Essential Compilations: Lee "Scratch" Perry vs. King Tubby 7x7

This is not, as the title suggests, any kind of dub-fire showdown between Jamaica's two most prominent innovators, but a compilation of tracks from 1973-1977 presented side by side. Tubby's five tracks come from his studio and are far from obscure. They include his "Crazy Baalheads" dub and "Dub Experience" as well as the amazing "Daylight Dub." Perry's tracks are almost all Upsetters cuts, including the flipped-out "Love & Devotion" dub, "Strictly Rockers," and the spooky "Murderer Dub." While this is really nothing more than a repackage, the music on it is of interest to anyone interested in bare-bones, tripped-out, steaming dub from the vintage era. Perry and Tubby collectors will have most, if not all, of this material, but as a budget-priced introduction or for a burning party, this is tough to beat.- by Thom Jurek

Get it here





Seriously, even if you "don't like reggae", this will change your mind...

Essential Compilations: Ultra Lounge 14- Bossa Novaville

Welcome to Bossa Novaville!

This is Bossa Nova music at its loveliest. Put this CD on and listen closely, sit back, relax, stay comfy and savor the beauty of this wonderful kind of music. Close your eyes and picture yourself in the pristine beaches of Rio on "Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars."

This is an impressive collection of Bossa Nova tunes made popular by musical legends, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Sergio Mendes, Laurindo Almeida, Ray Anthony, Walter Wanderley, Cannonball Adderley, among many other artists.

Laurindo Almeida shines and shows off his guitar artistry with his renditions of "Meditation," "Girl From Ipanema" and "Manha De Carnaval" (A Day In The Life of a Fool). As you listen, you will be delighted with the magic guitar of Howard Roberts on his performance of "Triste" accompanied by percussionist Claudio Miranda. Billy May and his Orchestra's take on "The Look of Love" is also a highlight and so with the last song and a bonus track, Julie London's charming version of "Fly Me To The Moon."

Wanda De Sah's voice is one of the loveliest voices I've ever heard. Her versions of "So Danco Samba" and "So Nice" are two of the tracks to beguile with. Her vocal style on "So Nice" blends perfectly with Sergio Mendes' brilliant piano playing.

You will also discover the artistry of trombonist Zi Zentner's and saxophonist Bill Perkin's with their interpretations of two of the most enchanting tunes from this collection, "Desafinado" and "Baia," respectively.

The most beautiful tune from this collection, to me, is "Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars" (Corcovado), saxophonist Cannonball Adderley shares the spotlight with Sergio Mendes in creating one of the most beautiful instrumental version of this gem of a melody. I could listen to this track endlessly and enjoy every minute of it.

Give it a listen and experience that fascinating sound that took America by storm in the sixties . . . "Blame it on the Bossa Nova!"- Rebecca B. P

1. So Danco Samba (Jazz 'N' Samba) - Wanda De Sah
2. Meditation - Laurindo Almeida & The Bossa Nova All Stars
3. Little Bird/Little Boat - Bill Perkins
4. Samba De Orfeu - Ray Anthony
5. Amy's Theme - Martin Denny
6. Corcovado (Quiet Nights) - Cannonball Adderley & Sergio Mendes
7. The Look Of Love - Billy May & His Orchestra
8. One Note Samba/Recado Bossa Nova - Leroy Holmes
9. Triste - Howard Roberts
10. Misirlou - Laurindo Almeida & The Bossa Nova All Stars
11. Desafinado - Si Zentner
12. Exotique Bossa Nova/Quiet Village Bossa Nova - Martin Denny
13. Witchcraft - Joe Graves & The Diggers
14. Baia - Bill Perkins
15. Que Sabe Voce De Mim - Walter Wanderley
16. The Girl From Ipanema/Manha De Carnaval - Laurindo Almeida
17. Mas Que Nada - Rubin Mitchell
18. So Nice (Samba De Verao) - Wanda De Sah & Sergio Mendes
19. Fly Me To The Moon - Julie London

Get it here