Claudia Acuna
Luna
a favorite of Michele's, Adult and Teen Services
Inspired by Latin music and harmonized by jazz, this beautiful and passionate bilingual CD produces sensuous melodies. This Chilean born singer casts a bewitching spell on the listener with her engaging voice. 8/26/2004

Air
Pocket Symphony
a favorite of Alan's, Adult and Teen Services
Innovation paired with precise production and a refusal to discard old sounds has encouraged Beatles comparisions. The French electronic duo gets more sophisticated with each outing, Pocket Symphony shimmering with layers of sonic pleasure--a delight for either headphone scrutiny or simple ambience. 5/1/2007

Arctic Monkeys
Whatever People Say I am, That's What I'm Not
a favorite of Alan's, Adult and Teen Services
Every so often a British group debuts with punk-rock abandon, entitled individualism, innovation, and sheer velocity. The Beatles used what they wanted and then thumbed their collective nose to all preceeding rock with Please Please Me. Since then other British bubbles have popped; Supergrass's excellent I Should Coco (which the Oak Park Public Library also owns) springs to mind. Arctic Monkeys have once again given the teen in all of us reason to pump a fist or 2--whether in collegial attitude or simple rocking-out, this is gleefully snotty Britpop and a wicked debut. 6/5/2007

Andrew Bird
Weather Systems
a favorite of Irene B-N's, Adult and Teen Services
Comparisons are surely the quickest means of description. But because Andrew Bird's style is unique or alternative, comparing isn't an option. The quality of his musicianship, range of instruments, and his artistic imagery combine to produce a wondrous CD. In this brief nine song CD his pop rhythms transport you via harps and whistling and any number of sounds, to a place sublime. 12/1/2005

Call and Response
Winds Take No Shape
a favorite of Mandy's, Adult and Teen Services
Call and Response takes the typically breezy and whimsical Californian band sound and turns it on its side with Winds Take No Shape. Instead of inspiring carefree walks along the beach, listening to this album evokes the changing of seasons and some true introspection. These melancholy melodies are carried through beautifully by the two female vocalists and a perfect blend of strings and subtle synth. It is an album that lingers with you afterwards and aptly calls you back again. 3/1/2006

Rosemary Clooney
Dedicated to Nelson
a favorite of Sharon's, Administration
Wow, this CD has punch. Clooney's clear, crisp vocalization gives oomph to these classics. She's accompanied by talented musicians soloing on trumpet, tenor and alto sax, clarinet, trombone, and xylophone. While a few weak tracks (It's So Peaceful in the Country and A Woman Likes to Be Told) have kept me from purchasing this for my home collection, I find myself borrowing it from the Library every few months. Each time I enjoyably rediscover the cool flair this CD offers. Clooney and company will energize your spring or add jazz to your dinner party at any time of the year. 3/3/2008

Paris Comb
Attraction
a favorite of Michele's, Adult and Teen Services
A upbeat and lively CD that has remnants of cabaret singing and eclectic sounds of Mediterranean, middle eastern, and gypsy influences. Even though Belle du Berry only sings in French you still get a good sense of her playful song writing. 8/31/2004

Betty Davis
Betty Davis
Year if release 1973
a favorite of Alan's, Adult and Teen Services
Mythical funk siren Betty Davis is best known for her marriage to Miles Davis. That's a shame. This album stands on its own as one of the masterpieces of the form: tight, wild, brilliant, and all Betty. No mere figurehead, she wrote and sang every inspired note here, performed alongside a who's who of 70's funk. Highest possible recommendation. 6/30/2008

Nick Drake
Bryter Layter
Year of release 1971
a favorite of Alan's, Adult and Teen Services
Think you don't like folk? Wispy-voiced bleeding sleeve Drake will change your mind on this, his second album of genre-defining folk rock. Listen for the Velvet Underground's John Cale and the underrated Fairport Convention rounding out this subtle, gorgeous album. 1/21/2008

Ella Fitzgerald
Pure Ella
Year of release 1954
a favorite of Alan's, Adult and Teen Services
Just beautiful. Ella and piano, with nothing to detract from her voice at its best on Gershwin's best (and a few more 4 years later, including Stardust). After moderate big band success and just before the songbooks would catapult her into the public eye, we find Ella swinging with crystal voice -sans schmaltz- at a time when she was hungry. 8/6/2007

Funkadesi
Uncut Roots
a favorite of Rashmi's, Adult and Teen Services
I first heard a song from Funkadesi's album, Uncut Roots, on NPR and got very interested in listening to their music. The cultural background of this excellent group is as diverse as one can imagine. Uncut Roots is an amalgam of Hindi film songs, classical Indian music, African folk songs, Reggae, and more. Band members are multi-talented. For example, Kristin is a doctoral candidate of ethnomusicology at the University of Chicago, and Inder has completed his doctoral degree in medicine. Even though Hindi is my native language, I had to turn to a friend to translate the Punjabi song, "Laung Gawacha." This is one of my favorite songs from this album. It reminds me of a Bollywood movie where a young lady deliberately drops her jewelry to catch the attention of the hero. One doesn't need to know Hindi or Punjabi to enjoy the songs because most of the lyrics are also loosely translated and sung in English. In some ways, the music of Funkadeshi is a reminiscent of the Eagles and the Beatles, in that it sends out the message of unity, peace, and love. The music from this CD is very uplifting. This award winning band is based in Chicago and they often perform in the "Chicago Folks and Roots Festival" held annually in July at Lincoln Square. 11/1/2005

Tony Furtado
American Gypsy
a favorite of Irene B-N's, Adult and Teen Services
An enjoyable blend of reworked country standards and original compositions by Tony Furtado. The individual selections are thoughtfully arranged and executed with fine fingering on instruments ranging from banjo to electric slide guitar. According to Mr. Dewey (of cataloguing fame) this CD is a country selection, but since Mr. Furtado has traded his Stetson for a stocking cap, genre distinctions needn't deter the listener. 11/22/2004

Phillip Glass and Uakti
Aquas de Amazonia
a favorite of Anne's, Adult and Teen Services
Uakti is a Brazilian instrumental quartet that uses a mix of traditional (marimba, tabla, etc.) and homemade (PVC tubes, glass, wood) instruments to make music that defies description - they've been called jazz, classical, new age, as well as the obvious world music. Phillip Glass' distinctive compositions are comfortably at home in these classically trained musicians' hands, making for an enjoyably unique listening experience. The music is soft and percussive, evoking its watery namesake. I find it to be quite relaxing and calming, without being at all boring. This musical gem is a nice background in the car, in the office, or for a dinner party, and generally makes great "quiet time" tunes. 9/29/2008

Hem
Rabbit Songs, 2000
a favorite of Sharon's, Administration
Throw out your conceptions of musical categories and prepare for some simply good music. The musicians of Hem combine guitars, mandolin, glockenspiel, and other instruments to create the soothing repetitions featured in this first album called Rabbit Songs. As mood music, Rabbit Songs works for a lazy day. Beginning with the unaccompanied vocals of Sally Ellyson performing the short, slightly jazzy "Lord, blow the moon out please" and moving to the opening piano notes of the second track, this album picks you up and wraps you in a soft blanket. Several songs temporarily drift away from their easy melodies into sharps and flats to avoid becoming overly sweet. But their steady rhythm maintains the overall mood of this lullaby-like album. Beyond the musical notes are rich and evocative lyrics written by Dan Messé and sung in Ellyson's clear voice. With all 16 tracks Rabbit Songs delivers. 4/15/2003

Jelly Roll Morton
Birth of the Hot
Year of release 1926-1927, Running time 60 minutes
a favorite of Alan's, Adult and Teen Services
Truly a bridge between the birth of jazz from the days of the Original Dixieland Jazz Band and Duke Ellington's later sophistication, Morton's Hot Peppers sides represent this innovative bandleader and pianist's pinnacle. Wildly inventive, this also makes what by today's standards are certainly primitive recordings charming and fresh. 11/19/2007

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
Raising Sand
a favorite of Anne's, Adult and Teen Services
It seems an unlikely pairing until you hear them sing together: already iconic voices in their very different genres, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss achieve a rare and angelic perfection in this album of interesting song choices. Produced by T-Bone Burnett, who plays on many of the tracks, Raising Sand is a mellow, rockabilly collection of roots covers that has entered my permanent rotation of favorite albums. I heard a radio interview with the pair in which they said that once they started working together, they wondered why they hadn't been doing it all along-and I'm so glad they found each other. The bluesy drive of "Fortune Teller" and "Gone Gone Gone" contrasts with the slow, quiet burn of tracks like "Trampled Rose" and "Killing the Blues," while stellar production values, a great backup band, and vocal endeavors that take both singers out of their respective comfort zones make this a great listen for fans of just about any popular music. 2/4/2008

Pink Martini
Hang On Little Tomato, 2004
a favorite of Sharon's, Administration
If you're tired of the same old sound from the same old band try the newest CD from Portland, Oregon band Pink Martini. What the fourteen tracks of this album have in common is their quality and their distinctiveness. The mood ranges from energetic, to brooding, to whimsical. This album is both very big (Una Notte a Napoli) and very personal (the title track). BBC's The World reported in March 2005 that this band is popular in Europe. Their global sound and vocals in six languages suggest why. The appeal of lead vocalist China Forbes and the talented fourteen piece band may be another indicator. Whether you love the harp, trumpet, piano, clarinet, bongos, or just fine music there's something on this CD for you. There's even a barking dog. 6/1/2005

Noisettes
What's the Time, Mr. Wolf?
a favorite of Mandy's, Adult and Teen Services
Noisettes are a trio out of the UK that offer up some refreshingly solid rock. Shingai Shoniwa's voice is like an amazing Karen O, Chrissie Hynde, Grace Slick hybrid and their songs are a bluesy punk rock bag of goodness. 1/28/2008

Buck Owens
Carnegie Hall Concert
Year of release 1966
a favorite of Alan's, Adult and Teen Services
You may know "Act Naturally" from the Beatles cover, but every one of his songs from this period are that good. A loose performance featuring brilliant renditions and truly humorous asides from a group that obviously loves to play together puts this one up there with the best live country albums of all time. 9/17/2007

Erlend Øye
Unrest, 2003
a favorite of Michele's, Adult and Teen Services
A transfusion of Øye's global travels into a delicious set of European sounds. Highlights from this CD are tracks #3 "Sudden Rush" and #5 "Every Party Has a Winner and a Loser." 12/22/2003

Maria Rita
Maria Rita
a favorite of Michele's, Adult and Teen Services
This Brazilian singer has an eclectic bossa nova feel that pleases the ear even if you don't speak Portuguese or Spanish. My favorite track is "Lavadeira Do Rio" which is about a laundress at the river looking for love. Rita's raw emotion and beautiful voice will carry you away to a wonderful evening in Sao Paulo. If you enjoy bossa nova you should also listen to Bebel Gilberto or Rosa Passos. Maria Rita is the Latin Grammy winner for best new artist in 2004. 10/3/2005

Corky Siegel's Chamber Blues with the West End String Quartet and Frank Donaldson
Complementary Colors, 1998
a favorite of Sharon's, Administration
This album combines blues harmonica, piano, percussion, violin, viola, cello, and vocals. According to Siegel "when seen from a purely musical perspective, Blues and Classical are nothing more than complementary colors." "El Niño: Opus 18" is one of my favorite tracks on this album. The repetitious melodies of classical strings are highlighted with the draw of the blues harmonica. It's a soothing introduction to what Siegel does in blending traditional blues and classical instruments into one sound. "Complementary Colors," a fast-paced, toe-tapping tune will inspire you to into a flurry of activity. Try it out while working in the kitchen one night or maybe it's better theme music for your workday morning rituals! Piano lovers will enjoy the lively notes of "Burnt Sienna;" a blues influenced song, although I could do without the vocals on this track. The album ends with "Goodbye California," a humorous yet sincere song about the seismological prediction that the state will break from the rest of the continent. With its unusual premise and its quirky and clever notes this album is sure to be enjoyed by music lovers of all ages. 4/1/2002

The Stooges
The Stooges
a favorite of Alan's, Adult and Teen Services
Protopunk's sounding call (rather: gut-splitting wail) and first of three remarkable albums by Iggy (Iggy Pop) Stooge and his band of trogolodytes was garage rock at its rawest and finest---and punk long before there was such a thing. Produced in 1969 by the inimitable John Cale (of VU), this trailblazer remains fresh, raw, racous...a compelling and exciting listen. 9/10/2007

KT Tunstall
Eye to the Telescope
a favorite of Rashmi's, Adult and Teen Services
I enjoyed KT Tunstall's Eyes to the Telescope very much. The genre for this CD is Rock. If I can somewhat understand the lyrics, I will play the CD. I don't like listening to the rock music where I can't make out more than a few sentences of some lyrics. My favorite songs from this album are: "Other Side of the World," "Under the Weather," and "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree." Of course, "Suddenly I see" was used in Hollywood movie, Devil Wears Prada. If you like Sheryl Crow and Bonnie Raitt's music, you will surely enjoy listening to this excellent CD. 9/8/2008

Various Artists
Music from the Original Motion Picture Juno
Year of release 2007
a favorite of Alan's, Adult and Teen Services
Unlike most soundtracks, JUNO holds up to repeated listens. A collection of tunes every bit as Twee (a 90's college rock movement), sweet, and endearing as the film they were attached to. 3/10/2008

Various Artists
The Darjeeling Limited
a favorite of Rashmi's, Adult and Teen Services
If you have seen director Wes Anderson's The Royal Tenenbaums and The Darjeeling Limited, you will enjoy his new music album titled The Darjeeling Limited. His selection of diverse music in this 2007 CD is superb. For example, he uses music from famous Indian directors/composers, Satyajit Ray's and Ivory/Merchant movies. He is a big fan of these artists. He also uses songs from the musical group The Kinks,British singer Peter Sarstedt, Joe Dassin, etc. He makes impeccable use of the music during emotional scenes. My favorite songs from this CD are: "Where Do You Go to My Lovely," "Typewriter Tip, Tip, Tip," "Play with Fire," and "This Time Tomorrow." 12/15/2008

Various Artists
Verve, Remixed 3
a favorite of Irene B-N's, Adult and Teen Services
Third in a series of CDs that combine legendary jazz vocalists with today's notable DJs. By remixing the songs of a Nina Simone or Sarah Vaughan, the tracks continue to be distinctive and even take on a new life. Although I'm suggesting the third CD in this series, certainly each one follows this format and is consistently innovative. 9/1/2005