Other Music Update / 2002 Recap
December 13, 2002



Welcome to our recap for 2002. Traditionally, the last few weeks
before the holiday is a slow time for new releases so we thought it
would be fun to put together a list of some of our favorite records
as well as the store's most popular albums released and reissued
this year. Over the next few weeks we'll also be sending out our
annual staff top 10s and a list of this year's best sellers. In the
meantime, keep an eye on our website's homepage for any notable
new releases that may arrive before the New Year. Have a safe and
Happy Holiday!


OUTSTANDING ELECTRONIC ALBUMS

METRO AREA "Metro Area" (Environ) CD $16.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/miura.rm
NYC's Metro Area finally drop their amazing debut album! The duo of
Morgan Geist and Darshan Desrani come up with tracks that are both
rooted in the past while still maintaining a stronghold on the future.
Think of the best elements of dance music from the late-70's through
the late-'80s, influences like New Order, Arthur Baker, Peter Brown's
P&P records, ESG, Herbie Hancock, and many more are all present.
[JS]
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MICHAEL MAYER "Immer" (Kompakt) CD $15.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/psychome.rm
DUDE, just look at the track listing and you'll know that this mix is
going to be great! Auch's 'Farben remix' -- brilliant! Carsten Jost's
'Superpitcher remix' -- brilliant! Phantom/Ghost's Tobias Thomas
remix -- beautiful! You'll listen to this mix over and over. "Immer" is
essential to all fans of the Kompakt label and recommended to
anyone interested in new and fresh electronic music. [SM]
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MUM "Finally We Are No One" (Fat Cat) CD $13.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/greengra.rm
Like "Yesterday Was Dramatic," Mum's new offering floats around
otherworld lullabies and rich textures, always soothing and quiet.
For this one however, these Icelanders have completely surpassed
the boundaries of electronica and created a record that is
ultra-modern, incredibly organic and instantly a classic. [GH]
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MARZ "Love Streams" (Karoake Kalk) CD $14.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/thehelps.rm
"Love Streams," by the duo called Marz (Albrecht Kunze and
Ekkehard Ehlers) is consummately a Karoake Kalk release. The
exquisite, hermetic paeans which have been constructed by means
of electronics and older-fashioned acoustic guitar, their being
sequenced in a politely schizophrenic manner, and perhaps, the
remoteness of connection to at least what I have heard of Ehlers'
previous, more austere work. [DHo]
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DONNA REGINA "Northern Classic" (Karaoke Kalk) CD $15.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/Northern.rm
Donna Regina's second full-length record picks up where their debut
left off. The naivete and innocence supposedly characteristic of
childhood is a motif that runs through Donna Regina's music --
calm, oceanic music which manifests a desire for escape from the
banal and grim everyday. [TH]
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DERRICK CARTER "Square Dancing in a Round House" (Classic) CD $16.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/whereyou.rm
Having made catchy leftfield booty-shaking house 12"s since the age
of 15, Carter, who is now in his thirties, is ready to reign with his first
full-length. Big, tough, meaty, bouncing beats; itchy acid baselines;
layers of percussion and analogue synths; snatches of disco and
soul singers; along with his own baritone vocals in sung and twisted
spoken combinations, definitely recommended for lovers of a good
party! [DG]
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SWAYZAK "Groove Technology/Volume 13" (K7) CD $18.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/funkenfl.rm
Swayzak have come up with one of the best tech-house mix
compilations I have probably ever heard. The DJ mix on these two
CD's is flawless with tracks ranging from the classic Basic Channel
cut, "Q1.1(1A)," and Studio 1's "Lila," to the new breed such as
Akufen and Ellen Allien. Twenty-four banging tracks that will get
you up and dancing in no time! [JS]
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FENNESZ "Field Recordings" (Touch) CD $13.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/goodman.rm
Unlike other Fennesz releases, "Field Recordings" has a grittiness
that allows us to actually seem to hear the hand stroke upon the
guitar strings, but still ends up being totally inhuman. Wave upon
wave build, break down and surge beyond expectation repeatedly.
Necessary music. [SM]
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AKUFEN "My Way" (Force Inc) CD $15.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/wetfloor.rm
It seems that only once in a while a record comes along which
shatters your expectations and stands out from amongst the pack of
today's independent releases. Marc Leclair (a.k.a. Afuken) uses
what he calls "microsamples" to build each song, piece by tiny piece,
until it's fully complete. Never has a tech-house album sounded so
complete with each track ready for the dancefloor, or to be taken as
one entire composition. Utterly brilliant! [JS]
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[V.A.] "Blue Skied an Clear" (Morr) CD $16.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/40days.rm
Titled after a track from "Pygmalian," Slowdive's final and most
ambient album, "Blue Skied an' Clear" is a beautiful double CD
featuring the Morr Music roster covering a range of tunes throughout
Slowdive's brief five-year history. Disc 2 features upcoming original
tracks from established Morr Music acts as well as some artists
making their label debut. [GH]
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LAWRENCE "Lawrence" (Ladomat) CD $15.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/track3.rm
The unstoppable Dial label grants us another "post-techno" classic
here in the form of Lawrence's first full-length release. The music is
top-notch, subnormal-BPM, drone-chord heroin house. Outstanding
tracks throughout, heavenly drones and chords weave and progress
through subtly shifting human pulse-like beats, incredible buildups,
and pattern shifts that seem, for lack of a better word, "symphonic."
[SM]
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GUITAR "Sunkissed" (Morr) CD $15.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/sunkisse.rm
A one man project from Germany has taken the spirit of early shoe
gazing and My Bloody Valentine's masterpiece "Loveless" and brings
it into the new millennium, incorporating heavy reverb and tremelo-ed
guitar, downtempo beats, and lush processed female vocals courtesy
of guest stars Regina Janssen (of Donna Regina fame) and Ayako
Akashiba. An absolutely beautiful debut! [JS]
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STEREOTYP "My Sounds" (G Stone) CD $17.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/royaljel.rm
The songs in the first half of the album range from deep, dubwise
pressure to digital dancehall with Tikiman trading back and forth
between rub-a-dub and DJ stylings. The second half shifts more
towards the UK garage/digital soul side but I also hear American
garage, West London breaks and even dancehall/ragga elements
in the production. Full of very futuristic breakbeat explorations. [GA]
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2 MANY DJS "As Heard On Radio Soul Wax Vol. 2" (Pias) CD $22.99
This year was certainly the year of the Mashup but the second
installation of 2 Many DJs is the granddaddy of 'em all!
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ROCK ACTION

RAPTURE "House of Jealous Lovers" (DFA) 12" $5.99
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If one song stands a chance of convincing the city of New York to
repeal the archaic "no dancing without a cabaret license" law on
the books, it's going to be this one. The first 12" on DFA, Morgan
Geist re-works the Rapture's fractured guitar stabs and hi-hat heavy
post-punk dance rhythms on a song that goes straight for the
juggernaut, but you'll be too busy getting down to even know. Disco
Not Disco indeed!  [GH]
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NOTWIST "Neon Golden" (City Slang, Germany) CD $22.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/OneStepI.rm
After a wait of far too long, Munich's Notwist return with a sad and
beautiful new album. "Neon Golden" sounds as new as the year,
wrapping sad, tender melodies in churning guitars, subtle, dubby drum
programming, bass, strings, bubbling electronics, woodwinds and even
banjo. A record with appeal for fans of melodic pop as well as those
hungering for cutting-edge, inventive production. [JM]
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INTERPOL "Turn on the Bright Lights" (Matador) CD $9.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/obstacle.rm
It seems kind of superfluous to dwell on Joy Division, the
Chameleons, or any of their ilk for longer than a split second when
speaking of "Turn on the Bright Lights." This is just what rock music
sounds like when it's made by people who were teenagers in the '80s.
Eleven-tracks of sparkling melancholy crafted with driving patterns of
drums and rhythm guitar layered snugly under searing dark arches of
twanging lead guitar and complex bass structures, not to mention
punchy and tight vocal patterns conjuring Ian Curtis at his most
incisive. [MC]
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CLINIC "Walking With Thee" (Domino) CD $14.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/withthee.rm
"Walking With Thee" cauterizes their sound and, indeed, is more
realized than anything Radiohead or Beta Band has done lately.
Their pulsing, sinister rhythms like Neu! or Surgeon, are without
mercy. Each song does not build so much as pound you into
frenzy. Never mind the intentional references to Donna Summer's
'I Feel Love' [the bass-line is all over this thing], Giorgio Moroder and
Augustus Pablo. This uncrackable record will definitely skip up to a
top 10 or two around these parts, and maybe with you. [DD]
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IRON AND WINE "Creek Drank the Cradle" (Sub Pop) CD $13.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/upwardov.rm
If I had to pick one record from 2002 to stand alone as my most
favorite this would be it. Iron and Wine is Sam Beam, a guitar, a
banjo and a 4-track. Sounds pretty basic, but there is brilliance in
simplicity. Beam's voice is barely above a hushed whisper lulling even
as it speaks of harshness, empty other sides of the bed, and
hindsight recognition of love lost. The songs are both poetic and visual,
depicting small moments that overflow with emotional resonance. This
record is the perfect nestle-into-the-deep-dark- comforting-warmth of
melancholy. Superb. [NL]
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BLACK DICE "Beaches and Canyons" (DFA) CD $13.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/bigdrop.rm
This recording washes over you -- a frothy wave that permeates
every molecule, a tsunami of sound with an intensity just as forceful.
The line between organic and electronic is momentarily blurred. These
four musicians have indeed held onto their legendary ferociousness
but have developed it into a tangible, more complex and intricate rage.
[NL]
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WILCO "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" (Nonesuch) CD $15.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/waronwar.rm
Produced by Jim O'Rourke, this is not only the band's most
experimental moment to date, but also their finest. Preceded by a
year of legal wrangling with their former label and line-up changes
including the departure of guitarist Jay Bennett, "Yankee Hotel
Foxtrot" is the album Wilco wanted to be heard as-is. By sticking to
their guns, they've created that rare record which should please
staple fans and still bring many more into the fold without artistic
compromise. [GH]
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DEVENDRA BANHART "Oh Me Oh My?" (Young God) CD $14.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/thecharl.rm
Devendra Banhart's "Oh Me Oh My..." is the best debut record I've
heard all year. While his influences are apparent (Tyrannosaurus Rex
in particular), you never get the feeling that the songs aren't totally of
him. In a way what makes the record so great is that its charms are
somewhat elusive and mystifying. I don't doubt that this record could
possibly herald the arrival of a major new talent. [MK]
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ROCK RE-ISSUES

GARY WILSON "You Think You Really Know Me" (Motel) CD $14.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/64makeou.rm
This is probably one of the most honest recordings I've ever heard in
my life. The artists I would probably compare Wilson's best work to
would be Prince, Beck, Talking Heads and Bjork. Wilson doesn't
sound like any of these artists at all really. But aesthetically he is
their equal for his ability to take the intensely personal feelings of
insecurity and interpret them through song. If you connect with
Wilson's music, you REALLY connect. [DH]
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GILES/GILES/FRIPP "Brondesbury Tapes" (Mister E) CD $14.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/whydonty.rm
Recorded in 1968, these groundbreaking tapes are an exciting
glimpse at the trio who would soon form the legendary King Crimson.
The 70 minutes herein reflect an amazing period of experimentation
but with a biting prog pop edge that would surface on the McDonald &
Giles LP. [GH]
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THEORETICAL GIRLS "Theoretical Girls" (Acute) CD $13.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/lovinint.rm
Acute Records have assembled a collection of recordings that could
be the evidence needed to prove that they were the most influential
band of the era. These songs are every bit as essential toward
understanding what the no wave movement was, and even though this
release only offers the Jeffrey Lohn written material (Glenn Branca
"Songs 77-79" on Atavistic offers 5 Branca penned T-Girls tracks), it
does serve as the most complete and in my opinion, best collection of
their recorded work. [AG]
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DUNCAN BROWNE "Duncan Browne" (Rak/EMI) CD $18.99
Originally released in 1973, Duncan Browne's self-titled second LP
shows this singer/songwriter coming into his own and performing
some of the best songs of his career. Beautiful acoustic guitar
penned numbers at with keyboard flourishes and elaborate styling.
Absolutely wonderful.
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COLIN BLUNSTONE "One Year" (Epic UK) CD $18.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/sheloves.rm
Released in 1971, Colin Blunstone's first solo album has an
understated beauty that the Zombies never attained. With a soulful
touch that is breathtaking, "One Year" consists of 10 of the most
achingly beautiful songs ever recorded. Simply put, pop records just
don't get better than this. [PW]
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CHRIS LUCEY "Songs of Protest and Anti-Protest" (Revola) CD $15.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/illremem.rm
Bobby Jameson (a/k/a Chris Lucey) was an L.A. scenester in the
mid-60s, locally known for turning up at all the protest rallies and
being generally weird enough to be featured in the notorious
exploitation film "Mondo Hollywood". He scored a record contract
around 1965 and the present record was born. Like Love's "Forever
Changes", there are deeply fluid songs, hazy atmospheres, jazz-like
arrangements and great classic West Coast folk rock tunes. There are
still some tantalizing puzzles left to be solved about what happened to
Jameson. [MK]
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THE YEAR THAT POST-PUNK BROKE (AGAIN)

ESG "Step Off" (Soul Jazz) CD $15.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/mystreet.rm
Their first new album in 10 years, their art funk minimalism still
sounds as fresh as it did back in 1981. It's surprising that two
decades have passed since ESG were sharing the stage with Liquid
Liquid, A Certain Ratio and Grandmaster Flash. Certainly, the whole
music-scape has come full-circle since the days when ESG
unknowingly laid a foundation for both modern hip hop and house
music, but even now no one can touch them. [GH]
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A CERTAIN RATIO "Early" (Soul Jazz) CD $15.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/shackup.rm
Soul Jazz Records unleashes another essential archival recording
with "Early," a compilation of A Certain Ratios groundbreaking
recordings from 1978 to 1985. ACR was one of Factory Record's
first artists, weaving the legendary label's signature of hard-edged
industrial sounds and melancholy, infused with the high-speed urban
energy of dance music. This combination is breathtaking and sounds
as fresh today as it must have almost twenty-four years ago. [MC]
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THE FUTURE/HUMAN LEAGUE "Golden Hour of the Future"
(Black Melody) CD $15.99

RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/daz.rm
Criminally under-heard vintage, foundation laying, dark synth-
wave with a lot less in common with "Don't You Want Me" (baby)
than it does with Throbbing Gristle (though much more melodic)
and Suicide. This gem-loaded collection -- featuring material from
their pre-Virgin days including tracks from when the band was earlier
known as the Future -- is rich with totally sincere, forward thinking,
yet totally unschooled and homemade synth jams. The closest thing
to O.M.D. meets Throbbing Gristle. I'm in Heaven. [SM]
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[V.A.] "In the Beginning There Was Rhythm" (Soul Jazz) CD $18.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/BeingBoi.rm
In the post-punk era, England was alive to demanding grooves
emerging from Bristol (Mark Stewart and his unforgiving agit-pop),
Manchester (A Certain Ratio) and Sheffield (where Cabaret Voltaire,
Richard H. Kirk & Stephen Mallinder were hammering out electronic
music years ahead of its time). This collection is timely not because
it wallows in nostalgia but precisely because it resurrects the ferocious
spirit of making music and dancing as rebellious, anti-establishment
acts. An unqualified masterpiece. [TH]
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GIRLS AT OUR BEST "Pleasure" (Vinyl Japan) $21.99
So you're looking for that ever-elusive amazing album that you can
play from start to finish repeatedly without growing tired of it in the
foreseeable future because maybe you've been spinning your Slits,
Family Fodder, Au Pairs or ESG records a few too many times?!? Rest
your records and give Girls At Our Best a spin and give this long
overlooked and completely brilliant band from the early-'80s British
post-punk/new wave scene the recognition they deserve! [JO]
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FOLK RE-ISSUES

MICHAEL HURLEY "Blueberry Wine" (Locust) CD $14.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/fatmama.rm
A long unavailable and mythic first record by Michael Hurley,
"Blueberry Wine" was originally released on the legendary Folkways
label in 1965. He has an aesthetic that includes cowboy songs, sea
shanties, ragtime guitar, Jimmie Rodgers blue yodels, comic books
and B-movies. Yet everything is subtly refined through his singular
and eccentric worldview. Michael Hurley has created some of the
most timeless and endearing music I've ever been privy to. [MK]
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INCREDIBLE STRING BAND "5000 Spirits/Hangman's Beautiful"
(CCM) CD $20.99

RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/firstgir.rm
ISB's second and third albums are in my personal pantheon of
all time favorite records. "5,000 Spirits" is a very lovely psych record
brimming with melodies and ideas, but "The Hangman's Beautiful
Daughter" is where everything really comes together. The earnestness
of feeling makes you long for the communal spirit that inhabits these
songs, even at this late date in which such an idea no longer seems
possible. ISB's influence is palpable, from the Rolling Stones, to Led
Zeppelin, to Current 93.You'll attempt to yield to their charms, but
don't worry, you'll soon come around. [MK]
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FAIRPORT CONVENTION "Heyday" (Island) CD $15.99
Back in print in a beautifully remastered edition with eight bonus
tracks is Fairport Convention's "Heyday". The only reason I can think
of why this album of BBC sessions isn't (almost) as highly regarded
as their three classic albums is that it was originally released in 1987.
The incomparable vocals of Sandy Denny and Ian Matthews combined
with the phenomenal guitar playing of Richard Thompson made for the
best of all the British folk rock sounds. The CD booklet includes great
photos, new liner notes by original bassist Ashley Hutching's, and
Joe Boyd's original liner notes. The definitive version of a monster
album of British folk rock. [CO]
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HIP HOP HEAVYWEIGHTS

ANTIPOP CONSORTIUM "Arrhythmia" (Warp) CD $14.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/bubblz.rm
Antipop has become that rare thing in the hip-hop world: a band.
From the dark electro grooves that fill this album, through old-school
beats, off-kilter electronica and beyond, you can hear the group in
their studio laying down grooves, layering vintage synths on
backwards beats, and having fun with their instruments. Drawing on
influences as diverse as ESG, the Human League, P.E., Les Rhythm
Digitales, Outkast, Add N To X, Broadcast, and so many more, the
group has created a record firmly rooted in hip-hop that is not
confined by it. [JM]
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SLUM VILLAGE "Trinity" (Capitol) CD $16.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/whatisth.rm
These guys have consistently tried to expand the parameters of hip
hop but they do it with a true love for the structure and a respect for
the context in which this music is generally heard. In other words,
they come abstract, but they still make music you can shake your
ass to and bump in your jeeps. This record may not sound like their
previous one, but it still as soulful, playful and as innovative anything
the band has put out before. [DH]
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BLACKALICIOUS "Blazing Arrow" (Quannum/MCA) CD $12.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/skyisfal.rm
With Blackalicious' sophomore release, they have created a soulful,
original body of work that places them squarely beside such West
Coast soul-mates as the Jurassic 5 and Dilated Peoples, but with
personality and style of their own. This record takes a playful musical
approach to hip-hop that reminds me a bit of early De La Soul. And
they send it in a satisfying new direction with an array of live vocals,
expertly arranged and performed, sample-free, to form the backbone
of the album. [JM]
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STREETS "Original Pirate Material" (Pure Groove/Locked On) CD $13.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/letspush.rm
Twenty-something cockney musical autodidactic Mike Skinner,
calling himself the Streets, broke out of the UK garage scene and
this debut album has since garnered a huge buzz. Fourteen tracks
of stripped-down bumping bass and beats follow Skinner's itinerant
ego as he represents for the hyper-stimulated musically adept next
generation raised on the breakneck trend cycles of UK musical
fascinations. The result is indeed original and highly enjoyable, not
to mention danceable. [MC]
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RJD2 "Deadringer" (Def Jux) CD $15.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/goodtime.rm
Almost entirely instrumental, save the many soulful vocals lifted from
the samples that build these songs, it will be hard for RJD2 to dodge
the DJ Shadow comparisons. But he has built an album with its own
strong personality and the textured, melodic grooves and organic
production beautifully forge something new from the seemingly
infinite vintage soul and pop records that are its building blocks.
Great indie hip hop with wide appeal. [JM]
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OLD SCHOOL HIP HOP RE-ISSUES

[V.A.] "Super Rap" (P & P) CD $15.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/deathrap.rm
Not too many people know that P & P was the only independent
label that rivaled Sugar Hill in those days, but these songs are pretty
rare and hard to find. This collection compiles all of the early hip hop
singles the label put out and would break you for at least $400 or
more if you tried to collect the originals. An amazing document of
hip hop in its infancy. [DH]
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BOOGIE DOWN PRODUCTIONS "Best of B Boy Records"
(Landspeed) CD $17.99

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ROXANNE SHANTE "Best of Cold Chillin" (Landspeed)
CD $17.99

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SOUL, FUNK & ASSORTED GROOVES

SHARON JONES & THE DAP-KINGS "Dap Dippin' With" (Daptone)
CD $14.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/whathave.rm
The album seems to come straight outta Ike and Tina's own Soul &
Funk Review with the filthiest bass lines and meanest vocals this side
of the century. "Dap Dippin'..." sounds authentic enough to be a
re-pressing of a long-lost, unsung album from the early '70s. These
infectious songs are sure to get you dancing, from groovy yeah-yeah
numbers such as "Got a Thing On My Mind" to the soul slow-jam
"Make it Good To Me." Sharon Jones is unstoppable! [JO]
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MESHELL NDEGeOCELLO "Cookie/Anthropological Mix Tape"
(Maverick) CD $17.99

Me'shell's fourth full-length is a tuff, up-front political soul record. In
other words, the antithesis of her previous album of moody tales of
lost love, "Bitter." Production wise it's urban hip hop and R & B. Her
fire lyrics deal with everything from socialism and racism to
homosexuality and broken relationships, ensuring you won't be
hearing this one on hot 97!  [GA]
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RE-ISSUES

PEANUT BUTTER WOLF "Jukebox 45's" (Stones Throw)
CD $14.99

RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/my2600.rm
The fine folks from Stones Throw have blessed us with another
stellar compilation of top o' tha line funk, soul and hip hop. This
particular collection compiles all of the 7"s Stone Throw has been
putting out over the past few years. Highlights include the Yesterdays
New Quintet cover of the Stevie Wonder song "I am Singing," which
was only available on a super limited release and long out of print. If
you are a fan of BBE, Soul Jazz, and Strut releases, add Stones
Throw to your list of labels to trust. [DH]
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[V.A.] "Black and Proud Volume 1" (Trikont) CD $14.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/messagef.rm
[V.A.] "Black and Proud Volume 2" (Trikont) CD $14.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/imtalkin.rm
Trikont hits us with two compilations of conscious black nationalist
soul music. Black and Proud Volume one emphasizes music from
the '70s but also includes and stellar recordings from '60s rage
laureates "Last Poets." Volume two features a few more
contemporary artists including Asian Dub Foundation (collaborating
with Assata Shakur!). The mood of both volumes is more pride, hate
and indignation than sorrow and hurt. Funky spoken word tracks by
Camille Yarborough, Gil Scott-Heron, and Melvin Van Pebbles sit
alongside funk and reggae workouts by artists such as Sons of
Slums, S.O.U.L. and Derrick Harriott. [DH]
"Black and Proud - The Soul of the Black Panther Era Volume 1"
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"Black and Proud - The Soul of the Black Panther Era Volume 2"
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LINDA LEWIS "Reach for the Truth" (Rhino/WSM/Reprise) CD $18.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/reachfor.rm
This black British singer-songwriter's music has been criminally
unavailable for far too long. Like Terry Callier, Bill Withers and
Roberta Flack, she sang folk infused soul. She had the same sort
of earth mama lyrical insight that Carole King and Joni Mitchell were
most famous for, but she had an amazing three octave voice, kind
of like a grittier Minnie Riperton. This record collects selections from
her first three albums. Stevie Wonder, Marc Bolan and Cat Stevens
are big fans of her work, and so am I. Beautiful and damn near
essential music. [DH]
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AFROBEAT

TONY ALLEN "Homecooking" (Comet) CD $15.99
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[V.A.] "Ghana Soundz" (Sound Way) CD $15.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/thesweet.rm
This wonderful collection of rare music highlights the rich musical
diversity of Ghana in the '70s. Fourteen tracks ranging from heavy
Fela-esque Afrobeat with tuff polyrhythmic percussion to funky jazz
prove Nigeria wasn't the only country making great dance tunes.
[GA]
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NOTABLE EXPERIMENTAL MUSIC

WILLIAM BASINSKI "The Disintegration Loops" (Mosex) CD $14.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/dlp1.rm
William Basinski has been operating at the fringe of New York's
art-music scene for some time now. "The Disintegration Loops" is
comprised of elegantly beautiful orchestral tape loops that he had
recorded in the mid-'80s and recently rediscovered. However, as the
tapes were being transferred to a digital master, the analogue spool
began to disintegrate which ended up further enhancing the already
spectral quality of the music. The music uncannily transcends time
as the loops swell and fray into seeming infinity. [MK]
//perl-bin/OM/CD_Add_To_Cart.cgi?sku=09999182172&refer_url=email

MERZBOW "A Taste Of" (Mego) CD $15.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/turbansh.rm
The signature oversize Mego releases over the years have piqued
many a record store geek's burgeoning interest, including mine.
Coming off of the strong recent release "Amlux," here are some
more pinpoint digital incursions. Merzbow may be the most nuanced
and dexterous at this sort of Powerbook microshifting of forceful
tonalities, producing the type of work which would more readily
qualify as art than it might as 'art- brute.' This is way post-Pulse
Demon, post-Merzbox, and right on time. [DHo]
//perl-bin/OM/CD_Add_To_Cart.cgi?sku=09999178212&refer_url=email

PALESTINE/COULTER/MATHOUL "Maximin" (Young God) CD $14.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/jamaicah.rm
"Maximin" comes as a bit of a surprise. David Coulter and Jean-Marie
Mathoul have reconfigured moments from three of the previous new
Charlemagne Palestine records and, with his blessing and
participation, they have distilled the pieces into anywhere from two-
and-a-half to 12-minute sections, then subtly added additional drones,
loops, guitars, pianos, etc. One would think that this would drastically
alter the intent of the music, yet they've managed to very faithfully
adhere to the spirit of the original pieces. A brilliant place to start for
the uninitiated. [MK]
//perl-bin/OM/CD_Add_To_Cart.cgi?sku=65845700212&refer_url=email

TYONDAI BRAXTON "History That Has No Effect" (JMZ) CD $10.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/asentenc.rm
Yes, Tyondai is the son of Anthony Braxton. The younger Braxton's
instrument of choice is a series of guitar pedals that he uses to
generate repetitive patterns of noise. At times drone-y, the sounds
are given the time to seek their own level. Several tracks in, things
take on a Gastr Del Sol-improvised feel. On track eight, he could
easily be compared to Avey Tare. Fans of the Animal Collective and
Black Dice will enjoy a lot of what Braxton is creating here. A great
album by a new talent that the world should know. [AG]
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HENRY FLYNT "C Tune" (Locust Music) CD $14.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/ctune.rm
The music of Henry Flynt should be mentioned in the same breath as
kindred spirits Tony Conrad, LaMonte Young or John Cale, but
Flynt's importance often has been overlooked. "C tune," the third
recent Flynt archival recording, is a welcome addition to his recorded
output, featuring the electric violinist joined by C.C. Hennix on Pandit
Pran Nath tambura. The ferocious psychedelic ring of this 1980
recording is Flynt at his most aggressive; the electric violin shrieks
and scrapes on top of the hypnotic hum of Hennix's tambura. Another
vital document of Flynt's under-appreciated music. [PW]
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ILITCH "10 Suicides" (Fractal) $21.99
Originally released as a single LP in 1980, this dark, nihilistic re-issue
also includes bonus tracks on this double CD. Thierry Muller's ten
compositions on the theme of suicide go from lulling to cyberpunk,
with use of treated instruments including vocodor, saxophone,
harmonium, piano, guitar and various electronics.
//perl-bin/OM/CD_Add_To_Cart.cgi?sku=09999170762&refer_url=email

TONY CONRAD "Outside the Dream Syndicate/30th Anniversary" (Table) $29.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/fromthes.rm
Recorded during a historic three-day session with Faust, Tony
Conrad's 1972 album debut is a crucial testament to the violinist and
composer's seminal influence in minimalism and avant-garde rock.
This 30th anniversary reissue includes a second disc of unreleased music
plus a 32-page booklet.
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ELIANE RADIGUE "Adnos I-III" (Table) $42.99
Fantastic triple CD box set by the pioneer French electronic
composer Eliane Radigue, these three works were created
between 1973 and 1981, mixing tape sounds and her ARP
synthesizer. Each piece is over 70 minutes, as slow cyclic drones
of sine waves are almost meditative as they go in and out of phase
with each other. Each work evolves from the previous, with distinct
characteristics of different tones and motion. Very engaging and quite
beautiful.
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OUTSTANDING PSYCHEDELIA

MAGIC CARPATHIANS "Ethnocore 3" (Fly Music) CD $14.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/nestcepa.rm
I once attended a memorial which featured three women creating
sounds that turned the small schoolroom we were in into a
cathedral, complete with a chorus of weeping banshees and all
without musical accompaniment. I had actually forgotten about this
experience until I heard this record. It immediately filled me with a
sense of both reverence and mourning; however, it could very well be
cries of joy. Your torch light, a murky bass line that takes you past
strange creatures made from cymbals and harmonicas, with strings for
legs and trumpet beaks -- kind of like the Disney Alice in Wonderland
except, (ahem), darker. I urge you, especially fans of these "electro-
acoustic drone" masters to pick it up. [NL]
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ACID MOTHERS TEMPLE "Univers Zen Ou De Zero A Zero"
(Fractal) CD $15.99

RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/bluespou.rm
The crazy bearded guys (and gals) of Acid Mothers Temple And The
Melting Paraiso U.F.O. have finally perfected the recipe. This record
is closest in structure to their "New Geocentric World" in that it has
a fairly wide dynamic range and is made up of more than three tracks,
only two of which clock in over the 20-minute mark. A veritable orgy
of sweaty psychedelic madness, it's got all the heavy stompers,
trance-inducing drones, and pretty sipping-tea-in-a-Japanese-garden
ballads that a p!sych-rock fan could ever wish for. [RH]
//perl-bin/OM/CD_Add_To_Cart.cgi?sku=09999187372&refer_url=email

VIBRACATHEDRAL ORCHESTRA "Dabbling With Gravity" (VHF)
CD $13.99

RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/LetSteam.rm
There is a lot happening in this cacophony of clattering percussion:
warm organs, stretchy sitar, sleigh bells, cymbals, toy pianos, and
who-knows-what homemade instrumentation incorporated into a free-
rock-meets-Indonesian psyched-out jam. The long whirling tracks
are mostly built around solid chant-like drumming, without any
special attention to one particular instrument. Definitely for fans of
the 'drone. Highly recommended. [NL]
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PSYCHEDELIC RE-ISSUES

DANDO SHAFT "Anthology" (RPM) $21.99
Fantastic collection that compiles Dando Shaft's first three albums
originally released in the early-70s. This legendary British band were
one of the most inventive during the era of English psychedelic folk
music, forgoing electric instruments to create unique and complex
compositions on acoustic instruments that were nonetheless very
melodic and wonderful.
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SKIP BIFFERTY "Skip Bifferty" (Acme ) CD $17.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/timetrac.rm
This self-titled CD originally released in 1968 is another psychedelic-
pop gem. Skip Bifferty had their share of spaced-out textures, bells
and chanting, but behind it all was a very seasoned band with heavy
guitar playing, spooky psych imagery, and very memorable songs.
Various members would continue to be active musicians playing in
notable bands including Ian Dury's Blockheads. Recommended.
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REGGAE, ROOTS AND LOVERS

[V.A.] "Studio One Story" (Soul Jazz) CD/LP $27.99/$29.99
To cap off the excellent series, Unversal Sound has released the
definitive installment culled from the vaults of Studio One. "Story"
features 16 track CD as well as a one hundred page booklet full-of
pictures and the complete history plus a 4 hour DVD with rare
footage and interviews!
CD //perl-bin/OM/CD_Add_To_Cart.cgi?sku=502632811068&refer_url=email
LP //perl-bin/OM/CD_Add_To_Cart.cgi?sku=502632801068&refer_url=email

Other fantastic 2002 releases in the Studio One Series:
[V.A.] Studio One Hustle/Reggae Disco (Soul Jazz) CD $15.99
//perl-bin/OM/CD_Add_To_Cart.cgi?sku=502632810066&refer_url=email
[V.A.] Studio One Scorcher (Soul Jazz) CD $15.99
//perl-bin/OM/CD_Add_To_Cart.cgi?sku=502632810067&refer_url=email
[V.A.] Studio One DJs (Soul Jazz) CD $15.99
//perl-bin/OM/CD_Add_To_Cart.cgi?sku=502632810058&refer_url=email

LOVE JOYS "Lovers Rock" (Wackies) CD $15.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/onedraw.rm
Basic Channel continues to re-issue top rate Wackies reggae titles;
their latest is by the English female vocal duo, the Love Joys. The
Love Joy's interlace vocal harmonies and sweet lovers rock with
praises to Jah and ganja, over tuff, bottom-heavy, dubwise steppers
rhythms on par with their Jamaican counterparts the Aggrovators
and the Revolutionaries. Recommended! [GA]
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AUGUSTUS PABLO "East of the River Nile" (Rockers International)
CD $15.99

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JAZZ GREATS

WILLIAM PARKER QUARTET "Raining on the Moon" (Thirsty Ear)
CD $15.99

RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/jamesbal.rm
"Raining on the Moon" features vocalist Leena Conquest along with
percussionist extraordinaire Hamid Drake, Rob Brown on alto and
flue, and Louis Barnes on trumpet. This is one of those rare albums
where the sum of all parts comes together to balance and
compliment each other in perfect harmony. Highly recommended!
[GA]
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MATTHEW SHIPP "Nu Bop" (Thirsty Ear) CD $15.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/mshipp3.rm
Here, all of Shipp's sensitivities spring forward and delicately arrange
themselves in front of you. He works with his usual improv partners --
Parker, Carter, Guillermo Brown, and then brings in electronic artist
Flam to add beats, textures to the proceedings. This record is a
classic in modern jazz fusion--in the best sense of the word. [RE]
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BURNT SUGAR SERIES:
(21st Century soul, avant-house music, free jazz, spoken word,
ambient sound textures...)
"Crespescularium" (Trugoid) CD $15.99
//perl-bin/OM/CD_Add_To_Cart.cgi?sku=09999172492&refer_url=email
"Blood on the Leaf" (Trugoid) CD $14.99
//perl-bin/OM/CD_Add_To_Cart.cgi?sku=09999152962&refer_url=email
"Frubractive Since Antiquity Suite" (Trugoid) CD $14.99
//perl-bin/OM/CD_Add_To_Cart.cgi?sku=09999172502&refer_url=email
"Sirens Return Keep It Real Til It Flatlines" (Trugoid) CD $15.99
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JAZZ REISSUES

ALICE COLTRANE "Universal Consciousness" (Sepia Tone)
CD $12.99

An absolutely stunning record, "Universal Consciousness" is
probably Alice Coltrane's best work, marrying improvisational
elements of free jazz, speech and rich harmonic tones that is richly
fulfilling, spiritual and meditative in nature. A breathtaking
masterpiece originally released in 1971. [GH]
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ALAN SILVA "And the Celestial Communication Orchestra"
(Sunspots) CD $19.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/track1.rm
Alan Silva's Celestial Communication Orchestra album on BYG is
one of the fiercest to ever appear and has been a crown jewel
amongst free jazz record collectors for years and finally released as
a double CD. Silva assembles a band of Arkestra-like proportions on
this recording, an all star cast that included Lester Bowie, Joseph
Jarman, Steve Lacy, Roscoe Mitchell, Dave Burrell, Don Moye,
Bernard Vitet, Alan Shorter, Ronnie Beer, Robin Kenyatta, Michel
Portal, Dieter Gewissler, Jouk Minor, Kent Carter, Irene Aebi,
Joachim Kuhn, Jerome Cooper and Oliver Johnson. Easily one of the
most difficult jazz recordings to stomach in a single sitting, this
album is a challenge to even the most adventurous jazz listener.
[PW]
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SONNY SHARROCK "Monkey-Pockie-Boo" (Sunspots) CD $15.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/27thday.rm
Like his masterpiece "Black Woman," Sharrock is once again joined
by his wife Linda, as well as Ben Guerin (bass) and Jacques Thollot
(drums). This horn-free line-up allows Sharrock's guitar and Linda's
vocals to jump even more to the forefront, screeching with a soulful
electricity that is unparalleled. Any fan of "Black Woman" should not
miss this issue of "Monkey-Pockie-Boo." [PW]
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DON CHERRY "Blue Lake" (Fruit Tree) CD $14.99
//perl-bin/OM/CD_Add_To_Cart.cgi?sku=801325238262&refer_url=email

DON CHERRY "Orient" (Fruit Tree) CD $14.99
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SUN RA "Music from Tomorrow's World" (Atavistic) CD $13.99
//perl-bin/OM/CD_Add_To_Cart.cgi?sku=73528622372&refer_url=email



LA DECADANCE MAGNIFIQUE

ST. ETIENNE "Finisterre" (Mantra) CD $15.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/action.rm
Those who have been lamenting St. Etienne's abandonment of
shimmery dance pop beats on their last two albums will be relieved
to hear this one. Just listening to the opening song on this LP,
"Action" is a remarkable return to form. Acoustic guitars, Sarah
Cracknells' cooly-detached vocals, shimmery keyboards that builds
and swells -- aaaah yes, it's all here. [DH]
CD //perl-bin/OM/CD_Add_To_Cart.cgi?sku=60900810332&refer_url=email

PUFFY AMIYUMI "An Illustrated History" (Bar None) CD $13.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/trueasia.rm
The female duo known as Puffy are arguably Japan's best example
of plastic pop that doesn't suck. They embody better than anyone
an irresistible girl-next-door allure with a cartoonish sense of fun and
fashion. This compilation of tracks from their four proper albums and
one remix project is the best introduction to their music aimed
specifically at a non-Asian audience. Their muddled English is nearly
unintelligible, but the overwhelming power of these tunes simply can't
be denied. Finally, corporate rock you can learn to love. [TC]
//perl-bin/OM/CD_Add_To_Cart.cgi?sku=03286201282&refer_url=email

URSULA 1000 "Kinda Kinky" (ESL) CD $14.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/rivierar.rm
Drawing from a much larger pool of source material this time --
Bollywood and Blaxploitation soundtracks, 70s funk, 80s electro-
boogaloo, Brazilian samba and classic exotica, just to name a
few -- Alex Gimeno seamlessly weaves 14 original tracks aimed
squarely at your head -- and your booty. Overall "Kinda Kinky" is an
incredibly rich trip back into music history that succeeds by
updating the past while not wallowing in kitsch. [TC]
//perl-bin/OM/CD_Add_To_Cart.cgi?sku=79510300542&refer_url=email

VALVOLA & DJ SPECTRA "Venus 69" (S.H.A.D.O.) CD $14.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/pluginci.rm
On Valvola's latest release, this Italian collective (along with DJ
Spectra) is re-worked by an assorted group of contemporary
Japanese artists. Classic European pop culture obviously plays a
heavy influence in Shibuya-Kei, but here Valvola have turned the
tables recognizing and respecting the importance of Japan's continuing
role in pop music's future. [GH]
//perl-bin/OM/CD_Add_To_Cart.cgi?sku=803192800002&refer_url=email

DOMINIQUE A "Auguri" (Labels) $18.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/lecommer.rm
French troubadour Dominique A returns with a 14-song compendium
of emotionally wrought love songs and sweeping ballads. Like his
predecessor Jacques Brel, Dominique has a fondness for big, bold
songs fraught with emotion. And like Brel, he has a tendency to wear
his heart on his sleeve -- though he's much more likely to also hang
his head in despair. Another strong effort from one of music's most
beautiful losers. [TC]
//perl-bin/OM/CD_Add_To_Cart.cgi?sku=72438110472&refer_url=email

STEREO TOTAL "Musique Automatique" (Kill Rock Stars) CD $13.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/Lovetoth.rm
Drawing their inspiration from a variety of misfit musical genres from
the past 60 years (French cabaret and chanson, German new wave
and schlager, '60s ye-ye, '80s electro, etc.), Stereo Total craft lo-fi
electronic ditties virtually free of attitude but extremely high on
entertainment. Yet another strong effort in an unusual but
distinguished pop career. [TC]
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LA DECADANCE RE-ISSUES

CAETANO VELOSO/GAL COSTA "Domingo" (Universal/Japan)
CD $24.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/coracaov.rm
Here we find Caetano Veloso and Gal Costa at the start of their
professional careers, just before the restless experimentation of
their late-60s and early-70s work kicked in. Although both would
move well beyond bossa nova within the year, neither artist ever
completely abandoned the roots of what they explored here. If you've
only been familiar with Joao Gilberto, Astrud, or Tom Jobim you must
get this. Highest Recommendation. [MK]
//perl-bin/OM/CD_Add_To_Cart.cgi?sku=498800530505&refer_url=email

NICO "Femme Fatale" (Jungle) $14.99
The first time on CD, "Femme Fatale" compiles tracks including two
songs recorded with Joy Division/New Order producer Martin Hannett,
her now legendary reworking of "All Tomorrow's Parties as well as live
tracks taken from a 1983 live tour originally released only on cassette.
Included are songs penned for her by Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne,
David Bowie and Lou Reed as well as nine Nico originals, with a 12
page booklet. [GH]
//perl-bin/OM/CD_Add_To_Cart.cgi?sku=501314520692&refer_url=email

BRIGITTE FONTAINE "Brigitte Fontaine" (Saravah) CD $15.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/moiaussi.rm
This self-titled reissue from 1972, the French singer's third album is a
very eclectic bridge between her experimental works and her more
pop pieces. Her songwriting partner Areski only contributes to half of
the tracks here but the songs within run the gamut from African
influenced percussion to lush string arrangements and church organ,
to jazz and progressive styling.
//perl-bin/OM/CD_Add_To_Cart.cgi?sku=359007001034&refer_url=email

MILTON NASCIMENTO "Clube Da Esquina" (World Pacific)
CD $15.99
RealAudio: /ramgen/othermusic/tudoquev.rm
Technically, this reissue has been out for a while, but earlier this year
when we played this in the store staff and customers were amazed.
No doubt Nascimento's masterpiece, this artist's 1972 double LP,
recorded with Lo Borges, is lushly orchestrated (conducted by Paulo
Moura) with mild psychedelic textures. Music doesn't get any more
beautiful than this. [GH]
//perl-bin/OM/CD_Add_To_Cart.cgi?sku=72438304292&refer_url=email



This week's contributors: Geoff Albores [GA], Tom Capodanno
[TC], Matt Connors [MC], David Day [DD], Robin Edgerton [RE],
Andy Giles [AG], Daniel Givens [DG], Gerald Hammill [GH], Duane
Harriott [DH], Tim Haslett [TH], Rob Hatch-Miller [RH], Dan
Houghland [DHo], Michael Klausman [MK], Nicole Lang [NL], Josh
Madell [JM], Scott Mou [SM], Chris O'Rourke [CO], Jennifer Orozco
[JO], Jeremy Sponder [JS] and Phil Waldorf [PW].



THE BIG PICTURE:

To see a complete list of Other Music new releases for the week
ending December 10, 2002, use this link as a shortcut:
//releases/20021210.html

To see a list of new releases from previous weeks:
//newreleases.html

To see new release updates from previous weeks:
//updates.html

To order any of the items you see on these pages simply click the
links following each review or visit our Web site at:
/

Phone orders are accepted at (212) 477-8150 (ext. #2, mailorder).

For general inquiries or other information, please email:
"sales@othermusic.com". Do not reply to this message.

Thanks for reading.
-all of us at Other Music

Other Music NYC
15 E. 4th Street
New York, NY 10003
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sales@othermusic.com