Monk's Casino - Alex Von Schlippenbach

Advantages: Intimate, excellent recording of the master of jazz piano alone doing what he does best.
Disadvantages: There's just not enough of it.

...Thelonious Monk is unquestionably one of the greatest musicians of the last century. Joyous, wild, insane, romantic, ecstatic, otherwordly, desperate, monumental - and that's just his facial expressions. There are musicians who play their instruments, then there are musicians who just play, the instrument and the musician each being and becoming each other's instrument. Monk is one of these, and you won't find a better example of his greatness than on this record. Recorded in just a few days, every track here sounds like it burst out the sticky centre of a donut the size of the galaxy at the beginning of time, imploding with wonderous uncontrollably joy at the very fact of existence. The recordings themselves are so crisp and balanced that you can hear Monk humming and tapping along as he plays the piano with his whole body, somehow... Read review

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Advantages: An excellent insight of what to expect from Alex's future material
Disadvantages: Too many cover versions are included

...This isn’t Alex’s official debut; more of a half way post between reality TV show contestant and solo star. When Alex won 2003’s Fame Academy her album was released in just under two months. However it was received very well and went on to go platinum in a month, outselling her 2002 predecessor David Sneddon’s 9 month old album in just seven days. The album also was well received from critics which helped it to sell steadily in the Christmas market. Composed of covers and originals Introduction is a mixed debut. It includes the singles “Maybe That’s What It Takes” and “Cry”. These are two heartfelt power ballads which are prime examples of the types of songs Alex excels in. However it should not be overlooked that the album contains diverse sounds and Alex can equally belt out a fantastic rocky number. The covers recorded whilst... Read review

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Advantages: great music
Disadvantages: none

...ultimate nrg (mixed by alex k) track listings cd1 1.: Ultimate NRG Megamix (mixed by Alex K) 2.: Cruising (Beachball 2006) (Steve Murano mix) - Nalin Kane/Denise The Menace 3.: Smalltown Boy - Alex K & Ellewood 4.: Funkiness Of You (Groove Gangsters mix) - Chaah 5.: Elysium (I Go Crazy) (Alex K mix) - Ultrabeat & Scott Brown 6.: Dance - Apollo 7.: Be There - Chadwick, Carlotta 8.: In My Eyes (Alex K mix) - Milk Inc. 9.: Forever - Trinity X 10.: Brass Disc - BCD Project 11.: Tutti Frutti - Club Enforcer 12.: Frozen (Bad Behaviour mix) - 4 Sins 13.: Feels So Good (Cowboy & Conductor mix) - Sonique 14.: Open Your Eyes (Alex K mix) - Eyeopener 15.: Cry - System F 16.: Set You Free - N-Trance 17.: Can You Feel It - London Fiesta 18.: We Can Runaway - Ultrasun cd2 1.: Six Days (On The Run) (Alex K mix) - Flip & Fill 2... Read review

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