Aoisoranomukou Minori Aoi (2001.12.01)

The Latin pop and rock en español fields are full of talented artists who would probably be huge in the English-language market if they didn't sing in Spanish exclusively. Some non-Spanish-speaking listeners don't mind listening to lyrics they don't understand – the beat and the melody are enough for them – but many others insist on understanding every word that is coming out of an artist's mouth. Thus, Latin stars usually don't cross over to English-speaking audiences until they start singing in English, which is what Shakira does on 2001's Laundry Service. "Whenever, Wherever," this album's infectious lead single, is to Shakira what "Livin' la Vida Loca" was to Ricky Martin: the major hit that brought her to English-speaking audiences in a big way.

With this album eleven British and American blues stars took the fabric of some of the best songs of the 20th Century and spun their own magic, performing from the heart in the way great Blues and Soul artists have always done.

With the first Rammstein album you hear, it's hard not to be slightly amazed by the sheer chutzpah of it all. The German lyrics, the prog rock tendencies, the classic metal guitars, and the ridiculous basso profundo vocals - you either fall for it, spurn it, or are utterly bemused by the extremeness of it all. Unless you're a fanatic, it wears a little thin the second time around. And for most listeners, Mutter, the group's third album and sequel to their inexplicable commercial breakthrough Sehnsucht, will be the second time around since it's their first release since becoming a high profile act. Thing is, if you've heard that record, you've pretty much heard Mutter, since all the trademarks are in place, without much noticeable variation…

After winning five W.C. Handy Awards, recording nine solo albums, appearing on countless blues magazine covers, and earning many other honors, West Side Chicagoan Willie Kent could easily slow down and rest on his laurels. Not a chance!
Never one to shy away from hard work, the bassist, bandleader, singer and songwriter outdoes himself on his first CD of the new millennium, which features several “firsts.” Comin' Alive! is Willie’s first self produced CD (with partners Twist Turner and Haguy F. King). It’s also his debut on Blue Chicago Records as the label's first solo artist, a fitting honor for this highly respected, multi-talented musician who has been a mainstay at Blue Chicago’s nightclubs since 1985…

One of Herbie Hancock's greatest attributes is his ability to take a contemporary form of music and add his own unique perspective through his recordings. Future 2 Future is no exception to the rule. Teaming with Bill Laswell, Hancock recruits some of the most forward-thinking musicians in music for Future 2 Future. The contributions of electronic music pioneer Carl Craig, vocal diva Chaka Khan, drum'n'bass producer A Guy Called Gerald, as well as jazz legends Jack DeJohnette and Wayne Shorter make the album feel like a cross between modern electronica and world music. While a lineup with such immense talent promises the delivery of a powerhouse record, the finished product only delivers the goods moderately. Several pieces produced for the album were almost completed before Hancock contributed keyboards…