|
October 2009
Look for "Rick's Pick" 
|
| CLASSICAL |
|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Fall of Baghdad: String Quartets Nos. 1, 4 & 5 |
| Label: |
|
Naxos
|
|
Composer:
|
|
Ge Gan-Ru |
| Performer: |
|
ModernWorks |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313011827 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00747313060375 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDNAXO8570603 |
| Cat.#: |
|
8.570603 |
| Period: |
|
Contemporary |
| Genre: |
|
Classical |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Ge Gan-Ru is the most exciting composer to emerge from China this century, and these three string quartets demonstrate why. Of particular note is no. 5, "The Fall of Baghdad," which is essentially a tone poem for string quartet depicting the horrors of wartime experience from the perspective of its victims. That work is also an explicit homage to George Crumb's Vietnam-era quartet Black Angels. A must for every library collection. (RA) |
|
|
 |
| |
| $15.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
| Title: |
|
Wolf/Schubert/Strauss/Purcell/Arne/Quilter |
| Label: |
|
Audite
|
|
Composer:
|
|
Various Composers |
| Performer: |
|
Michael Raucheisen; Elisabeth Schwarzkopf |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313027569 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00402143956334 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDAUDIAUD95633 |
| Cat.#: |
|
95.633 |
| Period: |
|
Various |
| Genre: |
|
Classical |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
This is part of Audite’s Legendary Recordings series which makes available historic recordings from the archives of the RIAS studios of Berlin. Here, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf performs a variety of solo song repertoire in 1958 with the pianist Michael Raucheisen that results in interpretations that are “highly alert and subtly shaped.” At this point in her career Schwarzkopf is considered to be at her peak and most mature vocally. (PS) |
|
|
|
|
| Title: |
|
String Quartets, Vol. 1 |
| Label: |
|
Naive (dist. Naxos)
|
|
Composer:
|
|
Franz Joseph Haydn |
| Performer: |
|
Quatuor Mosaiques |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313154128 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00822186089231 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDNAIVE8923 |
| Cat.#: |
|
E8923 |
| Period: |
|
Classical |
| Genre: |
|
Classical |
| Release type: |
|
Boxed Set (5-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
The 300th anniversary of Haydn's death has yielded a bumper crop of new recordings, as well as budget-priced reissue boxes such as this one and the second volume in the series (BT Key BECDNAIVE8924, also five discs at $34.99), which together bring back to market ten exquisite period-instrument recordings of Haydn's masterful string quartets: opuses 20, 33, 64, 76, and 77, plus the Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross. The recordings are mostly from the early- to mid-1990s, and represent absolutely top-notch performances and excellent sound. If your library doesn't own them already, snap them up at this bargain price. (RA) |
|
|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Complete Choros & Bachianas Brasileiras |
| Label: |
|
Bis (dist. Qualiton)
|
|
Composer:
|
|
Heitor Villa-Lobos |
| Performer: |
|
Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra / John Neschling, Roberto Minczuk. |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313098064 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00675754017484 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDBIS 1830 |
| Cat.#: |
|
BIS-CD-1830/32 |
| Period: |
|
20th Century |
| Genre: |
|
Classical |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation (7-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Villa-Lobos was the quintessential Brazilian nationalist composer of the early twentieth century. His two massive series of compositions, the Choros and Bachianas Brasileiras, meld that nationalist sentiment with more conventional "classical" formal structures. The widely varying instrumentations and the seemingly limitless tone colors make these pieces a captivating cross-section of Villa-Lobos's work. These performances by the Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra combine to make this compilation a very important recording, Since it also includes a disc of the complete solo guitar music, this is an essential recording for all classical collections. (MJB) |
|
|
|
|
| Title: |
|
The Complete Haydn Masses |
| Label: |
|
Naxos
|
|
Composer:
|
|
|
| Performer: |
|
Trinity Choir; REBEL Baroque Orchestra / J. Owen Burdick, Jane Glover |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313177103 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00747313800933 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDNAXO8508009 |
| Cat.#: |
|
8.508009 |
| Period: |
|
Classical |
| Genre: |
|
Classical |
| Release type: |
|
Boxed Set (8-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
It would be difficult to overstate the importance or impressiveness of this monumental recording, which constitutes the first-ever collection of the complete Haydn masses performed on period instruments. The project was begun nearly ten years ago, and after the first installment was released the host label went out of business. The project was rescued by the Naxos label and the recording sessions then continued for another eight years, and are now available at budget-line price in a slightly (and inexplicably) oversized box. The performances perfectly balance classical elegance, devotional intensity and rich, full-bodied tone, and should find a warm welcome in any classical collection. Absolutely wonderful. (RA) |
|
|
 |
| |
| $18.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Bachs Schuler: Motets |
| Label: |
|
Carus (dist. Albany)
|
|
Composer:
|
|
Various Composers |
| Performer: |
|
Vocal Concert Dresden; Dresdner Instrumental-Concert / Peter Kopp |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313105212 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00409350832635 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCARUC83263 |
| Cat.#: |
|
83.263 |
| Period: |
|
Baroque/Classical |
| Genre: |
|
Classical |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
In recent years it has become somewhat popular to present and record programs of works by lesser-known members of the Bach family. This disc offers another twist on the idea: it consists of sacred motets written by J.S. Bach's students, most of whom have remained obscure, but a few of whom (Gottfried August Homilius, Johann Ludwig Krebs, and Bach's illustrious son Carl Philipp Emanuel) did go on to at least a modicum of renown. As one might expect, the compositions presented here do not, for the most part, rise to the same level of transcendent beauty and sophistication as Bach's own, but all are perfectly lovely and the performances are excellent. Highly recommended to all specialist collections. (RA) |
|
|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Sanguis Jesu Christi: The Worship of Holy Blood in the Middle Ages |
| Label: |
|
Christophorus (dist. Qualiton)
|
|
Composer:
|
|
Anonymous |
| Performer: |
|
Ordo Virtutem |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313098330 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00675754017187 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCRSE77309 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CHR 77309 |
| Period: |
|
Medieval |
| Genre: |
|
Classical |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
The worship of Holy Blood relics -- containers purporting to hold blood recovered from Christ's crucifixion --reached its peak of popularity in 13th-century Germanophone Europe, and resulted in the application of new texts to existing liturgical plainchant melodies. Drawing on manuscripts from monasteries in Karlsruhe, Fulda and Stuttgart, the very fine male vocal ensemble Ordo Virtutem has created a lovely program based on the Holy Blood Office. The group's blend is startlingly seamless, but not slick enough to detract from the simple beauty of the melodies. Highly recommended. (RA) |
|
|
 |
| |
| $18.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Koyaanisqatsi (Original Motion Picture Score) |
| Label: |
|
Orange Mountain (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
|
|
Composer:
|
|
Philip Glass |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313116164 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00801837005820 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDOGMTOMM0058 |
| Cat.#: |
|
0058 |
| Period: |
|
20th Century |
| Genre: |
|
Classical |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
When it comes to minimalism, even those (like myself) who think of themselves as Steve Reich fans rather than Philip Glass fans have to acknowledge the significance of Glass's soundtrack to the 1983 experimental film Koyaanisqatsi. This disc is the first release of the complete soundtrack to the film, including sound effects; the music is exactly what you'd expect (lots of repeated arpeggios) but with a certain grandiosity that strongly evokes the big screen. To be honest, I quite enjoy it -- and no collection supporting research in 20th century music can afford to lack this important milestone in American composition. (RA) |
|
|
 |
| |
| $18.99 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Lamentations: Victoria, Gesualdo, Palestrina, White |
| Label: |
|
Chandos (dist. Naxos)
|
|
Composer:
|
|
Various Composers |
| Performer: |
|
Nordic Voices |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313196692 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00095115076323 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCNDS0763 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CHAN 0763 |
| Period: |
|
Renaissance |
| Genre: |
|
Classical |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
The pieces collected here are all lessons and responsories written for the Tenebrae liturgy, which is celebrated during the last three days of Holy Week. The program is more diverse than it might seem at first glance: Robert White's Tudor reserve contrasts with Palestrina's and Victoria's Mediterranean intensity, and Gesualdo's crazy tessitura and chromaticism and emotional turmoil make everything else seem tame by comparison. Great program, great singing, great sound. (RA) |
|
|
| COUNTRY/FOLK |
|
|
|
| Title: |
|
And Glory Shone Around: Early American Carols, Country Dances, Southern Harmony Hymns & Shaker Spiritual Songs |
| Label: |
|
The Rose Ensemble (dist. Albany)
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Rose Ensemble |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313105625 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00789577588424 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDTRSEROSE09 |
| Cat.#: |
|
ROSE 00009 |
| Genre: |
|
Folk/Classical |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Though it doesn't bill itself explicitly that way, this is actually a Christmas album. And although it's by the Rose Ensemble (a very fine Renaissance specialist choir), the program draws largely on folk sources (Shaker songs, shape-note books) and devotional tunes by early American composers like William Billings and Daniel Read. (Acclaimed neo-folkie Tim O'Brien appears several times as an instrumental soloist.) If your patrons have followed the Boston Camerata's many excursions into American folk hymnody with enthusiasm, then you can expect demand for this delightful disc. (RA) |
|
|
 |
| |
| $17.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Shadow On The Ground |
| Label: |
|
Rounder
|
|
Artist:
|
|
James Hand |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313033416 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00011661325425 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECD116 6132542 |
| Cat.#: |
|
11661-3254-2 |
| Genre: |
|
Country & Western |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
James Hand sure sounds a lot like Hank Williams -- which is interesting, since he's almost twice the age Williams was when he died. And in some contexts the vocal resemblance can be downright startling, such as when Hand is performing a Latin-tinged version of "Mona Lisa." Elsewhere, though, his honky tonk and Texas swing stylings are a perfect fit for his expressive voice, and his songs could have been written fifty years ago -- that's a compliment. (RA) |
|
|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Chris Gaffney Tribute: The Man of Somebody's Dreams |
| Label: |
|
Yep Roc
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
|
9786312925491 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00634457219823 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDYP 2198 |
| Cat.#: |
|
2198 |
| Genre: |
|
Country/Rock |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
When Chris Gaffney, was diagnosed with cancer, his bandmate, Dave Alvin invited some big names in American roots music (Joe Ely, Los Lobos, Calexico, James McMurtry, Jim Lauderdale, and John Doe among others) to record a collection of Gaffney’s songs. Unfortunately, Gaffney died of his disease and the album became a memorial. Most songs have a southwestern feel owing to the inclusion of accordion on many tracks, however, a wide range of country styles are referenced including honky tonk, Tex-Mex, rockabilly, Bakersfield, and, somewhat surprisingly, soul. It’s a fitting memorial to a fine songwriter and well worth a listen. (CLHD) |
|
|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Live At The Folklore Center, NYC - March 6, 1967 |
| Label: |
|
Tompkins Square (dist. Fontana)
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Tim Buckley |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313155910 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00894807002189 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDTPKS2189 |
| Cat.#: |
|
2189 |
| Genre: |
|
Folk Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Folk-rocker Tim Buckley has been a cult figure since his untimely death in 1975, and devotees will be thrilled to have this previously unreleased solo recording made at New York's Folklore Center in 1967, at the height of the folk boom. The sound quality is very good and his voice is spectacular; as an added bonus, six of the songs captured here were never recorded commercially, which will make fans even more ecstatic. (RA) |
|
|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Disfarmer |
| Label: |
|
Nonesuch
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Bill Frisell |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313038541 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00075597993080 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDNONE478524 |
| Cat.#: |
|
478524-2 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz/Country |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
You'll still find his albums in the Jazz section, but the fact is that Bill Frisell's solo work has had less and less to do with jazz -- and more and more to do with country and Americana -- over the past decade or two. And more power to him: I can't think of another guitarist who has brought this kind of sweet-spirited depth and insight to traditional music. Disfarmer, strangely enough, is a tribute to a famously irascible photographer of the same name, one who specialized in slightly strange portraiture. The tunes are a blend of contemplative originals and covers of country and folk tunes -- all beautifully, sadly, and sparely arranged and played. Spectacular. (RA) |
|
|
 |
| |
| $11.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Classic Protest Songs from Smithsonian Folkways |
| Label: |
|
Folkways
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
|
9786312822769 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00093074019726 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDFOLK740197 |
| Cat.#: |
|
SFW CD 40197 |
| Genre: |
|
Folk |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
These 22 tracks from the Smithsonian Folkways vaults dating from the 1940s through the 1960s center on the theme of political protest, from war to civil rights to labor. Together they provide an important perspective on the times and the theme. Early blues by Lead Belly and Big Bill Broonzy sit next to 60s fare by Phil Ochs and Pete Seeger. Some are not by the most familiar singers (“Blowin’ in the Wind” by the New World Singers), but that also presents a different perspective on the songs themselves. This is a very useful package for musical and social history. (JW) |
|
|
 |
| |
| $17.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Instead The Forest Rose to Sing |
| Label: |
|
Red House
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Danny Schmidt |
| ISBN: |
|
9786312787129 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00033651021629 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDREDH216 |
| Cat.#: |
|
RHR CD 216 |
| Genre: |
|
Folk |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Schmidt is beginning to make a name for himself. The Austin/Charlottesville singer-songwriter sings in a fine, clear tenor with a bluesy feel, and plays excellent guitar. His colorful story songs contain curious characters and twists of fate that here center on money and its complications. Lyrical portraits painted with intelligent songwriting are pretty standard stuff for Schmidt. As with much good folk music, you can search for meaning, or just sit back and enjoy -- this album works either way. (JW) |
|
|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Cotton |
| Label: |
|
Music Road/Select-O
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Sam Baker |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313153718 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00700261275956 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDMUCR104 |
| Cat.#: |
|
MRRCD104 |
| Genre: |
|
Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
The third album in a loose trilogy by this Austin-based singer-songwriter, Baker continues the powerful stories that seem to pour out of him like water. Using the unfortunate experiences in his life to fuel his search for forgiveness and beauty, he spills his soul out onto every song. His voice isn’t pretty, rather raspy in fact, but it expresses his views uniquely, and fits the spare arrangements and complex emotions of the songs. This is strong stuff, not to be missed. (JW) |
|
|
| JAZZ |
|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Ray's Way |
| Label: |
|
Origin
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Ray Levier |
| ISBN: |
|
9786312593881 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00805558252228 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDORGN82522 |
| Cat.#: |
|
82522 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
On the title track, one first notices Francois Moutin’s powerful bass. As the vibes kick in (Joe Locke), and the soloists start up (John Abercrombie, guitar, Dave Binney, sax), one could be swept away on the melody and the groove. But underneath it all is the leader, Ray Levier, on drums. He’s running the show, and solos later, making himself prominent only in spots, to excellent effect. Other tracks are equally impressive, with the muscular Mike Stern playing guitar on some extended jams. Rock solid throughout, Ray’s Way is a great path to some fine music. (JW) |
|
|
 |
| |
| $12.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Leapin' And Lopin' |
| Label: |
|
Blue Note
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Sonny Clark |
| ISBN: |
|
9786312400165 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
05099921536625 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDBNOT15366 |
| Cat.#: |
|
50999 2 15366 2 5 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
Reissue |
| Comments: |
|
Rudy Van Gelder remasters continue to pile up an apparently endless supply of great-sounding gems. This one from 1961 has the hard bop pianist Sonny Clark working with Tommy Turrentine, trumpet, Charlie Rouse, sax, Butch Warren, bass, and Billy Higgins, drums, on a set of eight tracks. Each player takes his solos, and all are a pleasure. The tunes are harmonically rich and hard-swinging, and the guys mesh together beautifully. If you don’t have a stack of these Blue Note reissues on your shelves, what’s stopping you? (JW) |
|
|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Lost On the Way |
| Label: |
|
ECM
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Louis Sclavis |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313016112 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00602517984974 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDUMG B001296902 |
| Cat.#: |
|
2098 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Whether playing a beautifully melodic line that soars above his exemplary quintet’s perfect background, or pushing things a bit on some of the more Ornette Coleman-esque passages, Sclavis’ clarinet and soprano sax work is consistently delightful. A true master, he fronts a quintet of two saxes, bass, drums, and guitar – the rhythm section is equally subtle and propulsive, as the tunes warrant, while the pairing of reeds provides counterpoint to Sclavis’ playing. At times he evokes Henry Threadgill’s albums from the mid-1990s in his range and vision – the recording is musically challenging, highly original, and utterly mesmerizing, all with a sly touch of whimsy tossed in for good measure. Recommended. (GH) |
|
|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Piety Street |
| Label: |
|
EmArcy
|
|
Artist:
|
|
John Scofield |
| ISBN: |
|
9786312788164 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00602517911369 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDUMG B001265602 |
| Cat.#: |
|
B0012656-02 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Scrapping his original plans to record a blues record in New Orleans, jazz guitarist Scofield opted for a gospel record instead. The result is smoking guitar record that’s heavily dosed with gospel and R&B, rendering righteous justice to gospel classics, traditional tunes, and Sco’ originals. He’s backed by a stellar band that includes two vets of Bonnie Raitt’s band, kicking the R&B aspect up a bit in the process. Like his previous CD of Ray Charles songs (That’s What I Say), Scofield is inspired by this material, resulting in some consistently tasteful guitar work. Recommended. (GH) |
|
|
 |
| |
| $17.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Pieces of Jade |
| Label: |
|
Resonance
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Scott LaFaro |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313184125 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00724101743429 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDRSNC2005 |
| Cat.#: |
|
HCD-2005 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Scott LaFaro, who died in a tragic car accident at the age of 25, made a name for himself as the bassist in pianist Bill Evans's trio at the time of the latter's epochal Village Vanguard recordings. The pair had a musical chemistry that seemed at times to border on ESP, and LaFaro's unusually expressionistic style was both an anomaly at the time and a perfect complement to Evans's own exploratory tendencies. This disc, issued as a companion to the LaFaro biography Jade Visions, features five tracks he recorded in a trio setting with pianist Don Friedman in 1961, along with a Bill Evans rehearsal tape, a 1966 interview with Bill Evans recorded after LaFaro's death, and an elegiac piano solo by Friedman titled "Memories for Scotty." This is a warm and loving tribute that should find a place in most jazz collections. (RA) |
|
|
| ROCK/POP |
|
 |
| |
| $15.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Flower Petals |
| Label: |
|
429 (dist. Fontana)
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Subdudes |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313155866 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00795041774620 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDSAVOFTN17746 |
| Cat.#: |
|
FTN 17746 |
| Genre: |
|
Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
The Subdudes -- still going strong after more than 20 years -- are starting to sound a bit countryish on their latest album, though truth be told, they've always been something of a rootsy ensemble. You can hear their native New Orleans in the accordion playing on "The Flower and the Fire" and in the low-key funkiness of "The Blacksmith Song," and it's hard not to listen to "Wedding Rites" and think about how natural Jimmy Buffett would sound singing it. What does that all add up to? It's hard to say, but it does sound good. (RA) |
|
|
|
|
| Title: |
|
The Here and The Now |
| Label: |
|
Rykodisc
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Sam & Ruby |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313106103 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00014431097027 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDRYKO10970 |
| Cat.#: |
|
RCD 10970 |
| Genre: |
|
Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
This one's hard to categorize, and it almost begs the question whether categorization is needed. Sam Brooker and Ruby Amanfu make soulful, sometimes rootsy, sometimes poppy music that could perhaps have been made in the Muscle Shoals studio if it had been transplanted to Martha's Vineyard in 1974 and populated with country, rock and funk session musicians. Sam and Ruby both sing in nearly the same register, which can be a little unsettling, but it works somehow -- probably because the hooks are so effortlessly strong. Hand-sell this one to patrons who like Norah Jones and Jack Johnson -- or who saw The Secret Life of Bees, which featured "Heaven's My Home." (RA) |
|
|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Wilco (the album) |
| Label: |
|
Nonesuch
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Wilco |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313017546 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00075597984965 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDNONE516608 |
| Cat.#: |
|
616608-2 |
| Genre: |
|
Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Jeff Tweedy & Co. continue to mature and develop, he as a songwriter, and Wilco as a band. This is a dense, satisfying recording, the kind of work that reveals more with each close listen. The songs range from serious tracks (the existential “Everlasting Everything,” the chilling “I’ll Fight,” the darkly political (“Country Disappeared”) to love songs (“You and I”), to the pithy title track, “Wilco (the song),” a smugly funny tune that proves, despite this band’s stardom, they aren’t taking themselves too seriously. Musically, the tunes are diverse and complex, bespeaking a strong Beatles influence, with plenty of fine guitar work from Nels Cline. Highly recommended. (GH). |
|
|
 |
| |
| $14.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Guns Don't Kill People... Lazers Do |
| Label: |
|
Downtown (dist. Fontana)
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Major Lazer |
| ISBN: |
|
9786312984740 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00878037008821 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDDWTN70088 |
| Cat.#: |
|
DTW70088 |
| Genre: |
|
Dance, DJ |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
A cartoon identity worked for the Gorillaz, so why not Diplo and DJ Switch? This album was recorded in Jamaica at the famed Tuff Gong Studios, and it’s basically a dancehall record, albeit a very postmodern one. Featuring a variety of guest vocalists, including Santigold, it might not catch on big time, but who would have predicted ‘Paper Planes’ would make M.I.A. famous? (SA) |
|
|
 |
| |
| $16.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Songs From the Road |
| Label: |
|
Ruf (dist. Allegro)
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Jeff Healey |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313175239 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00710347115427 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDRUFR1154 |
| Cat.#: |
|
RUF 1154 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock/Blues |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Songs from the Road captures several live performances by Canadian guitarist Healey, who passed way in 2008, and it serves as a tribute to his influences. He adds his own touch to blues classics (Willie Dixon’s “Hoochie Coochie Man”) and pays homage to Eric Clapton (Cream’s “White Room” and the Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”) and Duane Allman (“Whipping Post”). Also included is his biggest hit, a cover of John Hiatt’s “Angel Eyes.” Taken together, this is a fine sample of Healey’s formidable fretboard talent. (GH) |
|
|
 |
| |
| $16.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
24/7 |
| Label: |
|
Kompakt (dist. Forced Exposure)
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Gus Gus |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313132065 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00880319039522 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDKPKT073 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CD73 |
| Genre: |
|
Electronica |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Combining dreamy, heavily reverbed vocals and almost gauzy production with dark and bumping techno beats, Gus Gus here creates a sound that is both fresh and familiar. Each track on this album is very long, which permits the band to do things like open with a pretty and inchoate vocal part; then lay out a thudding electro beat; then combine them. Thesis-antithesis-synthesis -- it's dialectical dance music! (RA) |
|
|
 |
| |
| $12.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Almost and Always |
| Label: |
|
Cheap Lullaby
|
|
Artist:
|
|
David Mead |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313144853 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00875929003520 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCPLY90035B |
| Cat.#: |
|
CLR-035 |
| Genre: |
|
Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Singer/songwriter David Mead has a warm, inviting voice well matched to the acoustic arrangments on his fifth album. It would be nothing but cozily pleasant background music without substantive lyrics, which Mead provides with songwriting partner Bill DeMain. On “Rainy Weather Friend,” Mead parts company with someone who loves misery. His greatest strength is in compiling the details of contentment that evoke a well-crafted film. (MC) |
|
|
 |
| |
| $10.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Ocean Eyes |
| Label: |
|
Universal Republic
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Owl City |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313086139 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00602527108223 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDUMG B001314102 |
| Cat.#: |
|
B0013141-02 |
| Genre: |
|
Pop/Rock |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Owl City’s latest release is a frothy confection, bubbly pop rendered in lots of synthesizers and a little acoustic guitar. Sole band member Adam Young litters his lyrics with clever turns of phrase and half-clever puns. The album avoids being an ‘80s pastiche by resisting the novelty of synthesizers – this is nothing so serious as a study in robotics. Instead, it captures the giddiness of youth. (MC) |
|
|
| WORLD/ETHNIC |
|
 |
| |
| $17.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Panama! 2: Latin Sounds, Cumbia Tropical & Calypso Funk on The Isthmus |
| Label: |
|
Soundway (dist. Forced Exposure)
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
|
9786312939450 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00893775001507 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDSNWY13 |
| Cat.#: |
|
SNDWCD/LP013 |
| Genre: |
|
World Music |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
The peculiar musical mix that occurred in Panama was the result of Caribbean blacks who were imported to work on the canal project in the early 20th century colliding with central American culture. The subtitle here is ‘Latin Sounds, Cumbia Tropical & Calypso Funk on the Isthmus 1967-77,’ and on this compilation you can hear everything from rustic-sounding accordions to more modern dancefloor grooves. Once again Soundway shines a light a forgotten chapter of musical history and opens our ears. (SA) |
|
|
 |
| |
| $9.99 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Common Prosperity |
| Label: |
|
Tomorrow's Children/Axxhive
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Prezident Brown |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313223190 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00884501158992 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDIDC 0287 |
| Cat.#: |
|
|
| Genre: |
|
Reggae |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Prezident Brown is a reggae artist deserving of much greater exposure than he's had, not that he's exactly languished in total obscurity. His latest album is actually a collaboration with several other A-list names (including Ziggy Marley's lead guitarist and Burning Spear's drummer), and it's a very fine set of neo-roots anthems dealing with a nice mix of topical concerns, spiritual exhortations, and gentle "I rule the dancehall"-type boasts. The hooks and the grooves are top-notch, and although there's a bit too much Autotune in evidence, the album is highly satisfying overall. (RA) |
|
|
 |
| |
| $17.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Dub I |
| Label: |
|
Pressure Sounds
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Jimmy Radway & The Fe Me Time All Stars |
| ISBN: |
|
9786312559030 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00689492083229 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDPSRS920832 |
| Cat.#: |
|
PSCD 61 |
| Genre: |
|
Reggae |
| Release type: |
|
Reissue |
| Comments: |
|
He's not exactly a household name even in hardcore reggae circles, but producer Jimmy Radway (using a studio band that included the core members of the Upsetters and the Skatalites) created some of the sharpest reggae instrumentals of the 1970s, many of which were used as backing tracks by such A-list artists as Leroy Smart, Big Youth and Hortense Ellis. Dub I brings back to market a legendary set of dub versions, mixed by Errol Thompson at Joe Gibbs's studio in 1975. Probably not essential for every library, but specialist collections should snap it up. (RA) |
|
|
 |
| |
| $18.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Freddie McGregor Sings Jamaican Classics |
| Label: |
|
VP (dist. Fontana)
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Freddie McGregor |
| ISBN: |
|
9786312547488 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00054645183826 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECD17NP1838 |
| Cat.#: |
|
VPCD1838 |
| Genre: |
|
Reggae |
| Release type: |
|
New/Reissue (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
This is an expanded reissue of a disc that was itself something of a "reissue" -- a set of classic rock steady and early reggae songs newly recorded by the great reggae singer Freddie McGregor. This new version adds a second disc of material. McGregor's voice is one of the best in the business, and although the 38 tracks start sounding just a bit samey by the end (thanks mainly to the consistently smooth and shiny production work of Bobby Digital), the set does retain its charm quite well throughout. (RA) |
|
|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Agua Del Pozo |
| Label: |
|
Caracol
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Alex Cuba |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313211852 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00875918004422 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCCOL80044 |
| Cat.#: |
|
|
| Genre: |
|
Latin |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
The sweetly lilting melodies, the gentle Caribbean grooves, and the amazing Afro are all a big part of Alex Cuba's appeal. But what will hit you immediately upon cueing up this brilliant album is his voice: honey-colored and honey-flavored, direct and powerful but tender at the same time. It's hard to imagine anyone not falling under Alex Cuba's spell. (RA) |
|
|
 |
| |
| $14.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Black Rio Vol. 2: Original Samba Soul 1971-1980 |
| Label: |
|
Strut (dist. Red)
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313011223 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00730003304521 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDSEDS045 |
| Cat.#: |
|
STRUT045CD |
| Genre: |
|
Latin - Samba |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
Here’s a second volume of 70s Brazilian music that is very different from the Tropicalia, samba, and bossa nova styles that are famous worldwide. This is a document of a music scene in Rio that took its cues from U.S. soul and funk at a time when it was politically risky to do so. By focusing mostly on obscure artists this compilation gives more of an overview than the first volume, but there’s some great music here. (SA) |
|
|
 |
| |
| $14.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Solid Ground |
| Label: |
|
Solid Ground/Easy Star (dist. Red)
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Black Seeds |
| ISBN: |
|
9786313207985 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00657481102022 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDESST1020 |
| Cat.#: |
|
SG0001 |
| Genre: |
|
Reggae |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
This New Zealand reggae band deals in a sound that is surprisingly traditional, rooted in pre-dancehall styles that owes quite a bit to 1970s funk and soul (and occasionally to 1960s ska). You can hear the Black Seeds' 15 years of gigging in the tightness and richness of their sound, and especially in the sharp precision of their horn section. Recommended to all world music collections. (RA) |
|
© CD HotList 2004 |
