America - Air Mail (Louisiana) - Various Artists

Advantages: A truly great CD
Disadvantages: None whatsoever!

...One of my other musical passions is Cajun music. Cajun music is the music of the Cajun people of southern Louisiana. The history of the Cajun people is a tough one. Thrown out of their settlement of Arcadie in Canada (because, as French settlers they declined to swear allegiance to the British Crown) they eventually settled in southern Louisiana. They were a separate people, virtually a race apart, separated by the harsh environment and by their language, a sort of combination of French and some English. Cajun music is largely played using the fiddle and or the accordion, with accompaniment provided by triangles or similar rhythm instruments. Though some guitar might also be used. Cajun music is an exceptionally joyous music. It is almost as if they, as a people, are saying: "Well, our ancestors crossed an ocean, they got forced out... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Hugely varied. Wide cultural influence. James Newton Howard. 16 tracks.
Disadvantages: None.

...I watched Collateral for the first time in Hong Kong and I thought it was fantastic. I was also really impressed with the way the music was used in the film, and I immediately bought the soundtrack when it was released here in the UK. Los Angeles is a very diverse city - as was illustrated in the film. Mexico, Cuba, Korea, the ghetto - it's all represented in this film. And of course America. You get a real feel of the dark slightly shady tone for the film with the opening track 'Briefcase' by Tom Rothrock. Not much going on musically in this track - but it sets the tone well. Most of this soundtrack is the actual songs that were used in the films. The artists include Groove Armada, Audioslave, Miles Davis, Paul Oakenfold and Calexico. The Paul Oakenfold track in particular is excellent and features during the excellent Korean... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: none whatso ever!
Disadvantages: it all needs putting out with the rubbish

...This is an aweful album characterised by guns, shooting and general ranting about lack of money and why won't you pay my bills etc!? Its all bollocks i'm afraid and needs sorting out soon, no wonder people are shooting people dead on the streets its this filth which promotes it and ought to be banned. I think i've covered just about everything there, this stuff needs to be put out with the rubbish and buried somewhere very quickly! The artists on this album need to really sort themselves out and jack it all in or move to america where they love the stuff! Also as far as value for money goes its naff costing around £20! Definate no no from me!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average not helpful