Trax
By Bliss 07/01/2010
ÓLAFUR ARNALDS, ...and they have escaped the weight of darkness (Erased Tapes): (4 stars out of 5)
The Icelandic composer’s sophomore release is an elegantly fashioned jewel of melodic beauty and balance. Melancholy yet hopeful, his themes are simple, but Arnalds suggests much with single piano notes and legato violin phrases. He has said he was inspired by a Hungarian film’s representation of a solar eclipse, and his uplifting message — that darkness is inevitably followed by light — is most powerful during “Tungliô” and “Haegt, kemur ljósiô,” where he movingly melds orchestral majesty with electronic minimalism. myspace.com/olafurarnalds
CARMEN RIZZO, Looking Through Leaves (Electrofone): (3 stars out of 5)
Electronic composer Rizzo’s third solo album was composed mostly in planes and hotels between gigs producing other artists’ albums. Fans of his work with Niyaz, Huun Huur Tu, Coldplay and Seal will likely embrace the textured drama of tracks like “This Life” (featuring Kate Havnevik) and “We’ll Fly” (with sultry Lal Meri bandmate Rosey). It’s compellingly well done — but when Grant Lee Phillips injects the swaying rhythms of “Bring the Mountain Down” with romantic heat, the contrast with the bloodless chill of other tracks is unsettling. carmenrizzo.com
BING CROSBY, So Rare: Treasures From the Crosby Archive (Collector’s Choice): (3 stars out of 5)
Of a half dozen recent reissues from Der Bingle’s immense oeuvre, the most illuminating is this two-disc keeper, with 26 previously unreleased tracks showcasing Crosby’s superb taste in musicians and material, from pop standards (“Over the Rainbow,” “As Time Goes By,” a swinging “Pennies From Heaven”) to smooth R&B (“Pledging My Love,” introduced with a laid-back critique of the “pneumatic drill” of rock) and personal favorites (“The Yellow Rose of Texas,” Del Mar racing theme “Where the Turf Meets the Surf”). Even rejected takes for his CBS radio show shine with Crosby’s subtly commanding jazz phrasing and style. bingcrosby.com
VARIOUS ARTISTS, Footsteps in Africa Soundtrack: Nomadic Remix (Kiahkeya): (3 stars out of 5)
Remixing music from Kathi von Koerber’s “Footsteps in Africa” documentary, this uneven but worthy collection builds on the enticing grooves, tongue trills, throat singing, didgeridoo and percussion of Saharan nomads. Adam Shaikh’s Sonicturtle remix reshapes a Tuareg women’s jam with a reggae lilt, while Hassan Hakmoun’s vocals are boosted by Bombay Dub Orchestra’s Slam Jam Mix; less successful is Reality Engine’s cold recasting of a tent jam. Earthrise Soundsystem, Cheb I Sabbah, Solar Lion and Jef Stott also contribute. Proceeds support Nomadic Villagers Clean Water Awareness Fund. footstepsafrica.com
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