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<title>Polka CD Reviews by Nostradamus</title>
<description>Devoted to reviews and ratings of polka CDs. Reader submissions are welcome.</description>
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<title>Polka CD Reviews by Nostradamus</title>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm</link>
<description>Devoted to reviews and ratings of polka CDs. Reader submissions are welcome.</description>
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<item>
<title>Live in Las Vegas</title>
<description>(The Polka Nuts, self published [no number], 2011) Oh, how I love that Dutch Hop music! The instrumentals by the Polka Nuts of Brighton, Colorado, are just wonderful; I particularly love &quot;Poudre Valley Waltz.&quot; The vocals are less pleasing, but the instrumentals alone are worth the price. B+ [8-31-2014] [Vendor: <a href="http://www.thepolkanuts.com/Products.html">The Polka Nuts</a>]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#polka_nuts</link>
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<item>
<title>20 Años De Éxitos En Vivo</title>
<description>(Banda Machos, Sony Music Latin 8869-777635-9, 2010; DVD, also available as an audio CD) It's been eight years since I last reviewed a <a href="http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#banda_el_recodo">banda CD</a>. In case you don't remember, banda ("band") is the northern Mexican musical style that features big brass bands playing dance music which includes a generous helping of polkas. The sharp dressed men of Banda Machos have been performing since 1990 and have honed a style some call Techno Banda because of its use of electric bass, synthesizer, and drum kit, alongside the traditional horns and percussion. In addition to their rhinestone cowboy outfits, mugging, and occasional dance moves, Banda Machos demonstrates consistently high standards of musicianship. On this DVD, you'll see them in concert in their native Jalisco, Mexico. They're in fine form and look like they're having a good time, just like I do whenevr I watch them. B+ [12-23-2012] [Vendor: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/ref=gno_logo">Amazon.com</a>]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#banda_machos</link>
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<pubDate>Sun, 23 Dec 2012 20:59:31 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Dancing on Roses, Dancing on Cinders</title>
<description>(Raya Brass Band, self-published [no number], 2011) Definitely not a polka album, but I think this will appeal to many polka fans anyway. The music is Balkan and Gypsy (just a tad southeast of polka-land), played with the kind of manic gusto I imagine you'd hear from an old-world <span xml:lang="pl" lang="pl">Gorale</span> combo, though these outstanding musicians hail from the city of Brooklyn. Nice graphic design by Matthew Fass, though liner notes describing the tunes would have been nice. B [12-22-2012] [Vendor: <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rayabrassband2">CDbaby</a>]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#raya</link>
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<pubDate>Sat, 22 Dec 2012 00:36:09 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Zirka Live</title>
<description>Zirka, self-published, UPC 0-20193-00052-8, 2008) Zirka is a Candian sextet that plays energetic, folk-rock-tinged dance tunes rooted in Ukrainian traditional music. The group is built around the four <span itemprop="description">Hucal </span>siblings, with the addition of <span itemprop="description"> Bill Hawryschuk</span>'s drumming and <span itemprop="description"> Karen Aniol</span>'s wonderful violin playing. The <em>Zirka Live</em> CD contains several polkas (you'll recognize "Handju" as the "Julida Polka) and is perfect for your next zabava or simcha. B [11-25-2012] [Vendor: <a href="http://www.yevshan.com/main.asp?cid=44&pid=24097">www.Yevshan.com</a>]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#zirka</link>
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<pubDate>Sun, 25 Nov 2012 03:21:20 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>For Old Times Sake</title>
<description>(Lenny Gomulka and Chicago Push, Push Records CPE9501, 1995) Since Marion Lush has been gone for over 20 years, I say it's time to give Lenny Gomulka the "Golden Voice of Polkas" crown. His voice is always wonderful, his songwriting is excellent and his recorded output is always professionally produced. Not only that, he was the first person to write and tell me he liked my polka website. I bought this CD so I could own "For Old Time Sake Waltz," which Lenny wrote for him and Eddie Blazonczyk to sing together. It's a marvelous tearjerker and I love it (you can see them perform it live on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmgB11bRiQM">Youtube</a>). Just wish the liner notes had credited Sam Cooke and Willie Nelson with writing "Having a Party" and
"The Party's Over," respectively. B [11-4-2012] [Vendor: <a href="http://www.jimmykpolkas.com">www.jimmykpolkas.com</a>]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#gomulka_old_time</link>
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<pubDate>Sun, 4 Nov 2012 14:00:15 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>25 Years Making Tracks</title>
<description>(The Dujka Brothers, self-published JMD 1010, 2011) When you listen to the Dujka Brothers, you always get warm voices and perfect harmonies. And if you don't believe they can do the same live, check them out on YouTube. The music is a mix of country and Texas Czech. The packaging is beautiful and songwriters and publishers are credited. I just wish they'd depend less on their synthesizer. B [12-8-2011] [Available directly from the <a href="http://www.am970theapple.com/">Dujka Brothers website</a>.]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#dujka_25yrs</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 8 Dec 2011 10:42:21 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>polkaface</title>
<description>(Polkaholix, Monopol Records, 940833 (M 5369), 2010) How these guys scammed money out of the German Federal Government to make a polka CD is beyond me, but if government dough results in music this good, we should try it here in the US. Most of the songs are original and they're top notch, as is the performance, the mix and the packaging. The Polkaholix sound reminds me a bit of Polkacide or Babylon Circus. As usual, <a href="http://wildwilson.com/">Wild Wilson</a> discovered this before I did --; darn you, Wild Man! After you buy this CD, go out and get <a href="http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#polkaholix">Denkste!</a> and <a href="http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#polkaholix2">The Great Polka Swindle</a>. A [10-17-2011] [Vendor: <a href="http://www.grooves-inc.de/">Grooves-Inc.</a>]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#polkaholix3</link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 17 Oct 2011 22:08:48 -0400</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Wind 'er up with the Wendinger Band</title>
<description>(Wendinger Band, self-published, WB2011, 2011) The death of concertina player Paul Wendinger in November, 2010, marked the end of an era. With brother Peter, also on concertina, the Peter and Paul Wendinger band had played polkas, waltzes, and "Old Time" music across the upper midwest for nearly 50 years. Like their more famous predecessors, Harold Loeffelmacher (founder of the Six
Fat Dutchmen) and "Whoopee" John Wilfahrt, the Wendingers were from New Ulm, MN, epicenter of the <a href="http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#dutchmen">Dutchmen</a> music style; and, like Loeffelmacher and Wilfahrt, the Wendingers were inducted into the <a href="http://mnmusichalloffame.org/Home_Page.php">Minnesota Music Hall of Fame</a>.
Today, the band carries on as the Wendinger Band and has released this new CD featuring a eulogy by Paul's daughter Kelly, drumming and vocals by his son Jon and even some tracks recorded by Paul before his death. Unfortunately, the trumpet work is sloppy and there's too little tuba for my taste. C [10-15-2011] [Vendor: <a href="http://www.wendingerbandtravel.com/Rates.html">Wendinger Band & Travel, Inc.</a>
If <em>Wind 'er up</em> isn't listed on the order form, just write it in.]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#WendingerWind</link>
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<pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 03:07:30 -0400</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Who Stole the Kishka?!</title>
<description>Because most of the 19th century interest in polka music centered around the "polka belt"stretching north from Croatia all the way to Norway, there wasn't much overlap with klezmer music, whose compass was to the east, in particular Romania and Moldavia. But Ed Goldberg is surely the man to make the match. He played polkas for 25 years with Jimmy Sturr and for many of those years was also leading the Odessa Klezmer Band as they gigged around New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The title tune, "Who Stole the Kishka," is a Walt Solek polka classic from the 1950s. But what makes it particularly appropriate is that kishka is eaten by both gentiles and Jews: the gentile version is often a blood sausage; the Jewish version is made with chicken fat and grain. Whichever your preference, buy this CD and enjoy! A [6-5-2011] [Vendor: <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/egatokb">CD Baby</a>]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#goldberg</link>
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<pubDate>Sun, 5 Jun 2011 13:35:47 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Dutch Hop Favorites: Old and New</title>
<description>(John Fritzler and the Polka Band, self-published, #41388, 1988) For years, I had been under the impression that the <a href="http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#dutchhop">Dutch Hop</a> style was extinct. Then, sometime in early 2011, I heard "By the Windmill" on one of the Internet Polka stations. I tracked down the band -- <a href="http://www.johnfritzlerpolkaband.com/">John Fritzler and the Polka Band</a> -- and found that they're still recording and performing Ducth Hop music. Further Googling turned up other active Dutch Hop bands: the River Boys, the Polka Nuts and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9zIFwm8cJY">Ronnie Eckhart and the Dutch Hop Music Makers</a>. I chose to buy the Fritzler band's second CD because it had "By the Windmill" and I was not disappointed. Their music has the kind of tuneful lilt I associate with the <a href="http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#earlyyears">Scandinavian music of Minnesota</a>, and Wayne Appelhans' dulcimer playing is a gas. A- [4-10-2011] [Vendor: <a href="http://www.johnfritzlerpolkaband.com/CD_s.html">Wayne Appelhans</a>]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#Fritzler</link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 24 May 2011 01:20:06 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>International Polkas and Waltzes</title>
<description>(Polka Dots Polka Band, MP3s from cdbaby, 2008) Three brass, woodwind, accordion and guitar play pre-War polka classics published by Vitac-Elsnic and Joseph Jiran. At only twenty-seven and a half minutes, the album is painfully thin. but the cdbaby download does include both album art and <a href="http://www.nostradamus.net/polka-polkadots.html">liner notes</a>. You can watch their fine performance at North Carolina's Tosco Music Party on YouTube, featuring <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AZcyKbb0xM">Steve Etters rocking out on trombone</a>. C [ 4-3-2011] [Vendor: <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/polkadotspb">CD Baby]</a>]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#polkadots</link>
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<pubDate>Sun, 3 Apr 2011 11:12:31 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Amerika</title>
<description>(Mark Halata and Texavia, Halata Music, 2007) It's sweet Texas Czech music, played on key, leavened with a dash of Zydeco. The band is steeped in polkas and the Czech tradition: Mark Halata has been all over the Texas polka scene for years, the Brosch brothers were playing in their father's polka band since before they were teenagers, and Mark "El Judio Maravilloso" Rubin has played more kinds of polkas in more countries than almost anyone else alive. B- [3-15-2011] [Vendor: <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/halata3">CD Baby</a>]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#texavia</link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 15 Mar 2011 21:30:56 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Apolkalypse Now</title>
<description>(Polkastra, Ancalagon Record, ANC-135, 2009) Imagine a group of conservatory-trained musicians who decide to spend a year traveling the world under assumed names, playing in Irish pubs, Gypsy caravans and various hoedowns. If that appeals to you -- as it does me -- you'll love Polkastra. The <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/17/arts/music/17moving.html">New York Times</a> describes them as "polyglot vaudeville." My friend Bill, the music maven, says, "virtuosic, funny, varied." I challenge you to listen to the "Clarinet Polka" on bassoon, or the klezmer "Araber Tanz" with didgeridoo and not find your feet tapping and your lips smiling. B [3-12-2011] [Available from <a href="http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7947725">CD Universe</a>]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#polkastra</link>
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<pubDate>Sun, 13 Mar 2011 01:56:49 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Gangsterpolka</title>
<description>(Ompakara, Grappa Musikkforlag GRCD4282, 2008) If you like Norwegian
folk-rock, Balkan, klezmer, Arabic and ska, then Ompakara is for you.
I'd say they fall about halfway between Polkaholix
and the Leningrad Cowboys. Vocals and musicianship are excellent
throughout. "Gravøl" and "Martn'svisa" are the only
polkas on this CD -- actually, they're more ska than polka, but don't
let that stop you. All the songs are original and the CD comes with a
slick booklet with all the lyrics (in Norwegian, natch). B+ [12-28-2008]
[Vendor: <a href="http://www.grappa.musiconline.no/shop/displayArtist.asp?id=7798">musiconline.no</a>.
At the site, you can also listen to samples of Ompakara's more acoustic
recordings from the early 1990s.]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#ompakara</link>
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<pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2008 03:18:55 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Clarinet Polka</title>
<description>(Jelani Eddington, MP3 from the album "Jelani Eddignton In Concert",
1994) Ah, Jelani! I've loved his theater organ playing since 2002, when I
bought a CD of his duets with pianist David Harris. Now you can hear him play
the "Clarinet Polka" on the Kimball-Wurlitzer at the Organ Piper
Music Palace in Greenfield, Wisconsin, and enjoy two of life's pleasures at
once -- the mighty Wurlitzer and polka music. A [8-25-2008] [Vendor: <a href="https://organmp3.ipower.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=296">OrganMP3</a>]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#jelani</link>
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<pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2008 03:16:26 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Make #2 </title>
<description>(The Polish Muslims, [self published], 2000) I loved their "That's Why God Invented the Polka," which can be found on the American Polka and Polka Comes to Your Haus compilations. On Make #2, the Polish Muslims cover hits by Sly Stone, Gary U.S. Bonds, Sonny and Cher, John Fred, the Beatles, Green Day, etc. Their performances are excellent, but the lyrics just aren't funny. Sorry. C- [8-21-1008] [Vendor: <a href="http://www.thepolishmuslims.com/cgi-bin/store/agora.cgi?cart_id=9346049.27500*bz03-8&xm=on&product=MUSIC">www.thepolishmuslims.com</a>]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#polishmuslims</link>
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<pubDate>Sat, 23 Aug 2008 02:35:04 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Z glasbo vas pozdravljamo</title>
<description>(Planinski Kvintet, [self-published], 2001) Self-described as "one of North America's very few authentic Oberkrainer style ensembles," Planinski Kvintet is no more, having disbanded in 2005. This is the only recording they made during their eight-year run and it's quite enjoyable. The songs, all in Slovene, are mostly original and penned by members of the band. Performance and production are high-caliber. B+ [8-21-2008] [Copies of the CD are nearly impossible to locate.] </description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#planinski</link>
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<pubDate>Sat, 23 Aug 2008 02:34:05 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Daj Mi Buzi (Give Me a Kiss)</title>
<description>(Tom Mroczka and The Music Box, Chicago Polkas CD-1008, 2007) Tom Mroczka and The Music Box are a Push polka band from Cleveland with strong Honky/ethnic leanings. Their arrangements are wonderfully varied, Nicole Cuglewski's vocals -- particularly on "Daj Mi Buzi" -- are to die for, and the bellows-shaking is pleasantly understated. Plenty of Polish vocals (I didn't mind a bit because the aforementioned arrangements kept my interest) and thorough credits of all the songwriters. Very nice. B [8-20-2008] [Available from <a href="http://www.jimmykpolkas.com">www.jimmykpolkas.com</a>]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#mroczka</link>
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<pubDate>Sat, 23 Aug 2008 02:26:18 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Hoop-Dee-Doo</title>
<description>(The Wiggles, Koch Records KOC-CD-8627, 2003) When I heard The Wiggles' version of Milton De Lugg and Frank Loesser's "Hoop-Dee-Doo" on <a href="http://www.247polkaheaven.com">www.247polkaheaven.com</a>, it struck me as a refreshingly irreverent take on an old standard. The Wiggles are a children's musical group from Sydney, Australia, who've become multi-millionaires through their live performances, recordings, merchandizing, theme parks and television shows. If you're ready to barf from listening to Barney the Dinosaur, try the Wiggles instead, they're much less insipid. The CD comes with a full-color booklet that includes complete lyrics but, inexplicably, no credit for composers and songwriters. Maybe that's why their website says, "Copyrights prevent us from selling DVDs or CDs to North America and United Kingdom." D [8-20-2008] [Vendor: <a href="http://www.walmart.com">www.walmart.com</a>]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#wiggles</link>
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<pubDate>Sat, 23 Aug 2008 01:55:13 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>The Polka Floyd Show</title>
<description>(The Polka Floyd Show, Static Records SNR1027-2, 2007) The Polka Floyd Show has taken Pink Floyd's pretentious tunes from a bygone era and rendered them as polkas -- a move that was surely long overdue. The music is great (duh!), Ken Haas' guitar work is incendiary, and the production is flawless. A total delight. A [8-20-2008] [Vendor: <a href="http://www.staticrecords.com/main.htm">Static Records</a>]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#polkafloyd</link>
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<pubDate>Sat, 23 Aug 2008 01:48:47 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Polka Changed My Life Today</title>
<description>(Rotondi, Five Star Recordings 1002CD) I first heard Rotondi on the <i>Polka Comes to Your Haus</i>
compilation CD and was knocked out by their song "Blue Polka." I
did some more digging around and found this album, recorded in 1985-1986 but
not released in CD format until 2003. It's your chance to hear one of the seminal bands of New Wave Polka. Back in the day, Rotondi (named for an
eccentric vegetarian author from California) could be found playing on the
same bill with Brave Combo and Polkacide. The band members were a wickedly
talented bunch: lead singer Tony Patellis went on to a career in theater but
in Rotondi, he was a powerful and expressive vocalist. Bassist Peter Curry
has backed Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater (a name that should be
familiar to true EBV fans) and played in many bands including Los
Straitjackets and The Halibuts. Mike Rose, who lent his classic sax chops to
"She's the Lion," a Paul Lacques original with an Mbube-like
groove, has played with the Ventures and done much other session work. All the
music is original, written or co-written by Paul Lacques, the mad genius who
put this wild bunch together. Paul has started or performed with more bands
than almost any human alive today. Overall, the material ranges from manic
to sweetly charming. Good liner notes by Christopher Monger. A [Rated
"B" on10-3-05; raised to "A" on 6-23-08] [Vendor:
<a href="http://www.bestbuy.com">www.bestbuy.com</a>] [Read more about <a href="http://cdbaby.com/cd/rotondi2">Rotondi</a>
at CDBaby.]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#rotondi</link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:17:42 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>The Great Polka Swindle</title>
<description>(Polkaholix, Westpark Music 87146, 2007) If you remember Buster Poindexter's Banshees of Blue,
imagine them playing polkas in the Mos Eisley Cantina, surrounded by
Mugwumps sipping who-knows-what through their alabaster straws. Then grab your
credit card and buy this CD. Includes an excellent booklet with liner notes by
Carl Finch. A [5-25-208] [Vendor: <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com">www.cdbaby.com</a>]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#polkaholix2</link>
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<pubDate>Sun, 25 May 2008 19:04:24 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Wir sind wieder da !</title>
<description>(Hub'n Bub'n, Music House Records MHA-0104, 2001) The Hub'n Bub'n is a
Dutch Oberkrainer band, formed in Maastricht in
1987. Their 8-man lineup, including guitar and electric bass, enables them to
perform typical Oberkrainer fare as well as Alpen Rock and the occasional surf
tune. They're a lot of fun -- be sure to check out their videos on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=hubn+bubn&search_type=">youtube.com</a>.
CD has no liner notes. B [5-24-2008] [Vendor: <a href="http://www.hubnbubn.nl/hubbub.htm">hubnbubn.nl</a>
(it helps if you read Dutch)]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#hubn</link>
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<pubDate>Sat, 24 May 2008 19:08:24 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Polish American String Band</title>
<description>(Polish American String Band, [self-published] PASB9510, 2003) The Philadelphia
mummer tradition goes back to Swedish immigrants, who brought their Christmas
noise-making to the Philadelphia area in the 17th century. Other immigrant
groups added their own customs and, by 1901, a formal New Year's Day parade up
Broad Street had evolved. Shortly after, "string bands" joined the
parade; the name comes from the guitar, mandolin, banjo and violin hat made up
some of the early bands. Today's instruments might include saxophones, banjos,
accordions, violins, bass violins, and glockenspiel (no brass instruments are
allowed). By 1933, the Polish immigrants wanted in on the fun, and the Polish
American String Band was formed. This CD, issued on their 70th anniversary,
contains eight polkas played in the distinctive string band style, as well as
a medley of mummers' standards, including "Alabama Jubilee." No
polka collection could possibly be complete without this. B+ [5-13-2008]
[Vendor: <a href="http://www.polishamericanstringband.com/">Polish American
String Band</a>] (Thanks to Michelle Genrich for pointing me to this
band.)&nbsp;</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#pasb</link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 13 May 2008 22:04:32 -0400</pubDate>
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<title>Overcooked Tyroleans</title>
<description>(Die Knödel [Die Knoedel], Koch KOC-3-7908-2, 1995 [originally released 1993 as Verkochte Tiroler by RecRec Music]) I've read that Die Knödel was part of a renaissance of Austrian folk music, refashioning traditional rhythms into a kind of post-modern blasmusik. I can hear a distinctively Stravinsky-like sound, but I can hardly detect the traditional Austrian folk elements. In any event, Austrian composer and bassoonist Christof Dienz led Die Knödel during the 1990s, when they toured extensively and recorded several well-received CDs. For 20th century classical music, the compositions on this CD are quite listenable, beautifully performed and wonderfully recorded. The two polkas, "Jet Polka" and "Knödelpolka" are quite charming. C [5-11-2008] [Vendor: www.amazon.com]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#knoedel</link>
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<pubDate>Sun, 11 May 2008 22:47:56 -0400</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Iz Kajkavskih Krajeva, Vol. 2 [Folk Dances and Songs from Northwestern Croatia]</title>
<description>(Lado, BeSTMUSIC CD-6011, 1998) <a href="http://www.lado.hr/production_frame.htm">Lado</a>
is the official state folklore ensemble of Croatia. I love their
conservatory-quality performance of folk music -- every note perfect,
yet never too studied or academic. There are outstanding arrangements
(track 8, "Drmeš," a dance from Posavina, is quite the <i>tour
de force</i>), beautiful tamburitza playing, and a fine orchestra.
But what stands out is the amazing choral singing, presumably from the
Croatian "klapa" tradition. Liner notes don't explain anything
about the songs or say what instruments were used. A- [2-8-2008]
[Vendor: <a href="http://stores.croatiagifts.com/StoreFront.bok">Heart
of Croatia Gifts</a>]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#lado</link>
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<pubDate>Sat, 9 Feb 2008 19:03:28 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Bulletproof Polkas</title>
<description>(John Góra & Górale, Sunshine SNCD-130, 2007) Bulletproof Polkas is the latest CD from John Góra & Górale, who have been playing their Push-style polkas since about 1996. The album is about evenly divided between Polish songs and covers of English-language hits. "Beata z Albatrosa" is a contemporary Polish ballad, considerably punched up by John's arrangement and the hot Jeff Beck–style guitar work of Kyle C. Pacey. Familiar songs which are given the Górale polka treatment include "Buona Sera" (Louis Prima, 1949), "Kiss of Fire" (Louis Armstrong, 1955; the 1903 original was composed by Angel Villoldo), "The Letter" (The Box Tops, 1967), and even "Karma Chameleon" (a 1983 hit for Culture Club). But the best track is "I Surrender All -- Wszystko Tobie," which John has transformed from a nice 18th century American hymn (I don't know who wrote the Polish lyrics) into a polka that is also a powerful expression of faith. John provides quality vocals and fine sax work throughout. My quibbles? "I Surrender All" is needlessly repeated at the end of the album and "Run Run" is boring. On the other hand, the CD booklet contains complete lyrics. B [1-20-2008] [Available from John's website.]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#bulletproof</link>
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<pubDate>Sun, 20 Jan 2008 10:04:45 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Accordion Conjunto Champs</title>
<description>(Various artists, Arhoolie CD-342, 2004) Here's another compilation drawn from the vast Arhoolie catalog. The artists, mostly from Texas, represent the Second Wave (1930s; e.g., Narciso Martínez) and Third Wave (post-War; e.g., Tony de la Rosa) periods of conjunto music. In addition to the big names, there are a few lesser known gems such as Fred Zimmerle's "Virgencita de Mi Vida." Flaco Jiménez's danzón "Juarez" is delightfully sensuous. Of the 21 songs, 7 are instrumental polkas and 3 are rancheras with a polka beat. Liner notes are pretty good, sound quality varies. B- [12-25-2007] [Vendor: www.arhoolie.com]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#acc</link>
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<pubDate>Tue, 25 Dec 2007 23:42:09 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Klic Rusevca</title>
<description>(Ansambel SPEV, Zlati Zvoki ZZCD-206, 2004) This four man group from Slovenia (actually, they've added a fifth since this recording) has a bright pop sound, a bit like Oberkrainer without the horns. The vocal harmonies are impeccable, the instrumental musicianship sharp and clean. Very enjoyable. B+ (I discovered Ansambel SPEV through the Prime Time Polkas site) [12-22-2007] [Vendor: National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#SPEV</link>
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<pubDate>Sat, 22 Dec 2007 22:57:47 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Alex Plays Button Box . . . and Other Stuff</title>
<description>(Alex Meixner, Euro-Class Music CD-034, 2003) Alex is a talented
multi-instrumentalist (read <a href="http://lovemonkeystudios.com/blog/?p=38">what
David Love says about Alex</a>), currently active in about seven
different ensembles and bands. On this CD, he plays almost all of the
instruments, supplies most of the vocals, and wrote or co-wrote about a
third of the songs. Most of the tracks have the bright, cheerful sound
one expects from a Slovenian-style CD. I enjoyed pretty much all of the
instrumentals (particularly "Ribniska Valley Polka" and "Hot Peppers Cumbia")
though more variety in the arrangements would have been appreciated. C+
[11-30-2007] [Available from <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com">www.cdbaby.com</a>]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#alex</link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 3 Dec 2007 08:07:00 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>16 Most Requested Polkas</title>
<description>(Various artists, Columbia/CBS Records CK-45107, 1989) Sadly, the
excellent Time-Life Treasury of Polka
compilation is long out of print. Sometimes you can find a copy through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QJGDWE?ie=UTF8&tag=thenospolpag-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000QJGDWE">Amazon</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thenospolpag-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000QJGDWE" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />,
otherwise consider this collection of polkas from the big band era. It
has several of the same songs as Time-Life, including Bob Crosby's
"Hop Scotch Polka" and Jimmy Dorsey's "Helena
Polka." Frankie Yankovic, Babe Wagner, and Walt Solek are also
represented. Notes are surprisingly informative. Sound quality is so-so, but
it's budget-priced. B [11-25-2007] [Vendor: <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com">www.barnesandnoble.com</a>]
[Full disclosure: If you purchase the Time-Life CD using the Amazon link
above, I make about 40 cents.]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#16mostrequested</link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 3 Dec 2007 08:00:21 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Live 'n' Kickin'</title>
<description>(die Schlauberger, Wise Guy Records CD-105-100, 2007) The Alpenrock
boys from Middle Village have come out with another sharp CD, this one
recorded live during their 2006 tour. It features the group's fine
four-part harmonies, as well as Tom Staab's hot fiddle and guitar
playing. The sound quality is excellent, the arrangements sparkle, and
everyone sounds like they're having fun. But are they really this good
live? The answer is mostly yes. We got to hear them in July, 2007, in <a href="http://www.nostradamus.net/images/polka/dsb-concert.jpg">Juniper
Valley Park</a> (Queens, NY). While they didn't bring their much-vaunted
Marshall stacks, they did bring all of their enthusiasm, charm and
musicianship. A- [11-9-2007] [Vendor: <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com">www.cdbaby.com</a>]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#livenkickin</link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 3 Dec 2007 07:39:52 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>New Traditions</title>
<description>(Jerry Grcevich, [self-published, no catalog number], 1992) It's all tamburitza, all the time -- and it's a pleasure. Each tune features about five tamburitzas, all played by Grcevich, who
also wrote all the music. Styles range from traditional to Baroque to pop and beyond. Like his father before him, Jerry is a member of the Tamburitza Association of America's Hall of Fame. No polkas, but you should buy this anyway. A [10-21-2007] [Purchased from: Jerry Grcevich, 210 Old Jacks Road, No. Huntington PA 15642]</description>
<link>http://www.nostradamus.net/polka_page.htm#newtraditions</link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 29 Oct 2007 16:17:25 +0000</pubDate>
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