The CD Cornucopia at Our Libraries

It isn’t just the latest pop/rock album or selections of classical music or opera, although we have those, too. There’s a wide variety from which to choose your next listening selection for the car, home, or elsewhere.

There are movie soundtracks, like one of my favorites,The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou. It has the eclectic blend of the film—Mark Mothersbaugh’s (Devo, Rugrats, etc.) electronic compositions, selections from Sven Libaek’s 60’s nature films, and Seu Jorge’s Portuguese covers of David Bowie songs. (The latter is an album in its own right, Life Aquatic Studio Sessions, by Seu Jorge).

There’s jazz, ranging from classics like Miles Davis’s Bitches Brew to lighter fare such as the Rippingtons. Need something harder? We have metal—Slayer’s 28 minute Reign in Blood, and Cannibal Corpse’s Evisceration Plague.

Feeling the wanderlust, curious for sounds from abroad? The Rough Guide, of travel book fame, also has a series of CDs about music around the world. Check out The Rough Guide to the Music from Iran, or others in the line. Bollywood Gold! Australian Aboriginal Music! Balkan Gypsies!

Finally, for the truly “out there” we have William Shatner. His 1968 album The Transformed Man pairs dramatic readings with songs “sung” in his own distinctive style. Was he serious or tongue in cheek with this? Either way, you’ll never hear songs like “Mister Tambourine Man” or “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” the same way again.

Don’t forget to check our catalog—if the branch you’re in doesn’t have what you’re looking for, another might. Simply place a hold on another branch’s copy and it will be transferred to your home branch for your convenient pickup. You’ll be surprised at what you can find!

- Dennis B.