John Barry: Somewhere in Time by Original Soundtrack/John Barry

Composed by John Barry. All songs written by John Barry. Personnel: John Debney (conductor); Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Original score by John Barry. Recorded at City Halls, Glasgow, Scotland on May 9, 1998. Includes liner notes by Robert Townson. This re-recording of John Barry's score for the 1980 Jeannot Szwarc romantic fantasy film is a bit of a puzzle, albeit a delightful one. Recorded in 20-bit digital audio by John Debney and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, this is the best account ever given of that score -- ironically, MCA/Universal, which distributes Varese Sarabande, also has out the original soundtrack as a full-priced item in its catalog, though the latter has never been upgraded from its late-'80s remastering and offers less music than is present here. Every section of Barry's music -- not just the vastly lyrical romantic passages, which are the obvious focus for most listeners -- is given a beautifully expansive reading. The darker sections, such as "June 27th," "Room 417," ...

Jon Secada by Jon Secada

Personnel: Jon Secada (vocals); John DeFaria, Rene Luis Toledo (guitar); Ed Calle (flute); Emilio Estefan Jr. (accordion); Clay Ostwald (keyboards, Clavinet, programming); Jorge Casas (bass, programming); Rafael Padilla, Rouge Cougu (percussion); Miguel Morejon, Tom McWilliams, Rafael Falcon, Scott Shapiro (programming); Gloria Estefan, Anita Green, Rita Quintero, Charlotte McKinnon (background vocals). Producers: Emilio Estefan, Jr., Jorge Casas, Clay Ostwald. Engineers include: Eric Shilling, Ron Taylor, Patrice Levinsohn. Recorded at Crescent Moon Studios, Miami, Florida.

Strikes by Blackfoot

Personnel: Rick Medlocke (vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, 12-string guitar); Greg T. Walker (vocals, bass guitar); Jakson "Thunderfoot" Spires (vocals, drums); Pamela Vincent, Cynthia Douglas, Donna Davis (vocals, background vocals); Charlie Hargrett (guitar, acoustic guitar, 12-string guitar); Cub Koda, Shorty Medlocke (harmonica); Pat McCaffrey (keyboards); Henry Weck (percussion). Recording information: Bee Jay Recording Studio, Orlando, FL; Sound Suite Recording Studios, Detroit, MI; Subterrenean Studios, Ann Arbor, MI. With the tragic death of several Lynyrd Skynyrd members in 1977 and the band's prompt breakup, there was a huge hole left in the Southern rock genre. Though several bands were hailed as inheritors to the throne, Blackfoot was one of the first Southern rock bands to score a big hit after the tragedy, with 1979's STRIKES. Although Blackfoot's music is slightly harder than Skynyrd's, bordering on heavy metal at times, both groups were clearly unashamed of their Southern roots. After two...

Hard Travelin' by Original Soundtrack

Rising Son (Arlo Guthrie's label)

The Unforgiven World Tour by Michael Schenker Group

Michael Schenker Group: Kelly Keeling, Keith Slack (vocals); Michael Schenker (guitar); Wayne Findlay (guitar, keyboards); Barry Sparks (bass); Shane Gaalaas (drums). Recorded live at The Edge, Palo Alto, California in May 1999.

I Dreamed a Dream * by Susan Boyle (Vocals)

Personnel: John Parricelli (guitar); Steve Mac (piano, keyboards, synthesizer); Dave Arch (piano); Chris Laws (drums); Mae McKenna (background vocals). Audio Mixer: Ren Swan. Recording information: Air Studios, London; Rokstone Studios, London; Sphere Studios. Arranger: Steve Mac. Susan Boyle's grand unveiling on Britain's Got Talent was with a song from Les Miserables - the very song that lends this album its title -- and if she could become an international sensation based on a show tune standard, there's no reason for her to change her approach on her debut, since that's the sound that made her a star. Plus, a large part of Boyle's appeal is that she's a middle-aged woman recalling a bygone era when there were singers that appealed to an adult audience by offering soft, stately versions of pop hits and standards. That time was the late `60s and early `70s, and apart from a rather faithful version of Madonna's "You'll See," I Dreamed a Dream could very well have been released all those years ago, as it...

Keepers: Greatest Hits by Tracy Byrd

Personnel includes: Tracy Byrd (vocals); Randy Scruggs (acoustic guitar); Larry Byrom (electric guitar); Robby Turner (steel guitar); Aubrey Haynie (fiddle); John Barlow Jarvis (piano); Michael Rhodes (bass); Owen Hale (drums, percussion); Curtis Young, John Wesley Ryles (background vocals). Engineers include: Steve Marcantonio. Includes liner notes by Robert K. Oermann. Byrd's first hits collection shows off his two main strengths--romantic ballads and light-hearted dance numbers--to full effect. The album includes a sampling from each of Byrd's five albums, all delivered in the deep, resonant voice that made him a major country star of the '90s. On the fun side, you'll find Byrd's goofy live favorite "Watermelon Crawl," the hilarious "Lifestyles of the Not So Rich & Famous," the booming "Big Love" and the title track of his album I'M FROM THE COUNTRY. Byrd's skills as a romantic crooner are on display in "Love Lessons," the well-written "Heaven In My Woman's Eyes," his version of Johnny Paycheck's "Som...

Exitos V.1 by Los Chalchaleros

Argentinean folk band Los Chalchaleros' 1953-'56 material is anthologized on the 13-track EXITOS VOLUME ONE.

What's Going On [Bonus Tracks] [Remaster] by Marvin Gaye

This deluxe edition of WHAT'S GOING ON includes a 20-page booklet with complete lyrics, never-before-published photos from personal family collections and an essay by David Ritz. Personnel includes: Marvin Gaye (vocals, piano); David Van Depitte (arranger, conductor); Robert White, Joe Messina (guitar); Johnny Griffith (celeste, keyboards); Earl Van Dyke (keyboards); Eli Fountain (alto saxophone); Wild Bill Moore (tenor saxophone); Jack Brokensha (vibraphone, percussion); Bob Babbit, James Jamerson (bass); Chet Forest (drums); Eddie Brown, Earl DeRouen (bongos, conga); Jack Ashford (tambourine, percussion). Recorded at Hitsville, Golden World and United Sound Studios, Detroit, Michican. Originally released on Tamla (310). WHAT'S GOING ON: DELUXE EDITION features the original album, plus an unreleased Detroit mix, a live version from Kennedy Center, and unreleased single versions and instrumentals. WHAT'S GOING ON: Personnel includes: Marvin Gaye (vocals, piano); David Van Depitte (arranger, conductor); R...

Vicious Cycle by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd: Johnny Van Zant (vocals); Rickey Medlocke, Hughie Thomasson (guitar, background vocals); Gary Rossington (guitar); Billy Powell (keyboards); Ean Evans (bass); Michael Cartellone (drums); Carol Chase, Dale Krantz Rossington (background vocals). Additional personnel: Kid Rock. This includes a bonus DVD disc. Lynyrd Skynyrd: Johnny Van Zant (vocals); Rickey Medlocke, Hughie Thomasson (guitar, background vocals); Gary Rossington (guitar); Billy Powell (keyboards); Ean Evans (bass); Michael Cartellone (drums); Carol Chase, Dale Krantz Rossington (background vocals). Additional personnel: Kid Rock. Guitarist Gary Rossington and keyboardist Billy Powell might be the only founding members left in this incarnation of Lynyrd Skynyrd, but rest assured that the awesome legacy of these southern rock giants remains intact on VICIOUS CYCLE. Vocalist Johnnie Van Zandt continues to fill his late brother's shoes while former members of Blackfoot (Ricky Medlocke) and the Outlaws (Hughie Thomasson) keep the ...

On the Moon by Peter Cincotti

Personnel: Peter Cincotti (vocals, piano); Peter Cincotti (keyboards); Gary Smulyan (baritone saxophone, trombone); Sam Yahel (Hammond b-3 organ); Barak Mori (bass instrument); Jeff Mironov (guitar); William Galison (harmonica); Brad Leali (alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Scott Kreitzer (tenor saxophone); Barry Danielian (trumpet); Wycliffe Gordon (trombone); Mark McLean (drums, percussion); Kenny Washington (drums); Bashiri Johnson (percussion). Audio Mixer: Dave O'Donnell . Recording information: Right Track Studios, New York, NY; The Shire Studio, NY. Photographers: Cynthia Cincotti; Neil Katz; Bruce Weber. Arrangers: Peter Cincotti; Mark McLean. As a teenage piano-and-vocal prodigy, Peter Cincotti was, predictably, subject to criticisms of being nothing more than a pale imitation of his influences. On his second full-length album, ON THE MOON, however, the New York City native exhibits the type of quiet confidence that normally takes decades to develop. Unlike many talented youngsters, Cincotti is ...

Summerbreeze by DJ Ti?sto

This is a continuous in-the-mix CD compiled and mixed by DJ Tiesto. Personnel: DJ Ti?sto (turntables); Jan Johnston (background vocals). Audio Mixer: DJ Ti?sto. Audio Remixers: Oliver Lieb; DJ Ti?sto. Released to help coincide with a timely North American tour, Summerbreeze coddles an erratic DJ Tiesto with big tunes and creative hypertension. After all, it's easy to be seduced by his knack for driving home highbrow warmth or to be impressed with the manner in which he can put a clever spit'n'shine on what's usually considered mawkish elation as he dishes out songs like BT's "Dreaming" and Delerium's "Silence" that got universal drool. ~ Dean Carlson

Mendelssohn: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2

Naxos (USA / Record Label), Genre: Classical

Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 [PA] by Young Jeezy

Personnel: Young Jeezy (rap vocals); Akon, Lil Scrappy, Lil' Will, Mannie Fresh, T.L., Trick Daddy, Young Buck, Lloyd, Slick Pulla, Bun B (rap vocals). While Young Jeezy attributes his moniker, "Snowman," to his high-rolling lifestyle and the diamonds he sports, he could just as easily be referring to the sly coolness with which he delivers his raps. The first member of Boyz N Da Hood to drop a solo album, Young Jeezy comes out of the box sounding like Biggie Smalls with a Southern twist, ready to flow fast and fierce when he must. LET'S GET IT: THUG MOTIVATION meets the expectations for a rapper whose reputation was exploding through 2005. His style is sometimes so hypnotic that his lyrics drift into the background; yet Young Jeezy sneaks in quite a few clever quips ( like the dig from "Gangsta Music:" "non-rappers, I'd rather listen to your instrumentals"). Guest MC Mannie Fresh offers a robust platform on "And Then What," with simple, yet potent lines and a double hook of "boom boom clap" and the chan...

The Blueprint [PA] by Jay-Z

Personnel includes: Jay-Z, Eminem, Q-Tip, Slick Rick, Biz Markie (rap vocals); Josey Scott (vocals); Victor Flowers (organ); Bink (programming). Producers include: Kayne West, Just Blaze, Trackmaster, Timbaland, Bink. THE BLUEPRINT was nominated for the 2002 Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" was nominated for the 2002 Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance. "Song Cry" was nominated for the 2003 Grammy Awards for Male Rap Solo Performance. This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. Personnel: Stephanie Miller, Michele Mills, Josey Scott, Keon Bryce, Q-Tip, Slick Rick, Biz Markie (vocals); Victor Flowers (organ); DJ Head (drum programming). Audio Mixers: Jason Goldstein; Doug Wilson; Eminem; Jimmy Douglas; Richard Huredia. Recording information: Baseline Studios, New York, NY; Manhattan Center, New York, NY. Photographer: Jonathan Mannion. It's official. With his fifth album, aptly titled THE BLUEPRINT, Jay-Z has crowned himself the ...

Profile: Best of Emmylou Harris by Emmylou Harris

Personnel: Emmylou Harris (vocals, guitar); Nicolette Larson (vocals); Albert Lee, Rodney Crowell (guitar, background vocals); James Burton, Brian Ahern, Bernie Leadon, Mike Auldridge, Rick Cunha (guitar); Hank Devito, Ben Keith (pedal steel guitar); Byron Berline (mandolin); Herb Pedersen (banjo, guitar, background vocals); Ricky Skaggs (fiddle); Mickey Raphael (harmonica); Emory Gordy (piano, bass); Glen D. Hardin, Bill Payne (piano); Ray Pohlman (bass); John Ware, Ron Tutt (drums); Fayssoux Starling, Dianne Brooks, Jonathan Edwards (background vocals). Engineers include: Brian Ahern, Bradley Hartman, Donivan Cowart. Recorded between 1974 & 1977. This best-of collection features some of Emmylou Harris's best-loved 1970s material. In addition to Harris' charming singing style, and her tight band, great songs by the likes of Delbert McClinton, Buck Owens, Charlie and Ira Louvin, Chuck Berry, Dolly Parton, and others make PROFILE a real gem. Harris' stunningly beautiful voice glides effortlessly over the ...

The Rebirth [PA] * by Bobby Valentino (Vocals)

The third album from smooth crooner Bobby Valentino offers up another dose of svelte, contemporary R&B. Owing to a legal dispute (involving another artist with the same name), this Bobby Valentino was forced to shorten his name to Bobby V. for THE REBIRTH, but the name change did little to affect his silky lover-man approach. Bobby V. worked with producers Tim & Bob and Carlos McKinney on this set, keeping things up to date with the polished and sleekly digitized sound common in 21st-century R&B. He delivers on bedroom ballads and mid-tempo jams, both of which he carries off with suave, sexy vocal assurance. THE REBIRTH is in the same mold as Valentino's first two releases, but fans of those albums will find plenty to savor here.

Beg for Mercy [Clean] [Edited] by G-Unit

This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. G-Unit: 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, Tony Yayo. Producers include: Denaun Porter, DJ Twinz, Dr. Dre, Hi-Tek, Dirty Swift. This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. Personnel: Butch Cassidy (vocals); Mike Elizondo (guitar, keyboards); Daniel Seeff (guitar); Scott Storch (keyboards); Tracie Spencer (background vocals). Audio Mixers: Carlisle Young; Dr. Dre; Eminem; Kevin Crouse; Patrick Viala; Steve Baughman; Steven King; Michael Strange; Sha Money XL. Recording information: 54 Sound, Detroit, MI; Can Am Studios, Tarzana, CA; Circle House Studios, Miami, FL; Encore Studios, Los Angeles, CA; Homecookin Studios; Larrabee Sound Studios, Los Angeles, CA; Record One Studios, Los Angeles, CA; Right Track Studios, New York, NY; Sony Music Studios, London, England; Teamwork Music Studios; Westwood One Mobile Recording. Photographer: Sacha Waldman. Queens rapper ...

Don't Cry Now by Linda Ronstadt

Personnel includes: Linda Ronstadt (vocals, tambourine); J.D. Souther, Herb Pedersen (acoustic guitar); Jerry McGee, Larry Carlton, Glenn Frey (electric guitar); Sneaky Pete, Ed Black, Buddy Emmons (steel guitar); Nino Tempo (saxophone); Mac Johnson (trumpet); Gail Martin (trombone); Spooner Oldham (piano); Lee Sklar (bass); Russ Kunkel, Dennis St. John (drums); Clydie King (background vocals). Personnel: Linda Ronstadt (vocals, tabla, tambourine, background vocals); J.D. Souther (guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, background vocals); Herb Pedersen (guitar, acoustic guitar, background vocals); Sneaky Pete Kleinow (guitar, steel guitar); Rick Roberts (acoustic guitar); Ed Black (electric guitar, steel guitar); Glenn Frey, Andy Johnson, Richard Bowen, Jerry McGee, Larry Carlton, Richard Bowden (electric guitar); Sneaky Pete, Buddy Emmons (steel guitar); Gib Guilbeau (fiddle); Jimmie Haskell (strings); Jimmy Fadder, Jimmie Fadden (harmonica); James Gordon, Jim Gordon , Nino Tempo (saxophone); Darrell...

Chess (Polydor) by Original Cast Recording

Personnel includes: Anders Eljas (conductor); Elaine Paige, Murray Head, Tommy Korberg, Barbara Dickson, Denis Quilley, Bjorn Skifs, Per Lindvall, Lasse Wellander, Rutger Gunnarsson, London Symphony Orchestra, Ambrosia Singers.

Carry It On, Songs of America's Working People by Mike Seeger/Pet

Personnel: Pete Seeger (vocals, acoustic guitar, banjo); Jane Sapp (vocals, piano); Arlen Roth (acoustic & electric guitars, bass); Fred Hellerman (synthesizer). Originally released as a double LP, this collection of classic work songs, union anthems, and ballads is both stirring as a political statement and fascinating as a historical overview of the role that music played in labor relations in the 19th and 20th centuries. Since before the days of Woody Guthrie, there's been a strong link between folk music and labor, and many of the songs here date from the early decades of the 20th century, when union busting and other anti-labor activities were commonplace. Though no longer quite so topical, anthems like "Popular Wobbly," "A Union Maid" and "I Am a Union Woman, Which Side Are You On?" still sound powerful alongside more recent songs like "No Mas Moveran (We Shall Not Be Moved)." Though Seeger gets the billing, it's the clear, expressive vocals of Jane Sapp that are the album's most striking feature.