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April 2008
Look for "Rick's Pick" 
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| CLASSICAL |
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| Title: |
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Geistliche Chor-Music 1648 (Complete) |
| Label: |
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Carus (dist. Albany)
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Composer:
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Heinrich Schutz |
| Performer: |
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Dresdner Kammerchor; Cappella Sagittariana / Hans-Christoph Rademann |
| ISBN: |
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9786311939055 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00409350832321 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCARUC83232 |
| Cat.#: |
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83.232 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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The choral music of Heinrich Schutz has received plenty of attention over the years, but rarely has it gotten a treatment as rich and lovely as this ravishing recording by the Dresdner Kammerchor. These two discs contain all 29 motets originally published in Schutz's Geistliche Chor-Musik collection of 1648, and show both his love and his mastery of a musical form that was by then long out of fashion -- but, as he demonstrates, by no means artistically exhausted. The singing and playing are spectacular. Highly recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Musik am Dresdner Hof (Music for The Dresden Court) |
| Label: |
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Berlin Classics (dist. Albany)
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Virtuosi Saxoniae |
| ISBN: |
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9786311938867 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00782124841621 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBERCBC8416 |
| Cat.#: |
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0184162BC |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set (8-discs) |
| Comments: |
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I'm normally something of a period-instruments partisan, but for over 20 years the Virtuosi Saxoniae (under trumpeter Ludwig Guttler) has been making a solid case against inflexibility on that score. His group of modern-instrument players interpret the works of Telemann, Zelenka, Fasch, Hasse and other baroque masters with the crispness and delicacy that tend to elude other similarly-configured ensembles, as well as the tonal richness and power that are sometimes missing from period-instrument groups. This budget-priced 8-disc set brings together six years of recordings of works written for the Dresden Court by all of the composers above, and includes both sacred choral works and a variety of concertos and sinfonias. Very highly recommended. (RA) |
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| $11.98 |
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| Title: |
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Dances from Terpsichore |
| Label: |
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Archiv
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Composer:
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Michael Praetorius |
| Performer: |
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New London Consort |
| ISBN: |
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9786311724941 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00028947591016 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B001047502 |
| Cat.#: |
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475 9101 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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Ever since the early music movement began, this collection of dance tunes by Michael Praetorius has been a favorite program. But no one was better prepared than Philip Pickett (whose background includes both rock and British folk music) to bring the kind of fire and panache to this repertoire that it really demands, and this 1986 recording still stands as the best of its kind. Now available as a midprice reissue, it should be snapped up by any library that doesn't already own the original release. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Heavenly Harmonies: Music of Byrd & Tallis |
| Label: |
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Harmonia Mundi
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Composer:
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Thomas Tallis; William Byrd |
| Performer: |
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Stile Antico |
| ISBN: |
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9786311886540 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00093046746360 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD HMU807463 |
| Cat.#: |
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HMU 807463 |
| 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 wonderful recording compares and contrasts the musical approaches of the two towering figures of Tudor music: the protestant Thomas Tallis and the Catholic William Byrd. Tallis's relatively simple and hymn-like psalm tunes are alternated with the much more florid and expressive motets and liturgical works of Byrd, and while this approach tends to exaggerate the differences between them (Tallis was fully capable of some pretty elaborate writing himself), it makes for a powerful listening experience -- thanks in large part to exquisite singing by Stile Antico. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Missa Sine Nomine; Missa Ad Fugam |
| Label: |
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Gimell (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Composer:
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Josquin Des Pres |
| Performer: |
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Tallis Scholars / Peter Phillips |
| ISBN: |
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9786311886441 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00755138103924 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDGMELCDGIM039 |
| Cat.#: |
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CDGIM 039 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The Tallis Scholars just keep doing what they do best -- sacred polyphonic choral works of the Renaissance -- and thank heaven for that. Their latest is a pairing of two masses by the Flemish master Josquin Des Pres, the only two works by that composer based entirely on canons. As always, the group's sound is creamily luscious, and their taste in repertoire perfect. (RA) |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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Concerti Grossi Op. 6, no. 5, 6, 10, 12 |
| Label: |
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Accent (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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George Frideric Handel |
| Performer: |
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Ensemble La Passione / Thomas Fey |
| ISBN: |
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9786311021194 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754971328 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDACCE24164 |
| Cat.#: |
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ACC 24164 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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If there's room in your collection for one more account of these perennial Handel favorites, then give serious consideration to this delightful new recording by Thomas Fey's small but aptly named Ensemble La Passione. They play with the power and verve of a much larger group, and bring refreshing wit and energy to these fine (if familiar) pieces. Very nice. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Works for Unaccompanied Violin |
| Label: |
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MSR Classics (dist. Albany)
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Composer:
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Thomas Baltzar |
| Performer: |
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Patrick Wood |
| ISBN: |
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9786311763209 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00681585122426 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMSRCMS1224 |
| Cat.#: |
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MS 1224 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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On it surface, the violin music of 17th-century German composer Thomas Baltzar is pretty but not especially exceptional. Listen more closely, though, and some extraordinary things emerge -- such as his unusualy well-developed use of solo-violin polyphony (yes, that's a single instrument on the G major prelude), and his early employment of scordatura techniques. This world-premiere recording includes all of the currently known solo violin pieces by this obscure but important composer, played skillfully (if perhaps a bit aridly) by Patrick Wood on a modern instrument. The disc's brevity is offset nicely by its midline price. Highly recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Hands Like Waves Unfold: Improvisations for Prepared Piano |
| Label: |
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Other Minds (dist. Allegro)
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Composer:
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Kui Dong |
| Performer: |
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Kui Dong |
| ISBN: |
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9786311720912 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00684390101129 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDOTMD1011 |
| Cat.#: |
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OM 1011-2 |
| Period: |
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Contemporary |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The idea of altering a keyboard instrument's tonal qualities by placing foreign objects on and among its strings has roots going back to the harpsichord and fortepiano, but it was fully developed in the 20th century by John Cage. On this disc, Kui Dong offers her own take on that tradition, with a program of improvised pieces for prepared piano. While their sound may be bizarre at first to anyone unfamiliar with the practice, open ears will encounter a shimmering kaleidoscope of beautiful tones and textures, some sounding almost electronic. Most pieces are quiet and contemplative; all are lovely. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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| $41.96 |
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| Title: |
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Orchestral Works Including Le Poeme de l'Extase |
| Label: |
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Bis
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Composer:
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Alexander Scriabin |
| Performer: |
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Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra / Leif Segerstam |
| ISBN: |
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9786311608968 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754002954 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBIS 1669 |
| Cat.#: |
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BIS-CD-1669/70 |
| Period: |
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Romantic/20th Century |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set (3-discs) |
| Comments: |
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The 3 symphonies from this master of the miniature are fascinating pieces for their epic length, skillful orchestration, and beauty. Also included in this compilation reissue are the piano concerto, the Poem of Ecstasy, Prometheus, and the wonderful miniature, "Reverie." The performances are exceptional and exacting. The recording itself is superior to most commercial releases. With nearly three and a half hours of music, the price makes this 3 disc set a great value. Highly recommended. (MJB) |
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| Title: |
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Pictures at an Exhibition (orch. Ravel); Symphony No. 2; Polovetsian Dances |
| Label: |
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EMI Classics
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Composer:
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Modest Mussorgsky; Alexander Borodin |
| Performer: |
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Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra / Simon Rattle |
| ISBN: |
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9786311735909 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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05099950027323 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDEMIC00273 |
| Cat.#: |
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5 00273 2 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The repertoire may be tired, but you can always count on Simon Rattle to bring fresh energy and warmth -- what he's done with the Berlin Philharmonic over the past few years has been marvelous, and this live recording finds both of them in top form. The orchestra's sound on the Borodin symphony is especially luscious. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Sculpting Clouds: Ibis Camerata plays Eric Ewazen |
| Label: |
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Albany
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Composer:
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Eric Ewazen |
| Performer: |
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Ibis Camerata |
| ISBN: |
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9786311693025 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00034061098423 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAR TROY984 |
| Cat.#: |
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TROY984 |
| Period: |
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20th Century |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The variety-pack of pieces on this disc were written from the mid 1980s to the mid 1990s. They are all tonal or modal in harmonic language and absolutely enchanting pieces. Included are a piece for clarinet and piano, a piano trio, a group of songs for soprano with piano, and a quartet for clarinet, violin, cello, and piano. I have listened to this album multiple times and find myself humming some of its more memorable themes. All these pieces are great contributions to the chamber music and song repertoires. The performers really do these beautiful pieces justice. Highly recommended + 1. (MJB) |
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| COUNTRY/FOLK |
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| Title: |
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Dirt Farmer |
| Label: |
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Vangard Years
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Artist:
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Levon Helm |
| ISBN: |
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9786311535882 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00015707984423 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDVANG79844 |
| Cat.#: |
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79811-2 |
| Genre: |
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Country/Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Levon Helm gained international fame in the late 60’s as the drummer for The Band and vocalist on “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” arguably one of the most significant roots rock songs to emerge from that psychedelic era. Helm’s recorded output has been slim over the last few decades, so a new record by this legendary singer/drummer is an event in and of itself. And what a record! His voice is raspier than ever, thanks to surviving a bout with throat cancer, but the repertoire is a full-fledged roots revival, filled with traditional songs, back-porch fiddles, rowdy sing-alongs with his daughter Amy (of the band Ollabelle fame), and some fancy guitar work by Larry Campbell. All told, a spirited and brilliantly rendered affair. Highly recommended. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Watch The Sky |
| Label: |
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Vanguard Years
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Artist:
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Patty Larkin |
| ISBN: |
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9786311708743 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00015707985123 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDVANG79851 |
| Cat.#: |
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79851-2 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Larkin’s latest is a remarkable melding of tasteful guitar work, evocative lyrics, and stunning singing. It’s also a totally solo outing – she plays all instruments, including five different guitars, bass, bouzouki, and banjo. She’s a talented guitarist who understands how to evoke rich, subtle tones and rhythms from her instruments, and a singer with a poet’s understanding of the place of sound and rhythm in her lyrics, all delivered with singing that ranges from soft breathiness to a bouncing giddiness. And all of these skills blend to create a dozen brilliantly crafted songs. Very highly recommended. (GH)
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Four on the Floor |
| Label: |
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Compass
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Artist:
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Old Blind Dogs |
| ISBN: |
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9786311319208 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00766397446127 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCOMS974461 |
| Cat.#: |
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7 4461 2 |
| Genre: |
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Celtic |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Another fine set of modern and traditional songs and tunes from this Scots foursome, whose sound is a bit harder and more stripped-down than that of the Battlefield Band, but no less virtuosic and beautiful. Notice the gorgeous slow 6/8 waulking song and the cool Breton gavottes, and their subtly reggae-inflected arrangement of the traditional song "Braw Sailin'." Very nice. (RA) |
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| $14.97 |
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| Title: |
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Ef You Don't Watch Out: Anne Hills Sings the Poems of James Whitcomb Riley |
| Label: |
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Collective Works
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Artist:
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Anne Hills |
| UPC: |
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837101357982 |
| Cat.#: |
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| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Some folk singers are working in the territory more commonly mined by classical composers. Hills takes ten poems by the late 19th-century Indiana poet James Whitcomb Riley, setting them to fine memorable tunes. With vocal help from friends Cindy Mangsen and Priscilla Herdman, and accompanied by several excellent musicians, Hills brings these poems back to life for a new generation. The singing and playing are a pleasure for all ages, and an absolute must for Hoosiers everywhere. (JW) |
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| $15.00 |
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| Title: |
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It's About Time |
| Label: |
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5-String Productions
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Artist:
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John Hoffmann and Mac Benford |
| UPC: |
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796873010900 |
| Cat.#: |
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5SP07003 |
| Genre: |
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Country Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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These two friends, members of various string bands in the Ithaca, New York area for years, have put their talents together on record for the first time. The result is an excellent set of old-time tunes featuring fiddle, banjo, and guitar in various combinations, some with vocal and instrumental support from band mates from UpSouth and The Haywire Gang. This will be a popular recording anywhere old-time music fans happen to congregate. (JW) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Night Train to Nashville |
| Label: |
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Telarc
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Artist:
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Tab Benoit |
| ISBN: |
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9786311906460 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00089408367427 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTELA83674 |
| Cat.#: |
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CD-83674 |
| Genre: |
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Blues |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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A sharp guitarist and a singer with a rich, gravelly voice, Tab Benoit blends country, blues, soul and New Orleans influences to create a style of roots music both familiar and unique. On this excellent live album he is joined by such eminent guests as Kim Wilson, Jim Lauderdale, Jimmy Hall, and Jumpin' Johnny Sansone. (RA) |
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| $15.00 |
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| Title: |
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The Road to Agate Hill: Music from Southwest Virginia and Beyond |
| Label: |
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5-String Productions
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Artist:
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Alice, Gail, & Sharon |
| UPC: |
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837101291262 |
| Cat.#: |
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5SP06003 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Alice (Gerrard), Gail (Gillespie), and Sharon (Sandomirsky) are the trio in question, on fiddle, banjo, and guitar, who’ve been playing and singing together for many years. Here they take on songs mentioned in Lee Smith’s recent novel, On Agate Hill. The opening song, a mournful a cappella ballad, suggests we’re in for an emotionally rough ride, but the mood quickly lightens, as they take us through a variety of old and new dance tunes and more ballades from the Appalachian heartland. The mix of great instrumentals and fine harmonies should please any fan of old-time and folk music. (JW) |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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The Little Darlin' Sessions |
| Label: |
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Koch Imports
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Artist:
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Dale Watson |
| ISBN: |
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9786311120897 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00099923988021 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDKOCH9880 |
| Cat.#: |
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KOC-CD-9880 |
| Genre: |
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Country & Western |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Texas singer Watson has always loved the sound of the Little Darlin’ Records label of the 1960s, as typified by Johnny Paycheck. Here he gets a chance to pay tribute to that old fashioned sound with a batch of classic songs written by Aubrey Mayhew, Joe Poovey, and Paycheck, with backing by the original session musicians. The result is raw, gutsy honky-tonk, like nothing you’re likely to hear on country radio today. Watson himself is dissatisfied with the record and how he was treated during recording, but the music shines through anyway. (JW) |
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| Title: |
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Music of Coal |
| Label: |
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Condon Music Group
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786311650813 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00891805001022 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCNMGC50010 |
| Cat.#: |
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71 |
| Genre: |
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Country & Western |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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This excellent two-disc compilation featuring songs about the Appalachian coalfields brings together a diverse group of sponsors, performers, and composers. While most of the songs reflect their folk roots and performers, others such as the 1908 recording of the Edison Concert Band performing “Down in a Coal Mine,” the 1925 recording of Trixie Smith performing “Mining Camp Blues” with Louis Armstrong and Fletcher Henderson, or the 2003 recording Natalie Merchant performing “Which Side Are You On?” show the far-reaching popularity of mining songs and the universality of the concerns faced by miners and workers everywhere. Many of the most popular Appalachian mining songs are included as are many, if not most, of the most famous performers and composers of these songs including Jean Ritchie, Merle Travis, Hazel Dickens, Dock Boggs, Nimrod Workman, and Ralph Stanley. (CLHD) |
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| Title: |
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People Take Warning! Murder Ballads & Disaster Songs: 1913-1938 |
| Label: |
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Tompkins Square (dist. Fontana)
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786311518373 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00856075001875 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTPKS1875 |
| Cat.#: |
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TSQ1875 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set (3-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Here’s a box set that screams, “For library collections!” These folk songs, as Tom Waits describes them in the introductory liner notes, were the “oral tabloids of the day.” The three discs are divided by theme: Man V Machine, Man V Nature and Man V Man (And Woman, Too), which gives a feel for the content of these historic recordings. Liner notes include the stories behind each song and lots of lyrics, supplemented by photos of disasters and performers. (MC) |
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| JAZZ |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Let's Go Everywhere |
| Label: |
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Megaforce (dist. Red)
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Artist:
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Medeski Martin & Wood |
| ISBN: |
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9786311722671 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00020286111924 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMRIRLM01 |
| Cat.#: |
|
61119 |
| Genre: |
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Children's Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Ever the mavericks of new ideas, Medeski Martin & Wood have once again set themselves apart by making a children’s album that doesn’t dumb itself down to the typical kid’s music level. Their familiar interlocking style permeates, welcoming themes like creeping cats, smelly pirates, playing in the kitchen, and travelling by train/plane. Highlights are the title track, "Where’s the Music," "Old Paint," and "We’re All Connected" -– in addition to those featuring the band member’s children. (AJ) |
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| $14.98 |
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| Title: |
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Invisible Baby |
| Label: |
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Hyena
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Artist:
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Marco Benevento |
| ISBN: |
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9786311817438 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00825005936426 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHYAR59364 |
| Cat.#: |
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9364 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Coming off success with various projects (not the least of which is his Duo with Joe Russo), Marco Benevento has done some very interesting solo work recently, this album preceded by a three-disc document of a residency at Tonic. His composition style resides somewhere between jazz, punk, and experimental rock, punctuated by heavy use of effects, sampling, and circuit bending. This album bounces gleefully between acidic funk, atonal ballads, and introspection evocative of Thelonius Monk. (AJ) |
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| $11.98 |
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| Title: |
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Saratoga Shout |
| Label: |
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ASL Living Era
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Artist:
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Luis Russell |
| ISBN: |
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9786311384947 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00743625565829 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDASL 5658 |
| Cat.#: |
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CD AJA 5658 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
This is a fine collection of tracks from 1929-1934 by this Panamanian pianist, arranger, and bandleader and the various incarnations of his orchestra. Russell played the Harlem night clubs during this era, and worked with J.C. Higginbotham, Red Allen, and Paul Barbarin, just to name a few. They were good enough to become the backing band for Louis Armstrong in 1935. You can hear some great stuff here from the transition years between hot jazz and swing. (JW) |
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| Title: |
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Hommage |
| Label: |
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Jazzed Media (dist. Allegro)
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Artist:
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Bill Holman Band |
| ISBN: |
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9786311131626 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00700261207407 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAGROJMD1024 |
| Cat.#: |
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JM1024 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This concert recording is dedicated to Woody Herman and his various Herds, and the title refers to a three-part piece written by Holman. With “Woodchopper’s Ball” thrown in, this part of the program is nearly half the CD. The rest includes Strayhorn, Monk, and Dameron tunes. Holman’s band is a large, hard-swinging force, but unafraid of other styles. Long pieces stretch out and give plenty of room for solos and rich ensemble interplay. Complex, yet accessible, this is one of the finest big band jazz releases of the last year. (JW) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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A Tale Of God's Will (a requiem for katrina) |
| Label: |
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Blue Note
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Artist:
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Terence Blanchard |
| ISBN: |
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9786311407325 |
| ISBN-10: |
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|
| UPC: |
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00094639153220 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBNOT91532 |
| Cat.#: |
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91532 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
This is an emotional tribute to the people of New Orleans and the suffering that they endured in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The compositions that form this “requiem” are instrumental and written by Mr. Blanchard and the members of his quintet - who also perform the pieces on this recording along with the Northwest Sinfonia. The music communicates a variety of emotions, including pain and despair (“Levees”), but also feelings of hope and acceptance (“Ashe”). Blanchard’s trumpet playing is brilliant and provides a convincing voice throughout - especially since he is a native of New Orleans. A Tale of God’s Will was originally conceived as an accompaniment to Spike Lee’s documentary When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts. That music was expanded and combined with 9 other compositions to form this album. (PS) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Day Trip |
| Label: |
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Nonesuch Records
|
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Artist:
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Pat Metheny |
| ISBN: |
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9786311752173 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00075597995619 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNONE376828 |
| Cat.#: |
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376828-2 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Guitarist Pat Metheny joins forces with bassist Christian McBride and drummer Antonio Sanchez for this trio outing. While it’s the first time these three have recorded together, it sounds like they’ve been playing as a tight trio for years. In the best of trio settings, the listener senses a seamless interplay between the artists, where lead and rhythm roles subtly shift and each player contributes to a sound that’s larger than the combined sum of the individual roles. This is such a trio, playing beautiful, engaging tunes across a variety of tempi and styles. Very nice. (GH)
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Caribbean Jazz Project-Afro Bop Alliance |
| Label: |
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Heads Up
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Artist:
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Caribbean Jazz Project/Afro Bop Alliance |
| ISBN: |
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9786311889091 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00053361313722 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHEAD3137 |
| Cat.#: |
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HUCD 3137 |
| Genre: |
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Latin Jazz |
| Release type: |
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| Comments: |
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The concept behind this recording is interesting: it features big-band arrangements (by the Afro-Bop Alliance) of tunes long associated with the Caribbean Jazz Project (a trio consisting of vibraphonist David Samuels, steel pan player Andy Narell, and saxophonist Paquito d'Rivera), all played by both groups together. It's tons of fun, as you might expect, and includes a sharply arranged and energetically played Latin arrangement of Thelonious Monk's "Bemsha Swing." Very nice. (RA) |
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| $15.00 |
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| Title: |
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Quartets |
| Label: |
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Ambient
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Artist:
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Leslie Pintchik |
| UPC: |
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88149000062 |
| Cat.#: |
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CD-006 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Pintchik left a promising career teaching literature to turn her attention to jazz, and got her first serious gig playing piano in bassist Red Mitchell’s trio. Her playing is expressive and melodic, and the recording delivers the kind of quiet intimacy you might hear in a small club. This is her second recording, and she’s beginning to gather attention as a rising talent in the New York jazz world. Check it out and see why. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Rigamarole |
| Label: |
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Origin
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Artist:
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Bryan Doherty Band |
| ISBN: |
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9786311798850 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00805558250323 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDORGN82503 |
| Cat.#: |
|
82503 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
The debut album from this Chicago band is reminiscent of the jazz fusion of the mid-1970s to early 1980s. Mr. Doherty's bass playing (along with drummer Michael Raynor's exceptional technique) provides not only the bedrock from which springs the most exquisite electric jazz but is actually one of the prime melody instruments along with electric guitar, Fender-Rhodes piano, and tenor sax. An exceptional effort that I can't get enough of. Highly recommended. (MJB) |
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| ROCK/POP |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Better Dreams |
| Label: |
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Appleseed
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Artist:
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Kennedys |
| ISBN: |
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9786311752906 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00611587110725 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAPPL1107 |
| Cat.#: |
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APR CD 1107 |
| Genre: |
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Folk/Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Pete and Maura Kennedy have always done a great job of mixing folk, pop, rock, country, and psychedelic elements into a tunefully coherent and charmingly wide-eyed whole. Better Dreams finds them alternating between those influences rather than blending them, jumping without warning from acoustic folk-pop to rollicking roots rock, with occasional mildly psychedelic detours. The result is a very fun (if occasionally overearnest) carousel ride of great American pop music traditions. Recommended. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Some Racing, Some Stopping |
| Label: |
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Polyvinyl (dist. ADA)
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Artist:
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Headlights |
| ISBN: |
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9786311814116 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00644110014924 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDPOLV00149 |
| Cat.#: |
|
149 |
| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
The Champaign, IL trio chose to eschew the spacey atmospherics of their acclaimed full-length debut, to focus on a classic pop sensibility for this EP. One of the things that allows this record to shine is its profound simplicity. Nothing is overdone, and everything that is included matters. The male/female vocals, as on the wistfully charming last track, "January," rival in their heart-breaking loveliness Elliott Smith and Rebecca Gates singing "St. Ides Heaven." (TB) |
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| Title: |
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Autoimmune |
| Label: |
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Metropolis
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Artist:
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Meat Beat Manifesto |
| ISBN: |
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9786311955239 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00782388053129 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMET 80531 |
| Cat.#: |
|
80531 |
| Genre: |
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Electronica |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Jack Dangers, a.k.a. Meat Beat Manifesto, has been brilliantly straddling the worlds of techno, hip hop, and industrial music for years. Autoimmune is his sharpest and most interesting work in some time, a throbbing stew of jungle breakbeats, crazy samples, light-fingered turntablist flourishes, and dark, funky dubstep grooves. This one's all killer, no filler. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Distortion |
| Label: |
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Nonesuch
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Artist:
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Magnetic Fields |
| ISBN: |
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9786311752104 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00075597996548 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNONE327036 |
| Cat.#: |
|
327036-2 |
| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
The romantic and sometimes acerbic songwriter Stephen Merritt reconvenes his main outlet, the Magnet Fields, for a feedback-drenched salute to the Jesus and Mary Chain. “California Girls” is their own version of JAMC’s “Kill Surf City,” a retort to the Beach Boys. The album title refers not only to the production style; several songs revolve around drinking to the point of obliteration in response to love gone wrong. The only downside to all the noise is that it sometimes overwhelms Merritt’s witty, precise lyrics. (MC) |
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| $13.98 |
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| Title: |
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Saturnalia |
| Label: |
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Sub Pop (dist. ADA)
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Artist:
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Gutter Twins |
| ISBN: |
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9786311848777 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00098787076127 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSUBP70761 |
| Cat.#: |
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70761 |
| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Greg Dulli and Mark Lanegan first achieved cult notoriety fronting grunge bands that never really hit the big time (the Afghan Whigs and the Screaming Trees, respectively). Since then both have led more peripatetic careers, issuing solo albums and collaborating with other artists rather than forming traditional bands. This record, credited to The Gutter Twins, apparently developed after Lanegan sang with Dulli’s Twilight Singers collective, and the results are stunning – dark, as might be expected from their past work, but with a deep spirituality shining through. Highly recommended. (SA) |
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| Title: |
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Time on Earth |
| Label: |
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ATO (dist. Red)
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Artist:
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Crowded House |
| ISBN: |
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9786311280263 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00880882158026 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDATRE21580 |
| Cat.#: |
|
ATO0037 |
| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Neil Finn is perhaps the most gifted writer of pop hooks since Paul McCartney, and while his solo work has been very good, he wrote his best stuff for Crowded House. Eleven years after the group broke up (and shortly after the tragic death of drummer Paul Hester) the group reunited and made this gentle gem of an album. Here's hoping for a long U.S. tour and many more like this one to come. Expect heavy demand from patrons of a certain age. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Vampire Weekend |
| Label: |
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XL Recordings/Beggars Group
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Artist:
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Vampire Weekend |
| ISBN: |
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9786311759820 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00634904031824 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDXL 40318 |
| Cat.#: |
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XL CD 318 |
| Genre: |
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Popular Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Between the African style guitar and erudite references to mansard roofs and Oxford commas, Vampire Weekend’s self-titled debut sounds like nothing else in today’s musical marketplace, making it an unlikely pop hit. Fresh and spare even when the harpsichord and violins chime in, it nonetheless conveys urgency, most notably on “Walcott” with its refrain, “Don’t you want to get out of Cape Cod tonight?” (MC) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Into The Wild |
| Label: |
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J Records
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Artist:
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Eddie Vedder |
| ISBN: |
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9786311517437 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00886971594423 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDJREC15944 |
| Cat.#: |
|
715944 |
| Genre: |
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Soundtrack |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The general consensus may be that Pearl Jam hit an apex on 1998’s Yield, but Eddie Vedder’s soundtrack to Into The Wild is such a concise masterpiece that one is optimistic for the group’s future. The film’s themes of social activism, love of natural surroundings, literary inspiration, and tension between fellowship and isolation shine through Vedder’s lyrics, and sparse use of instruments gives the music a contemplative focus that is immediately attractive and worth repeated listening. (AJ) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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District Line |
| Label: |
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Anti-
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Artist:
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Bob Mould |
| ISBN: |
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9786311811849 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00045778691029 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDANTR86910 |
| Cat.#: |
|
86910 |
| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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After losing a lot of fans when his interests turned more towards dance music, Mould seems to have settled into a pattern of leaning his solo albums towards the hard guitar pop he was known for with Husker Du and Sugar and saving the electronic music for his Blowoff side-project. District Line should satisfy old fans who like guitars, though the less tortured lyrical approach may take some getting used to. (SA) |
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| WORLD/ETHNIC |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Upsetters 14 Dub Blackboard Jungle |
| Label: |
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Cooking Vinyl Records/Ka
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Artist:
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Lee "Scratch" Perry |
| ISBN: |
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9786311620588 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00711297333527 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCOKV3335 |
| Cat.#: |
|
3335 |
| Genre: |
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Reggae |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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This is one of the albums that has some claim to be the first dub album ever. Whether it is or not, it has the feeling of discovery that comes from the time when the form was new. With great rhythms from the Upsetters band, mixing board wizardry from Lee Perry, and a remastering job that does not suffer from having vinyl as its source material, this reissue replaces previous inferior versions and goes the head of the line as a dub classic. (SA) |
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| $28.98 |
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| Title: |
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African Pearls 1: Rumba on the River |
| Label: |
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Sterns Music USA
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786311108994 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
03700077681870 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDSTEN6129042 |
| Cat.#: |
|
6129042 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
I’ve sung the praises of Congolese rumba here before, but usually focusing on releases by the style’s two greatest exponents, Franco and Rochereau. This compilation takes a broader approach, with tracks from those two giants but also with great material from Prince Nico, Grand Kalle, Les Bantous, and combinations of all of the above. For that reason, and because the material here is uniformly excellent, this two-CD set stands out as one of the best introductions to rumba available. (SA) |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Sonido Amazonico! |
| Label: |
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Barbes
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Artist:
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Chicha Libre |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311943045 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00881626910429 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDBRBR269104 |
| Cat.#: |
|
BR0017 |
| Genre: |
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Latin |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
If this music sounds old-fashioned, that's because it is. Chicha is a post-psychedelic pop music style popular in Peru in the 1970s, loosely based on Colombian cumbia. Chicha Libre is a band led by the French chicha champion Olivier Conan, and on this album delivers a loving recreation of the vintage sound, which is bouncy and tuneful, but in a strangely restrained (sometimes even slightly morose) way. Dig those squeaky synthesizers! (RA) |
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© CD HotList 2004 |
