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General Recommendations
Staff reviews: Music
Hennepin County Library
Staff-created list
Staff recommend great albums.
Hennepin County Library
18 items
18 items
The Best of Sparks
Music CD - 2019
This is a fantastic and comprehensive overview of one of those bands that should have been but were not quite. Brothers Ron and Russell Mael released thei...Show more
This is a fantastic and comprehensive overview of one of those bands that should have been but were not quite. Brothers Ron and Russell Mael released their first album under the Sparks name in 1972. Their most recent record came out just last year, so this 2019 three-disc compilation isn’t even a complete overview. I don’t even know where to start on describing a sound that has constantly evolved over the decades. The closest comparison for their first few albums is Roxy Music, but that’s not quite accurate. It’s catchy rock music with an approach that is a little out there. They recorded an album with Giorgio Moroder at the end of the ’70s that influenced the synth-heavy sounds that emerged the following decade. And they’ve done just about everything else since. Musicals about Ingmar Bergman? Check. Soundtracks for Jean-Claude Van Damme films? Uh-huh. Cut an album with Franz Ferdinand? Yep. That sense of humor has always been present in their music and it shows in this collection. 56 tracks from albums, b-sides, previously unreleased material, and a 1967 song (as Urban Renewal Project) thrown in as a bonus. This is a perfect introduction for seeing if you want to dig deeper into the Mael brothers' world. Give this one a try folks. Recommended. There is also a documentary on the band that is about to be released sometime in the future. - David W., Minneapolis Central Library
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This is a fantastic and comprehensive overview of one of those bands that should have been but were not quite. Brothers Ron and Russell Mael released thei...Show more
This is a fantastic and comprehensive overview of one of those bands that should have been but were not quite. Brothers Ron and Russell Mael released their first album under the Sparks name in 1972. Their most recent record came out just last year, so this 2019 three-disc compilation isn’t even a complete overview. I don’t even know where to start on describing a sound that has constantly evolved over the decades. The closest comparison for their first few albums is Roxy Music, but that’s not quite accurate. It’s catchy rock music with an approach that is a little out there. They recorded an album with Giorgio Moroder at the end of the ’70s that influenced the synth-heavy sounds that emerged the following decade. And they’ve done just about everything else since. Musicals about Ingmar Bergman? Check. Soundtracks for Jean-Claude Van Damme films? Uh-huh. Cut an album with Franz Ferdinand? Yep. That sense of humor has always been present in their music and it shows in this collection. 56 tracks from albums, b-sides, previously unreleased material, and a 1967 song (as Urban Renewal Project) thrown in as a bonus. This is a perfect introduction for seeing if you want to dig deeper into the Mael brothers' world. Give this one a try folks. Recommended. There is also a documentary on the band that is about to be released sometime in the future. - David W., Minneapolis Central Library
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[the Complete Recordings]
Music CD - 2005
With all due respect to the rich history of amazing music that has come out of the Twin Cities, this is probably my favorite local release of all time. Ki...Show more
With all due respect to the rich history of amazing music that has come out of the Twin Cities, this is probably my favorite local release of all time. Kind of strange when you consider this is a live recording from a cover band. The choice of source material is music that will be familiar to many of you out there. It's essentially a mix of the "Nuggets" compilations of 60's garage rock, some choice R&B (James Brown, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave) cuts, and four original songs that you probably assumed were covers to begin with. These versions are not carbon copies of the originals, but are played with the energy and attitude of the punk era. This CD includes their debut four-song 7", the "Hypsterization!" LP, fifteen bonus songs from the original 1979 live recording dates, and three live songs recorded in 2004. Brothers Bill, and former Northeast Librarian Ernie Batson, are pretty much royalty in this town and can still be seen tearing up stages throughout the Cities. Most likely as The Mighty Mofos, with the occasional appearances as King Kustom & The Cruisers (their first combo) or The Hypstrz. This CD is recommended for any fans of high energy rock 'n roll. - Dave W., Minneapolis Central Library
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With all due respect to the rich history of amazing music that has come out of the Twin Cities, this is probably my favorite local release of all time. Ki...Show more
With all due respect to the rich history of amazing music that has come out of the Twin Cities, this is probably my favorite local release of all time. Kind of strange when you consider this is a live recording from a cover band. The choice of source material is music that will be familiar to many of you out there. It's essentially a mix of the "Nuggets" compilations of 60's garage rock, some choice R&B (James Brown, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave) cuts, and four original songs that you probably assumed were covers to begin with. These versions are not carbon copies of the originals, but are played with the energy and attitude of the punk era. This CD includes their debut four-song 7", the "Hypsterization!" LP, fifteen bonus songs from the original 1979 live recording dates, and three live songs recorded in 2004. Brothers Bill, and former Northeast Librarian Ernie Batson, are pretty much royalty in this town and can still be seen tearing up stages throughout the Cities. Most likely as The Mighty Mofos, with the occasional appearances as King Kustom & The Cruisers (their first combo) or The Hypstrz. This CD is recommended for any fans of high energy rock 'n roll. - Dave W., Minneapolis Central Library
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Music CD - 2019
This sax/synth/drum trio from England (possibly another galaxy) produced what is easily one of the best records to come out in 2019. Much like Miles Davis...Show more
This sax/synth/drum trio from England (possibly another galaxy) produced what is easily one of the best records to come out in 2019. Much like Miles Davis drawing inspiration from rock music in the early 70's, The Comet is Coming is doing something similar for the EDM generation. It's music that feels futuristic, while drawing on the history of what came before. "Summon the Fire" would not be out of place mixed into a DJ's playlist at the club. "Blood of the Past" is a Sabbath-esque dirge that is heavy and dark. "The Universe Wakes Up" channels the energy of both John and Alice Coltrane. The entire album is ethereal, funky, and fun. It's an album that you can suggest to your "I don't really like jazz" friends. For fans of jazz, electronica, 80's synth pop, rock, or any genre of music that has "space" as a prefix. Highly recommended. - Dave W., Minneapolis Central Library
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This sax/synth/drum trio from England (possibly another galaxy) produced what is easily one of the best records to come out in 2019. Much like Miles Davis...Show more
This sax/synth/drum trio from England (possibly another galaxy) produced what is easily one of the best records to come out in 2019. Much like Miles Davis drawing inspiration from rock music in the early 70's, The Comet is Coming is doing something similar for the EDM generation. It's music that feels futuristic, while drawing on the history of what came before. "Summon the Fire" would not be out of place mixed into a DJ's playlist at the club. "Blood of the Past" is a Sabbath-esque dirge that is heavy and dark. "The Universe Wakes Up" channels the energy of both John and Alice Coltrane. The entire album is ethereal, funky, and fun. It's an album that you can suggest to your "I don't really like jazz" friends. For fans of jazz, electronica, 80's synth pop, rock, or any genre of music that has "space" as a prefix. Highly recommended. - Dave W., Minneapolis Central Library
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Music CD - 2018
This is just one of three different ensembles currently led by one of the more exciting figures in modern jazz music, U.K. saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings. ...Show more
This is just one of three different ensembles currently led by one of the more exciting figures in modern jazz music, U.K. saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings. Shabaka & The Ancestors, The Comet is Coming and Sons of Kemet all have releases out on Impulse Records, and it seems to be one of the more inspired moves this legendary record label has made in some time.
Each ensemble has a different lineup and Sons of Kemet may be the most unique configuration. Sax. Tuba. Two drummers. I love stuff like that and it totally works on this record. It is pretty much jazz music, but with a bit of a twist. You get elements of dub, hip-hop, dance, some guest vocalists, and a little bit of everything else thrown in for good measure. Having the two percussionists gives the music an island/calypso rhythm with both players complementing each other without overpowering the mix. And the absence of a bass player is not a problem when you got a tuba. Give this one a try folks. And if you like this, you absolutely need to hear The Comet is Coming record. That group is a sax/synth/drum trio and their new release is sooooo good! That one has been on constant rotation since I got it the other week. Hopefully HCL catches my hint and orders that one as well. - David W., Minneapolis Central Library
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This is just one of three different ensembles currently led by one of the more exciting figures in modern jazz music, U.K. saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings. ...Show more
This is just one of three different ensembles currently led by one of the more exciting figures in modern jazz music, U.K. saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings. Shabaka & The Ancestors, The Comet is Coming and Sons of Kemet all have releases out on Impulse Records, and it seems to be one of the more inspired moves this legendary record label has made in some time.
Each ensemble has a different lineup and Sons of Kemet may be the most unique configuration. Sax. Tuba. Two drummers. I love stuff like that and it totally works on this record. It is pretty much jazz music, but with a bit of a twist. You get elements of dub, hip-hop, dance, some guest vocalists, and a little bit of everything else thrown in for good measure. Having the two percussionists gives the music an island/calypso rhythm with both players complementing each other without overpowering the mix. And the absence of a bass player is not a problem when you got a tuba. Give this one a try folks. And if you like this, you absolutely need to hear The Comet is Coming record. That group is a sax/synth/drum trio and their new release is sooooo good! That one has been on constant rotation since I got it the other week. Hopefully HCL catches my hint and orders that one as well. - David W., Minneapolis Central Library
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The New Musical : Original Cast Recording
Music CD - 2017
I listened to this CD for two weeks straight on my commute to and from work. The songs are mostly bright, bubbly, and relentlessly cheerful, and they were...Show more
I listened to this CD for two weeks straight on my commute to and from work. The songs are mostly bright, bubbly, and relentlessly cheerful, and they were the perfect set of tunes to bounce me into a good mood and into a positive headspace. Before you shy away from this one, it's worth mentioning that this musical was nominated for tweve Tony Awards and that the music for it was written by an astonishing variety of well-known artists, including John Legend, Panic! at the Disco, Jonathon Coulton, They Might Be Giants, and Sarah Bareilles. It's happy and heartfelt and hopeful, and I especially recommend it as a tonic against the long, cold Minnesota winter. - Elizabeth W., Minnetonka Library
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I listened to this CD for two weeks straight on my commute to and from work. The songs are mostly bright, bubbly, and relentlessly cheerful, and they were...Show more
I listened to this CD for two weeks straight on my commute to and from work. The songs are mostly bright, bubbly, and relentlessly cheerful, and they were the perfect set of tunes to bounce me into a good mood and into a positive headspace. Before you shy away from this one, it's worth mentioning that this musical was nominated for tweve Tony Awards and that the music for it was written by an astonishing variety of well-known artists, including John Legend, Panic! at the Disco, Jonathon Coulton, They Might Be Giants, and Sarah Bareilles. It's happy and heartfelt and hopeful, and I especially recommend it as a tonic against the long, cold Minnesota winter. - Elizabeth W., Minnetonka Library
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Rhum Rhapsodies & Other Exotic Delights
Music CD - 2018
When it comes to the many re-issue record labels in the world, you can put The Numero Group towards the top of the list, and this release is yet another r...Show more
When it comes to the many re-issue record labels in the world, you can put The Numero Group towards the top of the list, and this release is yet another reason why that is the case. What started with a focus on compilations of obscure R&B and Soul 45's has evolved to now include Punk (Unwound, Husker Du), 70's Hard Rock (Circuit Rider, Josefus), Electronic, New Age, Metal (White Zombie), & Yacht Rock reissues in their catalog. Now they are tackling Exotica. Why not? What we have here is three discs (each with a theme) of artists who are neither Martin Denny or Les Baxter, but were definitely under the spell of their music. And this compilation shows just how popular this style of music was back in the 50's. This is 54 songs, and not one is led by the main names that you associate with the genre. Some of it is a little lo-fi and grimey, but that's part of the charm of this compilation. What you do get is tons of exotic bird calls, vibraphones-a-plenty, ultra-twangy surf guitar, and more Yma Sumac wannabes than you can shake a Mai Tai at. This is super fun and totally puts a huge smile on my face. Recommended. And if you have a Tiki Bar at home it's pretty much essential. - David W., Minneapolis Central Library
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When it comes to the many re-issue record labels in the world, you can put The Numero Group towards the top of the list, and this release is yet another r...Show more
When it comes to the many re-issue record labels in the world, you can put The Numero Group towards the top of the list, and this release is yet another reason why that is the case. What started with a focus on compilations of obscure R&B and Soul 45's has evolved to now include Punk (Unwound, Husker Du), 70's Hard Rock (Circuit Rider, Josefus), Electronic, New Age, Metal (White Zombie), & Yacht Rock reissues in their catalog. Now they are tackling Exotica. Why not? What we have here is three discs (each with a theme) of artists who are neither Martin Denny or Les Baxter, but were definitely under the spell of their music. And this compilation shows just how popular this style of music was back in the 50's. This is 54 songs, and not one is led by the main names that you associate with the genre. Some of it is a little lo-fi and grimey, but that's part of the charm of this compilation. What you do get is tons of exotic bird calls, vibraphones-a-plenty, ultra-twangy surf guitar, and more Yma Sumac wannabes than you can shake a Mai Tai at. This is super fun and totally puts a huge smile on my face. Recommended. And if you have a Tiki Bar at home it's pretty much essential. - David W., Minneapolis Central Library
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Music CD - 2018
Okay, just one more song… That's what I keep telling myself as I incessantly listen to this album. Her music is strong and beautiful, and it transcends th...Show more
Okay, just one more song… That's what I keep telling myself as I incessantly listen to this album. Her music is strong and beautiful, and it transcends the Rap/Hip-Hop genre. These songs are well written, the perfect length (all but one are under four minutes) and they leave me wanting another listen, which is a very good thing. “Boy Crazy" and “Shrimp" are the only two songs here that don't quite work for me. This album has some explicit lyrics; if you don't mind that, I highly recommend it as a soundtrack to your life. - Bridgett M., Hopkins Library
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Okay, just one more song… That's what I keep telling myself as I incessantly listen to this album. Her music is strong and beautiful, and it transcends th...Show more
Okay, just one more song… That's what I keep telling myself as I incessantly listen to this album. Her music is strong and beautiful, and it transcends the Rap/Hip-Hop genre. These songs are well written, the perfect length (all but one are under four minutes) and they leave me wanting another listen, which is a very good thing. “Boy Crazy" and “Shrimp" are the only two songs here that don't quite work for me. This album has some explicit lyrics; if you don't mind that, I highly recommend it as a soundtrack to your life. - Bridgett M., Hopkins Library
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Music CD - 2018
Twenty years. Twenty-four to be exact. That was the last time (until now) Sleep released an album. That recording, which would eventually become the "...Show more
Twenty years. Twenty-four to be exact. That was the last time (until now) Sleep released an album. That recording, which would eventually become the "Dopesmoker" release, featured one song that lasted 60+ minutes and cemented the legacy of the trio in doom metal folklore. The problem was the aftermath of that recording became the catalyst for the demise of the band. It wouldn’t see an official release until five years after the band had broken up. Members moved on (High on Fire, Om) and the thought of Sleep playing again vanished in a hazy cloud of smoke. That was until a couple of years ago. Some reunion shows were played, a new song was recorded for digital release, and the band did some touring. The only notice that a new album might be happening was delivered via morse code (true) and the official announcement that “The Sciences” was going to be released came the day before it was actually released. This album picks up right where the band last left us some 20+ years ago and that’s exactly what you want. Just give me loud, slow, heavy music. They are by no means reinventing the wheel here, but they just seem to do what they do better than most others in the genre. For fans of Black Sabbath, Blue Cheer, Saint Vitus, Melvins, etc., etc. Recommended. - David W., Minneapolis Central Library
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Twenty years. Twenty-four to be exact. That was the last time (until now) Sleep released an album. That recording, which would eventually become the "...Show more
Twenty years. Twenty-four to be exact. That was the last time (until now) Sleep released an album. That recording, which would eventually become the "Dopesmoker" release, featured one song that lasted 60+ minutes and cemented the legacy of the trio in doom metal folklore. The problem was the aftermath of that recording became the catalyst for the demise of the band. It wouldn’t see an official release until five years after the band had broken up. Members moved on (High on Fire, Om) and the thought of Sleep playing again vanished in a hazy cloud of smoke. That was until a couple of years ago. Some reunion shows were played, a new song was recorded for digital release, and the band did some touring. The only notice that a new album might be happening was delivered via morse code (true) and the official announcement that “The Sciences” was going to be released came the day before it was actually released. This album picks up right where the band last left us some 20+ years ago and that’s exactly what you want. Just give me loud, slow, heavy music. They are by no means reinventing the wheel here, but they just seem to do what they do better than most others in the genre. For fans of Black Sabbath, Blue Cheer, Saint Vitus, Melvins, etc., etc. Recommended. - David W., Minneapolis Central Library
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Music CD - 2015
Great alternative rock, with some interesting lyrical tricks. Fun, generally upbeat, and worth listening to. - Cassandra J., St. Anthony Library
Great alternative rock, with some interesting lyrical tricks. Fun, generally upbeat, and worth listening to. - Cassandra J., St. Anthony Library
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Great alternative rock, with some interesting lyrical tricks. Fun, generally upbeat, and worth listening to. - Cassandra J., St. Anthony Library
Great alternative rock, with some interesting lyrical tricks. Fun, generally upbeat, and worth listening to. - Cassandra J., St. Anthony Library
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the lost album
Music CD - 2018
Wow! The fact that unreleased music, from one of the greatest performers in the history of the genre, appears out of nowhere some half-century after it wa...Show more
Wow! The fact that unreleased music, from one of the greatest performers in the history of the genre, appears out of nowhere some half-century after it was recorded is always welcome with open arms. It's the kind of thing that makes you run out the day it's released, splurge the extra cash for the 2xLP deluxe version, and immediately sit down with it and soak in every minute. To call this a "Lost Album" might be a little bit of a stretch. While this does feature unreleased music, it also features songs ("Impressions", "One Up, One Down") that have appeared on other live recordings by Coltrane. What the intention was, if there was any, for this one-day recording session from 1963 is kind of the mystery. It's great to hear new music, but this could be the type of record that only appeals to an audience already deep into the Coltrane catalog. For the uninitiated, there are several other releases that make a better starting point. Recommended. Of course it's recommended! It's the Classic Quartet! - David W., Minneapolis Central Library
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Wow! The fact that unreleased music, from one of the greatest performers in the history of the genre, appears out of nowhere some half-century after it wa...Show more
Wow! The fact that unreleased music, from one of the greatest performers in the history of the genre, appears out of nowhere some half-century after it was recorded is always welcome with open arms. It's the kind of thing that makes you run out the day it's released, splurge the extra cash for the 2xLP deluxe version, and immediately sit down with it and soak in every minute. To call this a "Lost Album" might be a little bit of a stretch. While this does feature unreleased music, it also features songs ("Impressions", "One Up, One Down") that have appeared on other live recordings by Coltrane. What the intention was, if there was any, for this one-day recording session from 1963 is kind of the mystery. It's great to hear new music, but this could be the type of record that only appeals to an audience already deep into the Coltrane catalog. For the uninitiated, there are several other releases that make a better starting point. Recommended. Of course it's recommended! It's the Classic Quartet! - David W., Minneapolis Central Library
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Music CD - 2016
You've heard of the musical Hamilton and listened to the cast recording. And it's great. Now check out the mixtape. The same amazing songs from Lin-Man...Show more
You've heard of the musical Hamilton and listened to the cast recording. And it's great. Now check out the mixtape. The same amazing songs from Lin-Manuel performed by great artists, including local favorite Dessa. You'll find yourself humming along to "You'll be back" and rapping to yourself in the car. - Cassandra J., St. Anthony Library
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You've heard of the musical Hamilton and listened to the cast recording. And it's great. Now check out the mixtape. The same amazing songs from Lin-Man...Show more
You've heard of the musical Hamilton and listened to the cast recording. And it's great. Now check out the mixtape. The same amazing songs from Lin-Manuel performed by great artists, including local favorite Dessa. You'll find yourself humming along to "You'll be back" and rapping to yourself in the car. - Cassandra J., St. Anthony Library
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Music CD - 2019
What started as a one-man production of home recordings from guitarist/singer John Dwyer over twenty years ago, has now evolved into one of the more excit...Show more
What started as a one-man production of home recordings from guitarist/singer John Dwyer over twenty years ago, has now evolved into one of the more exciting bands currently flying under the radar. The lineups keep turning over. The sound keeps evolving. Even the name of the band (Orinoka Crash Suite, OCS, Thee Oh Sees, Oh Sees, etc) keeps changing. The only constant over those 20+ years, and over 40+ releases, is Dwyer. Face Stabber might possibly be the band's best output to date. It's equal parts prog, punk, garage, psych, drone, noise, and whatever else, spread out over 80 minutes of music. Some songs don't even cross the two minute mark. Some songs sound like they could be undiscovered King Crimson outtakes. Two songs take up nearly half the album and are absolutely amazing. It's like a modern day version of Can or Neu! from people who grew up on punk rock. Highly recommended. Investigate the rest of their discography while you're at it. HCL should have several others available in the catalog to pick from. - David W., Minneapolis Central Library
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What started as a one-man production of home recordings from guitarist/singer John Dwyer over twenty years ago, has now evolved into one of the more excit...Show more
What started as a one-man production of home recordings from guitarist/singer John Dwyer over twenty years ago, has now evolved into one of the more exciting bands currently flying under the radar. The lineups keep turning over. The sound keeps evolving. Even the name of the band (Orinoka Crash Suite, OCS, Thee Oh Sees, Oh Sees, etc) keeps changing. The only constant over those 20+ years, and over 40+ releases, is Dwyer. Face Stabber might possibly be the band's best output to date. It's equal parts prog, punk, garage, psych, drone, noise, and whatever else, spread out over 80 minutes of music. Some songs don't even cross the two minute mark. Some songs sound like they could be undiscovered King Crimson outtakes. Two songs take up nearly half the album and are absolutely amazing. It's like a modern day version of Can or Neu! from people who grew up on punk rock. Highly recommended. Investigate the rest of their discography while you're at it. HCL should have several others available in the catalog to pick from. - David W., Minneapolis Central Library
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Music CD - 2005
You could call it the Rosetta Stone. You could call it ground zero for everything that was to follow. Is it punk before punk? Is it metal before metal? Is...Show more
You could call it the Rosetta Stone. You could call it ground zero for everything that was to follow. Is it punk before punk? Is it metal before metal? Is it a hippie nightmare come to life? You could say yes to all three. I simply call it, and this will probably bring much disagreement, the greatest LP of all time. It's raw, simplistic, loud, fun, and imperfect in the most perfect way possible. This CD version also includes a bonus disc of alternate "Fun House" takes including two unreleased songs that didn't make it on the original 1970 release. Absolutely essential. - David W., Minneapolis Central Library
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You could call it the Rosetta Stone. You could call it ground zero for everything that was to follow. Is it punk before punk? Is it metal before metal? Is...Show more
You could call it the Rosetta Stone. You could call it ground zero for everything that was to follow. Is it punk before punk? Is it metal before metal? Is it a hippie nightmare come to life? You could say yes to all three. I simply call it, and this will probably bring much disagreement, the greatest LP of all time. It's raw, simplistic, loud, fun, and imperfect in the most perfect way possible. This CD version also includes a bonus disc of alternate "Fun House" takes including two unreleased songs that didn't make it on the original 1970 release. Absolutely essential. - David W., Minneapolis Central Library
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Music CD - 2014
An amazing one-time lineup comes together to make what may be the greatest punk rock record to ever come out of the late 70's/early 80's California scene....Show more
An amazing one-time lineup comes together to make what may be the greatest punk rock record to ever come out of the late 70's/early 80's California scene. On those rare days that it's not the greatest record, it's most likely in second place. Possibly third at the very worst. Absolutely essential. - David W., Minneapolis Central Library
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An amazing one-time lineup comes together to make what may be the greatest punk rock record to ever come out of the late 70's/early 80's California scene....Show more
An amazing one-time lineup comes together to make what may be the greatest punk rock record to ever come out of the late 70's/early 80's California scene. On those rare days that it's not the greatest record, it's most likely in second place. Possibly third at the very worst. Absolutely essential. - David W., Minneapolis Central Library
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Music CD - 2000?
This band's music is the perfect blend of Irish rock and punk, rather like a black and tan, the perfect blend of lager and stout. A penny whistle becomes ...Show more
This band's music is the perfect blend of Irish rock and punk, rather like a black and tan, the perfect blend of lager and stout. A penny whistle becomes a siren song to raucous dancing in "The Devil's Dance Floor." You can't help but bang your head along to "Salty Dog." Highly recommended for fans of The Pogues and the Dropkick Murphys. - Jody W., Web and Online Services
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This band's music is the perfect blend of Irish rock and punk, rather like a black and tan, the perfect blend of lager and stout. A penny whistle becomes ...Show more
This band's music is the perfect blend of Irish rock and punk, rather like a black and tan, the perfect blend of lager and stout. A penny whistle becomes a siren song to raucous dancing in "The Devil's Dance Floor." You can't help but bang your head along to "Salty Dog." Highly recommended for fans of The Pogues and the Dropkick Murphys. - Jody W., Web and Online Services
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Music CD - 2008
I am borrowing the description from the library catalog because it is spot-on. "Michael Franti delivers fiery protest music and thought-provoking lyr...Show more
I am borrowing the description from the library catalog because it is spot-on. "Michael Franti delivers fiery protest music and thought-provoking lyrics with seductive elements of dub, dance music, and soul." I will add that there is an awesome reggae vibe to this album as well. Songs that stand out for me are "Hey World," which is a call to action to make the world a better place, and "Say Hey (I Love You)" which always makes me smile. It's hard to keep still listening to this album, so dance on. - Jody W., Web and Online Services
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I am borrowing the description from the library catalog because it is spot-on. "Michael Franti delivers fiery protest music and thought-provoking lyr...Show more
I am borrowing the description from the library catalog because it is spot-on. "Michael Franti delivers fiery protest music and thought-provoking lyrics with seductive elements of dub, dance music, and soul." I will add that there is an awesome reggae vibe to this album as well. Songs that stand out for me are "Hey World," which is a call to action to make the world a better place, and "Say Hey (I Love You)" which always makes me smile. It's hard to keep still listening to this album, so dance on. - Jody W., Web and Online Services
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Music CD - 2017
Master storyteller Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit have created a complex and rich alt-country album together. "If We Were Vampires" describes a d...Show more
Master storyteller Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit have created a complex and rich alt-country album together. "If We Were Vampires" describes a deep love and delivers the heartbreaking line "Maybe we'll get forty years together, But one day I'll be gone, Or one day you'll be gone." The song "White Man's World" mourns the fact that a father can't protect his family from a world that won't treat them fairly. The songs run the gamut of emotion. Check out Jason Isbell's solo work or his previous band the Drive-By Truckers as well. - Jody W., Web and Online Services
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Master storyteller Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit have created a complex and rich alt-country album together. "If We Were Vampires" describes a d...Show more
Master storyteller Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit have created a complex and rich alt-country album together. "If We Were Vampires" describes a deep love and delivers the heartbreaking line "Maybe we'll get forty years together, But one day I'll be gone, Or one day you'll be gone." The song "White Man's World" mourns the fact that a father can't protect his family from a world that won't treat them fairly. The songs run the gamut of emotion. Check out Jason Isbell's solo work or his previous band the Drive-By Truckers as well. - Jody W., Web and Online Services
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Music CD - 2006
An outstanding classical pianist, Simone melds blues, jazz and pop styles with her performances, but its her voice that mesmerizes me. Deep and husky, she...Show more
An outstanding classical pianist, Simone melds blues, jazz and pop styles with her performances, but its her voice that mesmerizes me. Deep and husky, she delivers lyrics with passion. This album shares much of her best work. Signature songs include "I Put a Spell on You," "I Loves You Porgy," and the fiery "Mississippi Goddam." She's incomparable, but check out her contemporary Billie Holiday for more compelling songs by a unique artist. - Jody W., Web and Online Services
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An outstanding classical pianist, Simone melds blues, jazz and pop styles with her performances, but its her voice that mesmerizes me. Deep and husky, she...Show more
An outstanding classical pianist, Simone melds blues, jazz and pop styles with her performances, but its her voice that mesmerizes me. Deep and husky, she delivers lyrics with passion. This album shares much of her best work. Signature songs include "I Put a Spell on You," "I Loves You Porgy," and the fiery "Mississippi Goddam." She's incomparable, but check out her contemporary Billie Holiday for more compelling songs by a unique artist. - Jody W., Web and Online Services
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