Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl[SOUNDTRACK]
Loosely based on the popular Disney theme park audio-animatronic ride, one might expect a modicum of good-natured "Yo-ho-ho-ing"--or maybe a little rousing Korngold/Errol Flynn/Captain Blood orchestral romanticism--here. Instead composer Klaus Badelt initially entices us with some sparing Celtic folk charm, then unleashes a furious broadside of symphonic and choral thunder to rival his ominous score for K-19. The composer's fellow German mentor is an obvious influence throughout (the album is credited with a wink as "Score overproduced by Hans 'Long John' Zimmer") but Badelt brings his own muscular instincts to bear throughout. Perhaps shrewdly realizing that genre cliches are nothing if not for reinventing, Badelt delivers his rhythmically nervous Eurocentric sensibilities--sort of Holst duels Shostakovich on the Spanish Main--with the subtlety of a scorching cannonball. It's seasoned with a little romantic respite in the final act, if a bit gingerly, and could no doubt profit by some of Korngold's sparkling melodic verve. But it's a loud, unabashed Summer Blockbuster score at heart; alert the neighbors.

Come Away with Me
Great Pop Jazz - Come Away with Me is a wonderful CD. Norah has a wonderful voice - paired with decent song writing.

A Rush of Blood to the Head
Coldplay required a lifetime to make their wonderfully assured debut, Parachutes. But it took less than two years for the moody British quartet to deliver a masterful follow-up. As a band Coldplay have advanced to a stage where they outshine nearly every one of their rivals in terms of imagination and emotional pull. A Rush of Blood to the Head is a soulful, exhilarating journey, moving from the cathartic rock of "Politik" to the hushed tones of "Green Eyes" without once breaking its mesmerizing spell. Singer Chris Martin takes his voice on soaring flights, reaching places only Jeff Buckley previously dared to go. And the music is nearly flawless, a persuasive cross between Pink Floyd and the Verve. Even if they haven't come up with another "Yellow," you would be hard-pressed to care. This is exquisite stuff.

Obrigado Brazil
Yo-Yo Ma fuses his classical training with Brazilian style jazz that is easy for listeners who are not astute to classical music and/or jazz.

Bare
What a sophisticated and brilliant work this is. From the liner notes (on the back cover so even if someone wasn't to buy the album they could still read Annie's words to her fans) which are compelling and honest to the pulsing beats and haunting vocals.

Measure of a Man
2003 CD on RCA from American Idol runner-up.

The Other Side Of Time
After a few random performances over the past couple years Mary returns with an album of songs which truely showcases the splendor of her voice.

Fallen
The Vocals and overall feel of the album is something unique and exciting.

The Three Pickers
It took a North Carolina concert for PBS's Great Performances series to get bluegrass legends Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, and Ricky Skaggs together for the first time. It was a celebratory occasion, and this live session, supersaturated with hot licks and down-home warmth, successfully captures the excitement of the unprecedented event. For all the assembled instrumental expertise, it is the traditional vocals--with Skaggs leading the way--that makes the music work. The trio opens with the lively "Feast Here Tonight," featuring scintillating sounds from Skaggs's mandolin, Scruggs's banjo, and Watson's guitar, before taking on the high, lonesome gospel of "What Would You Give in Exchange for Your Soul." Each member of the trio gets feature spots for his individual band, in addition to the dozen or so songs where the three combine forces. Watson is joined by grandson Richard for a couple of country blues tunes before Scruggs, reinforced by his Family and Friends, takes over for two songs, showcasing his seminal banjo technique on "Earl's Breakdown." Skaggs and his Kentucky Thunder also take center stage for two songs, and, as if the litany of legends wasn't enough, fiddler Alison Krauss even joins the trio of principals for three songs.

Greatest Hits 2 (Bonus CD) [LIMITED EDITION]
A great album from one of the best country singers of all time, Alan Jackson.