Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Omar Akram - Secret Journey
Omar AkramSecret Journey
Label: Real Music
This son of a UN diplomat brings us an infusion of world flecked jazz instrumentals set in melodic new age atmospheres. Piano is the dominant but not overpowering motivator here, complimented by violin, guitar, drums and keyboard.
• Omar Akram Website • Omar Akram WikiLadysmith Black Mambazo - Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu
Ladysmith Black MambazoIlembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu
Label: Heads Up Africa
Taking a break from their usual heavy handed Christian focused acapella, this Grammy award winning African singing group pays homage to Shaka Zulu, one of the greatest leaders in African history. Amazing harmonies as always.
• Ladysmith Black Mambazo Website • Ladysmith Black Mambazo WikiEdenbridge - The Chronicles of Eden
EdenbridgeThe Chronicles of Eden
Label: Locomotive Records
A 2 disc set featuring 3 new songs, some rarities and bonus tracks on one disc with the other a “best of” compilation voted on by fans worldwide. A great overview of this female fronted Austrian symphonic metal group! For fans of Within Temptation or Nightwish.
• Edenbridge Website • Edenbridge WikiMeldrum - Blowin’ Up The Machine
MeldrumBlowin’ Up The Machine
Label: Locomotive Spain
By featuring guests Gene Hoglan on drums and Lemmy on some back ups, you get a good idea of what kind of kick ass metal this trio of fired up, ballsy females are gonna whip up.
• Meldrum Website • Meldrum WikiPutumayo Presents - Latin Reggae
Putumayo PresentsLatin Reggae
Label: Putumayo World Music
I love reggae and Putumayo has managed to thrust a whole bunch of wonderful established as well as newcomer Spanish singing reggae based artists (largely from Spain) into the spotlight with this release. Ya mon!
• Putumayo Presents Website • Putumayo Presents WikiPutumayo Presents - Tango Around The World
Putumayo PresentsTango Around The World
Label: Putumayo World Music
Musically touring the tantalizing Tango hotbeds around the world including Finland, Senegal, Portugal and most notably Argentina. Here we are shown the fancy footwork (and musicianship) of 11 internationally renowned artists.
• Putumayo Presents Website • Putumayo Presents WikiUz Jsme Doma - Cod Liver Oil
Uz Jsme DomaCod Liver Oil
Label: Skoda Records
Quirky, wild and zany jazz rock with a punk attitude. Comparisons to Zappa, Zorn and The Residents are actually appropriate here. This uneasy listening band from Prague sings in Czech and is not for the wimpy at heart.
• Uz Jsme Doma Website • Uz Jsme Doma WikiImperia - Queen of Light
ImperiaQueen of Light
Label: Locomotive Records
Orchestral bombastics are common place for this atmospheric, melodic, gothic tinged metal outfit. Led vocally by the beautiful and very capable Helena Iren Michaelsen (ex-Trail of Tears) the compositions posture from an aggressive yet progressive viewpoint that is as effective as it is entrancing.
• Imperia Website • Imperia WikiDreamscape - 5th Season
Dreamscape5th Season
Label: Locomotive Records
Progressive metal from Munich, Germany portrayed with theatrics and grandeur. The male vocals are sung with just the right finesse between intense and emotive plus the headbanging grooves are parted with a friendly amount of atmospheric interludes.
• Dreamscape Website • Dreamscape WikiFarmer's Market - Surfin’ USSR
Farmer's MarketSurfin’ USSR
Label: Ipecac Recordings
Improbable permutations of traditional Bulgarian melodies along with jazz, folk, and rock that have been percolated to oblique perfection. The songs often lead with uptempo folk rhythms that are broken with soundtrack-ish ambiance and other delightful distractions.
• Farmer's Market Website • Farmer's Market WikiID Guinness - Cure For The Common Crush
ID GuinnessCure For The Common Crush
Label: Guinness Records
A creative Canadian dripping on the goss of Bowie and Pink Floyd via his anthemic psychedelic rock platitudes with ambient quagmires and juxtapositions of frilly frivolity ultimately producing sustained excitement.
• ID Guinness WebsiteMannhai - Hellroad Caravan
MannhaiHellroad Caravan
Label: Locomotive Spain Records
Heavy groove rockers from Finland with ex-Amorphis front man Pasi Koskinen handling the vocal crooning and cajoling. Their stoner rhythms have a tendency of headbanging their way into my heart and CD player.
• Mannhai Website • Mannhai WikiView More
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