International music reviews

On paper, some experiences sound cliched.For example, 'dancing around a campfire at night in the woods'.But in practice, they can be amazingly natural and fun.Well, this music is perfectly suited to such a cliche-inducing experience.
There is an overwhelming sense of nature about Hedningarna.Their wearing of drab, woolen clothing of heathen peasantry in publicity photos, doesn't at all seem an empty gesture.As interviews and personal photos (which double as publicity shots) will attest to, they have a genuine rapport with animals, and are very resourceful with anything the land has to offer.They've been known to forrage for wood, bones and skins of already dead animals.With the wood they find, they homemake anciently designed native instruments, and attach modernity to them in the form of electric pickups.And the skulls accompany their unscripted dancing onstage."Unruly!", it must seem to conservative eyes and ears.The artfully painted skins of ancient drums, provide the back beat to the wild performances.But contrary to popular belief, it is professionally made instruments that grace their albums.But, these offstage activities eliminate any possiblity of this Hedningarna group being purely an act.There is an inherent 'lived-in' feel to their artistry.
These 'people of the heaths', send electricity thru the frail old sentiments of traditional Scandinavian instruments.Incessant bag-pipes and grinding zithers are a blessing to odd ears (such as my own).The didjeridou is an instrument native to a 'dark-skinned' peoples in a 'hot' country on 'another' side of the globe.All this would seem to guarrentee that didjeridou sound like a 'foreign fusion' in Nordic music.But for some reason, it sounds like it was here in Sweden from the begining of human time.Hedningarna, along with many Nordic acts, have seemlessly integrated the didjeridou into a polarly different culture from its homeland's.
Thoroughly thoughtful lyrics are sung by Finnish witches (the good kind).These charismatic females are either in the froes of dark and frightful expression, or they're uncomprimisingly exuberant.The ancient drums, sometimes studio assisted, thump away until the fire burns out.These here Hednings, are all flawless in their execution of their respective instruments.
But despite their expertise, this is a wholy uninhibited affair.

you will never regret buying this album. i started listening to this type of music eight years ago and have never looked back. this is by far one of the best records i've ever heard. if you are tired of the same-ol' same-ol', then this is exactly what you need. i've not gotten tired of this yet, and i don't suppose that i ever will.

I've lived in Norway all my life, so Hedningarna's music doesn't at all sound strange to me. Hedningarna has a lot to do with the traditional music of Scandinavia. And I love every single note of it! "Kaksi" is definately Hedningarna's best album. Listening to it is like taking a good, long walk in the dark and mysterious forests of Scandinavia. I recomend it to anyone with an open ear for good music. This is one of my favorite albums.Period.

Primer album de Caifanes. Uno de los primeros discos de rock mexicano con calidad internacional.

El sonido y la imagen de este disco nos hacen recordar mucho a The Cure (basta escuchar temas como "Te estoy mirando" y "Cuentame Tu Vida"). Aunque este es el unico disco donde se deja escuchar esta influencia. En trabajos posteriores la musica de la banda se va a ir mas hacia el afro-rock.

"Matenme porque me muero" y "Viento" fueron los sencillos de este disco, y pusieron a Caifanes en la escena del rock nacional (aunque en realidad ellos fueron la piedra angular del movimiento del rock en tu idioma en Mexico).

Las letras hablan de la depresion ("Sera por eso"), la represion ("Amanece") y el vacio ("Cuentame Tu Vida", "Nada").


Canciones recomendadas: Matenme porque me muero, Viento y Nada.

En la primera edicion del disco no se incluyen "La Negra Tomasa" ni "Perdi Mi Ojo de Venado" estas dos canciones salieron en un sencillo, y se agregaron al disco en la re-edicion de 1993.

this album makes me remember the days when i used to go to middle school in palmdale, ca. the first rock in spanish i ever heard was Caifanes and whenever i hear a caifanes album it brings back memories and i feel goosebumps. man, those were the days. the quality of this and their other three albums are timeless, and that's why everyone, past and present, can become hooked to this ethereal piece of music. thank you, caifanes.

Es necesario aclarar que el nombre del disco es "Volumen I" y no "M�tenme porque me muero" como ah� dice. Se cree que se llama as� porque el mismo t�tulo no parece un t�tulo y �sto lleva a pensar que el disco no tiene t�tulo. Como el primer sencillo de este disco (y de los Caifanes) fue "M�tenme porque me muero", la creencia falsa de que se llama as� es, en cierta forma, v�lida. Algunos lo conocen como "Caifanes" otros como "M�tenme porque me muero", como "El negro". El verdadero nombre y que viene en el disco es "Volumen I".

En este primer diso el grupo hace un excelente debut y tiene un gran �xito con el cover de "La negra tomasa" que fue un hit. El disco recibi� muy malas cr�ticas (tambi�n buenas) que son de resaltar. Se pensaba que el grupo era comercial y basura por el hecho de haber pegado con "La negra tomasa", �sto es totalmente falso, es algo que Caifanes vendr�a a demostrar con el tiempo y sus dem�s producciones.

De este disco tambi�n fue sencillo "Viento". El disco contiene una participaci�n especial muy destacable, Gustavo Cerati (de Soda Stereo) tocando la guitarra en "La Bestia Humana".

Es un cl�sico del rock en espa�ol por ser el debut de esta banda tan buena... y no s�lo por �so, sino por su gran calidad musical. Es, junto con El Silencio, mi disco preferido de esta banda.

This is a fantastic album that puts together the best songs that Myriam performed in the Mexican Reality Show La Academia. Not only are the songs icons of the music world, but also, Myriam shows what an amazing voice she has by singing them with absolute domain, sensibility and technique. I was blown away by the way this girl imprints emotions and feelings in her voice. A must have album for anyone who enjoys a wounderful voice! Fantastic album!!!

This CD is one of those that never comes out of your CD player, and is alwayas traveling wherever you go. It's a CD that demonstrate why she won 1st place in LA ACADEMIA. Besides that, it contains her best songs, sang during the reality show.

I really recommend Myriam because she is the best singer in La Academia and it's no surprise she won 1st place because she has the most wonderful voice in all of Mexico

Easily the best LP of the disco era ( sorry Chic! )and one of very very few which merits end to end listening.

I had forgotten this lp from my 70's vinyl days. When it came in the mail, I put it in the CD player and was instantly transported into sunny bliss. The power of music to change one's state of mind is overstated, I think, but in the case of this recording, it's true. This music makes me happy, happy to be alive. It wasn't all the effect of nostalgia. Sure, as each track came on I was surprised at how much I remembered from 20 years ago. But there are wonderful arrangements, instrumentation, and playing on the album. The vocals are great-- an expressive male lead, choral-style, minimal-harmony female singing. The songwriting is confident and forceful. Change was a group formed in direct response to Chic, but the imitation is definitely flattering. Change took their cue from Bernard Edwards' bass playing, and give us rhythmic and melodic deep notes, and they use choral vocals in the verses. They de-emphasized the guitar and punched up the keyboards. They were clearly inspired by Chic, but produced music that stands in its own right as masterful. This album is the best of the Petrus-Malavsi productions. All the tracks are superior, with the possible exception of the one ballad (which falls just over the line into saccharine territory.) Miracles has a sound I have never tired of. Highly recommended for fans of soul, disco, or dance music.

I remember when this album was released in the spring of '81. I boght the CD recently because I had the vinyl copy of this and lost it due to moving around. This is in my opinion the best album Change put out even though Luther Vandross sung background vocals on it but still excellent. All the songs are oustanding and the music very well played with lyrics that are rich and powerful. This is an album you can listen to and not be dissapointed at all. If you want to hear what real music is and was like listen to this one, you will not be dissapointed. You can not only dance to the songs but also sit back and relax to them also. They don't make them like this anymore.

So You are looking for a Selena Compilation to purchase?...Yes, there are many of them, too many, and a Guy can get confused, especially if He "discovered" Selena through Jennifer Lopez in the Movie, or Heard "Dreaming of You" and "I could fall in Love" after Her Murder in 1995...I have owned several "Best of's" Myself, but this One is Far and away the best of them all! After hearing the Songs here, You will realize that the above 2 mentioned Tunes are simply Ok, but Selena's Magic lies in Tejano, including the first 5 Songs on this Disc, "La Tracalera", "Carcacha", and many more...Don't bother with the other Compilations, they are Fine, but this is a Screaming BUY!

I admit I speak no Spanish, I only know a few words in Spanish though. Even though I do not understand what Selena is singing in this album I still love it! Como La Flor is my favorite song! It feels weird listening to Selena when she's not here but she's here in a way. I still love Selena! I loved her since the Selena movie came out! Anyways, I recommend you buy this C.D. today! You'll cherrish it always!

I love Selena's music; all of it! She had so much talent and was such a special person, as well. She could sing any style of music and do it so well. I have all her CD's as well as her videos, and most of her pictures. But, then again, so do millions of persons. Her music was sung from the heart and you can tell that she totally loved and enjoyed performing. Her songs kind of hit soft spots in all of us. We have lost a great young lady with such exceptional talent.

This CD is great, I always listen to it while driving, hanging out or just relaxing. Blank and Jones are my favorite DJs and the albums they make just keep getting better and better. Get their "The Mix 2" as well. You wont regret buying any CD from B&J.

i just happen to get myself yesterday (April 8th 2004) a strictly limited edition which contains: The Mix vol. 1 and 2 in one box. i have already got The Mix vol. 2 cd album but its worth getting the limited edition cos it gives you bonus tracks on either of the cds. the cd is truely amazing. so many awesome tracks, some you may know and some you may not know at all but after listening to it the 1st time, you'll be hook, all the tracks have wicked tunes and beats. sakman74 has best described it for you all. i truely RECOMMEND you trance fans to get The Mix vol.1 or 2 or both but be even better if you can get your hands on a limited edition cd. enjoy!!

On the top of my collection ! Very good stuff, even today as I write this (March 2004), as this compilation is from 2002. Sets the pace for the best trance you ever heard. Puts Blank & Jones right up there with the best of the best (Tiesto, Oakenfold, Hiver & Hammer, DJ Esquelle, etc...). Highly recommend.

Matchbox Twenty's third album shows these guys can keep up the brilliant standard they created with Yourself or Someone Like You and will not be one album wonders like some many other bands who started out when they did have become.

This album has already had the hits Disease, Bright Lights, Unwell, and All I Need which is a huge achievement considering this album's time in the charts has not even passed yet. There are thirteen tracks (thirteenth is a hidden track, an unplugged version of Disease). Although there are no fillers on this album they do seem to be experimenting a bit with their writing on tracks nine and ten, Soul and Downfall, which are different sounding then the usual sounds we fans have grown to love. I am not a huge fan of those songs but there are still 10 brilliant tracks on here and you may even like those two experimental ones. Definatley one of the best albums of 2003.

Once again, Matchbox 20 has come up with another brilliant album. Here, they experiment with new sounds (for example, Downfall has a gospel choir implemented into it), and the use of a banjo in Unwell is just remarkably fantastic! All in all, they've managed to maintain their level of excellence as talented musicians with this latest album. Highly recommended.

This is MB20 in its best sound. This easily became my favorite cd after the first time listening through it. You have a bit of everything from the past two MB20 cds. Some the cds highlights are "Downfall" and "Hand me Down" Those two seem to have the most emotional impact. This is the best MB20 cd, and I highly recomend you go out and buy this cd.

Since a Mexican friend of mine introduced me to Alejandro's songs, I have been hooked! If you are looking for something alegre or romantico - you can never ever go wrong with Alex. He so rocks! He just sets the perfect tone. I can't help but sing along with him. ;)

the son of mexican icon vicente fernandez sure followed in his fathers footsteps as a mexican singer. he sings mostly ballads,rancheras andlove songs. he has a really nice voice and with the mariachi band in the background, you get a pretty good idea of what mexican music is. even if you dont speak spanish, one listen and youll realize how beautiful his music is.

I know many would agree that this is the most beautiful voice on the planet, and here's another CD to prove it. Recorded in '96, with rousing rancheras like "Es La Mujer" and "Ya Se Que Dices", this is the most traditional of his recordings. The highlight for me is the Julio Iglesias/Rafael Ferro Garcia "Abrazame"...it's sublime. This is more than great singing, it's pure artistry. As with his other CDs, this entire package is wonderfully designed, with easy to read lyrics and information, and of course, gorgeous photos !

I wouldn't describe myself as a music critic, but I do get restless and like novelty, and world music gives me range to do that. That said, a friend gave me Nordisk Sang more than 10 years ago, and it grew on me over time and is probably my most played cd. The vocals are hauntingly beautiful in a way unpolluted by self-consciousness, and the harmonies are complex and unfamiliar enough even after scores of listenings that I can't shake the feeling of "otherliness" I get listening to it.

In the last couple of years I've explored more Nordic roots music and although I've found some good albums like Garbarek and Bukkene Bruse, nothing's quite equalled Nordisk Sang. Something magic there.

An excellent albumt hat captures the best of Nordic folk. Roots music often reveals the places it has come from and this collection does exactly that. All the songs have the feeling of bleak snowscapes, cold winters, and long dark nights with the singers circled around a fire, protected from the elements outside. There is a definite flavour of the viking here with haunting vocals on many of the tracks. It is hard to pick out a single outstanding track as unusually for compilations like this, the whole package runs seamlessly together. Having visited Norway on several occasions and seen the bleak landscapes, this album brings those memories back to vivid life. Definitely one for the winter witha hot rumor whatever toaccompany it! Buy this, you wont go wrong if you have eclectic tastes.

I received this CD as a present from a friend who evidently knows me quite well. I love every track, and though it has beeen over two years since I received it, I still play it quite regularly. It is the kind of music you need to read Beowulf to, next to a fire, on a rainy day.

This group deserves more than 5 stars. Their music is absolutely the most beautiful thing out there. They have so much talent and innovations in music. All the songs make me want to cry or paint! I had no clue who Sin Bandera was when I got their cd, but I don't regret it. Every single song is amazing and when I say amazing I do mean it. one of the best buys out there!

Sin Bandera has prooven itself to be the best latin group of the year with this amazing debut album. Their songs are melodic and catchy. I see a lot of future in this duet.

Sin bandera proves music has no flags and no boundries in this world because feelings come first always. An Argentino and a Mexicano make this very truly romantic duo with music and lyrics of their own inspiration and with an excellent production by Auro Baqueiro. Their songs are easy to listen and understand. Nothing complicated just real life situations. If you want to try something new in latin music and are searching for new lyrics try this album, you'll like. Just give it a week or two. Personally 'entra en mi vida' should have been song of the year along with Elefante 'asi es la vida'.
Just read this 'te comenze por extranar pero empeze a necesitarte luego' .... I have nothing more to say.