Art of Noise

1. Igobondela

2. USA Special [Jive Side]

3. Izulu Seliyaduma

4. Dlamini

5. Via Scotch Land [Jive Side]

6. Baba Wami

7. Mapantsula Jive [Jive Side]

8. Umamemeza

9. Jika Jika Jive [Jive Side]

10. Ugubuzela

11. London Avenue [Jive Side]

12. Marimaba Jive [Jive Side]

13. Kwazamazama Umkhomazi

14. Groovin' Jive, No. 1 [Jive Side/Zulu Side] - Noise Khanyile & the Jo'Burg City Stars

Art of Noise,Noise Khanyile,Globe Style,Africa,Afro-Pop,Highlife,Int'l & World Music,Pop,Rock en Español,South Africa,South African Pop

Average customer rating: ZAIREEKA by The Flaming Lips An Excellent and revealing experimental piece More of an experience than an album Making listening a group celebration in an ipod age! Zaireeka

Zaireeka The Flaming Lips Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Noise | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Experimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Neo-Psychedelia | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Box Sets | Stores | Music General | Rock | Box Sets | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Alternative General | Alternative Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Alternative General | Alternative Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Clouds Taste Metallic Transmissions from the Satellite Heart Hit to Death in the Future Head The Soft Bulletin At War with the Mystics ASIN: B000002NIQ Release Date: 1997-10-28

Tracks:

1. Okay I'll Admit That I Really Don't Understand
2. Riding To Work In The Year 2025 (Youre Invisible Now)
3. Thirty-Five Thousand Feet Of Despair
4. A Machine In India
5. The Train Runs Over The Camel But Is Derailed By The Gnat
6. How Will We Know? (Futuristic Crashendos)
7. March Of The Rotten Vegetables
8. The Big Ol' Bug Is The New Baby Now

Tracks:

1. Okay I'll Admit That I Really Don't Understand
2. Riding To Work In The Year 2025 (Youre Invisible Now)
3. Thirty-Five Thousand Feet Of Despair
4. A Machine In India
5. The Train Runs Over The Camel But Is Derailed By The Gnat
6. How Will We Know? (Futuristic Crashendos)
7. March Of The Rotten Vegetables
8. The Big Ol' Bug Is The New Baby Now

Tracks:

1. Okay I'll Admit That I Really Don't Understand
2. Riding To Work In The Year 2025 (Youre Invisible Now)
3. Thirty-Five Thousand Feet Of Despair
4. A Machine In India
5. The Train Runs Over The Camel But Is Derailed By The Gnat
6. How Will We Know? (Futuristic Crashendos)
7. March Of The Rotten Vegetables
8. The Big Ol' Bug Is The New Baby Now

Tracks:

1. Okay I'll Admit That I Really Don't Understand
2. Riding To Work In The Year 2025 (Youre Invisible Now)
3. Thirty-Five Thousand Feet Of Despair
4. A Machine In India
5. The Train Runs Over The Camel But Is Derailed By The Gnat
6. How Will We Know? (Futuristic Crashendos)
7. March Of The Rotten Vegetables
8. The Big Ol' Bug Is The New Baby Now

Customer Reviews:

ZAIREEKA by The Flaming Lips.......2007-03-16

Luckily modern technology has come into play in order to listen to the CD the artist wanted you to...

An Excellent and revealing experimental piece.......2007-03-09

Zaireeka is an interesting experience. It forces one to participate in the music through cueing-up all 4 discs. Anyone want an excuse to get together with friends/family and have an experience listening to some nice music? Get it. It is Flaming Lips music and at a really good time in the band's history. You get a 3-d quality in this music that is simply not possible utilizing any other currently used formats today.

Walk from speaker to speaker, and disc player to disc player and you find yourself hearing a different song every time you listen to it.

I've always considered improvisation and un-expectedness to be the Flaming Lips strong point. Even their most recent albums have the quality that, the songs are interesting at first, but award the listener with repeated listenings with new parts of the songs that you don't remember hearing before.

That is the part of music that I like the most. The little things that you didn't notice the first time.

Wayne Coyne shows how the listener's perspective is indelibly tied into the musical result. Where you are determines what the music is like--it is a subjective experience.

We feel more a part of an experience on a few levels, on a social level when participating in listening and cueing the discs; on a cerebral level when we realize that we are all different, and our perception is a part of reality; sonically when we understand how the sum of the parts is greater than the whole.

It makes one feel more vital in one's place in things.

More of an experience than an album.......2007-03-08

After a while of putting off buying Zaireeka since it seemed too bizarre, I finally gave in and got it. When it first came I also didn't listen to it for a few weeks since it seemed like too much of a hastle to line up 4 CDs. Eventually I had a day after class with little to do so I finally listened to Zaireeka. Listening to it was totally unlike listening to any other album I've ever heard. The album has its highs and its lows, but the whole time the listener is taken on a journey. The music isn't some part of the background, it becomes a part of the environment. I suggest this album to anyone who is a big Flaming Lips fan or looking for something truly interesting to listen to with a couple friends.

Making listening a group celebration in an ipod age!.......2007-02-07

Last week I threw my first "Zaireeka" listening party, and it was a blast--a feast of sound and images as invoked by the complex music and keen lyrics. Loaded with lush melodies and raw sounds, soaring riffs and surprising wit, this the audio equivelant of an e-ticket ride! Me and my pals marvelled at the many sensations listening to "Zaireeka" generated, from awe to laughter to "Whaaaa?" when we were "probed" by the high and low frequencies that occur on track 6 (Wayne says keep infants from hearing this one, and I would also put the dog outside!). A good time was had by all, and I will definately be turning others on to this truly wonderful work with future parties. Since then, I have been listening to the individual discs, and though they vary greatly, they offer a lot of pleasure too. When stuck in traffic, I highly recommend singing along to "The Big Ol' Bug Is the New Baby Now"--very soothing and a good tension releaser (if I was a Summer camp counselor, I'd have all the kids singing this one in a round at a campfire!). These are challenging soundscapes, and not for everyone, but this is one of the most joyful, deep, unpretentious, and witty concept albums ever made, and is a total treat for all Flaming Liperals!

Zaireeka.......2007-01-24

Took a bit of work to get 4 stereo's set up, but that's part of the fun with this album. The end product was well worth it, a unique sound that fills your head, and gives you a glimpse into the imagination of true poineers. Just wish the car lot expirements could have been recorded.

Average customer rating: BLUE vs. PINK Versions revealed ! Noise is the Art! Best of Art of Noise find the original blue cover version 3 good tracks

Best Of Art Of Noise Art Of Noise Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Experimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Dance Pop | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | New Wave | Alternative Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | New Wave | Alternative Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Electronica | Dance & DJ | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Electronica | Dance & DJ | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Alternative Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Dance & DJ | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Moments in Love Ambient Collection (Who's Afraid Of?) The Art of Noise! Into Battle with the Art of Noise The Drum and Bass Collection ASIN: B000003MU8 Release Date: 1997-01-14

Tracks:

1. Opus
2. Yebo
3. Instruments Of Darkness (All Of Us Are One People)
4. Robinson Crusoe
5. Peter Gunn
6. Paranoimia
7. Legacy
8. Dragnet '88 (From The Motion Picture)
9. Kiss
10. Something Always Happens

Customer Reviews:

BLUE vs. PINK Versions revealed !.......2006-10-22

I finally decided to upgrade my A.O.N. cassetes to CD,
and I had forgotten there were two versions of the 'Best Of A.O.N.'- blue AND pink- which I still resent today as when I was first was forced to choose-
(and there is confusion when the color specification is missing - so hopefully this helps you to choose the color that's right for you.
When I first discovered A.O.N., I was enthralled.
I opted then for the BLUE version on cassette because it had more songs and boasted the extended and 'AON' mixes(which are essentially just extended post-release), but fear it's demise as cassette decks become harder to replace.
Over the years, I came to accept this BLUE version as the definitive collection of A.O.N., but, alas, some of the extended,
mixes were kind of long-winded (like this version of 'Dragnet 88' with a Dan Ackroyd sampled vocal overdose,
and the superfluous, repetetive orchestrals).
'Moments In Love' , with it's pulsing, hypnotic texture had to grow on me through relistening, is on this version.

The extended 'Paranoimia' featuring Max Headroom here (6:30)-as noted in one of the other reviews,
is not the radio version, but this should have been the only extended re-mix
(I love all three Paranoimia versions though, as this sampled, beatbox style was the distinctive, fun, A.O.N. sound )

The glaring differance of BLUE is the inclusion of 'Beatbox (Diversion One)', Close(To The Edit),
and the extended mix of 'Paranoimia' and 'Peter Gunn Theme' (which begs editing), but this
sampled-techno-beat style IS the art of Art Of Noise.
'Moments In Love' is also on this BLUE version. It's pulsing, hypnotic style IS the art of A.O.N.
BLUE contains the best (long) version of Princes' 'Kiss', featuring Tom Jones - -
this is the main reason I'd reccomend BLUE as the desert island selection..

The PINK edition, more considerate in regard for succinctness, has fewer of the
signature beat driven tracks and sampling technique tracks that distinguished A.O.N.
The biggest departure comes in the first half :
'Yebo' , 'Instruments Of Darkness', and 'Robinson Crusoe' replace
'Beatbox','Moments In Love', and Close(To The Edit) from the BLUE version
Shorter versions of 'Paranoimia', and 'Peter Gunn' are refreshing, and I do prefer the female spoken
intro to 'Paranoimia'
-but 'Kiss featuring Tom Jones' on the blue version is the quintessential version.
I reccomend the Blue version AND the Pink version combined - without Dan Ackroyd at all ! I hate remixes as a marketing ploy! What a tool!
So I went with PiNK on CD...so now, I still have to afford a Blue one too
on a future purchase since my cassette is still good...
[* It should be a LAW to include release dates on CD'S!!! ]
~David Galloway

Noise is the Art!.......2006-03-09

Ok, I'm going to preface this with a quick mention of the fact that when I clicked on the search result link, it was the version of this CD with the pink cover. However, once on the page with the details, it was the blue cover CD image that was displayed. They are 2 distinctly different albums. But both are great and deserving of 5 stars. My review is of the pink cover issue.
The reason for the different coloured covers was to distinguish them. The pink release features single mixes of some of the tracks on the blue release, and also tracks not on the blue issue. I'm sure part of the reason was to encourage fans to buy both. The other is that the pink cover came out after another album was released and they wanted to include tracks from that, in case fans hadn't bought that album.
'The Best Of The Art Of Noise' 1992 (in pink), opens with the same track as the 1988 (in blue), the delightful "Opus 4" and its multi-layered vocals. The next song is the single mix of "Yebo!" off their 1989 album 'Below The Waste' and features South African group Mahlathini and The Mahotella Queens. Though I don't speak Zulu, the song is still great listening fun!
Also included is the hard-to-find radio version of "Paranoimia" featuring Max Headroom. I have always wanted this version, but I could only find the original album track and the extended version from the 1988 'Best Of' disc.
Another must-have track from this version of the hits package, is the Prodigy remix of "Instruments Of Darkness". This hyper configuration of the 'In Visible Silence' tune will get you up and out of your seat! A great find for club music enthusiasts. It works just as well for regular folks.
So for both dedicated AON fans and those seeking them out for the first time, this is an excellent CD to be had by all.

Best of Art of Noise.......2006-02-24

Of all of the songs they have composed, I think their best should of been of better songs.

find the original blue cover version.......2006-01-11

be extremely carefull when you order this product from amazon. they only sell the pink cover version (the blue cover version is no longer made). somebody dropped the ball on this edition, the pink cover version should be scrapped and re-issue the blue cover version. some songs on the blue edition are missing on the pink edition. also, the songs on the blue edition are much longer. if you see a copy of a blue cover edition, dont hesitate to grab it.(most owners are unwilling to part with it once they have it).

3 good tracks.......2005-09-15

only tracks 4-7 are good and totally amazing. Other tracks completly suck, should have just found mp3's

Average customer rating: The Art of Noise

(Who's Afraid Of?) The Art of Noise! The Art of Noise Manufacturer: Ztt ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Experimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Dance Pop | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: Best Of Art Of Noise Moments in Love Ambient Collection The Drum and Bass Collection Into Battle with the Art of Noise ASIN: B000B5KQY4 Release Date: 2005-10-25

Tracks:

1. Time for Fear (Who's Afraid)
2. Beat Box (Diversion One)
3. Snapshot
4. Close (To the Edit)
5. Who's Afraid (Of the Art of Noise)
6. Moments in Love
7. Momento
8. How to Kill
9. Realization

Customer Reviews:

The Art of Noise.......2007-01-09

Just love this CD I have bought it THREE times. It's a great CD to sit back and relax to

Average customer rating: NOTHING COMPARES... Best of the 88 band zappa and the 88 band Striking An amazingly tight band playing very well

Make a Jazz Noise Here Frank Zappa Manufacturer: Zappa Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Comedy Rock | Comedic Music | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Progressive | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Best Band You Never Heard in Your Life Läther You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore - Vol. 2 The Yellow Shark Jazz From Hell ASIN: B0000009TK Release Date: 1995-05-02

Tracks:

1. Stinkfoot
2. When Yuppies Go To Hell
3. Fire And Chains
4. Let's Make The Water Turn Black
5. Harry, You're A Beast
6. The Orange County Lumber Truck
7. Oh No
8. Theme From 'Lumpy Gravy'
9. Eat That Question
10. Black Napkins
11. Big Swifty
12. King Kong
13. Star Wars Won't Work

Tracks:

1. The Black Page (new age version)
2. T'mershi Duween
3. Dupree's Paradise
4. City Of Tiny Lights
5. Royal March From L'Histoire Du Soldat'
6. Theme From The Bartok Piano Concerto #3
7. Sinister Footwear 2nd mvt.
8. Stevie's Spanking
9. Alien Orifice
10. Cruisin' For Burgers
11. Advance Romance
12. Strictly Genteel

Amazon.com

One of three releases showcasing his talented but short-lived 1988 big band, Make a Jazz Noise Here features Zappa's group on extended jams, some of his most ambitious instrumental works, and a few requisite concert favorites. Only Zappa would sandwich Igor Stravinsky's Royal March From L'Histoire Du Soldat the theme from Bela Bartok's Piano Concerto No. 3 between his own "City of Tiny Lights" and "Sinister Footwear, 2nd Movement," and only he could pull it off. The first disc is the strongest, featuring big band arrangements of "Eat That Question," "Black Napkins," and "Big Swifty," and climaxing with an amazing, slow-groove rendition of "King Kong". Some of the longer jams will be of most interest to fanatics, but the performances are solid throughout, and even the biggest neophytes will appreciate these renditions of some of Zappa's most daunting material. --Andrew Boscardin

Customer Reviews:

NOTHING COMPARES..........2007-01-19

This is by far the most ambitious and amazing iconoclastic brilliance any and every living functional human and non-human could possibly ingest/digest... or be lucky enough to have been exposed to...even the roots of trees have heard this masterpiece and have died in awe of such ridiculous mastery. Not a person on this planet with 3/4 of a brain (anything less could not fathom what on earth this is about) would/could possibly give this anything but 5 stars. Flawless in every respect/aspect, from Thunes' amazing deep thunder, to Wackerman's insatiable rhythm/chops, Ike Willis' genius........... possibly the cure of cancer itself...

Best of the 88 band.......2006-11-09

The ill-fated 1988 band broke up mid-tour, and it ended up being Zappa's last tour. This was one of Zappa's big bands, and this is the most interesting of the 3 albums documenting it. This one focuses on extended instrumental sections. The band is very tight and the big horn section allows for ineresting new horn-driven arrangements of oldies like "Black Napkins" and "Orange County Lumber Truck", plus I THINK it's the only album where "Dupree's Paradise" is really fleshed out in a "rock" format.

One of the great things about Zappa's work is that he constantly reinvented his music. Listen to different versions of songs like "Cruisin' for Burgers" over a 20 year period (this version is a highlight of the album!), and you will see what I mean. I am lucky to have seen Zappa live many times from 1978 to 1988, and a Zappa show was never predictable. One could go see Zappa 2 or 3 nights in a row and get a different song list and truly improvised on-stage antics, audience participation, etc. Zappa didn't just go through the motions.

People who like "Roxy and Elsewhere", "Uncle Meat", "Burnt Weeny Sandwich" and "Grand Wazoo" will enjoy this one.

I hope someday they will release the Swaggart-version Beatles meddley they played as an encore on that tour. I nearly fell out of my chair laughing during that one (use your imagination - it's Zappa!)!

zappa and the 88 band.......2005-07-25

this was zappas last tour so it has some really good song selections this is for the zappa fan that loves all his music not just the overnite sensation era stuff i say buy this all of the tracks sound great and it is worth every penny spent

Striking.......2004-05-15

This album is almost overwhelming at some points. I havn't had it for too long, but Ive listened to it daily and enjoyed every second of it. The musicianship and understanding of the music between the members is amazing. This ranks (for me) above nearly everything (if not everything) that Zappa has put out, for me. This is one of the testemants to his genius. A few of the albums that define his musical ability for composition and musical structure aren't always accessable for the casual fan or people just interested in Zappa's music or more challenging works (such as the yellow shark or Civilization Phaze 3). That is by no means a let down, those albums show, when you really pay attention to everything thats going on, and realize that its not just random notes (aside from the few tracks that alot of close minded people would actually call music), that everything that's being played is meant to be played, are also a testemant to his genius. But sometimes people cant quite wrap their minds around that (which is understandable, although those are 2 of my favorite Zappa works). That's why this album is one of the most amazing outings in Zappa's vast catalog.

It's accessible upon first listen, it has alot of humor, alot of Zappa's best songs, including the Black page, the absolutely stunning melody of older tunes on the first disc, a reggea version of King Kong, an incredibly tight rendition of Big Swifty with a couple of really funny "musical quotes" lets call them, kind of like what happens at the end of Stairway to Heaven on The Best Band You've Never Heard in Your Life, Alien Orifice (check out the middle section to that one, HOLY CRAP, what band can do that?!). I wish I had gone into how the songs are, but trust me, it's worth every penny. Unbelievable songs performed by unbelievable musicians created by one of the twentieth century's great composers. My only complaint is that there are some unneccesary (alot of the times sloppy) guitar solo's in the middle of some of the songs, mainly on the second disc. But if you look passed that, which is actually very easy cause they're not all that bad, they just seem unneccesary sometimes, then you have one of the most impressive, enjoyable, stunning outings in Zappa's career. Hands down.

An amazingly tight band playing very well.......2003-11-13

If you're new to Zappa's catalogue then it can be very daunting to decide what to try out. The man had so many releases and jumped across so many styles that there's no real guarantee that any particular release will do it for you.

This album is great for any of you who want to hear Zappa leading a TIGHT, TIGHT band playing mostly instrumental music. There are plenty of "jams" in the jazz sense of the word, not the Grateful Dead sense of the word. In other words, instrumentalists improv within a tight technical structure but the full band never drifts out into unrehearsed meanderings. More than any other release since Waka/Jawaka, this album makes me appreciate Zappa as a composer and bandleader. The man was a force!

Having heard well over half of Zappa's output before picking this up, I was a little surprised that it became one of my favorite listens almost immediately. I didn't realize just how good the '88 band was. And, I confess, the relative paucity of stage antics and jokes is actually somewhat refreshing. I just want to hear them play!

Average customer rating: remix? or just a collection of quieter tracks? One of my Favourites A modern classic Great Music! Innovative! Noise, yes. Ambient or art, no.

Ambient Collection Art Of Noise Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Experimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Dance Pop | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Best Of Art Of Noise Moments in Love The Drum and Bass Collection The Fon Mixes Into Battle with the Art of Noise ASIN: B000003MU6 Release Date: 1997-01-14

Tracks:

1. Opus 4
2. Opus For 4
3. Nothing Was Going To Stop Them Then, Anyway
4. Crusoe
5. Island
6. Camilla
7. Ode To Don Jose
8. Counterpoint
9. Roundabout 727/Ransom In The Sand
10. Eye Of A Needle
11. Robinson Crusoe
12. A Nation Rejects
13. Art Of Love (7in Edition)

Customer Reviews:

remix? or just a collection of quieter tracks?.......2005-10-20

remix? or just a collection of quieter tracks?
there is very little that would be different from just copying thse tracks from their orig cds and putting them together on one disc.
i am a long-time aon fan, so i thought i would give it a try. it is nice, but the "remix" aspect should not be pushed as a selling point.

if you don't have these aon albums, look over the other reviews and if you are intrigued, give it a spin: aon can do ambient as well as outrageous.

One of my Favourites.......2005-06-28

The second phase of Art of Noise ( everything after the album "Who's Afraid of the Art of Noise?" ) did not thrill me at all. The novelty duets and cover versions ( Tom Jones, Maxx Headroom, Duane Eddy, etc ) to me just ruined a formerly great artistic collective. Having said that, this ambient mix collection of some of Art of Noise's second phase material is one I cannot live without. I play it at night to relax, in the morning for something less abrasive, or after clubbing to chill out. All praise must go obviously to Youth, the mixing producer, and his DJ partner on this particular project, Alex Patterson of the Orb. They give life and wonder and a sense of astonishment to what had none of these things before. Five stars, gentlemen. Very well done.

A modern classic.......2004-09-28

My single favourite CD ever. Wow, I never thought I'd say that, but it's true.
This is a collection of the most beautiful music and immersive atmosphere. Very relaxing. Not for partying.
Put it on, kick off your shoes and close your eyes ... you will be transported to wondrous musical spaces.

It's so pleasant - kinda like a mental massage.

Recommend it? heck... I'd buy it for you if I could!

Great Music! Innovative! .......2004-09-22

Very good CD, even though it did take me a long time to finally listen to the CD in it's intirety(did I spell that right?)

It is definately mood music, but don't let that scare you, groovey, sexy, funky even dance, all tracks are very easy on the ears.

I beleive you won't be dissapointed.

Noise, yes. Ambient or art, no........2004-08-12

Eeyucch. Sounds like being stuck waiting for someone in the lobby of a Vegas hotel while the housekeeping staff is cleaning up in the background. Oh look, isn't that Wayne Newton over there?

Average customer rating: Good mixture of their ZTT days, but too repetitive and no new revelations. Only contains mixes from the first & second album Great, but not ideal for those new to the band Outstanding... a collage of collages of collages of... Huge AON Fan, but ......

And What Have You Done With My Body, God? The Art of Noise Manufacturer: Ztt UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Experimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Pop | Box Sets | Stores | Music Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Into Battle with the Art of Noise Abduction of the Art of Noise In No Sense? Nonsense! Moments in Love (Who's Afraid Of?) The Art of Noise! ASIN: B000FTCDQK Release Date: 2006-08-28

Tracks:

1. Beat Box (One Made Earlier)
2. Once Upon A Lime
3. War (Demo 2)
4. Close To The Edge
5. Confession
6. Moments In Love
7. Sign Of Relief
8. Who's Afraid Of Scale
9. So What Happens Now (Take 2)
10. The Subject has Moved Left
11. It's Not Fair
12. Close To The Edge (Ruff Mix)
13. A Time For Fear (Who's Afraid)
14. Moments In Bed

Tracks:

1. Moments In Love (12" B Side Idea)
2. Tears Out Of A Stone
3. Samba #2
4. The Chain Of Chance
5. Fairlight-in-th-Being
6. Diversions 3
7. Close (To Being Compiled)
8. Diversions 5
9. Damn It All!
10. Structure
11. The Angel Reel: Hymn 1 (Take 2)
12. The Angel reel: Hymn 3
13. The Angel Reel: Fairground
14. And What Have You Done Wity My Body, God?
15. Klimax
16. Who Knew?

Tracks:

1. War (Demo 4)
2. The Focus Of Satisfaction
3. Moments In Love (7" Master Rejected)
4. It Stopped
5. The Uncertainty Of Syrup
6. The Long Hello
7. The Vacuum Divine
8. The Ambassador's Reel: Beat Box
9. The Ambassador's Reel: Medley
10. The Ambassador's Reel: Oobly
11. Goodbye Art Of Noise

Tracks:

1. Battle
2. Beat Box
3. The Army Now
4. Donna
5. Moments In Love
6. Bright Noise
7. Flesh In Armour
8. Comes And Goes
9. Moment In Love
10. That Was Close
11. Moments In Love + Love Beaten
12. Love Beat
13. In Case We Sneezed
14. A Time To Hear (Who's Listening)
15. (Do) Donna (Do)

Album Description

Long-form book style box set comprising of four CDs. It boasts 56 tracks, 41 of them unreleased on CD and/or previously unheard plus two hidden tracks, remixes and demos. Involvement and contributions from of all the original Art Of Noise members - Trevor Horn, Ann Dudley, Paul Morley, JJ Jeczalik & Gary Langan. Booklet contains interviews with all members, with track by track commentary. Hugely influential, dance music and pop in general owes a huge debt to these original recordings. The finished records have become almost ubiquitous - and are regularly re-sampled and referenced by artists as diverse as Janet Jackson, the Ying Yang Twins, Jurassic 5 and the Prodigy. A stunning audio presentation that sounds fresh and exciting even decades after it was originally recorded. ZTT. 2006.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Four Disc Anthology with 41 Previously Unreleased and Unheard Tracks plus Two 'hidden' Tracks, Remixes and Demos, Video Clips, TV Ads and Exclusive Interviews. All the Original Members were Involved in the Box Production: Trevor Horn, Anne Dudley, Paul Morley, Jj Jeczalik and Gary Langan. The Booklet Includes Interviews with all Members and Track by Track Commentary. The Story of How Five People Came Together from Completely Different Angles to Pioneer Sampling (A Producer, an Engineer, a Programmer, a Pianist and a Theorist), Cut-and-paste Pop, Futurist Production and Created the Image of a Group that was as Unforgettable as it was Anonymous, Recording Classics Along the Way Like "Close (To the Edit)", "Beat Box" and "Moments in Love".

Customer Reviews:

Good mixture of their ZTT days, but too repetitive and no new revelations........2007-06-05

I was a huge AON fan in the 80s, and still like both their earlier ZTT recordings and later works like "Below the Waste". For the price of the 4-CD set, it would make an interesting introduction to the band's ZTT days for a first-timer. But, like me, if you already have most of their previous recordings, there is nothing new here and far too many versions of "Moments in Love" included on each of the 4 discs. I would have gladly traded most of the "Moments in Love" versions for different versions of their later non-ZTT works or previously unreleased recordings.

Only contains mixes from the first & second album.......2007-03-08

Dunno, I thought a 5 disc set would have a little more variety. Don't get me wrong, it's good. It's just that it only covers one phase of the band's history. I admit it should've been obvious since the product is published by ZTT, which only owns the first two albums Into Battle..., and Who's Afraid... So that's what it is, it's a bunch of alternate versions of the stuff from those two albums. In other words, its like a "Daft" remix album. That being said, the interview/comment booklet that comes with it is great, and you get a real sense of what was happening and not being said during their work on ZTT. (Still I wish there was away to score some of the lost work from In Visible Silence, and In No Sense? Nonsense! -- Mrs. Dudely? Can you hear me? Now that you're super-successful as a composer with the BBC, can you pull a few strings and get the lost recordings out?

Great, but not ideal for those new to the band.......2007-02-16

Hands-down, the best part of this collection are the liner notes. They provide a rare insight into the band and the personalities.

The music is a fantastic smorgasbord of the early years on ZTT. Those unfamiliar with The Art of Noise will probably be much better suited by acquiring one of the "The Best of the Art of Noise" collections.

Disc 4 (Into Battle, That Was Close, The Tortoise & the Hair, Besides Close) is possibly the highlight of the collection. While completists would have most of these tracks, gems such as Love Beat are a treat. The other discs are still excellent - you can see the seeds for what would become their later released versions - but there is little expansion into new sonic realms here. While this project seems much better polished than "Bashful" (an Internet-only collection of early/unreleased tracks that was put out in 2000 - and where some of these tracks have appeared before), it lacks the variety and newness found in that release.

It is a shame that this is a label-bound project. Art of Noise is a magnificent band, and a collection including such B-sides as Instruments of Lightness, Who's Afraid (of Scale), Hoops and Mallets, In the Mood (a cover of the Andrews Sister cover on the bootleg "On the Road to Tokyo"), Why Me?, and the Dreaming remix series could help make a smashingly great set. There's a wealth of great material available, and this indepth collection sadly barely scratches the surface.

Outstanding... a collage of collages of collages of..........2006-10-20

I can see why some wouldn't dig this box set but I think it's a great treat. It's an era of a single album, ep and some singles expanded out to four discs - demos, remixes and all kinds of variations. It's the sound of the evolution of a revolution... I keep my AON next to my Meat Beat Manifesto (and Jack Dangers), The KLF, Coldcut, Underworld, The Orb, DJ Shadow and The Avalanches.

The commentary on each track is entertaining. Anne Dudley's comment that she often confuses their two biggest hits of the time is funny - I do the same thing. AON in this phase were a concept band - my only fault with a exhaustive box set like this is it did not include all the artwork of the era... especially Paul Morley's essays.

Huge AON Fan, but ...... .......2006-09-22

I am a HUGE Art of Noise fan. I think I've picked up everything from Bashful to the latest Remix album. I was really expecting to hear something I hadn't heard before. Most of the tracks are the already on other albums in various forms. There are a few new sounds or additions, but not nearly enough. Disc 4 was basically Into the Battle...

At this point, I'll hold out for the group getting back together again.

Average customer rating: Classic Progressive Rock Slash & Burn FM - Overlooked Band From Progregressive Rock Hey Day Great melodic prog from Canada Pebonr is wrong...very wrong

Black Noise FM Manufacturer: Umvd Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Rotters' Club Moonmadness Milliontown U.K. Second Life Syndrome ASIN: B000006YQW Release Date: 1992-05-18

Tracks:

1. Phasors on Stun
2. One O'Clock Tomorrow
3. Hours
4. Journey
5. Dialing for Dharma
6. Slaughter in Robot Village
7. Aldebaran
8. Black Noise

Album Description

1977 debut album for the Canadian progressive rock act remastered for CD at a budget price. 8 tracks. MCA. 1993.

Customer Reviews:

Classic Progressive Rock.......2007-07-04

I saw FM opening for RUSH in the 80's and loved the sound of the electric violin FM uses to differentiate their sound. This disc is a fine representation of their music. Listen to it with headphones and discover all the nuances of how they combine sounds to create that classic overture rock of the late 70's and early 80's.

Slash & Burn.......2007-04-06

In the late 70s, Canada's FM had a sound that was all their own--a sound that owed its dynamism to the essential tension between the fiery, new wave-influenced electric mandolin/violin of Nash the Slash and the prog-influenced keys/vocals of Cameron Hawkins. Sadly, the original line-up (along with the Slash and Hawkins, there was also drummer Martin Deller)would only survive just long enough for Black Noise to be released. Nash the Slash went on to an interesting--if often erratic--solo career, while Hawkins and Deller reformulated FM as a kind of prog/pop group with the addition of Ben Mink. But Black Noise is the ONLY disc by FM you'll ever need to own. Many reviewers here seem to not acknowledge the quite obvious influence of the then burgeoning punk/new wave movement on the architecture of FM's sound. But several of the songs on Black Noise almost sound like some unholy hybrid between Yes and Ultravox (particularly "Slaughter in Robot Village" and the killer opening track "Phasors on Stun"). There's hardly a wasted note on Black Noise, though the lyrics to many of the songs (courtesy of Hawkins) are often embarrasingly juvenile, without the least trace of irony or self-deprecation. As a consequence, Hawkins' lyrics are easily the weakest link in the group's otherwise astounding synergy. Still, the interplay between the Slash's riveting mandolin/violin and Hawkins' excellent Rick Wakeman-inspired keyboard work is at times electric. And Deller's percussion work borders on the Bruford-esque. Virtually unclassifiable at the time, Black Noise can now be seen as an attempt to bridge two disparate worlds: art and punk.

FM - Overlooked Band From Progregressive Rock Hey Day.......2007-03-27

FM was a progressive rock band out of Canada that always seemed to be just out of reach of making the big time. "Black Noise" was their biggest selling album and the single "Phasors On Stun" managed to get some airplay on U.S. AOR radio. I was never really exposed to much of their stuff back in the day, but when I was going to see the reunited band (minus Nash The Slash) at the North East Art Rock Festival last year, I decided to pick this album up. Although it sounds a bit dated now, it is still a solid album with well written songs that lean towards the more commercial end of progressive rock. The unique thing about this band is that there was no guitar (other than bass). The lead instruments were either Cam Hawkins keyboard and / or Nash The Slash's electric violin and mandolin. Slash's mandolin was amplified and sounded very guitar like, but at the same time different from an electric guitar. This gave the band a sound like no one else which earned them a solid cult following in the late 70's and early 80's. The music on the album is pretty much classic progressive rock. There are a few pop oriented tunes "Phasors" and "Journey" come to mind, several instrumentals, and a couple of longer drawn out epics. The subject matter of the songs mostly deal with science fiction themes. To me the highlight of the album is the almost 10 minute title track "Black Noise" that closes the album. This is what good prog is all about and, at least from my exposure to FM, is the band's crowning individual achievement. The album is worth owning for this track alone. I never understood why this band never got bigger than they did, as they seemed to have had tons of potential and were as good, if not better, than many of their contemporaries. Unfortunately FM has been relegated to B list status when it comes to the history of progressive rock. I think they deserved better and this album is a testament to what they could achieve. It was great seeing the re-united band last year at NEARfest.

Great melodic prog from Canada.......2006-05-13

FM is yet another band that has been unfairly relegated to the far corners of the prog rock niche, which is too bad - this 1977 release is a great example of highly melodic and synth heavy progressive rock. In a manner similar to another much more famous prog band from Canada, FM is a trio. The three musicians on this album include Cameron Hawkins (synthesizers, Rickenbacker bass guitar, piano, and lead voice); Martin Deller (Drums, percussion, and synthesizers) and "Nash the Slash" (electric violins and mandolin, glockenspiel, vocals, and effects). All of the musicians are very good and really crank out some tight performances. There are eight tracks on the album that range in length from 2'36" to 9'55". Overall, this is well written and performed progressive rock that sounds a great deal like the prog band England, not to mention UK (especially their Danger Money album from 1979). Melodies and harmonies abound, and synthesizer use is very heavy. In fact, there are points where a low frequency left hand synth bass line is used in place of the real bass guitar. As a bassist, I like to hear the bass guitar, but then again the synth bass lines are not too bad. The vocals are excellent and work well with the predominantly upbeat nature of the music. Although many of the songs have vocals, there are some excellent instrumentals as well and include the fantastic jazz-rockish piece Hours that features excellent soloing on the violin, mini-moog, and drums. The other instrumentals include Dialing for Dharma and the excellent Slaughter in Robot Village. The instrumental Dialing for Dharma is pretty interesting and starts off with a pulsating synth line that would not be out of place on an album by electronic composer Larry Fast. Slaughter in Robot Village is very different and features some great sounding Rickenbacker bass lines - my only wish is that this instrument had been used throughout. The 9'55" closing title track Black Noise is a very interesting piece that ranges from thunderous "tribal" drumming to spacey electric violin leads, and is a personal favorite. I guess that my only complaint is that the piece Black Noise ends so abruptly- the ending literally comes out of nowhere. Ah well. All in all, this is a great album that is recommended to all fans of melodic progressive rock.

Pebonr is wrong...very wrong.......2005-09-10

This is a classic from these obscure Canadian proggers. It is hard not to admire the outstanding drumming, keyboard and bass work and violin!!!! Pebozo is so removed from good music (i.e. Iced quief, Queenyrike, and the like) that he can't realize the greatness of these guys. City of Fear is a great album also.I have been unable to get a hold of Surveilance or Headroom. This CD is highly recommended.

Average customer rating: Daft...

Daft The Art of Noise Manufacturer: Ztt ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Experimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Dance Pop | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ambient Collection Moments in Love In No Sense? Nonsense! Into Battle with the Art of Noise The Drum and Bass Collection ASIN: B000AMU0U8 Release Date: 2005-10-04

Tracks:

1. Love
2. Time for Fear (Who's Afraid)
3. Beat Box (Diversion One)
4. Army Now
5. Donna
6. Memento
7. How to Kill
8. Realisation
9. Who's Afraid (Of the Art of Noise)
10. Moments in Love
11. Bright Noise
12. Flesh in Armour
13. Comes and Goes
14. Snapshot
15. Close (To the Edit)
16. (Three Fingers Of) Love

Customer Reviews:

Daft..........2007-04-13

A great selection of music from the Art of Noise (AON). I remember when I heard "Close to the Edit" the first time in '84. These English people had a hit on their hands - and me as a fan. My favorite song from AON is "Moments in Love." Let me be frank - it was a perfect slow song until that weird transition about 3/4 of the way through the song. Nonetheless, it's a song I will never forget! Five stars for AON and 'Daft!'

Average customer rating: Legal Stuff Apart Pieces you can't find anywhere else but the other reviews are right too Copyright Unauthorized release

Anthology of Noise & Electronic Music, Vol. 4 Manufacturer: Sub Rosa ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Ligeti, György | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Messiaen | Messiaen, Olivier | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Reich, Steve | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Electronic | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music | Computer General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: An Anthology of Noise & Electronic Music, Vol. 3: 1952-2004 An Anthology of Noise & Electronic Music: First A-Chronology, Vol. 1 An Anthology of Noise & Electronic Music, Vol. 2 Ohm: The Early Gurus of Electronic Music Special Edition 3CD + DVD Columbia-Princeton Electronic Music Center 1961-1973 ASIN: B000EBEJKW Release Date: 2006-03-21

Tracks:

1. Wire Recorder Piece
2. Pi ectronique No. 3
3. Mutations
4. Demeures Aquatiques
5. Vox
6. Sediment
7. Pendulum Music
8. Marfa Mix
9. Ressac 4
10. Sea-Food
11. Unyoga
12. Funktion Grau

Tracks:

1. Broken Music Composition
2. Fucked Up and Naked
3. Weaving the Magic
4. River Blindness
5. Still and Moving Lines of Silence in Families of Hyperbolas: Voice
6. Circa 1901
7. Still Warm
8. It
9. Present Time Exercises
10. Air Attack Over Kabul Airfield [Part of the War/Noise Series]
11. Abruitisme Dynamique/Simultanenne
12. Oraison

Customer Reviews:

Legal Stuff Apart.......2007-04-21

Some of the music on this series is so weird and beautiful that the composers should be gratefull that it is released here. They should think of this series as a sampler which might atract us, the general public, into further investigation of their work, which we most probably would have never had the chance to hear it or become aware of its existence or of the compsers/artists. Don't be so greedy... for I believe you have been done a favor. The same goes for the other volumes of this series. TWO THUMBS UP!

Pieces you can't find anywhere else but the other reviews are right too.......2006-12-29

These are historic musical works some of which have never been made available to the public and are not available anywhere else. But the other reviews are correct, that the label is not doing right by the artists.

Sub Rosa Records was very friendly up until I sent them the master tape they had requested. When they said they wanted to use it I asked to be sent their license agreement. I never heard from them again. No license but they put my piece out on cd anyway. I asked a couple of times again but each time got no reply.

I doubt that anyone else with music in this cd series has received any royalties for the use of their work or will. We do, however, get to know that people are listening to our music, and that, not money, is what probably just about all of us created this music for. Someone without any legal right to do so is making money from this music, but the music itself can now be heard.

I'm marking this with 3 stars because that averages the good and bad of this cd set as described here.

- Laurie Spiegel (composer of the piece "Sediment" on this release)

Copyright.......2006-07-06

The compiler of this series always makes great efforts to track down the copyright holders. Rather than leave off tracks for which he can't find the holder they are included in the "interests of art and music history". The text with the CD explains this, and invites that untraceable copyright holders make contact to fix any problems (or take legal action)

Please bear this in mind when considering buying this CD

Unauthorized release.......2006-05-27

This release contains a track by the Egyptian-born U.S. composer Halim El-Dabh which was used without his permission or consent, and for which he is obtaining no royalties. Please take this into consideration when choosing whether to purchase this recording.

Average customer rating: Intellectually and sonically excellent sound and perfume swirl in the evening air Nothing short of a fantastic album. A Seminal Work of Musical Art and Culture for All Time High Hopes.....

The Seduction of Claude Debussy The Art of Noise Manufacturer: Umvd Labels ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Experimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Dance Pop | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ambient Collection The Drum and Bass Collection Daft Into Battle with the Art of Noise In No Sense? Nonsense! ASIN: B00000JHCT Release Date: 1999-06-29

Tracks:

1. Il Pleure (At The Turn Of The Century)
2. Born On A Sunday
3. Dreaming In Colour
4. On Being Blue
5. Continued In Colour
6. Rapt: In The Evening Air
7. Metaforce
8. The Holy Egoism Of Genius
9. La Flute De Pan
10. Metaphor On The Floor
11. Approximate Mood Swing No. 2
12. Pause
13. Out Of This World (Version 138)

Amazon.com

Seminal mid-'80s electro-pop players (their hit "Close to the Edit" recently provided sample fodder for Prodigy's "Firestarter"), Trevor Horn, Paul Morley, Anne Dudley, and new addition Lol Creme (of 10cc), have regrouped as Art of Noise just in time to introduce classical-jungle fusion to the world. Using revered composer Debussy's melodic blueprint to build its elaborate, velvety drum & bass compositions, the group manages to make what initially seems like a dodgy idea sound somewhat viable, particularly on dreamy, atmospheric tracks like "Out of This World." Vocal contributions come from Sally Bradshaw, Donna Lewis, Rakim, and even actor John Hurt. --Aidin Vaziri

Album Description

Asia reissue of the experimental techno pop/rock group's 1999 album features 13 tracks organized around the work of French modernist composer showcasing what made the group so great. ZTT. 2004.

Customer Reviews:

Intellectually and sonically excellent.......2006-09-29

I am an old school Noise fan, have been since their first video on Mtv in the early 80's. My fave to date was the Max Headroom era Noise with the Paranoimia vid, and the great tunes on the album. YES album, as in vinyl.

DO NOT MISS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS WORK. IT IS UNEQUALLED. Give this work some room to breath! Listen with a quality system.

To all you 'fans' of AoN that have panned this disc, you need to give this some more time in your list, straight thru, without ceasing nor shuffling. Close your eyes, and let the magic take you...and get a better sound system, from some of your comments I wonder if you are listening thru some cheapo mp3 player with cheaper earbuds! I have audiophile quality earbuds with dual drivers, cost me close to $1000, AND a Diamond Audio Hex system in my car. This work deserves a quality system, and I wish I could afford better to really hear this piece.

To anyone else that likes classical music a little, and techno music a little, this will open your mind to new possibilities of music recombining you never thought possible. Who would have thought one could combine rap and opera on the same disc? AND IT WORKS!

Some have pointed to an artist by the name of Malcolm McLaren, and claiming (shallowly in this writer's humble opinion) that AoN have ripped him off from an earlier effort. I do not know this artist nor do I own any of his music, but to compare this disc to what samples I have listened to on Amazon, I have this to say; Are you kidding me?!? You are comparing that pop tripe to this intellectual masterpiece by AoN? If you only listen to the surface of the music you buy, then I pity you, for you are missing the point, and it isn't a small one, either.

I am a drummer by long experience, and my rhythmic awareness is at the highest level, and the programming on this piece is unbeleivable! It strains my abilities to keep up so I can imagine some with less rhythmic awareness can find some of the drum and bass sections a bit fast and overwhelming. Give it time. You will hear, with some training and time, what gems this masterpiece has to offer you.

sound and perfume swirl in the evening air.......2006-05-16

"The Seduction of Claude Debussy" is not just a remarkable musical triumph, it is doubly so given how easily the whole thing could have collapsed under the weight of its considerable hubris. The Art of Noise are not exactly bashful, and here they are even less so than usual as they attempt what amounts to an electronica Debussy cover album. On top of it all, John Hurt provides highly stylized narration interspersed in the lulls and even sometimes during the most heightened drama of the album, describing Debussy's life and artistic brilliance, referencing half-known poets and the like. This project could have been totally dire in less capable hands, but fortunately AON knows what they're doing.

The source of strength of this release is that it is an album, not a collection of weak Debussy remixes. No techno-ridden piano-and-string loops here. Instead we have luscious piano cascades and classical guitar and mighty string crescendos flowing beautifully over ambience, dub beats and jackhammer drillnbass alike. After all, it wouldn't be enough for Art of Noise to put new beats to old music. After declaring at the end of "Il Pleure" that Debussy "was the revolutionary that set 20th century music on its way," they could do nothing less than give us a full and rich sampling of the entire palette of 20th century music, from jazz to bubblegum pop to dub and drum and bass to hip hop. Anything less would be an insult their chosen subject and hero. For the most part, they succeed, although I personally found the rapper Rakim's surprising arrival in the middle of Track 6 to be a little jarring.

Most importantly, though, is that "Seduction" doesn't just work as an artistic concept, it works as music. It is a beautiful composition, with rich arrangements and terrific mixing, and covering an impressive degree of ground, never growing repetitive, always original and filled with aggressive experimentation and originality. I can't imagine whether Debussy himself would have liked or hated it, but what is probably certain is that he would not have been bored by it.

Nothing short of a fantastic album........2006-04-06

This album can only be described with one, simple word: beautiful. The integration of Debussy's work with the Art of Noise's musical prowess is nothing short of genius in and of itself. The Seduction, in every sense of the word, illustrates a colorful, brilliant picture of various moments in Debussy's life, accentuated with almost every imaginable classical instrument The Art can muster.

With John Hurt's warm narraration dotting various points of the music, the listener is eased through clouds of lush composition and back into reality through the beautiful, rainy painting of Il Pleure, escorted through wave after wave of operatic bliss, backgrounded with acid-orchestral beats in Dreaming in Color, and guided through the gardens of blossoming rhymes in the enchanting Evening Air. The the song that stands out the most, if a listener does not mind the interceding narraration, is The Holy Egoism of Genius. One is confronted with the various aspects of the artist's mind, and possibly given insight into the head of Debussy. The Holy Egoism of Genius, as with the rest of the album, is not an album that is to be listened to lightly or casually, despite the levity of the music itself.

In order to truly experience The Seduction of Claude Debussy, one must be isolated, so that every second of wonderful, orchestrated, and frequently blissful song can send chill after chill through one's spine. I have yet to find an album that is this consistent, beautiful, and to put it as simply as possible, great.

A Seminal Work of Musical Art and Culture for All Time.......2005-08-17

I wrote a review for this album back in 1999 for Amazon, but for whatever reason, when they revamped their site, it was lost. I can't remember everything that I wrote, but I can remember how I feel everytime that I hear this album...uplifted.

On another note, I do a lot of audio-visual work at different venues and I DJ and do some concert work as well. Whenever I set up my systems for a sound check, I put on "Il Pleure: At the Turn of the Century" and turn the system up...way up.

Whenever people who happen to be in the room or hall hear this, I get droves of people asking me the name of the song and who made it. And most of them, if they know me personally, will go and get the album and then contact me and thank me for pulling their coat about it.

There is one thing that I remember that I wrote in that review:
"While this album may not have been the best album of 1999, it is among the best of the 20th century and it is a fitting work to end the 20th century with, considering that its subject matter is based at it's beginning. All things move in cycles...."

High Hopes............2005-06-27

Huge fan of the Art of Noise first album "Who's Afraid...?", the "original" lineup and all that. Not at all happy with what came next( the novelty covers and duets with Maxx Headroom, Tom Jones, Duane Eddy, et al) after Morley and Horn left. I had very high hopes for this highly hyped "reunion" cd, but I'm just not feeling it. The idea is very lazy creatively , rather Malcolm McLaren-ish ( it reminds me of his "Fans" album from the mid-eighties )and the execution is not up to par with their work together on "Who's Afraid...?" Had this album been approached in a more staightforward way, like the William Orbit collection Pieces in a Modern Style, or even like some of Wendy Carlos' work as an interpreter of classical music using synthetic devices, it might be more inspiring or engaging. But as it is, this is for me a big letdown.

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