JULY 2007 - MUSIC REVIEWS
Cool Vibes, World Beats & Haunting Vocalists
 
 
 
Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur
By Various Artists
I’ll stay away from the politics and any soapbox lecturing on why you should buy this compilation. Instead, I’ll focus on the music. When diverse artists assemble for a good cause, the end result is not always that good. There are some hidden gems and other tracks that, despite the best efforts of the band, just didn’t cut it. That’s true of “Instant Karma” as well, a collection that has the added challenge of recreating some of John Lennon’s best work. Some heavy hitters came together for the 2-disc set (including U2, R.E.M., and Green Day). However, there are some beautiful covers by lesser known artists; prominent among these are Jack Johnson’s take on “Imagine,” Snow Patrol’s remake of “Isolation,” and Regina Spektor’s “Real Love.” Click on the image to buy now!
 
  
 

 

El Cartel: The Big Boss
By Daddy Yankee
Perhaps the biggest name in raggaetón is Daddy Yankee. The man who brought you megahits “Gasolina” and “Rompe” now has a new album, and it picks up where these songs left off. Those of you who are familiar with the genre love it for the rhythmic and repetitive drumbeat, the charged rap lyrics, and easy-to-dance-to clubby hits. The second track, “En Sus Marcas Listo Fuera!” (a translation of On Your Mark, Get Set, Go!), pretty much symbolizes the album. Fans of his raw style will love hits like “Impacto,” “Ven Damelo” and “Cambio.” Click on the image to buy now!
 

  
  
 

Volta
By Björk
Björk, Iceland’s queen of her own brand of rock, is best known for her distinct style. From that ridiculous dead swan dress to her incredible voice (which falls somewhere between a screech, a whisper, and an aria), very little about this diminutive powerhouse conforms to convention. Sometimes I’m not even sure what the hell she’s trying to accomplish in her songs; it’s almost as if I’ve snuck into a private party and now I’m trying to blend in. But that’s Björk; she gives you a passport to her world and challenges you to see it the way she does. Volta is merely the newest continent, with some almost mainstream hits (check out “Earth Intruders”) and others that are anything but (“Declare Independence” is a good example). Click on the image to buy now!