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Kind of Blue

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Labels
by: Miles Davis

April 07, 1997
It has already been said here that this album is usually found in non-jazz fans' collections alongside Bob Marley's greatest hits and most probably David Gray's entire ouvre. Perhaps it stands sentry there unplayed, just so its spine can be read, head tilted sideways, begging to impress upon whoever it is browsing through their collection some ill-gotten measure of sophistication? Perhaps they did play it once then decided no, they were right about jazz all along?

Modal, understated, and (aaargh!) cool, or tedious, cicuitous and under-cooked? Amongst aficionados, the most fiercely debated issue with the session is whether you are appreciating it at the correct pitch (an issue with the tape playback speed when it was mastered). That ... Read More:

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Indiana Jones: The Soundtracks Collection

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Labels
by: John Williams

November 17, 2008
I've been a soundtrack enthusiast since I was a boy, and as with many who share my passion the Indiana Jones soundtracks have long been amongst the most beloved and yet still frustrating albums I have owned.

Of course, John Williams' classic mix of brassy heroism, muscular action and broad romantic motifs need no introduction - a perfect mix of 1930s musical idioms and contemporary pace and styling. But for so long we had to endure cut down selections on album, with so many great cues missing.

Admittedly the DDC/Silva reissue of Raiders did much to correct this for the first score, and the original Last Crusade album pushed the limits of the original CD release and felt moderately complete, but Temple of Doom was always the weak ... Read More:

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The Very Best of Nina Simone Vol.1

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Labels
by: Nina Simone

May 01, 2006
Keeps-you-smiling music! One of the best voices that ever graced the music business. My 17 year old thinks she's as amazing as I do.

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Christmas Songs

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Labels
by: Diana Krall The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra

November 14, 2005
Diana Krall offers you an incredible revamp of some of the most famous Christmas classics with her lovingly young voice and the nice band that accompanies her will give you everything you need to spend a great Christmas :)

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e.s.t. Leucocyte (Esbjorn Svensson Trio)

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Labels
by: e s t

September 01, 2008
If this were on vinyl, I would never feel the need to play side 2 again - the last 5 or 6 tracks were obviously a challenge for the band to play and record, and are seriously challenging to listen to. I won't return to them anytime soon.

However, the opening tracks (particularly the extended track 'Premonition') are delightful improvisations that rank among ESTs best work, which would be enjoyed by fans of their previous recordings.

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Gold - All Her Greatest Hits

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Labels
by: Ella Fitzgerald

February 03, 2003
If you want just one or two of Ella's CDs ... then it should be this "Gold - All her Greatest Hits" and "Ella and Louis Together" (and if you can have the third, please make it "Ella in Berlin [Live] - Mack The Knife")

I have most of her CDs, and I can tell that the person who assembled "Gold - All her Greatest Hits" and "Ella and Louis Together" loves Ella so deeply. The songs he picked and the song order are of the absolute perfection. If you are after compilation CDs of Ella, look no further.

This "Gold - All Her Greatest Hits" is a wonderful CD if you want music that has full of passion, elegance and serenity at the same time. Specially. her 'Manhattan' is the best of all (naturally). I have heard this song by many other singers, but no one ... Read More:

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Then And Now: The Definitive Herbie Hancock

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Labels
by: Herbie Hancock

November 10, 2008
If you want just one or two of Ella's CDs ... then it should be this "Gold - All her Greatest Hits" and "Ella and Louis Together" (and if you can have the third, please make it "Ella in Berlin [Live] - Mack The Knife")

I have most of her CDs, and I can tell that the person who assembled "Gold - All her Greatest Hits" and "Ella and Louis Together" loves Ella so deeply. The songs he picked and the song order are of the absolute perfection. If you are after compilation CDs of Ella, look no further.

This "Gold - All Her Greatest Hits" is a wonderful CD if you want music that has full of passion, elegance and serenity at the same time. Specially. her 'Manhattan' is the best of all (naturally). I have heard this song by many other singers, but no one ... Read More:

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Cartography

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Labels
by: Arve Henriksen

November 17, 2008
Cartography By any definition, this is extraordinary music. Arve Henriksen has singlehandedly created a whole new sound and texture for the trumpet that no-one else even comes close to. This is emotional, compelling, contemplative music of a very special kind being created and played by a master - if he's this good now, it's scary how good he could be when he gets to be Jan Garbarek's age. The comparison with Garbarek is deliberate, in that Garbarek created a new tone and style for the tenor sax the way Henriksen is doing for the trumpet. There's elements of traditional folksong, hints of 'classical music', and dissenters will probably call it 'new age', but this is a truly seminal record. If you're still not sure, check out the final track 'Sorrow and it's opposite', a beautiful ... Read More:

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Live At The Sydney Opera House

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Labels
by: Burt Bacharach

October 20, 2008
Cartography By any definition, this is extraordinary music. Arve Henriksen has singlehandedly created a whole new sound and texture for the trumpet that no-one else even comes close to. This is emotional, compelling, contemplative music of a very special kind being created and played by a master - if he's this good now, it's scary how good he could be when he gets to be Jan Garbarek's age. The comparison with Garbarek is deliberate, in that Garbarek created a new tone and style for the tenor sax the way Henriksen is doing for the trumpet. There's elements of traditional folksong, hints of 'classical music', and dissenters will probably call it 'new age', but this is a truly seminal record. If you're still not sure, check out the final track 'Sorrow and it's opposite', a beautiful ... Read More:

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River: The Joni Letters

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Labels
by: Herbie Hancock

October 01, 2007
I agree with all the other reviews on the album , well nearly all . As my title says , why for Gods sake did H.Hancock and co put this has been in on what is a good listening album - but Leonard "let me open a vein to" Cohen on a Jazz album !!???? He can't sing - never could , never will , and the only reason that I can think of why he's on this album is because he's from Canada . The track is not "interesting" it's bloody awful and the producers should hang thier heads in shame .