International music reviews

Second release doesn't quite have the rawness of their debut,but that doesn't make this album suck cause it doesn't. Many classics including the anthem "Pinhead" Still worth getting. 4 1/2 stars.

"Leave Home" marked the first and unfortunately last collaboration between west-coast soft rockers Seals & Crofts (of "Summer Breeze" and "Diamond girl" fame) and New York's prime exponents of the then cutting-edge punk rock movement, the legendary Ramones. While the very idea of these two apparently dissimilar musical talents pairing up may have a few scratching their heads in bafflement even some twenty-seven years later, it actually works pretty good. I especially like the moments when Joey Ramone turns the lead vocals over to the supposed soft rockers on lines like "and in a moment of passion, explode like Charles Manson" or "hey, he's gonna kill that girl toni--ight." It's obvious that the cover of "California sun" was specifically chosen to spotlight the east/west dichotomy displayed on this record, and the pleasant, inoffensive harmonies and muzaky horns sound truly transcendent juxtapositioned with Johnny's chainsaw power-chords and Tommy's metronomic, primitive drumbeat. There are times when the interplay sounds a little forced, like in the rather extended a cappella harmony interludes in "Commando," but overall, this is a classic not to be missed. Belongs in your collection along with the also classic England Dan & John Ford Coley/Sex Pistols and (now almost impossible to find) Bread/Dead Kennedys long players.

With three versions of this album circling the world, first pressing of 4000 with Carbona not Glue, an import, UK only I believe, with Baby Sitter and finally the most available with the single version of Sheena is a Punk Rocker, I find any version you get your hands on is well worth it. You can kill two birds with one stone buying the All the Stuff More I. vol on CD. You get the sheena version and Baby Sitter at the end in the more section. Leave Home captures the band experimenting if you will, with a little more produced sound but still relying on only one or two tracks for the instruments. Remember that Ramones, the first album, cost $6,400 to make so the sound on Leave Home, yes, is not quite as raw as the first but you'll be headbanging your way through the tracks from the opening chord to the closing. Leave Home also marks the debut of the Gabba Gabba Hey days as Pinhead is recorded and released as it's seventh track. A must buy for any true fans who don't have this one in their collection.

Last weekend my wife and I took a drive up the ragged California coastline. I stuffed the CD changer with six discs and set it to Shuffle Mode. It wasn't too long before I HAD to get out of shuffle and play "Little Plastic Castles" in its entirety. Ani's attack on these poor defenseless guitar strings is matched only by her syncopated delivery of her lyrics. As DiFranco fans have come to expect, the lyrics have a honest intensity that you just don't find on the radio. The line in "As Is" that gets me every time:

When I look down/ I just miss all the good stuff/ And when I look up/ I just trip over things

In fact, while my wife shopped at a factory outlet mall, I sat in the car in the parking lot, put the disc in repeat, and listened to "As Is" (at least) ten times in a row!

Keep looking straight ahead, Ani...

this cd, as with most of ani's music at first takes you by surprise. she always seems to find a new way to express herself yet give the same raw emotion. LPC is amazing. i'm unsure about this import extra tracks thing, though. i only see one additional song. "little plastic castle-just a different version. is it really worth an extra $20?

I love this album! In true Ani style, the lyrics are strong, colorful, and opinionated making the album worth listening to over and over. What is different about this album is that while she still expresses her very-opinionated, often cynical views, her m elodies and rhythms are significantly more upbeat. She experiments with many new instruments on the tracks of this album; even brass in "Deep Dish." This is a big change from her mostly-accoustic guitar past but it works well for her. "Little Plastic Cas tle" is one of those albums that each time you sit down and listen to it you find something new to love that you had previously overlooked. Ani is evolving but is just as increadible as always! l†

This double cd collection is "hot". I first heard it a couple of weeks in a shop at the Metropole Gallerie in Monte Carlo and had to buy it. This man knows how to express his music in all languages. A MUST.

The first of his songs I listened to was "L'important c'est d'aimer" from a friend's collection and I was mesmerized. The second one was the live version of "Tombe pour elle" and the power that he has over the audience was like lighting a fire inside you. When I listened to this CD after I bought it, I appreciated his music even more. He has the most stunning voice, golden and magnetic, and he knows how to communicate different emotions with his lyrics and music, it's a talent so precious that only after you listen to an artist's songs could you tell if he/she truly possesses this kind of talent to bring them long lasting love from their fans. I have no doubt that Pascal has this rare talent that will give you songs you would love all the time. I absolutely enjoyed this CD because it's superb.

I first heard it on France's version of VH-1. I was so mesmerized by "Assassine." My brother went to a music store across from our hotel in Paris and bought one for me and one for him. I haven't stopped listening to it! And I got it two years ago! It's way good!

This is my favorite slow song from her 80's era. I remember singing it so much back then. The music is hauntingly beautiful and delivers a great message. It is from the movie At Close Range with Christopher Walken and Sean Penn. The instrumental version of it is just breathtaking! The Edit version is the short version that you can also find on the Immaculate Collection. In the LP version after she says" will I ever have the chance again" there is a brief pause and then you can hear the unique sound. The edit version is the same except there is no pause after that verse and you dont hear the unique sound. I prefer the LP version myself because it is longer. You will understand the difference after listening to both versions. The video is beautiful and Madonna looks great dressed in all black. She sang this song during her Whos That Girl Tour and Blonde Ambition. This is one of Madonna favorite songs and the songs means a lot to her. I am glad this song went to number one. Keep up the great work Madonna. I love you!!!

In 1986 Madonna released the song Live To Tell, the first single from her third studio album, True Blue. In this song we hear Madonna vocals have deepened and she is singing with power and loss. This song saw the door opening to a new Madonna, the balladeer we love today. The songs here are mostly repeats, but this one still gets five stars.

1. LP Version: This is the best version. It is the full length version that appeared on True Blue.

2. Edit Version: I don't Like This Version. It is cut short by about 45 seconds. This version is the one that made to The Immaculate Collection.

3. Instrumental: I love this version. It is just the music to this gorgeous song.

One of the top songs on the charts in June 1986, this song has a special place in my heart.

I was born on June 2, 1986 and my mom always told me how much she cried everytime this song aired on the radio because it reminded her so much of the time I was born.

"Live to Tell" is a very slow ballad that speaks about Madonna's very personal life. It's very dramatic and touches the soul more than one can imagine. This song is worth buying her True Blue album without a doubt.

"Shimmering" suggests light, movement, sparkles, incandescence: all the qualities that this album has. Markey, himself a masterful whistle player, has gathered together some wonderful musicians, including Mark Wade (hammered dulcimer champion) and his own talented family, to create an album of beautiful music of Celtic influence.

"The Loan Raven" is an album to cherish. And don't miss the CD Rom track, either--a nice adjunct to the lush sound and excellent reproduction of the recording itself.

I have just recieved this CD, and it knocked my socks off. The melodys are haunting, and awe inspiring, and the vocals of Craig Markley, his daughter Kara, and Sue Morgan-Mattison floored me. I would reccomend this album to anyone, and have...I am satisfied, and you will be too. BUY THIS RIGHT NOW! You'll thank me for the advice later.......

From the opening call of "The Lone Raven" to the chant-like harmonies of a "Trip to Toboso" this album is a subtle masterpiece of traditional and original Celtic melodies. Markley has created a delightful romp through a world where musical cultures blend seamlessly with one another and gain benefit from his ability to make variety both accessible and highly enjoyable. The Lone Raven is at the same time an American creation and a child of the entire globe.

I was drawn in immediately by the first track (though my previous experience with music of this genre was limited to Altan, Loreena McKennitt, and various artists on the Green Linnet label) and was held spellbound until the very last note died away. I was impressed by Markley's generosity with lead vocals, as I believe this lent to a general feeling of communion throughout the album.

My favorite tracks include: "Sadie's Waltz/The River," where Markley's daughter Kara shines (there is no doubt in my mind that any one who hears her vocals before reading the liner notes will be surprised by the fact that she was thirteen years of age when this was recorded). Combining wisdom well beyond her years with the fresh vibrancy of youth, she manages to, if not quite steal the show outright at least make it her own during this particular selection. Add to this her blossoming fiddle playing and there will be no doubt in your mind that musical talent certainly runs in the family. The central piano and fiddle section of "David & The Ash Pelt" is reminiscent of Romany tunes, or, at not much of stretch, perhaps the some of the classical workings of Sarasate or Wieniawski. Regardless, it remains a delightful instrumental jewel of this collection. "A Winter Lullaby" is quite a treat as well, owing no doubt to the gathering of Markley and Reddick's band Stark Raven. Harris-Stearns vocals are a marvel on this track, warm and motherly, keeping one safe from the "cool winds" that blow. "Trip to Toboso" brings things full circle again, leaving off where the title track began. Yet, where this album began with solitude, when it is over one feels as if they've made new and steadfast friends.

With an impressive assortment of musicians, masterful production, and an enchanting selection of material...The Lone Raven is a highly recommended musical journey that brings ages past into a fresh, shimmering new light without losing any of the original intensity by over-polishing. All in all, it's at both crisp and professional, yet, when you close your eyes and listen, you feel very much like part of the tribe...sitting about the campfire on a cool autumn night.

This album and the follow-up, Cross-Collateral are two of the greatest fusion albums I have ever heard. These albums feature the artistry of Wolfgang Schmid (Paradox) on bass, Kristian Schultze (Cusco) on Fender Piano & Organ, the fabulous Curt Cress on Percussion and the greatest Sax player I have ever heard, Klaus Doldinger, who is well known all over the world for his various accomplishments over many decades. Passport's sound is truly unique!

I saw them live in D.C. back in '77 and the thing that most impressed me was Curt Cress on drums.I haven't heard a better drummer since.I like just about all of Passport's releases but this is my favorite.

Passport is one of my favorite jazz groups and has been ever since I was introduced to their music with "Garden of Eden." The synthesized choir voices are what got me, as well as Klaus' excellent saxophone playing and ability to create memorable and original melody lines. Would love to have every album they every made, as well as those of Gino Vannelli (Crazy Life), but unfortunately some of them are not available. Passport, you are wonderful!

Madness? The Specials? definetily way more grabbing than No Doubt. It is not far fetched to include La Maldita in this category. El Circo was perhaps their greatest achievemement (Tono, Solin, Kumbala, Pata de Perro). Yet, this incredible sense of touch with the realities of urban life still flows through their music. Yes, it has social content but it never ceases to be fun! This compilation is proof of that.

Although in the last few years they have been running behind the success of other bands like Molotov and the always mesmerizing Cafe Tacuba, La Maldita will always have something new to offer. Someday commercial US radio will play these guys and many others from non-English speaking countries.

Feel alive once again after listening to this CD. A true reflection of MVs vision. An incredible listen while stuck in rush hour on the 101n. bound outa Hollywood. Gran circo es esta ciudad! Aha!

Maldita Vencindad are captured here at the apex of their careers as one Mexico's top rock acts. A sort of "greatest hits" package this CD illustrates the bands success drawing off of 5 different CD's. The sound of MV hasn't changed much throughout the years, just the themes have. The bands blend of hip-hop, ska and Mexican roots music infuse their sound with a freshness that has set a standard for many bands to follow. The members are led by "Roco", whose image is neo-Pachuco personified, imagine Edward James Olmos posing for the play "Zoot Suit" circa 1978, fast forward to 2000, he's the leader of this band of "Chilangos" who play their brand of Roc en Espanol that is "puro mexicano". This CD captures one of MV's strong points, their live act. Having seen them several times I can say they put on a tremendous show. Roco is possessed on stage, a shaman working his magic, he works the crowd into a frenzy. Some of that energy is evident on the "live" recordings but like most "live" recordings fails to capture the true magic. All the classic MV "hits" are here and even a few surprises that have not been released elsewhere. MV's appeal is on both sides of the border as the Raza on both sides of the border feel at one with the band. They look like us and emote our emotions, be it a Mexicano from the DF or a Xicano from the southwest. MV has always been political, always poignant in their commentary, never afraid to confront injustices or bring up disgraceful incidents such as the slaughter of students in '68 in Mexico City. Their music can be playful as well, sometimes we laugh to conceal the tears. Maldita deals the musical cards as though they were "loteria cards", watch out for the diablito and the joker, escuche la campana, Roco is El Catrin and El Brujo rolled into one. "Pachuco" is one of the best party songs, questioning the hypocrisy one generation puts upon another, the song is just a great statement about unrealistic expectations. This CD has too numerous superb songs to mention, 23 songs in all, suffice to say that this is a portrait in time of one of the best bands in Roc en Espanol. A decade 's worth of music that shows all the changes the band has been through. The music hasn't changed much it is just the issues. They have a unique ability to make their sound totally reflective of the culture on both sides of the border. It's like masked wrestlers and tacos de la calle with a side order of frijoles y arroz, Pancho Villa and Pete Wilson, the sights and sounds of the urban jungle, a street hustler spewing flames from the gasoline in his mouth, a cholo driving with his homies in a lowrider '57 chevy, legless beggars sitting on skates nailed to a board, a dude doing tricks on a skateboard, pandilleros and Aztec Gods, Chapultapec and East Los Angeles, una mezcla of a culture without borders, it's all here, it's Maldita Vencindad y Los Hijos del Quinto Patio, original home boys from the DF. The first ten years are captured here, I'm looking forward to the next ten.

This is a great CD. I like the popurris on it especial Popurri de Toros, Popurri Tomas Mendez and Popurri Jose Jose. This is one of Sol's best works.

great cd for anyone that cant decide to buy which , i have all cds by this mariachi all of them have unique , and exquisite sounds and quality,this ones ranks among the top . CANT LOSE.! I HIGHLY RECOMEND IT.

In my opinion the Mexico Canta Con El Mariachi Sol De Mexico cd by Jose Hernandez and Mariachi Sol de Mexico is one of their best cd's to date. For more than just the sounds, the style they play with, and for the arrangement of the music.
In the song Mi Tierra Jalisciense, Sol plays a perfect son jalisciense. This style of song is usually a 12/8 rhythmical pattern with sesquealtera and contra tiempos in the melody and manicos. The sound is delivered perfectly throw an even master mix. The melodic line is clear to hear in every song with the base not to far behind. With all this the voice is put on top because of course the words make the song. All other styles are present in the cd including ballads, huapangos, rancheras, and original songs.
The arrangements within this disc are amazing. You hear the Sol style everywhere. Every group has there own way of playing the same songs and Sol makes there sound heard. Jose is an amazing arranger and you will hear it in the Popurris. The transitions are excellent and flow smoothly from one song to another. As far as listening to something new was eighth track, the song Cantar de un Guitarron. This song features the guitarron in all its glory. Played by Pedro Hernandez one of the best guitarron players in the world this song is a testament that the guitarron can play a melody line. This song will prove to be different from any other mariachi song you have ever heard. The disc is also a good by because it incorporates a jazzy, new age fell to it.
Jose Hernandez just doesn't play old Mexico music, but tries to incorporate modern day styling in the voice that works perfect for his group. For example, in the second track Presumido, Jose uses his ability of voice to make the song more easy listening and more pleasurable to the ear. In some of the trumpet fills and some of the solo voice lines you can fell the jazzy technique put into play. I enjoy it extremely because it shows how diverse you can make a mariachi group sound with all the same traditional interments.
I strongly suggest that people buy this disc. You will listen to this cd and be at ease with the sound that is produced. If nothing else tell a friend about this cd because it is worth hearing at least once.

Alejandro is just as awesome as his father (Vicente Fernandez). They both have their own style, but they are both incredible in their own way. I love to see them sing together! If you don't own it I reccommend you buy it while you still can. Te puedo segurar que no te vas awuitar!

I love Alejandro's music, his voice is like sweet melody to my ears. I recommend for couples that just want to enjoy some quality time together to put any one of his CDs on the CD player and I guarantee you will be feeling the words to the songs deep in your soul.

Alejandro's voice is the most glorious sound I've ever heard. The beauty of it can change your mood and the atmosphere around you. It's changed my life.

This is a wonderful, affordable package. It's a lovely box with the 3 original CDs individually wrapped inside. It contains his debut at the age of 21, "Alejandro Fern�ndez" ('92), "Piel de Ni�a" ('93), and one of my favorites, "A la Manera", from '94.

In my treasured Alejandro collection, I have him singing 99 songs, and every one of them is a gem. Here are 38 of the early ones. He's the best of the best and has no equal.

Alejandro, que Dios te bendiga, y gracias por la musica que has dado al mundo.

Mind you this is for hardcore latin music listeners, no sappy dull ballads here, but terribly funny and highly energetic music that makes you wanna move your "Bam Bam".

Even if you dont know Spanish the infectious guitars and the caribbean rhythms here will make listening fun. But listen closely and you will find phrases in English sprinkled about.

My fave songs the dynamic ACETONA by far! BAM BAM is fun, as well as the normal version of EVERYBODY, I feel the broken hearted pain described in CARTA DE AMOR, LOVE IN NEW ORLEANS is more toned down but great! Now, CAPRICHOS is nostalgically reminiscent of old BUSH ballads-great song. Sorta reminds you that this is an electric guitar playing trio.

Oh, and a real treat is the Digitally remastered version of their best hit SENORITA A MI ME GUSTA.... at the end of the CD what are you waiting for? You gotta have this.

Hailing from Panama, the same country that brought Ruben Blades(who was pivotal with their previous releases) to International audiences comes this trio that packs a terrific sound. Rabanes cover a variety of styles, including reggae, ska ,salsa, calypso, rock, hip-hop and some intangibles. They are bicultural but clearly Latino. Their exuberence is catchy and fresh for a fun sound that is invigorating. If this doesn't get your motor running nothing will. The trio is backed by super musicians and the production talents of none other than mega producer Emilio Estefan Jr. The music is upbeat and reveals the humor of these Panamanians to be universal. Take the opening track, "Money" which opens with an auctioneer rattling off the selling price and " where the young men talk about "sin dinero no hay amor"( without money there is no love) or the conceptually strung together tracks "Thank Yous" where everyone is thanked for there help on the disc and two versions of "Everybody" where simple phone recordings are mixed into the songs as each member takes a turn at the continuation of thanks. This is a fun disc that should be played a todo volumen(at full volume) to full appreciate the festive mood.The dance beats are often of the jump, jump, jump around variety that come around to smooth salsa, grooving to a back beat and shaking your sensibilities with ragga-muffin style hip-hop. "Carta de Amor' could easily be coming from Cartagena but it is Panama. They are talented and can play melodic , cool laid back and dream music as evidence with "Tu Caprichos" that is a swaying bolero that heats up like the fever it incites between lovers. I have to mention that "El Queso" is one of the most clever play on words I've heard in awhile and is probably why there is a "parental warning for explicit lyrics."If you like the music of King Chango, Disorden Publico, Todos Tus Muertos or Molotov than you will love this disc because it is all that and then some. These guys rock the house in a clearly distinctive Latino style. They have planted the bandera de sabor(flag of flavor) for the party nation. This is vital music for your fiesta wherever you are coming to you via Panama.

It;s not rock at a point....Example #2 Bam Bam, I heard on a music channel and it has rythum... and that is the only reason way I bought this cd and a well deserved 5 stars....Give it a listen you me agree that #2 Bam bam is the best song :) L8ter