World Dance

Track Listings
Disc: 1

1. Sahara

2. Celt-itelli

3. Temple Dancer

4. Diaspora from Spain

5. Byr Demet

6. River of Life

7. Lotus Dancer

8. Passion Drums

9. Ancient Nights

10. Sage Dancer

See all 17 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Wind Drums

2. Unity

3. River Dancer

4. Tabla Rocka

5. Mirage

6. Tribal Waltz

7. Amazing Grace

8. We're the Dancers

9. Om Tara

10. Sarasvati

See all 15 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews
Music Design In Review September - October, 1999
WORLD DANCE, a double CD for the price of one, contains over two and a half hours of enchanting music. It combines melodic, passionate melodies with exotic and moving rhythms, ranging from mesmerizing and hypnotic to uplifting and enticing. Instrumentation includes a unique blend of flutes, mandolins, dumbeks, tablsa, pianos, guitars, violins and more. The first CD is intrumental, while the second includes vocal tracks such as the "Om Tara Chant" and the beautiful "La Llorona." The name of each of the 32 songs is listed on the back of the CD case along with the song's corresponding world rhythm."

Product Description
This 2-CD set contains over two and a half hours of beautiful original American music with Middle Eastern influences. It is a fabulous tool for dance teachers and students alike who can refer to the CD back for a quick reference to the length and rhythm of each song. Desert Wind is famous for world beat music with jazz, classical, and progressive rock influences. This CD set was made in response to dancer requests, and the rhythms include chiftitelli, ayoub (zaar), maqsoum, bolero, slow, medium and fast beladis, funky ayoub, masmoudi, maqsoum, khaleegy, slow and fast karsilama, saidi-swing, libi-rock, celtic jig, saidi-rock, India slow 7/4, tribal waltz, etho-rock, Mid-East funk, and Latin 6/8.

With an amazing blend of instruments and rhythms, this music is both uplifting and relaxing! Whether for dance or listening, Desert Wind's "World Dance" is work of art. This album includes a special guest appearance by violinist Doug Adams from Light Rain. It features awesome drum solos, passionate world rhythms, enchanting melodies and exquisite flute work. CD one is exclusively instrumental in response to dancers' requests, and there are songs with moving lyrics on CD 2. This CD set is not for dancers looking exclusively for the pure Egyptian genre. Yet hundreds of modern dance and belly dance professionals have acclaimed the World Dance (2 CD Set) as a "highly recommended" and "must have" addition for any music collection.

World Dance

World Dance,Desert Wind,Desert Wind,2 1/2 hours. Passionate world beat / tribal fusion music colored with American jazz, classical, and progressive rock influences. Celebrating the true art of bellydance in the real world.,Contemporary Instrumental,New Age,New Age / Meditation,Pop

World Dance

Tracks:

Ae Ae
Djin Djin featuring Alicia Keys and Branford Marsalis
Gimme Shelter featuring Joss Stone
Salala featuring Peter Gabriel
Senamou (C'est L'amour) featuring Amadou and Mariam
Pearls featuring Josh Groban and Carlos Santana
Sedjedo featuring Ziggy Marley
Papa
Arouna
Awan N'La
Emma
Mama Golo Papa
Lonlon (Ravel's Bolero)

Amazon.com

Angelique Kidjo has four Grammy nominations, a mantel-full of international awards, several dance hits, and notable appearances on film and TV soundtracks to her credit (to say nothing of being a major style icon and a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador). So this Benin-born, New York-based singer-composer has long since gotten past having to prove anything to anybody--other than to herself. On Djin Djin (the title refers to a bell that sounds at daybreak in parts of Africa), she is self-indulgent in the best possible sense, shooting for a big, glossy, super-pop sound that nonetheless remains essentially, even devoutly, African in inspiration and execution. Produced by Tony Visconti (The Moody Blues, T. Rex, David Bowie, Boomtown Rats, and Morrissey), the release is a bewitching amalgam, with guest stints from Joss Stone, Carlos Santana, Branford Marsalis, Josh Groban, Alicia Keys, Peter Gabriel, Malian husband-and-wife team Amadou and Mariam, and noted reggae scion Ziggy Marley. Kidjo, her salty-sweet voice in top form, moves confidently from ballad to club track to homespun earthmover. She never for a second relinquishes control of the festivities, even during a hectic, Haitian-rara-influenced cover of the Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter" and "Lon Lon," in which she takes on--and takes over--French composer Ravel's "Bolero." --Christina Roden

Album Description

With DJIN DJIN (pronounced "gin gin"), Angelique Kidjo returns to the soul of Benin - and, for the first time, shares it with a cast of all-star guests, in a marriage of cultures that has significance far beyond music alone. Inspired by the traditions and culture of Kidjo's native Benin in West Africa, the title of the album refers to the sound of the bell that greets the beginning of a new day for Africa.

The diversity represented by Alicia Keys, Peter Gabriel, Josh Groban, Carlos Santana, Joss Stone, Branford Marsalis, producer Tony Visconti, and the others who contribute to DJIN DJIN speaks to the lesson of this project: For all the differences in the music of our time, the river of Africa flows through it all.

The key was to build DJIN DJIN on a Beninese foundation. The heartbeat, then, comes from percussionists Crespin Kpitiki and Benoit Avihoue, both members of Benin's GangbÃ© Brass Band. Details of their country's rhythmic heritage, specific in some cases to individual villages, feed the rhythms they lay down throughout the album.

To this mix Kidjo welcomes players whose backgrounds complement the idea of DJIN DJIN: drummer Poogie Bell, known for his work with Erykah Badu and Chaka Khan; funk keyboard wizard Amp Fiddler, whose credits include Prince and George Clinton; Larry Campbell, whose multi-instrumental work has adorned the music of Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, and Paul Simon; Senegalese bass giant Habib Faye, a fixture with Youssou N'Dour; guitarists Lionel Loueke, from jazz legend Herbie Hancock's band; Romero Lubambo, a Brazilian wonder whose credits include Diana Krall and Dianne Reeves; Joao Mota, from Guinea-Bissau and kora master Mamadou Diabate.

Produced by Tony Visconti. (David Bowie, T. Rex, Morrissey)

Customer Reviews:

Anjelique Crashes Badly.......2007-07-27

Compared to all her previous releases this is sad. Presumably by duetting with 'name' stars she's trying to break into the American market. All of her native Benin funk and energy has been diluted. Angelique Kidjoe and Josh Groban? No No No. I listened to it three times in case certain tracks improved with repeated listening. Not. I'll give her another chance with her next release but hope that if she decides to hook up with others they are a bit more adventurous. Natacha Atlas if you're listening this is not the way to go.

Maybe 4.5 stars, but still stellar.......2007-07-01

Angelique Kidjo's amazing whether she's covering Hendrix in "VooDoo Child" or singing West African tunes. Her roots are much wider than just her country of origin. It'd be hard for me to name a favorite among these gems. I love the people she's selected to work with. "Gimme Shelter" with Joss Stone may be the kind of duet that's going to propel her right up to the top of the charts where she belongs. Smart move, lady, for sure, but I also love the songs where Angelique sings her own music alone.

Soulful West African soul.......2007-06-22

Angelique Kidjo is one of those rare artists who has the Midas touch. No matter who she's performing with, no matter what she's performing, she makes beautiful music. While "Djin Djin" can be considered one of her more mainstream albums, she still proudly shows her African roots. In a sense,it's not surprising it's sold alongside coffee at Starbucks; "Djin Djin" is as potent as a cup of steaming java.

The opening "Ae Ae" is anthemic;it's a power ballad in which Kidjo calls on her fellow Africans to be self-sufficient. The title track is a jazzy collaboration with Alicia Keys and Branford Marsalis. It's Benin meets the Big Easy. Kidjo does an amazing cover of the Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter" with Joss Stone. The '60s British Invasion gets an African makeover,transforming it into a tribal rave-up. Kidjo and smoky-voiced Peter Gabriel complement each other in "Salala." A thumb piano gives "Senamou" a deeply African flavor. "Sedjedo", a duet with reggae heir Ziggy Marley, doesn't quite work. Marley is relegated to the sidelines. However, Kidjo's rousing singing saves the piece. The same goes for "Pearls." Josh Groban's operatic voice is unsuited to the style of the song. It's Afropop meets Latin rock (since Carlos Santana plays the guitar),not the Three Tenors or Il Divo. Kidjo's amazing singing again saves the song from becoming a novelty song. In "Papa","Arouna","Awan N'La","Emma" and "Mama Golo Papa" Kidjo shows she doesn't need collaborators. She's still going strong since her debut in 1990. She covers difficult issues such as marital conflict and divorce soulfully. Finally, in "Lonlon" Kidjo transforms Ravel's annoying and overplayed "Bolero" into rousing,toe-tapping Afropop. Instead of being filler or a song worth skipping, "Lonlon" serves as a grand finale.

Angelique Kidjo is accomplished,as a person and as an artist. She is a UN Goodwill Ambassador;she has her own charity,Batonga. In Bono's guest-edited issue of "Vanity Fair" about Africa, Harry Belafonte praises her activism. Angelique Kidjo's music is truly angelic. "Djin Djin" is a great introduction to her music, and is a perfect mainstream introduction to African music. It's as rousing and flavorful as a good hot cup of coffee.

First Introduction To Angelique Kidjo.......2007-06-20

This is my first introduction to any of Angelique Kidjo's music. I bought this compact disc for myself as a birthday present based on the reviews it has received and listening to the short musical segments found on Amazon.Com.

After recently listening to "Djin, Djin" on a 4 hour road trip, I feel in love with the music & lyrics! The music is fantastic and varied from song to song.... Angelique Kidjo is phenomenal as an artist. I also enjoyed the musical guests performing on "Djin, Djin" too. This compact disc is perfect as background music while long distance driving, at home relaxing, during dinner parties, etc.

Not as good as Black Ivory Soul - but still enhoyable.......2007-06-11

This is a good release, with many guests on it, but not quite as accessable as the Black Ivory Soul CD. However, it will get you up and moving.

Songs from the Labyrinth (Music by John Dowland)

Average customer rating:

great CD
Very disappointing
*sigh*
Elizabethan Music
Vibe shift

Songs from the Labyrinth (Music by John Dowland)

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Not Too Late
An Ancient Muse
Wintersong
James Taylor at Christmas
Fields of Gold: The Best of Sting 1984-1994

ASIN: B000HXDESU
Release Date: 2006-10-10

Tracks:

Walsingham
Can she excuse my wrongs?
Ryght honorable: as I have bin most bounde unto your honor
Flow my tears
Have you seen the bright lily grow
Then in time passing on Mr. Johnson died
The Most High and Mighty Christianus the Fourth, King of Denmark
The lowest trees have tops
And accordinge as I desired ther cam a letter
Fine knacks for ladies
From thenc I went to the Landgrave of Hessen
Fantasy
Come, heavy sleep
Forlorn Hope Fancy
And from thence I had great desire to see Italy
Come again
Wilt thou unkind thus reave me
After my departure I caled to mynde our conference
Weep you no more, sad fountains
My Lord Willoughbys Welcome Home
Clear or cloudy
Men say that the Kinge of Spain is making gret preparation
In darkness let me dwell

Amazon.com

In choosing to cover the music of John Dowland (1563-1626), who is known as the "melancholy madrigalist" from his output of cheerful ditties like "Flow My Tears," Police bandleader Sting has entered into a whole new realm of austere eeriness. Originally inspired by the gift of a lute, the rock superstar and activist sings the songs, deliciously sweet and tender or spirited by turn, accompanying himself, with Edin Karamazov sitting on lute and archlute. For listeners accustomed to hearing material of this period interpreted by rigorously trained early music stylists, especially countertenors and the like, Sting's sometimes tight-jawed, chest-heavy vocals may seem amateurish. It's undeniable that in four-part harmonies, the singer, tightly overdubbed, comes across like a combination of the Swingle Singers and Queen (meaning Freddy Mercury and crew, NOT the first Elizabeth). But it's important to remember that music of this period was routinely heard as a casual diversion in private homes, even more often than at Court. It was considered a crucial social skill to be able to join in with an adequate degree of skill, but not everyone was able to negotiate the perilous melodic twists and turns typical of the era's music. With this in mind, the overall effect is of a candle-lit, postprandial entertainment in the home of an English gentleman. Muttered readings from Dowland's letters and brief snippets of sampled birdsong aside, it is a courageous effort, displaying heartfelt admiration for the composer and a considerable degree of earnest charm. --Christina Roden

Album Description

StingÂ's Songs From The Labyrinth is an album of 17th century music composed by John Dowland and performed on the lute, an ancient acoustic guitar. After being given a lute nearly two years ago as a gift, Sting became fascinated and immersed himself with the instrument and the history of lute music. Reminded of his almost 25 year long enthrallment with the works of John Dowland, the Elizabethan composer who wrote songs for the lute, Sting has recorded a new album of vocal and lute music. All songs were composed by Dowland in the 17th century, but have been given new life in these fresh new recordings by Sting. Sting not only sings all the songs (accompanied by leading lutenist Edin Karamasov, who appears on two Andreas Scholl albums), but also plays lute on two instrumental duets with Edin and reads short extracts from a fascinating autobiographical letter by Dowland. Sting has also written a brilliant account of the album's genesis, along with notes on the individual tracks, which serves as the CD booklet.

Customer Reviews:

great CD.......2007-07-23

As usual, this is a great STING's cd. Wonderful music and interpretation. Its amazin these songs were written on the 16 century.
I will completely recomend anyone this CD.

Very disappointing.......2007-07-19

As we all know, the music of John Dowland is lovely. When played by Paul Odette or Julian Bream it is exquisite. However, this production is almost depressing. Sting's gravelly voice finally grated on me and I probably won't play this again. The lute performance is mediocre also. The best song is that which they use to promote the album. Pass on this one.

*sigh*.......2007-07-16

I am a lutenist myself, who had experience as both a rock guitarist and a classically trained clarinetist before also picking up the lute. I have a great love for Dowland that comes from years of playing his songs myself as well as hearing great musicians (like Paul O'Dette) play them. And this CD makes me sad.

In a way, it doesn't surprise me that Sting would do this. For years now he's been trying to gain cred in the classical music world (I have a 1988 recording of him doing Stravinsky's A Soldier Tale that delighted me when I was 16 and musically ignorant, but now makes my eyes roll into the back of my head). What upsets me is he had to do something that's initimately important to me as a musician. The is problem is that when it comes this kind of music, as others have said, he IS an amatuer, and all his heavy-handed, juvenile earnesty and clumsy, misplaced intensity just drains out all the joy I would normally experience from these songs. Moreover, he's voice isn't merely "untrained" - it's *shot* from years of strain caused by bad "rock" vocal technique. It's just pitiful to listen to in such an exposed context. If you think this is how these songs ought to be intrepreted, you're sadly mistaken.

There are people who would call Sting a "pop genius, " laud him and hand him all sort of impressive looking awards and honors, but this is the music of a real genius, someone who knew not just how to write lyrics that hit home with his audience, but as how to compose songs with unparallel grace, form and sophistication in an idiosyncratic style that bridged convention and innovation. And Sting simply cannot do Dowland's music justice. He just doesn't have the chops or the insight. It's great he's supposedly "studied" this music and that he wrote lengthy, flowery liner notes, but did he really need to record this CD for any reason that his own self-satisfaction? It's far too obvious he hasn't done the same level of groundwork of countless Early Music musicians who don't do this a hobby or avocation from political causes or high-profile celebrity, but as their sole passion. Why couldn't he simply support those musicians, without trying to grab some spotlight for himself? Having a decent lutenist as a sidekick just isn't enough to pull him up from his amatuerly, self-important bog, either. Frankly, he just doesn't get it, and at this stage, I don't think he will.

Early music lovers don't need someone like Sting to bring this music to us - we've been doing just fine without him because we have so many other, really wonderful musicians around to keep this music alive. Someone else recommended Nigel Rogers and Paul O'Dette, and I would gladly recommend them over this celebrity-fuel nonsense as well. Yes these are both musicians with academic backgrounda, but that doesn't mean they are academic musicians - far from it. They just have to hold down teaching positions and do master classes because they don't have a pop career to play the bills. Musicially and professionally, they're what Early Music musicians ought to be - dedicated, educated, passionate and yet they don't have any need to take themselves this deathly seriously.

Elizabethan Music.......2007-07-12

This is the audio component of an hour long video made by Sting on the work of Elizabethan composer John Dowland. (The video does adds greatly to the value as it places the music against the background and age (16th C) for which it was written.) Sting's voice is light tenor and right for these poems set to music about everlasting human concerns that persist to our day. But you'll not see those wonderful lutes that accompany the words, so complex to play with a beauty of sound not heard today. Between his music Sting gives an excellent spoken commentary to complete an attractive presentation of esoteric classical music with a modern undertone.

Vibe shift.......2007-07-10

Why bother? Still would like to say i love the 'shift' it takes to get into this music and how i (and my home) feel when i've enter this rather rarified realm of listening.

Average customer rating:

Don't just buy the album!
The Best.
there's a reason we read newspapers, not sing them
The drama!
Among Rasputina's best

Oh Perilous World
Rasputina
Manufacturer: Filthy Bonnet
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Perplexions
Cabin Fever
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A Radical Recital

ASIN: B000QEILTM
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1816, The Year Without a Summer
Choose Me For Champion
Cage In a Cave
Incident In a Medical Clinic
Draconian Crackdown
Child Soldier Rebellion
Oh Bring Back the Egg Unbroken
Old Yellowcake Breaking News
In Old Yellowcake
We Stay Behind
A Retinue of Moons / The Infidel Is Me
The Pruning

Amazon.com

Oh Perilous World is the sixth release by Rasputina, a singularly inventive outfit led by Melora Creager. A cellist herself, she creates a frontline of multiple cellos. Eschewing the faux-classical shenanigans of the Electric Light Orchestra, she welds the instruments with sensibilities that evoke everyone from Van Dyke Parks to Tom Waits. The album opens with the lines "In the spring of 1315 there began an era of unpredictable weather. It did not lift until 1851. You remember 1816 as the year without a summer." The dozen songs address the set's title with a mix of journalism and poetry. Creager draws directly from the daily news, but rather than paddling about in simple reportage, she uses phrases and ideas as starting points for her rich and multifaceted results. She moves easily from ballads laced with dulcimers to spiky rockers sporting fuzzed cellos and propulsive drums. The arrangements, which sometimes include layered vocal choruses, utilize complexity with natural grace. --David Greenberger

Amazon.com

Oh Perilous World is the long awaited new studio album from chamber-rock trio Rasputina. Deciding current world events were more bizarre than anything from the distant past, Rasputina foundress Melora Creager culled words, phrases and whole stories from the Internet that especially intrigued her to create the lyrical inspiration for the album. Rasputina has built a loyal and committed following over six albums through their constant live recitals.

Customer Reviews:

Don't just buy the album!.......2007-07-31

I'm humbly petitioning all Amazon patrons to please see Rasputina live as soon as you humanly can. It was my privilege to attend their recital in Austin, TX on July 27, 2007, and it is an experience not to be missed.

In addition to eight tracks from this album, they performed songs from each of their previous releases to the complete delight of their fans in the audience. Their sound is tight and very loud. Marvel at their cello, vocal, and drumming virtuosity, but do not hesitate to seek them out in live performance.

The Best........2007-07-30

Hum, Oh Perilous World isn't an album for those that want to know Rasputina right now, I advice you to buy Cabin Fever or How We Quit The Forest to let your ear a little prepared.

This album for me are the best, because he show the essence of Rasputina, and the changes that Melora do with the dulcimer.

Oh Perilous World is an album really great, and I recommend you to listen "In Old Yellowcake" and "Choose Me For A Champion" to have an great pleasure.

there's a reason we read newspapers, not sing them.......2007-07-29

Oh Perilous World, chamber-rock trio Rasputina's sixth full-length album, is a study in what happens when blind ambition meets undeniable talent in a head-to-head death match. Talent usually wins out, but not without its causalities.

In this case, Rasputina has created an album filled with gorgeous melodies and string arrangements that are undoubtedly impressive to both casual listeners and the aficionados. However, with lyrics culled from newspaper clippings and history books, Oh Perilous World would be much easier to appreciate if it was an instrumental. Melora Creager, Rasputina's founding multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, comes off as unforgivably pedantic, particularly in the opening track "1816, the Year Without a Summer." Yes, it's interesting to know that Mary Shelley's writing of Frankenstein may have been indirectly influenced by crazy meteorological events of the day, but not every great story makes a great song - a distinction that seems to have passed by Creager in a flurry of mandolins and guitar strings. Her lyrics sound jumbled and forced, and while I'm willing to give a bit of leeway to someone writing songs from Osama Bin-Laden speeches, just because you can doesn't mean you should.

There's no denying the extraordinary level of talent in Rasputina; after all, any band that's toured with Throwing Muses, Nirvana and The Pixies can't be all bad. It's just that their talent is out of focus on Oh Perilous World, over-reaching and misguided. Creager supposedly decided to write from newspaper accounts because she found them more bizarre than anything she could come with on her own. That may be true, but there's a reason we read newspapers, not sing them.

The drama!.......2007-07-27

A great album if you are looking for a different kind of music. Rasputina is an acquired taste. If you are tired of brainless music as the only kind of music you hear than you will adore this album. Melora is a very intelligent woman who really has never gotten the fame she deserves. But, maybe that's why she is such an amazing artist? There is no ego here just music that makes your brain happy that you are finally giving it something besides mediocrity.

Among Rasputina's best.......2007-07-21

Like all the reviewers here, I'm a long time fan. I have to say that I had to warm up to this album. I did not think it was very good at first but am now glad that I spent the time to get to know it better.
As with all Rasputina albums, I think most listeners will enjoy about three quarters of the album, love two or three tracks especially, and absolutely hate two or three of the tracks.
The curious thing about Rasputina is that sometimes one can go from hating one of the songs to loving it (I just did that with "Incident in a Medical Clinic.")
Melora continues here to expand her vocal repertoire. Melora shifts from saccharine crooner to carny caller to slide guitar blues singer to vaudeville singer. Some of the songs also switch personalties with such abandon that at times I was reminded of the work of Raymond Scott.
Yes definitely get the bonus CD.

Average customer rating:

Love
Afro Brazilian Zydeco party
A Must For Your Collection
Forro wonder in Nublu

Bonfires of São João
Forro in the Dark
Manufacturer: Nublu Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Oye
Menina
CéU
The Good, the Bad & the Queen
The Reminder

ASIN: B000IFQLQE
Release Date: 2006-11-07

Tracks:

Indios Dos Norte
Forrowest
Asa Branca (Feat. David Byrne)
Limoeiro Do Norte
Wandering Swallow (Juazeiro) (Feat. Bebel Gilberto)
Que Que Tu Fez
Paraiba Feat. Miho Hatori
Riacho Do Navio
I Wish (Feat. David Byrne)
Oile Le La
Cajuina
Limpiao Do Ceu

Album Description

A beautiful, dance inspiring international debut. The first track sounds like a spaghetti western chase scene. Two songs later they stretch into feel-good territory with David Byrne making a guest vocal appearance, singing an English version of the Brazilian classic "Asa Branca". Cibo Matto's Miho Hatori joins the band to sing "Paraiba", a Japanese version of a Luis Gonzaga song originally recorded in the '50s. And on the album's sublime climax, Bebel Gilberto joins the group to sing a version of "Wandering Swallow", a song originally released by Peggy Lee.

Customer Reviews:

Love.......2007-03-16

I have been searching for a new band. By new I mean amazing, not known by the entire world (yet; and I stress yet), basically a band I can adore. I believe I have found this in Forro in the Dark. I hope they start touring soon so I can rock out to their amazing sounds.

Peace,

Debra

Afro Brazilian Zydeco party.......2007-03-06

David Byrne wrote an article in the New York Times a few years ago which he titled "Why I hate World Music". The gist of the article, as I recall, was that "World Music" is just hopelessly inadequate to describe all the different genres that are lumped in with the term.

Not long ago, he described this album as a Brazilian Zydeco of sorts. But "Brazilian Zydeco" is woefully inadequate to describe the genre, if there is a genre, that this album fits into. To be sure, there are some zydeco references (or are there Forro references in Zydeco?), and maybe it goes without saying that the record has mostly an Afro Brazilian feel. I'm sure my own category as described in the caption of this review is inadequate too.

At any rate, one of the many cool things about Brazilian music is how big name musicians will play on each others' records, record each others' songs, and show up unexpectedly and play live with one another. There's some of that going on here, with giants like Bebel Gilberto helping out, not to mention Mr. Byrne his own big bad self. With his inimitable voice, he gives the Brazilian standard "Asa Branca" a brand new feel, sung in English.

As to the leader of the band, Mauro Refosco has played just about every percussion instrument known to man, and probably a few more, over the years. For Byrne fans, Mauro is the bug eyed guy with the big grin on his face you've seen on stage on Byrne's last few tours, beating the living crap out of everything in sight. Smokey Hormel, of Beck fame, handles the bass and some guitars on Forro in the Dark.

All in all, a great party record. I suspect its intoxicating sounds will be emanating near backyard swimming pools and beach bars from Atlanta to Ipanema to Marbella beginning this summer and for years to come.

A Must For Your Collection.......2006-12-25

If you are not familiar with the Forro style of music, this is a great introduction and is very accessible. There are several instrumental songs that create interesting movie-like effects and moods ranging from fast-paced chase scenes to mysterious investigations. The songs with vocals are performed by the band members themselves as well as a number of guest performers singing in several languages. Notably, David Byrne sings two songs (in English), including the title track. There is no language barrier to worry about - the songs and the vocalists convey the humour, melancholy, and overall spirit of each song beautifully. For something a little different than what you may usually listen to, for the excellent musicianship, and for the unique mix of songs and styles, I highly recommend this CD.

Forro wonder in Nublu.......2006-12-09

This is a very colorful album. There are melodies that you can whistle to, playful harmonies and all feels unbounded and flexible especially in their live performance Nublu bar, wednesday nights. They have great musicians joining them and you can never guess who'll be there. It really worths checking it out.

Average customer rating:

Suprising
Speak Spanish or Not, This CD is Great
Smooth and Sexie
Learn Spanish and groove at the same time: Latin Lounge
Putumayo

Putumayo Presents: Latin Lounge
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Putumayo World Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Putumayo Presents: Acoustic Brazil
Putumayo Presents: Brazilian Lounge
Putumayo Presents: Afro-Latin Party
Putumayo Presents: Nuevo Latino
Putumayo Presents: Baila - A Latin Dance Party

ASIN: B000A8AWVO
Release Date: 2005-09-06

Tracks:

Reflejo De Luna - Alacran
Sueno Mama - Roberto Poveda
Siempre Me Quedara - Bebe
Dame Tu Querer - Sidestepper
Mariposa (En Havana) - Si Se
Caminhos De Cuba - Luiz De Aquino
Don't Leave Me Now - Amparanoia
Folia - Wagner Pa
Carmela - Charanga Cakewalk
Esta Noche - Federico Aubele
In Love With You - Deepak Chopra
Sentimientos - Andres Linetzky

Product Description

Tango, cumbia and son meet electronica in this contemporary collection of chill-out grooves. Alacran Reflejo de Luna Roberto Poveda Sueño Mamá Bebe Siempre Me Quedará Sidestepper Dame Tu Querer Si*Sé Mariposa (en Havana) Luiz de Aquino Caminhos de Cuba Amparanoia Don't Leave Me Now Wagner Pá & Brazuca Matraca Folía Charanga Cakewalk Carmela Federico Aubele Esta Noche Deepak Chopra featuring Adriana Castelazo In Love With You Andrés Linetzky & Ernesto Romeo Sentimientos

Customer Reviews:

Suprising.......2007-06-15

After purchasing many compilations I began to fear that I would never again hear a cd as good as my first (Siddharta Vol. 1) but this cd woke me up. Some songs are better than others. "Siempre Me Quedará" for example is one of the best songs I've heard in months and all are consistantly good except for one song called "Carmela" which sounds like something my grandparents would dance to.
When I realised that Putumayo made many discs with many different themes without sticking to 1 theme I assumed it would be commercial and weak, but the disc outdoes most buddha bar or hotel costes compilations!
A great Listen, I highly recommend it.

Speak Spanish or Not, This CD is Great.......2007-04-10

I am a Spanish student and am nearly fluent. It's fun to listen to this CD and know what they're saying, but even if you can't speak a word of Spanish, this CD will retain a special place on your shelf (or a permanent place in your CD player). The music varies from tangoes to salsas to mambos. I especially enjoy listening to this CD in my car because... it's just plain fun to listen to.

Smooth and Sexie.......2007-03-13

All the cuts offer a tasty bite of Latin flavor. Latin Jazz and Euro fusion. Great listening music or as a back drop to accent a dinner party. The music is captivating, enchanting, and just a pleasure to listen. This is the kind of music that goes great with a sunset, wine, and a friend.

Learn Spanish and groove at the same time: Latin Lounge.......2007-01-04

I just bought this CD at the airport in San Jose, Costa Rica. It was playing over the loudspeaker in the gift shop and I was hooked. Happy to help the local economy but I could have saved some $ if I had bought it on amazon. This is an amazing CD. Not only is the music great, but you can also improve your Spanish by listening to the lyrics. If you like groovy Latin music, buy this now.

Putumayo.......2006-12-15

PUTUMAYO is awesome music, a real eye opener. Similar in many ways to the BUDDHA BAR approach but different flavour.

Anyone who enjoys this cd may want to try MANU CHAO (proxima estacion ... ESPERANZA) for another trully great Latin American music.

This is definitely one of the easiest CD's to pop in, along with Nuevo Latino .... anytime anywhere ... just makes you enjoy the moment so much more.

Average customer rating:

Beautiful World
I wouldn't have been caught dead listening to a boy band!!
Take That, welcome back...for good!
Not The Best
Best Ever Yet! Must have!

Beautiful World
Take That
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Never Forget: The Ultimate Collection
Greatest Hits
Twelve Stops and Home
Rudebox
Undiscovered

ASIN: B000KGGB2A
Release Date: 2006-12-04

Tracks:

Reach Out
Patience
Beautiful World
Hold On
Like I Never Loved You at All
Shine
I'd Wait for Life
Ain't No Sense in Love
What You Believe In
Mancunian Way
Wooden Boat

From Amazon.co.uk

It's been a long ten years since Take That disbanded. Their recent reformation and world tour offered overwhelming evidence that, far from being forgotten, the post-Robbie quartet can still command hysterical amounts of goodwill and adoration. Beautiful World illustrates why this is so. Written in conjunction with songwriter/producer John Shanks (Ashlee Simpson, Anastacia, Alanis Morissette), the album is crammed full with the songwriting magic that made their rise to fame so meteoric in the first place. Far from being an exercise in nostalgia, the project moves the band in a slightly new direction. The four come across as more mature, more democratic (all members share songwriting credits on the album, rather than just Barlow), and even more adept at making epic pop that somehow avoids the cheese factor. Lead single "Patience" is a perfect example of how powerful and accessible their songs can be. It'd be a good contender for the album's peak moment if the rest of the tracks weren't so damn good too. With traditional Take That style songs (the immediately likeable "Reach Out", the brimming "Like I Never Loved You At All"), nicely punctuated up by incongruous outings like Jason Orange's folkish "Wooden Boat" and Mark's upbeat, Beatles-esque "Shine", Beautiful World sets a whole new standard for a band previously known more for their singles than their long-players.--Danny McKenna

Album Details

After a Hugely Successful Reunion Tour which Saw them Play to Over Half a Million People, Take that Unveil their First Single and Studio Album for Over Ten Years. These Will Follow the #1 Dvd Release that Captured the Magic of their 32-date Sell-out UK Tour, Including Footage of their Triumphant Homecoming Show in Manchester. Hot on the Heals of their Stunning Single `patience', Take That's Fourth Studio Album `beautiful World' (Their First in Ten Years) features Writing Contributions from Each Member of the Band.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful World.......2007-05-25

All I cansayabout this album is that Take That has changed alot. It more mature and for all earlyer Take That- fans, this is not for you. But on my conpinion i think the earlyer Take That was a bit nerdie.

I wouldn't have been caught dead listening to a boy band!!.......2007-05-02

But, this is really amazing. I was barely familiar with these guys because I listen to a lot of American and British indie/alternative until my friend said "Remember that song 'I want you back for good' "
Uh...sort of.

After hearing Patience I was hooked and this album is great. Age and experience has served them well.

Take That, welcome back...for good!.......2007-04-30

Move aside Westlife, Justin Timberlake, and Backstreet Boys.

The greatest boy band of our time Take That have returned with a big bang.

Beautiful World is That's 4th studio recorded album, not counting the compilations. It's a nice collection of mellowed-down ballads along with some foot-stompers and crowd-pleasers.

The Manchester boys have grown up. It's been 10 years since the time Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Howard Donald, and Jason Orange announced that they were parting ways -Robbie Williams ditched the band months earlier and ended up being the most successful of them all, he does not return to the lineup this time around (it's his loss really). The overall feel and sound of World reflects the boys' maturity and self assurance. It also symbolizes the first time the boys share songwriting duties: Gary Barlow isn't the sole writer, Mark, Howard, and Jason all are credited; Jason debuts as a lead singer on the fantastic album closer Wooden Boat.

The album opens up with the breathtaking Reach Out, a beautiful ballad and future single, that reminds us why we loved Take That in the first place. The UK Number 1 singles Patience and Shine are simply awesome, the latter written and sung with conviction by Mark is probably one of the best pop songs I've heard in a long time, while the former is sung by Gary with such an infectious passion; Patience is technically Gary's first hit single in about a decade. Mark's Shine is the most upbeat song on the album with a beat that is similar to ELO's Mr. Blue Sky, with Beatlesque harmonies and an incredible chorus; the music video to Shine includes references to The Beatles' Your Mother Should Know video. Howard's radio friendly self-reflective Mancunian Way, a potential single, is a cool song that will eventually grow on you after a couple of listens, while the feel-good title track, Beautiful World, features one of the best harmonies the boys have ever produced. Gary's lovely ballads Ain't No Sense In Love, another potential single, Like I Never Loved You At All, and the first group effort I'd Wait For Life produce a nostalgic sense of how great it was being a fan of Take That in the 90's. Mark's What You Believe In is an elusive bluesy pop-rock number. Finally, Jason Orange's breakthrough Wooden Boat is a country influenced acoustic number (Jason actually has learned to play guitar and write songs over the 10 years that passed), and turns out to be one of the highlights on World. There's also a bonus track that appears shorty after Boat fades out titled Butterfly, a sweet catchy ballad written by Gary.

Beautiful World might not be as great as Everything Changes or Nobody Else, and Take That might not be as young and exciting as they were once. The album does lack the typical Take That dance and upbeat tracks along with the piano-driven ballads that made past efforts much more balanced. However, their return with this album deserves a very warm welcome. I'm sure the fans will agree!

So I will end by saying: Take That, welcome back...and hopefully, for good this time!

Track Picks:

Reach Out
Patience
Beautiful World
Shine
Mancunian Way
Ain't No Sense In Love
Wooden Boat/Butterfly

Recommended

B+

Not The Best.......2007-03-28

If You Like The Old "Take That" this Is Not for you.
I have all The Cd's They put out and This New One STINKS! compared to the rest, doesn't even sound like them

Best Ever Yet! Must have!.......2007-03-18

This come-back release for Take That is absolutely superb. You would never have guessed that they were ever gone from the music scene for the past few years. The tunes are right on with today's hits yet it retains the sound that made the group a hit in the past. You would never have guessed that Robbie Williams is no longer a part of the ensemble. Take That is positively right on.

Average customer rating:

Not so bad......
Chill
Same quality as always
Not any where near the 1st and 2nd
A weak link in a strong chain

Buddha Bar, Vol. 9
Various Artists
Manufacturer: George V (Imports)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Huvafen Fushi Maldives: Mixed by Ravin
Buddha Bar, Vol. 8
Claude Challe Presents: Just Good Music Mixed by Jean Marc Challe
10 Years of Buddha Bar
Buddhattitude

ASIN: B000MRA83K
Release Date: 2007-05-08

Tracks:

Sospiro - Bardo State
Flight BA0247 - Mystic Diversions
Sleep - Amanaska
Yes Boss - Hess Is More
Koop Island Blues - Koop
Mongolia on the Line - Eccodek
Wood Street - Serafim Tsotsonis
Heart Beat of Life - Existence
Essence of Our Origins - The Lushlife Project
Astradeni - Michalis Koumbios
Iceflowers - Asheni, York
I Know Jayne - David Lowe's Dreamcatcher
Sunday - Nikonn
Fragment Two... the First Picture - Kenneth Bager, Julee Cruise
Bugu Jazz - Burhan al

Tracks:

Mrs Daisy May - Sunset Boulevard
Pila - Cosmic Orient
Djinns [Trentem Remix] - Djuma Soundsystem
As the Day Breaks [Montreal Remix] - Grant Lee Phillips, Carmen Rizzo
Daydream - Massivan
Africa [Quicksound/Alain Vinet Remix] - Cirque du Soleil
Roots 4 Acid - Rocco
Last Chance - Passion of Percussion
Machete - Novalima
Chambermaid Swing - Parov Stelar
Choban in Space - O.M.F.O.
Amor Que Se Baila - Otros Aires
Gypsy Majik [Gypsy Lounge Vocal Remix] - Naked Rhythm
Loneliness [Chill House Mix] - Blank & Jones
Indusufi - Bahramji, Mashti
Karma Busta Rhythm - DJ Ravin, Karma Sound Collective

Album Description

DJ RAVIN returns to head up Buddha Bar 9. The theme this time is the English Springtime, to pave the way for the new Buddha Bar club opening in London later this year. A breathtaking, fresh and sun kissed selection, with surprising titles coming from places like Greece and Eastern European countries and also from Australia.

Album Details

2007 Ninth Volume of this Most Popular of Lounge Series, Celebrating the Opening in September 2007 of Buddha-bar London, Just Two Steps Away from the Infamous Waterloo Bridge. This Breathtakingly Fresh, Sun-kissed Selection by Ravin Includes Surprising Titles from Places Like Greece and Eastern European Countries as Well as Australia...a Renewal of the Lounge Music World! "Buddha-bar 9" Follows in the Footsteps of Its Predecessors, Remaining as Light and Groundbreaking as Ever with Exclusive, Outstanding Tracks that Definitely Emerge as Genre References. Included in this Breath is the Amazing "Koop Island Blues" by Koop, but also Hess with "Yes Boss". To Quote Ravin's Compilation Production...fasten Your Seat Belt!

Customer Reviews:

Not so bad.............2007-07-26

I dunno...I feel this to be better than VIII, which is a good thing. While I could have done without the opening track on disc 1, the rest of this disc is easy enough to listen to. Disc 2 is the clincher, much more like the BB of old. Wonder what #10 will be like? And what's up with the packaging, just about everyone of these volumes has this problem with the disc trays coming unglued from the box, with Vol IX no different.

Chill.......2007-07-24

Buddha Bar 9 is chilled out nicely, and does justice to the atmospheres of the actual restaurants. I rarely write reviews, but the others were too negative. I'm listening right now and I think the track selection and overall feel is amazing. I don't think the soundbites did it justice. A CD like this is a bridge to my other favorite genre: progressive trance. Several of the songs could practically be on Coldharbour.

Personally I think 6 was the 1st knockout, and 7 was an impressive evolution in sound that still kept the stereo full of rich HI-FI. 8 sucked and most of the earlier ones did too (IMO), but this CD makes me want to twist one up. Ravin is the Truth.

Same quality as always.......2007-06-27

I always find it interesting when people pan these albums, I mean seriously even if it's not your favorite it should get a minimum of 3 stars just for the quality of the music and honestly how can you know in one day if you are going to like it over all. Good music takes time to settle in and establish itself, if you want disposable pop, you are in the wrong place. 1 star would mean a terrible album and this is not that from any angle, like it or not the musicians are all top notch. That being said, this is exactly like versions 1-8 before it, so chances are if you like them you will grow to like this. You may prefer others, but they are all very similar. This one has some hauntingly beautiful music and some thumping chill burners. It's a very good selection for the buddha bar family. Highly recommended although not at $64, you can download it for much less.

Not any where near the 1st and 2nd.......2007-05-26

I get so excited when the new Buddha Bar CD's come out and rush to get them as fast as possible. This time and the last few hasn't been as deep and strong as the ones in the past. Still a nice collection of unique music but a bit of dissapointment for me.

A weak link in a strong chain.......2007-05-08

The Buddha-bar series is some of the greatest music we enjoy.
I never write reviews, until now.
Sorry to say, buddha bar 9 is the most dissappointing in the series.
Go back to BB8,7,6,4,2,1. Buddha Bar Nature DVD is excellent.

Average customer rating:

AMAZING GRACE!
Vintage Vince and Andy - Welcome Back Erasure!
STOP! Stand there where you are...and DON'T buy this version of the CD!!!

Light at the End of the World
Erasure
Manufacturer: Mute U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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I Could Fall in Love with You
On the Road to Nashville
Sunday Girl
Union Street
Nightbird

ASIN: B000OLHGD4
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

Sunday Girl
I Could Fall In Love With You
Sucker For Love
Storm In A Teacup
Fly Away
Golden Heart
How My Eyes Adore You
Darlene
When A Lover Leaves You
Glass Angel

Album Description

Recorded in Autumn 2006 in a converted home studio in Maine, LIGHT AT THE END OF THE WORLD is ERASURE'S return to pop form after 2006's critically-acclaimed acoustic album, UNION STREET. Features the single, "I Could Fall In Love With You". Andy Bell declares: "This album is to show people that our pop isn't finished... it's saying we can still do it, we can still write great songs".

Customer Reviews:

AMAZING GRACE!.......2007-07-25

I love Erasure and have for over 20 years. I listen to Erasure and Marc Almond exclusively, as I find them full of heart and soul that is profoudly moving. At first I was thrown off by this album since it is so different. It took me about 2 weeks to fall in love with it but now I am hooked! The songs have wonderful music and the words are so sexy! It's great to dance to! The songs are equally profound as in the past and do touch my soul like only Erasure can do. Very highly recommended. Golden Heart and How My Eyes Adore You are my favorites. I love this album and it is one of the best yet!

Vintage Vince and Andy - Welcome Back Erasure!.......2007-05-31

I've been an Erasure fan since the beginning -- unlike many who got on board much later, I actually remember the rare Thomas the Train cover for "Oh L'Amour" -- and I have to say this is a terrific album! After the interesting but ultimately unsatisfying reinvention for "Union Street" and the equally interesting but not terribly original "Other People's Songs" -- and let's not even talk about "Loveboat", this is a much-needed return to their vintage synth-driven sound.

More upbeat and peppy than "Nightbird" (which I also loved), "Light at the End of the World" sounds like a cross between "Cowboy" and "Wild!" to me -- with a little bit of "Chorus" and "I Say I Say I Say" thrown in for good measure. "Sucker For Love" sounds like an updated version of "La Gloria", and it's even more fun. "Sunday Girl" is a perfect synthpop masterpiece. "I Could Fall In Love With You" puts me in mind of "Don't Say Your Love Is Killing Me", and so it goes on with all Vince's vintage bleeps, buzzes, and knob-twiddling. By the way, if you've got quick ears, you'll also here echoes of "Always", "Treasure", "Snappy", "Crown of Thorns", and even "March On Down The Line". Listen closely! :)

It sounds like he's dusted off some of the old analog keyboards and sequencers, to great effect. Andy's vocals are in tip-top shape, only stretched a little on the deepest notes (like the notes he used to lose himself in so beautifully on "You Surround Me"). A fantastic album, and it couldn't come at a better time.

Welcome back, Erasure!

STOP! Stand there where you are...and DON'T buy this version of the CD!!!.......2007-05-23

Immediately search for the album again and get the 'limited edition' version with the two bonus tracks. It's less money than this version--and the two bonus tracks are two of Erasure's best!!!

Average customer rating:

What's so wrong with the 'classic' label?
Have fun for a change!
One of their best albums!!!!
Not their best and certainly not their worst.
Great Effort for the old guys

Light at the End of the World
Erasure
Manufacturer: Mute U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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I Could Fall in Love with You
On the Road to Nashville
Sunday Girl
Union Street
Release the Stars

ASIN: B000OLHGCU
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

Sunday Girl
I Could Fall In Love With You
Sucker For Love
Storm In A Teacup
Fly Away
Golden Heart
How My Eyes Adore You
Darlene
When A Lover Leaves You
Glass Angel
Be My Baby (bonus track)
I Don't Know Why (bonus track)

Amazon.com

After something of a departure--two live discs and the unplugged Union Street (2006)--Erasure returns to full electronic form. From the languid opening wash of "Sunday Girl," Andy Bell and Vince Clarke make no bones about wearing old hats. Most of Light at the End of the World works within the familiar confines of the vintage Erasure formula, drunk on everyman synthesizers, listing through painfully vague and obvious rhymes. ("I get really repetitive because I don't read enough!" Bell admits.) Backed a long-studied love of pop, gospel, and the dance floor, Bell and Clarke revel in this stuff. "Sucker for Love" and "Fly Away" dabble most obviously in such pap, but the band still packs a few surprises, if only for the devoted. "Storm in a Teacup" tackles the alcoholism of Bell's mother in a rare confluence of straightforward storytelling and concrete imagery, and despite being an insincerely fictitious character study, "Darlene" moves with a syncopated, driving bounce that Erasure has rarely, if ever, found in 22 years of mid-tempo electro-meandering. If you don't like Erasure already, you probably won't take a shining to Light at the End of the World. If you do, let's hope their world spins on. --Jason Kirk

Product Description

Limited edition version features two bonus tracks.

Customer Reviews:

What's so wrong with the 'classic' label?.......2007-07-24

Erasure have crafted their best album in years, possibly since Chorus in 1991. So many reviewers, professional and amateur, have written off this CD as 'classic' Erasure, scolding them for being, well, Erasure. From the opening synth call of Sunday Girl to the lift that is I Don't Know Why, this album is gloriously exciting, well-written and clever. Each song fits together intricately and while Sunday Girl, I Could Fall in Love with You (with its beautiful video) and Storm in a Teacup, first stood out for me, I keep finding new favorites as I continue listening to the CD. There are no throwaway tracks on this CD. In this age of random-play iPods, it is seldom that I listen to complete CDs in order anymore. Being able to have thousands of songs at one's disposal can make great music disappear into the electronic shuffle. This CD, however, has captured my attention in a way that no other recent pop releases have, whether by Erasure (or Andy Bell) or other artists (Pet Shop Boys, Kelly Clarkson). I will be listening to the CD for a long time. It defines Erasure today, and any obvious nods to their past sound only serve to prove that their sound is strong and enduring, unlike the "top" music of today, which I am very grateful they didn't try to emulate (hello, Robbie Williams and Madonna) just to go to the top of the charts.

Have fun for a change!.......2007-07-21

Every 10 years Erasure produces a very good album. In 1987 it was the "Innocents" with the big top 40 hits. Then in 1997 came "Cowboy", IMHO thier best, now late in the game of pop music-2007 comes "Light" filled with danceable singalongs that still can touch my heart.

A revival of sort back to the day of glitteringly produced synth pop that your granny may tap her feet to. "Sucker for Love" really revives this almost forgotten style. They were the first openly gay band who sold really well. Now,being out, "drags" bands down.(no pun intended)

Most of the songs work really well. Andy Bell keeps it personal, sharing his trials of life. "Fly Away" makes me feel good about my own losses in life.We are all in this together.I love you after all these years, Andy!!! "Glass Angel" has an urgency that gives a dark ending to an upbeat album. I hope these guys have another great album in 2017!

One of their best albums!!!!.......2007-07-10

This is one of their best albums and the two bonus tracks in the Deluxe Edition are better than most of the tracks in the standard edition. Buy it now!!!!

Not their best and certainly not their worst........2007-07-07

This is not a bad album, but it is not their best. I agree that this returns to the dancier pop sounds of Chorus and prior albums. Still, it is missing that that depth and originality that will make these songs classics similar to A Little Respect, Blue Savannah, I Love To Hate You or Always.

What you have here is a polished, enjoyable but somewhat samey sounding album. I love this band, and I really want to love this, but it just seems like an average album to me. I guess all fans will have their favorites. I lean more towards the synthy sweetness of I Say X 3 and the ambient explorations of the Erasure album. Regardless of my thoughts on this album, I am thrilled that Vince and Andy continue to make music and tour the US.

Highlights of this release for me are Storm In A Teacup, Fly Away and When A Lover Leaves You.

Great Effort for the old guys.......2007-07-06

Light at the End of the WOrld is a very, very admirable effort from the Erasure boys. It is very much in the vein of some of their earlier efforts and more upbeat and dancey than recent offerings from the kings (queens?) of europop.

THe single, I could Fall in Love is just stunning in its overproduced, electronic whirlwhind sound and feel. YOu can't sit still when it plays. Several other tracks have "potential hit" markend on them as well...Sunday Girl for instance.

If you loved older Erasure albums, but have been bored by the newer, softer sounds, this is your chance to have some fun with the boys Clarke and Bell once again.

Putumayo Presents: Baila - A Latin Dance Party

Average customer rating:

Perfect from start to finish!
Love Putumayo music
New Style Salsa and Latin Flavors
TRULY A SENSATIONAL PIECE!

Putumayo Presents: Baila - A Latin Dance Party
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Putumayo World Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Putumayo Presents: Afro-Latin Party
Putumayo Presents: Latin Lounge
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Putumayo Presents: Turkish Groove
Putumayo Presents: Brazilian Lounge

ASIN: B000EZ9192
Release Date: 2006-05-23

Tracks:

Mua Mua Mua - Raul Paz
Son Fo - Africando All-Stars
Que Rico Boogaloo - La-33
Bones Bugalu - Gabriel Rios
Escucha el Ritmo - Spanish Harlem Orchestra
Hoah - Calle Real
Mama Kivelele - Ricardo Lemvo
Tierra Santa - Los Pinquos
La Cachimba - NG La Banda
El Burrito - Yerba Buena
Mambo Con Dancehall - Brooklyn Funk Essentials

Amazon.com

Just in time for sultry weather festivities, the trusty world music compilation label Putumayo has put together yet another dynamite party album. From the opening 1-2-3/1-2 clavé of Raúl' Paz' "Mua Mua Mua", which is soon overwhelmed by electronica only to re-emerge at will, the beats are as relentless as they are caressing. The set covers a lot of ground geographically, as Puerto Rican salsa, Mexican and Colombia cumbia and Cuban rumba have long since become international preoccupations, performed by local practitioners in every corner of the globe. Africando, with its blend of West African salseros and New York-based Latin all-stars, and Riccardo Lemvo's suave rumba Congolaise via LA, have repatriated rhythms that came from Africa in the first place. Belgium is an unlikely pit-stop, but Gabriël Rios' Santeria-infused "Bones Bugalu" has plenty of authenticity plus panache to spare. The grooves just keep coming, so put on those dancing shoes, snag an ice-cold forty-ouncer of malt liquor from the corner bodega and swing the night away! Part of the proceeds from this album will be donated to United For Colombia, in support of their efforts to help children who have been injured by landmines. --Christina Roden

Album Description

¡Baila!.is a global Latin party featuring salsa, cumbia, and meringue mixed with contemporary dance beats and rhythms. The party starts in the streets of Havana before hitting the road. Raul Paz kicks it off with "Mua Mua Mua," seamlessly blending the deep grooves of his native Cuba with the contemporary stylings he's picked up since relocating to France. Back in Cuba NG La Banda offer "La Cachimba" their mission statement announcing the virtues of a new musical style that's sure to make you dance. Next the party travels to Colombia, where the collective known as La-33 is revitalizing salsa by reconnecting it to the genre's golden era of the 1960s and 70s. Not to be outdone, however, New York delivers a rhythm-driven one-two punch with The Spanish Harlem Orchestra and Yerba Buena contributing the best of the old school and the new. On the West Coast, Argentinean ex-pats Los Pinguos and Congo native Ricardo Lemvo integrate various Latin elements that keep the party people on their feet.

The next stop on the party express is Belgium, where Gabriel Rios landed after leaving his native Puerto. Experimenting with a variety of influences while maintaining his deep Latin roots has made this unique musician an unlikely pop star in his adopted home. Next we travel to Stockholm, Sweden, where the high-powered ensemble Calle Real is bringing a thaw to their native city. The Africando All Stars and Brooklyn Funk Essentials round out this collection, proving once and for all that the party is right here.

A portion of Putumayo's proceeds from the sale of this CD will be donated to United for Colombia in support of their efforts to help children who are victims of landmines in Colombia.

Customer Reviews:

Perfect from start to finish!.......2007-05-31

An absolutely irresistable collection of dance salsa! The first two cuts are absolutely spectacular. Everything else is nearly as strong. There is not a throw-away on this CD. I took a Cuban Salsa dance lesson recently, and the instructor played "Mua Mua Mua" 3 or 4 times every lesson for 7 lessons, and the class never tired of it, we just loved the song more each time! The entire CD stands up well to repeated listening. It has a nice variety, with a couple tracks having a reggaeton sound, and a couple cumbias, while sticking closer to true cuban salsa rather that the Americanized club sound. Mostly though the sound is pure and true Salsa. If that is what you are looking for, this is a must have disc!

Love Putumayo music.......2007-01-05

This is one of my favorite Putumayo cds, although I love them all. It is fun, energetic and makes my 19 month old son show us his moves! A must for music lovers.

New Style Salsa and Latin Flavors.......2006-08-28

Putumayo always puts out a quality product, and this disc is no exception. The collection of salsa and latin rhythyms is a collection spanning several countries, but all of the tracks are lively upbeat and fun. several of the tracks include electronic elements, such as electric drumbeats and samples. This allows the listeners to see what is being done with a now classic genre to revitalize it. this new generation of Salseros breathes new life into a now-classic music style.
I would recomend this for any casual listener interested in hearing some modern style salsa music. fun to dance to and upbeat and cheery.

TRULY A SENSATIONAL PIECE!.......2006-05-24

This music makes you want to get up and dance! The first few tracks are the best, but the whole CD is very good. I could not stop listening to son fro by africando and many more. Hide this CD because once you pop it in, your friends will never want to give it back to you. After owning gypsy caravan, afro-latino, afro latin party, salsa around the world, cuba and many more i have come to say that this is one of the best putumayo we have seen up to date. Also check out putumayo colombia-It is sure to get you dancing like you have never danced before!

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