International music reviews

This is a great mixture of easy listening music although it requires a listen or two to appreciate it. An unusual mix of italian music. Very good.

Raf, whose real name is Raffaele Riefoli, is one of the artists that my Italian friends tell me I should be ashamed for liking. Although he is definitely in the pop scene, I think that Raf is not at all like those who capitalize on good looks or who follow a well-established formula. He has a good voice and a talent for composition and for expressing real (not fabricated) feelings. What makes Raf a very interesting artist to me is that he always seems to be seeking a way to explore a different musical direction; consequently each of his successive albums has a very different flavor. Iperbole is, in my opinion, one of his best albums and it succeeded because it was in tune with its time. It reflected a moment in Italian pop culture like no other album managed to do. In this album, Raf explores the romantic without venturing into the "cheesy", explores upbeat rhythms without catering to the mindless, and incorporates modern production techniques into solid music. I feel that there is a soul in this album, something that was unique among all the other albums that got released in the same year.

His name is Rafael - in Italy, they call him 'Raf' for short! Great singer, everything he does is beautiful!

I never bought her CD, but the song YOUR HOUSE made me change my mind. I love this song. YOUR HOUSE...the lyrics are killer!

everyone knows how smart and articulate she is, so that's besides speaking. i'm listening to the "your house LIVE" track and it blew me away. i didn't really felt addicted to the jagged little pill version, don't know why. but i absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the new version. it's funky with great beats thrown into it to support and carry lani's voice through the song. it absolutely kicks ... . i love her older singles like this one, and if you liked these b-sides, there are a plethora more coming in support of UNDER RUG SWEPT.

check out:

symptoms
sister blister
hands clean *slow acoustic*
fear of bliss
unprodigal daughter (one of the best)

to defeat stereotype, i also love tori amos, so check her out too.

we love you Lani...

'Joining You' is a beautiful song, one of Alanis' best. Here, the album (SFIJ) version is showcased. It is the b-sides on this single that will grab your attention, despite the calibre of the title track. The previously unreleased 'london' takes you through many emotions before it ends, and the re-worked version of 'Your House', live at BBC radio 1 has now been shunted to the #1 position in my personal chart! Surely, music simply doesn't get any better than this...

I'd never heard of Youssou N'Dour until I read about this album one morning in the newspaper, what a voice I was missing out on. This is quite simply an incredible album which everyone needs to have.

Apparently there's a different version (The Link) for the US market which doesn't have the Sting and Wyclef duets. In my opinion those two tracks are among the best offerings of the album here.

The opening tracks "Wiri-Wiri" and "Birima" are deceptively tribal - talking drums and other traditional percussion abound, only to be dominated and subjugated by Youssou's marvellous voice. This continues for quite some time. I've read the translations from the Wolof (thankfully provided in the liner notes) and they really do make you stop and think.

Sting's appearance on "Don't Walk Away" is positively amazing. His voice counterpoints N'Dour's perfectly as the two duet about love (I think). Sting's solid voice providing a launching pad for Youssou to take off on wailing voyages.

The entire middle of the album is full of danceable tunes which make you stop and think ("Dunya", "Please Wait" and "My Hope Is In You"), the latter of these three will move the unprepared listener to tears every time. Youssou has obviously taken a lot of time to write the lyrics he's performing here and the effect is chillingly good.

Wyclef's rap on "How Come" could be annoying for a listener who purchased the album for the African singing, however, it does continue Clef's tradition of trying new things (rapping over talking drums does have an interesting cadence to it). Clef also produces "Don't Look Back" and the remix of "Birima" - of these, the remix could certainly be discarded because Wyclef and Marie Antoinette (AKA Free) not only invade the intricate music too much, they also try being a lot more hard core than they ever have been or should be.

Peter Gabriel's work on "Red Clay" seems somewhat sub-standard at first but with repeated listens, it becomes another good piece on the album.

Another track which doesn't have to be here is "Yama" which goes on a bit too long and seems to repeat itself most of the time. Youssou's vocals even begin to seem a bit forced by the end of this one.

Those who make it through to the end of the album are rewarded with the impassioned tri-lingual song "New Africa" - definitely a highlight.

5 stars are richly justified for this album - get it instead of "Joko: The Link" if you're trying to decide, then thank me after you've stopped crying.

Every new Youssou N'Dour's record is an event in African music. This CD has a subtitle: from Village to Town, and I'd say "from Africa to International". The music is no more traditional Senegal mbalax; it became more contaminated. Looking at the collaborations, we meet in this CD Sting (Don't Walk Away), Peter Gabriel (This Dream) and the rapper Wyclef Jean (How Come and Birma). To be honest, in pieces like Don't Look Back N'Dour seems to lose african roots, and I remain with some doubt of the way he got. But pieces like Wiri-Wiri and This Dream, the best of the album, are perls without time. There are also some traditional beautifull mbalax, like Beycat and Liggeey. Youssou N'Dour is a Guide, and I can only say: listen at his music. N'Dour is opening the way towards the future evolution.

At the time when many people, so-called music expects, have written him off, Youssou N'dour released another well-polished album. And this time, he teamed up with his friends to give us the best. With this CD, you can dance, sing and cry because it is a gem. Don't walk away- a duet with Sting- proves to be the best. Also How come- a duet with Wyclif Jean- is well written, composed cross-over hip-hop song with a strong and positive message. N'dour is a true African ambassador in the world of music and this CD proves it beyond the shadow of no doubt.

Hi everybody!!!

I just wanted to say that I bought this CD back in 89, with the infamous " K.i.s.s.i.n.g" which to me was a good dance song. To all of you who do not know Siedah or heard of her, you'll find her at her best with " do you want it right now" which to me is one of the best disco-funky song of the mid 80's.
If you liked shannon, or electric dance music, you sure will be pleased with "do you want it right now". Her voice echoeing like thunder is just too much to take, that you cannot help but move. Unfortunately not many people know that she was the first to sing " do you want it right now" before it was covered by taylor dayne and Biti of degrees of motion.
This song was played in the club 3 years in a row from 85 to 88, a favorite of NY and Miami's DJ's. I still have it and still listen to it, still feels the same.
If you love 80's dance music, " do you want it right now" would take your heart away. try for yourself and see.

A Fan!!

For those of you who are old enough to remember; I first saw this lady on soul train singing the tune "don't look any further"with former Temptation Dennis Edwards and was sightly smitten by her vocal abilities;this was in 1982, I was all but eleven years old but I still knew great talent When I saw and/or heard it. Do any of you music buffs remember a mid 80's late night video show called "new york hot tracks" ? Well this was the second time I caught a listen to this very talented lady,she had a video out for a hot club number entitled "do you want it right now"! This song was from the motion picture soundtrack to the movie "fast foward"! Well my fascination grew and I've been spellbound every since. From then on I started seeing her name on various cassettes that I would get as a background singer and finally I decided to do the imposible and try and contact this exceptional artist and struck gold! Not only did she send me an autogaphed picture;she called my house to let me know that the picture was on it's way! I was'nt at home at the time but she talked to my mother and sent her a little "post it" note on the picture that she sent to me! How's that! Anyway I have been a fan of this lady's talents for so long and I am so happy to finally get "kiss of life" on cd. I still have my cassette and it still plays well. You must take care of the classics no matter what form they're in.That's exactly what "kiss of life" is. If "groove of midnight" does'nt lift your sexual spirit then you are numb from the ears down. Another great track and possibly my personal favorite is "baby's got it bad" produced by the great rod temperton; and as you will see it gives you the same effect as micheal jacksons' "off the wall" and is just as good! It's one of those songs that you wish didn't have an end! And if rod produces a song you are going to "SING" it! And fnally "refuse to be loose", a funky "L.A. and Babyface" produced and penned classic. Try lstening to this tune while riding on public tranportation. (smile) All in all this is a great piece of ear candy as "siedah" calls it. Well worth a listen and many listens to come.and "SY" if you are reading this come on wit some new stuff girl!

I had Siedah's cassett tape for what seems like 10 years now and it is worn to a frazzle so I upgraded to the CD. This CD has the ability to make you bounce to the its up tempo songs like "Kissing" and "Refuse to be Loose" and mellow down with the song I feel launched this album "Nobody Does Me (Like You Do)" and "Innocent Side". "The Legend of Ruby Diamond" well lets just say once you hear it, you'll find yourself humming that tune all day long and wanting to meet Ruby. This album is definately one to add to your collection.

I picked this up this weekend at the Parkersburg WV Multicultural festival DURING the bands performance. I am a big fan of celtic music both progressive and traditional and this CD satisfies those celtic cravings. The CD is well recorded and mixed and is a joy to listen to. The musicians are VERY talented, they have a LOT of fun and you will too. BUT PLEASE if you ever get the chance, SEE THEM LIVE it is an experience not to be missed.

This CD really shows the best of a truly believable and dedicated Celtic Rock group. This band plays their heart out on this CD. This is a must have for your music library. The diversity and incredible sound on this CD will make it one of your favorites - it's in my player as the default CD!

A great Celtic-Rock mix of songs, from touching ballads like "Fields of Athenry" to the driving bodhran beat of "Where the Streets Have No Name" and the impossible-not-to-sway-to sea chanty "Fiddler's Green", this CD has something for every Celtic music fan, and a lot for those who like their Celtic with a little kick. This band is not just playing the notes, they _believe_ them. If you haven't had the chance to see them live, this is the next best thing!

This CD is a "must have" for families with children. My two boys consistently ask to hear this music, instead of the rock, or top 40 music that usually plays on my car stereo. One can only imagine that I am more than happy to accommodate their request. This is the first of many Sam Glaser CD's that have become part of my music library. THANK YOU SAM GLASER!!!!

This is an awesome cd that takes you on a trip through the Torah. Sam has a way of painting a picture through his music that kids and adults can identify with. My kids love it and why play all the junk on the radio when you can play this great educational, hip music in the car?

Sam's musical journey through the Torah was written with kids in mind. Very singable songs, that stick with you. Each tune highlights key events of the Israelites' journey. But don't let the "kids" thing make you pass this one up. I don't have children, and yet, I can't find a clunker on this CD anywhere. Absolutely top notch!

A pretty cool CD. Has the distinct Greek flavor. Good stuff

Vangelis is right on this one for sure. This CD is one of Anna's best, and everything she has done since "Fotia" has been marvellous. "Kravgi" is every song a winner, the duet with Keti Garbi is so lighthearted, catchy, and has a surprise a capello hook toward the end. Both sides of this CD are varied and you won't ever skip any song on either side, they are that good. Nikos Karvelas and Anna Vissi are a musical match made in Heaven. If you are new to Anna's music, this is a great place to start. Overall, this CD is brighter and happier than "Antidoto" (and I loved that one too! What better guide to the world of deep emotions and soaring elation can there be than Anna Vissi? Sorry Dante, you and Virgil better sit this one out and join the rest of us enamored with Anna Vissi). "Kravgi" has a great range of the Vissi magic, with the ballads, the dance, the melding of Greek melody with rock power and the intoxicating bliss and energy of Anna Vissi singing. She always has the best musicians backing her up. It's just wonderful! All Anna Vissi fans will love this one, the only thing we can wish for is more, and this is with almost two hours worth of music on this double CD. Five stars means you just can't get enough. To the Cosmos we are grateful for Anna Vissi!

After not realasing an album for 2 years Anna is back and better then ever. There are 24 new songs on Kravgi including the songs from the 4x platunum cd single Agapi Ipervoliki. This cd is Anna's most secessful albut to date. It is still #1 on the Greek charts and has been for the past 22 weeks. This album showcases all of Anna's vocal talents. From dance songs like Agapi Ipervoliki, Kravigi, Epilogi Mou, Nostalgia, and Skitzofrenia, to balleds like Thivet, Sadismos, Apopse Lipes apo doe, and Auti ti fora. It even contains the duet with Keti Garbi Kalitera I dio Mas. This album is a must for Vissi Fans.

Hello to all music lovers.....each time i purchase a new release from K-R i instantly start waiting for the next one!! Yes , it may sound if im living forever but you can really slip into this hazardous situation quite easily. I am a huge fan of this remarkable German compilation since 1993 and i can tell you folks, its getting better each year. The music ranges from pop to rock to classic and that is exactly what makes a CD laser spun over and over. So go ahead and start building your own collection, it will shine forever in your CD stand .

hello costumers, well, I'm from Costa Rica in Central America, and I feel so good with this purchase, I saw 2 cd's in my country the #8,#6,and I get it, (4 years ago) two years ago,I foud another ones, in new york but extremely expensive,$64 each one, so I expend like $600 in all the collection, but I recomended to shopping with this company, because it's cheaper and safetly. I have all the collection except the #8 and #6, because I got already in my country. I'm from New Jersey, I'm 22 years old, and I locking for a girl, my e-mail adress is www.javzr@hotmail.com.

Hi all!

If you got until this page, you shouldn't doubt anymore about buying this CD!

I have the 13 previous CDs of this collection and this 14 is just as great!

Hope you enjoy it!

My review is for the the CD L'An 2005, Vol. 10: 1969-1970. I never quite understood how the label compiled 'Les Annees Barclay' CD's. This volume is supposed to include songs from 69-70, but instead they included only three Tracks from those years and the rest are taken from 1960, 1963, 1964, 1966 and track 13 is taken from 1977.
Overall, it's a good compilation. Dalida later joined Orlando label after 1970.

ALTHOUGH SHE DIED BY SUICIDE IN THE EIGHTIES....AND ALL OF HER FANS IN ALL OVER THE WORLD WERE MISRIBLE...HERE SHE COMES BACK WITH THIS HIT ALBUM...THAT IS REMIXED BY THE BEST DJ PEOPLE IN THE WORLD...THE FRENCH ONES.. FRENCH DJ MASTERS ARE BORN FOR MUSIC...THIS IS VERY POWERFUL..THIS IS WHAT WE CAN CALL"THE RESULT OF DALIDA"...WHO WANTS TO REMEMBER HER IN A MODERN NEW WAY THAT IS NEVER DONE BEFORE...BUY THIS ALBUM THEN. INCLUDING THE FAMOUS WONDERFUL SONG"SALMA YA SALAMA" WHICH MEANS IN ARABIC" WE ARE BACK !BACK!"..JOINING ORIANTAL INSTRUMENTS AND MODERN TECHNO.....SOMETHING THAT WILL NEVER BE DONE AGAIN IS DONE. THIS SONG IS PLAYED IN LE QUEEN CLUB IN PARIS...FOR MORE THAN 500 TIMES IN SIX MONTHS..........HAVE IT RIGHT NOW!! YOU WILLL NEVER REGRET...

Incredible mix of 70's Disco beats and Lyrics along with the best dance/techno beats. You will enjoy this specially if you have an international / non-trendy music taste.

The contents of this CD is great. All of the songs are nice and I think that if Adan Sanchez continues like that (the way he is doing things and his mentality) he would become a great singer like his father...not only because he is Chalino's son but because he has talent of his own; therefore, he is opening his own doors to fame. This guy is going to make it big...he is going to reach fame to the extreme...I really recommend people to buy his CD's they will enjoy them and love them. Good luck to you, Adan, I really hope you accomplish all of your goals.

LA UNICA,

La Perikera

I really like this CD I baught it cause after seeing Adan in a concert he sang "Flor De Dalia" to me in my ear (he has areally nice voice), that of course is my favorite song. This CD has alot of really nice songs and a really good corrido para el se�or Challino Sanchez. Well te felicito Adan and I wish you all the luck in the world from 'Mari'.

I THINK ADAN DID A GOOD JOB ON THIS CD. i GO TO SCHOOL WITH HIM. iHOPE HIS CD BECOMES BIG LIKE HIS DADS DID.