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The Richest Man in Babylon

Thievery Corporation's Eric Hilton and Rob Garza have always treated the line between acoustic and electronic music as a drunken sailor might, unpredictably falling on one side or the other with equal frequency. By this measure, The Richest Man in Babylon is their soberest effort to date, striding confidently into jazz, soul, world beat, and other styles with a direct, reverential approach. The band's last record, Sounds from the Verve Hi-Fi, featured a set of classic jazz tunes unadorned with remixes or reinterpretation. But the songs on Babylon are originals, incorporating not just jazz but Afro-beat, Brazilian dance, Persian and Indian music, reggae, and psychedelia, all while making expert use of new and old collaborators like Sleepy Wonder, Lou Lou, and Shinehead. Icelandic singer Emiliana Torrini makes an instant impression on the first track, "Heaven's Gonna Burn Your Eyes," her voice freeing the song's melody and structure with just a few hypnotic bars. It's hard to call this an electronic record at all; even their dub-influenced tracks miss a certain studio sheen, as if Hilton and Garza simply waded into a sweltering Jamaican beach party and hit record. But while it misses the ambient, ethereal edge that made The Mirror Conspiracy a downtempo classic, Babylon satisfies with organic energy and tasteful eclecticism. --Matthew Cooke

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Customer Review:

They did it again, they've chilled out

The Washington DC DJ duo of Rob Garza and Eric Hilton have once again taken electro-lounge music to a new level by blending their favorite parts of bossa nova, jazz, reggae, dub, and many other worldly influences into one hypnotic experience. This third full length of original material, not counting remixes or compilations-and there are many-finds the duo working with a variety of guest musicians, namely Loulou, Notch, Emiliana Torrini, Sleepywonder and Shinehead. The resulting hour of leisure is delivered effortlessly between casual beats and a mellow mix of organic instrumentation, including sitars, tablas, horns, flutes and a Wurlitzer. On several tracks, floating calmly among the halcyon ethers are the faint foreign folk tales reworked from their native tongues into the trance mix like buttery diplomats. Proving that if we followed the lingering curiosities of musicians, there would be no war but rather one expansive electro-cultural remix fit for consumption and friendly conversation.

Listen to it Again

When I bought this, There were just a handful of tracks I truly enjoyed. But overtime I grew to find beauty in all of the tracks and loved it beyond expectation. This is definetly a must have in your music collection. Great lounge style too. If you don't like it, then just listen to it again, believe me, overtime you will grow to love this album.

Unanticipated flights

I first listened to The Richest Man in Babylon during a half-day flight across two continents and two oceans. My Ipod kept the album in constant rotation. Worlds passed by as did the musical genres masterfully mixed by The Thievery Corporation. Clouds. Skies. Beats. The album, despite certain negative reviews in web blogolandia, brilliantly captures the impressive depth of travel that is occasioned by passing through the worlds of musical genre (rather than "world music") when sequentially articulated through the beats that accentuate such diverse vitalities together. For me, listening to The Richest Man in Bablyon retains the distinctive sensation of flying -- the pleasure of travel, the knowledge of going elsewhere, and the sensation of intimate dependence upon the techno-logical world that carry our faith and dreams. Romanticist sentiments? Hardly. Just a reflection of the worldiness of our times. Check it out for yourself.

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Keywords: Ambient Breakbeat; Downbeat; Electronica; Pop; Rock; Trip Hop; Trip-Hop;

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In Search of Sunrise, Vol. 4: Latin America

Though he's as close to being the quintessential trance DJ as anyone, Tiësto has in the past used his mix records to drop new, sometimes challenging material (e.g., 2003's Nyana). But that's never been what the Sunrise records are about. Like 2004's Olympics-anthem release Parade of the Athletes, the vibe is all-inclusive, overtly positive, and infused with a strong orchestral bent that broadens its appeal. The first disc works up a lather after a lukewarm start, ending strongly with tracks from Gabriel & Dresden and BT ("Force of Gravity," spiffed up with a Tiësto remix). The second disc isn't so shy, though the Ibiza sheen gets a little glossy. If there's one thing this DJ can do, it's convincingly integrate a distinctive vocal ("Silence," anyone?), and his collaboration with Aqualung's Matt Hales on "UR" is no exception. One gets the sense that Sunrise 4 could have been just one disc and still delivered the essential punch--but even though it's a bit bloated, this collection unquestionably has the epic heft for which Tiësto is known and revered. --Matthew Cooke

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Futures

Box set;

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Customer Review:

It keeps getting better!!!

DJ Tiesto is one of those DJ's out there who can pick 3 12" records out of crates of 1000, and make a set. His talent for listening is much like Oakenfold early on, before he went too big. The Search for Sunrise albums are a series that refuses to settle for less. Each track compliments the other, and is put together with perfection by Tiesto. Its a shame Tiesto's label isn't Perfecto Records, because he proves time and time again that his style and skill at set building doesn't get old and outdated. I feel like each of these records is an emotion, a feeling that Tiesto feels when he thinks about his life touring, meeting people, and having fun. It just so happens that these records can represent other listeners emotions. Nevertheless, this fourth installment of SFS shines on through, and doesn't feel like a big production company chose the tracks. Keep em' coming, Tiesto!!!!!!

Tiesto Does It Again

Tiesto does it again with ISOS 4! True, the chilled out vibe from ISOS 3 isn't there but this is a great mix. CD 1 is a bit more esoteric and takes a while to get used to, but there are some great tunes on there and the Latino spice throughout makes it a great compilation. Track 4 is great and the Blank & Jones remix of "Perfect Silence" at the end is just thumpin'. My God, you just want to get up and MOVE when it begins.
CD 2 is the cream. Tiesto has done it again 'cause--and this might sound cheesy--you don't hear his ISOS mixes you EXPERIENCE them. This one's no different. CD 2 doesn't make you move--it is movement. Just a great mix of songs, transitioning to different beats keeps you on your feet as the music just gets inside you and courses through your veins. Listening to this makes me think of steamy summer nights, a dark club and incredibly hot chicks dressed to kill bumping endlessly to this. Tracks 1, 8, 10, 13 are outstanding, but the best is 14 which is the best Eurotrance I've ever heard. You won't be disappointed.

TRUST MY REVIEW!!! ... I know what I'm talking about!!!

I'm not going to go on and on about ISOS 4. Just know that this is one of the most creatively mixed trance compilations I've ever heard. Tiesto seemlessly mixes different genres of trance. The first disc begins melow with a bit of a latin flare, takes you into track 8, "My World" (one of the most sultry, suductive trance grooves I've ever heard. The second disc is flawless from beginning to end!!! Tracks 1 - 4 ?... PERFECT ! Tracks 6 through 10 MIND-BLOWING, especially track 9, "Gravity", with its deep-ripping, synthesized bass line. WOW!

This album surpasses Tiesto's Nyana...in my opinion. He definately delivered a new, fresh mix of seemless, ambient, heart-thumping trance !!! GO BUY IT !!!

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Keywords: Club/Dance; Dance Music; Electronic; Pop; Progressive Trance; Trance;

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Occasion: Connick on Piano, Vol. 2

This new recording by pianist/vocalist/actor Harry Connick recording on Branford Marsalis's label, is a delightful and diverse, thirteen track saxophone/piano duet. In this setting, these New Orleans homeboys display their dizzying interplay and invention with the kind of ease that can only come from years of friendship. Marsalis’s throaty tenor and silken soprano lines blend beautifully with Connick’s Errol Garner meets Thelonious Monk and Professor Longhair pianisms. On "Valentine’s Day" and "Virgoid" Connick’s left hand is steady, with a trace of the Latin tinge. It's beautifully contrasted by the the Broadway-type tunes, "I Like Love More" and "All Things." The pianist's performance on Marsalis’s "Steve Lacy" – an atmospheric elegy to the late sax giant – and the boppish title track -- proves that, to the contrary, familiarity breeds good jazz, not contempt. It also reminds us that there’s more to Connick than Independence Day, When Harry Met Sally, or Hope Floats. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

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Customer Review:

Brilliant

A great CD for all you Jazz fans. The more I listen to it, the more I like it.

Harrt Connik Jr. Ocassions

I was disappointed. I love both Harry and w. Marsalis when they play good old straight ahead jazz, innovating old standards, for instance. But here we have little bits of abstractions, doodling, finger paintings, if you will. I kept impatiently waiting for them to get on with it. For God's sake guys! Play something!

Great music

I love Harry Connick Jr. I really discovered him about 5 years ago and love his music. I have all his albums and also saw him in person. Great piano player. Never disappointed by his music. great to listen as background while hitting the keys on the computer . Any time is great listening to Harry.

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Keywords: Jazz; Pop; Pop Vocals; Swing; Traditional Pop; United States of America;

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For Our Children: 10th Anniversary Edition

For Our Children launched in 1990 and in many ways inspired the bounty of celebrity-philanthropy records for kids in its wake. From Bob Dylan and Sting to Barbra Streisand, Paul McCartney, and Elton John, the roster on this cornucopia of great kid songs--and even greater interpretations--has donated all proceeds to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Although tilted toward baby-boomer parents, the tracks have a timeless, ageless appeal. You'll be hard-pressed to find another five-star children's recording this satisfying, including the follow-up effort, For Our Children, Too. Little Richard rocks "Itsy Bitsy Spider," McCartney turns his sweet, melodic gifts toward "Mary Had a Little Lamb," and Bruce Springsteen makes a lively stew of "Chicken Lips and Lizard Hips." Other noteworthy moments include Jackson Browne and Jennifer Warnes doing the Beatles' "Golden Slumbers" and Carole King reprising the Disney Dumbo love theme, "Child of Mine." But surely the crowning touch is Dylan's unforgettable version of "This Old Man," phrased and delivered as only Dylan can with his mercurial invention and powerful character. This belongs in your children's collection. --Martin Keller

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Customer Review:

Something for children and adults!

My kindergarten teacher introduced me to this album by playing it in her classroom. A few weeks into the school year I had a copy of it for myself. Thankfully this CD was around to replace the tape I wore out over the course of several years.

Some childrens tapes are by artists who cater to children and are good at it. Sharon, Lois, and Bram are a prime example. Other childrens tapes are made by amateur producers and it shows when somone is singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" off key in a five year old voice. While groups like Sharon, Lois, and Bram are liked by parents, the amateur tapes will often drive them nuts.

This album is unique. The artists should be familiar to most people, and include Bette Midler, Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson (from the Beach Boys), Sting, Elton John, Harry Nillson, Carole King, Paula Abdul, Ziggy Marley (Bob Marley's brother), Bob Dylan...the list just goes on. Some of the songs are actual tracks recorded by those artists. Others, such as Little Richard's Itsy Bitsy Spider, are rock versions of classic children's fare. However, the songs are all well-done, as one would expect from familiar artists.

For some reason I put the tape away sometime in third grade. As a freshman in high school I rediscovered it and found out I still liked the songs--perhaps because I had discovered the fare of most of the artists on the tape by that point. Parents also love this tape for that reason.

This is something you can't go wrong with.

So Excited To Find This CD

I played this album for my first son when he was an infant. That was over 13 years ago. How delighted and surprised I was when I discovered it again. I have since had two more children. Although they are a little older, I think this will be a fun CD for them to listen to. My sister has two little ones as well, and they should love it. It is truly a wonderful album. Little Richard's Itsy Bitsy Spider is priceless as is Barbra Streisand's A Child is Born. I also purchased the other CD, For Our Children Too. It looks like it will be as fun as the original.

Remembering.....

When i was little my mom sang these songs and so i grew up knowing them......its great to go back and sing these songs 9 years later! Blueberry pie is the most rememberable. I love these songs and will for years on.

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Keywords: Adult Contemporary; Album Rock; Arena Rock; Brill Building Pop; Children's Collections; Childrens; Dance-Pop; Film Music; Folk-Rock; Hard Rock; Movie Themes; Original Score; Pop; Pop/Rock; R&B; Rap; Reggae; Rock & Roll; Singer/Songwriter; Soft Rock; Teen Idol;

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