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- Review count8
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- First reviewJune 24, 2008
- Last reviewNovember 21, 2010
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- Average rating4.8
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BostonMusicLover's Reviews
![...Featuring Norah Jones [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/c2fda9a8-ee6e-4875-942e-6fda0d90fcbe.jpg)
Posted by: BostonMusicLover
from Boston, MA
Norah Jones "Featuring" is a true smorgasbord for the senses. I've been a fan of Norah Jones' cool voice and jazzy pop stylings and was thrilled to see so many great collaborations of hers over the past decade with many of her favorite artists.
These collabs are so diverse that it truly makes for an exciting and fascinating album. I love the differing genres and the interpretations. I especially like the cover of Joni Mitchell's "Court and Spark" with the brilliant Herbie Hancock, which is moody and jazzy.
There is everything from rock (Foo Fighters, Ryan Adams) to hip-hop (Q-Tip, OutKast_ to country (Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson) to jazz (Herbie Hancock).
"It's so exciting and flattering and fun when I get asked to sing with somebody that I admire," Norah has said. "It takes you a little bit out of your comfort zone...kind of like being a little kid and having a playdate."
There are none I don't like and some I love! I love "Turn Them" with Sean Bones and its reggae feel. "Baby It's Cold Outside" is such a classic with Willie Nelson. It's such a great fit like a comfortable pair of worn-in-jeans. "Here We Go Again" with Ray Charles is playful and gorgeous. It surprised me that Norah was so natural with hip hop. She shines with Q-tip in "Life is Better" and with Talib Kewll.
This cd really has something for everyone. It's like a favorite mixtape and is great for driving or just lazing on a Sunday afternoon. "Featuring" shows off Norah's talent and charm, her versatility and her smoothness. It's eclectic, funky and fun.
What's great about it: varied, diverse, fun
What's not so great: nothing
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Bible Belt [CD] [PA]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/9305/9305806_sa.jpg)
Posted by: BostonMusicLover
from Boston, MA
Diane Birch is that fresh new voice whose debut album "Bible Belt" just came out this month.
Diane is in her mid-twenties, but she truly sounds like an old soul.
Diane is in her mid-twenties, but she truly sounds like an old soul.
As I listened to her cd, so many of my favorite women singers came to mind: The Indigo Girls, The Dixie Chicks, Aretha Franklin, Joss Stone, KT Tunstall, Adele, Laura Nyro, Ricki Lee Jones, even Janis Joplin and Billie Holiday.
I truly questioned how someone could remind me of all these stellar women and yet be completely her own person, yet that is the paradox and the joy of Diane Birch.
Now, imagine taking blues, classic rock, du wop, and combining them with jazz and gospel and you'll have a hint of what Diane's music is about.
Now, imagine taking blues, classic rock, du wop, and combining them with jazz and gospel and you'll have a hint of what Diane's music is about.
The cd opens with one of my favorites, "Fire Escape". It's a soulful sultry song about love and loss.
Diane's music is the type that slowly saunters in wearing an unlikely hat. It beckons to you, seduces you, slowly charms you and soon you find yourself dancing in a familiar dream.
Diane's music is the type that slowly saunters in wearing an unlikely hat. It beckons to you, seduces you, slowly charms you and soon you find yourself dancing in a familiar dream.
She writes all of her own songs and is a gifted musician in the true sense of the word. She is fresh and new, yet her music hearkens back to the 60's and 70's. In short, her music is timeless, which to me, is the very best thing to be.
Diane Birch's voice is heartfelt, full of soul, and completely fearless -
powerful, yet nuanced.
powerful, yet nuanced.
Her music is that of a true artist who needs to create to fulfill their
vision and their passion.
vision and their passion.
Sometimes you have to "sing the blues" - and sometimes the blues just have to sing, dance, and soar beyond the sky.
This is the magic of Diane Birch.
What's great about it: new eclectic sound
What's not so great: nothing- I love it
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Voices [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/9231/9231299_sa.jpg)
Posted by: BostonMusicLover
from Boston, MA
Yanni has had an amazing career so far and now he teams up with Grammy-winning producer, Ric Wake, to showcase four new vocalists who contributed to writing the songs on this cd. They were encouraged to write for the songs that moved them most. And, for me, that would be all of them as I enjoyed this cd from start to finish.
The four talented vocalists are Nathan Pacheco, Ender Thomas, Leslie Mills and Chloe and they blend seamlessly with Yanni's compositions.
I especially love "Omaggio", "Amare di Nuovo", "Orchid" and the Indian accented "Our Days". I love the mix of Spanish, Italian and English.
This cd with its bonus dvd is calm and peaceful yet alive with feeling. It is reflective and meditative. It connects me to a deeper place within.
There is enough variation to enjoy here but overall there is a mood created.
It is reminiscent of Andrea Bocelli with hints of Enya.
When I listen, I feel I am on the back porch gazing out at a limitless blue sky. There is a Japanese garden where koi are swimming and the I'm sipping some Earl Grey tea. The moment is now and everything feels right with the world. Bravo artists!
The Yanni voices world tour began April 10, so if you like this music, head out and experience it live!
The four talented vocalists are Nathan Pacheco, Ender Thomas, Leslie Mills and Chloe and they blend seamlessly with Yanni's compositions.
I especially love "Omaggio", "Amare di Nuovo", "Orchid" and the Indian accented "Our Days". I love the mix of Spanish, Italian and English.
This cd with its bonus dvd is calm and peaceful yet alive with feeling. It is reflective and meditative. It connects me to a deeper place within.
There is enough variation to enjoy here but overall there is a mood created.
It is reminiscent of Andrea Bocelli with hints of Enya.
When I listen, I feel I am on the back porch gazing out at a limitless blue sky. There is a Japanese garden where koi are swimming and the I'm sipping some Earl Grey tea. The moment is now and everything feels right with the world. Bravo artists!
The Yanni voices world tour began April 10, so if you like this music, head out and experience it live!
What's great about it: soaring beautiful melodies and lyrics
What's not so great: good for new age/world music fans
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![BHB [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/9207/9207075_sa.jpg)
Posted by: BostonMusicLover
from Boston, MA
Anyone who is a fan of "Dancing with the Stars" knows Mark Ballas and Derek Hough, but, they may not know exactly how multi-talented these guys are.
This is the type of cd that grows on you. I am not a huge pop music fan, but the more I listen to the songs, the more I enjoy them.
The mood is very uptempo and is great for dancing. I also found it's excellent for working out or for cleaning house. It really is high-energy and upbeat.
Their sound, for me, is like a combination of George Michael and Wham, Michael Jackson, and Prince - with a hint of Marc Anthony thrown in. It is the type of cd that I feel would definitely appeal to a young crowd, but, that doesn't mean all ages can't enjoy it.
It's feel-good music.
The cd begins with "Do You Love Me" which is very current, head bopping music.
"Devastated" is catchy, about the ups and downs of love. I really like
the harmonies in this.
My favorite of the cd is definitely "Underwater. For me, it's the most moving and has a slow sensual feel, almost dreamlike.
Overall, BHB is the type of cd you want to crank up and play anytime you want to jam.
BHB is like cotton candy - light, tasty, fun and leaves you smiling.
This is the type of cd that grows on you. I am not a huge pop music fan, but the more I listen to the songs, the more I enjoy them.
The mood is very uptempo and is great for dancing. I also found it's excellent for working out or for cleaning house. It really is high-energy and upbeat.
Their sound, for me, is like a combination of George Michael and Wham, Michael Jackson, and Prince - with a hint of Marc Anthony thrown in. It is the type of cd that I feel would definitely appeal to a young crowd, but, that doesn't mean all ages can't enjoy it.
It's feel-good music.
The cd begins with "Do You Love Me" which is very current, head bopping music.
"Devastated" is catchy, about the ups and downs of love. I really like
the harmonies in this.
My favorite of the cd is definitely "Underwater. For me, it's the most moving and has a slow sensual feel, almost dreamlike.
Overall, BHB is the type of cd you want to crank up and play anytime you want to jam.
BHB is like cotton candy - light, tasty, fun and leaves you smiling.
What's great about it: Great upbeat music to dance to
What's not so great: Very poppy
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![He's Just Not That Into You [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/9184/9184651_sa.jpg)
Posted by: BostonMusicLover
from Boston, MA
It's so great to find so many of my favorite artists on a soundtrack cd
I can pop in the car or play anytime of day or night. And to find that the songs are so listenable.
I can pop in the car or play anytime of day or night. And to find that the songs are so listenable.
My favorite on the cd is James Morrison's "You Make It Real". His raspy soulful voice speaks to the heart.
Other tracks I love are Lily Allen's, Trisan Prettyman's, The Ting Tings', and, Keane's timeless "Somewhere Only We Know". Corinne Bailey's song is sensual and smooth.
Other tracks I love are Lily Allen's, Trisan Prettyman's, The Ting Tings', and, Keane's timeless "Somewhere Only We Know". Corinne Bailey's song is sensual and smooth.
To be honest, though, the only song I'm not fond of is Scarlett Johansson's. It seems weaker than the rest and doesn't quite fit.
I do love the mix of styles and genres here, from classics such as R.E.M. and Human League to Maroon 5 and the altrock of My Morning Jacket.
I do love the mix of styles and genres here, from classics such as R.E.M. and Human League to Maroon 5 and the altrock of My Morning Jacket.
This cd covers all the moods, ups and downs of love and I highly recommend it.
A fabulous melange of great musicians and songs.
What's great about it: eclectic mix, great musicians and songs
What's not so great: Scarlett Johansson's track
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![The Promise [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/65dcbc39-59ee-4e13-8aa1-2f5e745f4ab1.jpg)
Posted by: BostonMusicLover
from Boston, MA
The best way I can describe the sound of Il Divo is soaring passion. These four beautiful operatic voices blend to create powerful music and graceful elegance. "Angelina", "Adagio", they all create a relaxing, rich ambience which surrounds you and takes you in, a break from a world which can be chaotic.
The real test for me was the cover of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah. There is a wonderful rendition by Jeff Buckley and my favorite version is Leonard's, but, Il Divo managed to wow me with a soft and gorgeous rendition. I love the beauty of Italian and Spanish so that is a plus for me.
This is the type of cd I want to just get lost in and allow it to inspire and enrich my soul and my heart. Bravo, Il Divo!
What's great about it: Soaring, uplifting, romantic
What's not so great: would love more songs on the cd
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Devils & Angels [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/e9f38bc3-b4ba-425a-9730-54a54a022c38.jpg)
Posted by: BostonMusicLover
from Boston, MA
Melee is a band from Orange County, CA. I really liked their previous album, Everyday Behavior (2004). After a few years of touring in Europe and Japan, they've released their new cd Devils & Angels. It is their first major label release. The difference between the two releases is that D&A is more pop and, to me, a bit overproduced.
At first, I thought I was listening to an '80's album. Upon further listening, it seemed an odd blend of Rick Springfield, the Goo Goo Dolls and Maroon 5 mixed with the tunes of Flashdance. Nevertheless, the more I listened to it, the more I enjoyed it and found the songs running through my head. They are very catchy with a lot of pop hooks and melodic harmony. There are also jamming piano tunes, sweet guitar riffs, and beautiful vocals. Melee is very talented in writing and performing. Their lead singer Chris Cron has a strong and beautiful voice.
The Songs:
"Built to Last" is particularly catchy.
"Rhythm of the Rain" evokes cozying up and listening to the rain pour down and speaks of growing up, romance and relationships. This seems to be the theme of the album.
"Frequently Baby" includes lyrics such as "she's just a teenage maniac with her heart out on the dancefloor". Very energetic and revved up.
"For a Lifetime" talks of going back to the beginning again and growing up, coming of age, going out in the world to find answers.
The very poppy "Drive Away" speaks of the conflict of wanting to stay and yet leave a relationship, with its guitars sounding like driving.
"Rhythm of the Rain" evokes cozying up and listening to the rain pour down and speaks of growing up, romance and relationships. This seems to be the theme of the album.
"Frequently Baby" includes lyrics such as "she's just a teenage maniac with her heart out on the dancefloor". Very energetic and revved up.
"For a Lifetime" talks of going back to the beginning again and growing up, coming of age, going out in the world to find answers.
The very poppy "Drive Away" speaks of the conflict of wanting to stay and yet leave a relationship, with its guitars sounding like driving.
One of my favorites is the slower, more romantic tune, "Can't Hold On". "If you can't hold on, on your very last try, I'll be there in the morning to pull you through."
"Imitation" speaks of "not giving you up to the devils inside your head".
"Love Carries On" is a slow powerful ballad with a crescendoing chorus.
"She's Gonna Find Me Here" has beautiful piano-driven harmonies.
"Biggest Mistake" is very danceworthy and speaks of "the psycho with the blue dress on". The lyrics are interesting including "Gonna sue Jet Blue for everything they put me through."
"You Got" is also one of my favorites. It has a Rob Thomas/Santana vibe to me and is more grooving with rich and sensual guitar riffs.
"Stand Up" is anthemic and poppy.
"Imitation" speaks of "not giving you up to the devils inside your head".
"Love Carries On" is a slow powerful ballad with a crescendoing chorus.
"She's Gonna Find Me Here" has beautiful piano-driven harmonies.
"Biggest Mistake" is very danceworthy and speaks of "the psycho with the blue dress on". The lyrics are interesting including "Gonna sue Jet Blue for everything they put me through."
"You Got" is also one of my favorites. It has a Rob Thomas/Santana vibe to me and is more grooving with rich and sensual guitar riffs.
"Stand Up" is anthemic and poppy.
The bonus track is a cover of Hall & Oates "You Make My Dreams". It is done simply, cleanly and reminds me of why Hall & Oates were so popular.
Melee's D&A is upbeat music. It's not heavy or anything to study too closely. It's more something to let wash over you and bring you with it into its head-bopping vibe. It's poppy bubbly feel-good music, a nice change when you want something light. At the same time, the band is very talented and I've heard they are great in concert. Enjoy!
Also, the cd art is gorgeous!
What's great about it: Great musicianship
What's not so great: more pop than rock
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Flavors of Entanglement [CD] [PA]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/8843/8843317_sa.jpg)
Posted by: BostonMusicLover
from Boston, MA
"If growing up is the process of creating ideas and dreams about what life should be, then maturity is letting go again." - Mary Beth Danielson
This quote really resonates with me when thinking of Alanis Morissette's new cd Flavors of Entanglement.
In the mid-1990's, Alanis Morisette's Jagged Little Pill sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. She was a force to be reckoned with, an angry angsty voice that was going to tell it like it was with no apologies.
Well, Alanis is back with what I feel is her best cd since then and she's still unafraid to put her heart out there on the sidewalk. Only, this time, I feel we are seeing a more mature artist, an artist who has let go of a lot of her pain and one with a lot more self-realization.
Well, Alanis is back with what I feel is her best cd since then and she's still unafraid to put her heart out there on the sidewalk. Only, this time, I feel we are seeing a more mature artist, an artist who has let go of a lot of her pain and one with a lot more self-realization.
All this, and it has a beat you can dance to.
Producer Guy Sigsworth has done a great job of balancing Alanis' brilliant poetry with an edgy rock dance vibe.
Producer Guy Sigsworth has done a great job of balancing Alanis' brilliant poetry with an edgy rock dance vibe.
"Citizen of the Planet" which opens the cd rocks. I love the way the song accelerates and appreciate the driving beat incorporating sitars and tablas giving the song an eastern feel.
"Underneath", the first single from the cd, immediately takes me to a quieter place. This song is about changing yourself to eventually help change the world.
"Straitjacket" has a jagged feel for me and the techno background seems to accentuate the craziness we feel when someone we care about seems to be doing things just to drive us mad.
"Versions of Violence" has a bit of a sensual rock feel. I love the textures of the music and Alanis' voice has never sounded better.
"Not as We" is one of my favorites. It talks about starting all over again "as I and not as we", "gunshy and quivering". I love the piano here. This song is elegant in its beauty and simplicity and reminds me of Enya.
Sometimes we are strongest in our vulnerability.
Sometimes we are strongest in our vulnerability.
"In Praise of the Vulnerable Man" is simply that, a song celebrating the sexiness of a man who doesn't need all that armor.
"Moratorium" - Alanis actually took a break from relationships to breathe and get her focus back. That is what this song explores. It's a way to let go, stop looking outside, stop searching, and re-find yourself, a "breather from the flavors of entanglement".
"Torch" gives me chills. Alanis is so relatable in her description of missing someone.
"I miss your smell, and your style and your pure abiding way." The guitar and strings are lovely and simply fit the poignancy of someone who says she "never dreamed I would have to lay down my torch for you." The list of all the little and big things we miss when we lose an important relationship is so evocative and so authentic. This is another of my favorites.
"I miss your smell, and your style and your pure abiding way." The guitar and strings are lovely and simply fit the poignancy of someone who says she "never dreamed I would have to lay down my torch for you." The list of all the little and big things we miss when we lose an important relationship is so evocative and so authentic. This is another of my favorites.
"Giggling again for no reason" is a fun light dance tune.
"Tapes" is all about the stories other people tell us and the voices we hear inside that aren't our own beliefs. It's actually liberating to realize these are untrue.
I really like the song "Incomplete". I love its hopeful melody. It ends the cd on an uplifting note. It speaks of all the dreams we have of being complete, being healed, being enlightened. Still, at the same time, it expresses what I feel is the message of the cd. "I have been running so sweaty my whole life urgent for a finish line/I have been missing the rapture this whole time of being forever incomplete." The joy is in the imperfection, in the journey.
At a time when digital track purchases are so common, it is rare for me to find a cd that I love completely but Alanis' new cd is just that. It is
a solid collection -- rocking, edgy, authentic, flavorful.
a solid collection -- rocking, edgy, authentic, flavorful.
Alanis has gone through the seriousness of youth and she seems so much more at peace. Flavors of Entanglement explores where Alanis has been and where she is now. There is introspection, reflection, sadness and joy and the cd ultimately soars.
What's great about it: Every song has its own charm and flair; solid; great lyrics
What's not so great: none
I would recommend this to a friend!
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