20th Century British Music

Advantages: it gives a neat summary of the Kinks colourful and varied career
Disadvantages: Being a 'Best of' you only get to scratch the surface

...One of the gems of British rock music, the Kinks helped define our little island in the 6o's as the epicentre of the most exciting cultural revolution of the the 20th Century. This album charts their progress, starting with the gritty rock n' roll of 'You Really Got Me' to the more quirky and observational pieces such as 'Sunny Afternoon' and 'Apeman' to the more risque and sexually ambiguous 'Lola'. This album by no means gives the full flavour of the Kinks, but it is a very useful starting point for a Kinks beginner. It can be seen as a contents page with each song acting as the title of a chapter, charting their progress and maturation over the years.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: cool, sophisticated, unique...
Disadvantages: none

...Startlingly original pianist, blending Japanese folk music with early 20th century French impressionism, and oblique yet infectious jazz sensibility echoing Thelonius Monk. She develops her classical composing skills within a jazz context. The music is a rich mixture of classical/traditional Japanese folk and European jazz influences Delicate, beautiful, diverse and inspirational music. This highly talented Japanese pianist is currently promoting original music. An eclectic mix of jazz world music and Japanese folk music.She's at the vanguard of the army of new jazz talent which is adding exciting new sounds to the jazz genre…truly an original and inspired artist who is destined for bigger things. Taeko's band delivers a distinctive sounds, some wonderful backing tracks on this album "space to be" and some great support playing... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: The finest recording on two CDs
Disadvantages: You can only listen to one CD at a time!

...This double CD from a large collection brings together what are considered to be the finst recordings ever made by the artist. The version of Rachmaninov's Piano Cencerto No. 3 is perhaps the definitive recording: technically brilliant and a joy to listen to, and by far my favourite version. She has chosen the scherzo-like cadenza which Rachmaninov himself favoured. Also featured are Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 1 and Ravel's Gaspard de la Nuit among other things. For piano music lovers, these are some of the best recordings I have heard. Highly recommended to all.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful