Pink Floyd's David Gilmour; A groundbreaking reissue: Byrne and Eno; Electronica out of Africa: Congotronics; Rare '60s soul music: Eccentric Soul; Singer and slide guitarist Ben Harper; Clem Snide singer-songwriter Eef Barzelay; Playwright and poet Adam Arcuragi.
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David Gilmour, Byrne and Eno, Ben Harper
On An Island
This is only David Glimour's third solo album and his first studio release since Pink Floyd's 1994 Division Bell in a career that spans nearly 40 years. But On An Island proves to be worth the wait. It's one of Gilmour's best productions, featuring his signature soaring guitar solos, dreamy soundscapes in the spirit of classic Pink Floyd and guest appearances by artists like David Crosby and former Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright.
Defiant
Talking Heads singer and songwriter David Bryne collaborated with producer Brian Eno for this groundbreaking album originally released in 1981. Together they meticulously crafted a remarkable collection of sound collages that, on a technical scale, were previously unimaginable. This 25th anniversary edition includes remastered versions of the original recordings and previously unreleased tracks.
Wa Muluendu
This collection features six bands from Kinshasa that amplify traditional and homemade instruments crafted from old car parts and telephone wire.
Willing and Able
This new collection showcases rhythm and blues bands from south Florida. These original recordings made in the 1960s feature lesser-known singers like Helene Smith, Betty Wright and Paul Kelly.
Better Way
Ben Harper is singer, songwriter and slide guitarist making soulful pop. His latest release features two CDs divided by mood: one CD is more jam-heavy and hard-edged, while the other is more mellow and soft. Harper self-produced the album and, on several tracks, played all the instruments.
Thanksgiving Waves
Eef Barzelay is the genius behind the New York rock band Clem Snide, featured on All Songs Considered episode 17. His first CD as a solo artist features Barzelay with just his guitar.
1981
Adam Arcuragi is a playwright, poet and songwriter from Philadelphia. His self-titled debut LP was recorded in fits and starts during the past three years and features contributions from other artists like Matt Pond PA and Bitter Bitter Weeks. It's a deeply personal, intimate and poetic collection of artfully crafted folk-pop.