International music reviews

I was really excited to get this album, but was disappointed with the slightly less than mediocre quality of it. First of all, there was no production value at all. It sounded as though the musicians themselves recorded it in one of their garages and produced it on one of their laptops. While for some people or bands this isn't a problem, the band members themselves play their instruments and sing slightly better than you'd hear in a karaoke bar I suppose, so that might give you some idea about the production quality as well. I think the part that bothered me the most is that no matter the genre, I expect my music to be up to a minimum standard artistically, which this album really wasn't. I applaud their efforts to be sort of a light-hearted selection in a genre that sometimes takes itself a tad too seriously, but the quality simply wasn't there to carry off the whole package. I would not recommend buying this album unless you are already a fan or don't mind somewhat simplistic lyrics and trite rhyming schemes. I really really wanted to like it.

Several of the tracks presented here are stunning. 'Penny in the Well'...'Freya Shakti'...'Hills of America'...even an understated version of ELP's 'Lucky Man'. All deserve kudos.
The one problem I have with EMERALD ROSE though is their Celtic Warrior/Pagan/Wiccan/Folk schtick.
Why does it seem to me that the Wiccan belief has co-opted all things Pagan? If ER is more than Wiccan (ie goddess worship), then they should explore more of the Pagan world outside of the feminine principle. I mean they use the imagery of celtic-pagan-warrior enough, but there is more to the mythos than just the lighthearted pagan as posey+ ring-around-the-maypole imagery.
I feel EMERALD ROSE is on the verge of something important. It is imperative that they define themselves more specifically, musically. Go outside the SAFE zone, challenge their fanbase, add more diverse instruments (i mean the pennywhistle featured alot is VERY good,but) perhaps even add another member to tne band.
I just wish the music was grittier, more pagan,less Wiccan. I don't want them to slip into complacency. Sorry ER if I sound like I'm being disrespectful, after all, I'm the thorn in your foot, the worm in the wood. your friendly PICT, for now.

I first heard of Emerald Rose at the Bardic Circle on Witchvox. "Freya, Shakti", "Fire in the Head": these quickly became two of my favorite songs. The live Fire in the Head rose to my most-listened song very quickly. I lived off of MP3.com for some time.

When I came to buy an ER CD, this was high on the list. I came into it loving Freya, Shakti and Fire in the Head. "Pagan Girl" I had heard wonderful things about (I understand why: a GREAT song).

Penny in the Well and Merry May Folk are just awesome songs. This is my CD of choice when I drive, now.


All in all, I am able to listen to this CD almost non-stop, skipping only 2 songs that I don't particularly like.

I HIGHLY recommend this CD as one of the greatest musical compilations that I own.

Alot of bands got lost in the last 1990's due to the label major signing frenzy. The Cutters was one of a list of causalties in the era. But that doesn't mean that this record doesn't stand out becuase it does.It was an alternative to the same old sound and it remains timeless today.Good modern/alternative rock. Also check out the follow-up Flypaper Highway if you ever get a chance. Good Stuff!!!

I listined to The Cutters even before the cd, playing in the local clubs and always enjoyed them. Once a freind showed me the cd i had to go get it. I wore it out using it for demos in my car audio shop. The cd was packed with so much intensity it blew my mind and i have not stoped listing to it.

This is one of those rare albums that has no 'mediocre' tracks--every single song on this album is powerful, well-written, and well-crafted. Every note and every word belongs exactly where it is. To change anything would be tragic--this album is musical bliss. I can't stop listening to it, and I never get tired of it!

Thalia is by far my most favorite latin music artist. Her vocals, talent, beauty, and producers are awesome. With that aside, this album only gets 4 stars for the way it was "thrown" together. Thalia is a 5-star artist, and this album is a 3-star remix album. It would suffice to say I would give a 3-star artist a rating of 5 stars for a well put-together remix album.

The album just seems randomly pieced together. I feel an "album" in the sense should be something you can just pop in the CD player and listen to. I don't like how some of the mixes are full club versions like "A Quien le Importa", "Amor a la Mexicana", and "Entre el Mar y una Estrella" for example. It's annoying to sit and listen to the intro and outro beats -- save the full mixes for the singles and DJ promos. They should have used the radio/video edit versions of all the mixes, so someone could pop this in at a party or in their car, and let it play. It kills me to sit in my car fast-forwarding the HQ2 (Hector & Quayle) mix of "A Quien le Importa" (which is very hot) when I know there is a perfectly good HQ2 radio mix available.

Most of the mixes in themselves are great, ESPECIALLY "Por Amor" (Primera Vez remix). However with that said, none of them are really that rare. I have almost all of them as bonus tracks on my regular albums. The re-releases of Thalia's albums all have bonus tracks, namely the albums "Amor a la Mexicana", "Arrasando", "Thalia", and "El Sexto Sentido". This album should have done without the ballad version of "Tu y Yo" which is horrible as a ballad, and "It's My Party" should have been replaced with a better remix of "Arrasando". Like I said before, it also should have used the radio edits of remixes. Then they could have added more mixes for songs like "Regresa a Mi", "Reencarnacion", and "De Donde Soy" - to name a few.

I DO NOT REGRET BUYING THIS ALBUM. I think maybe next time around they can make something like this a lot better, since there are probably at least 11 singles that came out after this album was done.

This is one of the Best Remix CDs I've ever hoard. All the songs are hits from here previous albums. They seam to be done using a different DJ for every song. This Album proves why she is an Icon, to the sistas. It will gives you a club atmosphere. I rated this Album a 4 because, after listening to it for so long it drops one star. But still remains one of my Favorite. One you will really enjoy. Favorite song : No Me Insensate.

hey, i have to say i love this cd. i am a big thalia fan, and i was a little skeptical buying this cd, but all my doubts were wrong. a quien le importa is amazing, amor a la mexicana is also good, but the best on the cd would definatly have to be mujer latina, AHHHH me encanta con todo de mi corazon! i definatly recomend this cd to todos

I know this album came out a couple of years ago, but it is my favorite album of 2005. I buy probably 100 + albums per year, and this is my favorite del ano 2005. So very uplifting.

I have to thank a good friend for turning me on to Diego Torres via 1999 "Tal Cual Es," and I could not believe that I had never heard of this guy as he quickly became one of my favorites. Like that release, "Un Mundo Diferente" earns 5 solid stars as it is the best of Latin pop, which combines great melody with poetry. Diego more than deserves a place on the table with the great Alejandro Sanz and Juan Luis Guerra as the best of the best.

This release came out in 2001, but I am only getting into it now as I was under whelmed when I first heard it and it went to the back of the pile. I don't know what the heck was wrong with me as this release may even be better than "Tal Cual Es," if that is possible, and I can't stop listening to it and just bought his "Unplugged" release from Amazon.com. It's hard to list highlights from this release as they are all great to me. "Color Esperanza" is a perfect example of what Diego does best, which is to turn on your mind and your body to give you a feeling that is uplifting and makes you glad to be alive no matter what you may be going through. His voice is beautiful and authentic and this release ups the ante and benefits from the Santanders (both G. and K.) with some merengue touches that further amplify an already great menu. "Quisiera" is a slow burner and is another favorite, as is "Si Tu Te Vas." I love the tango vibe on "Soy De La Gente," and I just wait until the salsa kicks in during the same song! A total treat for the ears.

Since I cannot gush so much about a release, as people may think that I am a record company executive, I have to find something that is not perfect... I am thinking.... Well there are a couple of songs towards the beginning of the release that are amazing, but it COULD be argueds that they may be a little overproduced and the choruses sound a bit cliched, but ultimately Diego and the music cannot be denied EVEN if one tries to deconstruct the points that I just highlighted to try and show some degree of objectivity. For those who are interested in packaging, the inserts are great with the non-stereotypical outdoor photography, and include all the lyrics

This guy is getting to be huge in Latin America and Europe, but has yet to reach a critical mass here in the United States. One listen to this CD and you may find yourself having a new favorite singer. Spanish speakers (native and non-native) will hear lyrics that are not your run boy meets girl songs, and those who don't speak Spanish will likely succumb to the rhythms (both slow and tropical) of a man who I hope continues to sell enough records to keep us entertained for many years to come. I am listening to this release right now for the third time today and decided that I needed to share the wealth as you guys have turned me on to some great stuff.

One of the best albums I have ever heard...and I don't know a single word he is saying.

It'S so sad that she died on that airplane crsash in August 2001. But we still have her wonderful songs.
This one is typical for her. Her voice and the message of the song are important. It'S R n'B at its best.
But why are there no Mixes on the CD?. The acapella and the instru ental version are nice but I would have loved to hear the song remixed.

"Are You That Somebody" was one of Aaliyah's biggest hits.It is one of my favorites.I totally recommend this song and Aaliyah's albums "Age Ain't Nothing But A Number","One In A Million" and "Aaliyah".Aaliyah was a beautiful,talented young woman who by age 22,accomplished more than most people do in 40 years.She will be forever missed!

Aaliyah was truly One in a Million. From her debut CD "Age Ain't Nothng But A Number" to her most recent self-titled, Aaliyah had the talent and personality that people loved. She didn't present herself in an immature fashion...and didn't dress too objectionable (ie: britney, christina). This was the single that got me hooked. It was catchy and had good beats. It was very popular among the Urban as well as Pop charts. Aaliyah also helped loosen the gap between R&B/Hip Hop and Pop. She also was good at acting and was beautiful as well. The "High and Exhaulted One" (which is what her name means in arabic) is now out of our hands and joining the greats to Sing for God. We didn't loose a star, we added an angel. But the only question was: why did she have to leave us so early? She will definatly be missed by her fans and the public in general. R I P Aaliyah Houghton ~*1979-2001*~

Prior to Kubrick's "Barry Lyndon", literary/historical epics seemed confined to action/war pictures--whether Roman, 19th century or WWII. The slower extended "Masterpice Theatre" approach wasn't thought commercial--and especially such a dry picaresque social satire as Barry Lyndon. Luckily Kubrick had the clout and experience to make it.
So maybe "Barry Lyndon" wasn't a blockbuster, but for sheer beauty, technical mastery, and brilliant use of musical scoring, there are few films that can match it. Unfortunately, the soundtrack recording was as rare as the film. An LP was released, and luckily I bought one almost immediately. But when the age of CD's arrived, never a Barry Lyndon soundtrack CD did I see, find, or receive knowledgeable info about from underage pop-music-centric clerks. So if the CD soundtrack is finally available, buy it before it disappears again, and enjoy a classical, and thankfully instrumental, music soundtrack that not only perfectly complements the film action, but also provides an excellent source for exploring composers and genres, and expanding your own music collection.

An absolutely superb selection of music. Again and again Kubrick revealed his genius in moviemaking with every detail, including his choice of musical accompaniment. The Handel is bold and poignant in all its variations. The rivetting Schubert Trio in E-flat IS the scene in the movie, and remains the scene on the soundtrack and is played eloquently and flawlessly with that odd droll depth which was sometimes characteristic of the Baroque. A truly amazing listen. It will transport you out of the bussle of the 21st Century with such profound delicacy. This one work alone would be worth the price of the CD, but there's so much more. There's also a Mozart march, a wonderful Bach Adagio for duel harpsichords, a gorgeous cello concerto by Vivaldi, and the hypnotically exquisite Cavatina by Pasiello. There are a couple of rare modern sublimes as well, Sean O'Riada's amazingly ethereal "Tin Whistles" and his "Women of Ireland." And then there's a few works of period traditional music which add filigree to the whole ensemble. It's a complete soundtrack, so like most soundtracks, there's a couple of pieces you probably won't want to listen to over and over again, but you can program those out with your CD or mp3 player (the two marches, while well-performed, distract from the otherwise delicate minuet pace of the whole ensemble, so I edit them out). Most of this music places you right in the period, but at the same time, much of it is so rare and wonderfully performed that it also transcends time and place with moments of the highest aesthetic pleasure. I converted it into my mp3 collection and pick and choose from its flavors for aesthetic sustenance according to my appetite. It's a small banquet. You can't help loving this collection. The Schubert trio in E-flat, especially, will stay close to your heart the rest of your life. It has to be one of the most beautiful recordings of all time--an amazing mixture of pathos and deliberation--so much like Barry and Lady Lyndon.

Barry Lyndon is one of my favorite movies and the music chosen is perfect for it. I love the part when Barry has just seen Lady Lyndon for the first time and follows her slowly outside, while Schubert's piano trio in e flat is played. That piece of music perfectly complements the scene. The Irish music by the Chieftains in the beginning is also enjoyable. I haven't been able to find the recording of the Schubert piano trio in e flat anywhere that was used in the film. The pianist is Anthony Goldstone and I love the recording in the film but haven't been able to find the complete trio with Goldstone anywhere online. Anyone know where to find it?

Since most of the reviews are in Spanish, I'll write this one in English for the non-Spanish speaking people. For those who don't know her, Ednita besides being a bona fide star in the realm of Pop Latino also is a icon in the style known as "corta-vena", literally "vein cutting", which is the mood one is in when they want to listen to that style(or the mood one gets into after hearing it). Most of the songs in this album are of this vein (pardon the pun).
That doesn't mean that you can only listen to it when you're blue, far from it. It's extremely romantic ( and it goes without saying that All the songs are lovely). It's just that in my particular case, some of the songs start making me reminisce about old loves,past break-ups,and long forgotten heartbreaks. But,that isn't necessarily a bad thing. To know happiness you have to know non happiness.
Don't let the fact that it's in Spanish stop you from listening to it. I believe she sings with such feeling that the emotion of the song comes through.
Hint : If you have someone Puertorrican or Latin that you like and don't know how to get things rolling, this album is a great way to say: "Hey, I just bought this album. It sounds great but I don't understand the lyrics. Wanna come over and listen to it, so you can tell what she's singing about?"

Indudablemente de todos sus discos este es el mejor de su carrera con todos los temas impecables. Para fanaticos y no fanaticos de Ednita. No puede faltar.-

Corazon es una produccion tan profunda la cual considero perfecta. Ednita una vez mas demuestra ese gran talento con el cual te lleva mas alla de realidad haciendote sentir cuan maravilloso es el estar profundamente entregado al amor. Ednita te deseo lo mejor de este mundo.

If you're looking for a good disc of straight-ahead modern salsa then you couldn't get any better than this one. The songs are intricate and very listenable, and the musicianship is absolutely incredible.

My personal favorite is "Perdoname", which has an awesome percussion solo break halfway through that could almost be in a latin rap song. When I lived in the Dominican Republic the song was a moderate hit and never ceased to pull people out onto the dancefloor.

The gimmick here is Carnegie Hall. Gilberto is a acceptable singer but he has little to do with the music. The ideas and images are passe and tired. His lyrcis are predictably banal. Santarosa is a symptom of the demise of Salsa. A formula that has been implemented to replace to that vibrant, organic NYC street sound. If you want to hear some real symphonic Salsa get Willie Colon's Baquine de los Angeltios Negros or Ruben Blades' Maestra Vida. Save your money one these.

I strongly recommend this cd. it seems like every year gilberto keeps producing better and better salsa music year in and year out.this is one of his best ever.its great to listen or dance to it,either way whatever you prefer this is one that wont dissapoint fans.

La musica de Victor Manuelle es floja y no se puede clasificar como Salsa. En realidad es un sonsonete recyclado en cada disco. Como instructor de baile de salsa puedo decir que las personas se frustran tratando de bailar salsa con la musica de Victor Manuelle. Les digo que si quieren escuchar y bailar buena Salsa escogan la musica de la Sonora Poncena, Willie Rosario y El Gran Combo entre otros..........Eso si es musica de verdad.......

VICTOR MANUELLE NUNCA DEJA SORPRENDER A SU PUBLICO EN SUS DISCOS. ESTE ES A MI ENTENDER EL MEJOR DISCO DE VICTOR MANUELLE. ES UNO DE LOS MEJORES SONEROS EN LA HISTORIA DE LA SALSA. VICTOR MANUELLE ES UN CANTANTE COMPLETO!

Who's that CLOWN ("a music fan")??? How would you dare to compare marc anthony with Victor Manuelle???? If you are a tru salsa fan like you said you are, you wouldn't have said that marc anthony is better than Victor Manuelle or viceversa. Right there this clown showed his emotions before reasoning... can't compare... do you know what marc anthony does with his songs? do you know what a "sonero" is? Finally, do you know what SALSA is?

this is my first time hearing and listening to this band. Hmm. Her voice is too babyish for me to like. I do like about three tracks though.

Mecano was a Spanish group that set a trend for Latin pop. It likened its sensibilities to the kind of rock/pop that was most famous in the United States and in Britain. Not quite New Wave, it was a synth heavy, intricately weaved song structure and featuring a quintissential girl lead singer, which at around 1982 when their first album came out was a main cup of tea.

Entre El Cielo Y El Suelo (In Between Heaven And The Floor) is the group's fourth and finest studio record. Released in 1986, it perfects all the aspects that made Mecano great in the first place and pushed the envelope in terms of songwriting, aesthetics, and harmonics. Their first CD was a fresh sounding concoction, featuring the band's signature songs, amid other more uneven songs whose fault was more of a lyrical immaturity than anything else. The next couple of Mecano records delved into this immaturity. They wanted to experiment within the boundaries of commercial pop and did so but in a very flawed matter.

There was an enormous transition between their third CD Ya Viene El Sol in 1984 and this classic that is unexplained for. Perhaps the reason for this was because one of the Cano brothers (Jose Maria) started contributing regular compositions and he proved to be unequivocally the better songwriter of the two brothers. Also the production is more assured and this record boasts a new batch of Mecano classics, such as Hijo De La Luna, perhaps the finest song in the group's catalog. There is not a single weak track in the record. It's a mesmerizing case of pitch perfect inspiration that elevated the status of a group that was starting to remain purely a cult hit. Entre El Suelo Y El Cielo amplifies them as the finest Latin pop group of the 1980s. The spectrum was theirs and theirs alone.

Unfortunately, this edition of this record omits two songs from the original track listing, which is composed of twelve songs, not ten. If you can get a hold of the complete record, you get "Las Cosas Pares" and "Te Busque."

Classic tracks: Ay Que Pesado, Hijo De La Luna, Me Cuesta Tanto Olvidarte, No Es Serio Este Cementerio and Cruz De Navajas

Mecano was always a group I had heard coming from my parents, but I never took them that serious, considering I mainly listened to hiphop. On 1st listen, the melodies sounded very corny and ridiculous to me, but that changed in time.More than anything, the voice of vocalist Ana Torroja intrigued/soothed your mind to a point of great mystery. There was something about this album that just captivated you the more you listened to it. And though MECANO has broken up for several years now, and have put out many solid and great cds, this by far, is their best one. By the way, this is not the real album, since it lacks songs "Las Cosas Pares" and "Te Busque." Nevertheless, the album is a balanced depth that doesn't bore you with intended complexity. With each listen, the lyrics grow into relation into personal experiences.

1-ay que pesado-the hook is very catchy and the melody is very simple, which only enhances Ana's voice.The lyrics are incredible!
2-angel-the song sounds 2 mysterious at 1st listen, but the haunting vocals win u over, esp. with the incredible lyrics
3-hijo de la luna-one of the best songs on the album, it showcases outstanding storytelling ability, strong emotion and passion
4-50 palabras,60 palabras o 100-the melody is probably the simplest out of all the songs on the album, but is probably the deepest and most intriguing, due to awe-inspiring lyrics
5-me cuesta tanto olvidarte-probably the best song on the cd, which has been internationally recognized as 1 of the 100 greatest songs of all time, being expressed with such emotion that it can almost make you cry
6-no tienes nada que perder-the song is very difficult 2 interpret, but the chorus is incredible
7-las curvas de esa chica-this is probably the song I like the least, but is actually humorous and rhythmic to listen to
8-no es tan serio este cementerio-the lyrics are very chilling, but very deep, which go perfect with the vocals
9-cruz de navajas-this song is very insightful in2 relationships with its great storytelling and sensual rhythm.very good listen!
10-esta es la historia de un amor-very haunting and strange song. the lyrics are so simple that it's almost enigmatic. i still am trying to find what it's meaning is! but nevertheless, its a very good song

*I can say this cd has changed my life, given me insight.Perhaps that sounds subjective, but if you dont believe me, listen to it! I dont know if its safe to say that this album is 1 of the best ever (its up there though), but i can most definitely say its the greatest cd in spanish EVER! PERIOD.
If u dont speak or understand Spanish, id learn just to hear this cd. I dont have to lie, the proof is in the pudding.