Canter Bridge

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Christmas music is an uneasy genre to define and review. Defined by the season in which it is played rather than by any ordinary considerations of genre, it slips easily into trite sentimentalism and commercial opportunism. The result of the latter is the awkward sound of artists who seem to have little in common with the season performing ‘Christmasy’ tunes as though outfitted in a too-tight pair of trousers. Continue Reading »

Full product information for this item, together with my review, my ranking of the product, and any reader comments, can be found at http://www.amazon.com.

Do yourself a favor. If you happen to fall in love with this album and the Gipsy Kings, keep it a nice little secret. Loose lips will only immerse you in a heated debate about whether all these guitars and energy, these raspy but somehow harmonious voices, and this repertoire of love and agony truly represent Europe’s Roma (‘Gypsy’; note the spelling difference in the band’s name).

Then you’ll lose a lot of time that you could have invested in listening to this music. Not a good idea. Continue Reading »

Full product information for this item, together with my review, my ranking of the product, and any reader comments, can be found at http://www.amazon.com.

Jewel’s voice is unmistakable.

It either draws one in with ineffable appeal, or puts one off in the way of people who try a little too hard. Continue Reading »

Full product information for this item, together with my review, my ranking of the product, and any reader comments, can be found at http://www.amazon.com.

In this indie album, songstress Jill Koch shows off a whimsical voice that is capable of expressing both pain and hope from its midst. She’s got a sound made for the coffeehouse or bar, a bucket of authenticity, and a knack for the turn of a phrase. Continue Reading »