Political protest songs from Neil Young; A Peter Seeger tribute from Bruce Springsteen; A more subdued CD by Secret Machines; Neo-psychedelica from The Black Angels; A steel drum tribute to The Ramones; Early twentieth century New Orleans Jazz; A gorgeous "audio film" from China.
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Neil Young, Secret Machines, The Ramones
Let's Impeach the President
Neil Young has a long tradition of writing powerful and political protest songs, like "Ohio," on the Kent State National Guard shootings, and "Let's Roll" about the 9-11 terrorist attacks. His latest CD, Living With War takes on President Bush and the war in Iraq.
John Henry
On his latest CD, the Boss pays tribute to one of his musical heroes, folk singer Pete Seeger. Though this collections doesn't include any songs written by Seeger, it includes covers of many tunes Seeger made popular, like "We Shall Overcome" and "John Henry."
All At Once (It's Not Important)
Secret Machines are known for powerful, driving rock inspired by bands like Led Zeppelin, particularly in the drumming of Josh Garza. Their latest CD is more subdued and less driving than previous work, but still powerful and inspired.
Young Men Dead
Just two years old, the Black Angels play with the confidence and power of veteran rockers. Based in Austin, the band take cues from classic psychedelic rock with fuzz-powered guitars, infectious riffs and heavy, droning rhythms.
Blitzkrieg Bop
The steel drum is synonymous with tropical music of the Caribbean. If percussionist Tracy Thornton had his way, it'd also be synonymous with punk rock. On his latest CD, Thornton offers inspired covers of classic tunes by the Ramones... all on steelpans.
Here Comes the Hot Tamale Man
The New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra plays its own style of New Orleans jazz from the early 20th century. On this CD they mix waltzes and ballads with novelty songs and the sounds of American Tin Pan Alley.
We have no purchase information for this CD. Please visit the artist's Web site for more details.
The Moon Over the Fountain
The producers of Winter and Winter records say Showboat to China is a "sound story about the 'Paris of the East,' about the 'Whore of Asia,' about the 'Golden Era' of the greatest city in Asia in the 1930s and 1940s." It's a gorgeous collection of songs the artists hope will transport listeners to another place and time.