Sunday, January 31, 2010

Nat King Cole - Cole Espanol & More [Vol.2]

Artist
Nat King Cole
Album
Cole Espanol & More Vol.1
Year
1991
Genre
Pop, Jazz




Nat King Cole was a popular American singer and jazz musician. As a piano player, he formed a jazz trio in 1938 that played Los Angeles nightclubs, one of the first jazz trios featuring guitar and piano. Prior to this he had played music since he was a child and had worked with bands since he was 16. He was raised in Chicago and exposed to the abundant jazz scene there. (Last.fm)


EarFodder Recommended Track: Perfidia
EarFodder Rating: 4 of 5
1 comments

Nat King Cole - Cole Espanol & More [Vol.1]

Artist
Nat King Cole
Album
Cole Espanol & More Vol.1
Year
1991
Genre
Pop, Jazz




Nat King Cole was a popular American singer and jazz musician. As a piano player, he formed a jazz trio in 1938 that played Los Angeles nightclubs, one of the first jazz trios featuring guitar and piano. Prior to this he had played music since he was a child and had worked with bands since he was 16. He was raised in Chicago and exposed to the abundant jazz scene there. (Last.fm)


EarFodder Recommended Track: Aquellos Ojos Verdes
EarFodder Rating: 4 of 5
2 comments

Anita O'Day - Verve Clef Sessions [4CD]

Artist
Anita O'Day
Album
Verve Clef Sessions
Year
2008
Genre
Vocal Jazz




Anita O’Day was an American jazz singer admired for her sense of rhythm and dynamics, and her early big band appearances shattered the traditional image of the “girl singer”. Refusing to pander to any female stereotype, O’Day presented herself as a ‘hip’ jazz musician, wearing a band jacket and skirt as opposed to an evening gown. She cites Martha Raye as the primary influence on her vocal style, although she has also expressed admiration for Mildred Bailey, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday.

During the late Forties, she recorded two dozen sides, mostly for small labels. The quality of these singles varies: O’Day was trying to achieve popular success without sacrificing her identity as a jazz singer. Among the more notable recordings from this period are “Hi Ho Trailus Boot Whip”, “Key Largo”, “How High the Moon”, and “Malaguena”. (Last.fm)


EarFodder Recommended Track: Sweet Georgia Brown
EarFodder Rating: 4.25 of 5
Last fm, Buy it on Amazon
2 comments

The Jazz Plays.. Nina Simone

Artist
Nina Simone
Album
The Jazz Plays..
Year
2008
Genre
Jazz




Nina Simone can be considered an acquired taste--like black coffee, fine brandy, or good cigars. With a voice that's less than perfect, she's nevertheless full of passion and pain, joy and raunchiness in her music. This album covers all those emotions set against the background her of well-arranged orchestration and her exceptional skill as a pianist.

Nina is a genre all her own. Her style varies broadly--from blues to jazz to gospel to folk and political music. This album is not a showcase that variety, merely one facet of it. This album has more of a fun feel to it than some of her other recordings--with songs like 'Marriage is for Old Folks' and 'Gimme Some' as well as the child-like 'Beautiful Land.' Nina is certainly no idealist, though, showing her passion and her pain in songs like 'Ne Me Quitte Pas' and 'You've Got to Learn.'

For Nina fans, this album is a nice break away from some of her moodier, darker work. For those just discovering Nina, this album would be an excellent way to ease into acquiring the taste for her music--splashing a little cream into one's black coffee, as it were.

As a dedicated fan of Nina's musical uniqueness, I've found this to be a very pleasant album that's just right for lifting the stresses of day away and losing myself in a little bit of fun. (Amazon.com)

EarFodder Recommended Track: Feeling Good
EarFodder Rating: 4.5 of 5
1 comments

The Best of Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong

Artist
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
Album
The Best Of Ella Fitzgerald And Louis Armstrong On Verve
Year
1997
Genre
Jazz



Who would have thought that it could have worked? The pitch-perfect, articulate, and yes, angelic voice of Ella Fitzgerald combined with the gravelly grunts and growls of Louis Armstrong...Two very different singers with very different styles getting together to record? But it does work, and the result is absolute perfection.

The way Louis and Ella blend, harmonize, and play off each other is simply astounding to hear. And I think that's the secret of why these two superstars were such stellar musicians: They loved making music. Just listen to the fun they're having on "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" and "Gee, Baby, Ain't I Been Good to You." It's not only delightful, it's heavenly. Listen and lose yourself in the slow, unhurried harmonies of "Stars Fell on Alabama." And from the opening, emotion-packed trumpet statement of "Summertime," you know you're in for a powerful listening experience. 

It's rare that you find a musician who really, I mean REALLY loves performing. To find two such artists on the same disc? Indescribable. These two greats were put on this earth to make music and they made music with all their might. And we're fortunate enough to have it with us. This disc is heaven. Buy it. Treasure it forever. (Amazon.com)

EarFodder Recommended Track: Summertime
EarFodder Rating: 4.25 of 5
1 comments

Mills Brothers Chronological [Vol.1-Vol.5]

Artist
Mills Brothers
Album
Chronological
Genre
Oldies, Jazz, Vocal






The Mills Brothers were a major African-American jazz and pop vocal group of the 20th century producing more than 2,000 recordings that sold more than 50 million copies and garnered at least three dozen gold records. The Mills Brothers were inducted into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998.

The group was originally composed of four brothers all born in Piqua, Ohio, just 25 miles north of Dayton: John Jr. (1911-1936) basso and guitarist, Herbert (1912-1989) tenor, Harry (1913-1982) baritone, and Donald (1915-1999) lead tenor. (Last.fm)

The Mills Brothers Chronological Collection consist of recorded tracks from 1931-1968 spanning across 5 volumes. This collection could be considered the Bible of Mills Brothers. For loyal enthusiast, this is certainly a must-have! If you have not yet heard of Mills Brothers, you are missing out on one of the most original talents so hesitate no further and Buy this albums!

EarFodder Recommended Track: Tiger Rag, Smoke Rings 
EarFodder Rating: 4.25 of 5
4 comments

In The Mood For Love Soundtrack

Artist
Shigeru Umebayashi
Album
In The Mood For Love
Year
2000
Genre
Soundtrack




Its original soundtrack has 25 moody, heart-felt instrumental tracks from the movie.  The well composed, arranged and mixed tracks are the works of the highly respected Umebayashi Shigeru (who has secured music credits for his masterpieces in 2046, House of the Flying Dagger and Zhou Yu's Train), London Symphony Orchestra and several other stylish musicians. (cd Universe)

This is another rare album featuring fine nostalgic selections from Nat King Cole, as well as beautifully composed tunes by Shigeru Umebayashi himself. If you enjoyed 2046, this is another bewitching compilation for your pleasure.

EarFodder Recommended Track: Aquellos Ojos Verdes
EarFodder Rating: 4.25 of 5
Buy it on cduniverse
1 comments

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Bob Marley - Legend

Artist
Bob Marley
Album
Legend
Year
2008
Genre
Reggae




There are few musicians whose music has indisputably advanced humanity. Reggae figurehead Bob Marley - a songwriter, poet, activist, and visionary, is one of them. The idea that a single-disc collection could represent the depth, breadth, and power of Marley's achievement is far-fetched, but LEGEND makes an excellent attempt. Every single one of its tracks is outstanding, and the artist's different faces--revolutionary ("Get Up Stand Up"), romantic ("Is This Love"), devout Rastafarian ("Buffalo Soldier"), and prophet ("One Love/People Get Ready") are equally represented.

In addition to his moving message of love and unity, Marley is a master songwriter, as the timelessness of songs like "Stir It Up," "I Shot the Sheriff," and the gorgeous, poignant "Redemption Song" proves. Of course, a true sampling of Marley's output would require some early ska material, the Wailer's debut (CATCH A FIRE), the definitive NATTY DREAD, and his later-period opus EXODUS, but LEGEND provides a highly satisfying, if brief, overview of Marley's genius. A record well suited to any location, season, or time of day, it has proven universal in its appeal. The music herein is as essential as air. (cd Universe)

EarFodder Recommended Track: Is This Love
EarFodder Rating: 4.25 of 5
Buy it on cduniverse
1 comments

Eartha Kitt - Greatest Hits Purr-Fect

Artist
Eartha Kitt
Album
Greatest Hits Purr-Fect
Year
2008
Genre
Oldies




A 22-track compilation of Eartha Kitt's classic '50s and early '60s recordings, PURR-FECT is Kitt in her purest form. Later in her career, starting with her stint as Catwoman in the '60s TV version of BATMAN, Kitt moved comfortably into the role of camp icon. On these recordings, which certainly have their kitsch value nonetheless, Kitt is less of a goofy oddball and more of an idiosyncratic artist. Her purring, half-spoken singing style was at least as much an artistic choice as it was-as critics have sometimes alleged-a way to mask vocal shortcomings. Throughout this collection, on songs as familiar as "Just An Old Fashioned Girl," "C'Est Si Bon" and "Santa Baby" and as relatively obscure as "Under the Bridges of Paris," Kitt's sometimes-maligned voice delivers wit, empathy and passion as well as any more technically accomplished singers. The stunning, ironic "Monotonous" is a particular highlight.

First ever single-disc compilation to include all her biggest RCA hits!!! Eartha Kitt is the stuff of which legends are made. Although she passed in 2008, she is still as popular as when she made her classic RCA recordings in the mid to late '50s. (cd Universe)

EarFodder Recommended Track: C'est Si Bon
EarFodder Rating: 4.25 of 5
1 comments

2046 Soundtrack

Artist
Shigeru Umebayashi
Album
2046
Year
2004
Genre
Soundtrack




Timely with the release of the long-overdue Wong Kar Wai movie 2046, its original soundtrack has 20 moody, heart-felt instrumental tracks from the movie.  The well composed, arranged and mixed tracks are the works of the highly respected Umebayashi Shigeru (who has secured music credits for his masterpieces in In The Mood For Love, House of the Flying Dagger and Zhou Yu's Train), London Symphony Orchestra and several other stylish musicians. (cd Universe)

This is a rare album featuring fine nostalgic selections from Nat King Cole, Connie Francis,  as well as beautifully composed tunes by Shigeru Umebayashi himself. Simply Perfect! 

EarFodder Recommended Track: 2046 Main Theme (Rhumba Version)
EarFodder Rating: 4.5 of 5
2 comments

Julia Kent - Delay

Artist
Julia Kent
Album
Delay
Year
2007
Genre
Cello, Instrumental, New-Age



Julia Kent was born in Vancouver, Canada, and studied cello at Indiana University, Bloomington. She has performed and/or recorded with many artists and ensembles, including Anthony and the Johnsons, Burnt Sugar, the Angels of Light, Larsen, Backworld, Jarboe and Devendra Banhart, just to name a few. (Last.fm)

EarFodder Recommended Track: Dorval
EarFodder Rating: 3.75 of 5
1 comments

Daft Punk - Homework

Artist
Daft Punk
Album
Homework
Year 
1997
Genre
Electronica




Daft Punk is a multi Grammy Award-winning electronic music duo consisting of French musicians Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter. The duo is considered one of the most successful electronic music collaborations of all time, both in album sales and in critical acclaim. After Daft Punk reached significant popularity in the late 1990s house movement in France, other artists such as Air, Cassius and Dimitri from Paris began to receive a similar amount of attention. (Last.fm)

Homework (19997) pioneers a revolution to music history. To any music enthusiast out there still unfamiliar with Daft Punk, this album will alter your perception of electronic music forever! Simply original and explicitly unforgettable. And it's only the beginning!

EarFodder Recommended Track: Da Funk
EarFodder Rating: 3.75 of 5
1 comments

Daft Punk - Discovery

Artist
Daft Punk
Album
Discovery
Year 
2001
Genre
Electronica




Daft Punk is a multi Grammy Award-winning electronic music duo consisting of French musicians Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter. The duo is considered one of the most successful electronic music collaborations of all time, both in album sales and in critical acclaim. After Daft Punk reached significant popularity in the late 1990s house movement in France, other artists such as Air, Cassius and Dimitri from Paris began to receive a similar amount of attention. (Last.fm)

EarFodder Recommended Track: Aerodynamic
EarFodder Rating: 3.75 of 5
1 comments

Daft Punk - Human After All

Artist
Daft Punk
Album
Human After All
Year 
2005
Genre
Electronica




Daft Punk is a multi Grammy Award-winning electronic music duo consisting of French musicians Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter. The duo is considered one of the most successful electronic music collaborations of all time, both in album sales and in critical acclaim. After Daft Punk reached significant popularity in the late 1990s house movement in France, other artists such as Air, Cassius and Dimitri from Paris began to receive a similar amount of attention. (Last.fm)

Human After All (2005) presents more exceptional tunes by the masters of electronic music. For all well acquainted Daft Punk campaigners, this album is simply another must-have!

EarFodder Recommended Track: Technologic
EarFodder Rating: 3.75 of 5
1 comments

Daft Punk - Alive

Artist
Daft Punk
Album
Alive
Year 
2007
Genre
Electronica




Daft Punk is a multi Grammy Award-winning electronic music duo consisting of French musicians Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter. The duo is considered one of the most successful electronic music collaborations of all time, both in album sales and in critical acclaim. After Daft Punk reached significant popularity in the late 1990s house movement in France, other artists such as Air, Cassius and Dimitri from Paris began to receive a similar amount of attention. (Last.fm)

Daft Punk certainly delivered one of their ultimate performances in Alive (2007). It's Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger! Truly maters of their league!

Buy this album!

EarFodder Recommended Track: Technologic
EarFodder Rating: 5 of 5!
Last.fm, Buy it on Amazon

1 comments

Friday, January 29, 2010

Trzeszczaca Plyta

Artist
Various Artists
Album
Trzeszczaca Plyta
Genre
Oldies




 

A compilation of sweet nostalgic tunes by talents such as Mills Brothers, Django Reinhardt, Al Bowlly, Vera Lynn and many more.

EarFodder Recommended Track: Till Then - Mills Brothers
EarFodder Rating: 3 of 5
Buy it on Merlin
1 comments

Sporto Kantes - 2nd Round

Artist
Sporto Kantes
Album
2nd at Last
Year 
2004
Genre
Drum & Bass, Electronica




Sporto Kantes is a French drum and bass band, founded in 1990. The band has born from the meeting of Benjamin Sportes and Nicolas Kantorovwicz, bassist of the Wampas. Sportes played rockability and Kantorovwicz trash, but they play a melt of genres in their album: dub, jazz, reggae, hip-hop, but also brazilian music. Fans will be impressed by the way Sporto Kantes combine Latin and Afro-Cuban influences with modern breakbeat technology. (Last.fm)

Truly an exhilarating rising talent that every music enthusiast should not miss out on!

EarFodder Recommended Track: Impressed
EarFodder Rating: 4 of 5
Last.fm, Buy it on Amazon
3 comments

Sporto Kantes - 3 At Last

Artist
Sporto Kantes
Album
3 At Last
Year
2008
Genre
Drum & Bass, Electronica




Sporto Kantes is a French drum and bass band, founded in 1990. The band has born from the meeting of Benjamin Sportes and Nicolas Kantorovwicz, bassist of the Wampas. Sportes played rockability and Kantorovwicz trash, but they play a melt of genres in their album: dub, jazz, reggae, hip-hop, but also brazilian music. Fans will be impressed by the way Sporto Kantes combine Latin and Afro-Cuban influences with modern breakbeat technology.  (Last.fm)

Truly an exhilarating rising talent that every music enthusiast should not miss out on!

EarFodder Recommended Track: Whistle 
EarFodder Rating: 3.75 of 5
1 comments
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