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April 2009
Look for "Rick's Pick" 
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| CLASSICAL |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Child-song; Khse Buon; Seven Mirrors |
| Label: |
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Bridge
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Composer:
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Chinary Ung |
| Performer: |
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Susan Ung; Elena Mashkovsteva; Clay Ellerbroek; Charles Wells |
| ISBN: |
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9786312596684 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00904049277204 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBRIDBCD9277 |
| Cat.#: |
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9277 |
| 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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Chinary Ung left his native Cambodia for New York in 1964, as conditions in his country were beginning seriously to deteriorate. The eventual conflagration that engulfed Cambodia under Pol Pot left Ung emotionally incable of composing for ten years; from this period emerged only the stark, wrenching solo viola piece Khse Buon. In 1985 he broke his silense with the spare and gorgeous trio Child Song. Both of those pieces are included on this exquisite recording, along with a fine but slightly less focused seven-part piano suite. Recommended to all collections of contemporary classical music. (RA) |
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| $8.99 |
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| Title: |
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Dance Symphony; Symphony No. 1; Short Symphony |
| Label: |
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Naxos
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Composer:
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Aaron Copland |
| Performer: |
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Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra / Marin Alsop |
| ISBN: |
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9786312569503 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00636943935927 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNAXO8559359 |
| Cat.#: |
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8.559359 |
| 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 brilliant conductor Marin Alsop leads the orchestra that seems, more than any, to enjoy a direct connection to her brain on this excellent program of Copland symphonies. The elegiac tones of the first symphony contrast particularly nicely with the spikier Short Symphony, and the Dance Symphony seems to synthesize both sides of Copland's personality. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Masses: Malheur Me Bat; Fortuna Desperata |
| 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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9786312826477 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00755138104228 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDGMELCDGIM042 |
| Cat.#: |
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CDGIM 042 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This is the fourth disc in the Tallis Scholars' planned cycle of the complete mass settings of Josquin Des Pres, one of the two or three greatest of the Franco-Flemish polyphonic masters. Both of the pieces featured here are parody masses, and Josquin's use of the source material is unusually complex even by his own often astonishing standard. By this point it will come as no surprise that the singing is spectacular. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Missa Ego flos campi, etc. |
| Label: |
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Hyperion (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Composer:
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Jacobus Vaet; Jacob Clemens non Papa |
| Performer: |
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Cinquecento |
| ISBN: |
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9786312826668 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00034571177335 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHPONCDA67733 |
| Cat.#: |
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CDA67733 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Very few male vocal ensembles can boast of the kind of rich, creamy sound you hear from the six-voice Cinquecento, and on this disc they bring that luscious sound to bear on works by one of the most criminally overlooked composers of the Renaissance period. Vaet's Ego flos campi mass is accompanied by eight of the composer's motets and the Clemens Non Papa motet from which Vaet took the cantus firmus melody for his mass. Vaet's pieces are richly rewarding and Cinquecento's voices are like the sound of dark chocolate melting. Brilliant and essential. (RA) |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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Flute Trio & Sonatas |
| Label: |
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Amon Ra (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Carl Maria von Weber |
| Performer: |
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Simon Preston; Jennifer Ward Clarke; Richard Burnett |
| ISBN: |
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9786311782200 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00750582235627 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAMON21 |
| Cat.#: |
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SAR21 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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Originally released in 1985 on LP, issued on CD in 1995 and reissued (at full price) without additional annotation or content in 2008, this disc offers top-notch period-instrument performances of excellent compositions with mediocre sound quality. There is an unpleasant coarseness to the sound in louder passages as well as a strangely gritty ambience that sounds almost like vinyl surface noise, problems that could probably have been fixed with remastering -- which seems the least one should be able to expect of a full-price reissue. Still, the performances are good enough that specialist collections may want to pick this one up for reference purposes at least. (RA) |
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| $21.98 |
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| Title: |
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Canticum Canticorum Salomonis & Selected Motets: Venice 1549 |
| Label: |
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Glossa (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Gioseffo Zarlino |
| Performer: |
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Ensemble Plus Ultra / Michael Noone |
| ISBN: |
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9786311782644 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754004668 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDGLSA921406 |
| Cat.#: |
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GCD 921406 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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An unusual collection of works by a composer too little known today, this program represents Gioseffo Zarlino's attempt to set the entire Biblical Song of Songs in a cycle of sacred motets, using what was then a new translation from the Hebrew by the renegade Biblical scholar Isidoro Chiari. The ten surviving motets from that collection are performed here, with crystalline loveliness, by the excellent Ensemble Plus Ultra. This recording is essential to period specialists, but may be marginal to more generalist classical collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Responsories for the Holy Week |
| Label: |
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Hungaroton (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Michael Haydn |
| Performer: |
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Purcell Choir; Orfeo Orchestra / Gyorgy Vashegyi |
| ISBN: |
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9786312741602 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754013301 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHUGR32596 |
| Cat.#: |
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HCD 32596 |
| Period: |
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Classical |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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It seems like every time I hear a new collection of Michael Haydn's works I think they're even better than the last batch I heard, but this one really is special. Consisting of three sets of responsories, one each for the last three days of Holy Week, this program features some of the younger Haydn's most somber and affecting writing. As is often the case with Hungaroton recordings, I wish that the sound were a little bit more intimate, but the churchy acoustic fits the music very well and the singing is exceptionally fine. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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The Romantic Clarinet in Germany |
| Label: |
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Pan Classics (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Franz Danzi; Felix Mendelssohn; Norbert Burgmuller; Carl Gottlieb Reissiger |
| Performer: |
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Pierre-Andre Taillard; Edoardo Torbianelli |
| ISBN: |
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9786312027287 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754007171 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNWPN10204 |
| Cat.#: |
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PC 10204 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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A bit pricey but entirely worth it, this is an unusual collection of chamber works for clarinet from Romantic Germany; what makes it unusual is not so much the music (though the Reissiger piece is hardly part of the standard repertoire) but rather the fact that the clarinet used by Taillard is a period replica made of boxwood, with open holes. Its sound is subtly but noticeably different from that of a modern instrument, and combined with Torbianelli's fortepiano it's tone gives an added poignancy to these lovely pieces. Very highly recommended. (RA) |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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The Division Flute |
| Label: |
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Signum U.K.
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Emma Murphy; David Miller; William Lyons; Richard Campbell; Steven Devine; Emilia Benjamin |
| ISBN: |
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9786312587460 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00635212012529 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSGM 125 |
| Cat.#: |
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SIGCD125 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The treble recorder was still something of a novelty in turn-of-the-18th-century England, when John Walsh published a celebrated collection of divisions (variations) upon various grounds (simple repeated chord progressions). On this very attractive disc recorder player Emma Murphy performs the 28 pieces from that collection, accompanied various combinations of dulcian (somewhat like an early bassoon), lute, guitar, viola da gamba, and harpsichord. Some of the pieces are charmingly simple and others surprisingly complex; all are lovely. (RA) |
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| $16.99 |
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| Title: |
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La Passione: Symphonies 41, 49, 44 |
| Label: |
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Early-Music.Com (dist. Naxos)
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Composer:
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Franz Joseph Haydn |
| Performer: |
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Arion Baroque Orchestra / Gary Cooper |
| ISBN: |
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9786312775164 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00629048121722 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDELYMEMCCD7769 |
| Cat.#: |
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EMCCD-7769 |
| Period: |
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Late Classical/Early Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This is an excellent account of three symphonies from Haydn's Sturm und Drang period, all played with the smaller forces that would have been available to the composer in his role at the Esterhazy court and one (no. 41) recorded here for the first time with the instrumentation originally indicated by Haydn. The Arion Baroque Orchestra's sound is fresh and clear, perhaps a little bit brash at times, but they do an excellent job of demonstrating that music of the romantic era can benefit just as much from period-instrument practice as earlier music does. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Works for Lute, Vol. 1 |
| Label: |
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Azica (dist. Naxos)
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Composer:
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Johann Sebastian Bach |
| Performer: |
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Jason Vieaux |
| ISBN: |
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9786312784098 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00787867125021 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAZI 71250 |
| Cat.#: |
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ACD-71250 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Playing the lute music of Bach on the guitar is a particular challenge, one that Jason Vieaux professes to relish. The evidence here would seem to bear him out: his playing is rich with evident enjoyment, and his arrangements are expert. The recorded sound is excellent. Highly recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| COUNTRY/FOLK |
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| Title: |
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River of Time |
| Label: |
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Red House
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Artist:
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Jorma Kaukonen |
| ISBN: |
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9786312752868 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00033651021728 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDREDH217 |
| Cat.#: |
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RHD CD 217 |
| Genre: |
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Country Blues |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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River of Time is akin to Kaukonen’s excellent 2007 release, Stars in My Crown, in that it mines acoustic country blues in the same way he’s been doing since the first Hot Tuna album in 1970. The picking is excellent, with plenty of help from guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Larry Campbell and drums on a few tracks from Levon Helm. The tunes include blues from Rev. Gary Davis and Mississippi John Hurt, country fare from the Delmore Brothers and Merle Haggard, and a mess o’ fine originals written in the same country blues fashion. Very highly recommended. (GH)
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Naked Willie |
| Label: |
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RCA
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Artist:
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Willie Nelson |
| ISBN: |
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9786312802181 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00886972011127 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRCA 20111 |
| Cat.#: |
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88697 20111 2 |
| Genre: |
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Country & Western |
| Release type: |
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New/Reissue |
| Comments: |
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While he’s now revered as a master of the country genre, back in the 1960’s Willie Nelson didn’t have the clout to fight Nashville’s wont to clutter up songs with cloying background singers and heavy string arrangements. With Naked Willie, Nelson corrects these Nashville overproduction woes by “unproducing” the master tracks of 17 songs originally recorded between 1966-70. By removing the strings, singers, and other fluff, what emerges are stripped-down arrangements that let Willie’s strong singing, songwriting, and guitar playing shine, rounded out by some of Nashville’s finest guitarists and rhythm section musicians. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Love Filling Station |
| Label: |
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Appleseed
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Artist:
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Jesse Winchester |
| ISBN: |
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9786312847212 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00611587111623 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAPPL1116 |
| Cat.#: |
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APR CD 1116 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Winchester released a string of excellent albums in the 1970s, and has released just a handful of records since then. “Love Filling Station” is his first in ten years, and it’s a beautiful set of insightful, laidback songs filled with his sly wit and delivered with his unmistakable voice. There’s always been a “front porch” intimacy to his best work, and this album is no exception. A crack backup band helps deliver the goods, with some guest help from members of Ricky Skaggs’ band and vocalist Claire Lynch. This one stayed in my CD player for days. Very highly recommended. (GH)
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Yellowhead To Yellowstone and Other Love Stories |
| Label: |
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Stony Plain
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Artist:
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Ian Tyson |
| ISBN: |
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9786312822738 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00772532133920 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSTON321339 |
| Cat.#: |
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SPCD 1339 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Ian Tyson, of the legendary 60s folk duo Ian & Sylvia and the man who penned “Four Strong Winds,” has resurrected his life as a working cowboy and Cowboy Poet. Now 75, with a slightly ragged voice and a wealth of experience to draw on, Tyson delivers a great set of songs steeped in contemporary Western/cowboy metaphors and filtered through a personal lens of love and loss. Tyson’s still a formidable singer and songwriter, as this new disc clearly shows. (GH) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Edgar Meyer & Chris Thile |
| Label: |
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Nonesuch
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Artist:
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Edgar Meyer & Chris Thile |
| ISBN: |
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9786312381426 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00075597989137 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNONE512586 |
| Cat.#: |
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512586 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Fusion |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Bassist Edgar Meyer and mandolin prodigy Chris Thile showcase their individual talents and collaborative abilities in this eclectic set of new acoustic music they’ve composed combining elements of classical, jazz, American traditional music, and (to a lesser degree) bluegrass with their own original ideas. Meyer and Thile bring in no additional musicians and the recording is solely instrumental. It is adventurous music that will appeal to many, but may befuddle some (particularly hardcore bluegrass fans). Few, however, will deny that these are two masters who continue to push the boundaries of modern American acoustic music. (CLHD) |
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| $24.98 |
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| Title: |
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Trailer Park (Legacy Edition) |
| Label: |
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Arista
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Artist:
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Beth Orton |
| ISBN: |
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9786312776734 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00886973572221 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDARIS35722 |
| Cat.#: |
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88697357222 |
| Genre: |
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Folk/Rock |
| Release type: |
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Reissue (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Orton’s 1996 major label debut showcases her original blend of folk elements layered over an undercurrent of trip-hop, filled with her own tunes that seem to channel John Martyn’s ethereal sound through an electronica filter, with remarkably engaging results. The Legacy edition adds a second disc of additional, rare material. A very welcome reissue. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Lucky One |
| Label: |
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Fantasy Records/Concord Jazz
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Artist:
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Raul Malo |
| ISBN: |
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9786312768685 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00888072308961 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDFTYR30896 |
| Cat.#: |
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FAN-30896-02 |
| Genre: |
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Country/Pop |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Ever since his earliest years with the aptly-named Mavericks, Raul Malo has always come at country music sideways, bringing with him an approach to the music that is almost equally informed by vintage pop, Cuban music, ska, and soul/R&B. His solo work has taken him even further afield, but on Lucky One he comes back to the kind of fusion that Mavericks fans have always loved. His voice is as big and rich as ever, and his songs are, if anything, even more rapturously hook-filled. It's hard to say where you should shelve this disc, but every library should own it. (RA) |
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| $14.95 |
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| Title: |
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Folksongs from the Beehive State |
| Label: |
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Utah State Univ Press
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Artist:
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Elaine Thatcher; Randy Williams |
| ISBN: |
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9780874217438 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| Prod.#: |
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BK0007973034 |
| Cat.#: |
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| Genre: |
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Folk |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This collection of folk songs (most unaccompanied) recorded in Utah in 1946-1948 by Austin and Alta Fife, Hector Lee, and Joseph Tarbet contains Mormon songs, anti-Mormon songs, ballads, and cowboy songs. All tracks were recorded in the field, reveal the limitations of the recording equipment, and may not meet the expectations of those unaccustomed to listening to field recordings of this era. However, those interested in historic American folk music, the early music of Utah, or the music of the Mormons should find listening to this unique collection worth suffering through the many audio imperfections. (CLHD) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Secrets |
| Label: |
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Rounder
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Artist:
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Sierra Hull |
| ISBN: |
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9786311947869 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00011661060128 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECD116 6106012 |
| Cat.#: |
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11661-0601-2 |
| Genre: |
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Bluegrass |
| Release type: |
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| Comments: |
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Bluegrass mandolinist and singer Hull has already been compared to Alison Krauss vocally and Rhonda Vincent instrumentally. You’ll get no argument here, although she is a bit softer and more delicate on both counts. On her debut album this teenage prodigy is surrounded by high-end talent from Krauss’s band, including Dan Tyminski, Stuart Duncan, and Tony Rice. She more than holds her own on these thirteen songs, and one couldn’t ask for a prettier, more engaging, or high energy bluegrass album. (JW) |
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| $14.98 |
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| Title: |
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Audie Blaylock and Redline |
| Label: |
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Rural Rhythm
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Artist:
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Audie Blaylock |
| ISBN: |
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9786312721253 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00732351104228 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRHY R511042 |
| Cat.#: |
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RHY-1042 |
| Genre: |
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Bluegrass |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Bluegrass guitarist Blaylock is approaching middle age, but he shows no signs of wear, and has surrounded himself with a quartet of hotshot youngsters who constitute Redline. They offer a mix of fast tunes, waltz ballads, and gospel songs, all of which feature Blaylock’s fine, strong lead tenor, with great harmonies by the guys, and intricate solo work by Jason Johnson, mandolin, and Evan Ward, banjo. In all, this quintet presents a highly enjoyable bluegrass extravaganza. (JW) |
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| JAZZ |
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| Title: |
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Leucocyte |
| Label: |
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Emarcy
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Artist:
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E.S.T. |
| ISBN: |
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9786312425885 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00602517803749 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B001186102 |
| Cat.#: |
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B0011861-02 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This is a sad release in some respects, as pianist Esbjorn Svensson passed away not long ago. However, what has been recorded here is a testiment to a unique artistic vision. With bassist Dan Berglund and drummer Magnus Ostrom, the E.S.T. combine progressive European jazz with electronics, creating soundscapes that range from contemporary jazz to fusion with some strong rock elements, to nearly pure electronic music. Two extended compositions allow these styles to morph into each other, while the shorter ones tend to stick to one style, but all are sonically enjoyable in their own right, reaching out to present new combinations of stylistic elements. This is recommended listening for the adventurous jazz fan. (JW) |
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| $12.98 |
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| Title: |
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The Opener |
| Label: |
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Blue Note
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Artist:
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Curtis Fuller |
| ISBN: |
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9786312355212 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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05099921537028 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBNOT15370 |
| Cat.#: |
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50999 2 15370 2 8 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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Originally recorded in 1957, this was the first of several hard bop releases by Detroit trombonist Fuller on Blue Note. His warm, rich tone set him apart from most others on his instrument, and he is equally expressive on ballads and harder-swinging tunes. His sound combines especially well with those of his backing musicians. With Hank Mobley on tenor sax, Bobby Timmons shining on piano, and a rhythm section of Paul Chambers and Art Taylor, it’s a reissue not to be missed. This album is part of the Rudy Van Gelder remaster series. (JW) |
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 |
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| $10.98 |
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| Title: |
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This is Criss! |
| Label: |
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Prestige/Concord Jazz
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Artist:
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Sonny Criss |
| ISBN: |
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9786312174028 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00888072306547 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDPSGR30654 |
| Cat.#: |
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PRCD-30654 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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Criss was an alto sax player with a strong tone and bluesy style, who could play ballads and bop with equal aplomb. His career led him up and down, and between Europe and the U.S. This reissue from 1966 was his first recording for Prestige, and a fine one it is. Joined by Walter Davis on piano, bassist Paul Chambers, and Alan Dawson on drums, Criss includes standards by Mancini and Carmichael with some originals. The reissue includes “Love for Sale” as a bonus track. It’s good to have this excellent album available again, in excellent sound. (JW) |
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| Title: |
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746 |
| Label: |
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Enja (dist. Allegro)
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Artist:
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Trio Elf |
| ISBN: |
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9786312814115 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00063757951926 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDENJA95192 |
| Cat.#: |
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ENJ-9519-2 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
This German jazz trio has a completely unique sound, one that blends all the elements of traditional piano jazz with hints of modern electronica and funk. It does so without using anything other than acoustic piano, bass and drums; most of the credit for the group's unique approach goes to pianist/composer Walter Lang and drummer Gerwin Eisenhauer, whose skittery rhythms are often drawn straight from jungle/drum'n'bass tradition. The ocasional electro production filligree adds another dimension to this band's unique modern jazz sound. Very highly recommended. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Continuation |
| Label: |
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Cryptogramophone
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Artist:
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Alex Cline |
| ISBN: |
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9786312740780 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00671860014027 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCPTG600140 |
| Cat.#: |
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CG140 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Composer/percussionist Cline is joined by pianist Myra Melford and a string trio (bass, cello, violin) for a set of seven originals that blur the lines between jazz and contemporary classical. At times playing off repetitive bass or piano riffs, at other times expanding on nearly-ambient layers, this is a deeply satisfying recording that’s not afraid to take some interesting chances. It also showcases Cline's prodigious talent as both a composer and a masterful, nuanced percussionist. Highly recommended. (GH) |
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| $9.90 |
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| Title: |
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The Sage |
| Label: |
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Fresh Sound New Talent
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Artist:
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Jason Rigby |
| Performer: |
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Jason Rigby |
| UPC: |
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8427328423281 |
| Cat.#: |
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FSNT 328 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Saxophonist Rigby’s quintet draws deeply on Miles Davis’s late-1960s catalog for inspiration here. You’ll also notice a nod to Ornette Coleman’s classic work (especially in Rigby's and trumpeter Russ Johnson's playing on “Magenta”). Yet this understanding of jazz history isn’t derivative; rather, this fine band adds its own creative spark and sizzle, updating and reinventing tradition at the same time. Very fine. (GH) |
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 |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Coward |
| Label: |
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Cryptogramophone
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Artist:
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Nels Cline |
| ISBN: |
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9786312740797 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00671860014126 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCPTG600141 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CG141 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Most folks probably know Nels Cline as Wilco’s dynamic guitarist, but Cline has a long, illustrative career in the jazz, rock & avant-garde realms, and Coward is a fine example of his many skills. Opening with an intense, electronic drone that evokes Brian Eno’s ambient work, this musical smorgasbord also has beautiful acoustic guitar pieces that bring Ralph Towner to mind, with other examples of Cline’s impressive fretwork and daunting knowledge of electronics surfacing throughout. Still, despite all the trimmings and textures, this is primarily a solo guitar album, a complex, multi-faceted, multi-tracked recording that reveals more with each listen. Recommended. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Bohemian Maestro: Django Reinhardt and the Impressionists |
| Label: |
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Azica (dist. Naxos)
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Artist:
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Hot Club Of San Francisco |
| ISBN: |
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9786312534334 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00787867224120 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAZI AZ22241 |
| Cat.#: |
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AJD-72241 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz/Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
This is a fascinating and complex disc, a blend of gypsy jazz tunes by the legendary Django Reinhardt along with new compositions in Reinhardt's style by members of the Hot Club of San Francisco and pieces by French composers who were active in Paris at the same time as Django and his group -- Debussy, Poulenc, and even the admittedly non-French Heitor Villa-Lobos, who was living in Paris at the time "Choros" was written. Absolutely spectacular, and a must for every jazz collection. (RA) |
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| ROCK/POP |
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 |
| |
| $19.98 |
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| |
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| Title: |
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Paul's Boutique (20th Anniversary Edition) |
| Label: |
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Capitol
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Artist:
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Beastie Boys |
| ISBN: |
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9786312709640 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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05099969330025 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCAP 93300 |
| Cat.#: |
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93300 |
| Genre: |
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Rap, Hip-Hop |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
|
Ironically, the Beastie Boys’ sophomore release left behind most of the sophomoric aspects of their debut. Some brattiness remained, but much more notable is how musically adventuresome they had grown, cramming together an astonishing assortment of sounds, cultural references (from Galileo to Fred Flintstone), and sheer number of words per minute. From the towering “Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun” to the funky “Hey Ladies,” the seamless integration of such a variety of sources made this a hip-hop landmark. This 20th anniversary reissue features remastered sound and a foldout poster, along with the fully restored LP artwork. (MC) |
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|
 |
| |
| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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I Love Dubstep |
| Label: |
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Rinse FM (dist. Forced Exposure)
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786312536536 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00800071000097 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRSFM007 |
| Cat.#: |
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RINSECD07 |
| Genre: |
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Electronica |
| Release type: |
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Compilation (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Since it’s primarily club music, dubstep is not an album-based genre, though it has so far produced two masterpieces –- Burial’s self-titled debut and Kode9 & the SpaceApe’s Memories Of The Future -– both released just when the new sound was emerging from the London underground. Compilations are really a better way to get a sense of the dubstep scene, and the advantage of I Love Dubstep is that each of its two CDs comprises a continuous mix put together by a different prominent DJ, so it more closely approximates the experience of hearing the music in its natural setting. Still the track selections, I think, compare unfavorably to the Soul Jazz label’s Steppa’s Delight, which might not be mixed but which also functions as a possibly definitive compendium, with selections by most of the major players. Last year’s Mary Anne Hobbs Presents Evangeline, the BBC DJ’s second dubstep compilation, is more of a snapshot with a good feel for the pulse of a fast-moving subculture. Take your pick, and crank the bass. (SA) |
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 |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Cafeneon |
| Label: |
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Station 55 (dist. Forced Exposure)
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Artist:
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Cafeneon |
| ISBN: |
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9786311957530 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00880319293122 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDST55005 |
| Cat.#: |
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S55 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Electronica |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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As someone who was a teenager in the late 1970s and early 1980s, I confess that I get quite a kick out of kids 25 years younger than me making sounds that are much like the ones I used to listen to on my Walkman on the bus. And when they sing in French while doing so, well... The Brussels-based Cafeneon specializes in a slightly trashy, ragged electro-dub-pop that evokes early New Order, My Bloody Valentine, the Cure, Gang of Four, and even Mad Professor. The elements are anything but original, but the end result is bracingly new and exciting. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Quiet Please: The New Best of Nick Lowe |
| Label: |
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Yep Roc
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Artist:
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Nick Lowe |
| ISBN: |
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9786312787730 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00634457261822 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDYP 2618 |
| Cat.#: |
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YEP 2622 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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Compilation (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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To wallow in this two-disc, 49-track retrospective is to be powerfully reminded -- again -- of what a genius Nick Lowe is. His wit, melodic acuity and pure pop smarts have informed both his own work ("Cruel to Be Kind," "So It Goes") and that of many other geniuses (Elvis Costello, Dr. Feelgood) over several decades, and his skillset encompasses genres from reggae to country to power pop. This generously-packed and -priced collection thoroughly eclipses the one-disc Basher best-of from 20 years ago and should find a place in any pop collection. (RA) |
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|
 |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Hold Time |
| Label: |
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Merge (dist. ADA)
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Artist:
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M. Ward |
| ISBN: |
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9786312738114 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00673855032320 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMERG50323 |
| Cat.#: |
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MRG323 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Singer/songwriter M. Ward is back to his own gig after the detour project of She & Him. His sound centers on his weary rasp, but he is no clichéd wimpy, sensitive acoustic guitar-wielder. Straight-up folk songs like “One Hundred Million Years” have a timeless feel, while “Never Had Nobody Like You” has a buzzy, glam-rock rumble and the arrangement for “To Save Me” is Beach Boys-inspired. (MC) |
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| Title: |
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The Pains of Being Pure at Heart |
| Label: |
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Slumberland (dist. Revolver)
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Artist:
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Pains of Being Pure at Heart |
| ISBN: |
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9786312648871 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00749846208927 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSLMB89 |
| Cat.#: |
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SLR 89 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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They have been described as C86 revivalists and favorably compared to many great bands including Ride and The Ocean Blue. Sounds of The Field Mice and Ecstasy and Wine-era My Bloody Valentine lurk beneath the surface as well. In addition to layers of addictive guitar fuzz and effects this promising debut features exquisite songwriting and an infectious pop sensibility. They fit perfectly on the, until recently, dormant Slumberland label, whose roster once included Black Tambourine, The Swirlies and Lilys. While their influences are often obvious, the writing, execution, and -- dare I say it? --purity of heart in the music make it a unique and remarkable achievement. One of the best indie records of the year. (TWB) |
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| Title: |
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Inland Territory |
| Label: |
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Zoe
|
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Artist:
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Vienna Teng |
| ISBN: |
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9786312768661 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00601143112522 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECD011 4311252 |
| Cat.#: |
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01143-1125-2PA |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This is the fourth release by this singer, pianist, songwriter, and software engineer (!), and is perhaps her most mature work to date. She provides us with sophisticated pop, ranging from alternately spare or complex elegance to radio-ready anthems. Layers of instrumentation are her weapons of choice, dominated by Teng’s piano. String sections and guitars, along with background vocals lend both to the intensity of her performances, the strength of her arrangements, and the ambitions of her musical vision. Over the whole affair, her lush voice alternately soars and whispers. This is a fine album from a continually growing artist. (JW) |
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| WORLD/ETHNIC |
|
 |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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From Dubplate to Download: The Best of Greensleeves Records |
| Label: |
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Greensleeves (dist. Ryko)
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786311561058 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
|
00601811101124 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDGNSV111011 |
| Cat.#: |
|
GREZCD4011 |
| Genre: |
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Reggae |
| Release type: |
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Compilation (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Greensleeves is one of relatively few reggae labels that can claim to have been going strong for over three decades, and this nicely-selected and well-packaged twofer provides a good overview of the highlights of its catalog, from roots classics like the Wailing Souls' "War" through early dancehall gems from the likes of Eek-a-Mouse and Yellowman and into the ragga era. Aficionados might quibble with some of the inclusions (Tony Matterhorn's "Dutty Wine"?) and exclusions (no dub?), but this set will still fit very nicely into any generalist reggae collection. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Bagua |
| Label: |
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Barbarity (dist. Sterns Music USA)
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Artist:
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Hypnotix |
| ISBN: |
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9786311968543 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00740042912427 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSTENBARBARITY024 |
| Cat.#: |
|
EFA 14847-2 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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What is it about Euro-Arabic pop music? I'll tell you what it is: it's the combination of complex, keening melodies, slamming club beats, and a sophisticated blend of modern and traditional instrumentation that come together to create a brilliantly multifaceted and irresistibly funky whole. And other than Natacha Atlas, I've never heard anyone do it better than this Czech/Arab ensemble. Brilliant. (RA) |
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|
 |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
|
20 |
| Label: |
|
Mad River
|
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Artist:
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La Musgana |
| ISBN: |
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9786312529590 |
| ISBN-10: |
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|
| UPC: |
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00856843001113 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDMAVR1011 |
| Cat.#: |
|
1011 |
| Genre: |
|
World Music |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
If you want a complete tour of the many varieties of traditional Spanish music, you don't need to invest time and energy in gathering scores of obscure field recordings -- just pick up this 20-year retrospective covering the career of La Musgana, and listen to the wilde array of gypsy, Arabic, Celtic and other sounds that flow from them like a kaleidoscopic river. Best of all is the fact that those influences seem to coexist simultaneously in La Musgana's sound, creating a unique welter of faintly familiar musical elements. (RA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $18.98 |
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| |
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| Title: |
|
Welcome to Mali |
| Label: |
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Nonesuch
|
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Artist:
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Amadou & Mariam |
| ISBN: |
|
9786312810704 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00075597983456 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDNONE517673 |
| Cat.#: |
|
517673 |
| Genre: |
|
World |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
The duo of Malian guitarist/singer Amadou Bagayoko and singer Mariam Doumbia has been gradually turning into something more than a local phenomenon -- their latest album opens with an electronica-inflected track produced by Gorillaz member Damon Albarn, and the pair will be touring the world in support of Coldplay throughout 2009. In addition to the hypnotic sounds of their home country, you'll also hear elements of afro-reggae and European indie rock thrown in on Welcome to Mali; the result is sure to generate demand amongst the more cosmopolitan class of patron. (RA) |
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© CD HotList 2004 |
