Music

Average customer rating:

A Milestone
explores the possibilities of what music can be
Fantastic album with benefits
Electronic music is folk music
in response to "stevemncoug1

Rounds
Four Tet
Manufacturer: Domino
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Electronic Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Trip-Hop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

IDM | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

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Electronica | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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Takk...

ASIN: B000092Q6L
Release Date: 2003-05-06

Tracks:

Hands
She Moves She
First Thing
My Angel Rocks Back and Forth
Spirit Fingers
Unspoken
Chia
As Serious As Your Life
And They All Look Broken Hearted
Slow Jam

Album Description

Four Tet is Kieran Hebden, and he has released eight albums between his solo Four Tet work and band efforts as Fridge. Rounds is a beautiful montage of shuffling percussion, piano, guitar and folktronic excursions. 10 tracks. Domino. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

A Milestone.......2007-01-16

Rounds changed my life and the course of my musical maturation. It is profound in its minimalism. Its rhythms play out like jazz, its composition like hip-hop, and its sentiments read like ethnic and folk music in a combination I couldn't have imagined before hearing. Caught between electronica, jazz, hip-hop, and rock, when I came across "Rounds" it was exactly what I wanted to hear in music at that given time. Infinitely creative and approachable in its humble presentation, this album should be in every modern music lover's collection.

explores the possibilities of what music can be.......2006-03-29

Rounds is a work of sonic bricolage. Unlike lesser artists, Four Tet manages to combine a jumble of sounds into beautifully-interlocking, natural, immediately comprehensible music, without any kitsch or clubby insipidness. Rounds is amazing. Buy it.

Fantastic album with benefits.......2005-06-16

Hmm, not sure if this will get posted, but:

I really enjoyed this album when I first came across it. I was into very close listening at the time, and was rewarded for my efforts. "And they all look broken hearted" is particularly rewarding for someone paying too much attention, the melodies of the strings mesh and slip in and out of synch with some jazzy improvised sounding drums. Still sends shivers down my spine when I listen to it under the influence.

On a related note, many songs on this album have turned out to be absolutely outstanding as background music for an indulgently long/sensual session of love making. Particularly hands, she moves she, my angel rocks back and forth, unspoken, and and they all look broken hearted. the music has excellent rhythms, is not too intense/grating, and flows through tantalizing progressions with ease. Incidentally it's all quite beautiful as well.

With the exception of maybe "Great Day" off the madvillain remixes, this is four tet at his greatest.

Electronic music is folk music.......2005-01-09

This album uses extensive samples of traditional/folk music and jazz, creating an intimate sound that swings back and forth between lush and sparse. There is a lot of abstraction and a lot of meandering, testing the patience of those looking for some sort of dramatic resolution in everything they hear. I find even these moments rewarding (they are reminiscent Boards of Canada). However, this does not describe the entire cd. Some tracks even qualify as "funky". I actually like these the least, but these songs ("She Moves She" and "As Serious as Your Life") have rated high on the include-on-a-magazine-compilation-o-meter, so draw your own conclusion. I highly recommend the very first track, "Hands", something I was totally unprepared for when i bought this cd. In addition, if you like the abstraction present here, definitely check out "Happiness" by Fridge.

in response to "stevemncoug1.......2004-12-17

I normally don't bother with reviews (who reads em anyways, besides you) but his bothered me. I have listened to four tet for a while, thinking their remixes of beth orton and radiohead are some of my favs. I have also listened to tortoise for a while too. While they are similar to the unlistened ear he seems to have missed the point about four tet altogether.While Four tet is jazzy-ish, tortoise is jazzy-ful, and four tet have much more groundbreaking electronica credit, which is a hard thing to accomplish this day full of electrosounds. Rounds should probably get a five star it really is incredible, full of emotion and genius. Not to make light of tortoise, they are in my heavy rotation just four tet, but four tet is a different ocean, very swimmable and very unique.

Average customer rating:

vampire pop
Halloween trip-hop
Haunted House Trip Hop
New Heroes
Darkness and its Soothing Vocal Embrace

My Big Hero
12 Rounds
Manufacturer: Interscope Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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Pleasant Smell
Error
The Attraction to All Things Uncertain
reminder.
Je M'Aime

ASIN: B000009CRT
Release Date: 1998-07-14

Tracks:

Come On In Out Of The Rain
Pleasant Smell
Sunshine
My Big Hero
Something's Burning
Where Fools Go
2 Miles
Bovine
Me Again
Mr. Johnson Take A Bow

Customer Reviews:

vampire pop.......2005-10-20

if i was asked to describe this band's peticular sound, i'd simply have two words- vampire pop. this album is a beautiful spin on the trip hop sound. the vocalist has and amazingly original rhaspy, almost drugged vocal style that slowly sucks one in and never quite lets go.

this album and this band are one of those rare gems one comes across...unfortunately the future of the band and the possibility of album number 3 look quite grim.

Halloween trip-hop.......2004-09-17

There's something creepy about 12 Rounds' "My Big Hero," which sounds like what would happen if Stereolab suddenly started making Halloween soundtracks. The music itself is a mix of eerie acoustics and ghostly trip-hop, but the nasal vocals leave a bad taste in the... well, the ear.

A heartbeat opens the album, followed by metallic twangs, before blossoming into the eerie "Come On In Out of the Rain." After a screeching electric opener, 12 Rounds switches to ballads with "Pleasant Smell," and the ethereal "My Big Hero." At the midway point, things switch gears.

After that, there's also swirling dancepop that retains the haunted feel, like "Sunshine" and the bouncy "Where Fools Go." Not to mention the metal-edged rock of "Something's Burning." And in the second half, there's a handful of indescribable songs like the weirdly eerie "2 Miles" or the sinister "Bovine," where vocalist Claudia Sarne lets rip with some howls, followed by an operatic soprano wail.

12 Rounds is a bit hard to categorize -- there are elements of pop, rock, metal, and electronica all woven together. Sure, there's a cute tinkly little piano, but there are also those searing guitar riffs in the very same song. It gives it all a very gothic, twisted feeling, like a haunted house that manages to be both beautiful and evil.

The music has a deceptively raw quality, with distortion and wavers mixed in, like the earsplitting feedback that rips out in "Pleasant Smell." The electric guitar work is quite solid, turning into a frenzied dance one moment and then a dark, steady trudge. The piano is the best of all, a faint tinkly presence that reminded me of the Dresden Dolls.

Sarne's voice is one of the drawbacks. It tends to be rather nasal at times, which is less noticeable in the heavier tracks, but in the lighter ones it's painfully obvious. But the songwriting is excellent -- it's ghastly, grisly and strangely humorous. It's pop for vampires, about blood and pain.

The horrific lyrics and solid musicianship make this an amusing listen, but Sarne's nasal vocals take some getting used to. An interesting listen, but very flawed.

Haunted House Trip Hop.......2004-06-27

This is the kind of music your grandmother would make if she was evil... evil in that kind-of-smiley way... extremely pale blue eyes,.... her clothes are old victorian lacework outfits, dusty and spiderweb ridden... and she's always hanging around up in her pitch-black attic with her victrola, sharpening her vintage silverware knives and talking/cackling to herself about manners... she also loves to dance, drink absynth, and sing in a raspy way that you could swear was sexy if you closed your eyes. Spppoooooky... good stuff, this is the kind of moody music that captures the way that I used to feel around Halloween when I was a little kid. Sorely underrated. Check it out.

New Heroes.......2004-04-03

An underrated yet very solid debut, "My Big Hero" is a delicious dark album that manages to be hypnotic, gripping and somewhat unique. This strangely captivating group of songs carry a claustrophobic and deep atmosphere, combining risky electronic soundscapes with an haunting yet addictive female voice. Released under Trent Reznor`s (Nine Inch Nails) label Nothing Records, this album is an enticing and interesting effort. Almost scary at parts due to its somewhat depressing mood (the unusual and memorable lyrics help a bit), "My Big Hero" is a record that recalls bands like Garbage (even if 12 Rounds are far darker), Curve, Lamb, Cranes, Sneaker Pimps or even some Marilyn Manson material. Unfortunately, this peculiar debut is terribly overlooked, even if it provides an absorbing meld of goth/trip-hop/industrial/rock/electronica that deserves a listen.

An unnoticed gem worth discovering.

Darkness and its Soothing Vocal Embrace.......2003-01-10

Sometimes something is released that is so utterly intoxicating in its ability to captivate and yet it is so utterly ignored that a listener finds themselves incapable of understanding the exact nature of the industry. Be it a trend spun from the straw of bad marketing campaigns (or the lack of them), or simply a lack of connection with the consumer, these little gems are treasure destined to be lost and forgotten by all save those lucky enough to find them, much to the chagrin of those wishing for a lot more. Such is the case with 12 rounds, an unfortunate victim of Nothing Record's veritable lack of remorse when it comes to any of the label's understudy acts, as can be seen with so many of their signed bands. Still, does this truly measure the worth of the performer and the wonders they generate?

To say that 12 rounds has a style all their own is an understatement inside and understatement and, in some respects, doesn't go far enough into the realms of the descriptive. Here we find a combination of genres and subclassifications, going from hellbilly and blues to more solidified versions of carnival music on psychotropics. These blend with lyrics ranging from the entrancingly bizarre to the utterly sadistic that are hidden behind the mask of Claudia Sarne's extremely intoxicating voice, managing to crisscross through the sometimes beautiful and sometimes brutal while proclaiming a vast array of things that seem almost frightening to hear from such an invigorating spring. To me that is one of the perpetual beauties of this work; its ability to grant its audience servings of something that strays beyond the realm of the mundaneness often plaguing music, and one of the reasons I recommend it highly. Personally, I like to find myself enamored and shocked at the same time.

If nothing else, I would suggest that a person go and look for something to listen to from this album and, if they don't like what they hear, go and ingest something else from the same work because of the complexity of it all. Also, if one can find it, I would further recommend they check out "Jitter Juice," a release that seems buried in the past and is actually hard to locate, as well as looking into their website for new releases (such as some soundtrack work) that they have planned.

Average customer rating:

Pulling out all the emotional stops . . .
Keeping it Country
Better than the last!
The Best CD of Tracy Byrd's Career.....So Far
COUNTRY'S STILL ALIVE!!!

Ten Rounds
Tracy Byrd
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
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The Truth About Men
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Big Love

ASIN: B00005LZR1
Release Date: 2001-07-24

Tracks:

Somebody's Dream
Just Let Me Be In Love
Ten Rounds With Jose Cuervo
Wildfire
How Much Does the World Weigh
Summertime Fever
Crazy Every Time
A Good Way To Get On My Bad Sige (with Mark Chesnutt)
Needed
Tryin' Not To Love You
Never Gonna Break Again
Keeper Of The Stars

Amazon.com

East Texas traditionalist Tracy Byrd's beefy, muscular voice had the goods and could deliver them. Everyone knew it and that's still true. That said, the faint whiff of compromise has always dogged his records. The need to satisfy marketing concerns with generic songs and arrangements consistently nudges out the edgier fare Byrd is and has always been capable of. Here, that whiff becomes a full-fledged scent. While "Somebody's Dream" succeeds as social commentary, "Ten Rounds with José Cuervo" is yet another predictable Buffettesque sing-along drinking ditty. Byrd himself chose to revive Michael Martin Murphy's 1970s whiny hippie wussfest "Wildfire," but it doesn't fit his style. He recovers with a strong performance of "Never Gonna Break Again" and an enjoyable duet with Mark Chesnutt on "A Good Way to Get on My Bad Side," with the piquant line "A little sissy in a cowboy hat ain't country." True. By the same token, a great country singer in a cowboy hat ain't well served by so much throwaway material. --Rich Kienzle

Customer Reviews:

Pulling out all the emotional stops . . ........2006-04-10

It's hard to characterize this CD because it touches so many different bases and extremes of emotions. After the stereotype-breaking lyrics of social consciousness in "Somebody's Dream," there's the poignant anthem of the aching heart, "Just Let Me Be In Love," followed by the rollicking "Ten Rounds With Jose Cuervo." The unexpected cover of the old pop hit "Wildfire" just about makes sense in this company as it embraces both folk-myth and magical realism.

And the CD just goes on like that, like a symphony orchestra hitting one big emotional chord after another until after a fed-up outlaw harange with Mark Chestnutt ("A Good Way to Get On My Bad Side"), we end on a note that mixes true love and a nod to the Higher Power ("Keeper of the Stars"). This is pull-out-all-the-stops sentiment, not for the faint-hearted, and Bryd sings it for all it's worth.

Keeping it Country.......2002-10-17

Tracy Byrd has yet another hit album, Ten Rounds. As your driving in your car listening to this CD there won't be a single track that you want to skip over. Ten Rounds has the perfect the perfect blend of Byrd's soft and sweet ballads; in addition to, toe-tapping country bogie. Tracy Byrd recreates such classics as "Wildfire" and "Ten Rounds with Jose Cuervo" with superior musical abilities. This CD is most definatley made for the working class and those who aren't ashamed to be country. With songs such as "How Much Does the World Weigh" and "Somebody's Dream" you are reminded that life is a precious thing and to carpe diem. The CD also celebrates love with songs like "Just Let Me Be In Love." and "Needed." To remind all of his fans of how great he is, released "Keeper of the Stars." for this album. This hit single was his claim to fame and paved his way to his very triumphant career. You can feel the emotion of his words as he eloquently sings in his strong voice. Mark Chesnutt joined Byrd on the album for the duet "A Good Way to Get On My Bad Side." In this sizzling single Byrd and Chesnutt show their distain toward [dishonest] politicians, boy bands, and country [imitator]. This CD is a sure hit for all those who appreciate true country.

Better than the last!.......2002-08-20

I love Tracy Byrds music and have from 1993's self titled album. He's got a real western swing/cowboy/traditional country sound.

I love Somebodys's Dream it's a Chris LeDoux kind of Cowboy Rock swing song.
Ten Rounds is the Jimmy Buffet-esque party song you have to dance to.
His rendition Michael Martin Murphys wildfire is better than the original, and manlier too!
Summertime Fever is Watermelon Crawl-esque and I am not crazy about it.
A good Way to get on my Badside is a great in your face manly song to sing with your buddies.
The way I see it youve got 11 new songs and a better Keeper of the Stars.
I like 10 of the new songs and just bought his first album to get the Keeper of the Stars. So I am estatic about it all.
The only song I can't get excited about is Summertime Fever.

The Best CD of Tracy Byrd's Career.....So Far.......2002-08-06

Tracy Byrd has recorded and released the best CD of his career. "Ten Rounds" is both musically and lyrically the most consistent album Tracy has produced. There is not a single song that is not likeable and listenable.

I started listening to this CD ... when it was first released. It is perfect for driving because it just flows perfectly from country rockers to slow romantic ballads to fun party songs.

The best single release off this CD is "Just Let Me Be In Love" which was a top 10 ten hit last winter for Tracy. He produced a cool video which took off immediately on CMT. This song returned Tracy to the radio playlists and rejuvinated his career. The latest hit song is "Ten Rounds of Jose Cuervo" which has just reached the top ten also. This song is a real crowd pleaser and perfect in a bar or concert setting.

My other favorites from this release are "Tryin' Not to Love You", "Somebody's Dream" and "Crazy Every Time". This CD "Ten Rounds" is Tracy Byrd's second RCA Records release and it has brought back this wonderful musician and vocalist to the spotlight in which he belongs in. Tracy is one of the best performers in country music today.

Trust me, buy yourself a copy of "Ten Rounds" put it in the player, kick back and enjoy!

COUNTRY'S STILL ALIVE!!!.......2002-07-18

There are a few still around trying to keep the country sound from being merged with pop pap, and Tracy Byrd's one of them. This is a really strong album. "Ten Rounds With Jose Cuervo" is a natural party song, one ranks with Tom T Hall's "I Like Beer".

Then at the other end of the stick, there's "Somebody's Dream", a truly serious type song that definitely works here.

Then there's the duet with Mark Chesnutt, "A Good Way To Get On My Bad Side". Definitely enjoyable.

I think I'd pick "Never Gonna Break Again" as my favorite here, but really, they're all good...well, maybe "Wildfire" was unnecessary, but other than that, there's hardly a song you'd want to skip here.

Average customer rating:

My favorite Libana CD...
A Little Better Than A Circle Is Cast
Uplifting, singable music
Fire Within
Looking For a while to find this again!

Fire Within
Libana
Manufacturer: Ladyslipper
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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A Circle Is Cast
Night Passage
Goddess Chant
Let It Begin Now
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ASIN: B0000000A2
Release Date: 1994-07-26

Tracks:

Fire Within
Hotaru Koi
Treeplanter's Round
Con El Viento
Good Friends
Kona Kai Opua I Ka Lai
O Virgo Splendens
Rise Up O Flame
Neesa
Lullaby
Clear Horizon
OdeTo Contentment
I Will Be Gentle With Myself
Now I Walk In Beauty
Be Like A Bird
Lo Yisa Goy
Kwaheri
And She Will Rise

Customer Reviews:

My favorite Libana CD..........2002-07-09

I've been into Libana for over 10 years, and this is by far my favorite, even surpassing "A Circle is Cast." The songs are easy to chant/sing along to and are life/earth affirming, rhythmic and soothing. I particularly am fond of Treeplanter's Round, Con el Viento, Lullaby, Ode to Contentment, Now I Walk in Beauty, and most especially, Be Like a Bird. Even my husband has begun to appreciate Libana through this CD, which is a real breakthrough.

A Little Better Than A Circle Is Cast.......2002-06-05

Just like their other album, it includes songs about the Judeo-Christian Deity. If I wanted that I'd buy one of the countless albums about Jesus! And like A Circle Is Cast the songs are too short and somewhat hard to understand.

To be honest, Libana kind of reminds me of Enya who I'm also not crazy about.

Uplifting, singable music.......2002-03-12

I bought the cassette maybe ten years ago and fell in love. There is a guided meditation, some great circle chants and even a girl scout campfire song! Feminine without being offensively feminist, and somehow delivering the feeling of being very personal. I wish I understood the Spanish: Con El Viento is lovely. Music translates well into other philosophies (some come from other philosophies). Buy it, you'll like it!

Fire Within.......2001-11-24

Some of the songs are great for meditatng

Looking For a while to find this again!.......2000-05-02

I Came to this site just to find this. The Chants in this CD are addictive. I was given this as a gift years ago. My daughter needs music to get up in the morning and has mood disorders: I am getting this CD after knowing its postive effects on my son ten years ago. We also played it alot in the car, it seems to keep the chilren calm and they learn its lyrics which are life/soul focused.This is alot healthier stuff than turning on your local radio station for a child.

Average customer rating:

Sonorous Beauty

Nightshade Rounds: Virtuoso

Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez; Villa-Lobos: Concerto for guitar; Ponce: Concierto del sur

ASIN: B000002SQ9
Release Date: 1994-04-12

Tracks:

Five Bagatelles: I Allegro
Five Bagatelles: II Lento
Five Bagatelles: III Alla cubana
Five Bagatelles: IV =126c.
Five Bagatelles: V Con slancio
Nightshade Rounds
Preludes For Piano: I Allegro ben ritmato e deciso
Preludes For Piano: II Andante con moto e poco rubanto
Clocks
English Suite: Folk Songs
Nocturnal: I Musingly
Nocturnal: II Very agitated
Nocturnal: III Restless
Nocturnal: IV Uneasy
Nocturnal: V March-Like
Nocturnal: VI Dreaming
Nocturnal: VII Gently Rocking
Nocturnal: VIII Passacaglia

Customer Reviews:

Sonorous Beauty.......2007-03-10

When I first listened to Nightshade Rounds, I didn't find it all that great. Good, but not great.
But, like so many things that are sublime, you must experience them more than once to fully appreciate them. That was the case for me with this recording. Each time that I listen to it I like it more.
If you like solo "classical" guitar music, Sharon Isbin is a master and this is a must have recording.

Average customer rating:

NearLy : An Effort Worth Supporting
Dark and sultry, moody with a purpose
Drones And Ambient Lullabies Of The Alternative World
Unexpected, trippy and bombastic
A dark, twisted, and haunting journey

reminder.
Nearly
Manufacturer: KUFALA Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Rock | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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Straight to Nowhere
Every Day Is Exactly The Same
2 A.M. Wakeup Call
The Attraction to All Things Uncertain
Error

ASIN: B000CNEYT8
Release Date: 2005-12-20

Tracks:

one day i was gone
straight to nowhere
all is lost
liars day
prins hendrik
mary vincent
blackwing
step into the light
wrong
up in the trees
tributary
release

Product Description

NearLYâs debut album âreminderâ is a unique collection of songs that are tied together by various musical and lyrical threads. Baroque strings and acoustic instrumentation are merged with aggressive bombastic drums and bass for a hollow and hauntingly seductive record that takes you on an isolating journey.

Customer Reviews:

NearLy : An Effort Worth Supporting.......2007-07-10

For a long time it seemed as though Claude Sarne (of 12 Rounds acclaim) had fallen off the face of the Earth and that she wouldn't be making any more music. 12 Rounds had completed their addition to the Princess and the Warrior soundtrack, had gone back into the studio to make another album, and had found that their next album wouldn't be released. That seemed like a tragedy, too, because she had a vocal style that made her unique and perhaps one of the best vocalists I had ever heard. That was a shame on the band front, too, because Jitter Juice and My Big Hero had been beautiful hits that suffered from the lack of fanfare more than anything. Jermone Dillion was the person that brought that voice back from the edge of obscurity, however, allowing C.Sarne a platform from which to create music. He had worked with Nine Inch Nails for a while, creating music for them, and 12 Rounds had been in the stable of performers for Nothing Records for a time and perhaps that was why he recruited her. He wrote most of the songs and the music, combining his efforts with her every now and again but mostly utilizing her voice as an instrument, and NearLY was born.
And what a beautiful birth it was.

When I first heard Reminder, I marveled at how good it was and I wondered why I hadn't heard about it earlier. Here was something that was stark, somewhat moody and bleak, and beautiful all in the same breath and had really been overlooked. Many of the songs seemed to reach in and pull out a melodic underpinning of something both brooding and slowly paced and building, and a few of the songs step back and add in pieces of instrumentation that are really complimentary to the voice of Claudia Sarne in surprising ways. The thing that really makes the band is that voice, too, with C.Sarne's ability to create something of a hybridization that sounds like something electronically dark, something thriving in the backroom of a juke joint, and something that perhaps comes from the heart of a jilted lover. Normally I would pick out a song to compliment that point as well, but almost every song on the album is worth mentioning because of the ambiance created by the performance and because it really isn't another copycat recording.
It really is hard to find something flawed to comment on in this album.

The sad thing about the band is that, now, it seems like this will be the last thing to come from them. There is Reminder itself, the single it birthed as a companion, and the live DVD/CD that compliments it. Although not specifically tied into Reminder or the single, the live CD is a good thing to pick up if you like what you find here, because it shows the efforts of the band as a live act and it has one of the last 12 Rounds songs ever made by Claude Sarne. Regardless, this is a good investment and a beautiful work, sadly making its mark on listeners but not getting enough publicity.

Reminder is a highly recommended selection that has been sadly overlooked.

Dark and sultry, moody with a purpose.......2006-12-14

I was recently introduced to Nearly, and became an instant fan. The mood is similar to 'Requiem For A Dream' but a substantial amount of bluesy attitude added to it while remaining true to an electronic/industrial background. 'Reminder' is a dark CD, for reflective and changeable listening experience. It's definitely a mood piece, with a lot of talent to back up the implied gloom, and more than a bit of spirit inside the despondent tones. You'll be stuck whether to classify this as industrial, electronic, classical, blues, or an eclectic mix of all of the above, but at any rate, you won't be able to classify it as inelegant or dull.

'One Day I Was Gone', the starting piece, holds some darkly classical notations. The mood reminds me of the mood from The Kronos Quartet's 'Requiem For A Dream'. 'Straight To Nowhere' has a more spirited and brazen beat, with lyrics that speak to me of hope despite the ennui. 'All Is Lost' is airless, shadowy, and depressing, with beautifully echoing drumbeats and strangely bitter lyrics of inner strength in spite of internal weaknesses.

'Liar's Day' is an instrumental, filled with gorgeous piano and guitar work that sets a dark mood of melancholy bordering on hopelessness. 'Prins Hendrik' starts with some casual acoustical guitar rifts, contains fantastic bluesy sounds, a strange song of love and caring through ennui, and showcases Claudia's sultry voice. 'Mary Vincent' speaks of love remaining after loss, a rather torchy song.

'Blackwing' is a short instrumental with sounds of rainfall accompanied with soft piano, while darker instrumentals set the mood. 'Step Into The Light' is a rather more standard and (somewhat) lighter torch song, the only song where Claudia sings duet. 'Wrong' is a haunting melody of self-awareness and melancholy. I have this image of walking alone on a beach wondering where I fit into the universe. It's very short but very poignant.

'Up In The Trees' is also quite short. It starts dark, ends dark, and is filled with thoughts of endings. The lyrics are whispered underneath the music, you'll have to listen hard or perhaps look them up on a lyrics website. 'Tributary' is a brighter follow up, 'Trees' almost sounding like a dark prelude to the acoustical intro of 'Tributary', in which the beat, the lyrics, and the uplifted mood are almost designed to bring you out of those dark trees you just wandered through.

'Release', an instrumental, has a foreboding, throbbing entry that leads to some thoughtful rifts, and from there builds into a crescendo of anticipatory sounds that leave you holding your breath till the end.

'Reminder' is dark, yet somehow singer Claudia Sarne has this way of lighting a candle at the end of your tunnel. 'Nearly' holds remnants of NIN, via drummer Jerome Dillon. The influence is certainly present, but the uniqueness of 'Nearly' doesn't smack of imitation. You'll probably notice some of the percussion similarities, adding to mood, but that is where the connection ends and fantasy takes flight on gossamer wings.

My recommendation: If you like dark and moody, and enjoyed the beats of NIN and/or the sounds of 'Requiem For A Dream', you should do yourself a favor and grab up this audiophile's treasure. Enjoy!

Drones And Ambient Lullabies Of The Alternative World.......2006-07-31

Jerome Dillon is exceptionally one of the most valuable musicians all over the globe and similarly nearLY is one of the most precious results of 'good' teamworking. From the beginning to the end, 'reminder' takes you under its wings, lets you fly over the oceans of tears, trees of memories and emotions. This album is solely prepared for the inner worlds of what we call 'human beings'.

The accompanying vocals, the drones and even the tiniest chimes add incredible amounts of passion, desire, grudge and apetite to the eagerly ambitious work of Jerome Dillon and this is reflected in any manner throughout the tracks of the album.

Although the whole album is an instant classic, I cannot keep myself from repeating 'Step into the Light' (a fine tribute to Afghan Whigs), 'Up In The Trees', 'Tributary' and 'Release' which nearLY makes up the closing part of the album.

I highly recommend this album to anyone carrying a heart which has already forgotten how to beat. Jerome Dillon's mind is full of drones and ambient lullabies of the alternative world and he knows how to reflect this world to us.

Unexpected, trippy and bombastic.......2006-05-31

You may be familiar with the Nine Inch Nails drummer (and sometimes guitarist) Jerome Dillon. NearLY is Dillon's new project inspired by some recurring nightmares that he had for over six years (starting during his tour with NIN in 1999). First off, don't expect anything like Nine Inch Nails whatsoever. NearLY is a completely different entity.

Dillon is responsible for much of the instrumentation on the album. He plays pretty much everything from piano to electric and acoustic guitars, drums, percussion, dobro, ukulele, and Mellotrons; and he also handles the programming, ambience, and string arrangements. He's supported by a rich array of guests, including the amazing female and male vocalists Claudia Sarne and Greg Dulli respectively (it's mostly Sarne singing though). The outstanding violin contribution of Petra Haden is also worthy of mention.

Most of the songs are within the four-minute range, with some clocking in at less than two minutes. The music is in the post-rock mold focusing on minimalistic soundscapes that are highlighted by lots of non-metal instruments such as cellos, violas, and violins as well as wide percussive elements. Whilst Dillon performs most instruments, he chose to enlist the amazing vocal skills of Claudia Sarne whose angelic, fragile voice fits the pieces perfectly. After a dense start with various strings that help set the mood, Sarne's vocals float softly over Dillon's heavily reverb-induced acoustic guitars, eerie rhythms and cellos on "Straight to Nowhere". However, the following track "All is Lost" has an even more melancholic feel to it that recalls the earlier Dead Can Dance albums with live drums (there is plenty of programmed beats on the album as well). The heavy ambience during the intro of "Liars Day" evokes the dense atmospherics on Tool's "Flood" off Undertow. It's a song with sparse keys and a densely atmospheric undercurrent we mostly hear on Ulver's soundtrack albums.

"Prins Hendrik" and "Mary Vincent" are two songs that are not only musically riveting but lyrically as well. The theme of loss of innocence is perfectly portrayed by Sarne's ghostly vocals on the former (complete with a distant guitar tapestry), while the Mellotron-inserted "Mary Vincent" was inspired by a kidnapped girl who was raped and murdered violently at the age of sixteen. "Step into the Light", originally a song by Afghan Whigs, features both Claudia Sarne and the tune's original singer Greg Dulli. And it's perhaps the most emotional cut on the album along with the brief instrumental "Blackwing" whose piano work is right up there with Sigur Ros' () masterpiece; or the multi-textured soundscapes heard on "Up in the Trees" (much like something I'd expect from Ulver frontman Garm). "Tributary" goes back to trippy and electronic beats that underlie a deep acoustic guitar sound. A bit like later day The Gathering, the song is filled with sounds fabricated from Dillon's dreams. "Release", perhaps the most fitting title, is the album's final track: sporadic throbs, numbing guitar drills, and ethereal production.

Two months ago, when I first heard Reminder, I thought it was barely mediocre. Now, after patient repeat listens, I'm happy I could reach into its depths and discover Dillon's amazing skill for atmosphere and melody. I would recommend NearLY moreso to fans of Radiohead, Sigur Ros, Dead Can Dance, Ulver and No-Man rather than Nine Inch Nails.

A dark, twisted, and haunting journey.......2006-04-27

The Good
The haunting strings of "One Day I was Gone" signifies the beginning on Dillon's nightmare. "Straight to Nowhere" continues the journey with fuzzy guitar tones, piercing keyboards, and eerie vocals courtesy of Claudia Sarne. "All is Lost" relies on down tempo rhythms with hints of crashing drums and guitars. Acoustic guitars set the tone for the spine chilling track "Prins Hendrik." The progressive instrumental "Blackwing" elicits the feeling of being trapped in an unknown place, not knowing how to escape. "Step Into the Light" is a remake of an Afghan Wigs song. It's just as dark as anything else on the album. Tributary sets the stage for the conclusion of Dillon's nightmare, and "Release" signifies his demise.

The Bad
The album cover and the way the band name and album title are presented sure do remind you of something Nine Inch Nails would do.

The Verdict
:Reminder is a dark, twisted, and haunting journey into the mind of a once tortured soul. Don't expect anything like Nine Inch Nails.

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35 unmistakable tracks
Wonderful
The Different Drummer We Once Were
For those who love the music
Moondog

Moondog

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music

Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Minimal Techno | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000026QJ
Release Date: 1989-07-20

Tracks:

Madrigals: Rounds And Canons: No. 12-Nero's Expedition
Madrigals: Rounds And Canons: No. 13-No, The Wheel Was Never Invented
Madrigals: Rounds And Canons: No. 14-With My Wealth
Madrigals: Rounds And Canons: No. 15-This Student Of Life
Madrigals: Rounds And Canons: No. 16-Some Trust All
Madrigals: Rounds And Canons: No. 17-Wine, Woman And Song
Madrigals: Rounds And Canons: No. 18-Sadness
Madrigals: Rounds And Canons: No. 19-Maybe
Madrigals: Rounds And Canons: No. 20-Each Today Is Yesterday's Tomorrow
Madrigals: Rounds And Canons: No. 21-Imagine
Madrigals: Rounds And Canons: No. 22-You The Vandal
Madrigals: Rounds And Canons: No. 23-Trees Against The Sky
Madrigals: Rounds And Canons: No. 24-Behold
Madrigals: Rounds And Canons: No. 25-Sparrow
Madrigals: Rounds And Canons: No. 26-Pastoral

Customer Reviews:

35 unmistakable tracks.......2005-02-24

You don't need to buy the double-disc "Moondog 1 & 2" to hear the two albums - all that music can also be heard on this (75 minute) single disc.
Even though the only cover art of this edition is the original front cover of the 1969 "Moondog" (no original back-cover thereof nor any art from the 1971 "Moondog II",) all 35 tracks are nicely crammed in here.
What's listed under "Listen to samples" on the amazon page are only the last 20 tracks of this CD and all titles are linked to the wrong tracks.

"Moondog I" (tracks 1-9) opens with "Theme" and "Stomping Ground" - two somewhat coherent pieces which a few years ago were made quite famous through the soundtrack of Coen Brothers' wonderful movie "The Big Lebowski." The album features a 50+ piece orchestra, which, among other greats, includes jazz veterans Don Butterfield (tuba) and Ron Carter (double bass.) In the list of personnel, Moondog is not credited for playing percussion, but the bass, which I assume is a misprint.
The beautiful Charlie Parker homage "Lament I: Bird's Lament" is here performed in its original form, but can also be found on the 1994 Moondog recording "Sax Pax For a Sax" on only saxes and percussion.
The orchestral performances on "Moondog I" aren't flawless, but should not be judged harshly because of the very personal, highly individual, and wonderfully eccentric form of compositions that they are. Budget, which is a very common issue when it comes to orchestral recordings, is another element that probably has not allowed much rehersing or many (if any) re-takes.

Before ordering this disc I knew that I'd love "Moondog I" since I'd heard most of it previously, but I was skeptical towards "Moondog II" because of some reviews I'd read of it. I was however curious, and listening to it when it had arrived was a very nice surprise.
Aside from performances by Louis "Moondog" Hardin (percussion, piano, vocals) and his daughter June (vocals,) "Moondog II" features 6 other musicians who, at different points throughout the album, play virginals, recorders, harpsichords, ancient organs, guitars, schom, viola de gamba, and troubadour harp. These instruments alone make a very individual sound, but the compositions (many of which are in 5/4 and 5/8) and the poetry make this the most wonderful group of rounds (short vocal canons) you've ever heard.

In my 600+ CD collection, this is among my favorites.

Wonderful.......2004-01-26

Beautiful, quirky, fascinating. A combination of classical, jazz, and improv, this collection made me close my eyes and just feel the music. Interspersed with several of Hardin's two-line poems as punctuation, the musical pieces are truly a wonder.

The Different Drummer We Once Were.......2004-01-05

I bought this album because of a memory, but the music stands up remarkably well to a more objective listening.

It was my first trip to New York City, and my father approached the wildly-dressed, tall and intiimidating figure standing on the corner of 56th St. and 7th Ave. They conversed in Norwegian long enough for me to draw nearer and realize the stranger represented no threat. In fact, I left with a book of hs canons, which remains in my collection of piano literature to this day.

I met Moondog once again--serendipitously, on Milwaukee's Wisconsin Avenue one day in the seventies. I have no idea how he got there or how he left, but this time I wanted to protect him from the insensitive pedestrians swirling around us and threatening our shared moment.

Moondog's music is as singular as he is, and offers a glimpse into his creative spirit. It begins with an idea and a form, not with an emotion or sentiment. Each piece is simple and brief, but not simplistic or fragmentary. He avoids any form of dissonance, even seventh chords and "blue" notes (flatted thirds). Music, like life, he seems to be saying, can be a straightforward, delighting adventure, providing one cherishes the quest itself above its so-called object and maintains a focused attention on the wonders of the present moment.

My only slight disappointment with this recording is that the madrigals, sung by Moondog and his daughter, are subjected to some studio effects that make them sound more artificial and commercial than they deserve to be.

For those who love the music.......2003-11-29

It is simple, it is clear, it is wonderful! I don`t know what style is this. Some people call it `jazz`, but second disc is strongly attached to european madrigal canons. I think, if we listen really good music, we never asked about styles. I heard familiar tunes from Tchaikovsky to Resident`s Duck Stab. You must have this if you`re music lover. If you`re musician (who plays music, dont `have a job`) you must have it too. Listen once or twise, if you don`t like it, simply put it on the shelf. Properly time will come.
P.S. My favorite `I love you` and `Nero`s Expedition`

Moondog.......2002-05-16

I was in the St. Thomas Boys Choir in the early 70's. We would walk to church for rehearsal, and pass Moondog, standing on the corner, usually by the ABC building. A couple of us would talk to him in our free time...he knew our names by our voices. We would listen to his poetry, and he seemed intigued by our choir, although he never heard us, I think. I got his album around this time, and have had it ever since. Fascinating pieces, very intricate, but also with "a hook"...that you find yourself humming along with. I heard he moved to Germany, where he wrote a nine hour canon. Overall, an amazing life story, and an incredible talent.

Luciano Berio: The Complete Works for Solo Piano - David Arden

Average customer rating:

y-y-yawwwn!
Some people just don't like modern music
Technically Brilliant...
the piano?not where Berio's imagination bears fruit.

Luciano Berio: The Complete Works for Solo Piano - David Arden

Manufacturer: New Albion Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Luciano Berio: Corale (Sequenza VIII), for Violin, 2 Horns & Strings / Chemins II (Sequenza VI) / Chemins IV (Sequenza VII) / Ritorno degli Snovidenia, for Cello & Small Orchestra / "Points on the Curve to Find...", for Piano & 22 Instrumentalists - Pierre Boulez
Luciano Berio: The String Quartets
Luciano Berio: Laborintus 2
20/21 - Berio: Sequenzas / Ensemble InterContemporain
Berio: Voci

ASIN: B000000R4D
Release Date: 1996-11-08

Tracks:

Cinque Variazioni
Wasserklavier
Sequenza IV
Rounds
Erdenklavier
Luftklavier
Feuerklavier
Brin
Leaf
Pettite Suite: Prelude
Pettite Suite: Petite Air
Pettite Suite: Gavotte
Pettite Suite: Petite Air II
Pettite Suite: Gigue

Amazon.com

Though Italian composer Luciano Berio is best known for his Sinfonia, this collection of his solo piano compositions is a decisive overview of his musical achievements. The centerpiece is the fourth of Berio's Sequenzas, a series of virtuoso-level compositions written for solo performers. Pianist David Arden takes one of Berio's most gently clustered works to new levels, making the long, sustained note shine while fast, bolting notes leap around the resonant echoes. Arden's execution presages Berio's long-form compositions, especially the numerous juxtapositions that Arden presents so beautifully. Jumps in dynamics from quiet to loud and light to heavy occur in all of Berio's shorter compositions. And for those who like a bit of tradition, Berio's first solo piano composition, Petite Suite (1947), closes this recording. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

y-y-yawwwn!.......2005-06-25

This music i cannot hear it is boring unlike cage or stockhausen or ligeti ok? My parents are entrepeneurs musicales bassoon and dulcimers

oh i'm jeannette i am 6

Some people just don't like modern music.......2003-06-11

The last reviewer gave this CD one star, complained of Arden's repertoire choice, and, I assume, would be equally unhappy if Arden played Ligeti or Stockhausen or even Stravinsky. Some people just don't like modern music. Too bad. This recording is great if you've got ears.

Technically Brilliant..........2002-01-06

David Arden is a world class musician from San Diego, California. His keyboard mastery is evident throughout the entire CD. Arden's choice to record Berio compositions, however, is unfortunate.

the piano?not where Berio's imagination bears fruit........2000-04-22

Luciano Berio's imagination for music expression was uncontestably the human voice, and he has contributed greatly and profoundly in that genre, not only Sinfonia, which really is not a work for the singing virtuoso voice, but his Epifanie Coro, the Sequenza #3, Circles,FolkSong arrangements,Calmo,Canticum Novissimi Testamenti, as well as two Operas,In Re Ascolto, the early tape works Visage, Omaggio a Joyce,for which his wife(now deceased) Cathy Berberian played such a collaborative role. Adorno once said somewhere that a creator pays a price to attenuate their creativity,and I believe Berio paid that price in not writing interesting piano music. The early Five Variations actually for my money is his best piece here in this fine collection. And there we find expressionist designs from the early 1950s,with bare,raw lines,usually two voices pitted against each other. His music then still revealed his immaturity, but that perhaps renderes these Variations all the more interesting in this sonic exposure by happenstance rather than vision, or some call it intuition. The Piano Sequenza he wrote after having experienced Stockhausen's impressive Klavierstuck, and Berio's piano hasn't nearly the sonic scope,shape, nor textural or structural design of complexity of the Stockhausen. I am keeping well in front of me the Berio aesthetic when I'm comparing with Herr Stockhausen. The other piano works were dedications Erdenklavier,Leaf to professors who he got to know during his numerous residencies at universities across the United States,so this music is like birthday celebration,token gifts and conversational pieces,goodbye pieces, thanks for the memeory pieces. The Piano Sequenza however has fascinating features with its dialectic of dialogue between two sonic opposites the struck chord to the arpeggiated one. And the fact that Berio knew how to pace his materials, foreshadowing, and short changing his phrases saving the musical argument for downstream. This Sequenza admirably does that.

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Classics Explained: Rite of Spring
Stravinsky , Rahbari , and Brt Po Brussels
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Instructional | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Classics Explained: Pastoral Symphony
An Introduction to Ravel's "Boléro" and "Ma mère l'oye"
Symphony 9: Introduction to Dvorak
An Introduction to Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2
Classics Explained: Brandenburg Concertos 4 & 5

ASIN: B00007FPFN
Release Date: 2003-07-15

John Playford's Popular Tunes - The Broadside Band

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John Playford's Popular Tunes - The Broadside Band
John Playford , Jeremy Barlow , Alastair McLachlan , Rosemary Thorndycraft , George Weigand , and The Broadside Band
Manufacturer: Amon Ra
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

English Country Dances from Playford's Dancing Master 1651-1703 - The Broadside Band
English Country Dances
Popular Tunes in 17th Century England /Broadside Band * Barlow
The King's Noyse, dir. David Douglass: Royal Delight: 17th Century Ballads & Dances
English Country Dances

ASIN: B000002047
Release Date: 1994-01-04

Tracks:

Greenwood/Heart's Ease/Excuse Me
Lady Catherine Ogle/The Scotchman's Dance/Never Love Thee More/Miller's Jig
The Granadees March/Saraband
Lady Hatton's Almaine/Prins Robbert
Lilli Burlero
Parthenia/Corant 'La Chabott'/Jocobella
Paul's Steeple
The Lady Nevils Delight/The Whisk/A New Rigaudon
An Italian Rant/Bouzer Castle
Childgrove/Mr. Lane's Minuet/Up With Aily/Chesire Rounds/Hunt The Squirrel

Music:

Music