Our latest reviews

David Lang: The Little Match Girl Passion: Paul Hillier and Theatre of Voices

Reviewed by Kate Rockstrom, Readings Carlton

With superb control and clarity of tone that is envied by all singers, the Theatre of Voices accompanied by Ars Nova Copenhagen open The Little Match Girl Passion by David Lang.

A new working of the traditional Hans Christian Andersen…

Read more ›

Melody of Rhythm: Triple Concerto and Music for Trio: Bela Fleck, Zakir Hussain & Edgar Meyer

Reviewed by Phil Richards, Readings Carlton

When I first saw this recording listed and noticed the people involved, I didn’t really know what to expect – and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. This is wonderful music from three of the greatest musicians on…

Read more ›

Ballet Masterpieces: Various

Reviewed by Phil Richards, Readings Carlton

For this reviewer, this collection has been a long time coming. If you have ever wanted to own some of the great classical ballet recordings, then you can’t go past this box-set.

It features various orchestras and conductors, including the…

Read more ›

J.S. Bach: The Six Partitas BWV 825–830: Andras Schiff

Reviewed by Phil Richards, Readings Carlton

The first time I heard Schiff play Bach (which was a long time ago), I thought to myself, ‘all the notes are there, but where’s the soul?’ His playing of Bach at that time was very mathematical. So when I…

Read more ›

True Stories: Martin Simpson

Reviewed by Paul Barr, Readings Carlton

One of the best Celtic finger-picking guitarists in the world, English-born sometimes New Orleans resident and master musician Simpson continues his winning streak here. He strikes a balance between English and American traditional song, also featuring blues, originals and the…

Read more ›

Song Up In Her Head: Sarah Jarosz

Reviewed by Paul Barr, Readings Carlton

An amazingly mature and promising release from this 17-year-old singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (mandolin, guitar and banjo). Fans of Gillian Welch should definitely check it out. Jarosz’s songs are good and inhabit that landscape of contemporary folk and bluegrass that harks…

Read more ›

11:11: Rodrigo Y Gabriella

Reviewed by Paul Barr, Folk/World Music Buyer, Readings Carlton

I found earlier releases by this pair of former electric guitarists from the Mexico heavy metal scene just a bit too thrashy and relentless. However, the duo’s turbo-charged take on modern Spanish nylon string guitar has really gelled on this…

Read more ›

Roustabout: Charlie Parr

Reviewed by Dave Clarke, Readings Carlton

Roustabout is Charlie Parr’s seventh album, but only his second to be released here. It’s a field recording in true monophonic sound, recorded over a month in a variety of locations, including living rooms, garages, bar-room basements, and empty storefronts.

Read more ›

Time Stands Still: Chris Smither

Reviewed by Dave Clarke, Readings Carlton

A new Chris Smither album is always a reason to celebrate. And this new album is a beauty, too. Eight originals and three covers, including a great version of Dylan’s ‘It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train…

Read more ›

True Blood Soundtrack: Various

Reviewed by Morgana Keating, Readings Hawthorn

The year’s hottest, bloodiest, sexiest vampire show is known for its use of eclectic music and this collection encompasses a lot of the southern swampy tunes used throughout the series.

Beginning with the sultry opening theme ‘Bad Things’ by Jace…

Read more ›