Breakin' It Up/Burnin' [Digipak] - Barry Harris Trio/Sonny Stitt

Advantages: Fine alto and tenor playing
Disadvantages: One or two bland choices of material

...This is a worthwhile addition to the bebop library, in which Sonny Stitt goes some way to dispelling two popular misconceptions about him: one, that he was just a Charlie Parker clone; and secondly, that his achievements were as a band member or collaborator rather than an outright leader. Stitt does indeed pay his respects to Parker here, quoting from such Parker treatments as "Star Eyes" and "My Melancholy Baby". But this is more of a tribute to the jazz giant in the aftermath of his death than a copycat act. Stitt himself disliked the comparison, and his decision to record on tenor as well as alto sax can in many ways be seen as a piece of self-assertion. He handles both with equal zest and shows he can be delicate one moment, more beligerent the next. To me the best moments on this recording are the three stylish and confident... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Good length, Some Brilliant Tracks, Good remix of Body Movin
Disadvantages: Some rubbish tracks, need a fresh approach

...Having not released a record for quite a few years, the Beastie Boys were due a good album. Hello Nasty delivers this need. 22 tracks long, this album adds to the long line of "up and down" albums and EP's released by the bend over some 15 years. Some of the songs on here are of very high quality. Stand out tracks include Super Disco Breakin', Intergerlactic, and Electrify. All tracks have a certain quality about them, even without the boys' vocals on some of them. But there are a few tracks which are not so hot, like dedication. Overall though, a solid effort from the trio, who prove that despite their relatively old age, they still have talent (N.B 3 M.C's and 1 DJ is one heck of a track with Mix Master Mike on decks). A worth purchase.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Alkaline Trio back to their best
Disadvantages: One or two tracks are maybe too 'pop'

...Alkaline Trio's latest studio album is finally here, and believe me, it does not dissapoint! As with all 'Trio' records, the melodic guitar riffs paired with the haunting lyrics of both singer/guitarist Skiba and bassist Andriano make for an album that keeps yoiur attention from start to finish. The production values have again gone up a notch which may be hard to swallow for die-hard fans of the band, but will certainly appeal to a wider audience, perhaps giving the band the worldwide status that they deserve. Stand out tracks for me are 'Calling All Skeletons' and 'Help Me', (both of which will stay in your head for days!) and the best Trio tune ive heard since the album 'From here to Infirmary' converted me; 'Over and Out'. The only negative i can say about it is that a couple of the tracks have perhaps swung too far away from... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful