Before - Harry Beckett Quintet

Advantages: Haunting, passionate music to get lost in.
Disadvantages: It's classical and this puts people off before they even try it.

...It is entirely due to Floon’s enthusiastic review of Schubert’s Quintet that I am writing this. I was browsing the classical reviews seeking some recommendations to try and happened upon this. I only have one example of Schubert in my collection (Rosamund) and quite enjoy it so thought I would give this a go too. So off to the Library I went and returned clutching The Raphael Ensemble’s superb rendition of the String quintet. Oh joy – Oh heaven I seem to have hit the jackpot of chamber music. Schubert’s life is the quintessential example of the romantic notion of the neglected genius who dies in obscurity. An entire generation passed before his most substantial achievements even saw the light of day. The quintet is among them. It was one of his last works written only weeks before he died at such a tragically young age of 31. Although... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: A wide scoping double CD album
Disadvantages: Misses his more experimental work

...Beckett has given Buckley the perfect lyrics that his voice longs for. Easy contender for song of the album. 10/10 Goodbye and hello, A marathon, a stunning tour, a feast. Buckley at his godly best. Starting off with slow music and peaceful singing, The musical "chorus" kicks in and sounds soft but yet you can almost hear theirs a lot more to come from the song. As the next verse approaches theirs a little change in music, before a speeddy interlude with Buckley seemingly going off on a tangent that yet fits so wonderfully and makes you wonder why so few people have replicated the effect that he does a little later in the song. Then back to the musical "chorus", then back to the pacey god send with a slightly high tone this time Tim takes on slightly more complex verse. Then back to a chorus, and so on. This song nears to 9 mins, and theirs... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: A development of their distinctive sound without losing the magic of their first album
Disadvantages: Definitely not to everyone's taste

...The second album from Argentine/Parisian nuevo tango pioneers Gotan Project is a much more fully rounded recording and an easier listen than their first outing, La Revencha Del Tango. The first album established their iconic sound, mixing traditional tango melodies played on accordions with dub beats and new production techniques. This takes it a step further and we see that there really is more to this trio, tracks such as "La Viguela" (a type of Chilean string instrument) feature a bizarre juxtaposition of beautifully smooth acoustic guitar work with weird processed vocals, yet somehow it works. The French influence has clearly become stronger and this is most evident on the haunting "Celos" which conjurs up images of a wartime jazz quintet playing in a smoke filled basement in Paris. For me however, the highlight is the final track... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful