| 1. Danca Ma Mi Criola {Cape Verde} - Tito Paris |
| 2. Me Ki Sa Ou Le {Martinique} - Kali |
| 3. Bomba Te Traigo Yo {Puerto Rico} - Banda Criolla, Jose Gonzalez, |
| 4. Falso Testemunho {Cape Verde} - Maria Alice |
| 5. Veinte Aņos {Cuba} - Los Tradicionales De Carlos Puebla |
| 6. Mbo Hahita Avao {Madagascar} |
| 7. Sonegaly {Madagascar} - Tarika |
| 8. E Iti Taurua {Tahiti} |
| 9. Olinda Road [Hawaii] - Hapa |
| 10. Mix Up World {Tortola} - Quito Rymer |
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Why is it that island cultures so often create the most magical, deeply individual sounds? Is it because they are usually miles away from corrupting outside influences? Perhaps it is due to the fact that they are forced to create music from their own inner resources. The powerful voices of Jamaican reggae, Cuban rumba, and Puerto Rican salsa have been joined on the world stage by Cape Verdean morna and Hawaiian slack-key guitar, and the hits just keep on coming. The tunes on this set are not terribly revealing about their place of origin, but plenty of likable grooves turn up, primarily dance-oriented party fodder. It's like a casual tourist's piña colada-fueled vacation fantasy: a very pretty and colorful interlude that doesn't have much to do with real life in either place. It's perfect for lazy summer days and nights, ethnic banquets, and tropical-themed celebrations. --Christina Roden
This very enjoyable album is both exotic and easy to listen to. It has introduced me to a number of talented artists whom I otherwise might have missed.
D'Gary&Jihe from Madagascar as well as Quito Rymer from Tortola aren't quite so good.Interesting sidenote-Rymer's "Mix up world" is one of the themes for Putumayo's World Music Hour.Oh well.
This is still a good album."South Pacific Islands" is EVEN BETTER."Islands" has held up for a good 9 yrs since its release.No wonder it's still in print.How many pop albums last that long???
Spend forty-five minutes in places like Hawaii, Madagascar, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Tahiti. Great stuff to dance to, just relax and feel it pulse through your veins. This music makes you feel awesome-makes you younger just listening to it.
Just imagine yourself relaxing on an island, no one but you and maybe your lover. You can dance in the sand, relax and listen to the ocean. Feel the culture in this wonderful music and let the sun warm your body. Nothing like it.
Criticism of the "rap" in "Where There's A Will, There's a Whalebone" seems uncalled for in my opinion. It's not like this is a hip-hop CD, and the disjointed sound is obviously what they were going for.
All in all, this is a great CD. But, one last note: I wasn't previously a fan of The Unicorns, so I didn't have the "hey, this doesn't sound like The Unicorns at all!" disappointment I see in here. So, if you are a fan of The Unicorns, just keep in mind that this isn't their latest CD under a different badge.
Hopefully the Isands will stick around longer than its mother band, because "Return to the Sea" is an outstanding debut album. Living up to their name, the Islands produce a flowing, fuzzy kind of pop, flavoured with calypso and dancehall music. Imagine Sufjan Stevens on a Caribbean kick, and you have the general idea.
It opens with soft flashes of synth, and some twangy guitar strings being plucked in a rather moody way. As "Swans (Life After Death)" kicks into its catchy folk melody, the eerie synth adds an otherworldly feeling. Nick Diamond croons a song about being reborn on a tropical island, and discovering the joys of being in this beautiful place.
Then they veer into the wonderfully expansive "Humans," which sounds like music-hall piano mixed with a brass band. After that, the band experiments with other kinds of island-folk sounds: bouncy guitar pop, dense folky psychedelica, exotic experimental music, breathless psychedelic rap, and sunny calypso-flavoured pop.
If you ever got shipwrecked on a Caribbean Island with an Elephant 6 band, it might sound -- and feel -- a little like the Islands' debut. Just about any combination of folk, calypso and psychedelica you can imagine will be on "Return to the Sea," done with such polish and confidence that it feels like a band that's been around forever.
Their music is controlled and tight, but with a sunny, giddy little pop edge. They effortlessly mishmash styles (classical and blippy keyboard?), mostly folky, also some dabbles in hip-hop and dense proggy electronica. The songs are seamless meshes of folky guitar, blippy keyboard, buzzing analog synth, swelling violin, kettle drums, and whatever else you can imagine.
Diamond has a rather odd voice -- a little off-key, but still quite pleasant. And he can trip out the slightly morbid lyrics ("Bones, bones/brittle little bones"), written with a flair for description. "Swans sung songs/Till the morning dawned on us/And the sun-smudged peach moon still hung loose..."
The Islands are a pretty new band, but they don't sound like it in their polished debut "Return to the Sea," which sounds like Sufjan Stevens jamming in the Caribbean.
Nothing but Whales, No added music.
Beautiful
Paul Knapp has captured these songs for all the world to hear. Pure Humpback Singing.
I highly recommend this CD to everyone. Truly a treasure for any audio collection. Young and old.
A+
"Koop Island Blues" is a beautiful lament, featuring gorgeous vocals by Ane Brun, the only new vocalist in the lineup. It's upbeat, but mellow and even sorrowful; great stuff.
"Come to Me" is a chippy, upbeat song with vocals by returning vocalist Yukimi Nagamo, and she is just as good as ever. Tells a story of a girl who seems to be optimistic despite just getting over a failed relationship.
"Forces...Darling" features Earl Zinger, who's back for more after the last album. He and Nagamo make great rhythms with their voices, they work very well together.
"I See A Different You" features Nagamo again, and it REALLY shows off her vocal range. The title is pretty self-explanatory. A great little upbeat number.
"Let's Elope" brings back Mikael Sundin again for a more sensual feel. A very smooth piece that somehow manages to remain as innocent as possible despite the suggestive title.
"The Moonbounce": Koop lets loose! An energetic number with a catchy vocal sample overtop of lots of solos and rhythms. Good pace and very cute! (Yes, you can call music cute!) A great instrumental piece that'll get you moving.
"Beyond the Son" is a very interesting tune that may not work for some, but does for me. It's Earl Zinger reading a letter overtop of some slow beats and rhythms. It's fantastic, the letter he reads is so....interesting. Seems to be a letter to a good friend in Sweden from London. Zinger's voice is VERY unique and quite comforting. It's just the sort of letter you'd love to get from a suave friend such as him.
"Whenever There Is You" features Nagamo again, and serves as a nice jazzy love song. Great vocals again, and backing that is smooth as silk.
"Drum Rhythm A (Music For Ballet Exercises)" is the only one that didn't really cut it with me. A xylophone dances overtop of a fairly simple beat. A bit of artistic meandering, in my opinion, this song should have been built upon to make it a better instrumental piece.
All in all, "Koop Islands" is slightly (and I mean just slightly) more upbeat than "Waltz for Koop", but the sound remains the same for the most part. You still get the same feeling in this album. You feel like you're floating through the music. It's comforting, its smooth, and the production/engineering is TOP NOTCH. Truly wonderful relaxing music, I highly recommend this.
My only major beef is the same as I had with "Waltz". The album is WAY too short. Paying full price for 35 minutes of music is not so hot. If you're gonna charge full price, then fill up your CD! If "Waltz" and "Islands" were combined, they'd easily make one of the best jazz albums ever made.
Unbelievably smooth and well crafted music.
Where "altz For Koop" was steeped in a modern - and modernist - take on 60s jazz and swedish songstressess from the time (Monica Zetterlunds name was mentioned more times than the group thought was fair), "Koop Islands" has - despite its name - very little to do with romanticising the Stockholm archipelago. Rather, it goes much, much further south west, all the way down the caribbean for inspiration. That's where you'll find "Koop Islands" on their imaginary world map.
Oscar Simonsson and Magnus Zingmark bring experiences from their travels in the Caribbean to create this unique blend. The guest vocalists on the album are a gift adding graceful tones to the album.
The first track "Koop island blues" features the vocals of Norwegian singer songwriter Ane Brun, who also co wrote the song. Her breathy vocals add to the swing drum rhythm and clarinet glissandos to create a cool ambience.
Similarly, the tracks "Forces" and "Darling" featuring the vocals of Earl Zinger are like a cheeky swing set of the 1930's that simply compels you to tap your foot.
One of the two instrumental tracks on the album is "Moonbounce", a song that maintains your attention for the three minutes with tinkling piano keys, jazz flute and beatnik bongo rhythms.
Perhaps the coolest song on the album is "Beyond the son" which again features Earl Zinger performing spoken word on top of jazz accompaniment. You feel as though you are invading his personal thoughts, his confessions with the walking vibraphone.
A deliciously classy slice of jazz fuelled pop,"Come To Me", the first single is another glorious treat for the ears.
Unashamedly old fashioned,this track sounds as if its been beamed in from some 1950s parallel dimension; an all swinging, all dancing affair complete with sultry female vocals, waltz time drum brushes, strutting bass lines and what sounds like Glenn Miller resurrected blasting out the big band brass interjections with superb style.
The album is a refreshing change from the typical electro sounds that feature driving beats and house riffs, bringing some much needed Caribbean sunshine to these cold winter months.
Awesome treasure courtesy of putumayo.
Highlights-
1)Mana Ma'Ohi-A group from Easter Island (Rapa Nui).Yes,there is more to this island than the giant heads that now adorn tiki rooms everywhere.
2)Sei Ma Le Losa-A song in honor of Greenpeace's founder.Very beautiful.
3)Siasi-A joyous love song.If you look in the liner notes,the lead singer is as easy on the eyes as he is on the ears.
4)Co era so-This has a music video.Wonderful.
5)Watolea-A rousing tune.
Drink this music down!
Just as exciting, though, is the collection of otherwise relatively little-known works by Lilburn (little-known outside New Zealand at least). All but one are fairly early works; indeed two of them -- 'Drysdale Overture' (1937) and 'Forest' (1936) -- are student pieces, although you probably wouldn't recognize it on hearing them. 'Drysdale' is named for the farm in the central plateau of New Zealand's North Island on which Lilburn grew up. It has two main themes, one of them limning the landscape and the other a reminiscence of native lullabies that Lilburn's mother sang. 'Forest', a quarter-hour tone poem, describes an autumn landscape of a mountain in South Canterbury. There are typical Sibelian pizzicato basses that tread delicately through the first part of the work, but one can hear Lilburn's distinctive voice emerging. The piece won a competition for a work on New Zealand themes sponsored by Percy Grainger.
'Festival Overture' (1939), also a prize-winner, depicts the national spirit as the newly consolidated nation of New Zealand approached the War. It is both minatory and celebratory. 'A Song of the Islands' (1946), written after Lilburn had returned for good to New Zealand, is a quarter-hour tone poem in arch form that was inspired by a painting by New Zealand's Rita Angus depicting a church, cottage, barn and furrowed fields against a background of sea and snowy peaks. There is a haunting oboe melody that figures heavily in the work, along with a kind of breathless admiration for the scene depicted. The work has a sense of ultimately fulfilled anticipation, partly described through long-held harmonic suspensions, that is striking.
'A Birthday Offering' (1956) was written for the tenth anniversary of the founding of the National Orchestra (now the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra) and sounds a little like Copland, with wide-open harmonies, along with what sounds like a tale-telling mood. The last-written work recorded here is the short 'Processional Fanfare' (1961, rev. 1985) composed by Lilburn while he was professor at Victoria University in Wellington. It is, as one might guess from its title, sometimes used as a processional at graduation ceremonies and it features three trumpets and strings calling out, among other things, variations on 'Gaudeamus igitur', the student song well-known from Brahms's Academic Festival Overture.
The performances by the very fine NZSO are all one could want. My copy of the CD had some sporadic problems with mistracking, a defect I assume was unique to my copy. Otherwise sound was lifelike. For those who are drawn to this music I would call attention to the fine recordings on Naxos of Lilburn's three symphonies performed by the same forces.
Scott Morrison
It's rare, it's beautifull, it's a very special kind of music.
First of all, if you have the DVD of The Thin Red Line, the chants that come in the extras are all present on this disc. If that's all you want and you can put up with having to use your DVD player to listen, then there's no real reason to buy this album. However, the album contains twice as much material, all of it just as good. Don't think that if you buy this album you won't be getting your money's worth, even if you already have the DVD.
Secondly, the sound quality of the recording is for the most part excellent, especially when one considers that the whole album was recorded "on location" so to speak. That said, there are a few moments where the high end seems to get lost somewhere, and the occasional cough or ambient noise. If this bothers you, then be warned. It really shouldn't.
Thirdly, in response to another review, the language they are speaking (although sometimes they speak English and the accent makes it hard to tell) is Tok Pisin, or Melanesian Pigin. I won't bore you with the details, but the short version is that Tok Pisin is actually a full-fledged language, not just a pigin, dialects of which are spoken throughout the area. A minor bit of trivia: "Jisas, masta mi save" doesn't have anything to do with being saved; "save" (pronounced "sah-vay") means "to know," from whence comes "savvy" as in Pirates of the Caribbean.
Lastly, some reviews might give one the impression that this album has an overwhelming religious presence, or that it is "Christian," or some such. I won't lie; I would say 75% of the songs have the word Jesus or God somewhere in them. All I can tell you is to find some way to listen to some of them and see for yourself whether or not one has to be religious in order to appreciate the music. I would say no, others might disagree.
Visit the website of the Melanesian Brotherhood at [...]
I'll start with the negatives, since they mostly outweigh the positives, then move to the album's highlights later (please remember, I'm trying to take off the rose-colored glasses and be realistic about this album). First off, as everyone knows, this collection of songs is, and never was, an album. It's a collection of unreleased studio tracks strung together to fill The Band's contract. Consequently, the songs weren't conceived as part of a cohesive whole and the album has no flow whatsoever. Likewise, the rest of the album reflects this: a lack of attention, care, and soul.
By this point, a lot of Robbie's writing became really tired and forced--listen to "The Saga of Pepote Rouge," and "Let The Night Fall," and you'll see what I mean (spaceships?!). There's not much inspiration, and he seems to be ineffectively trying to follow stock song blueprints that worked on their better albums. The magic that buoyed Northern Lights - Southern Cross, making it one of their strongest records ever, is pretty much completely absent, which is a pity. You can really tell on these songs just how bad Robertson wanted to be done with The Band and move on. The playing is pretty similar. The Band members go through the motions, passing around lead vocals, Garth plays a bunch of instruments (a lot of easy-listening sax this time around, not really to my taste), and Robbie contributes some pretty gnarly guitar, though it's not supported by well-written songs. Although the songs are pleasant enough, there's not really much to get excited about, and it really sounds like the musicians aren't emotionally invested and inspired in making these songs as good as they can be. On a final note, "Knockin' Lost John" reminds us why Robbie didn't and shouldn't have sung on almost all of the Band's releases.
Now on to the album's saving graces, since there are a few. No matter how bland the songs and how uninspired the playing, it's still The Band doing it, which counts for something. Even though much of their signature sound is being replaced with a more late-70's lite-pop production, it's still a bit of a pleasure to hear Rick's, Levon's and Richard's voices. "Georgia On My Mind" is worth the price of admission all by itself. Richard Manuel's voice was getting pretty haggard due to his hard living, but I'll be if it didn't add even more soul and texture to his always sublime vocals--I could listen to the guy sing grocery lists and probably still be entertained. Robertson actually did write a couple decent tunes, like "Christmas Must Be Tonight" (although an arguably better version was already released as a bonus track on the superior Northern Lights - Southern Cross), and "Right As Rain" isn't too bad, though it really doesn't sound like The Band. It's also pretty cool that Rick Danko helped out with the songwriting with "Street Walker" (Robertson always complained that he had to do all the work), even though it's not that great of a song. Unfortunately, though, most of the album's good points are only mildly pleasant, and after it's over you get the feeling you've just listened to something with little substance that The Band cared about just as much as you probably did.
I'll probably get axed by hardcore fans for not giving it 5 stars, but seriously, it's not worth that many by anyone's standards. If Islands deserves 5 stars, how much is Music From Big Pink worth?! I'm glad I own it because of its highlights and because I'm a completist, but not everybody is. Islands certainly isn't essential, but you might get some enjoyment out of it. Just make sure you have everything else first.
This may not be as succesful an album as its predecessor, but there is still much great music that it equals some of the other Band albums.
Stand out tracks are Robertson's "Christmas Must Be Tonight", inspired by the birth of his son in July 1975, and here beatifully sung by Danko. I'm usually not very fond of Christmas tunes; but this one makes an exception. Other highlights are Richard Manuels great vocals on the old standard "Georgia on my Mind", which was also released as a single and the new song "Right as Rain". "Let the Night Fall", could have been a great song, but it sounds a little unfinished, probably lacking a good bridge.
"Streewalker" is another fine track, sung by Danko, would have fitted nicely into "Cahoots".
"Ain't that a Lot of Love" sounds like it should been featured on "Moondog Matinee". Helm sings!
The instrumental "Islands" is fine track, but misses some vocals to make it a "real" great "Band" track.
"The Saga of Pepote Rouge" is a great song, sung by Danko with Helm and the charming "Knocking Lost John" sung by Helm and Robertson is bound to grow on you.
The final track "Livin' in a Dream" is described in the notes a Grade B material - with the addition, grade B material from the Band is better than the finest efforts from a lot of other artist.
The first bonus-track is a real stand-out, and possibly the only authentic out-take, "Twilight" was a song from the "Northern Lights" sessions that the Band like so much that they saved it for a single. Beautiful song, slightly reggae inspired.
Don't ignore this album! Four and a half stars!
Why is it that island cultures so often create the most magical, deeply individual sounds? Is it because they are usually miles away from corrupting outside influences? Perhaps it is due to the fact that they are forced to create music from their own inner resources. The powerful voices of Jamaican reggae, Cuban rumba, and Puerto Rican salsa have been joined on the world stage by Cape Verdean morna and Hawaiian slack-key guitar, and the hits just keep on coming. The tunes on this set are not terribly revealing about their place of origin, but plenty of likable grooves turn up, primarily dance-oriented party fodder. It's like a casual tourist's piña colada-fueled vacation fantasy: a very pretty and colorful interlude that doesn't have much to do with real life in either place. It's perfect for lazy summer days and nights, ethnic banquets, and tropical-themed celebrations. --Christina Roden
Islands,Various Artists,Putumayo World Music,Cape Verde,Caribbean,Cuba,East Africa,Int'l & World Music,Madagascar,Pacific Islands,Pop,Puerto Rico,Tahiti,World Music,Worldbeat
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Islands
Various Artists Manufacturer: Putumayo World Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD  Cape Verde
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ASIN: B000003EK1 Release Date: 1997-02-04 |
Tracks:
- Danca Ma Mi Criola - Tito Paris
- Me Ki Sa Oule - Kali
- Bomba Te Traigo Yo - Jose Gonzales Y Banda Criolla
- Falso Testemunho - Maria Alice
- Veinte Anos - Los Traditionales De Carlos Puebla
- Mbo Hahita Avao - D'Gary & Jihe
- Sonegaly - Tarika
- E Iti Taurua - Bobby & Angelo
- Olinda Road - Hapa
- Mix Up World - Quito Rymer
Amazon.com
Why is it that island cultures so often create the most magical, deeply individual sounds? Is it because they are usually miles away from corrupting outside influences? Perhaps it is due to the fact that they are forced to create music from their own inner resources. The powerful voices of Jamaican reggae, Cuban rumba, and Puerto Rican salsa have been joined on the world stage by Cape Verdean morna and Hawaiian slack-key guitar, and the hits just keep on coming. The tunes on this set are not terribly revealing about their place of origin, but plenty of likable grooves turn up, primarily dance-oriented party fodder. It's like a casual tourist's piña colada-fueled vacation fantasy: a very pretty and colorful interlude that doesn't have much to do with real life in either place. It's perfect for lazy summer days and nights, ethnic banquets, and tropical-themed celebrations. --Christina RodenCustomer Reviews:
Contemporary Island Music.......2007-02-25
This very enjoyable album is both exotic and easy to listen to. It has introduced me to a number of talented artists whom I otherwise might have missed.
Very good,not great,but still fun.......2006-06-16
D'Gary&Jihe from Madagascar as well as Quito Rymer from Tortola aren't quite so good.Interesting sidenote-Rymer's "Mix up world" is one of the themes for Putumayo's World Music Hour.Oh well.
This is still a good album."South Pacific Islands" is EVEN BETTER."Islands" has held up for a good 9 yrs since its release.No wonder it's still in print.How many pop albums last that long???
One of the best in this series.......2005-09-24
Incomplete.......2005-07-28
Islands--Go Ahead, Dance!.......2004-12-11
Spend forty-five minutes in places like Hawaii, Madagascar, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Tahiti. Great stuff to dance to, just relax and feel it pulse through your veins. This music makes you feel awesome-makes you younger just listening to it.
Just imagine yourself relaxing on an island, no one but you and maybe your lover. You can dance in the sand, relax and listen to the ocean. Feel the culture in this wonderful music and let the sun warm your body. Nothing like it.
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Return to the Sea
Islands Manufacturer: Equator ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B000ELJAU6 Release Date: 2006-04-04 |
Tracks:
- Swan (Life After Death)
- Humans
- Don't Call Me Whitney, Bobby
- Rough Gem
- Tsuxiit
- Where There's A Will, There's a Whalebone
- Joggin Gorgeous Summer
- Volcanoes
- If
- Ones
Amazon.com
"I woke up thirsty on an island in the sea," went the last line in the last track on the last album by beloved indie rock pranksters, The Unicorns. At least two members took those words to heart, as frontman Nick Diamonds and drummer J'aime Tambeur return as Islands, a Montreal duo that reigns in some of its former band's more obnoxious qualities in favor of more manicured melodies and purposeful arrangements. Oh, who are we kidding? The seven-minutes-plus opener, "Swans (Life After Death)," sets the insane tone, showcasing sprawling rhythms and a freewheeling arrangement that leaves room for epic guitar solos, blustery piano flourishes and a falsetto vocal lead. It's like "November Rain" on magic mushrooms. Other highlights--if you could call them that--come in the form of the faux Caribbean jam "Don't Call Me Whitney, Bobby," the spacey instrumental centerpiece "Tsuxiit," and the frankly convoluted prog-rock-goes-hip-hop of "Where There's A Whale, There's A Whalebone." Warning: They Might Be Giants sound rational in comparison. --Aidin VaziriAlbum Description
Hailing from Montreal, Islands is a 7 piece band founded by former Unicorns front man Nick Diamond and drummer J'aime Tambeur. Following the untimely disbandment of the Unicorns right as they were on the cusp of breaking through, this highly anticipated debut release by Islands entitled Return to the Sea, with its quirky sounds and refreshing, catchy melodies, contains collaborations with members of Arcade Fire, Wolf Parade and Beck.Customer Reviews:
they're gRRReat!.......2007-02-07
This music is... fun?.......2006-12-23
Criticism of the "rap" in "Where There's A Will, There's a Whalebone" seems uncalled for in my opinion. It's not like this is a hip-hop CD, and the disjointed sound is obviously what they were going for.
All in all, this is a great CD. But, one last note: I wasn't previously a fan of The Unicorns, so I didn't have the "hey, this doesn't sound like The Unicorns at all!" disappointment I see in here. So, if you are a fan of The Unicorns, just keep in mind that this isn't their latest CD under a different badge.
A bit of a lark.......2006-11-28
Hey, if you like fun pop..........2006-11-24
Bones bones brittle little bones.......2006-11-21
Hopefully the Isands will stick around longer than its mother band, because "Return to the Sea" is an outstanding debut album. Living up to their name, the Islands produce a flowing, fuzzy kind of pop, flavoured with calypso and dancehall music. Imagine Sufjan Stevens on a Caribbean kick, and you have the general idea.
It opens with soft flashes of synth, and some twangy guitar strings being plucked in a rather moody way. As "Swans (Life After Death)" kicks into its catchy folk melody, the eerie synth adds an otherworldly feeling. Nick Diamond croons a song about being reborn on a tropical island, and discovering the joys of being in this beautiful place.
Then they veer into the wonderfully expansive "Humans," which sounds like music-hall piano mixed with a brass band. After that, the band experiments with other kinds of island-folk sounds: bouncy guitar pop, dense folky psychedelica, exotic experimental music, breathless psychedelic rap, and sunny calypso-flavoured pop.
If you ever got shipwrecked on a Caribbean Island with an Elephant 6 band, it might sound -- and feel -- a little like the Islands' debut. Just about any combination of folk, calypso and psychedelica you can imagine will be on "Return to the Sea," done with such polish and confidence that it feels like a band that's been around forever.
Their music is controlled and tight, but with a sunny, giddy little pop edge. They effortlessly mishmash styles (classical and blippy keyboard?), mostly folky, also some dabbles in hip-hop and dense proggy electronica. The songs are seamless meshes of folky guitar, blippy keyboard, buzzing analog synth, swelling violin, kettle drums, and whatever else you can imagine.
Diamond has a rather odd voice -- a little off-key, but still quite pleasant. And he can trip out the slightly morbid lyrics ("Bones, bones/brittle little bones"), written with a flair for description. "Swans sung songs/Till the morning dawned on us/And the sun-smudged peach moon still hung loose..."
The Islands are a pretty new band, but they don't sound like it in their polished debut "Return to the Sea," which sounds like Sufjan Stevens jamming in the Caribbean.
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Rapture of the Deep - Humpback Whale Singing
Paul Knapp Jr. Manufacturer: Compass Recordings ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B00005QXSB Release Date: 2001-03-05 |
Tracks:
- Caribbean Humpback Whale
- Four Days Later
- Mostly One
- One Humpback Whale
- Calm Afternoon
- One "2000 Whale"
- Five Days Later
- Breaching (Jumping) Whales
Album Description
72 minutes on 8 tracks/ very good song diversity.This CD provides a unique opportunity to hear the authentic sounds of humpback whales. There is no background music, only whales. Includes the special, nearly 25 minutes, "One Humpback Whale", an excellent recording of a close whale, just a few hundred yards away, originally recorded on digital audio tape, giving the whale great presence and clarity.
Recorded near the Virgin Islands from a 13 foot inflatable boat, using a professional hydrophone.
Customer Reviews:
A great CD ,and Great Sound.......2007-01-28
Nothing but Whales, No added music.
Beautiful
Humpback Whale Songs .......2007-01-28
Paul Knapp has captured these songs for all the world to hear. Pure Humpback Singing.
I highly recommend this CD to everyone. Truly a treasure for any audio collection. Young and old.
A+
Whale Song.......2007-01-23
great cd.......2007-01-04
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King of the Grey Islands
Candlemass Manufacturer: Nuclear Blast Americ ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B000R4S6EG Release Date: 2007-07-17 |
Tracks:
- Prologue
- Emperor of the Void
- Devil Seed
- Of Stars and Smoke
- Demonia 6
- Destroyer
- Man of Shadows
- Clearsight
- Opal City
- Embracing the Styx
- At the Gallows End [*]
- Solitude [*]
Album Details
Prepare Yourself for a True Epic Doom Classic!Customer Reviews:
Dooooooooom!! One of the best in years!!.......2007-07-19
Kings of Doom! Album of The Year.......2007-07-18
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Stars & Stripes: America's Greatest Hits
Manufacturer: Compendia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets
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ASIN: B000000BMS Release Date: 1997-02-25 |
Tracks:
- The Star Spangled Banner
- George M. Cohan Medley: Yankee Doodle Dandy/Harrigan/Mary's A Grand Old Name/You're A Grand Old Flag
- American Salute
- The Washington Post
- El Capitan
- Armed Forces Medley: The Army Goes Rolling Along/Anchors Aweigh/Semper paratus/The U.S. Air Force...
- God Bless America
- Colonel Bogey
- National Emblem March
- Americans We
- Manhattan Beach
- Deep In The Heart Of Texas
- The Yellow Rose Of Texas
- Hoe-Down From 'Rodeo'
- Shaker Melody from Appalachian Spring
Tracks:
- Fanfare For The Common Man
- Overture To 'Strike Up The Band'
- America The Beautiful
- 76 Trombones
- Victory At Sea Suite
- America From 'West Side Story'
- Liberty Bell
- Variations On 'America'
- The Stars And Stripes Forever
Customer Reviews:
worth money.......2007-05-24
Great Patriotic Music.......2007-02-21
A good choice of tunes with good quality.......2005-06-30
Brilliant!!!.......2003-08-11
Best Patriotic Music I've Found.......2001-09-20
Average customer rating:
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Koop Islands
ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| Dance & DJ
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Electronica
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ASIN: B000NQPXPI Release Date: 2006-10-03 |
Album Description
2006 release, the follow-up to their 2002 breakthrough album Waltz For Koop. Koop is Swedish Electronica/Jazz duo Magnus Zingmark and Oscar Simonsson who have been compared to Jazzanova and Kruder & Dorfmeister. The duo create modern Electronic sounds laced with Jazz influences with Hip Hop and Dance added into the mix. Koop Islands features the talents of two talented female vocalists: Cecilia Stalin and Yukimi Nagano. Features the single 'Koop Island Blues'. K7.Customer Reviews:
Set Sail.......2007-07-09
Still smooth as ever.......2007-05-31
"Koop Island Blues" is a beautiful lament, featuring gorgeous vocals by Ane Brun, the only new vocalist in the lineup. It's upbeat, but mellow and even sorrowful; great stuff.
"Come to Me" is a chippy, upbeat song with vocals by returning vocalist Yukimi Nagamo, and she is just as good as ever. Tells a story of a girl who seems to be optimistic despite just getting over a failed relationship.
"Forces...Darling" features Earl Zinger, who's back for more after the last album. He and Nagamo make great rhythms with their voices, they work very well together.
"I See A Different You" features Nagamo again, and it REALLY shows off her vocal range. The title is pretty self-explanatory. A great little upbeat number.
"Let's Elope" brings back Mikael Sundin again for a more sensual feel. A very smooth piece that somehow manages to remain as innocent as possible despite the suggestive title.
"The Moonbounce": Koop lets loose! An energetic number with a catchy vocal sample overtop of lots of solos and rhythms. Good pace and very cute! (Yes, you can call music cute!) A great instrumental piece that'll get you moving.
"Beyond the Son" is a very interesting tune that may not work for some, but does for me. It's Earl Zinger reading a letter overtop of some slow beats and rhythms. It's fantastic, the letter he reads is so....interesting. Seems to be a letter to a good friend in Sweden from London. Zinger's voice is VERY unique and quite comforting. It's just the sort of letter you'd love to get from a suave friend such as him.
"Whenever There Is You" features Nagamo again, and serves as a nice jazzy love song. Great vocals again, and backing that is smooth as silk.
"Drum Rhythm A (Music For Ballet Exercises)" is the only one that didn't really cut it with me. A xylophone dances overtop of a fairly simple beat. A bit of artistic meandering, in my opinion, this song should have been built upon to make it a better instrumental piece.
All in all, "Koop Islands" is slightly (and I mean just slightly) more upbeat than "Waltz for Koop", but the sound remains the same for the most part. You still get the same feeling in this album. You feel like you're floating through the music. It's comforting, its smooth, and the production/engineering is TOP NOTCH. Truly wonderful relaxing music, I highly recommend this.
My only major beef is the same as I had with "Waltz". The album is WAY too short. Paying full price for 35 minutes of music is not so hot. If you're gonna charge full price, then fill up your CD! If "Waltz" and "Islands" were combined, they'd easily make one of the best jazz albums ever made.
Unbelievably smooth and well crafted music.
Ethereal Jazz .......2007-04-22
Nu Jazz which sounds good........2007-03-05
Where "altz For Koop" was steeped in a modern - and modernist - take on 60s jazz and swedish songstressess from the time (Monica Zetterlunds name was mentioned more times than the group thought was fair), "Koop Islands" has - despite its name - very little to do with romanticising the Stockholm archipelago. Rather, it goes much, much further south west, all the way down the caribbean for inspiration. That's where you'll find "Koop Islands" on their imaginary world map.
Oscar Simonsson and Magnus Zingmark bring experiences from their travels in the Caribbean to create this unique blend. The guest vocalists on the album are a gift adding graceful tones to the album.
The first track "Koop island blues" features the vocals of Norwegian singer songwriter Ane Brun, who also co wrote the song. Her breathy vocals add to the swing drum rhythm and clarinet glissandos to create a cool ambience.
Similarly, the tracks "Forces" and "Darling" featuring the vocals of Earl Zinger are like a cheeky swing set of the 1930's that simply compels you to tap your foot.
One of the two instrumental tracks on the album is "Moonbounce", a song that maintains your attention for the three minutes with tinkling piano keys, jazz flute and beatnik bongo rhythms.
Perhaps the coolest song on the album is "Beyond the son" which again features Earl Zinger performing spoken word on top of jazz accompaniment. You feel as though you are invading his personal thoughts, his confessions with the walking vibraphone.
A deliciously classy slice of jazz fuelled pop,"Come To Me", the first single is another glorious treat for the ears.
Unashamedly old fashioned,this track sounds as if its been beamed in from some 1950s parallel dimension; an all swinging, all dancing affair complete with sultry female vocals, waltz time drum brushes, strutting bass lines and what sounds like Glenn Miller resurrected blasting out the big band brass interjections with superb style.
The album is a refreshing change from the typical electro sounds that feature driving beats and house riffs, bringing some much needed Caribbean sunshine to these cold winter months.
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Putumayo Presents: South Pacific Islands
Various Artists Manufacturer: Putumayo World Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| International
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ASIN: B00063MC0W Release Date: 2004-11-23 |
Tracks:
- Iuliana (Tokelau/Samoa/New Zealand) - Te Vaka
- Mana Ma'Ohi (Rapa Nui/Easter Island) - Matato'a
- Sei Ma Le Losa (Tokelau/Samoa/New Zealand) - Te Vaka
- Abebe (Papua New Guinea) - Telek
- Haloa Olohega (Tokelau/Samoa/New Zealand) - Te Vaka
- Nengone Nodegu (New Caledonia) - OK! Ryos
- Whine Whakairo (New Zealand) - Whirimako Black
- Nukukehe (Tokelau/Samoa/New Zealand) - Te Vaka
- Siasi (Papua New Guinea) - O-Shen
- Co Era So (New Caledonia) - OK! Ryos
- Watolea (New Caledonia) - Gurejele
Amazon.com
Bring up the subject of Polynesian music to most Americans and they might mention Hawaiian slide-guitars and ukuleles, the hula or perhaps slack-key finger-picking. But Hawaii is a mere pin-spot within Oceania, a huge area consisting of more than of 25,000 islands that are in turn subdivided into regions known as Melanesia, Polynesia, and Micronesia. As well, there are the related native cultures of Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Many of the traditions seem to share a passion for melody which is often expressed via exquisite close-harmony singing. The songs on this collection, while contemporary, bear out this reputation for fine vocals. But the selections are otherwise quite varied, ranging from Auckland New Zealand-based Whirimako Black's Sade-like delivery, to Gurejele's sun-drenched, almost South African-sounding vamps, to the glistening, multi-layered pop of Papua New Guinea's O-Shen. The enhanced CD features a video of Co Era So by OK! Ryos. --Christina RodenAlbum Description
Blessed with stunning natural beauty and unique cultures, the islands of the South Pacific have long symbolized paradise on Earth to outsiders. Of course, life is more complicated than travel brochures and Gauguin paintings would lead one to believe. The people of the South Pacific, like elsewhere, struggle with the impact of modernization and are fighting to revitalize and redefine their traditions before they disappear.Both Telek and O-shen come from Papua New Guinea, a tropical archipelago of dense rainforests and active volcanoes. Telek combines ancient Tolai traditions and contemporary Western music without compromising his native culture. O-shen, the son of American missionaries who was raised in a remote Papuan village, fuses traditional Pacific music with hip-hop and reggae.
OK! Ryos and Gurejele are leading figures in New Caledonia's Kaneka movement, a unique music that blends local polyphonic singing styles and traditional rhythms of the Kanak culture with pop and world beat flavors.
Te Vaka, a New Zealand-based band with members from across Oceania, is creating a pan-Pacific pop music that incorporates elements from a variety of cultures into an appealing fusion. Fellow New Zealander Whirimako Black endeavors to bring Maori music, culture, and language to a broader audience.
Finally, from far-off Rapa Nui, better known as Easter Island, comes Matato'a. Their native language is now spoken by less than 3000 people and is blended here with an upbeat, cross-cultural mix of music.
This enhanced CD features an OK! Ryos music video filmed on the picturesque beaches of New Caledonia, as well as informative liner notes in English, Spanish, and French, striking Lonely Planet photographs and the recipe of a traditional South Pacific dish.
Customer Reviews:
Does not disappoint!!!.......2007-06-07
Awesome treasure courtesy of putumayo.
Upbeat and unexpected..........2007-02-09
A musical mai tai.......2006-06-13
Highlights-
1)Mana Ma'Ohi-A group from Easter Island (Rapa Nui).Yes,there is more to this island than the giant heads that now adorn tiki rooms everywhere.
2)Sei Ma Le Losa-A song in honor of Greenpeace's founder.Very beautiful.
3)Siasi-A joyous love song.If you look in the liner notes,the lead singer is as easy on the eyes as he is on the ears.
4)Co era so-This has a music video.Wonderful.
5)Watolea-A rousing tune.
Drink this music down!
the best music to wake up to.......2005-05-06
Tropical paradise.......2005-04-21
Average customer rating:
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Douglas Lilburn: A Song of Islands; Aotearoa Overture; Forest
Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Overtures
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ASIN: B000H1QUQK Release Date: 2006-09-26 |
Customer Reviews:
Lilburn's Processional Fanfare.......2007-07-04
Austral Nordicism.......2006-11-13
New Zealand's Greatest Composer.......2006-10-21
Just as exciting, though, is the collection of otherwise relatively little-known works by Lilburn (little-known outside New Zealand at least). All but one are fairly early works; indeed two of them -- 'Drysdale Overture' (1937) and 'Forest' (1936) -- are student pieces, although you probably wouldn't recognize it on hearing them. 'Drysdale' is named for the farm in the central plateau of New Zealand's North Island on which Lilburn grew up. It has two main themes, one of them limning the landscape and the other a reminiscence of native lullabies that Lilburn's mother sang. 'Forest', a quarter-hour tone poem, describes an autumn landscape of a mountain in South Canterbury. There are typical Sibelian pizzicato basses that tread delicately through the first part of the work, but one can hear Lilburn's distinctive voice emerging. The piece won a competition for a work on New Zealand themes sponsored by Percy Grainger.
'Festival Overture' (1939), also a prize-winner, depicts the national spirit as the newly consolidated nation of New Zealand approached the War. It is both minatory and celebratory. 'A Song of the Islands' (1946), written after Lilburn had returned for good to New Zealand, is a quarter-hour tone poem in arch form that was inspired by a painting by New Zealand's Rita Angus depicting a church, cottage, barn and furrowed fields against a background of sea and snowy peaks. There is a haunting oboe melody that figures heavily in the work, along with a kind of breathless admiration for the scene depicted. The work has a sense of ultimately fulfilled anticipation, partly described through long-held harmonic suspensions, that is striking.
'A Birthday Offering' (1956) was written for the tenth anniversary of the founding of the National Orchestra (now the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra) and sounds a little like Copland, with wide-open harmonies, along with what sounds like a tale-telling mood. The last-written work recorded here is the short 'Processional Fanfare' (1961, rev. 1985) composed by Lilburn while he was professor at Victoria University in Wellington. It is, as one might guess from its title, sometimes used as a processional at graduation ceremonies and it features three trumpets and strings calling out, among other things, variations on 'Gaudeamus igitur', the student song well-known from Brahms's Academic Festival Overture.
The performances by the very fine NZSO are all one could want. My copy of the CD had some sporadic problems with mistracking, a defect I assume was unique to my copy. Otherwise sound was lifelike. For those who are drawn to this music I would call attention to the fine recordings on Naxos of Lilburn's three symphonies performed by the same forces.
Scott Morrison
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Melanesian Choirs (Original Soundtrack): Chants from the Thin Red Line
Melanesian Choirs: The Blessed Islands Manufacturer: RCA Victor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks
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ASIN: B00000IGF3 Release Date: 1999-03-23 |
Tracks:
- Jisas Yu Holem Hand Blong Mi - Choir Of All Saints, Honiara
- Soon My Lord - Choir Of All Saints, Honiara
- God Yu Tekkem Laef Blong Mi - Choir Of All Saints, Honiara
- Early Morning At Tabalia - Melanesian Brotherhood, Tabalia
- Procession Chant 1 - Melanesian Brotherhood, Tabalia
- Procession Chant 2 - Melanesian Brotherhood, Tabalia
- Holly - Melanesian Brotherhood, Tabalia
- Procession Chant 3 - Melanesian Brotherhood, Tabalia
- We Love To Sing - Choir Of All Saints, Honiara
- Me Go Longway - Choir Of All Saints, Honiara
- Jisas, Masta Mi Save - Choir Of All Saints, Honiara
- Procession Chant 4 - Melanesian Brotherhood, Tabalia
- Together Be - Melanesian Brotherhood, Tabalia
- Sunday Service Hymn - Melanesian Brotherhood, Tabalia
- Halleluia!, Sing To Jesus - Melanesian Brotherhood, Tabalia
- Jesus, You Are Here - Choir Of All Saints, Honiara
- Bybye - Choir Of All Saints, Honiara
- We Are One Big Happy Family - Choir Of All Saints, Honiara
- Traditional Lullaby - Melanesian Brotherhood, Tabalia
- Cho Cho Vancho - Melanesian Brotherhood, Tabalia
- Remember - Melanesian Brotherhood, Tabalia
- Jisas Yu Holem Hand Blong Mi - Melanesian Brotherhood, Tabalia
- Pray For Us - Melanesian Brotherhood, Tabalia
- God All Mighty - Melanesian Brotherhood, Tabalia
- Procession Chorus - Melanesian Brotherhood, Tabalia
- Kyrie - Melanesian Brotherhood, Tabalia
Customer Reviews:
Music fo angels.......2007-06-08
It's rare, it's beautifull, it's a very special kind of music.
Good Stuff.......2006-03-17
Practical Information.......2005-09-07
First of all, if you have the DVD of The Thin Red Line, the chants that come in the extras are all present on this disc. If that's all you want and you can put up with having to use your DVD player to listen, then there's no real reason to buy this album. However, the album contains twice as much material, all of it just as good. Don't think that if you buy this album you won't be getting your money's worth, even if you already have the DVD.
Secondly, the sound quality of the recording is for the most part excellent, especially when one considers that the whole album was recorded "on location" so to speak. That said, there are a few moments where the high end seems to get lost somewhere, and the occasional cough or ambient noise. If this bothers you, then be warned. It really shouldn't.
Thirdly, in response to another review, the language they are speaking (although sometimes they speak English and the accent makes it hard to tell) is Tok Pisin, or Melanesian Pigin. I won't bore you with the details, but the short version is that Tok Pisin is actually a full-fledged language, not just a pigin, dialects of which are spoken throughout the area. A minor bit of trivia: "Jisas, masta mi save" doesn't have anything to do with being saved; "save" (pronounced "sah-vay") means "to know," from whence comes "savvy" as in Pirates of the Caribbean.
Lastly, some reviews might give one the impression that this album has an overwhelming religious presence, or that it is "Christian," or some such. I won't lie; I would say 75% of the songs have the word Jesus or God somewhere in them. All I can tell you is to find some way to listen to some of them and see for yourself whether or not one has to be religious in order to appreciate the music. I would say no, others might disagree.
Visit the website of the Melanesian Brotherhood at [...]
Music for the Cathedrals in Your Head.......2004-12-15
Breathtaking and Simply Spectacular!!!.......2003-05-13
There is some of the most beautiful choir songs ever on this CD. Those children are truly gifted, and God bless them all!
Average customer rating:
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Islands
The Band Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B00004W3L2 Release Date: 2001-05-08 |
Tracks:
- Right As Rain
- Street Walker
- Let The Night Fall
- Ain't That A Lot Of Love
- Christmas Must Be Tonight
- Islands
- The Saga Of Pepote Rouge
- Georgia On My Mind
- Knockin' Lost John
- Livin' In A Dream
- Twilight (Single Version)
- Georgia On My Mind (Alternate Take)
Amazon.com
The liner notes for Robbie Robertson's version of the Band's swan song makes the case that Islands was never meant to be viewed as their studio signoff. Rather, argues Robertson, it was seen as their version of the Who's Odds and Sods and a contract fulfiller so that the quintet could release their true coda, The Last Waltz, on Warner Bros. With such modest aspirations in mind, Islands, while falling far short of the Band's creative heights, provides a pleasant listen for stalwart fans. Covers of "Ain't That a Lot of Love" and "Georgia on My Mind" (the latter recorded to boost Jimmy Carter's presidential campaign) showcase the always striking vocals of Levon Helm and Richard Manuel, respectively. And while the likes of "The Saga of Pepote Rouge," "Knockin' Lost John," and "Let the Night Fall" lack the passion and precision of prime Band, they're appealing in their own modest way. --Steven StolderCustomer Reviews:
Really lackluster, but it's still The Band.......2007-01-06
I'll start with the negatives, since they mostly outweigh the positives, then move to the album's highlights later (please remember, I'm trying to take off the rose-colored glasses and be realistic about this album). First off, as everyone knows, this collection of songs is, and never was, an album. It's a collection of unreleased studio tracks strung together to fill The Band's contract. Consequently, the songs weren't conceived as part of a cohesive whole and the album has no flow whatsoever. Likewise, the rest of the album reflects this: a lack of attention, care, and soul.
By this point, a lot of Robbie's writing became really tired and forced--listen to "The Saga of Pepote Rouge," and "Let The Night Fall," and you'll see what I mean (spaceships?!). There's not much inspiration, and he seems to be ineffectively trying to follow stock song blueprints that worked on their better albums. The magic that buoyed Northern Lights - Southern Cross, making it one of their strongest records ever, is pretty much completely absent, which is a pity. You can really tell on these songs just how bad Robertson wanted to be done with The Band and move on. The playing is pretty similar. The Band members go through the motions, passing around lead vocals, Garth plays a bunch of instruments (a lot of easy-listening sax this time around, not really to my taste), and Robbie contributes some pretty gnarly guitar, though it's not supported by well-written songs. Although the songs are pleasant enough, there's not really much to get excited about, and it really sounds like the musicians aren't emotionally invested and inspired in making these songs as good as they can be. On a final note, "Knockin' Lost John" reminds us why Robbie didn't and shouldn't have sung on almost all of the Band's releases.
Now on to the album's saving graces, since there are a few. No matter how bland the songs and how uninspired the playing, it's still The Band doing it, which counts for something. Even though much of their signature sound is being replaced with a more late-70's lite-pop production, it's still a bit of a pleasure to hear Rick's, Levon's and Richard's voices. "Georgia On My Mind" is worth the price of admission all by itself. Richard Manuel's voice was getting pretty haggard due to his hard living, but I'll be if it didn't add even more soul and texture to his always sublime vocals--I could listen to the guy sing grocery lists and probably still be entertained. Robertson actually did write a couple decent tunes, like "Christmas Must Be Tonight" (although an arguably better version was already released as a bonus track on the superior Northern Lights - Southern Cross), and "Right As Rain" isn't too bad, though it really doesn't sound like The Band. It's also pretty cool that Rick Danko helped out with the songwriting with "Street Walker" (Robertson always complained that he had to do all the work), even though it's not that great of a song. Unfortunately, though, most of the album's good points are only mildly pleasant, and after it's over you get the feeling you've just listened to something with little substance that The Band cared about just as much as you probably did.
I'll probably get axed by hardcore fans for not giving it 5 stars, but seriously, it's not worth that many by anyone's standards. If Islands deserves 5 stars, how much is Music From Big Pink worth?! I'm glad I own it because of its highlights and because I'm a completist, but not everybody is. Islands certainly isn't essential, but you might get some enjoyment out of it. Just make sure you have everything else first.
Manuel makes this a masterpiece.......2006-08-17
Not THAT Bad.......2006-07-06
Don't Ignore this Album.......2005-09-21
This may not be as succesful an album as its predecessor, but there is still much great music that it equals some of the other Band albums.
Stand out tracks are Robertson's "Christmas Must Be Tonight", inspired by the birth of his son in July 1975, and here beatifully sung by Danko. I'm usually not very fond of Christmas tunes; but this one makes an exception. Other highlights are Richard Manuels great vocals on the old standard "Georgia on my Mind", which was also released as a single and the new song "Right as Rain". "Let the Night Fall", could have been a great song, but it sounds a little unfinished, probably lacking a good bridge.
"Streewalker" is another fine track, sung by Danko, would have fitted nicely into "Cahoots".
"Ain't that a Lot of Love" sounds like it should been featured on "Moondog Matinee". Helm sings!
The instrumental "Islands" is fine track, but misses some vocals to make it a "real" great "Band" track.
"The Saga of Pepote Rouge" is a great song, sung by Danko with Helm and the charming "Knocking Lost John" sung by Helm and Robertson is bound to grow on you.
The final track "Livin' in a Dream" is described in the notes a Grade B material - with the addition, grade B material from the Band is better than the finest efforts from a lot of other artist.
The first bonus-track is a real stand-out, and possibly the only authentic out-take, "Twilight" was a song from the "Northern Lights" sessions that the Band like so much that they saved it for a single. Beautiful song, slightly reggae inspired.
Don't ignore this album! Four and a half stars!
very good set from a great group of musicians.......2005-05-27
Pop Music:
- Japan: Songs of the Season
- Ke Alaula
- Koyo Habib
- Lyrebird
- Mas Que Vencedores
- Melancolie [Import]
- Memories of Clare
- Memories of Germany
- Movimiento Music [Live]
- Music from a Painted Cave
