The Napster Blog

Edmundo Ros, Calypsos

He was the toast of London in the 1940s and '50s, having become the leading exponent of Latin music in England during that time, helping to popularize it among the upper crust. As such, Edmundo Ros amassed quite a body of recorded work with his society big band, which specialized in rhumba, mambo, samba and calypso, each with a refined rhythm and sound palatable to high society. Calypsos, one of two digital collections of Ros' records recently added to Napster (the other is Mambos), is an excellent cocktail record, swinging just enough to be fun, and formal-sounding enough to really evoke images of mid-20th century nightclub elegance. So, If you're so inclined, put dust off the tux or fancy gown and take this one for a spin. Rattling the ice in your cocktail shaker in time to the music is optional, but encouraged.

Bing Crosby, Hey Jude, Hey Bing

We're not sure about the story behind this one, which All Music gives one star and dismisses as an "audible generation gap." But we're pretty sure it was originally released in 1969, and while it may not rank with Mr. Bing Crosby's finest crooning, it certainly does rate as a document of the changing tide of pop music at the time. With Crosbified takes on "Hey Jude," "Little Green Apples," "Those Were the Days," and "Both Sides Now," each rendered with orchestra, chorus, and rock rhythm section all mixed in an unusually scattershot way, the album sounds like maybe it was an experiment that didn't pan out. But released it was, and it has been unloved pretty much as above ever since. We find it hypnotic listening, here in 2010, and are happy that RKO saw fit to re-release it and remind us of its existence. Take a listen and find out whether you think it's worth the bitstream it rolls in on.
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Bossa Bliss: Napster Playlist

It's been a long time since Jobim, Gilberto, and others led the way to a softer, more sophisticated take on Brazilian samba in the late 1950s, but the style they ushered in, dubbed bossa nova ("new trend"), is still one of the most relaxing to hear. That's true in general because of bossa nova's gently swaying rhythm, elegant melodies, and usually understated jazz harmonies, but in the right hands, it can be downright uplifting, transporting the listener on a cloud of enjoyment. Enter Napster's "Bossa Bliss" playlist: We've gathered a number of bossa-styled tracks performed by the leading ladies of traditional vocal pop and jazz, including Diana Krall, Barbra Streisand, Linda Eder, Jane Monheit and Anne Walsh, to create a listening experience with the highest unwinding index possible. We've even included a track or two by Brazilian artists Bebel Gilberto (daughter of João Gilberto, referenced above) and Sabrina Malheiros, who represent the state of the art in the style's country of origin. So if easing your mind is on your list, click play and glide down the bossa highway. It's a smooth, smooth ride.

Gordon Lightfoot Not Dead

Reports were rapidly circulating this morning in U.S. and Canadian media that the iconic folk singer Gordon Lightfoot had passed away, but they are now being retracted and blamed on a "Twitter hoax." When reached for comment, Lightfoot, known for classics such as "Sundown" and "If You Could Read My Mind" was at a loss to explain why or how the rumor was started, but was amused by the sudden increase in spins his songs have been receiving. We can only imagine that, were he alive today, Mark Twain might also find a certain irony in the situation.

Frank Chacksfield Orchestra, Beautiful Haven

If beautiful music is your thing, or even if it isn't, sometimes there's no better way to unwind after a busy day than to turn on a soothing album of orchestral melodies. Perhaps with an adult beverage, perhaps not. Nothing too challenging, melody-wise, but the music is harmonically satisfying, with an easy, swaying rhythm that just says, "Ahhhhh." (In a relaxing way. Not like when your doctor makes you say it.) Enter Frank Chacksfield, a British pianist and composer (1914–1995) who specialized in light orchestral fare. He's been gone for some time, but his stuff keeps getting recompiled, and for good reason: His recordings truly are beautiful.

New Music Tuesday: Lil' Wayne, Nick Jonas, Sade, Josh Turner

Most new music comes out on Tuesdays (it's a U.S. record business tradition), and each Tuesday, we cull through the mountain of new releases to bring you four of the best from across different genres. Click below, or find them in Napster's New Releases section.

Lil Wayne, Rebirth (hip-hop/rock): Weezy's long-awaited rock-inspired album is finally out, and it's definitely a departure for the influential rapper. It includes the monster single "Drop the World" (featuring Eminem) and packs several other tracks destined for singledom, including "On Fire" and "Knockout."
 

Nick Jonas & The Administration, Who I Am (pop/rock): Lead Jonas Brother Nick's side project with players including Michael Bland and Tony Barbaraella, formerly of Prince's New Power Generation. The band now has a tour and a charting single under its belt, but Jonas says he'll be back playing with his brothers before long.
 

Sade, Soldier of Love (R&B): The first album of new material from the sultry chanteuse in nearly 10 years has fans rejoicing in her return. Besides the phenomenal title track, "Bring Me Home," "In Another Time," and other songs on this happy return burnish the legacy of a truly unique talent.
 

Josh Turner, Haywire (country): The deep-voiced South Carolina native is back with his third set of new material since 2003's Long Black Train. It leads off with the hit "Why Don't We Just Dance," and the deluxe version (pictured) includes two live cuts and two previously unreleased songs.
 

Josh Groban on the new “We Are the World”

It's an observation worth repeating, as it really seems to give us an idea of what it was like: After taking part in the new "We Are the World" recording with Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones yesterday at Hollywood's famed A&M Records recording studio (now the home of the Jim Henson Company), vocal star Josh Groban told reporters, "Being in a sandwich smack-dab between Barbra Streisand and Weezy was, personally, a creative experience I don't think I'll ever have the pleasure of having again." The new recording of the Michael Jackson-Richie song (originally recorded by USA for Africa 25 years ago last week), drew the participation of over 70 famous voices. In addition to those already mentioned, Akon, Tony Bennett, Justin Bieber, Celine Dion, Snoop Dogg, Drake, Gladys Knight, LL Cool J, Kanye West, will.i.am, and Brian Wilson all took part. Those who weren't able to make it due to scheduling conflicts or prior commitments include big Grammy winners Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, as well as Jay-Z and Lady GaGa. The new song and a video directed by Paul Haggis (Crash) will be made available for sale soon, with proceeds going to a new foundation for Haiti earthquake relief. The video will make its debut on Feb. 12 during NBC's coverage of the upcoming Winter Olympics.

50 Cent vs. Susan Boyle?

The other night, a lighthearted Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson appeared on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and gave us some insight into his thug-entrepreneur's business mind. Discussed were his new film production company, his foray into sports drinks, and his recently released album, Before I Self Destruct. When the subject of "beefs" came up, Ferguson mentioned the name of rival Fat Joe, but his guest was quick to dismiss. According to Fiddy, "the competition now is Susan Boyle," referring to the multi-Platinum Scottish sensation. Ferguson then gave Fiddy a little insight of his own, saying, "She's a Scottish woman and you will lose, my friend." Check the video:

New Music Tuesday: Lady Antebellum, Corinne Bailey Rae, Kidz Bop 17 and Ultra Dance 11

Most new music comes out on Tuesdays (it's a U.S. record business tradition), and each Tuesday, we cull through the mountain of new releases to bring you four of the best from across different genres. Click below, or find them on the current Napster home page.

Nashville sensations Lady Antebellum today released their second album, Need You Now, led by the #1 single of the same name ("American Honey" is up next). Winners of the 2008 Country Music Association New Artist of the Year award, Lady A is up for two Grammys at this week's award ceremony, where they'll also be performing.

English singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae also released her sophomore effort, The Sea, today. After a two-year hiatus brought on by the sudden death of her husband, musician Jason Rae, the popular artist appears ready to continue where she left off with her successful 2006 debut. "I'd Do It All Again" is the current single from The Sea.

The wildly popular Kidz Bop series continues with a 17th volume of pop songs covered by the Kidz Bop Kids. This one includes covers of Miley Cyrus' "Party in the USA," Lady GaGa's "Paparazzi," Owl City's "Fireflies," and "Meet Me Halfway" by the Black Eyed Peas, as well as two original songs by Kidz Bop artists Sinai Rose and Mathias Anderle.

For a different generation, another installment of another successful cover series: Ultra Dance 11 is chock full of remixes of your favorite pop hits, which never fail to get the party started. Hits like Mariah Carey's "Obsessed" and Rihanna's "Russian Roulette" get the remix treatment by today's hottest remixers, including Calvin Harris, David Guetta, and Benny Benassi.
 

Best of 2009: Easy Listening (Napster Playlist)

From Bublé to Boyle, Connick to Krall, Ella to Norah, and many, many more, Napster's "Best of 2009: Easy Listening" playlist boasts a host of mellowly compelling music from the end of the aughts. Traditional vocal stylings, easy-swaying bossa nova rhythms, heartfelt balladry, vintage crooning—they all come together here, so if you're inclined to unwind after a tough day at the races, or just want something relaxing as you're basking, one click will get you there.