| CD Reviews Various Artistes:
Celtic Crossroads
By Graham Clifford
I’m always amazed by the amount of Celtic music albums that clutter the
shelves of music shops throughout Ireland and Britain.
It’s not necessarily that they’re of poor quality but that they feel
the same, include the same tracks and generally could all come from the
one production company.
Therefore it’s refreshing to see something different which is exactly
what Celtic Crossroads is. Featuring Irish, Scottish, Welsh, French and
Canadian artists it explodes with Celtic lava.
The sleeve of the CD is translated into French and Spanish proving this
album will be played far away from Celtic shores.
It’s the latest offering from Putumayo Productions who specialise in
world music and who donate 1 per cent of proceeds from the sale of the CD
to Amnesty International.
If you like Irish music but would prefer something with a greater edge
and vibrancy then this is the album for you.
Various Artistes: We’re Gonna Rock We’re Gonna Roll
By Grainne McLoughlin
This is an album that will certainly infuse the senses. The Properbox
series of four CDs provides the ultimate bible to rock ’n’ roll.
With rare examples of early offerings in the genre, this is a must for
any rock ’n’ roll enthusiast.
It chronicles the development of what became the rock ’n’ roll movement
with an eclectic mix of rousing anthems including numbers from Elvis Presley,
Bill Haley, Fats Domino, Amos Milburn, The Drifters and Big Joe Turner.
Informed by blues, boogie woogie, jazz, R&B, hillbilly and country music,
rock ’n’ roll extended an unparalleled influence around the world. And this
box set presents 118 candidates for why that happened.
A wonderful value compilation of which the attraction is added to by
the glossy illustrated booklet which includes essays and historic photos.
Songs that’ll get you moving and grooving include Shake, Rattle & Roll,
Let’s Rock A While and Rock Around the Clock.
Various Artistes: Clubland 8
By Phil Savva
Once again it’s time to trawl the heavy seas of Dance Island to release
the latest Clubland album — Clubland 8.
As with all these collections they’re much of a muchness — with selections
from the most recent club hits to have graced the dancefloor over the past
few months.
They come in their various mixes and it’s very much a case of if you
like your dance music (which I do) then this is the type of CD collection
that will appeal to you.
Hot tracks from the likes of Uniting Nations (Ai No Corrida), Bodyrockers
(Round & Round), Tina Cousins ( with a tremendous reworking of the old pop
hit Wonderful Life) and Dancing DJs vs Roxette (Fading Like A Flower) to
name but a few.
Also features tunes from LMC, Faithless, Todd Terry and Styles & Breeze.
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