The Mystery of Santo Domingo de Silos

Advantages: A few really good tracks, some De La Soul tunes you have never heard before
Disadvantages: The album has no flow, a few weak remixes

...***Warning*** This review does contain some edited adult language and themes. The words have been changed but the meaning is plain. In the stacks of wax you can find the De La Mix: Remixes, Rarities & Classics, De La Soul's 2004 release on Tommy Boy/ Rhino. This is not so much a greatest hits as it is a revisiting in an alternate universe. Both commercial and critical successes are treated to a fresh dusting off, live performance or remix on this disk. Laying down the Knowledge For those of you that don't already know, De La Soul has been around since rap was just rap. Hip hop was just starting to take root as a music genre. There was just rap. When the boys from Long Island hit the scene there was the rap that played on the radio and the rap we listened to when our parents were out of ear shot. De La dropped 3 Feet High... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Catchy Tunes, Strong Vocals
Disadvantages: Last four songs....

...In their first album ('Making Dens'), Mystery Jets were accused of being inconsistant in their style - their album seemed a swirl of ideas somehow not brought together in one piece successfully. Mystery Jets however in their second album seem to have found their path. Twenty One has a strong collection of songs - picking which were to be the singles must have been a difficult choice to make. The album opens with a air raid siren, preparing you for a 50 minute delight. Songs like 'Young Love' and 'Half in Love with Elizabeth' are instantly catchy, Young Love also featuring a strong vocal performance from up and coming acoustic guitarist/singer Laura Marling. The albums one ballard 'Flakes' features an almost chilling stunning vocal performance from lead singer Blaine Harrison. Having seen the band play this live recently, I can... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Provides a great introduction to John Martyns folk, blues, and jazz fusion
Disadvantages: Only contains work from 71-87

...This is truly a sweet little mystery of fusion music. I found that the cd indulged varied styles from jazz to tradition folk. Anyone who has an interest in chilled jazz or acoustic music will regard the compilation highly. Very good value for money and the hardcore fans will get what they want due to a cleverly compiled album. A good insight to John Martyns work over these 16 years however this is also the miner flaw as his earlier work is regarded as the best, and this version of Spencer the rover is not his greatest, as I would have preferred his live recording. A strong album of life with underlining jazz rhythms and melodies with an influence of skip James tweaking. A album of pure effortless elegance. Truly experimental, relaxing and meaningful tunes.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful