Search - Various Artists :: Rough Guide to the Music of China

Great overview of Chinese music

Z. Crook | Las Cruces, NM USA | 08/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is great. I have given this as a gift to one of my friends and she enjoyed it. It does a great job of showing music from mainland China. Most music collections are just traditional Pipa or erhu or contain pop from HK, this CD showcases some of the best songs and best and influential bands of modern China. Both classic and modern styles have been represented well, but I want to talk about three artists in particular: Of course Cui Jian's song "Yi Wu Suo You" is a must for anyone who wishes to understand modern Chinese music, but even more interesting is the addition of two other artists. Ai Jing, probably the most underestimated modern folk-rocker was a great influence in the late 90's, and still has a large underground following in China. Even more amazing to me was the addition of my personal friends from the Fem-Punk Band "Hang on the Box" These girls are at the leading edge of Chinese music today. Their song "Yellow Banana" (from their cd of the same name)is a pretty good example of their music.

This is a great album to have if you want a crash course in Chinese Music. ^_^"

Interesting and accessible

KeithSF | San Francisco, CA | 11/15/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've heard several Rough Guide CDs that I've enjoyed, and I bought this one out of curiosity (I'm planning a trip to China next year).



I hadn't really even expected to like this-- in fact I thought it would just remain a curiosity-- but I have to say that it's my favorite of the Rough Guide series. It's very exotic yet somehow remains accessible, and I'm impressed at how diverse the selections are yet it still maanges to be fairly cohesive.



If you're at all interested in Chinese culture, or if you're interested in exploring world "pop" music, you'll be charmed by this CD."

Great introduction to the music of"the other superpower"

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 08/28/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An excellent selection, covering a wide range of modern and folkloric Chinese music. The album starts out on a shaky note, with a long rock song by Cui Jian that sounds kinda like Sting and The Police -- not my cup of tea, but it certainly lets you know that this is a collection that's going to break up our stereotypes of what "Chinese music" sounds like... And indeed, this set runs a gamut of sound, from the traditional twangy lute music we know and love so well, to many other styles -- folk-rock, anthemic children's choruses reminiscent of the Maoist years, operatic pop, etc. It's an impressive collection representing some of the best music to come from this once-closed society. Informative and thought-provoking, as well as often simply beautiful... This disc is definitely recommended for anyone eager to learn more about the world around us."