WRUV Reviews

Previously unreleased experimental compositions created for fashion shows, ballets, art films, children’s programs, etc., but tastefully constrained by this master composer’s sense of his own distinctly French style. Much genius evident here.

More info & track samples here.

(Title means “Blood Red Roses”). This is a retrospective on the music of this iconic French singer, composer, & peer of Serge Gainsbourg, featuring his distinctive “brooding” chanson & cinematic arrangements. Great music well done, but seldom heard outside of France.

Read more & hear tracks here.

You can read the first review at http://reviews.wruv.org/author/justintime/page/3/

Here is what I have to say on top, and it can get some play in Rock as well.  Does FCC count if it’s not in English? If so, I don’t speak Portuguese so I can’t tell you if they are swearing in this recording. I can only tell you if it sounds good of not. International house w/world beats & vocals, dubstep, reggaeton feel to it. RIYL – MIA (3), Peaches (6), Tracks - 1, 4,6,10,11 FCC – ??? supposedly 1,4,6

Added 12/15/2011

The station was able to get multiple copies of this cd one of which is already in the RPM section and has already been reviewed by Justin.  You can find it here –>http://reviews.wruv.org/author/justintime/page/3/

He did most of the write up so to keep it short, this copy will be going into the Indie section as well.  Some extra bullet points.  Synth, world drum beats, some vocals, running beat rhythms, and some industrial flair to the recordings. Tracks – 3,6,7,8,9 RIYL – DJ Kaos & DJ Tazz, Chemical Brothers, Flight of the Conchords, Duran Duran FCC – Clean

Added – 12/15/2011

A rockin’ cultural synergy featuring vocalist Mehnaz Hoosein from India (trained in classical Hindustani music), and the aggressive (bordering on metal) rock sound of six seasoned & very talented rockers from the US Pacific Northwest. Many great tracks (such as the cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir”). Exciting music, but not for the faint-hearted!

Website with track samples here.

LA-based, Brooklyn native, DJ Charlie Bethel (Captain Planet) stews up a very danceable mix of funk, soul, & house, using tasty ingredients from Puerto Rico, Brazil, India, Africa, & Japan. The mix is simmered with hip hop production values until it’s exotic, spicy, & fun.

If you like a ukulele lady, you’ll a-like-a this-a CD tooo… For many of us that old song is the only exposure we’ve had to authentic Hawaiian music. Here is more for you - the movie was scored using only authentic classic and contemporary Hawaiian music. The vocals can be intriguing, & the instrumental tracks can be poignant & beautiful.  Open your mind & try it!

The band’s name means “Amália Today” - the music was commissioned to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the passing of the Portuguese Fado superstar Amália Rodrigues in 1999 (the CD was first released in Portugal in 2009). Classic Fado tunes get an update here, with the addition of a string orchestra, rock band, three vocalists, and even a synthesizer.

Third in the series, CD1 is Gilles Peterson’s Havana Cultura Band & guests, & CD2 is a compilation of new Cuban bands. Styles vary widely, including Latin, Afro jazz, hip-hop, & reggaeton. Lots of entertaining Cuban music here.

This Québécois singer-songwriter has degrees in classical piano, composition, & arranging, but her 1st love is making songs. This CD is in part classic pop-rock, mostly sung in French, plus 3 rich instrumental tracks featuring piano at the end.  Definitely some nice music.