11-03-09: From Brasil to Blaxploitation

By Rick Sawyer
November 3rd, 2009

Old and new favorites dominate this week’s new release round-up. Two smoking live sets from venerable figures in contemporary jazz offer the latest disproof of the music’s demise. A collection of soundtrack music from the 1970s challenges the myth of “blaxploitation,” and a pair of releases from young musicians in Brazil and Texas promises the world a bright and funky future.

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WEEK IN RELEASES

10-27-09: This Brings Us To a Black President

By Douglas Newman
October 27th, 2009

Featured picks include an R.E.M. live album that’ll put a smile on the faces of diehard fans of the venerable Athens quartet and a Fela Kuti double disc compilation that demands to be heard. Tune in and turn it up!

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WEEK IN RELEASES

10-20-09: Freaky Chomp

By Douglas Newman
October 20th, 2009

The weather’s getting colder, but the music’s getting hotter. October has seen a bevy of stellar new releases and this week is no different. Feast your eyes and ears on my picks of the week.

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WEEK IN RELEASES

10-13-09: Embryonic Ovations

By Douglas Newman
October 13th, 2009

It’s another stellar week for new releases, with the highlights being a fierce psychedelic offering from the Flaming Lips and what’s sure to be a divisive Christmas album from none other than the Hibbing Jew, Robert Zimmerman, better known as Bob Dylan.

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WEEK IN RELEASES

10-06-09: Bonfires on the Autobahn

By Douglas Newman
October 6th, 2009

With fall in full swing, I hope all you music fans have saved up some duckets for the plethora of worthy releases coming your way. From the long-anticipated reissue of the Kraftwerk catalog to a sprawling double album from trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith, this week’s offerings are eclectic and electric. Here are some highlights.

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