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From the Balkans, Bogota, and Brazil...international reviews

Fri, 07/18/2008 - 6:10pm — astrang


Alaska in Winter

Dance Party in the Balkans

After art student, Brandon Bethancourt spent a semester in an isolated cabin on the south coast of Alaska he was inspired to record this album. Contrary to the title, the feel of the music reflects the quietude of the tidewater glaciers, and vast forests and lakes in Alaska. Although he over indulges vocoder usage, these songs may be just the right ingredient in hot Indiana summer afternoon mixes.

comments / tracks of interest:

#1: a beautiful song comparing the homeless w/ hummingbirds

#3: lamenting feel, vocalizations for atmosphere…no words


#4: piano & beat machine w/ violins

#7: title track, good for slow dancing

#9: gradually, all elements introduced, repetitive lyrics

#12: melancholy

#13: more hopeful feel

#14: bonus track


Sidestepper

The Buena Vibra Sound System

 

“Afro-Columbian electronic dance music that spans roots music with clubhouse beats. Get your boogie on? Oh yeah and much more. British-born and band founder Richard Blair never muffles the traditional South American and Central American vibes that take flight throughout this magical journey of a dance album. Featuring traditional Jamaica reggae sounds but mixed with African drums and Colombian club music, and funky salsa trembles alongside bass-bombs and wobbly kick drums with world-beat percussion rounding it all out.” ~J. Sin, Smother mag.

 

comments / tracks of interest:

#1: a beautiful song comparing the homeless w/ hummingbirds

#3: lamenting feel, vocalizations for atmosphere…no words

#4: piano & beat machine w/ violins

#7: title track, good for slow dancing

#9: gradually, all elements introduced, repetitive lyrics

#12: melancholy

#13: more hopeful feel

#14: bonus track

Nation Beat

Legends of the Preacher

 

“At the heart of this album lies a totally original 21st century fusion between thunderous Brazilian maracatu drumming and New Orleans second line rhythms, Appalachian-inspired bluegrass music, funk, rock, and country-blues. Conjuring the spirit of powerful and liberated carnival queens, rising Brazilian star Liliana Araujo fronts the ensemble w/ her soaring powerhouse vocals.” ~modiba P.S. Three tracks feature the Klezmatics.

 

comments / tracks of interest:

#1: violin/fiddle kicks off this poppin’ track

#2: upbeat and balanced, like trk. 1

#3: funky guitar

#4: leans towards the Brazilian side of sound

#5: banjo->English lyrics

#7: leans towards old-time side

#8: deep drum beats, call-n-response

#9: English lyrics & banjo begin…electric guitar rocks it out

#10: beriembau & vocals

#13: slow and swankie

#’s 11,12, & 15 feature the Klezmatics