Los Reyes de la Cancion
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (11 June, 2002)
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Reviews (2)

Great Party Music!
I loved this CD, it has great songs in it, great for a house party or just driving in your car.

Autenticamente autentico
If you want some Argentine music, start here.It's a party in a CD. ... Read more

Asin: B000067OZ8
Sales Rank: 153618
Subjects:  1. Latin    2. Latin Continuum    3. Latin Pop    4. Rock   

Caetano Veloso [1971]
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Audio CD (26 July, 2005)
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• Import

Reviews (6)

Home away from home
Recorded in London in 1970 during Veloso's exile ,this album contains great gems such A LITTLE MORE BLUE,MARIA BETHANIA and the eventual classic LONDON,LONDON.Caetano turned his SAUDADE(longing)for home into a highly creative work that trascends decades and cultures

It took me a while, but....
This is a really fabulous album.By and large, it is a documenting of Caetano's emotional rollercoaster during his exile from Brazil.Musically, it is a considerable departure from anything Brazilian.This is really about Caetano, his life crisis, and the obvious influence British Isles music was having on his work.This album really bears no similarity to his previous work, regardless of language.The 1969 white album was all over the place, and this album, partly because there are only 7 songs, is more focused.Maria Bethania and Shoot Me Dead are my favorites.There is great similarity with this album and Transa, the follow-up.I know many fans swear by Transa, but right now, I'm leaning on the '71 album as the stronger package.You can't go wrong either way.

Not Classic Veloso, but a must for fans
Caetano Veloso came to England in the summer of '69, after having run afoul of the authorities in his native Brazil for his politics. "London, London" is the first of his "albums-in-exile" and, while no masterpiece, it remains of historical iterest to Veloso's international fans. That is not to say that there are not some real gems here, including "Asa Branca," a lovely ballad and the only song on the album in Portugese. But the presence of this song, by Luiz Gonzaga and Humberto Teixira, helps to throw the album's primary weakness into relief. Veloso possesses one of the most affecting voices in music, capable of great tenderness and conviction. But the vocals are less assured here, the result perhaps of Veloso's struggles with a new language, one not so fluid as Portugese. That being said, highlights here include the Donovon-esque "London, London," which movingly conveys Veloso's sense of wonder at finding himself in Swinging London, a sentiment underscored in its recurring lyric, "While my eyes / Go looking for the saucers in the sky." I also like "Maria Bethania," with its gentle reproach to his sister, herself a major recording artist in Brazil, for not having kept him adequately informed about events back home. And "Shoot Me Dead" is a rocking good number with lively percussive effects that showcases yet another side to Veloso's multifaceted talent. All in all, a must for fans; others might beware. ... Read more

Asin: B00000GAC6
Sales Rank: 102456
Subjects:  1. Brazil    2. Brazilian    3. Int'l & World Music    4. Latin    5. MPB    6. World Music   

Dimelo en la Calle
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (10 December, 2002)
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Reviews (11)

El Gran Sabina
Sin duda uno de sus mejores discos (si no el mejor), pareciera que despues del problema que sufrio unos meses antes a la realizacion del disco lo inspiraron para grabarlo, buenas canciones y letras de lo mejor 10 estrellas.
Salud Sabina y adelante.

El más grande
Un disco que demuestra lo que al parecer es el pináculo de Sabina (si su proximo disco es mejor creo que no podré creerlo), un disco que al igual que su autor no tienen parangon en este momento en el habla castellana (y creo que en ninguna lengua mas) dada la sensibilidad y destreza para describir y compartir los sentimientos y situaciones en general de la persona humana. Un maestro que inexplicablemente no es difundido en los medios de comunicación latinos de USA, pero que tiene miles de fieles seguidores.

5 estrellas es muy poco
El mejor disco en habla hispana hecho hasta ahora y que increiblemente no es comercializado en el mercado latino de USA. Joaquín a pesar de su convalecencia no ha perdido lo mas minimo de talento y acompañado de sus inseparables músicos Varona y García Del Diego crean un incomparable disco del cual todos debemos de agradecer. ... Read more

Asin: B00007BHAB
Sales Rank: 107346
Subjects:  1. Euro-Pop    2. Latin    3. Latin Pop    4. Rock en Español    5. Spain   

Integral
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (16 November, 1999)
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Features

• Box set
• Import

Reviews (1)

an appropriately lavish tribute to a genius of flamenco
This import box set, containing the complete works of Camaron de La Isla,is excellent andwithout doubt essential for all flamenco "aficionados".

Camaron was for many the greatest singer ( cantaor ) in flamenco'shistory. There have been of course numerous artists who sang profoundly butwith a repertoire restricted ( "corto" ) to the "essential" gypsy cantes ("soleares", "seguiriyas", "bulerias", etc ) . An example being Fernanda deUtrera, Perla de Cadiz, Terremoto de Jerez, El Chocolate. In terms of moreextensive repertoire encompassing the whole gamut of the Cante theprogenitor of "completeness" was Antonio Mairena. But Camaron de La Isla (born a couple of generations after Mairena ) was unique: no matter whatstyle of the Cante he was singing, overwhelming passion and involvement wasput into it. Camaron's trademark vocal quality, quintessentially "gitano" (raspy & cracked; "raja" as they say in Andalucia ),was combined witha superior ability to negotiate the melismatic ornamentation of theflamenco style ( so similar to ancient Jewish and Arabic religious singing) with perfect control and intonation.

Camaron de la Isla was theartistic name of Jose Monje Cruz, born 1951 in the Southern Spanish city ofLa Isla de San Fernando, hence the "Isla" part of Camaron's artistic name ("camaron" itself means "shrimp", a double meaning for the diminutive singernative to a coastal village ).I'm not fully acquainted with the detailsof his childhood but know that he was considered a prodigyand was singingprofessionally by the time he was 11 or 12 years old. He met the nowlegendary guitarist Paco de Lucia ( born Francisco Sanchez Gomez in anothercoastal town, Algeciras, in 1947 ) at a fiesta in the mid 1960's. In termsof pure artistry, Paco de Lucia is Camaron's mirror reflection ( though intemperament, Camaron was the very emblem of gypsy spontaneity and Paco more"cerebral" and introverted ): both were revolutionary in their impact onflamenco music since they burst onto the scene in the late 1960's. Theirrecording partnership (the "con colaboracion" series on the Philips label) was started in 1969 and continued at the pace of one recording a yearuntil 1977, a series of9 albums, 4 of which are works of pure genius:"Soy Caminante", "Arte Y Majestad", "Castillo de Arena" and an untitledalbum from 1973 ( curiously, on "Rosa Maria" from 1976 Camaronseems tired and the LP as a whole lacks the magic of the albums mentionedabove ). In 1979 Camaron worked with a savvy modern record producer and hisfirst record without Paco, "La Leyenda del Tiempo", evinced the influencesof salsa, rock and Indian music. While not in my opinion a huge artisticsuccess, it did prove to be the template which Camaron used for theremainder of his recording career and it was overwhelmingly influential inshaping the new flamenco blossoming throughout Spain in the 1980's. Duringthat decade Camaron concentrated on the more popular cantes ( "tangos","rumba" ) as well as the core gypsy forms. Very often on his recordings hewas accompanied by a group resembling the now famous Paco de Lucia Sextet (more an Octet or Nonet these days ): electric bass, flute and percussion aswell as the more traditional guitars and "palmas" ( handclaps ) would beinvolved in these projects. Sometimes, fairly mediocre sounding synthesizedstrings were present for a quasi-orchestral effect. Camaron's mainaccompanist for live concerts from 1979 on was the young phenomenon fromAlmeria, "Tomatito". Both men shared an almost telepathicconnection when working together ( Tomatito stayed with Camaron till theend ). As someone who reveres Camaron's LP's from the 1970's, I think somedimming of concentration and consistency appeared on Camaron's records inthe 1980's; his struggles with drug abuse, well known in Spain, may havecontributed ( an exception is the great album "Como El Agua", 1981,featuring both Paco and Tomatito on guitars ). However, this is as much assayingFrank Sinatra's work in the 1960's was a lesser form of perfectionthan his work in the 1950's. Like Sinatra, Camaron remained a great artistuntil his death in Barcelona ( July 1992 ) at the age of 41 and ALL of hiswork deserves to be heard.

This box set features re-mastered versions ofall of Camaron's albums with well-written liner notes ( in Spanish only )and some great photos. An added bonus is the one CD containing somepreviously unheard Camaron. Also,the nicely produced booklet isattractive.

This set is an appropriately lavish monument to a truegenius. Hopefully more and more people will come to know the work of thisgreat master of flamenco, the one and only Camaron. ... Read more

Asin: B00003Q4IW
Sales Rank: 245882
Subjects:  1. World Music   

Five Leaves Left
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (06 May, 2003)
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Editorial Review

There's not a single dud in the trilogy of albums that singer/songwriter Nick Drake released during his all-too-short career. And 1968's Five Leaves Left--his first album--is certainly no exception. Drake's sensitive guitar work and sensitive vocals are backed by the baroque sounds of a chamber string group, and the platter's lyrics show maturity well beyond the age of their 20-year-old creator. Sparser than its follow-up, the jazzy Bryter Layter, but less tortured than Drake's dark final chapter, Pink Moon, Five Leaves Left is a classic British folk disc. Songs like "River Man," "The Thoughts of Mary Jane," and "Day Is Done" are among Drake's finest moments. Newcomers be forewarned: this music is as infectious as it is bleak, and a purchase of Drake's boxed set Fruit Tree might be a wise investment. --Jason Verlinde ... Read more

Reviews (68)

Sad and beautiful.
Nearly unknown in his own day, but revered by his contemporaries, Nick Drake has had a bit of a renaissance in the wake of, of all things, the use of one of his songs in a Volkswagon commercial ("Pink Moon" from the album of the same name).But this album was his first, and in many ways, his best.

Drake's legacy is sadly pretty small-- three albums during his lifetime and two posthumous collections.His music is melancholy, in ways no one else's is.Understated, often punctuated (on this record and its followup "Bryter Layter") by a mournful arrangement, lightly sung in Drake's smoky tenor, the music is effecting-- I find to this day that when I play this one, when I hear "River Man", I have a habit of stopping whatever I'm doing, Drake's voice just compels you to listen.And he so directly expresses loneliness, fear and sorrow through his music that listening to him can sometimes be difficult for me-- indeed, I only rarely play his music, but when I do, I marvel at it.

But to this record, "Five Leaves Left" is probably my favorite of Drake's catalog-- the songs are consistently inventive and surprising, and with the exception of closer "Saturday Sun" (which sounds forced), honest, sincere, and brilliant.Several of the songs have that quality like "River Man", "Way to Blue" can grab you the same way with its pained voice-over-strings.And "The Thoughts of Mary Jane" is really beyond words, a sort of melancholy love-from-afar stance, Drake almost sounds content in this, as though the alternative would be too much.

Bottom line, this is a masterpiece, essential listening.Highly recommended.

A troubled cure for a troubled mind
When my good friend Phil recommended this CD to me, he helpfully provided a product advisory. "I'm warning you," Phil emailed. "It's really melancholy stuff, so make sure you don't have any sharp objects lying around when you listen to it."

Like any good Irishman, I love mournful music, and I have a particular weakness for suicidal musicians, especially the ones that died too early to suck. So Phil's words of warning were like catnip to me. Move over Joy Division, Nirvana, and Elliott Smith; make room in the Case Logic for some Nick Drake.

I soon found that Phil was right--and wrong.

On one hand, "Five Leaves Left" feels like the saddest CD ever recorded. You can't fake these emotions; every poignant lyric, every aching guitar chord, and every weeping cello proclaim that this is the voice of a troubled and self-critical soul. Nick Drake died of an overdose at the age of 26; oddly enough, of his three albums, this first one sounds most like a suicide note.

Granted, there's some debate among his fans as to whether his death was indeed a suicide, whether the overdose was accidental or deliberate. On one hand, he OD'd on antidepressants, even though barbituates were available, and he didn't leave a note. On the other hand, he'd already written "Fruit Tree."

Has any musician penned a more convincing suicide note? I doubt it. "Safe in your place deep in the earth/That's when they'll know what you were truly worth." I'm sorry, Ian Curtis--"Closer" may come close, but nothing's more depressing than that. And unlike, say, Elliott Smith, whose pop sensibilities often contrasted his morbid lyrics, every note of this song amplifies its mournfulness.

Still, this album is comforting in its melancholia--it doesn't leave you feeling suicidal, because you listen to it and know there's someone out there who has felt your feelings and given voice to your thoughts. In fact, it's perfect music to listen to at sunset on a Sunday night, when the day and the weekend are over and you haven't accomplished anything and you're facing another 40 hour week of work-related drudgery. If you're thinking of picking up a guitar and hiring a string arranger and writing a song about those emotions, don't bother--you won't do any better than "Day is Done," a 2-and-a-half-minute gem that perfectly encapsulates those feelings.

So cheer up, all you sad people--there's a man out there who understood you, even though he never met you. I wish he'd found a way out of the depression, found a way to stick around, write new songs, and keep his old songs from being used in Volkswagon commercials; they say dying young's a great career move, but you miss out on a lot, and when you're dead you can't stop people from doing silly things with your back catalog. Also, even though people romanticize depression and drug overdoses, they really aren't all that fun, especially for those left behind. But Nick left us with some great music, and we can at least be thankful for that. "Don't you worry," he sang, to us, and to himself. "They'll stand and stare when you're gone." Amen, brother.

Unbelievably, this only sold 2000 copies on first release
Considering that Nick Drake's music is utterly breathtaking, emotionally connecting & life-affirming as it is.It seems truly remarkable that his music was virtually ignored on its initial release.A chronically shy person how expressed himself via his music, his breathy vocals, and gorgeous acoustic guitar arrangements, were (without me understating this) Exceptional....yet his songs of mortality, introspection, dark nights of the soul and mysterious haunting melodies didn't connect with the record buying public some 30 years ago, and this album, his debut....only sold a minuscule 2000 copies (??!!!) on release.Nick would go on to record a further 2 albums of melancholic beauty, with still none of the sales to sustain his career.What followed was a man who plunged further and further into depression, and would eventually overdose on anti-depressants (aged 26), and only over the last few years have the plaudits and celebrity musicians expressed their admiration and love for Nick's work, (even so far as to having a Documentary about his life, persented by 'Brad Pitt').

Nick was one of the few English musicians at the time, taking Folk music and moving into the new wave of 'Progressive Folk' (introspective, intricate music that added new layers of musical and lyrical complexity), from the first song "Time Has told me", Nick intones in a world weary vocal over a lovely understated acoustic section "Time has told me, You're a rare rare find, A troubled cure....For a troubled mind", beautifully captures Nick'sgift for combining pastoral imagery with piercing self revelation.A lush cacophony of string arrangements mark out "River Man", with Nick displaying a bittersweet level of melody unlike anyone else at the time of this albums release, and with Nick musing "Going to see the river man, Going to tell him all i can, About the ban...On feeling free", not even the beautiful strings and gentle guitar can disguise the achingly sad tone of the song."Way to Blue" is arguably one of the best known tracks on this album, and rightly so, its a song that highlights many of Nick Drakes attributes: remarkable instrumentation, anguished poignant vocals, subtle emotion, accessibility & an unsettling level of intimaticy, and lyricism far beyond his years: "Have you seen the land, Living by the breeze...Can you understand a light among the trees, Tell me all that you may know.....Show me what you have to show, Tell us all today....If you know the way to blue?" it feels like such a deeply personal song, that you almost feel like your intruding on someones personal memoirs, yet incapable of ignoring it's captivation content.

This album has a fuller arrangement than later albums (especially over the largely acoustic guitar driven "Pink Moon") This album was to feature prominent names in the growing English folk scene with: Dave Pegg (bass) Dave Mattacks (drums) both of Fairport Convention, Richard Thompson (ld gtr) ex-Fairport, John Cale (celeste, piano and organ) ex-Velvet Underground, Ray Warleigh (alto sax), Chris McGregor (piano) and Pat Arnold and Doris Troy (backing vocals), all contributing to the album with performances virtually equal to Drakes own insular beautiful performance.But nothing detracts from the sheer beauty of this album.

For those that don't have any Nick Drake Albums, this truly is a absolute must-buy, I can't think on any reason that anyone that considers themselves to like Folk (progressive or otherwise), or feels that they have a wide variety of music that they listen to, should not own this album!!!Is this Nick Drakes best album???...I find that question impossible to personally answer.Critics point this album as his best...."Bryter Layter" was his most popular album, and "Pink Moon" is my personal favourite (go Figure??).The fact that this man only sold 2000 copies of this album when it was released kills me everytime it hear it mentioned.And the fact that even with the re-evaluation of his career, and a world-wide new found love for his work, this album has still only sold 250,000 copies, and highlights that even music as stunningly timeless as this, doesn't always find an audience.All three of his albums deserve to be owned, because no one album feels weaker than another, and they complement each other beautifully.Put it this way.....every single friend that I've convinced (hassled??) to buy a Nick Drake album, owns all three of them.This is timeless music, that might have been ignored first time around, but now is truly worth of the Renaissance, and I impore you to not pass on this, like the listeners did some 30 years ago.Utterly breathtaking music....!!! ... Read more

Asin: B000026FOA
Subjects:  1. Baroque Pop    2. British Folk    3. British Folk-Rock    4. Celtic/British Isles    5. Contemporary Folk    6. England    7. Folk    8. Folk-Rock    9. Folk/Country Rock    10. Pop    11. Progressive Folk    12. Rock    13. Singer/Songwriter   

Outer Body Llama
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 November, 2001)
list price: $10.99
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Reviews (6)

Excellent choice
Most of british new bands sound like Radiohead, Jesus and Mary Chain or Stone Roses. If it's american, it's always Pixies, Sonic Youth or Weezer. That's why I'm so impressed with this OBL album. Of course, if you listen carefully, there are some signals of the Elephant 6 bands freshness ("Eastern Market Soho"), a little bit of Beck lost in "Winner" and other elements here and there. But their biggest triumph is a r'n'r mix which is closer to Velvet/Lou Reed. Highly recommended.

This album is
This album rocks. It's catchy, and easily compares to the best band ever (Radiohead).Personal favorites here include all of them, even the ones where Enrique doesn't sing (which is a shame, because he can easily stand up to the God of music vocals, Thom Yorke).

Trust me...You want this in your collection
I don't think I have ever heard anything better come out of this area!I have followed these guys since High School and it just keep getting better.Like many have said, you can definitely hear thier influences, but they have taken what they have learned and taken it to a new level.This is the most original album I have heard in years and is one of the few out of my collection I can listen to over and over again (and I have).If you listen closely to all the songs, you can pick up alot of things going on, but they still contain the "Hooks" so important to the masses.If you don't pick up this album...You WILL regret it! ... Read more

Asin: B00005UV44
Sales Rank: 640400

Jazz at the Philharmonic: The Billie Holiday Story, Vol. 1
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 March, 1994)
list price: $14.98 -- our price: $14.98
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Features

• Live

Reviews (3)

Great collection.
This is a great collection of some of Billie's best, very well selected, sequenced and engineered. Just enough of the old
gramophone sound remains to give it that blues quality without detracting from its enjoyment.

SUPERB - DON'T MISS IT!!!
I am a huge fan of Billie's and this recording is just great in every way. First, it is live, and as another reviewer mentioned, you can actually hear the audience cheering and catcalling, thrilled to be listening - it is almost as if one is sent back in time and we're there, too! Second, it is a compiltion of performances through the years, so we get Billie soaring, gliding, and struggling from the early 40's through the late 50's. A must have, to be sure!!! "You'd better go now," "There is no greater love," and most especially "Travlin' light" are beyond great. They're mythical and light as a feather. You cannot go wrong with ANY of the Verve Billie's and this one is a super introduction to one of music's most complex and moving performers. We love you, Billie.

Lady Day captured LIVE
This CD is probably one of the most played I have of Billie's and I have a LOT. The label has done a terrific job of getting things that are on lots of CDs, on THIS one alone. Acetate discs were used for some remastering,and it is evident, but equally evident is Billie in front of an audience! They literally go wild, at the mere suggestion of a song. Her versions of"No Greater Love" and "I Cover The Waterfront" are theDEFINITIVE ones here. Her voice was never so beautiful, floating throughthe air at Carnegie Hall, the audience in a quiet hush listening to historybeing made. This CD also ends with the last two songs Billie ever sang,"Lover Man" and "What a Little Moonlight." Great voice,great sound, great night!This gives you a complete picture, and a lovelyone of that, of the great artist in concert. There is no other CD like thisone! ... Read more

Asin: B0000046SY
Sales Rank: 131387
Subjects:  1. Jazz    2. Pop   

Feelin the Spirit
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98
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Reviews (6)

Wrong Track Samples
Message to Amazon: The samples provided are from some other (non-jazz) album.

This is one of Grant's best albums. Swinging, cool, funky interpretations of gospel standards. Damn fine stuff.

Essential Green
This recording from 1962 is oneof 3 in serie that Grant did.
There is Latin Bit where heplayed Latin songs,there is Goin West where he played old "western" songs and finally there is this on which focused on gospel music. The only one that is not available (to my knowledge) on a CD is the somewhat obscure "Goin West" which have the same line up of musicians as "Fewelin teh Spirit" ,I have "Goin West on a vinyl
The album starts off with probably the most funky version ever done of "A closer walk with thee" Hancocks piano is "cookin" behind Green and keeps things going, I have always been amazed by Greens time.. and this tune is a good example of how he could dig deeper and deeper into the groove by changing his way of playing against the pulse. Another highlight is "Nobody knows" that is played as a blues,,it is a very touching version.where Herbie Hancocks pianoplaying behind Green almost "steals the show"
The whole album is very relaxed, smooth and at the sametime groovy.
Greens tone is wonderful...clear mellow soulful...
Now I just hope that we will get "Goin West" on CD as well.

Testify!
Religious music that smoulders and burns in the hands of Grant Green's tasteful lead lines and the rest of the players on this session.Blue Note knew what they were doing and Grant is probably the most underrated jazz guitarist from his era.He's right up there with Kenny Burrell and Wes Montgomery.And he put the blue in Blue Note.Religious music that works on a Saturday night as well as a Sunday morning! ... Read more

Asin: B000005H5M
Sales Rank: 138654
Subjects:  1. Jazz    2. Pop   

Jessico
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (16 April, 2002)
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Reviews (4)

Asombroso
Babasonicos logra con este disco lo que muchas bandas de rock alternativo suramericano no han logrado.mezclar diferentes ritmos regionales con sonidos vanguardistas. Boleros con musica electrnica y la vez musica electronica mezclada con diversos instrumentos de cuerda.

Es asombroso pensar que es una banda que empezo con sonidos psicodelicos y letras oscuras y ahora anda con boleros cantandole en ocasiones al amor amor sin perder su estilo, el estilo babasonico.

Crisol de ritmos
Babasónicos marcan el camino de música en castellano "escuchable" de esta época.
Con sonidos y arreglos variados cada tema muestra distintos estilos que fueron desarrollando desde los discos anteriores.
Cuando se quiera escuchar música nueva (adeptos a Shakira y Ricky Martin abstenerse) escuchen Jessico.

Spaghetti-Western-Electronic-Gaucho-Rock
On "Jessico", Babasonico's latest, their dark and heavy inspired music does not dissapear as much as it did on their previous release "Miami," which was a great album, yet most of the complex arrangements and hard guitars are taken to another level, and focused on a brighter side. This release, the most commercial of the 6, has managed to be very accesible without compromising the band's creative process and gloom-lull music.
Whats most surprising about this album is the tendencie of the music to contain old-western-type-riffs, Texan-metal-sounding-guitars, and old-mexican-spaghetti-western-tunes. This cd could be the perfect sountrack to an electronic society in the Old West, with damsells in distress, horses named silver, and all the bar fights you could imagine, without anyone getting killed at all.
Trading their depressing music for a bouncy and happy electronic beat with great guitar/bass/voice arrangements and an amazing balance between the electronic-acoustic ambient is not unfamiliar ground to the band, for their two previous releases, the forementioned "miami" and 1997's "Babasonica" contained glimpses of the future in a couple of songs that were arranged in the same way this album was made.
Maybe not at the same musical level as 95's masterpiece "dopadromo," the lyrics still maintain their usual genious, and manage to bring the gloomy side to the music without being depressing or funny. The vocal arrangements are beautiful and replace the wird scratchy voice the lead singer has for a more accesible listen.
With amazing songs and the whole trip the Babasonicos have offered to their listeners for the past 10 years, they have managed to become one of the 3 best and most important bands in latin america.
If you have dissimissed latin american rock because of shakira, this is a cd you must own. In fact, even if you have never listened to music in spanish this cd is a must. ... Read more

Asin: B0000657ZN
Sales Rank: 159581
Subjects:  1. Hip-Hop    2. Latin    3. Latin Rap    4. Rock    5. Rock en Español   

Penthouse
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 August, 1995)
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Editorial Review

"Heading for Tacoma / And driving too fast / Nixon's in a coma / And I hope it's gonna last," sings Dean Wareham on "Rhythm King," one of Penthouse's more cheerful tracks. Clearly, fans of Lloyd Cole andTelevision's Tom Verlaine can take heart: Galaxie 500 main man Wareham captures the wry and reflective spirit of both artists on this third album from his band Luna. Wareham's melancholy vocals and Sean Eden's pretty electric guitar shimmer brightly over the drony rhythms of ex-Feelies drummer Stan Demeski and Chills bassist Justin Harwood. Mr. Verlaine himself steps into the fray with some guest fretwork on "Moon Palace" and "23 Minutes in Brussels," which, like many Luna tracks, slowly builds and then drifts into gorgeous semiresolution. And don't miss that unlisted bonus track, a cover of Serge Gainsbourg's "Bonnie and Clyde" with Stereolab's Laetitia Sadier singing the Brigitte Bardot part. A sensitive band that hasn't forgotten how to rock, Luna have a talent for making songs of resignation and regret that are not only palatable but, after repeated listenings, positively addictive. --Bill Forman ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Luna - great before the singing
The band's sound is beautifully realized, but who told Wareham that he could sing?Everyone of my friends who have listened to this band say that his singing reminds them of Fred Rogers on Mr. Roger's Neighborhood.I guess the neighborhood has gotten a little darker, but the singing sounds the same.

Their best work...
After exhausting all of their existing albums, I finally came across Penthouse.This, in mind, is Luna at their best - long guitar heavy jams, droning bass and drums, and those perfect transitions...

Nocturnal Urban Ambience
The cover of the album pretty much captures the essence of the music.A low angle b/w shot of the building with two floors mysteriously illuminating intense light.Muted disjointedness and flushes of sedateness all packaged visually for our eyes and, thus, beautifully recorded within these 11 songs for our ears. Dean and his cohorts were/are trying to capture the after-hour, "that tiny, tiny hour" of urban ambience, a dream-like, hazy state of mind.Wandering in the streets amidst the iron grid, concrete pavement, going and curving the streets in a prolonged trance.The cover shot and 2 other photos on the CD all evoke this nocturne.

Lead by Wareham's observations of urban life, supplanted by rockin' smoothin' guitar work and seamless production, this album grows on you and somehow never gives its complete impact in any 1 listening. It's so good and subtle, the effects are not that clear-cut but yet the music pulls you into its pensive mood.

A pleasant stop for my nocturnal ears. ... Read more

Asin: B000002HJ2
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Dream Pop    3. Indie Pop    4. Pop    5. Rock   

Life on Other Planets
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (11 February, 2003)
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Editorial Review

Life on Other Planets is proof positive that you just never know what a band has in them. While the notoriously blunted Supergrass have always produced vividly screaming pop, their songs never followed an arc, instead flashing their moments of knuckleheaded brilliance before shuffling off in another direction. While Life on Other Planets, their fourth disc, has the band’s goofball hallmarks--random coughs, braying animals, and mashed potato references, to name three--the songs go somewhere, and they yank us along with them. From the galloping chorus in "Grace," to the rickety handheld percussion and soft phrasings of "Evening of the Day," and the zippy distorted guitar lead in "Rush Hour Soul," Supergrass offers complete pop pictures with enormous detail and lots of instrumental extras. And the songs really rock. Plus, it's hard not to be staggered by a group that cagily writes about offbeat topics like expired witches ("Brecon Beacons") and life among the dead ("Prophet 15") while remembering to make those bridges and choruses soar. --Kim Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Raucous and Jubilant Brit-pop
Life On Other Planets, continues the tradition of Supergrass's three prior albums: sonic experimentation, superior musicianship, witty lyrics, and mammoth hooks. The production is, true to its title, spacey. The opening synthesizers to "Za" signify a landing of rock star aliens a la David Bowie. But when the signature piano chords, which propelled their '95 hit, "Alright," commence the meat of the song, you realize that this band is about as organic and accessible as they are supernaturally spacey. They're like '70's rock aliens embodying the charm and exuberance of a boy genius garage band. "Seen the Light"- the album's standout track- is their ode to the revitalizing power of rock 'n' roll. Acoustic guitars, handclaps, multi-layered background vocals, and the voluptuous pipes of lead singer, Gaz Coombes taps into the religious-like fervor of rock. "Grace"- the first single released- is weighed down by a simplistic chord structure- but it is still a potent stadium anthem in a football era where we desperately need to retire Guns 'n' Roses banality.

In terms of musicianship, I doubt Supergrass has a parallel. The trio applies the cohesion of bass, drums, and guitar with an importance that evaporated from mainstream music in the eighties. It is more than just route accompaniment- the musicianship is a vital component to the success of the songs. I'm particularly impressed with Mick Quinn's bass playing. His walking bass lines access an invigorating complexity without usurping the structure of the songs.

Yet despite these obvious attributes, Supergrass is mostly noted for its madcap frivolity. With lyrics like "We do the dance of the mashed potato" ("La Song") "You ate our chips/And you drank our Coke/And then showed us Mars/Through your telescope" ("Grace") it becomes clear why people misperceive Supergrass as infantile goofballs. Coombes even adopts an Elvis impression at the end of "Seen the Light." And yet, their irreverent exuberant comedy is clearly deceptive to their true talents, for no other band rivals them in creating powerful rock anthems. In an age where subpar talents scurry to create credible images, Supergrass is a genuine pretense-free talent that relies more on their music than their interviews and trappings to communicate their expertise. Supergrass may not be seen as serious, but they're seriously good.

Great rock 'n roll...
Criminally under-rated album from a criminally under-rated band. Check it out.

Better with age...
Supergrass is one of the best bands active today.Their sound is both retro and current.Not only can they make catchy music, but their musicianship is second to none.That said, this release took a few listens to grow on me, but it has certainly done that.Each time it takes its place in my car's CD player, it stays there for weeks at a time.I feel this is one of their better releases, and I anxiously await the next... ... Read more

Asin: B000088E60
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Gilberto Gil
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 December, 2000)
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Features

• Import
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (1)

sambadelic
i was a little surprised that the people who went nuts for the cd reissues of the first 3 mutantes albums didn't go crazy for this album. trust me, this cd is just as good, if not better. it basically mines the same musical territory,so if you like the early mutantes, please read on. perhaps this disc's...price tag has scared many people away...the music, you ask? imagine a (slightly) tighter first album era mutantes (meaning great tunes, insane f/x and far out production). gil's back up band is more or less the same band as that which played on caetano veloso's slightly less brilliant 1969 "white album". yes folks, that means you get the one and only lanny gordin on lead guitar. the stylistic range runs from straight samba (aquele abraco), to brasilian piper at the gates of dawn style psyche tunes (a voz do vivo). gil also includes an amazing cover of rita lee's "2001" which has to be heard to be believed. mere words can not do it justice. ("2001" also has the MOST insane guitar sounds this side of white light white heat-thanx lanny!). "vitrines","futerivel", and "objecto semi identificado" are all incredible listens as well. this disc really is a must have for any brasilian music collection, AS WELL AS any psychedelic music collection. however, chill out music it ain't. be ready for your mind to split open. ... Read more

Asin: B00005A1FG
Sales Rank: 143124
Subjects:  1. Brazilian    2. World Music   

A Tábua de Esmeralda
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (07 September, 2004)
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• Import

Reviews (5)

THE sound.
This album simply sounds amazing. It's primarily driven by Jorge Ben's ultra-funky guitar playing; imagine choppy funk guitar, but played in a Spanish guitar, with a samba influence to all of it; it's got a really unique sound that really must be heard to be grasped.The one other group I'm familiar with that has a similar guitar sound is Café Tacuba (especially their first two albums), but it's not quite the same.

The rest of the band is also wonderful; the drum kit and synth really drive songs like "Os Alquimistas Estão Chegando" over the top. The songs are wonderfully composed and arranged. They make a sophisticated virtue of straightforwardness; or in other words, it's amazing how such sophisticated songs can sound so simple. Jorge's singing shows great variety and effortless spontaneity. I was going to list my favorite tracks, but realized that except for "Brother", they're all great...A must-have.

full of love
this album is phenomenal -- all the previous reviewers are correct in their repective analysis.the music boars beneath your skin and becomes entwined with your soul.good music, really good music, at certain times gives you this strange shiver throughout your body as your heart opens to the infinite possibilities of the universe and for a brief, shimmering moment everything is perfect, as though you're being touched by the hand of god (if you believe in that sort of thing).this album has given me that feeling countless times.every song is so full of love that they're bursting at the seams."zumbi," i think, might be the greatest song ever written.other favorites include "os alquimistas,""errare humanum est," "eu vou torcer," "minha teimosa," and the last three songs as well.i don't speak a lick of portugeuse, but it doesn't even matter -- i can almost tell what the songs are about without knowing the words.music is universal, afterall.a few comparisons, if you're not already sold -- a tropical, mellower james brown;or stevie wonder jamming with bob marley channeling the spirit of john coltrane.take your pick.just buy this album -- it'll change your life.

Can I give this 10 Stars?
This is one of the most beautiful Jorge Ben albums of all time. I can't believe it is almost 28 years old! I have yet to explain how some things in life can be just so perfect. Jorge Ben's acoustic guitar playing here is exceptional, at times incredibly energetic, at times soft and smooth in the old bossa nova style, and always bouncing along carefree and up-beat. Every song on this short record starts off with a riff or theme, which builds to a magnificent crescendo. And the record has the raw feel of arecording studio with little time or money for fancy sound-stuffing (but that just makes the record more sincere). Surprisingly absent are the horn sections notable on many earlier and later recordings. Maybe that is what makes this record so sweet, just pure Ben, acoustic guitar, bass, drums, (with the help of some back-up vocals, and a corny-sounding, 1974-era electronic keyboard which you barely notice underneath the guitar). One studio effect put to good use here, however, was the echo effect on the microphone, giving Ben's voice at times a "cosmic" sound, perfectly synchronized with the cosmic new age lyrics of songs like "Errare humanum est".

Lyrically, this record captures the essence of Ben the poet: sometimes new age cosmic, sometimes faithfully catholic, fascinated by medieval Europe (alchemy, astrology), fun-loving and just showing signs of a budding afro-brazilian "black pride" conscience ("Zumbi" and "Menina Mulher da pele Preta").

This is an absolute masterpiece. If you are at all attracted to the music of Jorge Ben and are looking for a good record to add to your collection, this should be one of the first you pick up! ... Read more

Asin: B00000G7CY
Sales Rank: 64471
Subjects:  1. Brazil    2. Brazilian    3. Brazilian Pop    4. Int'l & World Music    5. Latin    6. Latin Continuum    7. MPB    8. Samba    9. World Music   

Sandinista!
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 January, 2000)
list price: $24.98 -- our price: $22.99
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Editorial Review

What the hell is this? Though the two-record sprawl of London Calling--with its exploratory mutations of reggae, rockabilly, and even disco--proved that the Clash weren't content to lie fallow in a punk-rock ghetto, nothing prepares you for Sandinista's messy melange. For 36 tracks (the Clash originally released this as a three-record set for not much more than the price of one), the band tackles everything in sight, including waltz, gospel, disco, children's ditties, funk, reggae, dub, delicate instrumentals, psychedelic explorations--hell, they even play a Clash rocker or two. Though many have said there is a single great album hidden among the three here, it's the pure chutzpah of Sandinista that makes it such a particular pleasure and a brain drain at the same time. It's the document of a band that can do anything and tries to do everything. It's the glorious sound of failure. And if that ain't the Clash, what is? --Tod Nelson ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (137)

What a Mess.....
To put this in perspective that might be understood by the younger generation who missed out on "Sandanista!" the first time around ( I bought the triple album - yes, a TRIPLE ALBUM, something that I thought only bands like Yes or ELP did back then -in junior high, and promptly disregarded it ), this is the punk equivalent of the Cure's Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me album. A terribly self-indulgent, mess of an album that could have been pared down to a single terrific disc, had someone at their record label had the balls to insist upon it. Of the several dozen or so songs here, maybe 6 or 8 hold up to repeated listening. The remainder don't even really hold any shock value fascination for me ( "hey, the Clash do a Waltz!" isn't something I would share with even my closest friends .) I was under the impression that Punk Rock set out to destroy this sort of bloated, self-important, self-indulgence. I suppose I was wrong.

Anything and everything...
After their massively successful London Calling double-album proved they were clearly more technically and artistically proficient than other punk bands, the Clash set out to make another statement.

Sandinista! remains the fruition of everything that went right and everything that went wrong with this album. Surely not the best Clash album - that honor should always go to their debut, regardless of what version it is - but it does have moments that recall past glories. "Somebody Got Murdered" and "Hitsville U.K." remain two of my favorite Clash tracks, the latter featuring Ellen Foley on vocals. The real problem is that the band tried to do anything and everything, all the while failing to make any sort of cohesive musical statement. Melding rap, gospel, dub, and even children's choruses to their already eclectic blend of rock, jazz, and reggae should've made for an interesting album, but for every great song to be found amidst the chaos, there are two or three failed experiments best left forgotten. These failed experiments disrupt the flow of the album, and it would probably be beneficial to listen to the entire album, pick out one's favorites, and burn a different version in order to avoid ridiculous tracks such as the incredibly superfluous new take on "Career Opportunities," which just sounds stupid. I also hate their attempts at rap - not only do I dislike rap in its entirety, but tracks like "Lightning Strikes (Not Once But Twice)" are weak, even for that genre.

In the end, Sandinista!'s frustrating sprawl came as quite a shock after the triumph of London Calling. Whereas its predecessor was an artistic triumph as well as a superbly listenable album, Sandinista! fails to do either, and can be overlooked by anyone but the most devoted.

The Clash Ultimate Recording
It was 1980 and the Ultra Righteaous Right had won with Reagan at the Captain's Seat and here come The Clash singing what I consider one of the last protest recordings of our generation ( born in the 50`s ) . Because of it and the anxiety of the times , I left the Usa and moved into the Caribbean where I have been very happy indeed ... Look Here : Up in Heaven ... After Sandinista there was nothing until Big Audio Dynomite came along and very ahead of their time ... Enjoy ... ... Read more

Asin: B00004BZ16
Subjects:  1. British Punk    2. Hard Rock    3. New Wave    4. Pop    5. Punk    6. Rock    7. Rock & Roll   

American Beauty [Bonus Tracks]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 February, 2003)
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Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (33)

Garcia-Hunter's moment
"American Beauty" is a testament to what the Grateful Dead were capable of if they put their minds to making great music.

The Garcia-Hunter songwriting team hits its stride with this album.Over about a three-year period from 1969-72, those two fellows wrote all the songs on this album, "Workingman's Dead" (which includes "Uncle John's Band," "Casey Jones," and "Cumberland Blues") the non-covers on the live "Grateful Dead" (i.e. "Bertha," "Wharf Rat") and "Europe '72 (i.e. "He's Gone," "Tennessee Jed," "Ramble On Rose," "Brown-eyed Woman."), and "Wake of the Flood" ("Here Comes Sunshine," "Mississippi Half Step Toodle-ooo"). That's quite an output!After that, they slowed down considerably, and the band made itself a lengthy career performing sets all over the world for 20 more years, sets that largely consisted of songs from this period.

This album is the best of them all, because the Dead put their heart into making this recording.It is a close, intimate record, with only one real rock song, lots of acoustic guitar, Garcia's magnificent pedal steel, and David Grisman mandolin, and harmony singing that is fully the equal of CSNY, the Band or Simon & Garfunkel on songs like "Attics of My Life" and "Brokedown Palace."Phil Lesh is brilliant on this album; he is the glue that gives this album its subtle swing and sonic thickness.

We can't ask our favorite artists to always be peaking.Not every album can be "Pet Sounds" or "Sticky Fingers," not even if their creators are geniuses.So it goes--the Dead never equalled "American Beauty," and it's hard to understand why not. But at least we have this, and it's a musical miracle that will always sound fresh.

good god am i glad he's dead
now only if all of this band's fans could follow his example. this band is, without a doubt, one of the most worthless bands in the history of rock n roll. the fact that people compare and associate them with bob dylan is disgusting. dylan stood for something, these guys stood for nothing, other than having an ice cream named after your horrible lead singer. robert crumb once said "people thought i was part of the grateful dead crowd, but i hate that music."

there's a reason that man's a genius.

Grateful Dead Rule!
The Dead have many amazing CDs and songs and this CD completely masters the essence of "Deadness."From Box of Rain to Truckin' every tune on this CD completely rocks my socks!Buy it now! ... Read more

Asin: B00007LTIL
Sales Rank: 915
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Country-Rock    3. Folk-Rock    4. Jam Bands    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. United States of America   

Paul Simon in Concert: Live Rhymin'
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Features

• Live

Reviews (8)

The title says it all!
Paul Simon was promoting THERE GOES RHYMIN' SIMON while recording this album. Originally released on Columbia Records in 1974,it was re-released on Simon's current label,Warner Bros. in 1987. I like the sequels,THE CONCERT IN CENTRAL PARK,with Art Garfunkel and PAUL SIMON'S CONCERT IN THE PARK(by himself) better than this one. The best version of THE BOXER,originally from 1969's BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER,I heard is from TCICP,recorded in 1981. Because there's a previously unsung verse in the song. The other tracks are good.

One of the best albums ever...and SO underrated!
This has got be be one of the single most underappreciated albums ever.It's paul simon at the peak of his pre-Graceland success, and he never sounded better.The live album (from 1975) is split between paul simon singing his classic tunes with just his acoustic guitar (beautiful renditions of "America" and "Me and Julio) and other tunes done with either the South American pipes band "Urubamba," or the Jesse Dixon's gospel choir on backing vocals. You can begin to see the roots of Paul Simon's 1980s world music period in this album.And this album is particularly noteworthy because many classic songs such as "Duncan" and "The Boxer" sound even better and unique when redone with pipes in the background.
On a side note, there are two disappointing things on this album (although neither has to do with the songs or musicianship, which are flawless).First, there are virtually no liner notes that accompany this album.Photos, an essay, or even info about where the concert was recorded would be nice. And secondly, for whatever reason, Paul Simon seems rather unpersonable with the crowd.At one point near the end of the show, a fan even shouts out "Say a few words," because Paul has not said one thing to the crowd yet (other than introducing the backup band).A simple "It's nice to be here," or "This song was written when..." would have been nice.Oh well.

Essential Paul Simon
What can I say?I am a huge Paul Simon fan.This is a must have along with any live concert albums that he has done.You can almost feel the audience's enthusiasm for some of the tracks.This CD has all the greats on it including Homeward Bound, The Boxer, America, Bridge Over Troubled Water and Paul's guitar and voice are flawless.If you weren't able to get a ticket to this year's Simon / Garfunkel reunion then you can have the second best thing here.Perfect for a Friday night at home with a fire and a nice bottle of wine.BUY IT! ... Read more

Asin: B000002LBX
Sales Rank: 11937
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Folk-Rock    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock    6. Singer/Songwriter    7. Soft Rock   

Fakebook
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (13 April, 1994)
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Editorial Review

Many people's favorite Yo La Tengo album, Fakebook puts five YLT originals up against 11 covers drawn from a college-radio DJ's dream library: there's American roots-rock heroes NRBQ up against New York City experimentalists the Scene Is Now; tracks from unknowns like the Escorts and Rex Garvin and the Mighty Cravers alongside somewhat better-known artists like the Kinks, the Flamin' Groovies, the Flying Burrito Brothers, and Cat Stevens; plus YLT's now-classic take on Daniel Johnston's "Speeding Motorcycle." Though the originals of these songs weren't shabby to begin with, YLT's versions are so heartfelt that they're well worth revisiting. And the originals sound perfectly comfortable next to the covers, giving a glimpse into what kind of songwriter Ira Kaplan was developing into. --Randy Silver ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Too country/americana for me
This doesn't sound like YLT at all. If you like a bunch of slow, acoustic, sad songs this is an album for you.
Maybe it's the fact that this record is a good attempt to pay tribute to some unknown bands that it gets a couple of stars...I honestly, don't get it.

Such sweet thunder
I am embarrassed to say I have only recently discovered Yo La Tengo, but what a great pleasure in doing so.The music is so strongly evocative, picking up on the rich instrumentals and harmonies of the 60's, the Byrds immediately come to mind, yet updating them to the present.I thought they did a marvelous take on "Here Comes My Baby."Looks like I will have more happy hunting judging by their rich treasure trove of music.

They rock!
Fakebook could quite possibly be one of the best albums of the year. YLT itslef could possibly one of the best bands of the decade! I am totally and completely in love with this c.d. and i highly reccommend it! The song "Speeding Motorcycle" is just the cutest, quirkiest thing ever! I gaurentee you will love this c.d.! ... Read more

Asin: B0000048CX
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Elis
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Reviews (1)

Here you'll find the original "Aguas de Marco"
When Elis Regina has recorded "Aguas de Marco" (Waters of March) with composer Tom Jobim, it was not her first rendition of the song, which comes from this album, with a splendid arrangement by Cesar Camargo Mariano who, by the way, penned wonderful arrangements to all the smash hits in this great and highly recommendable disc. Here you'll find the best vocal renditions of "Nada Será como Antes" and "Cais", both composed by Milton Nascimento, of "Atras da Porta" by Francis Hime and her great smash hit "Casa no Campo". Also "Me Deixa em Paz" by Ivan Lins. Very very great. ... Read more

Asin: B000008C30
Sales Rank: 184296
Subjects:  1. Brazilian    2. Jazz    3. Latin    4. World Music