The very best in a beaver-skin hat

While we all know that we shouldn't judge a book (or CD or DVD or magazine) by its cover, sometimes it is impossible not to appreciate the stunning art of a truly well-executed cover. Such is the case with the Very Best of Ivan Rebroff, Volume 2. Look at those majestic robes! The gorgeous brocade work! The classy pinky ring! The beaver-skin hat! Here is a Russian who has it all together.

From the liner notes:

"Volume 1 managed to squeeze in only 17 of his tracks - merely scratching the surface of his recordings! So here now is a nother selection of timeless tunes caressed by the richest, darkest, lowest, highest, most remarkable voice in the world of music."

He apparently has the lowest and highest voice in all of music. Ivan, you are my hero.

Beautiful music, beautiful ladies

While perusing the audio CD section of my favorite library today, I happened upon an album that combines two of my favorite things - ancient music and lovely young women.

The album is called "Mirabilis" by Mediaeval Baebes, who appear to be eight women who like to sing songs with toe-tapping titles like "Trovommi Amor," "Temtasyon," "and "Lhiannan Shee" and then dress up as some sort of beguiling goddess sprites. They seem to sing primarily in Middle English, and even though I mostly don't know what they're singing about, it makes me feel nice just hearing them.