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Springsteen's latest
will stand test of time
InTune: CD reviews | by Anthony J.W. Benson
Devils & Dust by Bruce Springsteen [www.brucespringsteen.net]
On his first record in over three years, following the crowd-pleasing
The Rising, Bruce Springsteen has blessed the world with
Devils & Dust, his deeply satisfying, yet slightly melancholy
new CD. With his acoustic guitar in tow and with nary an
E Street band member in hearing distance (except for his
wife, vocalist Patty Scialfa), Springsteen has fashioned
a recording done his own way -- as he always does.
Though similar in tone and presentation to his earlier solo ventures Nebraska (1982)
and The Ghost of Tom Joad (1995), Springsteen has opted for a more diverse, well-rounded
and almost cinematic sound, unveiling lyric-driven songs that deliver the story first,
without the interference of music. With his penchant for writing detailed, confessional
songs in full view, wonderful stories of life are contained here. Sometimes plaintive
and always intensely honest, Devils & Dust has flashes of country, gospel and
rock, but all together, it's a well delivered and somewhat barren, roots-based recording
that adeptly conveys it's often poignant messages. Ultimately,Springsteen's Devils
& Dust will be a recording that will stand the test of time, proudly considered
as one of this musical icon's best.
A note to technology fans: Devils & Dust is one of the first CDs to be presented
in the new dual-disc format. The format features a CD audio side and a DVD side,
with the entire album in 5.1 channel surround sound and in two-channel stereo. It
also features a special Devils & Dust film, including never-before-seen acoustic
performances and personal introductions to the tracks by the artist.
Putumayo presents Acoustic Brazil, Various Artists
[www.putumayo.com]
Beginning with the strumming guitar lines and floating vocal of the engaging opening
track, "Aguele Frevo Aye" by Gal Costa, Putumayo's Acoustic Brazil successfully
transports you in a swirl of tranquil sounds and welcomed ambience. A true after-party
record, relaxed in softer sounds than the powerful South American sambas many of
us are familiar with, Acoustic Brazil is more concerned with presenting songs that
connect in quieter way. Showcasing emerging young voices of popular Brazilian music
as well as legends such as Caetano Veloso, Chico Buarque, Gal Costa and Paulinho
da Viola, Acoustic Brazil features songs that urge us to sail away and get lost in
their lilting melodies and delightful acoustic instrumentation. Compilation CDs,
truth be told, can often be a hit-and-miss affair. With the inviting Acoustic Brazil,
compiled beautifully by Jacob Edgar, Putamayo gets this one right. Take the sonic
trip, it's well worth it.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Acoustic Brazil will be donated to AMENCAR,
an organization dedicated to the struggle for civil rights of children of Brazil.
The Enchantment, by Gaiatribe [www.earthenspirituality.com]
Produced to further the work of the Earthen Spirituality Project & Sweet Medicine
Women's Center, The Enchantment is a collection of engaging songs weaving together
original and traditional music from around the world, interspersed with the beautifully
spoken words of author, activist and spiritual teacher Jesse Wolf Hardin. His heartfelt
invocations are dedicated to increasing sentient awareness, mindfulness and magical
intent, and they encourage a respectful interaction with the earth and its inhabitants.
The Enchantment highlights an array of spirited sounds -- female vocals, nature soundscapes,
tribal and global chants -- from this world and beyond. Lovingly designed to inspire
a musical celebration of personal and planetary connectedness, The Enchantment, which
unfolds like an inspired sonic play honoring all life, is a thoughtful, creative
and ultimately healing musical experience.
Please send all CDs and DVDs for review to: Anthony J.W. Benson, c/o InTune, P.O.
Box 1152, Longmont, CO 80502. Submitting product does not guarantee review. All submissions
will not be returned.
Anthony J.W. Benson is the founder of injoi Music, a unique forum for artistic
and creative development. His 29-year career in the entertainment industry has encompassed
varied horizons, from artist management and production to involvement with international
multi-media events and concerts. Anthony served as the director of A&R for the
respected record label Tambourine Inc. He is available on a select basis for consultations
and welcomes new projects. He may be reached at: anthony@injoi.com
Copyright © 2005 Anthony J.W. Benson. All rights reserved. |
| June 2005 |
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