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Préludes |
Alexandre Tharaud is a young French pianist you should know. His repertoire includes a wide range of composers, and his 2008 recording of Chopin's Preludes is an impressive addition to the many recordings of these pieces. Alex Ross of the New Yorker selected it as one of the ten best classical recordings of 2008, and Allan Kozinn of the New York Times also praised the album, calling Tharaud an "inventive and idiosyncratic" performer. Tharaud plays the short pieces straight through, and although Chopin's ardent and emotive compositions lend themselves to dramatic expression, it is Tharaud's restraint that adds a warmth and delicacy to his unique interpretation. |
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Veckatimest |
Grizzly Bear has been saddled with big expectations for quite a while now, and as everyone knows, massive hype doesn't necessarily do a band any favors. When critics and bloggers start saying a new group is the greatest, most important thing since the invention of the wheel, it's human nature to resist. Grizzly Bear is an experimental art-rock band who, somewhat like Animal Collective, express themselves with big primal brushstrokes of sound, dramatic and brooding and sophisticated. Imagine a rock band writing little symphonies rather than songs, and that may give you an idea of what to expect. Album opener "Southern Point" is a good sample of the band's overall sound, and "Two Weeks" is probably the most popular cut on the album, though album closer "Foreground" is another highlight among highlights. Not for every mood, but there are many very good reasons this band has so many people talking. |
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Brooklynati |
Tanya Morgan is made up of Von Pea, Donwill and Illays, who hail from both Brooklyn and Cincinnati: hence the title for their new concept album, Brooklynati, an invented neighborhood. Recalling De La Soul and Tribe Called Quest, the album exhibits smooth, jazzy beats and smart lyrics. Standout tracks include "On Our Way" and "Hardcore Gentleman". The overall laid back feel and intermittent humorous skits make Brooklynati a pleasant, cohesive album. Tanya Morgan is a refreshing addition to the indie hip hop scene. |
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(The album) |
Chicago-based Wilco lightens up for their seventh album, self-titled and featuring jokey cover art. Opening track "Wilco" (the song) is musically catchy while making the silly promise that "Wilco will love you baby." Good to know, guys, and we're touched by your public displays of affection. Fans of the band's more raucous side should check out "Bull Black Nova," and the chart-topping single "You Never Know" is another standout, but the heart of the album is undoubtedly the gorgeous "You and I," featuring band leader Jeff Tweedy dueting with guest vocalist Feist. (Check online for their excellent performance on Letterman.) The band's clearly happy, and the feeling's contagious. |