Downbeat acts proceed down the middle of the road at their own peril. While such a path may guarantee them a lucrative career in Starbucks outlets and on crossover compilations, the onset of advanced musicianship and mature songwriting often comes at the expense of artistic ability (see the steady downward fall of Groove Armada for an example). Zero 7, one of the few acts following in the wake of Air that had the talent to match, debuted with a record (Simple Things) that featured some of th...   [ read more ]

CD $18.03

Athens' Japancakes are able to take the listener to a place no other artist can. Their sound is all at once rock, country and yes, ambient. It is their special combination of sound, mood and style that made Japancakes a candidate for Darla Records' ambient Bliss Out series, which offers such uniquely qualified artists the opportunity to step off their career path and showcase their musical Om. Imagine the beauty and uplifting vibe of their acclaimed last record, The Sleepy Strange, except with songs half a...   [ read more ]

CD $14.99

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The {#Rarum} series on the ECM label is unique in that it issues "best-of" compilations picked by the artists themselves. While this can be a double-edged sword (oftentimes what an artist and his or her own fans enjoy are two different things), in this case it turns out to be a blessing. Metheny is obviously a fine judge of his own work, both from artistic and popular points of view. The selections are accompanied by an album-by-album overview by Metheny in the liner notes. This set begins with th...   [ read more ]

CD $14.23