Music

Average customer rating:

Ony one world
sublime
Uplifting, absolutely beautiful!!
Disappointing
Deva Premal Embrace

Embrace
Deva Premal
Manufacturer: White Swan
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Essence
Dakshina
Love Is Space
Songs for the Inner Lover
Kirtan: The Art and Practice of Ecstatic Chant

ASIN: B000066RG4
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Tracks:

Om Tare
Om Namo Bhagavate
Hari Om Shiva Om
Om Ram Ramaya
Shree Ram Jai Ram
Shante Prashante
Rang De
Teyata

Amazon.com

Deva ("Deva" is a Hindu title for divine) Premal has attracted a following by framing ancient Hindu mantras within atmospheric, contemporary settings. The result on Embrace, her third release, is at times flavorful, at other times undistinguished, but it produces more intriguing moments than duds. On occasion, Premal aspires to Enya-like reverence (e.g., tracks 2 and 4), then elsewhere coos her ancient text atop gentle grooves and jazzy flutes (tracks 3 and 6) in a manner suggestive of Deep Forest. Some might describe it as "smooth chant." Highlights include "Shree Ram Jai Ram," a beautifully realized cross-pollination of East and West (highlighted by Kit Walker's free-floating piano and Premal's resonant choir of voices) that hints at what Joni Mitchell might create if she tried her hand at Eastern music. --Terry Wood

Album Description

EMBRACE, the long awaited new album from Deva Premal, finds this best-selling singer at the height of her art, expressing the ancient wisdom of mantra through a contemporary musical vision. Her radiant voice, richer and more assured than ever before, floats above a cool, sensual groove provided by some of today's finest world fusion artists and producers Miten and Kit Walker (Walela, Kitaro, Neal Schon).

Deva Premal enthralled audiences worldwide with THE ESSENCE and LOVE IS SPACE. That phenomenal success continues with EMBRACE. Its relaxed, uplifting feel and elegant sense of space can only heighten the spell already cast by this mantra enchantress.

"Majestic, deep and full of love," Deva Premal's EMBRACE is a lovely and moving next chapter from an artist whose incredible potential is only beginning to unfold.

Album Description

Deva Premal's Embrace expands on the Eastern Indian fusion and ethereal vocals of her previous work, combining timeless mantras with contemporary arrangements. Innocent, soothing and laid-back. Features 8 tracks of sensual music for yoga, packaged in a slipcase. White Swan. 2004.

Customer Reviews:

Ony one world.......2007-07-17

If I have only one world for this CD, that world would be:

GREAT

I love this woman, her voice is so perfect, strong and clear...

sublime.......2006-11-12

Being Indian I started on this CD with trepidation, expecting a western pop version of indian chants. But Deva produces an authentic bhakti experience and dissolved my fear. Her music, though somewhat different from my past Indian experience, blissfully conveys the Spirit that are the words themselves. In India it is said that if one has bhakti in the heart then the singing of and about the Names will convey the inhernt bliss, irrespective of all else.
Listen to this CD and feel the bliss.

Uplifting, absolutely beautiful!!.......2006-09-02

I think this is one of Deva's best...her voice, the music are all deeply moving and wonderful...there are solemm pieces and also joyful ones that literally make me dance! Lots of drumming and even a little jazzy at times...I could listen to this CD over and over again and I never tire of it!!

Disappointing.......2006-06-08

I found this disc disappointing compared to Deva's brilliant first CD entitled The Essence - which is a must have. What seems strange to me is that she is on the inside cover touching Buddha's chest, while the first track sounds like make-out music. Hmmmm.... For what it's worth, an Indian Brahmin confirmed that some of the mantras are concoctions, too, which does not really set a good precedent. People copy Deva's chanting in their kirtans and in this respect her work is influential. Although being innovative can be commendable, spiritual traditional chants are, in my opinion, off limits for whimsical changes. I wish she would get her mantras from reliable sources in the future.

Hard core Deva fans won't notice, of course, and will love this.

Deva Premal Embrace.......2006-03-20

I really like this choice of music for practicing yoga at home. It makes the time fly by when during my yoga workout and the music is appropriate and calming.

Average customer rating:

Marches to his own electronic drums
Just Takes Some Getting Used To...
Thom Yorke and Billy Corgan
I'm gonna be brave
Alright.

TheFutureEmbrace
Billy Corgan
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mary Star of the Sea
MACHINA/The Machines of God
Blinking with Fists: Poems
Smashing Pumpkins - Greatest Hits Video Collection
Adore

ASIN: B0009G018Q
Release Date: 2005-06-21

Tracks:

All Things Change
Mina Loy (M.O.H.)
The CameraEye
ToLoveSomebody
A100
DIA
Now (And Then)
I'm Ready
Walking Shade
Sorrows (in blue)
Pretty, pretty STAR
Strayz

Amazon.com

Odd it may seem, Billy Corgan is wearing his heart on his extremely long sleeve, in his first proper solo album since dismantling the Smashing Pumpkins five years ago. Maybe it took that long to process the enormity of that loss, since The Future Embrace sounds like nothing so much as a break-up album. But having said that, it's rather difficult to determine whether it's the absence of James Iha, Jimmy Chamberlain, and D'Arcy Wretzky or just something much more mundane than the shattering of an affair of the heart that his sent him on this 12-song confessional. To his extreme credit, Corgan isn't trying to obscure his pain and uncertainty behind layers of guitar distortion and sonic dissonance the way he did with the Pumpkins, instead he's employed a rather restrained hand as he tries to work his way out of this psychic maze of his own making, cavorting with the ghosts of his past, present and future on such kinetic panoramas as "All Things Change," "DIA," or the rather wrenching "The Camera Eye," where the musician wrestles with his fear of aging, his burgeoning religiosity as and the necessity of transformation. Don't miss Robert Smith singing rather angular back-ups on the Bee Gee's skewed ode to love, "You Don't Know What It's Like." A tremendous and noble effort from a major talent. --Jaan Uhelszki

Album Description

The first solo album ever released by Billy Corgan-the revered singer/songwriter/guitarist whose groundbreaking work with The Smashing Pumpkins defined modern rock-is shockingly affirmative, even romantic. Corgan's most intimate set of songs yet, the hauntingly beautiful TheFutureEmbrace brings together Corgan's astonishing past and promising present.

Customer Reviews:

Marches to his own electronic drums.......2007-04-15

The song "All Things Change" could sum up just about anybody's life, and for Billy Corgan, it seems to sum up his new musical direction as a solo artist. Right away the clipped electronic drums and Cure-ish background synth sound that drenches the atmosphere indicates this won't be the The Smashing Pumpkins - Greatest Hits. Still, the following tune, "Mina Loy (M.O.H.)," does have a latter-day Pumpkinesque vibe, with its shrill background guitars and exciting yet downbeat aura: "Can I give my old heart to you?" wails Corgan's voice, just above the din of a swirling mess of guitars.

Speaking of the Cure (see Disintegration), Robert Smith adds his morbid background vocal to the interesting cover tune "To Love Somebody," written by Barry and Robin Gibb (see The Bee Gees - Their Greatest Hits: The Record). And Corgan's old pal Jimmy Chamberlain of the Pumpkins provides the sparse drumming on "Dia," one of the album's more unremarkable selections. "Now (And Then)," however, might be the best song on the CD, a slow dirge with pleasingly atmospheric guitars and echoey vocals.

Despite the sheen of "TheFutureEmbrace," the album's grittiness comes from Corgan himself, who bares his soul in the lyrics and sound he chose to create. This isn't a commercial-sounding album, and Corgan seems just fine with conveying art that's more cutting-edge. On the album's sparse and simple closer, "Strayz," Corgan sums up the bold mentality that's always served him well: "You know I'm true/I wasn't born to follow." Still, though Corgan's heart-on-his-sleeve approach has always worked for him (and his fans), "TheFutureEmbrace" might suffer some from a sonically impersonal style, with lyrics that have become too introspective and claustrophic. Perhaps the best remedy for Corgan's next solo or group project would be the addition of outside musicians to give the record a more open and inclusive feel. Still, this is commendable music, and fans of Corgan and the Pumpkins will certainly get what he was going for here.

Just Takes Some Getting Used To..........2007-01-25

"TheFutureEmbrace:" A little musical oddity that is heavily overshadowed by earth-shattering news. On the very same day Billy Corgan released his first solo album, he also took out an ad in the "Chicago Sun Times" declaring his desires to reform the Smashing Pumpkins. Great news for Pumpkins fans everywhere, but definitely a poor promotional move for this album, which has since been overshadowed by the hype and anticipation for a new Smashing Pumpkins album (which is, as of this date, slowly in the works). Best known for his bald-head, nasal-whine, and most importantly, his incredible song-writing abilities, Billy Corgan takes advantage of a solo album and really lets himself stretch out -- even in ways that the later Pumpkins albums didn't.

The first, second or even third listen to this album might not yield satisfactory results. Truth be told, "TheFutureEmbrace" is an album that takes much time to appreciate, to grow on you and stick in your head. Most of the music Billy explores here is even more experimental and dense than that of "Adore" or "Machina," but thankfully, Billy's signature touch is not lost in the mix. Songs like "Now (And Then)," "Pretty, Pretty Star" and "Walking Shade" are classic Corgan, even if they are steeped in synthesizers and effects. "A100" and "Dia" are probably the most Smashing Pumpkins-esque songs, with the latter featuring Jimmy Chamberlain (who as of now is the only confirmed bandmember involved in the reunion). Meanwhile, the ever-prolific Robert Smith of The Cure makes a subtle appearance on "To Love Somebody." Smith's vocals blend perfectly with Billy's, without overshadowing or taking away from the vibe of the album, while he even contributes some guitar parts and makes one of the most memorable moments of the album.

The only downside to "TheFutureEmbrace" is there isn't much variety to be found here. From the start of "All Things Change," the album seems to follow a steady pattern, and if you're not in the right mood or frame of mind, it just won't work for you. Like stated before, it's far more ambitious than any of Billy's other projects. But if you felt like Zwan laid the fluff on a little too thick, you'll feel like Corgan is redeemed with "TheFutureEmbrace." All in all, an excellent album, a perfect showcase of Billy's talents. Maybe now that he's gotten all of the studio-tinkering and perfecting out of his system, the next Pumpkins record will sound a little more organic than the later releases, which wouldn't be a bad thing.

Thom Yorke and Billy Corgan.......2006-12-03

If you like Radiohead/Thom Yorke then the musical style of Billy's album is right up your ally. This has nowhere near the style of the Smashing Pumpkins, but its still good...ONLY if you like stuff like the new NIN and Thom Yorke electonic rock albums. If you are expecting hard guitars and Smashing Pumpkins then buy a Pumpkins album for crying out loud. If you want to hear Pumpkins meet Radiohead and Trent Reznor, this is the album for you. I like it.

I'm gonna be brave.......2006-07-14

This record takes time, but its so worth it. Most seem to blow this record off without giving it a chance. At first listen MOH immediatly impressed me, but the rest were so unexpected. After seeing the video from the Letterman show where they played MOH live I was sold. Now that I own the record, I'm hooked on it. I grew up with Siamese Dream and Melancoly and the Infinite Sadness, so comparring this to Smashing Pumkins I'd say its Billy's brilliant writing with sythesizers. He still has some great guitar parts but its not really guitar rock. More like synth rock. The Pumpkins fell off in later years but perhaps their new record(in progress now so I've heard) will make amends. In the meantime, get this, soak it up, and enjoy.

Alright........2006-06-17

Hey Da Peace Dogg,

That's not a bald chick on the cover you dumba#s!!! Or are you just being sarcastic throughout your review? The bald guy is Billy Corgan.

Average customer rating:

Kirtana connects you to your soul Aaah
MUSIC THAT SPEAKS TO THE SOUL
I am....
Beautiful Transmission of Truth
Touches the heart

This Embrace
Kirtana
Manufacturer: Wild Dove Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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A deeper surrender
The Offering
Songs for the Inner Child
The Diamond in Your Pocket
A Thousand Names for Joy: Living in Harmony with the Way Things Are

ASIN: B00005LK7U
Release Date: 1999-04-01

Tracks:

Be Free
Why the Sufis Whirl
I Am
My Heart
Blessed Life
Who You Really Are
Living Truth
Rivers Run
This Embrace
If I Could Give You Anything
Going, Going, Gone
I Am (Reprise)

Album Description

New Age Vocal. Comtemporary sacred songs celebrating divine love and the truth of who we are. Guest artists include: Alex de Grassi (guitar), Spencer Brewer (piano), Matt Eakle (flute), Hilary Stagg (harp)and Gangaji (vocals).

Customer Reviews:

Kirtana connects you to your soul Aaah.......2004-07-24

Whenever I listen to Kirtana I transcend into her space. On the
Deeper Surrender cd, my favorite song is probably Pulling in the Oars there is a deep surrender here where you can rest in the self. Open Secret and Rest in the Self put me right up there in presence. Her music is just fantastic, in the morning I awake, put on the coffee,get out the inspirational books, ( Eckart Tolle, Course in Miracles etc) light the candles and incense put on Kirtana and my meditation begins. No matter what kind of a day I'm having, she transports me to her connective space. I first heard of her when I was watching one of Eckhart Tolle's videos and he played Who You Really Are from This Embrace cd. It mesmerized me and I bought all of her cds. this is the most meaningful purchase I have ever made. THANK YOU KIRTANA - Have a Blessed Life.

MUSIC THAT SPEAKS TO THE SOUL.......2004-01-09

WORDS CAN NOT EXPRESS THE EMOTIONS THAT THIS CD INVOKED. BY THE TIME I GOT INTO SONG NUMBER 5, "WHAT A BLESSED LIFE",I WAS CRYING OUT LOUD WITH TEARS OF JOY. MY SPIRIT RECOGNIZED THE TRUTH IN THE LYRICS, THIS IS A TRULY EVOLVED PIECE OF WORK. FOR ANYONE WHO HAS WALKED THIS PATH, IT IS EVIDENT THAT WE ARE WALING IN THE FOOT STEPS OF KIRTANA OR VICE VERSA.

I am...........2003-12-05

Fantastic.

The music, the guitar and the back up instruments and Kirtana voice makes this a beautiful album to have in your collection.

The lyrics are also very nice. I like to listen it in front of the fire having a good glass of wine as it makes my mind wonder away.

Beautiful Transmission of Truth.......2000-06-26

Kirtana has an amazing talent. Through her words and music she manages to very clearly convey the message of the truth of who we are along with the feelings associated with the recognition of that truth.

From a purely musical standpoint, the words and music are beautiful. There is nothing more than what is needed. Kirtana manages to keep the songs simple and clear throughout the CD. The mix is excellent; the harmonies and accompanying instruments subtle, resulting in one of the most enjoyable musical experiences I've had in a long time.

Highly recommended to all!

Touches the heart.......2000-03-11

I had the honour to hear Kirtana live and "unplugged" recently and was spellbound by her music. It moved me to tears.

This CD captures that same energy and heartfelt message that I heard live.

The songs are love songs where the beloved is the unchanging Self and the quest for love is a path towards Truth.

The lyrics stir the mind with deep meaning but it is the music itself and the intention behind it that goes straight to the heart and lifts the soul.

Thank-you, Kirtana.

Average customer rating:

Great UK powerpop band that have not broken into the US, yet
Let me "Spell It Out" for you
Great Buy
Wow - A top 5 CD of 2005
Best album I've heard all year.

Out of Nothing
Embrace (UK)
Manufacturer: Lava
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tourist
Drawn from Memory
Vehicles & Animals
This New Day
If You've Never Been

ASIN: B0007XT8D0
Release Date: 2005-06-14

Tracks:

Ashes
Gravity
Someday
Looking As You Are
Wish 'Em All Away
Keeping
Spell It Out
A Glorious Day
Near Life
Out Of Nothing

Amazon.com

Out of Nothing, the band's fourth album, is the best they have ever made. The McNamara brothers have buckled down to some serious songwriting (aided by Coldplay's Chris Martin on first single "Gravity") to produce a selection of songs that can all lay claim to the title "Classic".

Opening with the monumental "Ashes" it is clear from the off that this is not some huge stylistic leap. Instead Embrace have consolidated all they are good at (epic, heart-warming anthems) and finally made the album they have always promised. "Gravity" is exactly what you'd expect, a Coldplay tune as played by Embrace, but where as Chris Martin and the boys are often stark and fidgety Embrace cover the track in a lushness that makes you swoon. "Someday" has them coming across like the younger brothers of Spiritualised complete with a finale featuring a full-on gospel choir, "Wish 'Em All Away" is harmonica-soaked loveliness with a chorus that touches the heavens, and "Spell It Out" is a string-laden monster that has 'festival closer' written all over it.

The album ends as magnificently as it begins with a triplet of songs that takes the breath away. The gentle "A Glorious Day", atmospheric "Near Life" and magnificent title track prove just how far Embrace have come since the days of out-of-tune criticisms and gags about being Oasis' little brothers. Out of Nothing is a truly exceptional album that suggests that, far from being over, the journey for Embrace has only just begun. --Amazon.co.uk

Album Description

Out Of Nothing is produced by Youth (best known for his work with The Verve, Killing Joke and The Orb) features the band's signature souring rock balladry, complete with emotionally charged lyrics and dramatic production. During the recording of Out Of Nothing, Youth pushed the band to unbeknownst levels of musicianship, which resulted in enormous sales and mass acclaim.

Customer Reviews:

Great UK powerpop band that have not broken into the US, yet.......2007-01-01

For those new to Embrace, first things first - they do not sound like Coldplay. Personally, I think they are much better, and very underrated in the States. "Out of Nothing" is considered by some to be their best album, and I would agree. Sample these standout tracks:

"Someday"
"Keeping"
"Spell it Out"
"A Glorious Day"

"Gravity" does sound a bit like Coldplay, given that it was written by Chris Martin - but, that's the exception to the rule. Don't be fooled if your local college radio station hasn't been playing this band - they are very good and this is the album to get (even over the newer "This New Day", imo).

Let me "Spell It Out" for you.......2006-04-22

There's a natural tendency to take something unfamiliar and compare it to something familiar. That's what's happening here as Amazon reviewers are comparing Embrace to Coldplay. Perhaps it's unfair to Embrace to liken them to Coldplay because as a band, I'd think Embrace wants to stand on their own merits. However, if you're being so closely measured against the hottest rock and roll band in the world today, is that really a bad thing?

The truth is that on Out of Nothing, Embrace does sound like Coldplay. That doesn't change the fact that this album is an outstanding work. Embrace wrote these accessible, infectious songs themselves, and they perform them with first-rate musicianship and compelling vocal performance.

These guys haven't hit the radio in the States, but when payola runs radio, you're better off looking elsewhere on your own for new artists. The truth is that Embrace is better than most anybody who's new on today's radio. I discovered Out of Nothing on the internet several months ago, purchased the album, and it has been a constant spin in my CD player ever since. Every track on this disk is memorable. Songs move gracefully from the contemplative to the soaring to the driving and powerful. At all times the album is captivating. In my opinion, on Out of Nothing, Embrace measures up to Coldplay in every respect. If you're a fan of grandstand arena rock in the vein of Coldplay and U2, then trust me, you will enjoy this album. It's great!

Great Buy.......2006-03-18

If you like Coldplay or Keane, you will love this band. I have really enjoyed it and have shared it with many of my friends and family.

Wow - A top 5 CD of 2005.......2006-02-14

From the opening anthemic Ashes until the climactic epic Out of Nothing, this is a fantastic ride by an underrated and underappreciated band.

Personal favorites include Glorious Day, Spell it Out and especially Someday.

I have been into this band since 1998 and unfortunately it does not appear that they will ever break in the states. Unfortunate that we have to listen to monontonic drones like John Mayer here.

They have had good albums before but the songs were more up and then down. They brought in crackpot producer Youth (the same man brought us The Verve-Urban Hymns and the excellent Howie Day debut release) and really amped up. The result is a very full and layered sound complete with string arrangements in many songs.

Had a chance to meet them and have drinks with the band while in Denver and you will never meet a more humble group of guys.

If you like Coldplay, The Verve, and early Oasis buy with no worries - it will not disappoint.

Best album I've heard all year........2005-12-28

The band played live at some music festival on cable tv. They sung "A Glorious Day" and I was surprised I've never heard of them. Such a melodic song with great emotional vibe too it. To my surprise, this was just a single great song on an album packed with a few of them. That makes for a great album! While it is true that they do sound like Coldplay/Oasis fused, the music is just more melodic than Coldplay and the lead singer's voice is much better sounding than Oasis' (who I never really took to). I think the album that really compares in quality is the Keane "Hopes and Fears." That's saying a LOT!

Average customer rating:

The aztec God of dance
I can't get behind this
Baltimore Hons rocks to Ozomatli
Ozomatli excels! online concert, too...
Maximum Surprise

Embrace the Chaos
Ozomatli
Manufacturer: Interscope Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Ozomatli
Street Signs
Coming Up
Don't Mess With The Dragon
Live at the Fillmore

ASIN: B00005NWLD
Release Date: 2001-09-11

Tracks:

Pa Lante
1234
Dos Cosas Ciertas
Vocal Artillery
Guerrillero
Embrace The Chaos
Pensativo (interlude)
Timido
Lo Que Dice
Mi Alma
Suenos En Realidad

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

The follow-up to Ozomatli's 1998 eponymous debut, Embrace the Chaos builds on the band's proven strengths: a masterful command of a palette of musical styles, a firm commitment to social activism, and an unending devotion to the power of rhythm. Like the L.A. landscape from which the group emerged, Ozo's music is a polyglot of cultures, whether it's the Puerto Rican salsa of "Dos Cosas Ciertas," the Mardi Gras funk of "1, 2, 3, 4," the Brazilian batucada beat of "Suenos en Realidad," or the Cuban son influence on "Timido." The result is a gorgeously diverse sound that changes from song to song without seeming disjointed or random. Rap fans may be disappointed to note that Jurassic 5's Chali 2na and Cut Chemist are no longer with the group, but the album is hardly suffering from a dearth of hip-hop; in-house rapper Kanetic Source and DJ Spinobi offer their talents, while notable cameos are provided by De La Soul ("1, 2, 3, 4"), Medusa ("Vocal Artillery"), and Common ("Embrace the Chaos"). Even though the album is capped at an efficient 11 songs, it doesn't come up short. With so much different music represented, Embrace the Chaos is like a dozen albums fused into one. --Oliver Wang

Customer Reviews:

The aztec God of dance.......2006-04-05

Langly, uno de los Pistoleros Solitarios de "Expediente X", lucía en la serie una camiseta con el logo de Ozomatli. ¿Casualidad, guiño, publicidad? Más bien una muestra del impacto que el grupo causó con su debut homónimo, con su mezcla de rock, ska, funk, hip hop y ritmos latinos.
Los europeos estamos acostumbrados a ese cajón de sastre llamado rock mestizo, y hemos sufrido en silencio la aparición de grupetes que esconden su mediocridad tras la etiqueta de "globalidad enrollada". Pero para los yanquis, Ozomatli fue toda una sorpresa.
Después de tres años de gira, el septeto multiracial de Los Angeles regresa con las ideas más claras: si en su primer trabajo fusionaban estilos en un mismo tema, en "Embrace The Chaos" tienden a diferenciarlos en distintas canciones, y para ello recurren a varios productores. Steve Berlin, de Los Lobos, se encarga de potenciar los sonidos más latinos en "Pa Lante" (con el violín del lobo David Hidalgo y la kora de Prince Diabate), "Tímido" (con influencias cubanas), y el bullanguero "Mi Alma" (de raíces mejicanas).
La faceta más rapera de Ozomatli queda plasmada en las producciones de Bob Powers: "Lo que dice"; "1234" (al estilo de la Old School, con De La Soul); "Vocal Artillery" (con los recitados de Wil.I.Am (de Black Eyed Peas), Kanetic Source y Medusa, y el efectivo scratch de DJ Cut Chemist); y el pausado "Embrace The Chaos" (con Common y una trompeta jazz). Por su parte, el productor Mario Caldato aporta interesantes fusiones en "Dos cosas ciertas" (una cumbia interrumpida por un ritmo drum'n'bass y el rap en inglés de Kanetic Source), y en "Sueños en realidad" (donde los sonidos brasileños se funden con el scratch de DJ Spinobe, los metales y las percusiones).
En lengua nahuatl, Ozomatli es el dios azteca del baile y, sin duda, el grupo angelino hace honor a su nombre.

I can't get behind this.......2005-07-15

English speaker here, somewhat fan of latin music.

A friend of mine saw these folks live and recommended that I go out and buy everything they own right this second.

As far as latin music goes, there's nothing special about this album. It sounds like every other salsa record out there. BOOORRRRIIINNNGG!!! Oro Solido was doing this 10 years ago. Who cares???

There are some hip hop tracks on this album, and let me save you some time: If you like the crap hip-hop that ozo is trying to peddle on this album, go out and get yourself some black eyed peas. these clowns can't rap to save themselves! It's almost unlistenable. God. I have it playing now, and someone on the album actally rhymed 'half-assed MC's' with something equally as cliched and self important, and, well, crappy. I'm gagging on this album.

I'm gonna give their self titled album a shot, it seems to be rather well liked by the amazon reviewers.

Baltimore Hons rocks to Ozomatli.......2004-05-04

I have been listening to this CD everyday for a year! Just saw them in concert April 27 04 and they were fantastic. They jumped into the crowd and played right next to us for the last 30 min. Very rarely do you hear a group who's live performance is exactly the quality of the CD. You won't need to understand Spanish to groove to the heated explicit lyrics. Even a gringa can learn rhythm with this CD. Ozomatli played some songs from the new CD being released in June. I was on line today to see if i could pre-order it.

Ozomatli excels! online concert, too..........2002-08-16

This album is fantastic. This group is excellent. You know this album rocks, so here is a tip! They recently played a really small, initimate concert at The Expression Center for New Media in the Bay Area and it is online ...
I love Ozo and if you do, too, you'll be stoked on this.
Surfer

Maximum Surprise.......2002-06-08

Having seen this group on the Latin Grammy awards perform "Dos Cosas Ciertas" and knowing nothing else about them, I bought the CD. I was very surprised to hear two of my favorite hip-hop artists on some tracks, especially the title track performed with Common! I love groups like Ozomatli and Groove Collective for their efforts at fusion. Their melange of latin and hip-hop and jazz reflects the diversity of urban America today. What Ozomatli should do now is carry their social activism further in their music. Play very loud!

Average customer rating:

Simply Beautiful
Meh.
Holy wow!
Amazing!
Just Beautiful

Embrace the Storm
Stream of Passion
Manufacturer: Inside Out U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Second Life Syndrome
Live in the Real World [Region 2]
Out of Myself
Alice's Inferno
The Art of Navigating by the Stars

ASIN: B000AQBAS0
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Tracks:

Spellbound
Passion
Deceiver
Ill Keep On Dreaming
Haunted
Wherever You Are
Open Your Eyes
Embrace The Storm
Breathing Again
Out In The Real World
Nostalgia
Calliopeia

Album Description

This is stuff cyber dreams are made of! After Dutch guitarist/composer/producer Arjen Anthony Lucassen had finished his latest endeavour, the Ayreon rock opera The Human Equation, he wanted to do two things: showcase the many talents of Mexican singer Marcela Bovio, one of the vocalists on the Ayreon album and form a band for the first time in 10 years.

The result is musically different to what Lucassen usually produces. Embrace The Storm is way more modern than his Rock Operas and has a more gothic metal approach, blending mysterious vocals, metal guitars and atmospheric trip-hop, with haunting pianos and violin quartets. Embrace The Storm will appeal to fans of Ayreon, Evanescence, Nightwish, etc.

The Special Edition bonus disc contains DVD with videoclip, interviews and behind the scene footage.

Customer Reviews:

Simply Beautiful.......2007-04-11

I won't go into all of the history or a song by song of this album since that is done a couple of times on here. What I will do is state that this album has not left my stereo or mp3 for about three weeks, ever since I stumbled across it. I have nothing bad to say about this group of musicians or the incredible compositions on this album. Don't think about it, just buy it!

Meh........2007-02-22

If you're really into Chick Rock, the kind of rock that is slower and doesn't do much, you'll really like this album. Besides four songs the CD is kind of bland.

Are you a fan of Ayreon? You'll get some enjoyment out of it at the least. This disc does not begin to stack up against the Human Equation. Not even close.

However, if you are looking for another Ayreon style CD to purchase you need to avoid this. This is as mainstream as Arjen's about to get and this is no concept album.

Some songs are good. The rest is okay. If you don't have Human Equation or Star One get those first.

Holy wow!.......2006-10-18

I've been listening to bands like Within Temptation, Nightwish and so on. I saw a link to this album and ended up picking up a copy. There are enough reviews going really in depth about the history of the artists involved, so I'll skip all that and cut straight to it.

Musically inspired. Mellow overall, but with some great guitar crunch and phenomenal synth work that gives a punch to the beautiful melancholy this album oozes with. The vocal work is different from most of this genre. This woman's voice is much more mature and has a fullness and a sensuality that a lot of vocalists often lack.

If you don't immediately fall madly in love with this woman (or at least her voice) then I'd be deeply shocked. I was luke-warm the first listen through, but by the second I was committed to spinning this CD until it melted in my player. Get this album and prepare to be snatched away into the whole brooding, sexy, evocative wave that will emanate from your speakers.

Amazing!.......2006-07-09

Actually, until a week ago I never heard of Stream Of Passion, a band whose members are Dutch (3), Mexican (2) and American (1). I just happened to be in a record store and heard music that got my attention because of the beautiful voice of (what later appeared to be) Marcela Bovio. Checking the shop's DVD section I saw they also had a DVD released, which I bought and watched 4 times this week. I was very impressed. I checked out the SOP website and was lucky to find out that there was a gig on July 6th only a 45 minutes drive from my home. The gig was awesome too.

It was at this gig where I bought Embrace The Storm. The album is phenomenal. Twelve well crafted Arjen Lucassen songs, with lyrics and beautiful vocals (and some violin too) from Marcela Bovio. Guitars (Lori Linstruth and Arjen Lucassen), drums (Davy Mickers), piano (Alejandro Millan), bass (Johan van Stratum) and the violins and cellos: they all fit in so perfectly. The recording quality is of a very high level too, well balanced and detailed: super. Embrace The Storm definitely is one of the best progrock albums of recent times! The Special Edition even contains a 73 minute DVD with a 28 minute Making Of, a video, Behind The Scenes footage and (audio only, with band pictures) beautiful, mainly acoustic demo recordings of a dozen songs of Embrace The Storm (33 minutes). This really is what I would call a "Bonus". If you ever have the chance of seeing them live, go see (BTW: the women are a feast for the eyes)!

Just Beautiful.......2006-05-17

I got this album a few days ago and I can't stop listening to it. The vocales are so achingly beautiful. The lyrics are poignant and the whole album has a sort of melancholy undercurrent. If your into mopey goth music then I can't recommend this CD enough. Buy it now!

Average customer rating:

If you embrace the gutter, you will embrace the metal!
A Lot of Potential
Looking for good Metalcore with Melodeath influences? LOOK NO FURTHER!!!
Eh.
beats the sophomore slump......but just barely

Embrace the Gutter
The Autumn Offering
Manufacturer: Victory Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Revelations of the Unsung
The Fall of Ideals
The Phoenix Throne
Fallout from the War
Rebirth of the Temple

ASIN: B000F6YNXE
Release Date: 2006-05-16

Tracks:

Prologue
Decay
The Yearning
Embrace The Gutter
Ghost
Misery
This Future Disease
One Last Thrill
No End In Sight
Walk The Line
The Final Cut

Customer Reviews:

If you embrace the gutter, you will embrace the metal! .......2006-12-03

This album awesome! With catchy, great guitar works, Dennis' tremendous singing/screaming. "Misery" was the best song in this album!!

2."Decay" 11/10- I love this song! So angry and crunk! The beginning was awesome!

3."The Yearning" 9/10- OK, kinda boring, but the guitars were catchy.

4."Embrace the Gutter" 9/10- Werid song title, great chorus, love the solo.

5."Ghost" 9/10- So-so, the chorus was OK, and the guitars were good too.

6."Misery" 12/10- I LOVE THIS SONG! So catchy, the guitars at the beginning were awesome! Love how it ended, this is the most brutal song in this album!

7."This Future Disease" 10/10- Their guitars were kinda catchy in this song too. This is one of my favorites.

8."One Last Thrill" 11/10- I really love this song! The chorus was great, the guitars at the end was really well-done! The beginning was awesome too!

9."No End In Sight" 9/10- This song was kinda boring, but the guitars at the end were soooooo catchy, I loved it!

10."Walk the Line" 11/10- So crunk! Love the chorus! The beginning was good too. Even though this had no solo, I still love it!

11."Final Cut"- This was a beautiful outro, with some piano too.

This album was amazing!! I don't know this band isn't that famous, they should go to Headbanger's Ball! Everybody should listen to this great band! But one question, if this band formed at 1999, why did they release their first album at 2004? But still, GET THIS!!

A Lot of Potential.......2006-08-17

A lot of people don't seem to know that this is actually The Autumn Offering's first album. It was originally released in 2004 by some other label but Victory re-released more recently. That's why it isn't as good as "Revelations...". I still think it's really good though. There's a lot of good fast melodic stuff which shows the band was already proficient melodically as well as technically. The structuring does get a little tiresome but there are some adventurous moments and some really great instrumental sections. Any fan of melodic metal should definitely pick this one up!

Looking for good Metalcore with Melodeath influences? LOOK NO FURTHER!!!.......2006-07-03

The Autumn Offering...when I first heard them I was somewhat iffy. Then I listened to this album. It is FAR better than their first effort, and has great songs on it. They do a good job of blending Metalcore with Melodeath and I like that. However what bothers me though is how similiar most of their songs sound to other Metalcore bands out there. It seems like its hard to find a truly UNIQUE Metalcore band. There are so few, like Manntis, As I Lay Dying, and Bleeding Through. The Autumn Offering could be MUCH better if they wouldnt follow such a predictable song pattern and Metalcore sound. But all in all I enjoyed this album. These guys do a great job and have alot of talent, but just need to get it out more!!!

Buy it if you're a Metalcore fan. There is more Metalcore here that Melodic Death Metal.

Eh........2006-06-16

I found The Autumn Offering on the music choice metal channel sometime like a year 1/2 ago. I was extremely impressed with the song entitled "Revelation". I introduced the Autumn Offering to many kids around the area, who were also very impressed by this band. The guys vocals were pretty good, the drums were good, but the guitar was amazing in my opinion. Then the Autumn Offering's new CD comes out. This cd is definatly not as impressive as "Revelations of the Unsung". Something is different with guys vocals, like they are more silent then before. And now they sound like they are just trying to be harder. With their first CD, it really amazed me of how much different their style seemed to change. I do admit, I like the cd, but it's not the same Autumn Offering. I'm going to stick with liking the first album the most, and perhaps not even buy this one. I'm hoping...If there is another cd released from them, they go back to their original style because that is the style that grew on me extremely quickly.

beats the sophomore slump......but just barely.......2006-06-13

With "Revealations of the unsung", The autumn offering had a promising debut album. Metalcore without sounding too much like every other band out there (With the exception of As I lay Dying", original guitarowrk and drumming etc......Now that they are signed on with Victory records, they pretty much sound like every other band on that label's roster......Granted, they try, but it seems to me like they've lost their own identity with this release

Average customer rating:

The Traveler
This Can't Be Real!!!!!!!!!

Sensual Embrace: The Soul Ballads
Pieces of a Dream
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Sensual Embrace, Vol. 2
Love's Silhouette
No Assembly Required
Pillow Talk
Imagine This

ASIN: B00005QHVR
Release Date: 2001-11-06

Tracks:

Took So Long
The Cool Side
How Do You Keep The Music Playing?
Have A Little Faith
Sittin' Up In My Room
Pieces
My Love
It's You That I Want
Goodbye Manhattan
You And I
Knikki's Smile
Club Jazz (Quiet Storm Mix)

Customer Reviews:

The Traveler.......2002-07-02

I have always liked Pieces of a Dream but had never purchased any of their music. I was just browsing around in the music store and had really gone to purchase something else, but this one caught my eye. When I read some of the featured artists like Grover Washington and Maxi Priest, I thought oh this can't be bad at all. So I bought it. I couldn't get a feel for it from the music store to my house so, I took this CD on a long country ride (no distractions from traffic)and oh what a journey. This CD is so nice. All the tracks are moodsetters but I really liked tracks 1 and 3-6. You definitely have to experience this one for yourself and trust me you will not be disappointed. Take it for a long ride....it will be enjoyable.

This Can't Be Real!!!!!!!!!.......2002-03-27

...I was a huge fan in the 80's of this group. I was just wandering around a local record store and the cd cover caught my attention. The fact that it also happened to be on sale didn't hurt matters either. What a surprise. It is beautiful. It is excellent. It's the type of cd that you let play straight through and start all over again.
I wish I could say which songs are my favorites but that would do this body of work a serious disservice. I will say the songs featuring vocalists Eva Cassidy and Maysa are incredible. Even the remake of "Sittin' Up In My Room" featuring the late Grover Washington was a pleasant surprise. I also enjoyed immensely "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?"
There's really not much else to say except "Sensual Embrace" when played as background music always has friends asking who is that and where did you get it? Give this one a listen!!!

Average customer rating:

4 and a half stars
Forgive Me
Not bad.....not bad at all
Post MT
Dance of Days

Embrace
Embrace
Manufacturer: Dischord
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Get Evens
Bad Brains
Double Nickels on the Dime
If You've Never Been
Drawn from Memory

ASIN: B000000JNR
Release Date: 1994-09-27

Tracks:

Give Me Back
Dance Of Days
Building
Past
Spoke
Do Not Consider Yourself Free
No More Pain
I Wish I
Said Gun
Can't Forgive
Money
If I Never Thought About It
End Of A Year
Last Song

Customer Reviews:

4 and a half stars.......2005-10-08

This album features the awesome and powerful vocals of Ian MacKaye, one of the 11 greatest punk "singers" of all time.

Who are the other ten? Hmmm, let's see....Johnny Rotten (Sex Pistols), Joey Ramone (Ramones), Joe Strummer (Clash), Pete Shelley (Buzzcocks), Patti Smith, Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys), Glenn Danzig (Misfits), Henry Rollins (Black Flag), Milo Aukerman (Descendents), H.R. (Bad Brains).

After leaving the legendary hardcore band Minor Threat, and before forming legendary emo band Fugazi, MacKaye released this fantastic album as part of the short-lived band Embrace.

If you've ever heard Ian sing, and you like what you heard, then chances are you will love this album. It's one of the finest emo records ever, recorded at the very dawn of that much-maligned genre. In the end, it's punk, but a musically and emotionally evolved punk.

The music is hard-charging, but not boring, simplistic or monolithic. And Ian outdoes himself from start to finish, singing with a bracing passion that has very few rivals in the annals of recorded music.

Here's a quote that sums it up:
"Ian takes a collection of good-to-great (not to mention surprisingly diverse and dynamic) 2-minute songs and makes them SOAR into the heavens of arm-stretching Godliness." - Mark Prindle

It's a crime that this album is not better-known to fans of rock and punk.

Forgive Me.......2005-09-29

Embrace, though arguably the first "emo" record as others have pointed out, is simply anoying. All aspects of the record (vocally, musically, lyrically, and production wise) are sub-par. Ian Mackaye, though boasting places in two stellar bands (the now legendary Minor Threat and Fugazi, the latter my personal preference), does a horendous job handling the vocal patterns and lyrics on the album. Songs like "Money" and "Do Not Consider Yourself Free" read like scrapped Minor Threat lyrics far too pointless to be used, basic, (even then) cliched, pseudo-political rants (against greed, government, etc.). Also, Mackaye's voice does not suit the music at all, his monotone yell just sits there, not even melding with the music. He can't be called "off-key" simply because he does not even attempt to make any sort of recognizable notes. Musically, it is typical post-hardcore / muzak fare. Lame guitar riffs and repetitive drum lines (save for a few choice moments in which the music can be mildly enjoyable, and even catchy to some extent). Fans who think Ian Mackaye can do no wrong would do well to pick this album up, same goes for collectors and completists, but for listeners of music, stay away from this album.

3.5 / 10

Not bad.....not bad at all.......2005-08-20

Strange, I always liked Embrace more than Rites of Spring despite all the talk of 'emo' music originating from these 2 bands the lyrics of Embrace just seemed to have a deeper meaning.
Perhaps it is because the lyrics of Embrace deal more with social issues (greed, caring for one another etc) and Rites of Springs are much more on a 'personal'level that makes the difference.

The music is also a lot slower than Rites of Spring and in some ways heavier. Ian's vocals can become anoying after a while as his style of singing (if you can call it that) doesn't realy fit with the melodic style of Embrace.

I first heard Embrace many moons ago (over 15 years ago to be exact) and the fact that this CD compiles all of what Embrace released is a real bonus.

It's difficult to describe the music of Embrace but if you have listened to Dag Nasty, Rites of Spring or Jawbox then you know what you are getting. Think those bands with Ian Mac Kaye on vocals.

Post MT.......2005-02-02

It isn't often that a band's existence can be explained so simply and clearly, but Embrace is one such case:

One of the several reasons behind Minor Threat's demise was that Ian McKaye was sickened by the hardcore scene he'd helped to create. By 1983 it had become insufferably conformist. Even worse, it had also grown to be intensely violent. Even though in many ways the motivation was positive, the release of energy at hardcore shows often resulted in kids getting physically hurt. Ian felt extremely guilty and saddened over it. When bemoaning this to HR of the Bad Brains, HR told him, "You started it." This is why Ian did Embrace. It was his attempt to undo the damage he perceived himself being responsible for. While Embrace didn't last long and crumbled an entire year before they released this album, Ian carried on his same sense of purpose in Fugazi in 1987, and he continues to this day.

Dance of Days.......2004-10-09

Ian MacKaye never fails me with whatever music project he does. Embrace is Ian MacKaye on vocals with the rest of the band Faith minus their lead singer, Alec MacKaye (Ian's brother). Very good lyrics. You can tell that there was some deep thought put into the song writing. Ian's vocals are great as always. So clear and you can tell he is absolutely feeling every word he says. A classic album. "Early emocore" as some call it.

Average customer rating:

Handel: The Masterworks (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Haydn: The Masterworks [Box Set]
Vivaldi: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set]
Schubert: The Masterworks [Box Set]
Dvorák: The Masterworks [Box Set]

ASIN: B00062FLI8
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Music:

Music