Category: Entertainment

Nina Simone – The Soul Of Nina Simone (DualDisc) (2005)

Most of the performances date from her years at RCA (1965-1974), when Simone brought her personal battles to the stage and connected with a whole era of upheaval. “Black classical music” is how she termed her style, which incorporated folk tunes, jazz and African rhythms, and classical flourishes. She channeled it all into brooding internal monologues, sung in an indigo voice whose craggy edges bristled with black pain and rage. … Continue reading…Nina Simone – The Soul Of Nina Simone (DualDisc) (2005)

Grandaddy – Excerpts From The Diary Of Todd Zilla EP (2005)

Not many bands have a better “indie” sound than Grandaddy. Playing since 1992, this Modesto, CA band retains its soothing sounds and dreamy rhythms for most of its latest EP, Excerpts From The Diary Of Todd Zilla. Listening to this eight track EP, one can notice Grandaddy’s influence on other indie bands from The Thrills to The Shins. … Continue reading…Grandaddy – Excerpts From The Diary Of Todd Zilla EP (2005)

Madness – The Dangermen Sessions, Vol. 1 (2005)

For almost 30 years, Madness has continued to make ska — a form of Jamaican music that combines mento, calypso, jazz and R&B. Although the ska genre has certainly had many ups and downs, the fact that Madness still performs and makes music is astonishing. To put some perspective on Madness’ longevity, also forming in 1976 was a little band from Dublin called U2. … Continue reading…Madness – The Dangermen Sessions, Vol. 1 (2005)