Customer Reviews

Planet Squeezebox [1995]

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

By nature, I am not the type to write anything of this sort on the net. However, when browsing through the music section, I noticed the box-set of Planet Squeezebox. It is, in my opinion, one of the best collections of accordion music around--at least as far as I've seen. The creators or producers of this project definately did their homework concerning the history and trajectory of this artificial iron/wood lung. All I've got to say is: when do we get to see pt. II

This should have been labeled as a guitar or piano compilation so people would actually buy it. What a culture shock! No budding or professional accordionist or sane person should be deprived of this beautifully varied music. If ever in need of inspiration, one needn't but pop in The Planet and be well on the way to pure gold. What other instument has the power to make the listener instantly laugh out loud? H.E. Zaum (?) is the most ridiculous accordion stereotype in existence--a must hear for the sheer inanity. This compilation leaves no bellow unpressed.

An entire 3-CD set devoted to the humble accordion? Egad. Yes, it's true -- this sweeping collection gathers examples of accordion, bandoneon and concertina work ranging from Irish jigs, Louisiana cajun music and zydeco, Argentine tangos, Brazilian forro and French musette, as well as Columbian dance music and contemporary art-folk tomfoolery of all sizes and descriptions. It's amazing how widespread the squeezebox has become, and how many styles have adapted to include its dulcet tones. This impressive collection may be for true believers only; but prolonged exposure may well draw you into the accordion cult.

This is much more than a novelty or a gimmick. It shows off the versatility of the accordian, but it is also a great overview of many different musical styles and traditions from all over the world. Unlike many world music samplers, the tracks seem to have been selected with great care and good taste.

Giving the 56-page booklet that comes with this set an ISBN seems to be stretching things a bit, but to quibble over the semantics of what is or is not appropriately defined as a book is not to demean in any way the excellence of this 3-CD set of squeezebox music from all over the planet. For anyone who likes the sound of an accordion, whether polka fan, zydeco fan, world music fan, blues fan, jazz fan, or whatever--this is the set! With three CDs chock full of squeezebox music, there is something in here for everybody. Such eclecticism is, of course, both the strength and weakness of compilations such as this one, but in this case, let's just agree to call the glass half full and party on!

Not worth the money. Beautifully put together box and book entices you, but the music quickly turns boring and repetitive. Missed opportunity for what is a great idea!!