International music reviews

BUT I JUST WANTED TO SAY I HOPE YOU GET SUCCESSFUL AND YOUR SISTER WOULD BE PROUD OF YOU

When I got this cd I was amaze at how good it was. A.B and the boys did a wondeful job with this cd I can see why they are so popular. All the songs here are great and nothering less.

I LOVE THIS CD AND WOULD RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE REATHER THEY SPEAK SPANISH OR NOT.TO A.B. QUINTANILLA YOUR THE BEST AND GOOD LUCK IN THE FEATURE.I KNOW THEY WILL GO FAR BECAUSE THEY ARE A GREAT GROUP AND SELENA WOULD BE PROUD OF WHAT THERE DOING WITH THERE MUSIC!!!!! THIS ONE WILL GO TO THE TOP OF THE CHARTS IT'S SO GOOD.

I received this CD as a birthday gift from my Argentinian friend and I abso-freakin-lutely LOVE it! :D Although I don't speak or comprehend a word of Portuguese, I listen to this CD DAILY. Those of you on the road to getting fit, YOU NEED THIS CD! It is light, up-beat and very positive sounding and it has been really motivational for me to listen as I walk for an hour every day, when I work out, or even when I just need to relax and be mellow. I can't have enough POSITIVE things to say about Daniela Mercury's Feijao Com Arroz...in fact, all of her CDs are now on my ever-growing Wish List of Music! Definitely check this CD and this artist out!

"Quanto tempo tenho para matar essa saudade?"...The opening words to the first song, "Nobre Vagabundo" run through my mind time and again, as I listen to this CD for the umteenth time and remember my trip to Bahia. I think a large part of that "saudade" is this great CD and others like it filled with they unmatchable mix of rhythms and instruments from Bahia. Daniela is a Bahian icon, for Carnival, for gays, for Bahians, and she deserves it so much. And this CD is probably still her best, more perfect than her earlier work, but less sleek and refined than the CDs she has put out since. This will probably be THE Daniela Mercury classic CD for a while to come until her next true landmark (though I don't mean to put anyone off from getting her other CDs of course, since they are also highly enjoyable!) A few ballads, a few of what are now Carnival classics, a very well-known tune or two (e.g., "Voc� abusou")...Great lyrics. I have been dying for Daniela to give a concert somewhere near me ever since I discovered her, since she must be awesome live.

This CD is one of the best CD's of all time. You don't even have to speak portuguese to get lost in its magic. The music, the songwriting, the singing, the artistry is spectacular. It's like a grand Broadway Production, Brazilian style- with its haunting precussions and mesmerizing vocal performances. It's a tapestry for the soul and a colorful portrayal of the Brazilian culture- in all of its forms and styles. This is a musical event for anyone and everyone who loves music. Just close your eyes, take a deep breathe, hold on for dear life and let the rhythms sweep you into the SAMBA stratosphere.

His voice is beautiful (as is his body) and this CD is no different. WHile some of the tracks don't seem to mesh well together, as a greatist hits album its wonderful.

Ricky's La Historia is wonderful he can sing to me in Spanish any time and English . I listen to them all the time.

muy buen disco. si eres fan de ricky martin tienes que comprar el cd "aprendiendo a querer" de jessica cristina, donde ricky grabo con jessica el tema "todo es vida". este tema es el primer duo de ricky en su carrera musical y fue grabado en 1992.

There's a definite pecking order on both sides of the 49th Parallel in North America. Americans poke fun at Canada, calling the country "America's kid brother" and "the 51st State," but who is it the Canadians kick around? Well, that would be the proud inhabitants of the province of Newfoundland. This easternmost province is a geological chunk of Europe connected to North America; the youngest Canadian province which boasts the oldest continuously-functioning city on the continent (St. John's); a place with a time zone offset by half an hour from the rest of Canada. Newfoundland is far enough away from the mainland, both geographically and culturally, that its citizens have become prime targets in the humor wars. "Newfies" have long had to deal with widespread jokes deriding their accents, their lack of sophistication, their intelligence--and to their credit, they mostly do so gracefully. Even so, the widespread belief is that Newfoundland produces only moose meat, canned seal and fish.

Well, I can tell you there's one very worthwhile thing Newfoundland exports, and that's music. The province has given the world such stellar acts as the Celtic Connection, the Irish Descendants and the Ennis Sisters. And of course, there is Great Big Sea--about the most popular band in Newfoundland, topping the charts in Canada and making a respectable name for itself south of the border as well. The secret of their success isn't too hard to decipher: a unique sound inspired by Celtic folk and New World sea shanties, tweaked with modern rock sensibilities. Play, the band's third album, was released in 1997. It's about an equal mix of traditional tunes and original compositions, with one pop cover ("End of the World") done up in unique GBS style.

I'm enough of a folk geek that if I read the liner notes and see instruments like harmonica, bones, button accordion, tin whistle, mandola, concertina, bouzouki and bodhran in addition to the expected bass, violin and acoustic guitar, I start to salivate. GBS' liner notes had me in a Pavlovian frenzy before I played the first note. Better yet, the sound does not disappoint. These aren't your father's lilting Irish tunes--these are passionate a cappella dirges, lusty drinking songs, and shanties performed in a masculine musical roar. And they're utterly catchy. I defy anyone to listen to these songs in the car and not join in on the second chorus.

The opening track, "Ordinary Day," starts out with an SOS call and surges into a strong pop-rock anthem. With its optimistic lyrics and shanty-inspired chorus of "way-hey-hey it's just an ordinary day, and it's all your state of mind," this is one of the best original tunes on the album. Other standouts include "The Night Pat Murphy Died," a fun tune about an irreverent Irish wake; "General Taylor," a hearty dirge mocking an American turncoat in the Mexican-American war; "Recruiting Sargeant" (sic), a song about the true cost of war; and "Jolly Roving Tar," a shanty bemoaning the treatment of Jack Tars everywhere ("But when the money's gone, it's the same old song: Get up, Jack! John, sit down!")

The only complaint I have with this album is the slightly uneven quality of the songs. The GBS version of R.E.M.'s "End of the World" is fun, but works primarily as a novelty. While the original tunes have a tendency to grow on you after repeated listenings, they tend toward the more melancholy end of the emotional spectrum and lack some of the fire found in the traditional arrangements. Even so, they're better than 90% of the boy-band tripe you'll hear on the radio.

It's impossible to get across in words the sound of a recording, which is one reason why I don't often review music albums although I have a massive collection of CDs. About the best I can do is to compare Great Big Sea to other artists--another difficulty, since they aren't easily comparable. Maybe an aggressive, cheerfully drunk version of Silly Wizard? Loreena McKennitt's backup band with vocals by the Barenaked Ladies? Neither seems too accurate. Perhaps it's best just to listen for yourself.

Unlike purchasing canned seal meat, you won't be sorry later.

(Originally published in altered form on the author's website, piratereview.com)

This was my first taste of GBS and at first listen it was WOW! This was the most interesting, enjoyable and fun recording released in 1997! They do a great job with Oysterband's "When I'm Up" and the tradtionals are exquisite! Take a listen to the glorious a cappella harmonies on "General Taylor"! There's the fun, hearty "The Night Pat Murphy Died" as well! It would be surprising if they didn't have fun making this album!

I love this CD. I've had it since it came out. It's GREAT!

Alphaville has sailed a long trip from their tribut island ( Forever Young) to new land ( Prostitute ). Quitars are come to help keyboards. Alphaville has changed its basic sound much darker and songs are longer than before. If you loved Alphaville's first album, you won't necessarily like this album
because Alphaville isn't anymore 80s synt-pop band. When you hear for exemple Fools and Beethoven, you will know, what I mean.
Prostitute is not easy album to listen through because there are 16 tracks and maybe some booring ballads. It takes long time before you begin to enjoy all album. Be patient and listen all over again then you find how a wonderful musical journey Prostitute can offer you. My favourite songs are Impossible Dream, Ivory Tower and Iron John. Imbossible Dream is a very beautiful ballad for human love with great chorus which can almost reach to sky. Ivory Tower uses Alphaville's earlier hit songs names ( Forever Young, Mystery of Love, Romeos...) skilfully and with good taste. This dramatic song especially its end: "Oh my God! I feel so alone! I am 1 000 000 light years away from home. It seem to be a tragedy. How can I live in Germany. My another house is burning down..." Lyrics are just awesome! Iron John reminds a little Alphaville's earlier hits but it is much darker. Borrow this cd to your friend or library and make you own decision. Finally, Alphaville is not a dead band!

Get over "Forever Young" and "Afternoons in Utopia". Those are classics, but... THE REAL ALPHAVILLE are here in "Prostitute"!!!
I am a huge fan of the band, and talking about the pop music in general - I think this album is the most professional record that has ever been produced. With just over 70 min. of playing time, this album is a unique mix of different moods and attitudes in both music and lyrics. Marian Gold's incredible voice is at its best. It's quite a shame M. Gold is one of those artists, who are left underestimated, as I think he's a very talanted singer and songwriter... I wish there had been more hit singles released out of the album, apart from "Fools" and "The Impossible Dream". My personal favourite tracks are: "Ivory Tower", "Iron John", "All In The Golden Afternoon", "Ascension Day".
In conclusion, I have to say this album is a must-have CD for every fan of intelligent pop music.

There is a definite crime involved with this album, the crime of neglect. eight years ago America was deprived of the most complex, compelling and dynamic material thus created by AV. One can understand how threatened the American labels felt when they heard this music. After hearing this sound why would you want to go back to the radio?

Okay, enough of the polemics.
Prostitute is a vital album. It reflects a difficult time in the bands' history. The themes presented here are deep, meaningful and stirring. Gold, Echolette and Lloyd don't make this an easy experience - this isn't Forever Young. The previous albums allow you to visit them. Prostitute is a complete experience; one best followed from start to finish.
The sound is dark, mature and far more sophisticated than most synth-bands. I consider 'The Impossible Dream', 'Iron John' and 'Euphoria' to be among the best work they've ever done.

A defining album of the 1990's, quite possibly THE defining album of the 90s. Yes, Salvation is excellent but there is something inherently more powerful in this haunting tome.

Listen and perpare to be moved.

what about willie nelsons redheaded stranger released in 1975...

however the ballad of sally rose is a supreme album.

I first heard this great album on tape about 12 years ago and when I no longer had the equipment to play the tape, I found the CD buried on a sale table. I nearly screamed out loud!! Now, that CD has been played by me and my daughters so much, its falling apart. Yea! It's still available. When we travel, this is the #1 sing along CD for me and the girls. With her pals Dolly and Linda, EmmyLou makes sweet, sweet sounds. And, the story is terrific.

This is an interesting album from Emmylou Harris. Released in 1985, it stands as one of her best. Avid fans will want to get their hands on this cd, it's pretty rare to find but worth the search! This is the first album in her career where she wrote or co-wrote all of the songs, something she is more inclined to do on her newer albums. She is an excellent songwriter in my opinion. The album works as a concept album, telling a story of a girl from a small town who gets taken under the wing of singer that takes her (and her angelic voice) out on the road. Which is sort of like what happened with her and Gram Parsons. To get the story of the album though you need to read the liner notes. She truly shines on the slower ballads such as "Diamond in My Crown" and the closer "Sweet Chariot." Not an essential album for casual fans, but the hardcore Harris fans will either already have this, or be looking for it.

Daniela Mercury is wonderful in this great CD.

the queen of Ax� music rocks in this cd
u don't have to know portuguese to eternally love & enjoy this cd
it's the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Man, can this girl sing! Straight up rockin' the house with this song! I wish I understood Portuguese but that's ok. I still love this song! High energy dance music!

Honestly, I am not JJG's biggest fan. I own two of his CD's and am familiar with a couple of other songs from other discs. I do like this album for what it is, and I would recommend it, especially to those studying French, to get a taste of French music.

My favorite song on this CD is "Sache que je." It is one of those songs that could last 10-15 minutes, and I wouldn't get bored with it. For me, this is a great CD for background music. When it ends, I don't want to put on anything else because I end up in a very calm mood and don't want it disturbed.

I give it 4 stars because I think this is very good. Yes, JJG is an incredibly accomplished singer/composer, but he is just not completely my style. If he were, I would probably add that extra star.

En Passant is probably Goldman's most melancholic CD, the one made after his divorce. The melodies are beautiful, and the lyrics the saddest ones he's ever written. But no doubts it's Goldman. Every song means something and you really need to translate them, to understand them because it will open your mind to the world.To understand that "there's a question in 'I love you' that asks 'do YOU love me?'"('sache que je')

This is definitely the album for the 90's! In it, we can clearly hear the maturity that JJG has acquired after all of his hits from the 80's. En Passant is a great, romantic, relaxing, and poetic CD that will please all listeners. I became one of his biggest fans after this CD and then was tempted to trace back his music and was not disappointed in the least bit. I love his music and hope to hear much more from him.

C’mon guys… This CD is the worst work of copy from the best music written in Spanish… It’s just like Britney Spears taking verses from Dylan, Cohen, Nash and singing them as if they were her own, but adding them a lot of trash lyrics…

Es un cantante que me produce unas sensaciones unicas. El sentimiento de complicidad y de nostalgia al oir sus canciones es unico.

This CD says the truth. Este disco es tan cierto, habla sin pelos en la lengua y dice lo que toda latinoamerica siente por los gringos. Ellos escriben en los comentarios que este disco es bueno, jaja si supieran lo que dice; esa forma que tiene Arjona de expresar su inconformidad con lo que le rodea es impresionante, este disco no puede faltar.

I don't like tracks 5,7,9 but i think the lead singers voice sounds good on this compared to other albums.

I understand very little Spanish, but this album has become one of my all time favorites. I have to stop myself from listening to it too much. This girl has a fantastic voice.

este cd es definalmente lo mejor de la oreja de van gogh, mucho mejor que viaje de copperpot. dile al sol es uno de mis discos favoritos.