Music CD reviews - look at other's opinions before shopping!
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Product: Audio CD
Title: The Border of Dusk Label: Koch Records Artist: Michael Whalen Rating: 5/5  There's probably no point in belaboring the obvious - "Border of Dusk" is a great album. What's interesting, though, is what makes it great. "Border of Dusk" is highly re-playable mainly because it is complex, though not in the sense of obscure or hard to understand. Rather, it's rich in tone qualities, with lush orchestration and many tempo changes. Despite the wide range of musical territory explored, "Border of Dusk" is not overwhelming or disturbing. There are a lot of subtleties that don't become apparent until after 4-5 listenings. Everything is seamlessly integrated, like it's perfectly natural, yet it's not predictable. Michael's trademark ambiences pervade this recording, but they appear in a totally new context.Which may have something to do with the guest artists. But there are also many pleasant surprises because of unusual percussion and wind instruments. Here "unusual" should not be taken to mean weird/inappropriate. Actually, it's all perfectly done. Stylistically, "Border of Dusk" is hard to pin down. It has overt jazz and fusion elements, but it's done in a novel way that goes beyond any stereotypes the listener might have about these styles. There is a special combination of tone colors, structure, and improvisation that makes "Border of Dusk" different from most other jazz/fusion recordings. The music has momentum because it has great grooves, but it's not just about rhythm. Likewise, classic Fender Rhodes appear on the album, but it's not just about electric pianos. The Rhodes' vintage sound is unmistakable, but again the context is totally new and contemporary. Also included are some interesting ambient passages that you probably would not expect on a traditional jazz record. Overall, "Border of Dusk" is refreshing and interesting, very worthy of the repeated listenings it calls for.
Product: Audio CD
Title: Whoa, Nelly! Label: Dreamworks Artist: Nelly Furtado Rating: 5/5 I think it's a great album! I enjoy listening to it. Every song is great in it's own way. Nelly's covered almost all kinds of music tastes in this great album. From the powerful radio mix of her new single ("on the radio") to the hip hop dance track "turn of the lights", this pop/instrumental album is for all Christina Aguilera, Macy Gray, and Gwen Stefani lovers. The album starts out with the pop single "Hey man" continuing onwards to the sentimental yet confident "I'm like a bird". A mainstream pop track (also her first video) is a great example of what good pop vocals are. Nelly's convincingly great and her singles in this album are exceptionally great. The song that's probably the best-mixed track in the album is "on the radio". A pop dance/radio mix single with a Latin influence and a great urban beat, this jazzy single is one I really love. It's for all "turn of the lights" and "genie in a bottle" fans. Overall all her songs are convincing, enjoyable, and fascinating. I bought this album after Nelly released her third single and have enjoyed listening to all her songs again and again. --------------------------AHMED MASHHOOD-------------------------
Product: Audio CD
Title: Abandin My Own Mind Label: The Orchard Artist: Michael Monroe Rating: 5/5 How some people can be talented, and blessed with an insight to life that just makes them GLOW! Moody Blues fans, Pink Floyd fans, Bob Marley fans, anyone who loves music that touches the synchronicities of life, and the knowledge that we are One... will LOVE Michael Monroe! Chosen to open for Dr. Wayne Dyer in Madison WI, this Minnesota virtuoso even brings his own electricity with him! You just have to listen, or better yet, SEE him if you can! Buy everything he's done, you will not be disappointes
Product: Audio CD
Title: Cieli di Toscana Label: Philips Artist: Rating: 4/5  Quit worrying into which category Bocelli falls, just put on this CD and enjoy the good music. This is not profoundly incredible music, but just good, pleasant music performed by a man with a great talent. I agree with other reviewers who say that this is a tad shy of Romanza, but it's close.
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