Miss Perfumado
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (16 June, 1998)
list price: $17.98
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Editorial Review

Cesaria Evora asked heartache to come in and set a spell. The morna, the slow, rhythmically balladic blend of African blues and the Portuguese fado, was the perfect medium. Released in 1998 in the United States, this 1992 album about nostalgia, longing, hit-and-run lovers, and the sea features titles like "Barbincour" ("The Conman") and "Torura" ("Torture"). Not the least of Evora's magical appeal is that her smooth, honey-rich vocals suggest a universe of passion and pain with nary a spasm of self-pity to break the spell. --Elena Oumano ... Read more

Reviews (23)

the exquisite soul of morna
Cesaria Evora is one of the great stars of world music, and this CD is on many lists as an "essential recording" in this genre. Born in 1941 in Sao Vicente (Cape Verde Islands), Cesaria has known the toughest of times in her youth, and was a mature woman before reaching the recognition she so richly deserved. "Mis Perfumado" was recorded in 1992, and is one of her very finest albums; with her soft, warm honey voice, and a heart well acquainted with the sorrow of lost love, she is undoubtedly the quintessential interpreter of "morna", a style of song reminiscent of the Portuguese fado combined with the rhythms of West Africa.

The songs on this CD are lilting, melodic gems, most with a nice slow swing to them, with a few that are more up-tempo, like tracks # 3, 10, and the fabulous "Angola" (# 6), which is my favorite number on the CD.
Four of the tracks (# 2, 7, 9, 11) were written by Cesaria's prolific uncle Francisco (better known as B. Leza), as well as three by one of Francisco's followers, Manuel de Novas (# 3, 4, 12). The musicianship is marvelous throughout this recording, and a lot of the world-wide success of this CD is owed to the masterful arrangements and piano artistry of Paulino Viera, whose solos add much to the beauty of the music, as does the haunting violin playing by Malaquias Costa featured in the final "Tortura".
A good place to start your Cesaria Evora collection, the sound is quite good and total playing time is 59'29.

Lovely
From half a dozen of her records I've purchased so far this is one of the best, well, after "Cesaria". She is fenomenal and is adorable as usual, although the accompaniment at times is not quite of the same class.

WOW!INCREDIBLE
A voice has never moved me as much as cesaria has. Her voice is so seductive and passionate that it takes your mind to another place. Her other albums are great, but this is the best. a definite must hear and musthave for any collection ... Read more

Asin: B000006R55
Subjects:  1. Int'l & World Music    2. Pop    3. South America / Cape Verde   

La Llorona
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (18 August, 1998)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

Lhasa De Sela has distinguished herself as a singer and storyteller with her debut album, La Llorona. The 25-year-old Montreal resident, who grew up traveling through Mexico while living on a school bus, sings of her tortured heart with the accompaniment of guitarist-producer-arranger Yves Desrosiers and a cabaret-style band. Already compared to those of Edith Piaf and Billie Holiday, De Sela's haunting voice is memorable on each of the 11 songs (only 3 are nonoriginal) that range in inspiration from Mexican ranchera to Eastern European klezmer. --Cristina Del Sesto ... Read more

Reviews (62)

CLASSIC!
I just saw this woman live and she's amazing!!!! The songs come alive when you hear them! It's hard to put into words the state that her music and lyrics put you in. But trust me it's a good place!

Please check her music out if you're into heartfelt music.

A Wonderful Treat for the Human Soul
The music on the album is astoundingly beautiful and heartbreaking. Lhasa's voice is filled with emotion. She's really pouring out her heart and soul into these songs. She sings poetry. She sings of pain, tragedy, love, and hunger. And her words are not words that can be wasted. They are precious words that speak of human truths. In a way, they are very raw...beautiful but raw...like her voice.

An excellent album
I was really surprised by the range that Lhasa achieves in her singing. This album is enchanting and has quickly become one my favorites! ... Read more

Asin: B000009MV1
Subjects:  1. Canada    2. Int'l & World Music    3. International Pop    4. Latin Continuum    5. Latin Pop    6. Pop    7. Worldbeat   

Master Series: Jacques Brel
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $18.98
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Editorial Review

Jacques Brel achieved fame through his performances in France, but he was born in Belgium and identified himself strongly with his linguistically divided native land. His acidly humorous lyrics target the hypocrisies of groups as well as individuals, with special attention to Belgium's Flemish population, the military, and the bourgeoisie in general. At the same time, some of Brel's most affecting songs contain passages in Flemish, and many of his lyrics show a pronounced fondness for his "flat country." Brel's irreverent approach to life was sharply reflected in his music and films and can be compared to that of Bob Dylan in the U.S. and Vladimir Vysotsky in Russia, with whom he also shared a capacity for tongue-twisting patter not heard since the early days of Danny Kaye. On this CD, "Le Plat Pays," "Au Suivant," and "Les Bourgeois" illustrate both the somber and raucous aspects of his extensive repertoire. --Edward Killham ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Great introduction to Brel's music...
With all of the immature culture bashing going on between the French and the United States these days it's a shame that some on this side of the water may miss out on Jacques Brel. Of course Brel was Belgian, but most Americans won't know the difference.

Brel was a singer/songwriter of shocking breadth. His voice ranges from powerful to tender. His songs have incredible range from fairly typical sounding accordian music to productions involving full orchestra. If you're not accustomed to this kind of music, it will grow on you. The sincerity of Brel's singing is enough to win anyone over.

I was introduced to Brel through a co-worker who once lived in Belgium. I asked him for recommentations of music sung in French, and Brel was the first name he mentioned. He brought in a CD for me and after hearing "J'arrive" I was instantly hooked. According to him, "J'arrive" is a song to death. Brel is singing "I'm coming, I'm coming, of course I'm coming" to death.

Brel's version of "The Impossible Dream" ("La Quete") is surprisingly uncliched and fresh sounding. "Le Plat Pays" or "The Flatlands" or "Lowlands" is about Brel's native Belgium. "Ne Me Quitte Pas" or "Don't Leave Me" is a passionate plea that builds slowly, creshendoes, then fades out. It's one of the best songs on the CD.

This CD was the only one I could readly find in CD stores in my area. According to my French-speaking co-worker, this one includes a lot of Brel's most famous songs (though there were a few he had never heard as well).

If you're looking for great music sung in French, you've found it.

Gorgeous music even if you don't know French
Music is indeed a universal language, because even if you don't understand a word of it, the beauty and power of Jacques Brel's voice and music shine through and make this a worthwhile, if different, listening experience.And if you do understand the lyrics, you will conclude that Brel is among the great songwriters of his generation, laying bare his soul and expressing eloquently a great range of emotions and insights into the human condition.I can't claim to have heard all the various Brel collections out there but this is certainly an outstanding compilation.

Beuty and drama in a voice
Along with "Le feuilles mortes" and, of course "La vie en rose", I think "Ne me quitte pas" is the most beautiful french song ever, which have been recorded by many different singers(including Frank Sinatra, in his english version called "If you goaway"). Here you can find the original version, in the worderful andheart-breaking voice of it's original composer Jacques Brel, but also othermarvellous songs such as "J'arrive", "Au suivant" and"Jef". This compilation gathers the best of Brel's work, for anyfrench music lover. ... Read more

Asin: B0000046O5
Subjects:  1. Belgium    2. Cabaret    3. French Pop    4. Int'l & World Music    5. Pop    6. Vocal Pop    7. World Music   

Grace
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 August, 1994)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

Resembling at times a soft-sung Robert Plant, Buckley was an intuitive vocalist capable of dizzying arabesques and choir-boy sweetness. He is joined here by a tight band for 10 tracks highlighting his stylistic range--Pearl Jam bluesy on "Eternal Life," impossibly serene on Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," art-school noisy on "So Real," Led Zep daring on "Mojo Pin." Unorthodox, this was the debut of '94. --Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (474)

An under-appreciated masterwork
Grace is a rarity in modern recordings.Influences from Nashville to the Delta echo throughout, while the entire recording is chock-full of gems.A haunting cover of Leonard Cohen's "hallelujah" is both powerful and submissive at once.All the melodies eventually blend into a concise whole, possibly the best road-trip record in history.References to nightmares that "suck me under" are eerily prophetic concerning the late Buckley's demise.
Jeff's voice and vocal prowess are astonishing.It's sad this accomplishment won't be topped, the possibilities certainly seemed endless at the time of its release.

I Love This Album
I learned about Buckley through a recommendation from a friend.I was disappointed on first listening to songs like Lover, You Should've Come Over and Last Goodbye, but was hooked instantly by the beautiful Hallelujah.Buckley is almost whispering and you can even hear his breath, and it sounds fantastic.After a few more listens, while Hallelujah started to lose interest, I started to appreciate the other songs more.I started to notice how perfect the choice of the chords was, as for example in Lover under the line of "maybe I'm too young...", and the vocal segments where Buckley seemed to float without direction suddenly seemed to have direction.

This seems to be an album where the greatness stays hidden for a while and then suddenly jumps out at you.I recommend buying this album and, if it doesn't hit you in the first couple of listens, try listening to it on different speakers, even crappy ones, or with slightly different equalization.But buying the album would be a very good place to start.

Falling For Grace
I feel a little fortunate that I had this album before the untimely passing of Jeff Buckley. I heard a version of "Hallelujah" in Los Angeles that swept me off my feet, and literally had to stop what I was doing till I found out who was singing it. I friend of mine at CBS hooked me up with this CD and was excited beyond anything I usually would here from her. "Expect great things from this guy, Tim," she told me. "We think he's going to be a major artist."

Little did she realize how prophetic she was. Three years after releasing his only fully produced album, Jeff took that ill-fated Memphis dive in the Mississippi. Which leaves us with "Grace," an in-your-face statement of artistic boldness that pressed the folk-mysticism of Van Morrison with bursts of rock that would have made Led Zepplin proud. The songs stretch at their seams with both frustrated sensuality and unbridled joy, and an uncompromising musical vision.

From the teasing come-hither of "Lover You Should Have Come Over" to the cabaret jazz curiosities that would lead him to cover "Lilac Wine," Buckley's self-confidence carries "Grace" to an intensely personal level that so many artists shy away from. It made "Grace" a standout in 1994, and has kept it on my desert island list for over a decade. It's also the touchstone that his now rabid cult takes their cues from. After all, he delivered a stunning debut, cut a tragic profile even in life, and disappeared far too young. Fortunately for the casually curious, "Grace" lives up to its reputation. ... Read more

Asin: B0000029DD
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Clandestino - Esperando La Ultima Ola
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (07 March, 2000)
list price: $17.98
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Editorial Review

As one of the driving forces in the French-Spanish ethno-punk band Mano Negra, songwriter-guitarist Chao delivers a surprising solo endeavor. Centered around a simple editorial writing style and an acoustic guitar, this album chronicles his political and personal travels around the world, studying the foibles of life in Latin America and the Caribbean, through Africa and back to Europe. He quotes but never actually plays salsa, son, reggae, Latin pop, and African folk music, all to the service of his songs (written and sung in English, French, and Spanish). The backing is a deceptive hodgepodge of guest artists and collected sounds he has pasted together to service the simple songs he sings. There is a circuslike feel to the whole project, a childlike sense of wonder coupled with a cynical and sometimes sly glance at the "real world." This is a single piece of work, each song bleeding into the next without stopping, a train ride that slows at each station along the way but never stops. It has charm, wit, and depth--a rare and potent combination of virtues for a pop musician. --Louis Gibson ... Read more

Reviews (114)

THE TIME IS NOW FOR MANU CHAO
It's a pity the UK record buying public is so biased towards foreign language albums, and you have to look in the 'World Music' section to find this superb album. I have to admit to being prejudice myself until going to Turkey and hearing a lot more foreign language music.

This is such an eclectic album, with Mexican, Cuban and Latin (and we are not talking Ricky Martin here!), and a dash of reggae all mixed up to form a wonderful sound. All the songs effortlessly blend together and there are plenty of 'hooks' and grooves that lodge themselves in your head! For most of the album I haven't got a clue what he's singing about, but when the music is this good, I don't really care. In summary, buy it!!

acoustic latin pop w/ elements of reggae, ska, salsa, &more
Manu Chao is, culturally and musically, a renaissance man.He has a strong affinity for comprehending universal states of humanity (heartache and struggle for justice) and translating them into a variety of idioms, both lyrical and musical.You don't need to be trilingual to be entertained and moved by this album. But after hearing its catchy amd down-to-earth rhythms, you'll want to learn more Spanish and French so that you can appreciate Chao's lyrical wit as well.I have heard _Clandestino_ countless times, and I still find elements to appreciate about it.One of the nicest things about it is that there are no silences between songs.A haunting ballad blends expertly into an uptempo beat, which blends into an equally harmonious melody.This disc is a classic of pop -- widely known in Latin America, Europe, Japan.Maybe not so well known in the USA.But still worthy of its success, I'd say.

more great music by Manu Chao
This is a great album that I recommend to anyone looking for Latin, punk, or ska. Most of the album consists of catchy and rhythmic music, but there are a few tracks that get a bit repetitive, hence the imperfect rating. I would suggest an album by La Mano Negra, Manu Chao's former band, before you look into his solo career. While his solo work had some amazing music, it was less inspired and less original. If you're strictly looking for Manu Chao, this is definitely the best of his solo work. Enjoy! ... Read more

Asin: B00000C2MI
Subjects:  1. Latin    2. Rock   

Tourist
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 September, 2000)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $9.99
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Editorial Review

Smooth, downtempo grace flows through the veins of St. Germain, a.k.a. noted French composer-producer Ludovic Navarre. His record is a sensual flow of jazzy textures, Latin rhythms, and bass-ridden beats, hovering on the verge of techno, jazz, or experimental headphone music without tipping its hand too far in any direction. The result is irresistible: class with an edge. --Matthew Cooke ... Read more

Reviews (113)

One of the best albums ever
Seriously, that title is not an exaggeration. This is one of the best electronic albums ever, and certainly the greatest of the 90's
"nu-jazz" and chillout trend. Sort of like what "Kind of Blue" is to jazz, or what "Sgt. Peppers" or "Revolver" is to pop music, etc. This is the best of its kind ever created. No other "chillout" or "lounge" or "nu jazz" cd ever matched the brilliance of this release. I would rank this along with Thievery Corporation's "Mirror Conspiracy", Koop's "Waiting for Koop", and perhaps the first few "Hi-Fidelity Lounge" and "Private Lounge" releases as the best chillout albums ever. If you are a fan of the above-type music or are just interested in hearing some wonderful nu jazz, this is highly recommended. In fact, it is required!

Cracking stuff.
This album is like the best kind of hypnotic, chilled out trip,
but it is so much more than the current abundance of chilled out tunes, the tracks are historic reworkings of jazz classics which have been cleverly engineered in a loop fashion, with beautiful jazzy voice samples so as to make an entirely new, mesmeric sound and feel.
The music really is the kind of stuff that is pleasurable both audibly and in a more transcended, visceral sense, it works it's way into your head and your being so as to become memorable and classic and a kind of theme for times and places.

Tourist Rules!
Saint Germain's Tourist is an excellent album, acid jazz at it's finest. One of the greatest downtempo groups along with Air in the french scene.

Great music to get chill anywhere anytime, very smooth and stylish music, highly recommend!! ... Read more

Asin: B00004SU5J
Subjects:  1. Club/Dance    2. Dance Music    3. House    4. Jazz-House    5. Pop   

Living Room
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 November, 2000)
list price: $18.98
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Editorial Review

Whereas Paris Combo's self-titled debut leaned heavily on cabaret chic, Living Room sees them broadening their palette considerably, the sign of a band with more experience and a strong sense of adventure. So while sensuous limpid chanson remains their home turf, they also venture into the tortuous turns of "L'Avenir Uncertain du Titanic" and the North African-inflected "Mobil'homme." Potzi's guitar work is dazzling, influenced by Django Reinhardt, while the shadow of the legendary Hot Club of France--with its swing and subtlety--looms over the entire repertoire. Apart from being an excellent pianist, David Lewis has matured into a trumpet player of taste, adding gorgeous Miles Davis muted touches that veer songs into pure jazz while vocalist Belle du Berry imprints her personality everywhere. Living Room sees Paris Combo moving well beyond their origins, a band that continues to impress by growing by leaps and bounds. --Chris Nickson ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Totally good!
This wonderful album should be considered by all kinds of music lovers - from Classical music lovers to Jazz buffs to those who have started to become a little bored with Pop/Rock music!
Paris Combo, on this album, features wonderful and stylish vocals [from Belle, the sing/songwriter], very attractive and never bland instrumental accompaniments and the songs themselves are full of style and characer.

Along with the self-titled "Paris Combo" album, this is clearly my favourite so far! However, ALL of the Paris Combo albums are excellent and I enjoy hearing them at any time of the day or night.

I am a fan.

Fun at a party or alone
I really enjoy this CD for a fun loungy sound when I'm not in the mood for mainstream music. I would say if you like Pink Martini, you could well like this one.

Living Room
Adult music!That's what Paris Combo is.It's music for adults.It's sophisticated, it's refined, it has history, it has mystery.It's good, it's interesting.there's absolutely nothing juvenile about it and that's why I like it!Although I would love it if it had a good, strong base beat that made it easy to dance to. ... Read more

Asin: B0000523KU
Subjects:  1. Avant-Garde    2. Cabaret    3. Classic Jazz    4. France    5. French Pop    6. Int'l & World Music    7. Pop   

Bricolage
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (03 June, 1997)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Reviews (34)

The Genius begins!
After a brilliant, overlooked album under the Cujo moniker, Amon Tobin switched to Ninja Tune and released the debut album under his own name. It is a masterpiece. I could say much more, but this album is one of the best electronica albums ever created. How it doesn't get its dues as being better than anything supposed masters Aphex Twin, Boards of Canada or Autechre have done is beyond me. I would rank this album right up there with DJ Shadow's seminal "Endtroducing.....", not least of all because the two have a similar sound. This album is earthy, and different from Tobin's future releases in that he takes relatively few samples which are longer in duration that ones he would employ later. Thus you have the cool jazz of "Stoney Street", the headcrushing bass of "Mission", and a musical journey unlike any other in between. Perhaps the best testament to this album's greatness is that eight years after its release, it still sounds startlingly new and ahead of its times. He would go on to do bigger and better things, but here is Amon's genesis as one of the greatest modern composers of our time.

Tobin is good, this album is not.
While I enjoy other Amon Tobin albums, I have to admit I wouldn't have bought this one had I heard it first. I would get 'Permutation' or 'Supermodified' instead.

Love It
As someone who craves vocal-free electronica,
I'm so glad to have finally discovered the works of
Amon Tobin.So far I've heard Supermodied, Permutation
and Bricolage.All three of these CDs are different in style,
all three are excellent and all three are vocal free!
What a great discovery for me!Supermodied is the most
stark and science-fiction/ambient; Permutation is the most
jazzy; and Bricolage is the most melodic and worldly.
Since no track programming is needed, I like putting all three
CDs in the machine at once, on "random play," then all three
CDs compliment one another extremely well.Hmmmm guess I'll have
to try the "live" CD next! ... Read more

Asin: B000003S7Y
Sales Rank: 11209
Subjects:  1. Electronica    2. Jazz    3. Jungle/Drum'n'bass    4. Pop    5. Rap & Hip-Hop    6. Trip-Hop   

Debussy: Préludes
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (14 March, 2000)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $11.98
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Reviews (4)

Gieseking's Preludes
Listening to Gieseking play Debussy is like listening to a pianist who sat at his instrument with the composer's score stripped of all dynamic markings and performance instructions and interpreted what he saw like it were Beethoven. There are crescendos where there shouldn't be crescendos and violent and sharply biting outbursts in passages where Debussy is asking of the pianist the most gentle and delicate touch possible. I'm not saying Gieseking isn't a phenomenal pianist from a technical standpoint, but he displays so little regard for the composer's intentions. By all means, buy this record if you want to hear Gieseking, but not if you want to hear Debussy.

Save me!I'm drowning...
The watery allusions to Debussy music seem to have been taken far too literally by many pianists as well as piano music fans.Attempting to describe something inexpressible in concrete terms is inherently flawed, and to take an irrational "impression" and attempt to distill it down even further, results in loss of clarity.Though the music may be "softer," and less "rigid" and thus more flexible to subjective interpretation, it is distanced from the artist's first message; the music itself.Debussy's music speaks clearly, without the need for "Gaullic" over-sentimentalizing.I've never understood the arguments about Gieseking's Germanic interpretation, as if genetics and not culture were the main influence in one's artistic make-up.Though other great pianists who have recorded these Preludes caress wonderful tones from their instruments(Pollini, Moravec, Arrau), compared to Gieseking's mastery and control of colors and his tonal variety they sound overly warm, mushy even.Listening to Gieseking playing Debussy is to be at the water's edge, sight unimpeded by any mist rising from the surface of the pond, gazing upon a reflection of the moon that is not hazed in by clouds.After him, listening to other recordings is like peering at the same lunar image from the bottom of the pond.Save me Gieseking, I'm drowning...

Perfect
If you want Debussey's piano preludes, and you want them played perfectly,then this is for you.It's a terrific after dinner album, of durring anice bath.

This disk won: The Grammophone Award in the UK The Diapasond'Or in France The Prix de l'Academie de disque francais, also inFrance.

To quote Gramophone magazine, "The difinitive version and anoutstanding issue.Neither the playing nor the recording can befaulted."I couldn't agree more. ... Read more

Asin: B00004R8TM
Sales Rank: 128234
Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Keyboard   

The Best Best of Fela Kuti
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 February, 2000)
list price: $24.98
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Editorial Review

There is nothing subtle in the roiling Afro-funk of the late, great Fela Kuti. His twitchy, stomping rhythms are up in your face, his brass section sounds ready to skirmish with the JB Horns, and his confrontational, politically charged lyrics make modern punk or hip-hop sound like parlor chatter. This phenomenal collection from an artist easily the equal of Marley, Hendrix, or Dylan is nothing less than essential. --S. Duda ... Read more

Reviews (31)

does music get any better?
of course songs like "lady" and "gentleman" are problematic, but the music is so infectious that you can't help but love fela kuti. okay, so he married however many women at once and immediately divorced them. okay, so he thought aids wasn't real. okay, okay. the man was a brilliant musician and if you don't move your body to the music when this double cd (especially the first one) is playing, something's wrong with you. recommended for people who love to dance.

This was a BAAAAAAD Man!!
I have been listening to Mr Kuti's music for years. If anyone has any doubts whatsoever about world music, this is a great place to start!! From slower tempos to faster beats, no matter what track it is, I am jamming, jamming, jamming!! What I also like about his music is that there are messages to be learned. Even though I am in the USA, when I listen to some of his lyrics it's like I am traveled to the plight in his day and time. I know that he wrote most ofthe songs 30+ years ago on a totally different continent, I can identify with many of the lyrics today.

All I have left to say is that I have (unintentionally) converted several friends and family members who got hooked from me listening to it. I used my others disks so much that they became scratched beyond recognition. I was NOT satisfied until I went and bought another dual set. Don't sleep.

fela edited - get the original albums
this is good if you are new to the music of fela kuti, and want a preview of what the songs are like, but note that the songs are edited.the original songs are much longer (some lasting as long as a whole album side), and part of the beauty of fela are these extended, take your time jams that let the groove rise and fall like an all night party that just can't end.you could use this to decide which of the inumerable original fela albums you want to get. ... Read more

Asin: B00002ZZ2P
Subjects:  1. Afro-Pop    2. Int'l & World Music    3. Pop   

Cure for Pain
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (14 September, 1993)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

Cure for Pain is a most unlikely artistic breakthrough from a thoroughly unlikely band. Fronted by saxophone and two-string slide bass guitar, Morphine earned a modicum of critical praise for their prior recording, Good, but Cure for Pain has a harder edge and a distinctly bigger sound. "Buena" urges the listener, with singer and bassist Mark Sandman's best come-hither baritone voice, "closer to the front of the stage," and then "Candy" tells a love-lost story that could come right out of Tom Waits's book. But for all the strange possibilities inherent in a guitarless band that plays off their singer's wry lyrics, Morphine's sophomore effort shows their versatility, their ability to be a rock band in a very unrock, rolling-baritone-saxophone way. Alas, singer Mark Sandman perished in action on an Italian stage on July 3, 1999. --Andrew Bartlett ... Read more

Reviews (60)

Let's Take A Trip
Jazzy, bluesy, noirish songs about sex, drugs, and romance.All sung in an ultra-seductive, ultra-cool manner.You really can't argue with that.

This band is so cool I bet Miles Davis would have dug them..
This band is so cool I bet Miles Davis would have dug them with their minimalist sound somehow sounding upbeat and downbeat simultaneously. They also had a completely original sound by basically utilizing just sax, drums and a 2 string slide bass. Few bands can claim such originality. I can't hear any influences with the possible exception of a little bit of The Doors (another trio that was missing a key rock instrument).

This was Morphine's second album...released in 1994. Every song is strong with my favorite tracks being "Buena", "Thursday" and "In Spite Of Me" which also includes a six string guitar. If you don't already have this, you should. RIP Mark Sandman

Outstanding!
If you are a music lover looking for something accessible, yet different then what's been done over and over, this is an album for you. Tightly written well played songs that to me are reminiscent of the Doors. The best album from an excellent band. ... Read more

Asin: B0000009OP
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Americana    3. Indie Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock   

A Ma Zone
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 October, 1999)
list price: $16.98
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Editorial Review

On their fourth album, Zap Mama slide even further away from their early manifestation as a cappella group singing the traditional pygmy chants of West Africa--but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Enlisting notable Philly hip-hop artists the Roots as well African pop star Manu Dibango, Zap Mama blend the traditional singing for which they gained notoriety with the modern beats of drum & bass and hip-hop. The mix steams up a breathy, sensual brand of Euro-African-American pop. "Comment Ça Va?" swivels in and out of slow hip-hop beats; dark, twanging oudlike bass; and lead singer Marie Daulne's delicate vocals. "'Allo 'Allo" goes light on the sax and heavy on the hook, bringing a funky, playful edge to the collection. "Kemake" grooves understatedly with organ and a soulful, spinning vocal, demonstrating this group's diversified sound. The upbeat French Afro-hip-hop of Les Nubians Zap Mama are not: these women entice with a subtle, underground sound that's all their own. --Karen K. Hugg ... Read more

Reviews (23)

hot mamas
I borrowed this cd from a friend and have kept it for almost a year.It is what I always listen to in my car and at home.Zap Mama's collaboration with The Roots is going to break down barriers in music.It's smooth grooves and soft vocals will put you in a good mood any time you listen to it.

6 stars
Any CD or album recognized as a classic, generally warrants such accolades within it's own genre.After listening to "a ma zone" repeatedly for years after it's release, I've concluded that the term "classic" for it's own genre (whatever that may be) sells this special CD short.Zap Mama has come up with a universal gem of all contemporary musics combined.Simply put, one of the greatest musical projects I've ever listened to.By mixing instrumental, electronic, and vocal dynamics within brilliant yet simple compositions, these angelic artists take you on an emotional ride of orgasmic proportions.Abstract as the Cocteau twins and as sophisticated as Les Nubians, Zap Mama succeeds in sounding like neither.Fusing elements of funk, alternative, jazz, hip-hop and so much more, this CD provides a flawless "must have" masterpiece for the eclectic ear.Rated 5 stars only `cause 6 wasn't an option.

Too Much Euro, Needs More Afro
Zap Mama has described their own sound as "Afropean," meaning the mixture of European (or Western) hooks and instrumentation with the authentic African vocal stylings from group leader Marie Daulne's homeland. This is a very fun album but unfortunately there's a little too much of the Western and not enough of the non-Western. The main problem here is the many different types of music behind the group's vocals. As Zap Mama were once an acapella group, they're now backed by hip hop, funk, electronica, and R&B in alternating songs, leading to an album that is not very cohesive. This is what happens when too many producers and guest stars meddle with a group's basic sound. I do admit that the funk in "Allo Allo" is really swinging, but some of the music here just plain doesn't work. The predictable drums-n-bass beats in "Call Waiting" and limp R&B in "My Own Zero" really undermine Marie's seductive lead vocals and the ladies' unique African harmonizing. The best songs on this album are those that don't stray too far from Zap Mama's true roots in African vocal techniques, and that's no coincidence. The winners are "W'Happy Mama," "Gissie," and "Ya Solo." So while the music on this album is sometimes exasperating and detracts from the group's sound, overall the day is saved as Marie is an excellent singer and the group's harmony techniques are very intriguing.

Note: My copy of this album has two limited edition tracks - the soundtrack item "Iko Iko" which is a predictable cover song; and a remix of "Rafiki" which differs from the original only by having less melody and adding a useless rap overdub. Don't worry if you can't find a copy with these extra tracks because they're not essential. ... Read more

Asin: B00001ZSTL
Subjects:  1. Acappella    2. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Africa    4. Afro-Pop    5. Belgium    6. Int'l & World Music    7. Pop    8. World Fusion    9. Worldbeat   

Mezzanine
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 May, 1998)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $13.49
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

The third full-length release from Massive Attack is a taste of the future of pop music--a future where precisely engineered events can be seamlessly partnered with the subtle complexities of a human voice. Since their first album, Blue Lines, they've been making similar magic happen with any one of several guest vocalists, but nothing like the way it happens on Mezzanine. This time they take the union further, moving it into a darker space in which the individual elements become less discernable. Guest vocalists are Sara Jay, Horace Andy (who also appeared on their debut), and Elizabeth Fraser (of Cocteau Twins), whose amazingly articulate and distinctive voice works so very well with the music of Massive Attack. --Paul Clark ... Read more

Reviews (329)

Um ok.
Now, this album is good, but it's not the best electronic album ever released. That's ridiculous. People just say that because this is the only electronic music they've listened to. There's lists here titled "Downtempo/trip-hop blah blah" that have just Tricky, Massive Attack, and Portishead. Um, there's a lot more trip-hop, not to mention electronic music, out there. This album was released in 1998. It's 2005. All the recent reviewers are seriously misinformed if they think this is the best electronic album ever. Open your eyes (or ears) people; a lot has happened since 1998.

If you must spend money on this CD, just go to iTunes and spend $2on "Teardrop" and "Inertia Creeps." Those are very good tracks, I'll admit that.

This music is bad for the minds of children.
I would never let my ten year old son hear this garbage. It's a bad influence on the youth of America- period. All this group of thugs can do is croon evil thoughts into the mic, and pretend to be artists. The only good music going these days I'd let my boy listen to is Raffy and Godflesh, everything else is just TRASH.

jb

Deserves 10 +
Without a doubt the best trip hop album that will ever be recorded. Id go so far as to even say one of the best electronic-based albums period. I find myself extremely surprised that this cut hasn't had a LOT more attention and appreciation than it has.

Years ago a friend of mine from the UK turned me onto Massive Attack. I loved the first two albums a lot(especially 'Protection'), but Mezzanine's overall gloomy, sleek, sexy, smokey feel just had me obsessed for months.It still mesmerizes me when I listen to it today.

Im not completely sure it's true, but i've heard that Robert Del Naja/Daddy G programmed the album on CUBASE. If that's true then someone deserves a grammy or 3. The very well mixed beats and soundscapes work perfectly as an awesome mixture with the real guitar and bass, and with Del Naja's soft, close-to-the-mic rhyme-talking/singing.

From me, this would be an abvious recommendation to all around fans of well done music... but especially to the guys who need some mood to get the woman in the sheets. I'm telling you. A rotation of Mezzanine, Dummy by Portishead, and maybe some B White (or even the sexy soundtrack from the modern Romeo + Juliet) in a 3 disk changer and you're laughin'.
... Read more

Asin: B000006045
Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Club/Dance    4. Electronica    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Trip-Hop   

Simple & Funky
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (06 April, 1999)
list price: $17.49 -- our price: $17.49
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Import

Reviews (8)

France has got to get Respect
French artists are doing some amazing things. F.F.F., Mc Solaar, Soon E Mcand Alliance Ethnik really deserve to sell beyond the French borders. Thisalbum is relaxed and grooves like hell (it is full of Parliament/Funkadelicsamples (which helps)). People that understand the Native Tongue-clique (DeLa Soul, Tribe Called Quest) could appriciate this one.

Alliance Ethnik - Simple et Funky
I've been trying to get hold of this album for months and I only know of one other friend who has it and he bought in France. "Respect" is the best track ..ever. I first heard the song last summer when someoneplayed it for me, and it reminds me of the person every time I hear it.

Alliance Etnik - Simple et Funky
I've been trying to get hold of this album for months and I only know of one other friend who has it and he bought in France. "Respect" is the best track ..ever. I first heard the song last summer when someoneplayed it for me, and it reminds me of the person every time I hear it. ... Read more

Asin: B000006SED
Sales Rank: 174087
Subjects:  1. France    2. French    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. World Music   

Charged
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (28 September, 1999)
list price: $15.98
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Reviews (1)

A go-to favorite
The soulful, jazzy horns from Toshinori Kondo that carry the tunes on this disc sound as if they could have been written for the Blade Runner soudtrack.Toshi's horns blend perfectly with Bill Laswell's Bass and excellent beats to make this a perennial go-to favorite in my music collection.Perfect for cool, laid back afternoons or night city driving in the rain, this is music that instantly evokes emotion.A great companion CD to DJ Krush and Toshi Kondo's Ki-Oku release. ... Read more

Asin: B00000IAT2
Sales Rank: 99317
Subjects:  1. Dance Music    2. Pop