Recording of the Month

DVORÁK: Symphony 9, "From the New World"

WAGNER: Flying Dutchman Overture, Siegfried-Idyll

Jascha Horenstein, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Chesky Records CD 31 (CD only). Bob Katz, remastering eng.; David & Norman Chesky, executive prods. (Original 1962 recordings: K. E. Wilkinson, eng.; Charles Gerhardt, prod.) ADD. TT: 67:30

CARLA BLEY: Carla's Christmas Carols

Carla Bley, piano, celeste; Steve Swallow, bass, chimes; Partyka Brass Quintet

WATT 35 (CD). 2009. Carla Bley, Steve Swallow, prods.; Gerard de Haro, Nicolas Baillard, engs. DDD? TT: 60:36

Performance ****

Sonics ****½

DEBBIE HARRY: Def, Dumb and Blonde

Sire/Red Eye/Reprise 9 25938-1 (LP), -2 (CD). George Tutko, Mike O'Hara, engs.; Mike Chapman, prod. AAA/AAD. TT: 63:57

DELBERT McCLINTON: I'm With You

Curb D2-77252 (CD only). Justin Niebank, Carry Summers, engs.; Delbert McClinton, Barry Beckett, prods. DDD? TT: 34:11

Jim O'Rourke: The Visitor

Drag City DC375CD (CD). 2009. Jim O'Rourke, prod., eng. AAD? TT: 38:03

Performance ****

Sonics ****

Regina Spektor: Far

Sire 519396-2 (CD). 2009. Mike Elizondo, Jeff Lynne, Jacknife Lee, David Kahne, prods.; Adam Hawkins, Marc Mann, Steve Jay, Tom McFall, engs. AAD? TT: 47:21

Performance ****

Sonics ****½

LUKA BLOOM: Riverside

Reprise 26092-1 (LP), -2 (CD). Mike Krowiak, eng.; Jeffrey Wood, prod. ADA/ADD. TT: 44:31