June 2009
Look for "Rick's Pick"

CLASSICAL
$19.98	Title:    Symphony in E minor Op 7 Label:    Dux (dist. Qualiton) Composer:    Mieczyslaw Karlowicz Performer:    Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra / Jerzy Salwarowski ISBN:    9786312790907 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00675754013646 Prod.#:    BECDDUX 0656 Cat.#:    DUX 0656 Period:    Post-Romantic Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    Karlowicz (1876-1909) was very fond of the music of Wagner and Tchaikovsky. This is evident in this symphony. A superb orchestrator with his own style, this is a massive work and displays a compositional talent that needs to be noticed. A stellar performance of a work which otherwise might get buried in the sands of time. Recommended for research collections. (MJB)
$19.98	Title:    Chandos Anthems Label:    Hyperion (dist. Harmonia Mundi) Composer:    George Frideric Handel Performer:    Choir of Trinity College, Cambrige; Academy of Ancient Music / Stephen Layton ISBN:    9786312925910 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00034571177373 Prod.#:    BECDHPONCDA67737 Cat.#:    CDA 67737 Period:    Baroque Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    Any new recording that prominently features the soprano Emma Kirkby is welcome, and this one is especially so. The Trinity College choir is one of the best chapel choirs in England, and the Academy of Ancient Music is perhaps the finest period-instrument ensemble in the world. Put all of those world-class talents together along with several other top-notch soloists in the service of some of the greatest English choral music ever written, and you've got a gloriously attractive disc. Highly recommended to all classical collections. (RA)
$21.98	Title:    Scawfell: Recital Music for Bass Clarinet and Piano Label:    Clarinet Classics (dist. Qualiton) Composer:    Various Performer:    Sarah Watts ; Antony Clare ISBN:    9786312741428 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00675754012991 Prod.#:    BECDCLRC0056 Cat.#:    CC0056 Period:    20th-21st Centuries Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    The British bass clarinetist Sarah Watts is truly a virtuoso on this neglected instrument. All the works on this recording were originally written for bass clarinet and piano except one, and she obtained permission from the composer to arrange it. The selections include pieces by Bozza, Diethe, Part, Gabriel, Termos, Cutler, and the title piece which was written by the pianist on the album, Antony Clare. An enjoyable collection that shows off the bass clarinet's full potential as a solo instrument. Watts's sense of musicality is a treasure. This is a recording that deserves the spotlight. Should not be relegated to be listened to by clarinetists only. Recommended for all collections. (MJB)
$39.98	Title:    12 Solo Sonatas Op.1 Label:    Harmonia Mundi Composer:    George Frideric Handel Performer:    Academy of Ancient Music /Richard Egarr ISBN:    9786312926009 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00093046746520 Prod.#:    BECDHMD HMU907465 Cat.#:    HMU 907465.66 Period:    Baroque Genre:    Classical Release type:    New (2-discs) Comments:    This is a beautifully played and conveniently packaged account of the entirety of Handel's opus 12 collection of sonatas for solo instruments (flute or recorder, violin, oboe), all accompanied by harpsichord. Members of the excellent Academy of Ancient Music play these pieces with all the accuracy and vigor you would expect, and the program varies the solo instruments nicely to keep textures from becoming boring. Very, very nice. (RA)
$17.98	Title:    God Shall Be Praised: Music from Lune Convent Label:    Cantate (dist. Qualiton) Composer:    Various Composers Performer:    Schola & Ensemble Devotia Moderna ISBN:    9786312790822 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00675754013905 Prod.#:    BECDCTAT58032 Cat.#:    C 58032 Period:    Medieval Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    The Lune Convent, in Germany, houses an archive that includes a number of obscure musical treasures. Some of those are brought to light on this delightful recording of medieval plainsong (plus one very unusual two-part song), performed by a mixed ensemble with some instrumental accompaniment. Libraries with a collecting interest in early music should jump at the chance to own this rare and wonderful recording, and those whose patrons include Hildegard of Bingen fans should take particular note. (RA)
$17.98	Title:    Being Dufay Label:    ECM Composer:    Guillaume Dufay ; Ambrose Field Performer:    John Potter ; Ambrose Field ISBN:    9786312901921 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00028947669487 Prod.#:    BECDUMG B001283002 Cat.#:    2071 Period:    Renaissance/Contemporary Genre:    Classical Music Release type:    New Comments:    It's a weird concept, but give it a chance: Ambrose Field has written modern electronic music to accompany the singing of secular song fragments by the early Renaissance composer Guillaume Dufay. Performed here by Field and tenor John Potter, the new music manages to cast new light on the ancient beauty of Dufay's songs without in any way undermining or even distracting from them. Potter's singing is excellent, and the recording is a thing of beautiful regret and quiet, luminous joy. (RA)
$16.99	Title:    Le Rencontre: Contemporary Works for Marimba Label:    Atma (dist. Naxos) Composer:    Anne-Julie Caron ISBN:    9786312817659 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00722056260824 Prod.#:    BECDAMAA2608 Cat.#:    ACD22608 Period:    Contemporary Genre:    Classical Music Release type:    New Comments:    Canadian marimbist Anne-Julie Caron performs a variety of pieces for unaccompanied marimba on her first solo recording which includes five original compositions for marimba and two transcriptions (Pat Metheny; Astor Piazzolla). On the whole, the program here is often reflective and dreamy but not without energy and excitement. Ms. Caron plays each piece sensitively and with impeccable timing. The title track, “La Rencontre”, was written for her by Oleksa Lozowchuk. (PS)
$19.98	Title:    Violin Concertos Label:    Live Classics (dist. Qualiton) Composer:    Franz Joseph Haydn; Antonio Vivaldi; Igor Stravinsky Performer:    Oleg Kagan, violin ; various orchestras ; various conductors ISBN:    9786312741688 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00675754012656 Prod.#:    BECDLVCL112 Cat.#:    LCL 112 Period:    Various Genre:    Classical Music Release type:    Reissue Comments:    Oleg Kagan's performances of the Haydn C major (Hob. VIIa:1), the Vivaldi E minor (RV 278), and Stravinsky's violin concerto in D are exceptional, otherworldly renditions. These recordings were made live at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory Moscow in 1979 and 1980 and are a testament to a performer with exceptional sensitivity, technical mastery, and profound musicality. An enjoyable, well-rounded recording that is immediately accessible by anyone with a pulse. Recommended for all collections. (MJB)
$19.98	Title:    Concerto for cello and orchestra no. 2 in G, Op. 126; Symphony for cello and orchestra, op. 68 Label:    Signum U.K. Composer:    Dmitrii Shostakovich; Benjamin Britten Performer:    Jamie Walton ; Philharmonia Orchestra / Alexander Briger ISBN:    9786312791034 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00635212013724 Prod.#:    BECDSGM 137 Cat.#:    SIGCD137 Period:    20th century Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    Two magnificent works that require great concentration to appreciate fully, the tonal and melodic language of both is bordering on the avant-garde with great expressiveness thrown into the mix. Mr. Walton's command of the cello, his intonation, and a bright singing tone bring these two masterpieces to life. Not a recording for the faint-hearted but will be appreciated by any classical music-lover. Recommended for all collections, but especially those supporting cello programs. (MJB)
COUNTRY/FOLK
$16.98	Title:    And The Wheels Turn Label:    Rural Rhythm Artist:    Melonie Cannon ISBN:    9786312452614 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00732351103627 Prod.#:    BECDRHY R511036 Cat.#:    RHY-1036 Genre:    Bluegrass Release type:    New Comments:    Cannon’s second release is a set of curious and welcome contrasts. The tunes are both bluegrass and country, and Cannon seems unconcerned about the distinction. The songs are simultaneously bright and melancholy. This is a solo album on which she is surrounded by friends and family, including the cream of the crop of studio musicians such as Dan Tyminski, Aubrey Haynie, her father Buddy Cannon, and even guest vocalist Willie Nelson. What could have been an undisciplined mishmash is held together by Cannon’s strong, pure alto voice, equally suited to whichever style she chooses. She co-wrote some tunes, borrowed others, and delivers each and every one with style and care. Cannon is likely to have a long and satisfying career. (JW)
$15.98	Title:    Way Up On a Mountain Label:    Rebel Artist:    Spring Creek ISBN:    9786312916895 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00032511183224 Prod.#:    BECDREBE111832 Cat.#:    REB-CD-1832 Genre:    Bluegrass Release type:    New Comments:    Here’s some great bluegrass from a new and award-winning group from Colorado. This neotraditional quartet boasts a delightful sound, excellent harmonies, and tight arrangements. With three lead vocalists, including the lone female, Jessica Smith, the group shows considerable variety from song to song. Self-penned works are mixed with some unusual tunes, including “Try and Catch the Wind” and “Lonesome Town,” and some extra fiddle is supplied by Michael Cleveland where needed. This one makes me want to head for the nearest bluegrass festival. (JW)
$19.98	Title:    Slice O Life - Live Solo Label:    Rounder Artist:    Bruce Cockburn ISBN:    9786312829430 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00011661325920 Prod.#:    BECD116 6132592 Cat.#:    11661-3259-2 Genre:    Pop/Rock Music Release type:    New (2-discs) Comments:    Over his long career, this Canadian singer-songwriter has released live albums with a band, but never a true solo performance. Recorded at several venues in May 2008, this 2-disc set is strung together as a “single” performance, and includes a few sound checks that turned out well enough to be included. With nearly two dozen songs, he performs some classic ones and some newer, interspersed with stories and applause. There’s an intimate feel about this release that puts his great storytelling voice and remarkable guitar work up front. For folk music lovers everywhere. (JW)
$17.98	Title:    One Foot In The Grave (Anniversary Edition) Label:    K/Universal Artist:    Beck ISBN:    9786312860587 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00602527023908 Prod.#:    BECDUMG B001282902 Cat.#:    BEC012829 Genre:    Pop/Rock Music Release type:    Reissue Comments:    Before Loser became a freak hit, and before he learned how to use hip-hop influences to their full effect on his epochal Odelay album, Beck was a folkie. A strange 90s slacker folkie, but one with real knowledge of the music of ancient folk and blues artists. This is a reissue of an album he recorded for K Records before Loser hit but did not release until afterwards, now expanded to twice its original length and including many previously unreleased tracks. Not a major release and not for all collections, but worth a listen if you believe, as I do, that Beck is a major artist. (SA)
$17.98	Title:    Water In The Ground Label:    True North Artist:    Catherine Maclellan ISBN:    9786312943921 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00620638052822 Prod.#:    BECDTNRTTND528 Cat.#:    IND 528 Genre:    Folk Music Release type:    New/Reissue (2-discs) Comments:    The opening song from Canadian singer/songwriter MacLellan's newest CD showcases her strengths – she writes wonderful songs packed with catchy melodies, accompanied by a fine band, with hints of country and folk weaving through. It’s instantly likeable material that has the substance to bring you back to it again and again. Water in the Ground is her third CD, but this package also includes her first CD, Dark Dream Midnight, an equally fine recording. (GH)
$18.98	Title:    Together Through Life Label:    CBSs Artist:    Bob Dylan ISBN:    9786312862574 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00886974389323 Prod.#:    BECDCOLM43893 Cat.#:    88697438932 Genre:    Rock/Pop Release type:    New Comments:    Over his last four albums Bob Dylan has appropriated sounds, song structures, lyrics, and ambiance from across a wide range of folk, blues, country, and popular song. On this latest he’s added David Hidalgo (from Los Lobos) on accordion throughout, providing a rich texture to this atmospheric album. A bit anachronistic, at times wistful, and sometimes a bit tongue-in-cheek, it’s another fine dose of 21st-century Dylan, further proof that the bard is aging rather well, thank you. Highly recommended. (GH)
JAZZ
$14.97	Title:    The King of All Instruments Label:    Hot Cup Artist:    Charles Evans Performer:    Charles Evans UPC:    614346048321 Cat.#:    Hot Cup 084 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    New Comments:    Baritone saxophonist Evans explores the wide range of sounds and tones of the big horn in this multi-tracked solo work. His music cites a range of influences, from baritone icon Gerry Mulligan, to composer Charles Ives, to Evans’ mentor Dave Liebman. He strikes a balance between controlled composition and improvisation here, showing a finely executed mastery of the instrument in the process. (GH)
$15.98	Title:    Whippin' The Keys Label:    Delmark Artist:    Wally Rose ISBN:    9786312977919 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00038153024826 Prod.#:    BECDDELM0248 Cat.#:    DE-248 Genre:    Jazz Music Release type:    Reissue Comments:    Rose was a monster of ragtime and traditional jazz piano, having started with Lu Watters’ Yerba Buena Jazz Band back in the 1940s, and appeared on more than one hundred releases over the years. This is a reissue of two solo albums from 1968 and 1971 on the Blackbird label, with a previously unissued track. There are lots of classics here from Joplin, Joseph Lamb, and James Scott, as well as other composers. Breezy and fun while at the same time displaying Rose’s incredible virtuosity, this is easily recommended for traditional jazz fans. (JW)
$15.00	Title:    Alice in Wonderland: A Jazz Musical Label:    NWCT Artist:    Ezra Weiss Performer:    Northwest Children's Theater with Marilyn Keller and Shirley Nanette UPC:    737885552026 Cat.#:    NWCT 2008-09 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    New Comments:    This inspired recording recasts Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland as a jazz musical. This original cast recording by Ezra Weiss and the Portland, Oregon, Northwest Children’s Theatre & School features a script and songs based on Carroll’s story accompanied by a jazz soundtrack packed with melodies and arrangements lovingly lifted from jazz music’s greatest artists. It’s great fun, and a wonderful way to expose kids to jazz. Recommended. (GH)
$16.98	Title:    Swinging The Changes Label:    Arbors Jazz Artist:    Nik Payton & Bob Wilber ISBN:    9786312527626 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00780941135824 Prod.#:    BECDARBR19358 Cat.#:    ARCD 19358 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    New Comments:    Dueling saxes are always entertaining, and this master/pupil duo fronts a combo that is determined to swing. Wilber is the old man here on tenor sax and clarinet, having played for over sixty years, while Payton works with alto and soprano saxes and clarinet. Nods to Ellington, Hodges, Bechet, and Webster mix with Brazilian and British jazz to create a delicious stew that is in some ways old-fashioned, but could only be produced now. This one is for swing fans. (JW)
$17.98	Title:    The Company You Keep Label:    Compass Artist:    Alison Brown ISBN:    9786312783572 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00766397448220 Prod.#:    BECDCOMS974482 Cat.#:    4482 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    New Comments:    The curse with which Alison Brown will have to live her whole life is the fact that although she is an extremely accomplished jazz instrumentalist, arranger, and composer, the fact that she plays the five-string banjo means that her releases will always be classified as "bluegrass." Take my word for it: it's not, even though she's perfectly happy to incorporate melodic and sometimes even stylistic elements of bluegrass, country and Celtic music into her compositions and improvisations. If your collection doesn't include any of her excellent recordings yet, then start with this one. (RA)
$15.98	Title:    Art-Work Label:    Origin Artist:    Hal Galper ISBN:    9786312687009 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00805558252426 Prod.#:    BECDORGN82524 Cat.#:    82524 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    New Comments:    The piano trio is a venerable jazz institution, and Galper’s gathering for this concert recording continues the tradition in excellent style. With Reggie Workman on bass and Rashied Ali on drums, the trio ranges from bop to avant-garde, from forceful and frenetic to soft and lyrical. Galper gets a full, rich sound from his piano, and cascades of notes tumble from his fingers while Workman and Ali boil or simmer behind or in front of him. The seven extended pieces, by Ellington, Davis, and Parker, with two by Galper himself, allow for each member to stretch out and solo. This is another fine work that shouldn’t be missed. (JW)
$17.98	Title:    Plays Fats Waller Label:    Enja (dist. Allegro) Artist:    Aki Takase ISBN:    9786312814108 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00767522915228 Prod.#:    BECDENJA9152 Cat.#:    9152 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    New Comments:    Fats Waller tribute albums are usually just that: devotional, even reverent recreations of Waller's music in a style close to his own. Pianist/composer Aki Takase had something different in mind for this project, thank heaven: here she juxtaposes Waller's work with pieces of her own, several of which have no apparent stylistic or even thematic connection to Waller's. She brought in a number of interesting sidemen to help her out, among them the certifiably eccentric Eugene Chadbourne, and the result is a joyful, slightly twisted, but clearly heartfelt hommage to one of the greatest of jazz music's pioneers. Recommended to all jazz and contemporary music collections. (RA)
ROCK/POP
$16.98	Title:    Love In The Time Of Recession Label:    Fulfill/Artful (dist. Allegro) Artist:    Durutti Column ISBN:    9786312909026 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00683430002037 Prod.#:    BECDFLFL64 Cat.#:    64 Genre:    Pop/Rock Release type:    New Comments:    Guitarist Vini Reilly's Durutti Column project has been a more-or-less going concern for several decades now, and his delicately beautiful and sometimes gently challenging compositions remain a delight. Like the last one, Love in the Time of Recession (cute, Vini, cute) features singer Poppy Roberts and shows Reilly continuing to develop a unique and deceptively simple-sounding brand of off-kilter pop music. Excellent. (RA)
$13.98	Title:    Box of Birch Label:    Tompkins Square (dist. Fontana) Artist:    Broken Consort ISBN:    9786312872924 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00894807002134 Prod.#:    BECDTPKS2134 Cat.#:    TSQ2134 Genre:    Rock/Folk/Experimental Release type:    Reissue Comments:    Dark, slightly abrasive, arrhythmic yet ultimately both beautiful and accessible, the music on Box of Birch consists entirely of acoustic instruments, but sounds and feels something like ambient electronica. The instruments are both bowed and plucked and have been recorded in many layers, and there is a sonic rawness on the surface that hides a refined beauty underneath. The four tracks on this album were originally issued in a boxed set with twigs included; this digipack reissue is much more suitable for library collections. (RA)
$30.98	Title:    Early Works For Me If It Works For You II Label:    Plug Research (dist. Revolver) Artist:    Dntel ISBN:    9786312801597 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00612651005329 Prod.#:    BECDPGRS53 Cat.#:    plg 53 Genre:    Electronica Release type:    New/Reissue (3-discs) Comments:    Too often, electronic pop music is either abrasive or insipid. Jimmy Tamborello, who records under the name DNTEL, has made a fascinating career out of music that manages to be both immediately attractive and also worthy of serious listening. Grooves and melodies abound, but there is usually something lurking beneath the surface that is worth digging out and examining. This awkwardly-titled boxed set brings together three albums originally released between 1994 and 2001, along with additional tracks and remixes. Very nice. (RA)
$22.98	Title:    Local Customs: Downriver Revival Label:    Numero Group Artist:    Various Artists ISBN:    9786312783992 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00825764102629 Prod.#:    BECDNUMG641026 Cat.#:    026 Genre:    Soul Release type:    Compilation Comments:    Although I'm a huge fan of the Numero Group record label, I will freely admit that some of their archaeological compilations are a bit more quirky than enjoyable. This, however, is one of their best, a collection of recordings made in Ecorse, Michigan by local producer Felton Williams between 1967 and 1981. It includes gospel material (most notably four brilliant contributions from singer Shirley Ann Lee) as well as funk, soul, and even some scrappy garage punk, and while the instrumental tracks tend to be a bit underwhelming, much of the vocal music is excellent -- and all of it is well worth hearing. Collections supporting comprehensive research in pop music should own the entire Numero Group catalog, anyway -- there's a dissertation waiting to be written about the music this label has uncovered. (RA)
$19.99	Title:    Ashes of American Flags [DVD] Label:    Nonesuch/Video Only Artist:    Performer:    Wilco ISBN:    9786312859246 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00075597993813 Prod.#:    BEDDNONV451644 Cat.#:    451644-2 Genre:    Music Video - Pop/Rock Release type:    New Comments:    Is Wilco the best live band in American? I’ve heard folks make that assertion after watching this stunning DVD. A mixture of concert and rehearsal footage, interspersed with short interviews and backstage dialogue, Ashes of American Flags captures Jeff Tweedy, Nels Cline, and the band at their creative peak. Very highly recommended. (GH)
$15.98	Title:    California Years Label:    Pinko (dist. Red) Artist:    Jill Sobule ISBN:    9786312867364 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00020286130925 Prod.#:    BECDPORS01 Cat.#:    PNK 0001 Genre:    Pop/Rock Release type:    New Comments:    The gestation of this album has made it noteworthy: Sobule solicited fan donations to fund the self-release. Fortunately, the album doesn’t have a bargain-basement sound at all. The work stands on its own without the marketing angle. As always, the singer/songwriter has a gimlet eye for defining details. She explores themes of dreams and disillusionment in a state whose major products are dreams and disillusionment. “A Good Life” takes a chipper view of a possible apocalypse, and all the album’s strengths converge on “Nothing to Prove.” (MC)
$16.98	Title:    Preliminaires Label:    Astralwerks Artist:    Iggy Pop ISBN:    9786312949855 ISBN-10:    UPC:    05099969857829 Prod.#:    BECDATWR98578B Cat.#:    985782 B Genre:    Pop/Rock Release type:    New Comments:    Somber, intimate and introspective, Iggy Pop’s latest is in the same spirit as 1999’s Avenue B. He growls and snarls but doesn’t roar. The album was inspired by Michel Houellebecq’s 2005 novel The Possibility of an Island, but Iggy makes it sound personal. Some is in French, including his take on “Les Feuilles Mortes (Autumn Leaves).” Stylistically, it ranges from the ramshackle New Orleans jazz of “King of the Dogs” to “A Machine for Loving,” a spoken-word piece over a moody, unobtrusive musical background. (MC)
$13.99	Title:    Fantasies Label:    Metric Music International (dist. Red) Artist:    Metric ISBN:    9786312842293 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00875918001926 Prod.#:    BECDMMIT80019 Cat.#:    CD-MET-80019 Genre:    Pop/Rock Release type:    New Comments:    It's been nearly four years since their last album, during which time an earlier (long-delayed) record of theirs finally came out and frontwoman and songwriter Emily Haines (also a charter member of Broken Social Scene) released an EP and intimate solo album. While their last release, Live It Out, was darker post-rock this one is stadium-sized danceable art rock. This one favors melodic pop over the raw, less-refined sound of their previous work. The lyrics and moods are still often melancholic, but this is an accessible mainstream pop record, if you’re into that sort of thing. (TWB)
$15.00	Title:    Power + Light Label:    ThrowingMusic Artist:    Performer:    50 Foot Wave Cat.#:    FFWPLV Genre:    Rock/Pop Release type:    New Comments:    In case you haven’t heard, not only are Throwing Muses still thriving, but in 2003, band leader and acclaimed solo artist Kristin Hersh started another project, mathy power-punk-surf outfit, 50 Foot Wave (FFW). If the Muses are the sound of intricately controlled chaos, this is barely controlled mayhem, on the scale of a freight train at full tilt gone off the tracks, only it keeps lumbering, overwhelming and unstoppable. Power + Light is “more beast than man,” an epic, relentless monster in seven movements, one continuous track. This addictive, menacing music begs to be heard live. It is an achingly beautiful and disarmingly visceral assault that gets better with every listen, the best thing yet from this frighteningly talented trio. [NOTE: Currently available on vinyl only, or via free download.] (TWB)
$16.98	Title:    Plutonium Blonde Label:    ROIR (dist. Ryko) Artist:    Legendary Pink Dots ISBN:    9786312452690 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00053436830529 Prod.#:    BECDROIR368305 Cat.#:    8305 Genre:    Pop/Rock Release type:    New Comments:    Most rock'n'roll weirdos are just weird. The Legendary Pink Dots are weirdly compelling, and that's quite an accomplishment, if you think about it. Plutonium Blonde finds them dabbling in spoken-word, industrial, folk, synth-pop, and a creepy sort of electro/techno, all without ever sounding dilletantish or willfully abrasive. Every adventurous pop collection should hold at least one LPD album, and this one is as good a place to start as any. (RA)
WORLD/ETHNIC
$17.98	Title:    Gwindingwi Rine Shumba Label:    Water (dist. City Hall) Artist:    Thomas Mapfumo ISBN:    9786312699217 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00646315723724 Prod.#:    BECDWTRR237 Cat.#:    WATER237 Genre:    African Release type:    Reissue Comments:    Zimbabwean Thomas Mapfumo is the man who adapted the sound of the thumb-piano or mbira to the electric guitar and created songs that are inextricably linked to his country’s liberation from colonial rule. His ‘chimurenga’ (usually translated as ‘struggle’) music is usually heard on compilations, but this is an actual album that came out in 1980, and it’s a bare bones reissue without full translated lyrics and with a mastering job that seems to come from vinyl sources. Still, it sounds warm and lively, and it’s good to hear the music in its original format. (SA)
$29.98	Title:    African Pearls: Senegal 70 Musical Exuberance Label:    Sterns Music USA Artist:    Various Artists ISBN:    9786312924401 ISBN-10:    UPC:    03700426907385 Prod.#:    BECDSTEN6142032 Cat.#:    6142032 Genre:    African Release type:    Compilation (2-discs) Comments:    Senegalese music has always had a unique sound among its west African neighbors, mainly because of the sound of the pitch-shifting talking drum. On Senegal 70 the Sterns label does its usual great job of compiling an introduction and overview of a scene, as it has done with other entries in the African Pearls series. Great tracks from Orchestra Baobab and the various versions of the Star/Etoile bands, as well as some unknowns. Recommended for all libraries collecting African music. (SA)
$16.98	Title:    Nigeria 70: The Definitive Story Of 1970's Funky Lagos Label:    Strut Records/Red Artist:    Various Artists ISBN:    9786312825609 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00730003304422 Prod.#:    BECDSEDS044 Cat.#:    STRUT044CD Genre:    African Release type:    Compilation (2-discs) Comments:    It’s easy to look at the history of modern Nigerian music and separate it into distinct categories – highlife, juju, Afrobeat, etc. The great thing about Nigeria 70 is that it gives the listener examples of those styles and more, sometimes on individual tracks and sometimes all at once on the same track! Some fairly well-known names (Fela Kute, Tony Allen, Orlando Julius, Sunny Ade) rub elbows with real obscurities, and it all fits together with 70s Nigeria revealing itself as a unique vortex of creativity and pure groove. Props to Strut Records for releasing and remastering this collection, which has been out of print for a while. (SA)
$17.98	Title:    Once Upon a Time At King Tubby's Label:    Pressure Sounds Records/Ra Artist:    Various Artists ISBN:    9786312783978 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00689492089122 Prod.#:    BECDPSRS920891 Cat.#:    62 Genre:    Reggae Release type:    Compilation Comments:    In the 1970s, rival reggae deejays (the local term for Jamaica's prototypical rappers) would often take shots at each other on recordings, a process which could sometimes escalate into an all-out war as each released single after single responding to the slanderous claims of the other. One of the most legendary such wars was waged by I Roy and Prince Jazzbo over the course of six releases, all of which are brought together here along with dub versions and a few contributions from outside the feud by artists such as Johnny Clarke and Derrick Morgan. Not every song is essential, but it's certainly fun to be able to track the progress of the whole affair with a single disc. The winner? Producer Bunny Lee, in whose studio both combatants recorded and who was probably the only one to walk away with any money in his pocket when the fighting finally stopped. (RA)
$16.98	Title:    Mariachi Classics Label:    Mardi Gras (dist. Select-O) Artist:    Mariachi Real De San Diego ISBN:    9786312939993 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00096094112026 Prod.#:    BECDMGR 1120 Cat.#:    MG 1120 Genre:    Latin Release type:    New Comments:    Admit it: you love mariachi music. Those violins, those trumpets, those soaring melodies, those sometimes startlingly complex rhythms -- they're irresistible. And the ensemble Mariachi Real de San Diego are out to restore some of the music's forgotten repertoire, which its members have dug out during the course of research in Tijuana, California, and Texas. The playing on Mariachi Classics is great, as is the singing -- but I wish there were just a little bit less reverb; this music doesn't need any extra sweetening. (RA)
$21.98	Title:    Scorchers from The Early Years 1967-73 Label:    17 North Parade (dist. Fontana) Artist:    Joe Gibbs ISBN:    9786312845720 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00054645415125 Prod.#:    BECD17NP4151 Cat.#:    VP4151 Genre:    Reggae Release type:    Compilation (2-discs) Comments:    The late 1960s and early 1970s were a very important period for the development of reggae music, one that is beautifully documented on this budget-priced two-disc set. This was when rock steady music was giving way to reggae, and you can hear the transition happening as you work your way through the 40 tracks on this compilation. Some are familiar classics (such as the Pioneers' immortal "Longshot"), but many will be new even to devoted fans of the genre. An excellent overview that will nicely complement any library's reggae collection. (RA)
$19.98	Title:    Marvellous Boy: Calypso from West Africa Label:    Honest Jon's (dist. Forced Exposure) Artist:    Various Artists ISBN:    9786312809906 ISBN-10:    UPC:    04047179217026 Prod.#:    BECDHJNR038 Cat.#:    038 Genre:    World Music Release type:    Compilation Comments:    Calypso, the Caribbean pop music most commonly associated with Trinidad, was also hugely popular in Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Ghana in the middle of the 20th century. This strange and delightful collection documents some of the best calypso recordings from that period in that region, and although both the sound quality and the performances are a bit uneven, the documentary value of this compilation is hard to overestimate. And more than a handful of the tracks are brilliant in purely musical terms. A must for any world music collection. (RA)
$18.98	Title:    ReCreation Label:    Heads Up Artist:    Zap Mama ISBN:    9786312849117 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00053361315924 Prod.#:    BECDHEAD3159 Cat.#:    HUCD3159 Genre:    World/Pop Release type:    New Comments:    As leader (and sometimes sole member) of Zap Mama, Afropean singer/songwriter Marie Daulne has never made a bad album and probably couldn't if she tried -- and her latest, which features guest luminaries Tony Allen, Vincent Cassell, Meshell Ndegeocello and others, is far from bad. In fact, Zap Mama fans like myself are thrilled to have it. While I wish it packed just a little bit more punch than it does, there's more than enough of Daulne's trademarked quirky melodicism, globe-trotting beats, and wry lyrics to keep us happy. (RA)

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