International music reviews

i love box sets, and was incredibly excited to receive this as a present, because i am a HUGE Silverchair fan. I was disappointed by the fact that this set does not include many rarities, although it does have an interactive disc, which is awesome to view. Also, there is one song on one of the discs called "Undecided." This song is NOT the same song on the Frogstomp album. "Slab" is an interesting 7+ minute mix by Nick Launay, it's basically a huge compilation of all of the songs on "Freak Show." The rarities in this set are not phenomenal, but the set is worth buying.

if your a silverchair fan this box set needs to be bought
its has the great classic tracks like 'freak' and 'abuse me'.
but this also has great b sides. silverchair are definetley the greatest band ever.

This CD is a great CD. Silverchair is one of the best groups to rock this planet. The CD here is filled with great tracks such as "Freak" and "Madman". This is probably one of the best CD's out there. GO BUY IT!

I loved this CD. I have all types of noveau flamenco and find this one being my favorite. If you've listened to Armik, you'll find some of the same flavor in this CD but with a better array of rythms. I can't wait for the release of another album by John Gilliat. John, Im looking for a song that runs at least 8 minutes to use for a Doma Vaquera Exhibition, have any new tunes that might serve the purpose?

As the other reviewers have mentioned, the music is terrific. As an added bonus, this disc's recording quality is first rate. You'll be playing "air Flamenco" before the first cut is over! Highly recommended.

"Freedom" is simply wonderful! As you go from one song to another, your mood might change slightly, but the main feeling - of joy and happiness - will remain in the background. Let's hope we hear some more from this talented guy...

The 1st time I heard Mala Fe was while was while in Boca Chica .. it did not take me much time 2 track this Album and buy a copy. Apart from my memories/experiences in DR, this is the best souvenior i could have brought along. Songs like "Lo Oscuro", "Haciendo Cocote", "Gitana", "Vamos Hablar Ingles","Carlota" are absolutely wonderful... U better belive me, after all this is coming from someone who can hardly understand spanish ... but LOVEs to dance.

The whole thing is great musical fun, but if you're a bass player looking for fresh inspiration, you're especially going to want to check this out.

Mala Fe has done an awesome job with SUPER MALA FE.. I love Latin Music and especially if it can get me to want to dance while I'm driving my car. Estoy una mujer que encanta el ritmo primero, y segundo los mensajes en las canciones y Mala Fe tiene los dos. Si quiere comprar, o escuchar algo lleno de cultura, sabor, regaee en espanol, y ritmos africanas, entonces es recomendable que usted necesite comprar "SUPER MALA FE" ...CLARO TONTO...:)

A twist of fate would fill in the void that was left in the musical world and in the collective spirit of the Argentinian people, when a bare couple of weeks after the accidental death of tango's greatest, Carlos Gardel, Mercedes Sosa was born to bring joy and hope to the Argentinian people and the world at large.

There is not a soul on this planet (with a heart) who will not feel touched when listening to Mercedes Sosa. In particular, this compilation ("Thanks to Life") of works sung by "La Negra" will come in as a drop of healing water in these times of conflict. There is not a single song in this album that is not incredible, but "Corazon de Estudiante" (Heart of a Student), the title track (in a bresthtaking and heartfelt live rendition), "Yo Vengo a Ofrecer Mi Corazon" (from Argentina's rock maestro, Fito Paze), "Maria Maria" (translation from the Brazillian classic by Milton Nascimento) and "La Maza" (from the Cuban singer-songwriter Silvio Rodriguez) stand out as the best songs in this, one of her compilations which can be counted by the dozen these days.

Too unfortunate that the album is out of stock: my best advice to you is to grab a used copy when/if you are lucky to find one.

She's the one of the best singers in the world. This strong argentinian will transfer you to another world with her sweet strong and powerful voice through this amazing songs! A MUST-HAVE ! Soft popular songs and also strong folk performances.

I had never heard of this CD when a friend gave it to me four years ago. I don't speak a word of Spanish, but I listened to it non-stop. One ugly day, I lost the CD and I was devastated because I couldn't find it anywhere. When I eventually found it, after forgetting about it for a couple of years, I put it on and it still is magnificent music. She sings so powerfully and so movingly. Buy this!

When CSN&Y formed, the premise behind the group was to make the best music they could with whomever wanted to join in. This album is by far the best exponent of that philosophy.

On this album, Crosby & Nash prove that they can make a wonderful album without Stills and Young. Nash's poppier numbers perfectly counterbalance Crosby's more cerebral trips. The harmonies are solid as a rock, and the two often overdub themselves numerous times to produce a vocal blend that just might be tighter than CS&N. Instrumental backing by various members of the Grateful Dead is complementary but never flashy or intrusive.

It's arguable that this album isn't as varied as Deja Vu, but it highlights Crosby and Nash at their respective strengths. While it might be difficult to find on CD, this album is well worth seeking out for fans of CS&N and CSN&Y.

Yes, I admit, I love "Immigration Man". That's the reason I bought the vinyl many years ago. What I had no idea of is the reason I would love this disc (and wear out 3 copies of the vinyl...) This album has some of the most exquisitely beautiful harmonies and chord progressions of anything in the CSNY (together or apart) catalogue. "Games" and "Where Will I Be" are two of Crosby's most haunting pieces. The two voices, as always, blend perfectly. I am so grateful this is on CD!
Thank you, David and Graham -- this is a treasure....

Although the period from 1971-1977 saw CSNY struggle to come up with a proper studio followup to "Deja Vu" (sessions were begun and aborted in acrimony on three different occassions in 1973, 1974 and 1976, with the '76 effort very nearly seeing release),
the period did produce some fine solo efforts and collaborations by its various members. Perhaps the best of these (bar some of Young's epochal work at this time like "On The Beach" and "Zuma") was the debut Crosby/Nash album from '72, which is so high in quality that it is actually the equal of the first few CSN/Y efforts and in spite of the absence of Stills, can almost be considered the third CSN studio effort. Every track is extremely strong and their harmonies have never sounded better.

For his part, Nash contributes some of the strongest, least fluffy material of his entire career; both "Southbound Train" and "Immigration Man" were instant singer-songwriter classics of the period, with Nash's usual melodic instincts but also a bit more edge than he usually dished out. Crosby here completed the incredible winning streak that had begun as early as The Byrds' "Younger Than Yesterday" album and had continued through the "Notorious Byrd Brothers", "Crosby Stills And Nash", "Deja Vu" and "If I Could Only Remember My Name" efforts; this would be the last time his vocals and songwriting prowess would sound as breathtaking. "Whole Cloth", "Where Will I Be?" and "Page 43" all speak of a singular genius which would soon be wiped out by excessive drug use. The album was a huge commercial success at the time (#4 US) and yielded a hit in "Immigration Man", which makes it all the more puzzling why it is only available as an import here. But the bottom line is this is a now-overlooked effort not to be missed.

I enjoy Alejandro Fernandes music very much. His voice in my personal opinion has become world class at this point in his career. Unfortunatley this cd made earlier in his career isn't up to his current standard. Another thing that isnt as good as ide expect is the quality of the recordings. Other than that, the songs are old favourites sung as the album suggests "a la manera de Alejandro Fernandez". I highly recommend this album to anybody that appreciates beautiful melodic music regardless of the language you speak, and for the price you cant beat it.I enjoyed it very much and will continue to enjoy it. You wont be disappointed.

YES! IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITES! HIS VELVET VOICE!!....I JUST LOVE THIS CD....THE ROMANTIC MUSIC....HIS VOICE....THE LYRICS ARE BEAUTIFUL!! I SUPER HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS CD

I highly recommend Grandes Exitos. When I first listened to the CD, I found Alejandro's voice monotonous. He stays well within his range while singing the songs in this collection. Most popular singers do the opposite, so the lack of vocal "surprises" took a little getting used to.

At any rate, I soon came to appreciate the mellow, hypnotic quality of Alejandro's voice. I think that you will too. Read on to find out why I recommend this CD.

Tingle All Over
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Alejandro's singing voice vibrates. It fills the room like an aura. I am not kidding. I get especially tingly every time he draws out the word "Coo-n-sen-tii-da" in "Mi Consentida."

Make Beautiful Women Fall at Your Feet!
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In my opinion, Alejandro does not look very handsome. Forget the album cover, I mean in real life. Nevertheless, he has managed to cheat on his wife--who is still madly in love with him--and impregnate a young, gorgeous girl--who is also madly in love with him, ya conocen la historia).

Did Mr. Fernandez accomplish these manly conquests with his unibrow and funny nose? I say no. With millions of dollars? I doubt it. If America (his ex-wife) and la flaca wanted money they could have taken him to court. I think his sexy voice had everything to do with his, um, exciting love life.

Break Down in Tears When Hearing the Wonderful Lyrics

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If you don't understand Spanish, you will still love the music and singing on Grandes Exitos. . . If you can, however, understand the words, then be prepared to cry. For the entire CD Alejandro sings about love. Unrequited love, painful love, deep, abiding love. In short some pretty sappy stuff.

Nevertheless, none of the songs seem corny or artificial, just touching. In fact, they "touched" me so much that I cried the first few times I heard my favorite song: A Pesar de Todo.

FYI, here is my super-professional translation of the first few bits of this wonderful song:

I like green eyes, and yours are very black,
I like big eyes, and yours are small,
I like upbeat people, and you don't know how to laugh,
And being the way you are, I've fallen in love with you!

In spite of everything, I love you in spite of everything,
I don't care what they say when you are by my side,
In spite if everything, I love you in spite of everything,
Reasons don't matter to me, I love you just because.

Ok, the tears in my eyes are making it hard to see the screen. Anyway, I highly recommend this CD!

What a delight to hear this kind of CD coming out in today's market. This is pure jazz at its swinging best. I thoroughly enjoyed this from beginning to end. It's one of those recordings you can't put down. I keep in on my car CD player and as soon as I start up this comes on and I'm boppin' my way to work with a vibe I keep all day. Thanks to CAP records for giving us this gem. Keep up the good work guys!
Sherry

After 42 years as a New York-based jazz pianist with 17 albums under his own name and 22 years of performing with Dizzy Gillespie, this is Mike Longo�s first concert album. Recorded in September 2002, the album exudes the joy of making music and of life itself. The other members of the Trio are Santi Debriano on bass and Ray Mosca on drums - both very seasoned and experienced jazz musicians in their own right. This album was the first time the Trio had performed together, but you sure can�t tell it from the seamless collaboration. Most of the nine tunes are familiar classic jazz pieces, but Longo and his players update them a bit while staying faithful to the spirit of the originals. The CD is made up of the full set the Longo Trio played at the Detroit International Jazz Festival, and clocks in at 75 1/2 minutes. Pieces include �My Funny Valentine,� �Trane�s Blues,� a medley from �Porgy and Bess,� �Footprints,� and �Round Midnight,� all played in a brilliant groove that is spontaneous and yet makes perfect sense musically - as only great jazz musicians can do! The rich melodies should appeal to casual as well as die-hard jazz fans world-wide, and this album is an excellent addition to any record collection. Great stuff!

I happened to be at this performance at the Detroit Festival as I live here and attend every year. We in Detroit pride ourselves on being a jazz town with sophisticate listeners who are very particular about jazz performances. This is evident by the many jazz stars who have come from this area and gone on to greatness in their field. I grew up listening to these guys and gals all the way from their formative years through their mature and greatest years on the international level. This group at the 2002 festival, in my estimation, was one of the best groups of the whole three day event. Take it from me, the Detroit audience is a tough one to win over. If you don't have the goods, they will let you know for sure. Fortunately the producer of this recording has included the audience response and you will hear for yourself that this audience was knocked out by this groups performance that night. They provided us with one of the most foot tappin' enjoyable evenings I can remember in a long time. You will even hear the entire audince clapping in time to their deep groove on Round Midnight as well as shouts of joy being exerted throughout the whole concert. This is more than just a recording. It is an EXPERIENCE! If you don't have it yet, GET IT! You will thank yourself many times over. Trust me!

Apologies - Correction.
I wrote a review for Ilse de Lange's "World Of Hurt" and mentioned "I Still Cry" (one of my favourite tracks - I have both albums and made the mistake) This album falls short of 5 stars because I am totally hooked on WOH. Also this one is less "country". There are great tracks on "Livin' On Love" though, besides the title track. I am a female myself and I enjoy (mainly) male country artists, especially duo's. But there are a few exceptions besides Ilse de Lange. She's just great!

You might be confused by how this album is in the album-list, it says: cd-single. But it is the full-lenght cd! Beyond gravity gives me goosebumps! I can describe every song here, but to be honest; listening to the album is much better than reading my review. So buy it right now! (then there's more time to listen!)

World of Hurt and Living on Love showcases a unique voice that is gives new life to the country music scene. Highlights for me are this CD are Good Thing, Breathin, I Still Cry, Peaceful in Mind, Breathe in Breathe Out, Everwhere I Go, When You Put It Like That, Naked Heart, & Beyond Gravity....with World of Hurt equally as good. Only problem is her music has not been released to the states which means Europe gets to enjoy her music while most Americans may never here her. I guess she ranks up their with Patsy Cline, Tammy Waynette, and Reba in raw talent.

I bought this CD for my parents as a gift. I was not sure about all the songs but after they listened the two CD's they were delighted, and so was I.

This CD contains the best work of Camilo Sesto, the songs he made known through his career and that have kept in the minds and remembrances of people who knew him, his career, his interests. It has been a long time since he, unfortunately, decided to stop singing and this CD, truly, reflects best his wonderful voice, his sense of music and the never forgotten songs people loved. I recommend this CD wholeheartedly.

Yo quiero recomendar este album de mejores exitos de Camilo Sesto. Desde peque�a siempre admir� mucho la voz y el talento de Camilo, mi mam� se deleitaba con las canciones. En este album pueden encontrar muchas de sus canciones, algunas un poco dificil de conseguir en cuarquier lugar. Amamos a Camilo, y nunca nadie va a reemplazar el vacio que sentimos los que amamos a Camilo, al ver que �l se ausentaba de los escenarios, por a�os. Nunca lo pudimos olvidar y me alegra ver que por lo menos se pueden conseguir sus exitos, que no tienen �poca porque son tan hermosos, para los enamorados, que existen en cualquier �poca.

Camilo Sesto is, in the Latino world, without a doubt what Frank Synatra is to Americans. His hits will never be forgotten, this music never ages. We love you Camilo. (This is) The Best romantic music you could ever find in spanish.

This is great music but you can get this album domestically as part of "Mwandishi: The Complete Warner Bros. Recordings" for literally pocket change more. It's worth it to check out the other two albums included in the set.

Hancock takes the cake with this just about unheard of CD. This is a killer collection of "feel good use the dashboard or kitchen table as a percussion instrument" instrumentals. I could write a thank you letter to Herbie for getting me through numerous late night shifts at work with this CD...but I will just say that this is an audible "great day". If you're having a bad morning, drop this CD in and you'll feel better by the time track one kicks in. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to all audiences. Herbie Hancock for president.

Counting about 99.8 % of the music on this album 'Fat Albert Rotunda' is Herbie Hancock's first dive into the world
of funk-jazz,a just blooming genre in 1969 when this was recorded and a style he wouldn't return to for another five years or so.As for the jazz side of his personality only "Tell Me A Bedtime Story",with it's gentle theatrics,works in this
arena.Otherwise this album is pretty much instrumental funk,upbeat and well made but probably not quite as thrilling and
DEFINATELY not as innovative as later such efforts as 'Thrust',
"Man-Child','Secrets' and of course 'Headhunters'.But once fans of Herbie's funkier style have purchased those recordings (whitch
are essencial) this album is the next logical step to walk in.