International music reviews

I purchased this CD for my father-in-law who is Polish. He told me it was beautiful and that he really enjoys listening to it. A comment like that from a true 87 year old full bloodied Polish person is the best review that I can give to you.

Al Soyka is polka king in my family! This collection of medleys displays the excellent musicianship that permeated his orchestra. His brother-Ray's velvety smooth vocal stylings are easy on the ears, but still drive the celebratory spirit of these happy songs.
Al & Ray are my mom's first cousins, and I grew up listening to these songs, and dancing to the record player in my living room. My Uncle Eddie played sax and violin in the orchestra and did much of the arranging. After Al retired from the music industry and moved to Florida, Uncle Eddie formed his own band. Imagine the honor and thrill it was for me to play with him!
If you love polka music, and appreciate top quality music and musicians, this album should be in your collection. Al Soyka & Orchestra were tops in their field back in the day! Give it a listen. You won't be disappointed!!

Al Soyka is polka king in my family! This collection of medleys displays the excellent musicianship that permeated his orchestra. His brother-Ray's velvety smooth vocal stylings are easy on the ears, but still drive the celebratory spirit of these happy songs.
Al & Ray are my mom's first cousins, and I grew up listening to these songs, and dancing to the record player in my living room. My Uncle Eddie played sax and violin in the orchestra and did much of the arranging. After Al retired from the music industry and moved to Florida, Uncle Eddie formed his own band. Imagine the honor and thrill it was for me to play with him!
If you love polka music, and appreciate top quality music and musicians, this album should be in your collection. Al Soyka & Orchestra were tops in their field back in the day! Give it a listen. You won't be disappointed!!

this album is unbelieveably great. i love every song which is a rare occurence. even the two tracks with vocals are very well done. i bought this about the same time i bought "jungle fever" by neil larson and they remain 2 of my very favorite albums.

More so even than Larry Carlton, Robben Ford blazed the guitar trail with a unique style in the late 1970's which became known as the "LA" sound. It was true jazz fusion: Really complex and innovative harmonic ideas fused with rock and blues power. If you want to know where it started, listen to this album. Robben plays so well, that if you're a guitar player, you'll be heading to the woodshed, fast! And to top it off, you get some great blues ("North Carolina") as well. This album is so good, I'd give it ten stars!

Except for a couple import hard to find albums, this marked guitarist Robben Fords 1979 debut. Here he serves notic that no prisoners will be taken. Simply put, this is one of the greatest jazz/fusion releases ever! Robben and band simmer and smoke, all the while playing from the heart. I would be hard pressed to name another guitar album where jazz and rock so wonderfully coexist. Only Larry Carltons 1977 debut self titled album comes to mind, and Larry is usually honest enough to admit he stole Robben Fords trip! Buy this cd immediately and you will not be sorry. If you like this, search out Buzz Feiten, Mike Landau, Dann Huff, Larry Carlton, and Tim Pierce.

Whenever I am at an Intocable concert, I have to hear these songs. I also exercise to these songs because most are upbeat. Again, this CD is awesome!!!

AUNQUE SOY SUDAMERICANO Y POCO SE CONOCE DE LA MUSICA NORTE?A EN MI TIERRA ESTOY SEGURO QUE SERIA DEL GUSTO DE MI GENTE EL ESCUCHAR LA MUSICA DE "INTOCABLE". SIGAN ADELANTE MUCHACHOS, ESPERO ALGUN DIA PODER VERLOS EN PERSONA

este cd fue uno de los mejores del grupo intocable. es una lastima que se aiga tenido que separar el grupo.

Together one and all, make the magestic journey, upon the moments of freedom. Feel the flutter of your heart and the tranquility build up in your soul, rejoice within the essance of life, that which you hold dearly within your spirit. These are the visions and feelings of life, that cross my mind, as the sounds of sweet etheral bliss take away my memories to the times of joy. Instrumentation, deep swirling rythms, and throbbing, methodical beats and of course the didge. Heavenly female vox , pulsating spirits. Glide upon this tender sound, with the taste of sweet smoke, tender skin, take thee a journey along with your Delerium and Enigma.

It reminds me of my motherland, and cools me very much.

This is a fantastic CD, and it has great sounds intermingled for a relaxing adventure. When we were in Melbourne, the musician was selling the album and playing songs near the city market. We sat and listened for a long time--and then purchased the album. Our American friends who lived in Melbourne at the time also purchased a copy and we discussed our "find" last summer again. We highly recommend it and have passed it along to many others to listen to.

I had no idea that I was buying such a beautiful album the day I picked up JOYAS DE DOS SIGLOS. Ana will break your heart with her beautiful renditions of classic mariachi, corridos and rancheras on this album. I was used to her more contemporary, poppy sound and didn't know how her voice would make the transition to more traditional pieces. Ms. Gabriel has a voice that is best described as rich. That thick, heartbreaking, "fat" mariachi voice. It tugs at your soul, penetrates your thoughts and draws you into the music whether you are a native Spanish speaker or can only respond to the universal form of expression through song.

Some of my favorite tracks on this album by far are the mariachi love songs. ("Un Viejo Amor," "Hay Unos Ojos") and the corridos as well ("Pobre Bohemio," "Valentin De La Sierra"). Though, I am a South American/Estadounidense, for the whole duration of the album Ana Gabriel made me feel Mexican! Que vive, Ana!

This CD 'Joyas de los dos siglos,' and 'Ayer y Hoy' are her best CD's. They touch my heart and soul like none other of her CD's. If you are a fan of Ana's, and don't have these, you don't know what you are missing. Her interpretations are compelling and haunting.

Whenever I go on a road trip, this is one of the CD's I must have with me...I'm hoarse by the time I get to my destination. Ana's voice is so beautiful and strong; you feel every word. If you enjoy classical guitar, you will also find an appreciation for many songs on this CD on some level.

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I was very pleased with the quality of the traditional Japanese music on this CD and the attention given to its recording. I'm not one for saying that music in and of itself can heal, but I'm not one for saying it can't play a big part either - especially if the listener believes it can. One thing for certain, this music is very relaxing and I do believe it can help you clear your head and concentrate better. That's one reason why I'm such a big fan of classical Japanese music. It's also uplifting and, in a sense, "purifying" in a very noble and simple way.

All the songs here, save one composed by the performer himself, are taken from traditional Japanese komuso (healing priest) music and its various schools from different historic periods of Japan. Ronnie 'Nyogetsu' Seldin holds the rank of grand master on the shakuhachi and performs brilliantly on all sizes of the instrument (1.8', 2.0', 2.4', 2.8', and 3.0').

Introduce yourself to some music that is truly unique, calming and that just may help you find a comforting corner in today's troubled world.

Ronnie Nyogetsu Seldin has been playing the Zen shakuhachi for over 25 years, and in 1978 he had been honored with the status of Shi-han (Master) in respect to his work in spreading the method of playing this wonderful instrument to others in the United States. In 1980, he received the title of Dai Shi-han (Grand Master) for his authoritarian skill with the shakuhachi flute. He has since aimed his mission at playing for those with terminal illnesses and at nursing homes for the elderly, in an attempt to ease their body and mind. Many of these people have testified that indeed they do feel more at ease while listening to Ronnie play with this haunting ability.

The word komuso is derived from the title given to priests of the Fuke Zen sect who traveled all over Japan during the Edo period. These komuso would take on other's diseases and worries upon themselves, striving to help heal these people with a style of shakuhachi playing known as Sui-Zen. Since that time the Fuke sect has died out pretty much, and yet the Zen shakuhachi flute carried on. Ronnie plays in the spirit of such komuso, and one could in effect call him a bodhisattva for doing so.

This CD is hauntingly pleasing, taking one's mind into a deeper state where many of our worries and troubles simply do not stay alive. Every track has the power to heal an overly stressed mind that is still at the office while trying to relax at home. They even can transport you to the calm of home life while at the office when played. His skilled ability with this instrument truly gives one the impression of hollowness, as though they have all the room within their being to be filled up. That's the aim of a komuso playing this wonderful flute for us, to empty our minds and return us to our original unknowing state. If you have an illness or know someone who does, this CD is a wonderful gift for either of you. If you are simply looking to find some high quality music to play while in meditation, this also is a sure bet. It's for everyone. Come listen to Ronnie Nyogetsu Seldin as he takes mind away...

Ronnie Nyogetsu Seldin's playing is beyond doubt from the soul and as such speaks the language of the soul. I listen to this and get lost in my own thoughts, letting time and all my tension slip away.

Few have achieved Ronnie's comfort and intimacy with the Shakuhachi, and it comes through in this album. Though nothing can duplicate a live performance (I have had the priviledge of hearing him live several times) this compilation will come close enough to make you feel you are walking among the Komusos.

When I first bought a cd player, This Paulina CD was one of the first 3 cds I ever bought, Its her first album and maybe her best, but she has improved her sound since 1992, The mega hits here is (MIO) and SABOR A MIEL... I love this album its pop music at her best just the way I like her.. Its a classic.... new fans need to check this one out.

As you may know this was Paulina's 1st solo album and it is inceredible. It resembles her latest album Paulina. Both are rock and roll heavy. This Cd includes the super mega hit Mio. Followed by 4 albums.

Thease songs are great!
Check out all her songs They are awsome (even though i dont know spanish)
But she is a great singer!!!!!

She has made another hit "La Negra Tiene Tumbao" is hottt! It gives a salsa, rap rythm so any age can listen to it even teenagers!

"La Negra Tiene Tumbao", got to be the hottest track she has ever made! I luv u Celia! Azzzzzuuuucarrrrrrrr!

This is the first Celia Cruz music I've heard.

Based on this CD, I'll be searching her sixty-nine remaining CD's and looking forward to other works by this exciting artist.

I hope to be as productive when I'm seventy-eight.

It's amazing to witness how Celia Cruz continues to share with us her talent time after time so masterfully! This album is definitely another great production by some of the finest latin musicians alive today. The first track, "La Negra Tiene Tumbao" demonstrates how Celia can definitely adapt and keep up with the musical times. "Pa' Arriba No Va" and "Corazon De Rumba" are very lively and true swinging numbers! "Taita Bilongo" is very afro-cuban and Celia vocalizes like no other singer can. "Sin Clace No Hay Son" is smooth and has a very catchy tune which features Isidro Infante in a piano solo. "Tararea Kumbayea" and "Dejenme Vivir" are nice, clean and traditional sounding numbers where Celia sings along Johnny Pacheco and his Orquestra....lifelong friends and a legendary duo! "Hay Que Empezar Otra Vez" is a very uplifting and motivating number. "Que Culpa Tengo Yo" and "Mi Mercancia" are very tight, full of heavy musical rythms, cool trumpet/trombone licks and percussion breaks. Of course.....throughout the entire recording Celia's voice is strong and continues to deliver complex vocal performance like she is famed for. There is not much more that can be said about Celia Cruz and her Art that has not been glorified.....She is truly a living legend and continues to share with us her talent that will definitely without no doubt go down in history! This album is a great musical recording and a must to have within today's modern salsa music!

Anything and everything is possible in the reggae realm and perhaps no other album best displays this than Sylford Walker's "Lambsbread". Recorded in 1978 with Glen Brown and King Tubby at the controls this album did not see the light of day until the late 1980's on the greensleeves label. This was well after the roots heyday yet well before the current reissue market. Thus, it went along unnoticed and unappreciated finally going out of print in the mid 1990's. It's reputation began to grow among roots lovers, resulting in this Blood & Fire reissue in 2000. Unfortunately this reissue is not an improvement over the Greensleesves edition, however, the good news is that the whole album is here along with some unnecessary extras. To get the full impact program your CD player to skip the Welton Irie DJ foolishness and just listen to Sylford's heavy biblical wailing. His primitive melodies being enveloped by the drum and the bass is a revelation for the ears. On top of it all is the resounding King Tubby mix, stretching out the sounds and tossing them into a bottomless cavern. Roots reggae has rarely sounded fuller and more thunderous than this, yet reggae fans already know this. This CD should also be heard and cherished by many others: Fans of great horn sections, connoisseurs of unique vocalists and spiritual individuals of any religion. Sylford may never have recorded anything again and faded into the Jamaican ghetto, but by owning and listening to this music you can experience his vision of the "Eternal Day".

A fascinating release on the outstanding Blood & Fire label, this one examines the short-lived and long-forgotten career of one Sylford Walker, a real-life ghetto dweller from Kingston's meaner streets. The real bonus - as if any sort of bonus was necessary - is that Walker's sides are presented in tandem with a series of superb deejay cuts from Welton Irie, with Glen Brown and the late, great King Tubby tweakin' the controls. A tasty recipe, I'm sure you'll agree! One of the finest roots singers I have ever had the good fortune to come across, Walker's voice is a soul-stirring cry from the upper registers, with a deeper, gritty quality underpinning the flawless falsetto, while Welton Irie's toasting is technically stunning with amazing protracted stutters and break-neck chatting that clearly puts many of his contemporaries to shame.

For more of the same, check Glen Brown & Tubby's superior Termination Dub which features a couple of additional versions from the Lamb's Bread release, and don't dare miss Walker's debut release for Joe Gibbs, the brilliant Burn Babylon, available on the otherwise top-notch Joe Gibbs' Anthology collection.

If you are a reggae fan, and enjoy pure roots reggae, buy this album and every other Blood and Fire roots release, they are all incredible. Amazing is the only word for these gems that they have unearthed from the vaults.

I think that Lincoln Park is going to be of the biggest rappers ever. He is SO awesome!!! His first album, Meteora, is the all-time best R&B ballad CD and my favorite album from 1980. Then, he came out with Reanimation, a very cool CD that sounded very britney-spears style, but his voice sounded very much like the voice of the lead singer of Ryan Cabrera, who's debut album is coming out in 2007. His next album,Hybrid Theory is the best. I personally think that in this album Mr. Park improved alot. It is the best remix album I have ever heard. I want to get the newest album, the Hybrid theory EP, which I hear is a must-own for fans of this wonderful person. Long Live Mr. Lincoln Park.

WHEN I HEARD THIS SONG, I DEFINITELY REALIZED I REALLY LIKE THIS BAND'S MUSIC. THIS SONG HAS AN EXCELLENT PIANO SOLO, GOOD GUITAR WORK, AND GREAT VOCALS AS ALWAYS. THIS IS DEFINITELY ONE OF THE GREATEST SINGLES TO EVER BE RELEASED BY LINKIN PARK. I ADVISE ALL FANS OF LINKIN PARK TO CHECK OUT ''HYBRID THEORY'' & ''METEORA'' AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

"In the End" is my favorite song from the Hybrid Theory album. I've listened to this album over and over again, yet I never get bored. Especially not with this song. It's a very nice song, I find the meaning behind the lyrics is very true... it's just awesome... its like they're sayin that as hard as we try in life, everything wont matter in the end when we leave this world... that is if we look partly on the chorus. Overall, this song is pretty much about break up. Besides the lyrics, the music is also awesome!! It starts with piano tune then in the middle it's like the "climax" of the song... and it ends with piano tune... not to mention the video clip, it has really cool settings and stuff!! I just LOVE this song!! Rock on Linkin Park!!!