year is a diamond in the (indie rock) rough. Featured here are songs that are disarmingly intimate, introspective, and hauntingly beautiful. Their sound is fuller and more refined than ever here, yet the compositions are as intricately crafted and, at times, breathtakingly spare. This criminally underrated band creates earnest gems of song filled with longing, despair, and hope that are rare, comforting, and unforgettable. (TWB)
$18.98	Title:    Break Up The Concrete Label:    Artist First (dist. ADA) Artist:    Pretenders ISBN:    9786312415152 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00811771010095 Prod.#:    BECDAR1S10100 Cat.#:    101009 Genre:    Pop/Rock Music Release type:    New Comments:    The only apparent constant in the Pretenders by this point is leader Chrissie Hynde. Despite an otherwise entirely new line-up, their latest release plays to the band's traditional strengths. Chrissie Hynde’s gutsy yet honeyed voice is undiminished. “Boots of Chinese Plastic” resurrects the energy and lustful themes of “Tattooed Love Boys.” The title track resurrects the Bo Diddley beat of “Cuban Slide.” The only notably different addition is Eric Heywood’s steel guitar that adds a rockabilly edge. (MC)
WORLD/ETHNIC
$17.98	Title:    Songs of An Other Label:    ECM Artist:    Savina Yannatou Performer:    Savina Yannatou & Primavera en Salonico ISBN:    9786312401193 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00602517727205 Prod.#:    BECDUMG B001184602 Cat.#:    ECM 2057 Genre:    World/Jazz Release type:    New Comments:    Greek singer Yannatou and her band Primavera en Salonico combine folk forms and free improvisation based on material from the Mediterranean region. Yannatou’s voice and the band’s instrumentation (oud, violin, two basses, accordion, and the flute-like nay) create potent, powerful, and emotional music. The songs for this disc are from Armenia, Serbia, Macedonia, Kazakhstan, Greece, and Italy, but the collective sound transcends region. This is beautifully evocative material. (GH)
$19.98	Title:    Guitar Boy Superstar 1970-76 Label:    Soundway (dist. Forced Exposure) Artist:    Sir Victor Uwaifo ISBN:    9786312124368 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00827565038626 Prod.#:    BECDSNWY012 Cat.#:    SNDWCD012 Genre:    World Music Release type:    Compilation Comments:    Not well-known outside of Nigeria because his career has not been well-documented on CD, ‘Sir’ Victor Uwaifo plays music in a style that wanders from high-life to Afrobeat to reggae and beyond. His biggest hits, “Joromi” and “Guitar Boy and Mamiwater,” go back to the mid-60 and are unfortunately not included here. This disc focuses on material from the mid-70s in a style he called “ekassa,” which was a modernized adaptation of a rhythm from Benin City previously used only for coronations. Not an essential release, because it’s a bit off the beaten path, but strange and wonderful all the same. (SA)
$17.98	Title:    Waltz with Me Label:    Compass Artist:    Annbjorg Lien ISBN:    9786312410713 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00766397449227 Prod.#:    BECDCOMS974492 Cat.#:    7 4492 2 Genre:    Scandinavian Folk Release type:    New Comments:    Nothing sounds quite like a hardanger fiddle, with its sympathetic strings and unusual tunings, and no one plays the hardanger fiddle quite like Annbjorg Lien. On this album she's joined by American fiddler and banjoist Bruce Molsky, among others, for a set of tradition-based original tunes. The music is sometimes eerie, sometimes danceable, and sometimes almost overwhelmingly moving. Every folk and world-music collection should own a copy of this one. (RA)
$17.98	Title:    Best of Dennis Brown: The Niney Years Label:    Heartbeat Artist:    Dennis Brown ISBN:    9786312523109 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00011661784123 Prod.#:    BECD116 6178412 Cat.#:    11661-7841-2 Genre:    Reggae Release type:    Best of Comments:    The late Dennis Brown recorded with just about every major reggae producer over the course of his career, and his biggest hits were with Joe Gibbs and Errol Thompson. But as this excellent compilation makes clear, he was at the peak of his vocal powers during his brief collaboration with Winston "Niney" Holness, and Niney was on fire as a producer as well. This collection includes such stone classics as "Westbound Train" and "Tenement Yard" along with extended DJ versions of "Here I Come" and "Wolf and Leopards." An essential reggae document. (RA)
$17.98	Title:    Starfish Label:    Compass Artist:    Catriona McKay ISBN:    9786312349860 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00766397448923 Prod.#:    BECDCOMS974489 Cat.#:    7 4489 2 Genre:    World/Celtic Release type:    New Comments:    I normally put Celtic music under Country/Folk, but harper Catriona McKay's album is so all over the place stylistically that I felt like it fit better in World/Ethnic -- though really, on tunes like the startlingly chromatic "Greenman" and the gently swinging title track sound more like jazz than anything else. Intriguing and fun. (RA)
$18.98	Title:    Down In New Orleans Label:    Time Life Music Artist:    Blind Boys of Alabama ISBN:    9786311751978 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00610583224726 Prod.#:    BECDTLIFM19548 Cat.#:    M19548 Genre:    Gospel Release type:    New Comments:    On this album the Blind Boys of Alabama's traditional gospel music is delivered in a New Orleans style, with yug-dugga-dugga banjos, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, the Hot 8 Brass Band, and (best of all) pianist Allen Toussaint. It's a great blend of styles and elements, and these guys still sound unbelievably strong after 60-plus years of singing together. Then again, maybe that's exactly why they sound so strong. (A companion DVD, documenting a recent concert in New Orleans, will be released in February.) (RA)
$15.98	Title:    Our Way Label:    Rebootstereophonic Artist:    Barry Sisters ISBN:    9786312557982 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00824247015722 Prod.#:    BECDRBTS8 Cat.#:    RSR 008 Genre:    Ethnic Music Release type:    Reissue Comments:    Vocalists Claire and Merna Barry had been performing and recording in Yiddish since the 1930s. In 1973, they recorded their 11th album, one planted firmly in the mainstream. It ignores the rock revolution of the 1960s and early 1970s, but it also downplays ethnic identity. To make Yiddish more accessible, they chose the most popular songs of the day such as “My Way” and “Cabaret.” The arrangements suggest Vegas and Broadway, not klezmer. Here’s an instance where “schmaltzy” isn’t an insult. (MC)

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