June 2012
Look for "Rick's Pick"

CLASSICAL
 
$12.99
 
Title:    Missa "Et ecce terrae motus"; Sequentia "Dies irae, dies illa"
Label:    Newton Classics (dist. Naxos)
Composer:    Antoine Brumel
Performer:    Huelgas Ensemble / Paul Van Nevel
ISBN:    9786314543594
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    08718247710928
Prod.#:    BECDNWTN8802092
Cat.#:    8802092
Period:    Renaissance
Genre:    Classical
Release type:    Reissue
Comments:    Antoine Brumel's twelve-voice Mass was very unusual for the late 15th century, and it sounds unusual even now. The rich layering of parts and the rather limited harmonic movement (much of the work is based on G and C major triads) produce a sort of darkly shimmering effect that is both hypnotic and intellectually engaging. As always, the Ensemble Huelgas sings beautifully, and the 21-year-old recording holds up very nicely. (RA)
 
$19.98
 
Title:    Piano Trio, Op. 100; Notturno
Label:    Eloquentia (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
Composer:    Franz Schubert
Performer:    Trio Latitude 41
ISBN:    9786314568580
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    03760107400291
Prod.#:    BECDEQTA1129
Cat.#:    EL 1129
Period:    Romantic
Genre:    Classical
Release type:    New
Comments:    This is the debut release from Trio Latitude 41, and while they've chosen a well-worn piece with which to introduce themselves to the marketplace, they have nevertheless brought real freshness and elegance to it. Schubert's Opus 100 piano trio is a monument of Romantic chamber music, and Trio Latitude 41 bring to its performance a perfect blend of fiery emotion, unquestionable technical skill, and a deep respect for the power of Schubert's melodic gifts. Their rendition of Schubert's posthumously-published Triosatz is also excellent. (RA)
 
$19.98
 
Title:    String Quartet No. 19 ("Dissonance"); String Quartet No. 13 ("Rosamunde")
Label:    Aparte (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
Composer:    Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; Franz Schubert
ISBN:    9786314568412
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    03149028005929
Prod.#:    BECDAPRT022
Cat.#:    AP022
Period:    Classical/Romantic
Genre:    Classical
Release type:    New
Comments:    Both of the string quartets presented on this very fine disc represent the transitional period between Viennese classicism and the emerging Romantic movement. The Mozart piece is famous both for its anomalous adagio opening section, which is dark and brooding and spikily chromatic, and for the subsequent sweetness and elegance of its main sections--and the strong hints of a more expressive emotional style to come. Schubert's "Rosamunde" quartet draws on themes previously written for lieder and theater settings, and contributed significantly to the emergence of a new style of quartet writing. The Chiaroscuro Quartet sound as if they were born to this repertoire. Highly recommended. (RA)
 
$17.99
 
Title:    Bach and Sons: Clavichord and Flute
Label:    Evil Penguin (dist. Allegro)
Composer:    Various Composers
Performer:    Benjamin-Joseph Steens; Jacques-Antoine Bresch
ISBN:    9786314650162
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    05425008377537
Prod.#:    BECDEPGR11
Cat.#:    EPRC 011
Period:    Baroque/Classical
Genre:    Classical
Release type:    New
Comments:    What makes this recording particularly interesting is not really the fact that it features works by Johann Sebastian along with those of his sons Carl Philipp Emanuel, Wilhelm Friedemann, and Johann Christoph Friedrich--such programming has become a popular idea in recent years. What makes it both sonically and pedagogically interesting is the use of the clavichord for the keyboard parts. The clavichord is a very quiet instrument, and therefore one rarely used in concert settings; there's no reason not to use it in the studio, however, and Benjamin-Joseph Steens here makes a good argument for its use in the context of these flute-and-keyboard works. All early music collections should acquire this disc. (RA)
 
$17.99
 
Title:    A Concert For Madame De Sevigne
Label:    Flora (dist. Allegro)
Composer:    Various Composers
Performer:    Marc Hantai; Georges Barthel; Eduardo Eguez; Philippe Pierlot
ISBN:    9786314667207
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    05425008377667
Prod.#:    BECDFLRA2110
Cat.#:    211
Period:    Baroque
Genre:    Classical
Release type:    New
Comments:    Apparently inspired by a late-17th-century letter written by Philippe Emmanuel de Coulanges to a certain Madame de Sevigne about a pleasant musical evening spent in celebration of an imminent marriage, this delightful program offers an imaginary recreation of what such an evening might have sounded like. It features pieces for two flutes and continuo (theorbed lute and bass viol) by such composers as Marin Marais, Jean-Baptiste Lully, and Jacques Hotteterre played by an all-star ensemble of period-instrument masters. Brilliantly played, sparklingly recorded, and thoroughly enjoyable. (RA)
 
$16.98
 
Title:    Silfra
Label:    Deutsche Grammophon
Composer:    Hilary Hahn; Hauschka
Performer:    Hilary Hahn; Hauschka
ISBN:    9786314687649
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    00028947903031
Prod.#:    BECDUMG B001679802
Cat.#:    B001679802
Period:    Contemporary
Genre:    Classical
Release type:    New
Comments:    Hilary Hahn is one of the most celebrated violinists in the world; Hauschka (the stage name of Volker Bertelmann) is renowned as both a composer and the reviver of the idea of "prepared piano" -- the addition of foreign objects such as tape, foil, bells, bottle tops, etc. to the strings of a piano so as to radically alter its sound (a practice made popular in the mid-20th century by John Cage). This album consists mostly of studio improvisations between the two, and is startlingly, even stunningly, beautiful. Most pieces are brief, and most are rather dark, but there are also moments of brilliant sunlight. Both musicians make sounds that one would not necessarily expect from their instruments,but none that one wouldn't want to hear over and over. Highly recommended to all classical collections. (RA)
 
$18.98
 
Title:    Clarinet Concertos
Label:    Claves (dist. Albany)
Composer:    Franz Krommer
Performer:    Thomas Friedli; Antony Pay; English Chamber Orchestra
ISBN:    9786314621650
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    00769931860229
Prod.#:    BECDCLAE8602
Cat.#:    CD 50-8602
Period:    Classical
Genre:    Classical
Release type:    Reissue
Comments:    Originally issued in 1986, this reissue marks a welcome return to market for a wonderful recording of clarinet concertos by the criminally overlooked Moravian composer Franz Krommer. Krommer was an immediate success upon his arrival in Vienna in 1795; he was a prolific composer (over 100 string quartets alone), but copies of his works came to light only gradually in the 20th century. The three clarinet concertos presented here (one of them for two clarinets) are among the most attractive; here's hoping for more. (RA)
 
$19.98
 
Title:    Sonatas
Label:    Ancalagon (dist. Allegro)
Composer:    Johann Sebastian Bach
Performer:    Lara St. John; Marie-Pierre Langlamet
ISBN:    9786314608385
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    00723721603250
Prod.#:    BECDACLG139
Cat.#:    ANC 139
Period:    Baroque
Genre:    Classical
Release type:    New
Comments:    If you're one of the many people who love baroque music but have a limited tolerance for the timbre of the harpsichord, then consider this: a recording of some (sadly not all) of the Bach violin sonatas on baroque violin and harp. Lara St. John is an established master of this repertoire, and harpist Marie-Pierre Langlamet brings a unique sound and a delicate touch to the accompaniment. This is an unusual and very lovely recording. (RA)
 
$18.99
 
Title:    Vespro Della Beata Vergine
Label:    Carus (dist. Naxos)
Composer:    Alessandro Grandi
Performer:    Gachinger Kantorei Stuttgart; Bach-Collegium Stuttgart / Matthew Halls
ISBN:    9786314336950
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    04009350833678
Prod.#:    BECDCARUCV83367
Cat.#:    83.367
Period:    Renaissance
Genre:    Classical
Release type:    New
Comments:    If you find the large-scale sacred works of Claudio Monteverdi and Heinrich Schutz to be thrilling, then you'll definitely want to check out this Vespers setting by the underrated Venetian composer Alessandro Grandi. He was actually something of a Monteverdi accolyte (having served under him as vice-music director at San Marco), and the master's influence is clearly audible here -- but so are Grandi's uniquely creative use of vocal forces and his imaginative approach to texts. It's worth noting that the Bach-Collegium Stuttgart plays primarily on modern instruments; their ability to interpret this repertoire so convincingly on instruments designed for music of the 19th century is particularly impressive. Recommended. (RA)
COUNTRY/FOLK
 
$14.98
 
Title:    Back At the Quonset Hut
Label:    Ramseur (dist. Red)
Artist:    Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys
ISBN:    9786314609399
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    00794504829709
Prod.#:    BECDRMS 482970
Cat.#:    482970
Genre:    Country & Western
Release type:    New (2-discs)
Comments:    One could take this album as the workings of a hard-core traditionalist harking back to the honky-tonk of the 1940s and 1950s with some classic country songs. Alternatively, it can be seen as a postmodern endeavor to meld those styles with current sensibilities, mostly filtered through the country rock of BR5-49, Mead’s major affiliation. Straightforward or ironic, he’s got a winner, one that can be enjoyed on any level. Backed by a great band, with special guests and containing a DVD with a documentary and other stuff, this is one great package. And they do “Wabash Cannonball”! (JW)
 
$17.98
 
Title:    Dark So Gold
Label:    Red House
Artist:    The Pines
ISBN:    9786314594039
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    00033651024729
Prod.#:    BECDREDH247
Cat.#:    RHR CD 247
Genre:    Folk
Release type:    New
Comments:    This group performs dark, lonely, beautiful songs. Whether you want to label them indie folk, alt-country, or Americana doesn’t really matter; they exist at the intersection of all those subgenres. The tunes are all original, written by band members Benson Ramsey, David Huckfelt, and Michael Rossetto in varying combinations, and they speak to the angst of the rural Midwest, while remaining applicable to the wider world. Aided by four other members, they range from quiet, introspective pieces to songs that rock out, but with sophistication and hooks. A solid album in all respects. (JW)
 
$15.98
 
Title:    Home from The Mills
Label:    Rebel
Artist:    Jimmy Gaudreau & Moondi Klein
ISBN:    9786314672065
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    00032511184320
Prod.#:    BECDREBE1843
Cat.#:    REB-CD-1843
Genre:    Country
Release type:    New
Comments:    When two guys with a bluegrass background get together as a guitar-mandolin duo, they almost invariably fall back into the conventions of "brother duet" acts from the 1930s. Not Moondi Klein and Jimmy Gaudreau. Both are steeped in the "newgrass" tradition that tends to push musical boundaries, and their sound is pretty forward-looking -- or at least not as far backward-looking as that of most of their colleagues. Their voices aren't as strong as they were 20 years ago, but their taste in songs is still great and their picking fingers are as strong as ever. (RA)
 
$16.98
 
Title:    I Belong to The Band: A Tribute to Rev. Gary Davis
Label:    Stony Plain
Artist:    Rory Block
ISBN:    9786314702991
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    00772532135924
Prod.#:    BECDSTON21359
Cat.#:    SPCD1359
Genre:    Blues
Release type:    New
Comments:    Acoustic blues master Rory Block has been making a series of what she calls "mentor" recordings, saluting blues legends whom she met and learned from during her formative years. Following previous releases honoring Son House and Mississippi Fred McDowell, we now have this tribute to Rev. Gary Davis, whose blues-inflected gospel music has been such a huge influence to so many. As always, Block's powerful voice and masterful guitar playing bring both a unique flavor to this music and communicate her deep respect for the songs. Great stuff. (RA)
JAZZ
 
$16.98
 
Title:    Now!/Salt & Pepper
Label:    Impulse!
Artist:    Sonny Stitt
ISBN:    9786314585204
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    00602527809564
Prod.#:    BECD278 0956
Cat.#:    2780956
Genre:    Jazz
Release type:    Reissue
Comments:    With his 1963 releases Now! and Salt and Pepper, saxophonist Sonny Stitt switched from alto to tenor and finally got people to stop constantly comparing him to Charlie Parker. He's still a consummate bebop player, but on these two albums (conveniently reissued here on a single disc as part of the Impulse! label's 2-on-1 series) we hear him expanding backwards into New Orleans territory and forwards into a more modern postbop style. Every track is a treasure. (RA)
 
$16.98
 
Title:    Girl Talk
Label:    Palmetto (dist. Red)
Artist:    Kate McGarry
ISBN:    9786314670863
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    00753957215729
Prod.#:    BECDPMTO21572
Cat.#:    PM 2152
Genre:    Jazz
Release type:    New
Comments:    There are so many things to like about Kate McGarry and her new album--the openhearted sweetness of this tribute to her favorite forebears, the suppleness and confidence of her delivery, the combination of straight-ahead instrumentation and slyly progressive arrangements. But what knocks you out over and over again is the simple quality of her voice: crystal-clear, strong, perfectly pitched. This is one of the most enjoyable jazz albums of any kind that I've heard in a year. (RA)
 
$16.98
 
Title:    Symphony Of Souls
Label:    Mulatta
Artist:    Jason Kao Hwang
ISBN:    9786314531034
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    00707541372497
Prod.#:    BECDMTT 22
Cat.#:    MUL022
Genre:    Jazz
Release type:    New
Comments:    Violinist and composer Hwang has been involved in wide-ranging music scenes, from avant-garde jazz to classical, world, and Broadway. Here he marshals a large force of strings for an eleven-movement jazz symphony. Partly composed, partly improvised, the nearly forty string players are backed by Hwang’s quartet, including drummer Andrew Drury. The result is symphonic in scope and cinematic in mood. Simultaneously intense and absorbing, the music calls to mind that of violinist Leroy Jenkins, but at a larger scale than is usually attempted. Hwang’s music is not for traditionalists, but anyone interested in current experiments in contemporary jazz cannot ignore his efforts. (JW)
 
$19.98
 
Title:    Everything is Alive
Label:    Winter & Winter
Artist:    Hank Roberts
ISBN:    9786314658694
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    00025091017423
Prod.#:    BECDWAW 174
Cat.#:    910 174-2
Genre:    Jazz
Release type:    New
Comments:    All you really need to know about this album is that the sessions are led (and all pieces written) by avant-jazz cellist Hank Roberts and that he's joined by guitarist Bill Frisell (along with bassist Jerome Harris and drummer Kenny Wollesen). Calling it "jazz" is actually something of a stretch, but it sure is pretty--sometimes abstract, sometimes wonderfully lyrical, often very quiet, sometimes startlingly funky. A must for fans of forward- and sideways-looking jazz. (RA)
 
$21.98
 
Title:    Live at Art D'Lugoff's Top of The Gate
Label:    Resonance (dist. Allegro)
Artist:    Bill Evans
ISBN:    9786314719180
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    00724101961526
Prod.#:    BECDRSNC2012
Cat.#:    HCD 2012
Genre:    Jazz
Release type:    New (2-discs)
Comments:    For fans of the late jazz pianist Bill Evans (and we are legion), this two-disc set is something like a holy grail -- a never-before-released recording of two full trio sets from 1968, when Evans was at the peak of his powers and was working with the excellent bassist Eddie Gomez (the drummer, also very fine, is Marty Morell). The sound quality is exceptionally good, and the whole group's playing on standards like "Emily," "'Round Midnight," and "Autumn Leaves" is everything a fan could hope for. Essential for all jazz collections. (RA)
ROCK/POP
 
$12.98
 
Title:    Vava Voom
Label:    Amorphous (dist. Fontana)
Artist:    Bassnectar
ISBN:    9786314671662
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    00887158008245
Prod.#:    BECDFNTAAM012
Cat.#:    AM0012
Genre:    Electronica
Release type:    New
Comments:    No producer of dance music sounds anything like Bassnectar--and in an area dominated by cookie-cutter techno and ho-hum house music, that's really saying something. With Vava Voom, he starts leaving behind the unexpected meter changes and dramatic textural shifts of his earlier work without simplifying in any way the funky complexity of his grooves and instrumental textures or undermining the pervasive sense of joy that has always characterized even his hardest and most minor-key excursions. Bassnectar's music is, in short, some of the most intelligent, goodhearted, and funky music being made in any genre these days, and every release is a joy. Highly recommended. (RA)
 
$10.98
 
Title:    Interstellar
Label:    Slumberland (dist. Revolver)
Artist:    Frankie Rose
ISBN:    9786314601805
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    00749846015020
Prod.#:    BECDSLMB150
Cat.#:    SLR 150
Genre:    Pop/Rock Music
Release type:    New
Comments:    Ms. Rose has bounced around from band to band in the noise pop/riot grrrl arena (Vivian Girls, Crystal Stilts, Dum Dum Girls) as a drummer and songwriter, but clearly has not been satisfied. After a previous try with the Outs, she has finally struck out on her own with a spectacular solo album. Combining contemporary sensibilities with new wave and 60s influences, her unique sound is achieved with synthesizers, overdubs, and echo, but never sounds artificial. Her songs are strong, her lyrics heartfelt, and her melodies more than memorable. Not exactly a debut album, but it surpasses her first by miles. (JW)
 
$13.98
 
Title:    Giant Single: The Profile Records Rap Anthology
Label:    Arista
Artist:    Various Artists
ISBN:    9786314588304
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    00886974975120
Prod.#:    BECDARIS49751
Cat.#:    88697497512
Genre:    Rap, Hip-Hop
Release type:    Compilation (2-discs)
Comments:    There's really not much more you need to know about this album beyond the artist roster (Run-DMC, Fresh 3 MCs, Rammelzee, K-Rob, Rob Base, Afrika Bambaataa, etc.) and the tracklist ("Genius Rap," "It Takes Two," "Get Off My Tip!," "Hey Love," etc.) -- oh, and the super-budget price. Apart from the fact that it's missing the earliest classics of the genre (since those weren't released on the Profile label), this two-disc set is basically the textbook to Rap History 101. Essential to all pop collections. (RA)
 
$11.98
 
Title:    Stop Us If You've Heard This One Before
Label:    Raisin'/Rhino
Artist:    Barenaked Ladies
ISBN:    9786314693435
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    00081227975371
Prod.#:    BECDRHIN528908
Cat.#:    R2-528908
Genre:    Pop/Rock Music
Release type:    New
Comments:    Whenever a band releases an album of "rare and unreleased tracks," it's usually wise to approach it with caution: there's almost always a very good reason for the tracks in question to have been "rare" or unreleased. But Barenaked Ladies have written so many great pop songs over the past two decades that their throwaways are inevitably going to be better than many others bands' first-line offerings. And they've also always had great taste in live covers. So sure enough, alongside live and demo versions, a great remix of "The Old Apartment," and previously unheard gems (and one or two disappointments) you also get a pretty hilarious live version of the Beastie Boy's "Shake Your Rump." Very nice. (RA)
 
$14.95
 
Title:    Little Big Men (Remastered)
Label:   
Artist:    Geoff Achison and the Souldiggers
UPC:    9321481044125
Cat.#:    GRACD15
Genre:    Pop/Rock Music
Release type:    Reissue
Comments:    Australian Geoff Achison is a gifted gutiarist/singer/songwriter with a keen gift for songwriting, accentuated by his beautifully melodic guitar playing. Indeed, his guitar chops have been praised by Hot Tuna’s Jorma Kaukonen, and Achison is regular instructor at Kaukonen’s Fur Peace Ranch guitar camp (and that’s high praise, indeed). Backed by the Souldiggers, a rock/roots band that really knows how to swing, Achison delivers an excellent set of songs, all peppered by guitar work that, at times, evokes the sinuous air of Mark Knopfler’s work on the first Dire Straits records. LIttle Big Men is a remastered reissue of his original 2005 Australian release, and it’s great to find this gem available in the US. Recommended. (GH)
 
$26.98
 
Title:    We All Raise Our Voices To The Air (Live Songs 04.11 - 08.11)
Label:    Capitol
Artist:    Decemberists
ISBN:    9786314633714
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    05099973180326
Prod.#:    BECDCAP 31803C
Cat.#:    509993 01272 1 0
Genre:    Pop/Rock Music
Release type:    New (2-discs)
Comments:    The Decemberists announced that they would be taking a long hiatus after touring behind their album The King Is Dead, and this double live album commemorates that tour. The live format suits them, because these versions prove that the band, who some find a bit precious in the studio, turn into energetic and powerful performers in front of an audience. The track selection gives a fair overview of their career, and one can only hope that they come back from their side projects ready to resume their place as one of the best bands of the 00’s. (SA)
 
$13.99
 
Title:    Master of My Make Believe
Label:    Atlantic/Q
Artist:    Santigold
ISBN:    9786314691356
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    00075678766695
Prod.#:    BECDATL 530436
Cat.#:    530436-2
Genre:    Pop/Rock Music
Release type:    New
Comments:    When Santigold burst on the scene with her self-titled album four years ago, she led with a fresh mix of indie and club music, but she was still pretty underground. That all changed when she began touring with M.I.A., Coldplay, and Bjork, as well as opening shows for Jay-Z and Beyoncé. Four years is a long time in the music business, and it remains to be seen whether she can continue to ride this wave of popularity, but her new album is both sharper and more polished than the debut, and I think she’s a force to be reckoned with. (SA)
 
$11.00
 
Title:    Widowspeak
Label:    Captured Tracks
Artist:    Widowspeak
Cat.#:    CT118
Genre:    Pop/Rock Music
Release type:    New
Comments:    This is their first album, so let’s get this out of the way first, yes, on the surface there are sounds reminiscent of Mazzy Star (maybe some Cat Power, too). But there’s more. The two founding members of this Brooklyn trio grew up in Tacoma, WA, and there’s a dark undercurrent running thorough this music that is more evocative of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks than the narcotic sounds of the Paisley Underground. Molly Hamilton’s gauzy, sensuous vocals and the somtimes slow-grooving, sometimes jangly arrangements and playing are up to something compelling. If there’s more mood and atmosphere than substance here, it is still a promising debut album and these sounds may prove addictive. (TWB)
WORLD/ETHNIC
 
$15.98
 
Title:    The Tel Aviv Session
Label:    Cumbancha
Artist:    Toure-Raichel Collective
ISBN:    9786314648213
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    00890846001220
Prod.#:    BECDCUMH22
Cat.#:    CMB-CD-22
Genre:    World Music
Release type:    New
Comments:    This album is a collaboration between Israeli keyboardist Idan Raichel and legendary Malian guitarist Vieux Farka Touré. Accompanied by an Israeli bassist and a Malian percussionist, the two improvised a set of tunes over the course of an afternoon. The result is very pleasant, if maybe a bit aimless, and fans of both artists will find the music enjoyable and at times entrancing. (RA)
 
$14.98
 
Title:    Karindula Sessions: Tradi-Modern Sounds from Southeast Congo [Digipak]
Label:    Crammed Discs
Artist:    Various Artists
ISBN:    9786314614430
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    00876623006220
Prod.#:    BECDCRMDCRM0070
Cat.#:    CRAW 70
Genre:    World Music
Release type:    Compilation (2-discs)
Comments:    Crammed Discs already blew minds with their Congotronics series, featuring new sounds recorded in and around the Congolese capital of Kinshasa, and now they have ventured into the southeastern part of the country for a compilation of the music called Karindula, a word which also designates the main instrument used - a kind of giant banjo made out of an oil barrel, a goat skin, four strings, and an empty bag of powdered milk. Amazing stuff, and the package also includes a DVD documenting the festival where the tracks were recorded. (SA)
 
$19.98
 
Title:    The Living Room Sessions Part 1
Label:    East Meets West (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
Artist:    Ravi Shankar
ISBN:    9786314690489
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    00666449767524
Prod.#:    BECDEMTW1006
Cat.#:    EMWM1006
Genre:    Indian
Release type:    New
Comments:    This is a warm and lovely album of ragas recorded by the 91-year-old Ravi Shankar with his longtime tabla accompanist Tanmoy Bose in the sitarist's living room over the course of several days in October 2011. (A second volume from the same informal recording sessions will be released in late 2012.) After a more than seven-decade career Shankar's skills have not declined, and the seemingly telepathic musical connection between him and Bose is very impressive. A must for any world music collection. (RA)
 
$19.98
 
Title:    Shangaan Shake
Label:    Honest Jon's (dist. Forced Exposure)
Artist:    Various Artists
ISBN:    9786314625368
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    04047179644723
Prod.#:    BECDHJNR058
Cat.#:    HJRCD 58
Genre:    Electronica
Release type:    Compilation
Comments:    Honest Jon’s Records have taken tracks recorded for the album Shangaan Electro, which showcased a new style of dance music from southeastern Africa, and given them to some of today’s hottest producers – Actress, Burnt Friedmann, Peverelist, Ricardo Villalobos, Demdike Stare, Mark Ernestus, and Theo Parrish, among others. These remixes are often radical takes on the originals, some of them extremely minimal, and they offer some of the best recent examples of the musical interplay between Europe and Africa. (SA)
 
$19.98
 
Title:    In Dub
Label:    Echo Beach (dist. Forced Exposure)
Artist:    Jamaram
ISBN:    9786314207885
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    04047179554527
Prod.#:    BECDECOB082
Cat.#:    EB 082
Genre:    Reggae
Release type:    New
Comments:    There's a common misconception out there that the only worthwhile roots reggae music being recorded these days comes from Berlin. Nonsense! As this fine dub album demonstrates, some of it comes from Bavaria. The Munich-based Jamaram ensemble has recorded a bunch of it, and here presents a very fine collection of dub versions in a variety of styles, from rockers to one drop, with lots of horns and the occasional dropped-in shred of vocals. If you love dub and you wish more of it were being produced in Jamaica, a country that seems to have virtually forgotten its roots-reggae heritage, then comfort yourself with this excellent release. (RA)
 
$13.98
 
Title:    Sumud
Label:    Six Degrees (dist. Fontana)
Artist:    Niyaz
ISBN:    9786314687465
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    00657036118720
Prod.#:    BECDSXDR6570361187
Cat.#:    1187
Genre:    World Music
Release type:    New
Comments:    Niyaz is a trio composed of singer Azam Ali, her husband and multi-instrumentalist Loga Ramin Torkian, and producer Carmen Rizzo. The songs on their first two albums explored themes of Iranian exile, but on their third album they have broadened their focus to include ethnic and religious minorities worldwide. The music is equal parts acoustic and electronic--Torkian's kamaan and robab both featuring prominently--and is generally characterized by darkly beautiful soundscapes punctuated by sudden outbursts of joyful lyricism. As always, Ali's voice is a pure pleasure to hear. Recommended to all world music collections. (RA)
 
$18.98
 
Title:    Quilombo Do Futuro
Label:    Post World Industries
Artist:    Maga Bo
ISBN:    9786314721732
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    00711623730624
Prod.#:    BECDPHAD1995377
Cat.#:    105
Genre:    Brazilian
Release type:    New
Comments:    Here's the description from the press materials: "Coco, masculele, samba, jongo and capoeira meet ragga and dub, hip hop and kuduro, grime and dubstep." Clear as mud? Well, don't worry about it: all you need to know is that Maga Bo (working with an illustrious list of collaborators including MC Zulu, Jahdan Blakkamoore, and Gaspar) blends a whole mess of different indigenous Brazilian musical styles with another whole mess of British, Jamaican, and American styles and creates something at once familiar and alien. Oh, and funky. Super funky. (RA)
 
$17.98
 
Title:    Batida
Label:    Soundway (dist. Forced Exposure)
Artist:    Batida
ISBN:    9786314625405
ISBN-10:   
UPC:    05060091551145
Prod.#:    BECDSNWY038
Cat.#:    038
Genre:    Latin/Electronica
Release type:    New
Comments:    This is a completely delightful disc, one that takes samples from records made in 1970s Angola and mixes them into newly-created electronic dance tracks. It's not exactly a brand-new concept, but then, it doesn't have to be. Pedro Coquenao (a.k.a. DJ Mpula, a.k.a. Batida) is the ringleader of this joyfully chaotic and warmly inviting musical circus, and leads a crew of guest vocalists including Ngongo, Ikokonklasta, and Bob da Rage Sense through an exhausting program of high-energy tracks that draw on all kinds of musical traditions new and old to create something vibrantly alive and thrillingly danceable. (RA)

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