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Looking into It >>

"Fast and furious, the All Girl Summer Fun Band really packs a punch." -- Greil Marcus, Interview Magazine

For ten years, the All Girl Summer Fun Band has blasted gritty, sunny pop gems out of rainy Portland with a fervor, enthusiasm, and stamina that is quintessentially Pacific Northwestern. Their newest LP, Looking Into It, follows 2003's 2 (K Records) and is distilled, concentrated AGSFB. Jen Sbragia (The Softies), Kim Baxter (Cherry Ice Cream Smile), and Kathy Foster (The Thermals, Hutch & Kathy) don't hold back the jams.

Looking Into It is not only a stunning pop album filled with the band's signature crunch-fuzz guitars and dead-on melodic sense, but lyrically, AGSFB bravely confronts issues such as greed, death, getting fired, relationship dynamics, and new love. This is AGSFB at their rawest, brightest, and best--and they know it. The band worked on several of these songs for years, meticulously writing and rewriting until they knew they had accomplished what they set out to do. Recording the album entirely in Baxter's basement studio gave the band the ability to do without constrictive studio schedules and the monetary demands that come with studio recording, and allowed the band members to push themselves musically, especially in terms of handling songwriting with a new emphasis on total collaboration. The album's conception, execution, capture, and release embody what is incredible and vital about DIY creation--AGSFB has made a stunning record exactly the way they wanted. Enjoy.

Shanghai >>

12 Girls Band began as a series of auditions held throughout China, seeking thirteen attractive and versatile young female instrumentalists (although only twelve appear onstage at any time). After taking Japan by storm, their debut US release, Eastern Energy (2004), created a sensation, crowning Billboard's World Music chart. Since then, the group has become a firm favorite at PBS and NPR, with several prestigious international concert bookings on the horizon. For the present recording, the ensemble ranges between local folk songs, newly composed tunes and works by Sting ("Fragile"), J.S. Bach (an excerpt from Concerto For Violin in A Minor), G. Puccini ("Nessun Dorma" from Turandot), and James Horner ("My Heart Will Go On," the love theme from Titanic). Arranged by Bob Belden and Liang Jianfeng, who leads the ensemble's backing guitar combo, the overall effect is not unlike an Eastern equivalent of Celtic Woman, minus the vocals but every bit as energetic, polished, and astutely marketed. Musically, the tunes are tightly conceptualized and performed, marred only by overuse of a 4/4 snare backbeat and the fact that certain Chinese instruments, although breathtakingly lovely in a more traditional setting, are not always ideally suited to the material at hand. But even so, it's a charming, graceful and high-spirited enterprise; as good-will ambassadors, these ladies can’t fail to please. --Christina Roden

Romantic Energy >>

Freedom >>

2 >>

Best of 12 Girls Band >>

One dozen beautiful young women, all in their twenties, take the stage and stand before an array of exotic and ancient musical instruments. Although an uncommon sight, the moment they start to play, it's clear the members of the Twelve Girls Band are among the most gifted musicians in the world. Hailing from the People's Republic of China, the Twelve Girls Band is already one of that country's most popular ensembles. This best of compilation is comprised of 16 total tracks including 5 new tracks 'Doraemon No Uta', 'Nada Sou Sou', 'Clocks', 'Manatsu No Kajitsu' & 'Csardas'. EMI. 2006.

White Christmas >>

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas with 12 Girls Band! This is a two disc (CD + PAL/Region 0 DVD) special holiday collection from the popular classical outfit, who play traditional Chinese instruments and delight audiences around the world. 12 Girls Band put a special chill into your holiday with these all-time favorites, along with a bonus DVD with performances of tunes for your viewing pleasure. Both formats feature 12 holiday gems. EMI.

Shining Energy >>

Asia exclusive pressing of the photogenic Chinese classical crossover act's 2004 album includes two bonus VCDs, 'Live At Budokan Japan 2004', that captures a performance during their smash Japanese tour & includes a promotional video for 'Kiko'. EMI. 2004.