Shtetl Superstars - Funky (Standard format, CD, Imported)

Great album title, but can the music inside live up to it? The answer's a resounding yes as it celebrates very contemporary Jewish culture and shows that klezmer (and beyond) is not only alive, but also growing in the millennium. It's a global phenomenon, as the variety of music shows, whether in the U.S. (Hip-Hop Hoodios) or Europe (Amsterdam Klezmer Band, stunningly remixed). What this illustrates is that Jewish music works as well in a club as any other, but with a distinct identity that remains throughout, but one that defies easy stereotyping. Kudos to the compilers who've put together such an impressive disc. To be fair, it's made more for the dancefloor than sitting and listening at home -- it certainly lives up to its funky subtitle - but there's plenty hear to satisfy even the most demanding ears. ~ Chris Nickson