Aether [Import]

Product Description
Australian only release from this band that garnered praise from of all over the world. The Necks produce brilliant & haunting cutting edge jazz that defies classification. They recently composed for the Aussie film 'The Boys'. 'Real splendour...this is a hugely mature album, a rare spark of brilliance that essentially squeezes the jazz trio into Krautrock jackets, a marvel' says THE WIRE (UK). 'It's ambient jazz & it's wonderful' says L.A. JAZZ SCENE, 'The perfect soundtrack for long journey in a car you really enjoy driving' says GRAMAPHONE JAZZ. The praise goes on & on. 2001 release. Digipak.

Aether,The Necks,Import [Generic],Contemporary Instrumental,Jazz Music,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

Average customer rating: Neil Young Meets Sigur Ros, Meets Kentucky Bluegrass

The Aether Eater Odawas Manufacturer: Jagjaguwar ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Don't Let Stars Keep Us Tangled Up Writer's Block (LTD Edition with Bonus Disc) The Good, the Bad & the Queen Myths of the Near Future Ys ASIN: B0009JE5T4 Release Date: 2005-07-25

Tracks:

1. The Astronaut
2. If It Smells Like A Rain Cloud
3. Benjamin
4. The Golden Frog
5. The Bones Of Pangaea
6. The Unnamed Sphinx
7. Ant Man Messiah Elijah
8. Kids
9. Behind The Moon
10. Song Of Temptations
11. Song Of Recompense
12. Virgil

Customer Reviews:

Neil Young Meets Sigur Ros, Meets Kentucky Bluegrass.......2006-03-24

Who would have thought that a harmonica would sound so functional and aurally pleasing when thrown into a blender with 1970's progressive music? For this band hailing from the great state of Indiana, it only sounds natural. Aside from the spacey, often eclectic music, the lyrics provide hours of provocative pondering. The song Benjamin alone with the disordered thinking patterns of a little boy will have listerners thinking of a disillusioned youth on the verge of childhood-onset schizophrenia; truly something metaphysical and cryptic, a brilliant illumination of a troubled psyche. Despite being refreshingly entertaining, the songs may lack some form of cohesion, but each track stands as an unfamiliar and stimulating journey into the unknown.

Average customer rating: Zornithologist Refreshing for Laswell listeners, and... Hare in the CD, and certainly no Pretty good... (3.5 stars)

Emerald Aether: Shape Shifting/Reconstructions Of Irish Music Bill Laswell Manufacturer: Shanachie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Celtic | Europe | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B00004NH93 Release Date: 2000-03-14

Tracks:

1. The Wayfaring Stranger
2. The Stride Set (Reels)
3. The Labouring Man's Daughter
4. We Dreamed Our Dreams
5. Wendel's Wedding
6. The Gray Selchie
7. Dark Green
8. Wind Chimes And Nursery Rhymes
9. One, I Love
10. La Bruxa
11. The Hare In The Heather
12. Coaineadh Na Dtri Muire (Lament Of The Three Marys)
13. Slieve Russell, Jimmy Wards J.G.
14. The Beauty Spot (Reels)

Amazon.com

Bill Laswell has made something of a career by wedding traditional song forms to high-tech, glossy production. On Emerald Aether, Laswell aims his sights on Irish music. With tracks by Solas, Matt Malloy, Jerry O'Sullivan, and others as source material, Laswell has laid a sturdy foundation. When his experiments work, the effects can be intoxicating. Laswell adds a propulsive beat box to a galloping reel by Solas and the track bristles with energy. On Jerry O'Sullivan's "Wind Chimes and Nursery Rhymes," Laswell adds only the slightest electronic gauze, making the tune sound all the more delicate. Some of the material, however, simply doesn't work. Karan Casey's gossamer rendition of "The Laboring Man's Daughter" is destroyed by clumsy beat boxes and DJ scratching, which make the song sound more like a collision than a construction. Regardless of the misses, Laswell's sonic explorations never fail to place the source material in a new (and often challenging) context. --S. Duda

Customer Reviews:

Zornithologist.......2003-08-12

I like a lot of the Laswell library but certainly not everything. As an Irishman I've got to say that Bill has hit the nail on the head here. This is a stunning work but be prepared for something "more" than your standard Irish ditties performed by an Irish ensemble. This is Irish music thrown head-over-heals into the 21st Century. Scary.....but worthy. An essential CD for anyone who wishes to explore the melding of Irish and Dub.

Refreshing for Laswell listeners, and..........2002-07-22

... excellent for the Laswell-noobs as well.

There were years during which I was picking up Laswell's many discs of ambient/world fusion, and especially at first, there were some releases which were breaking ground and getting a lot of play on my stereo. But over time, it began to seem as if Laswell was re-hashing much of the same territory in his spate of releases... it seemed like there was a new one every other month!

Recently however, I dove back into his recent attempts, and this was one of the ones I liked most. It's Laswell doing some of his finest balance-work between traditional and electronic music; you can find Laswell albums in which the traditional/world music being appropriated is lost in an ambient mix; and you can find Laswell albums that are barely electronic at all (and actually, though I'm a huge elecronic fan, I think that these albums are usually a safer bet).

But here on Emerald Aether - for the most part, it seems like Laswell is walking with confidence on a musical tightrope. The traditional Irish music leads often, and becomes a flavor for the electronic music (not all of which is ambient - some tracks can easily find a home in a hip-hop set) when it doesn't. And with an exception or two (as the two other reviewers here have mentioned, actually), the electronic music doesn't overwhelm what are some excellent performances by the Irish artists named in the track listing.

A note on the first Karen Casey song (track 3) - I first listened to it on headphones, and felt that the beats were simply going against the grain of the melody and mood of Casey's singing. But when I heard it again on my stereo, it sounded a bit more in synch... I'm not sure what to make of that, I'll just need to listen to it some more.

Amazon has a snippet from the 2nd track up there... definitely give it a listen. When that track hit me for the first time (and it hit me alright... like a big green train, that turns out to be made of leaves (uhm, yeah, it's time for bed for me)), on my headphones, I was amazed. And as I said, refreshed. I've generally had some trepidation about Laswell's many many releases, and this one (and Hashisheen, actually) have completely restored my faith in the man. I figured this album would be a 4 or 4.5 star release (to get nitpicky on it all), but I guess because of its impact on me, and for its sheer accessability for any listener, I'll crank it up to 11 (er, 5).

Furthermore, if you've heard little or no Laswell, this is a pretty safe place to begin. As I said, I think it's a very accessable album, regardless of your usual interests, and it doesn't fall prey to the appropriation of a certain style of music as simple gimmickry. People who chanced on this page looking for traditional Irish music might well want to give this a try.

Hare in the CD, and certainly no.......2000-06-13

After famously reconstructing Davis and Marley, Laswell turns his attention towards more traditional music with a host of well qualified musicians at his side.

Karan Casey proves herself to be a very talented singer, although Laswell may have drowned her tones under heavy beats during track 3, she returns with the outstanding track 9 (One, I Love).

Track 5, (Wendel's Wedding) is beautiful. Not overly produced or remixed, simple yet effective. Hearing a musician breathe on a trance recording is a rare treat, and Laswell doesn't intefere with the simple yet enchanting melody that flows like the Corrib River through so many different turns, and even manages to finally arrive at a soundscape similar to my memory of Galway Bay.

Solas put in an astonishing performance for track 10 (La Bruxa) which Laswell then joins with brilliance to track 10 (The Hare in the Heather), another track where his mastery of the studio is demonstrated, as is Cathie Ryan on track 12 (Coaineadh Na Dtri Muire).

The rhythms Laswell composes around the music may be intrusive to some, but I feel he's really trying to marry the contemporary with traditional, not an easy task and one which could be quite badly done. His talent prevents him from doing a very poor job, and although some may disagree with a thumping bass in parts, it all works very well. Sleeve notes by William Murphy also make for very interesting thoughts about western music in general.

I mainly purchased this album because I had moved to Ireland for work, and I was eager to see whether Laswell had been enchanted by the charm of the place, as it is so easy to do. Obviously, this man's deep musical understanding has allowed him to appreciate Irish-Celtic music for what it is, and in the process shows him to be one of the true musical geniuses of our time.

Of course, you cannot talk of Irish music without thinking of dancing, spontenaity and Guinness. This has it all - apart from the black nectar, so I'm taking one star from the rating.

Pretty good... (3.5 stars).......2000-06-10

I'm a Laswell freak, he occupies most of the right side of my CD rack.

This disc is pretty good. There's some trancendental moments indeed. I admit I'm not really an Irish music fan to start... but I definitely appreciate this disc.

One thing though Bill, the two Karan Casey tracks.. I'm sorry, but I didn't dig em. Like the reviewer up top said, it sounds more like a collision than a collusion. I still love you though!

Average customer rating: Special recording- Best to Date! Geologic music?

Aether The Necks Manufacturer: Rer ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Hanging Gardens Chemist The Boys Drive By Sex ASIN: B00007GXZS Release Date: 2003-03-04

Tracks:

1. Aether

Customer Reviews:

Special recording- Best to Date!.......2005-02-24

The Necks from Australia are kind of the underground band out there in the new music (jazz) scene. The Necks are noted to make mostly 60 minute one song CD's.

Aether is a wonderful 'moment in time'. I hear Jade Warrior's magic (Island Years), Medeski, Martin and Wood (Tonic) and some of the best ECM sounds when that label transformed for a brief time towards a new age leaning sound (Soltice, Towner, Oregon -Vangaurd).

It is a music groups' masterpiece. The musicians 'hear' each other and follow the airy and building mood from beginning to the end of the piece. I normally don't get into too much really mellow sounding stuff, but Aether is just an exceptional record. I can't get enough of it. Exquisite spin!

Geologic music?.......2004-08-07

This album is my first and only exposure so far to the music of this Australian trio. As you can see this recording, named for the firmament yet carved into the grain of wood, contains a single track that clocks in at 63 minutes. While this may sound like tedium to some, it rewards the listener who allows for a different conception of time in music. But unlike ambient music's flat-line of dynamic, there is progression and tension in Aether.

The composition is basically formed around a cycle of chords that, to start, are very separated-20 seconds peak-to-peak-and gradually move closer together while adding more instrumental color (organ, electric piano, electric bass, arco bass, bells, tumba) around the core of acoustic bass, cymbals, and piano. The opening chord itself gorgeously plunges you into the cycle and the evolution begins; at the end, you can't believe how you arrived there.

Obvious comparisons can be made to Steve Reich, Terry Riley, Can, Fela Kuti, Basinski's Disintegration Loops, and many others but it must be said that The Necks are plying their own sound. There is perhaps a reflection of the Australian landscape-the vast stretches of land, island isolation-seen in the long-form that their music prefers. Indeed, I listened to Aether while driving across Idaho on Highway 20 and found it an ideal companion.

Average customer rating: A passage into the ethereal Lead and Aether, a brief review.

Lead & Aether ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Stormcrowfleet Farmakon Quietus Angels of Distress Subconscious Dissolution into the Continuum ASIN: B00008ZGP8 Release Date: 2003-03-27

Tracks:

1. THE ORGANIUM
2. The March and the Stream
3. The Falls
4. Forge
5. -Edges-
6. Aether

Album Description

This album reinforces the band's abilities to capture the imagination of all deep and adventurous listeners. It is a dark storm of atmospheric clouds and the epitome of tragedy!

Customer Reviews:

A passage into the ethereal.......2007-01-17

Skepticism returns with their unique brand of colossal, medieval-esque doom. Like Stormcrowfleet, this album is drenched in a sombre atmosphere that seems to carry you off into realms long forgotten. Bereft of any feelings of happiness or hope; this album certainly retains an epic quality. This album rekindles a period when lords proudly sat in their aging halls; where high towers were lost in the mist amongst a great vast forest. Lead and Aether will transport you to that time when magic, mystery, and gloom permeated this world; a world as we shall never know it.

Lead and Aether, a brief review........2003-10-20

This CD is probably one of the best releases from Skepticism that is actually still available. The song "The March and the Stream" is the best piece of music ever written. The bridge will bring you to your knees. Unfortunately, the version on this album is somewhat shorter than the version from "Ethere." It is faster, and does not have the church bell intro and outro. It is still incredible though.

The other songs on Lead and Aether are very impressive, to say the least. The CD starts with powerful sounding chords blasted out on the organ. Upon first hearing this, I knew that I was going to be totally crushed by the time the CD was over.

The fastest song on this CD would have to be "Forge." It is really amazingly atmospheric, and made me feel that I was in medieval times.

To end this album, the song Aether does a remarkable job. At the end there a few seconds of silence, and then the verse from "Forge" is thrown out slightly louder than before. It makes you want to listen to the CD again.

For this review, I focused on the tracks which appeal to me most. The other songs are certainly noteworthy, they just don't appeal to me quite as much. I recommend you buy this!

Average customer rating: Lots Of Variety On This One An Exciting Album - Music To REALLY Listen To! One of the best of 2002 File with the other "shelf fodder."

The Gentle Art of Firewalking The Dark Aether Project ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Rock | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B00005Y1UR Release Date: 2002-01-26

Tracks:

1. Crossing the Threshold
2. Night Embrace
3. The Gentle Art of Firewalking
4. Mask
5. 3rd Degree
6. Shades
7. Sparks Fly
8. Embers

Album Description

In October 2001 a new lineup of The Dark Aether Project settled down in band founder Adam Levin's studio to record the band's third CD "The Gentle Art of Firewalking." The album features 8 songs which show a new Dark Aether Project with a fuller, more diverse and extreme sound - from quiet melodic ambience to full tilt adrenaline pumping displays of technical instrumental prowess.

Four vocal tracks are balanced by four instrumental tracks. The lyrical subject matter deals with the ups and downs of interpersonal relationships experienced by band members in their personal lives during the writing and recording of the CD.

The music, while occasionally being reminiscent of classic artists like King Crimson's 73-74 and 80's eras, as well as others such as Pink Floyd and Mahavishnu Orchestra at times - is not a throwback to the past. It is very much forward-looking and contemporary featuring elements that stray into the realm of post-rock, world music, ambient music, math rock,space/psychedelic rock and contemporary hard rock. It's hard to pin a label on the music appearing on "The Gentle Art of Firewalking" because it is such a unique and diverse blend of styles and influences.

The Dark Aether Project's lineup, in addition to Levin (who plays an 8 String Warr Touchstyle Guitar, keyboards, bass and guitar) features drummer/keyboardist Allen Brunelle, vocalist Jennifer Huff, guitarist John McCloskey and keyboardist Marty Saletta.

Customer Reviews:

Lots Of Variety On This One.......2007-01-09

D.A.P. is back with a very different lineup for their 3rd album. Project leader Adam Levin remains, but there are no other carryovers from the previous album. The vocal duties are handled by Jennifer Huff which lends the album a very different feel from the more gruff vocal work by Ray Weston on the previous disc. Overall I think this is a better album than the previous one. The addition of John McCloskey on guitar really makes a difference on several tracks. The almost metallic "Sparks" Fly" features a McClosky and Levin guitar duel that serves as one of the most energetic tracks that this band has done. New vocalist Huff sings on 4 tracks and 4 are all instrumental. Levin's Warr guitar and Huffs half sung half spoken vocals work in tandem on "Night Embrace" to create a well done moody atmospheric piece. The final track "Embers" works in a similar fashion. This album covers a lot of musical ground and should appeal to a wide variety of progressive rock fan.

An Exciting Album - Music To REALLY Listen To!.......2005-01-27

Anyone looking for a nice danceable beat, you have come to the wrong place.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for music that exists not for commecial reasons, but artistic ones, this is for you.
Fans of modern King Crimson will have lots to enjoy here. There is a definate similarity, but in my opinion, Dark Aether has created it's own music. Well worth the money... it would be worth it even if it cost twice as much!
To those of you searching for your more mainstream music, you should give this a shot. It is quite exciting music!

One of the best of 2002.......2004-04-03

This is a stunningly beautiful album. I am blown away by it. All the changes in the band since 1998 - the mainstay member being Adam Levin (Warr 8-String touch style guitar, bass, guitar, keys, and loops) -- have been for the best. Not to dis' his previous cohorts, but the quartet he has brought in this time - Jennifer Huff on vocals; Allen Brunelle on drums, backing vocals, and keyboards; John McCloskey on guitar, and Marty Saletta on keyboards and stick -- have made this Dark Aether Project the best yet.

New vocalist Huff has a wonderfully warm voice, though it doesn't quite work for me on "Shades." Yaman Aksu has been replaced by McCloskey on guitar and I have to say that I fell for this album just based on the first track, the instrumental "Crossing The Threshold." While Levin and Brunelle are not absent here, their sparse, measured, moody lines provide the perfect backdrop to McCloskey's guitar excursions. It's the kind of mellow and yet energetic piece that would sound sublime live, at dusk, under a slowly darkening sky. Beautiful. These very same words could describe the title track as well, as the clear notes from McCloskey speak with the same voice -- saying something different, a little lighter, a little more upbeat, but the same voice.

"Night Embrace" is the second track and the first with vocals. Here Levin on touch guitar is the lead instrument. Huff's vocal delivery is part sung, part spoken, and while it may seem I over use this word (I think I used it above) this is very very moody ... recalling for me at once a merging of The Motels, Berlin, and mellow The Gathering and Brave. Oh, yes, and more tasty guitar from McCloskey.

Musically, the "aether" part of their name is very strong, reminding me also of many a Dark Symphonies artist - which I guess has now become shorthand for a particular type of music. My impression of Dark Aether Project has never been that of darkwave, and yet here they easily could qualify. Not that they would need to for any reason. But, looking at the lyrics, we do not have a happy bunch of folks... most of the lyrics deal with the pain, anguish, anger, and dark thoughts that come to pass when a relationship hits the skids...or disintegrates...

Did I say this was mellow darkwave? Well, not entirely, as one just needs to listen to the searing guitar of McCloskey -- hmm, I must have a McCloskey fixation. Nah, I just love guitar and McCloskey gives the listener lots to love. I mean, there aren't highlights - nearly the whole album is a highlight. The band's playing is so tight, so perfect (or near enough to me that I can't find anything to quibble about). "Shades" is angular, jazz-fusiony and, at times, reminded me of Echolyn ("Carpe Diem," I think) -- the interesting note here for those who are A) unfamiliar with DAP or B) haven't read my previous review yet is that during Echolyn's extended hiatus, bassist/vocalist Ray Weston was DAP's vocalist for Feed The Silence, their second release.

Did I say jazz fusion? How about some metallic ferocity by way of "Sparks Fly"? No misnomer that, as the sparks do fly - off grungy, acid guitar (McCloskey, of course, but also Levin -- one for each ear), great "proggy" keyboards, a bit Emersonian ... a bit of a Middle Eastern flavour during a solo, funky bass... does it sound like they're having fun? It's like a tightly organized jam...

"Embers" is a very ambient, atmospheric track with Brunelle's spoken words playing against Huff's ethereal vocals. Levin's 8-string touchstyle guitar playing circular, bass-deep phrases beneath keyboard washes and loops of sound. The synth solo from Brunelle has an almost violin sound at times, pitched a little higher than "usual," but certainly fills the same role, sounding sweet, but melancholy... especially during the outro.

Wow! This is one of the best releases for 2002, for sure. It's quite reluctant to leave my player, perhaps knowing that there's more to absorb than what I shared already. This is one disk not to miss.

File with the other "shelf fodder.".......2004-03-26

You probably came across Dark Aether Project as a result of searching the web for some new prog to fill out your collection. And, you were probably drawn in by claims that DAP features elements of King Crimson, Mahavishnu, Pink Floyd etc. Well, don't get your credit card out just yet.

"The Gentle Art of Firewalking" is the product of a band that has yet to really find itself. Don't get me wrong, DAP are very talented folks - they all know their way around their instruments remarkably well - but - and this is a big but - they don't know how to write a coherent song. All of the songs go around in circles and never end up anywhere.

Let me put it this way; Remember those guys in high school who were the best musicians? They would jam in someone's basement every weekend on whatever Crimson or Holdsworth or Ponty riffs they could figure out - and they'd play at some school function and everybody would be blown away by how good they could play? That's Dark Aether Project. But, unfortunately for them - we're not in high school anymore. And even an unsigned, independent group like DAP needs to raise it's standard of songwriting a little higher if they want to be taken seriously within a genre that's notorious for taking itself seriously.

I should say that the CD itself is good. It's quality far exceeds most of the other independently produced albums I've heard. And the band know when enough is enough - they keep the songs and the cd to a manageable length. But, its rank with problems. Jennifer Huff's vocals just aren't a good fit here. Her range is almost non-existent - and even seems off-key in some places. One of the problems with home recordings (which this is) is that things like vocals are incredibly difficult to capture properly. And to my ears, Ms. Huff's vocals may have been better had they been recorded off-site. The cd has no bottom - the bass is effected ala John Wetton almost to the point of non-existence - and leaves the entire cd flat. The instrumental tracks simply meander through meaningless, repetitive riffs that never evolve.

As far as the comparisons to King Crimson - a few songs are based around riffs that are reminiscent of mid-70's KC but that's as far as it goes. Stitching together a couple of arpeggios with a few changes does not a Crimson make.

So, nothing exciting or marvelous here. Good musicians, wrong singer, under-developed songs, middling production. Maybe next time.

Cheers
Gregg

Average customer rating:

Ausgewählte Werke der Strauß-Dynstie und Josef Lanner Manufacturer: Preiser Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Johann Strauss Sr. | Strauss Sr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B00004TY28 Release Date: 2000-10-24

Tracks:

1. Eljen A Magyar-Polka Schnell, Op.332
2. Nachtwandler-Walzer, Op.88
3. Salon-Polka, Op.161
4. Mittel Gegen Schlaf-Walzer, Op.65
5. Cerrito-Polka, Op.189
6. Abenteurer-Walzer, Op.91
7. Jagd-Galopp, Op.22
8. Badner Ringeln-Tanze, Op.64
9. Alexandra-Walzer, Op.56
10. Demolierer-Polka Francaise, Op.269
11. Ather Traume-Walzer, Op.225
12. Malapou-Galopp, Op.148
13. Huldigungs-Walzer, Op.80

Average customer rating: A dazzling experience A dazzling experience

Aether The Necks Manufacturer: Import [Generic] ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00005AKQK Release Date: 2003-01-28

Tracks:

1. Aether

Album Description

Australian only release from this band that garnered praise from of all over the world. The Necks produce brilliant & haunting cutting edge jazz that defies classification. They recently composed for the Aussie film 'The Boys'. 'Real splendour...this is a hugely mature album, a rare spark of brilliance that essentially squeezes the jazz trio into Krautrock jackets, a marvel' says THE WIRE (UK). 'It's ambient jazz & it's wonderful' says L.A. JAZZ SCENE, 'The perfect soundtrack for long journey in a car you really enjoy driving' says GRAMAPHONE JAZZ. The praise goes on & on. 2001 release. Digipak.

Customer Reviews:

A dazzling experience.......2002-12-09

The idea of "acoustic ambient" didn't have a solid referent in my mind, so I had no idea what to expect. But after hearing this release (composed of a single, evolving track) just once, I was taken further downstream in consciousness than I've been in quite a long time. "Aether" is one of the most moving, but completely indescribable, recordings I've ever heard. The Necks manage something close to magic by combining a sparse collection of acoustic instruments, insight into the nature of sound, and an unquantifiable precision and talent in playing. With this work, they create a shimmering, fractalline, organic nova within which are threaded a million complex tendrils of sound - hypnotic tones, overtones, and shiny but gentle cymbal splashes on top of which slow-motion melodies and haiku-like phrases of guitar and piano unfold.

This is certainly theta-state music, striking a beautiful balance between excitation and calm. I would not be surprised if this music were embraced to cure schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety. There are no hooks, no conventional elements, nothing to hold onto in the Aether - only the continuous flow of sound through an omega point of mental and somatic resolution. Sonic pointillism, perhaps? Whatever it is, or whatever we might want to call it, I would not hesitate to bring it with me to my deathbed along with Coyote Oldman's "Thunder Chord," Peter Gabriel's "Passion," David Sylvian and Holger Czukay's "Plight/Premonition," and Divination's "Sacrifice." It's really that good.

A dazzling experience.......2002-12-09

The idea of "acoustic ambient" didn't have a solid referent in my mind, so I had no idea what to expect. But after hearing this release (composed of a single, evolving track) just once, I was taken further downstream in consciousness than I've been in quite a long time. "Aether" is one of the most moving, but completely indescribable, recordings I've ever heard. The Necks manage something close to magic by combining a sparse collection of acoustic instruments, insight into the nature of sound, and an unquantifiable precision and talent in playing. With this work, they create a shimmering, fractalline, organic nova within which are threaded a million complex tendrils of sound - hypnotic tones, overtones, and shiny but gentle cymbal splashes on top of which slow-motion melodies and haiku-like phrases of guitar and piano unfold.

This is certainly theta-state music, striking a beautiful balance between excitation and calm. I would not be surprised if this music were embraced to cure schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety. There are no hooks, no conventional elements, nothing to hold onto in the Aether - only the continuous flow of sound through an omega point of mental and somatic resolution. Sonic pointillism, perhaps? Whatever it is, or whatever we might want to call it, I would not hesitate to bring it with me to my deathbed along with Coyote Oldman's "Thunder Chord," Peter Gabriel's "Passion," David Sylvian and Holger Czukay's "Plight/Premonition," and Divination's "Sacrifice." It's really that good.

Average customer rating:

Aether ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie & Lo Fi | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Traditional & Vocal Pop | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B00000G41X Release Date: 1998-10-01

Tracks:

1. Evening Star (Daybreak Mix)
2. Glendalough
3. Cooler Angel
4. Dreamlife
5. Kilwaughter
6. Cloudburst
7. Enchanted Twilight (Glasshouse Mix)
8. Antrim
9. Atmosphere
10. Night Talk
11. Glenariff
12. Transcendance
13. The Secret Soul of Things

Album Description

Destined to be one of Robert Scott Thompsons most sought after recordings of 1990s, AETHER is over 70 minutes in duration and contains 13 tracks. The music, while entirely instrumental, blends contemporary pop and alternative styles with ambient and avant-garde music sensibilities. The result is a uniquely individual disc including some of Thompsons most innovative and compelling music. AETHER presents instrumental music very much in keeping with the style of avant-garde pop/vocal music that can be found on some of Thompsons other recordings such as

Average customer rating:

Aether Manufacturer: Section 44 ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000FQ53ZG Release Date: 2006-05-15

Product Description

Eight to Infinity (UK) produce a smooth blend of synth texture and melody. Mixed male and females vocals throughout - catchy pop/synthpop tracks with complex soundscapes. Very radio friendly while indi at the same time. The hit "Say You'll Come" is included. It has garnered radio play already and climbing the club charts world-wide. Welcome to Eight to Infinity - The newest member of the Section 44 Records family.

Average customer rating:

Smoke of Vanished Kisses Aether Manufacturer: City of Tribes ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music ASIN: B000005AF1 Release Date: 1996-10-21

Tracks:

1. Lipstick Traces
2. Half Light
3. Mr. Magician
4. The Ecstasy
5. Give Away My Fear
6. Silver Plate
7. The Beloved (Fragment)
8. Be
9. Goldenhair
10. Count To 100 Backwards

Rock Music:

1. All Fabulous Things Turn Out to Happen
2. American Pop
3. Another Thing Comin [CD-single] [Import]
4. Believe [CD-single] [Import]
5. Bella Union Sampler [Import]
6. Better Today Then
7. Black Hole [Import]
8. Born Slippy Ep [Import]
9. Cats Under the Stars [Import] [Limited Edition] [Original recording remastered]
10. Chris Cacavas & Junk Yard Love

Rock Music