CD-Charts Position 11
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Can't Buy A Thrill

CD-Charts > Music > Jazz
by: Steely Dan

Release Date July 13, 1999
Steely Dan's first album, like many first albums, suggests that they haven't settled on their approach. Yet this is to its advantage. While they seem to make only great albums, this is more the work of a rock band, rather than the usual Becker/Fagen dominated jazz-inflected musings. Sure, they wrote all the material here, but the other band members are allowed a more prominent role. The lead vocals of David Palmer, for instance, highlight that Donald Fagen's voice, while distinct, is probably Steely Dan's weakest link. Nevertheless, this is a minor gripe. From first track to last, this is solid-groove rock music, sophisticated, lyrically and musically imaginative, with the odd daring arrangement. All of the players get to express themselves ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 12
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Aman Iman

CD-Charts > Music > Jazz
by: Tinariwen

Release Date February 05, 2007
I'm no world music expert, but from time to time something comes along from outside the English speaking world that demands my attention. 'Aman Iman' is such an album. These Touareg musicians from the Western Sahara create a music whose 'otherness' is obvious, yet which is immediately accessible to western sensibilities. Their music evokes the solitude of the desert and the loneliness of exile, and yet is life affiriming and joyous. It's a thrumming, hypnotic, even foot-stomping sound, not obviously African, with arabic influences and hints of the blues, and deserves a wider audience.

CD-Charts Position 13
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It's Time

CD-Charts > Music > Jazz
by: Michael Buble

Release Date October 24, 2005
This is the second main album from Canadian Virgo, Mr Michael Bublé.
It lasts 49 minutes 17 seconds, doesn't come with song words and contains 13 songs:

1. FEELING GOOD - 3:57. A slow song - 10/10.
2. A FOGGY DAY (IN LONDON TOWN) 2:32. A fast, big band number with a fabulous ending! - 9/10.
3. YOU DONT KNOW ME - 4:14. A slow song - 9/10.
4. QUANDO, QUANDO, QUANDO - 4:45. A duet with Ms Nelly Furtado - 10/10.
5. HOME - 3:45. Bublé's own composition, a great driving song - 9/10.
6. CANT BUY ME LOVE - 3:15. A song with lots of tempo changes - 8.5/10.
7. THE MORE I SEE YOU - 3:48. A long intro, but it's worth it! 10/10.
8. SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME - 3:39. Up-tempo! 10/10.
9. TRY ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 14
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A Walk Across the Rooftops

CD-Charts > Music > Jazz
by: Blue Nile

Release Date May 20, 1985
i was working in a record store when this was released and "tinseltown in the rain" was released and it has taken me till now to realise how great the cd is!

"walk across the rooftops" has echoes of japan (the group) and peter gabriel..very atmosheric and aching vocals 8/10

"tinseltown in the rain" is rated still rated as one of the songs of the 80's that wasn't a hit! and it is'nt hard to see why...aching vocals, stunning lyrics all such a lush arrangement it is a masterpeice! 100/10

"rags to riches" is a haunting vocal track..good 7/10

"stay" is another pop classic 9/10

"easter parade" is so haunting track..turn the lights off and indulge yourself 9/10

"heatwave" sounds like a japan ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 15
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Aja

CD-Charts > Music > Jazz
by: Steely Dan

Release Date April 24, 2000
From a band that only seem to release great albums, 'Aja' is well down the list of Steely Dan's best. What I like about their earlier releases is their blend of styles. 'Aja' is dominated by jazz and funk influences, neither of which are my favoured genres, but the music rewards repeated listening and is beautifully constructed. The title track is, for me, the highlight, its innocuous opening soon drifting into subtle, shifting shades of tonal colour and twinkling keyboards, culminating in a striking closing passage. 'Josie' is the obvious hit item, with a great guitar intro and a solid groove. 'Peg' is the other more overtly commercial item, the remaining tracks being more like the title track in approach.' Not the most instant album, and, as usual, lyrically challenging, ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 16
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The Best of Humphrey Lyttleton [3CD Box Set]

CD-Charts > Music > Jazz
by: Humphrey Lyttelton

Release Date April 14, 2003
Have just been reminded that i bought this by the sad news that Lyttleton has passed away.
I first heard about Humph from a documentary on the Brecon Jazz festival and i ended up wanting to hear more. This is a good box set with a hell of alot of tracks making it great value and a fine introduction to British post war jazz.

CD-Charts Position 17
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Countdown To Ecstasy

CD-Charts > Music > Jazz
by: Steely Dan

Release Date July 13, 1999
'Countdown To Ecstasy' may rank as the second and last of Steely Dan's best albums, but it seems to me to be the link between the rock of 'Can't Buy A Thrill' and the more diverse approach of later albums. The songs and the music suggest a greater level of ambition. There are no hits of the stature of 'Reelin' In The Years' and I slightly prefer the first album, but there are moments of peerless magnificence here: the aching suspense of 'Boston Rag,' and the fluidity of the ode to Eastern philosophy, 'Bodhisattva,' for instance. The move toward jazz, funk and Latin influences is marked by 'Your Gold Teeth.' Yet it is 'Show Biz Kids' and 'My Old School' that characterise their gifts, the former a biting, starkly original recording, featuring an unnervingly insistent chant, the latter ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 18
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Michael Buble

CD-Charts > Music > Jazz
by: Michael Buble

Release Date September 29, 2003
I have owned this CD for more than 3 years and it is still the best Buble has ever done. I saw him sing most of the tracks at Ronnie Scotts and even now my friends accompanying me that night still talk fondly of the occasion. At this bargain price (feb 2008) you cannot afford to be without it. Everyone will ask you who is singing it. It is just wonderful music. All the songs are beautifully arranged and exceptionally well sung. I listen to it again and again without tiring of it.

CD-Charts Position 19
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Rhythms Del Mundo (featuring Coldplay, Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs...)

CD-Charts > Music > Jazz
by: Rhythms Del Mundo

Release Date March 26, 2007
this is just a fantastic blend of different genres of music.
the music is pure joy.
if you really want to enjoy this,
get a dance partner and head out to
the local salsa dance club with this CD.
simply brilliant stuff. recommended.

CD-Charts Position 20
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Katy Lied

CD-Charts > Music > Jazz
by: Steely Dan

Release Date June 28, 1999
Containing none of their most famous hits, 'Katy Lied' is nevertheless Steely Dan's most gorgeous collection of songs. There is perhaps less invention and more commercialism in the music, but this is deceptive, for the invention is in the writing. 'Bad Sneakers' features attention-grabbing twists in both music and lyrics, as does the lovely 'Doctor Wu', though, like many of the band's songs, its meaning is elusive. The opening image of suicide on the strident 'Black Friday,' by contrast, is stark. 'Everyone's Gone To The Movies' shows them in buoyant mood. One of the strokes they pull off here is the low-key sinister melody on vibes that lies beneath the jaunty main theme. 'Your Gold Teeth II' points the way toward their jazzier moments. Every track on here is a winner, right down to the emotional final ... Read More: