Amazon.com

There are dozens of Native American-flute groups out there, but there's no one like Coyote Oldman. That's a group, not a person, named for the Native American mythological figure Oldman Coyote. But these coyotes aren't tricksters; they're sonic magicians. Michael Graham Allen and Barry Stramp play Native American flutes, Incan panpipes, and classical bass flute with melodies that ebb, flow, and morph through each other. Stramp adds electronic effects, creating shadow echoes and subliminal melodies like a pipe organ blowing across an infinite canyon. With their limited range, barely an octave, panpipes and Native American flutes aren't given to virtuoso displays. Coyote Oldman know that, so instead they explore the inner workings of their flutes' textured sound, putting a magnifying glass over resonances and shadings, building an abstract melodic architecture that vaporizes in this deep-space music for acoustic winds. --John Diliberto ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Stirs the Soul
Hauntingly beautiful with deep rich native flute melodies. The artists are definitely masters at their craft. One of the nice things about this one, is that it keeps basically the same rhythm throughout the tape. So if you are listening in a meditative way, it doesnt change to fast and loud at some point.

This is one of my favorites. It allows us to take a deep breath and slow down,as it works its tranquil magic. Great background music for bodywork and meditation....feels like floating on a cloud!

Enlightening and Calming
I stumbled across this CD while browsing through Amazon's Gift Ideas section and listened to a couple of the 30 second clips. Just those couple clips left me feeling better and more relaxed, so I put the CD in my cart and ordered two copies--one for myself and one as a gift for my mother to go with the Sony Discman I was also picking up from her.

All I can say about this CD is that it was truly the perfect purchase. I have listened to it many times. I play it both when I am going to sleep and when I am writing. It is simultaneously calming and enlightening--melodious and invigorating. I find it to be truly inspiring when I am writing. It is great background music, especially for acts of creativity.

If you are a fan of Native American flute music, this is definitely the first CD you want to buy. And if you are simply looking for something to relax yourself, look no further. A magnificent piece of work from Coyote Oldman.

Refreshing Relaxation
I purchased this CD after my massage therapist played it during a session. As a European and Native American flautist, I was moved by the exquisite tones, and how I responded physically (going into a deeply relaxed state, despite an injury) during the session.

The music is wonderfully relaxing, yet refreshing. It seems to envelop and clear one's mind from everyday "chatter". Even my dogs seem to respond to it - if they are overactive or rambunctious, or if my husband has had a difficult day at work, or if I'm stressed, I put on this CD and everyone seems to have a sense of peace and tranquility restored. I frequently leave it playing on "repeat" throughout the day to maintain a feeling of balance, peace, and creative freedom.

Perfect for meditation, yoga/Pilates practice, or if you have difficulty relaxing prior to sleep. A CD I keep by the player at all times (along with Andreas Scholl, but that's another story).

Takes you into the world of Mother Nature
Deep into the canyons, I mean. This is truly soul stirring music. Great for Yoga practice. Gives you an opportunity to reflect while practicing. Based on a recommendation by Karen Hugg, I bought this CD and enjoy every bit of it. The flute sounds reach the bottom of the soul (so to say) and awakens it.

Lush and soothing
I'm no expert on Native American music, but I am a flute player, so I can certainly appreciate the skill evident on this CD. (I found the alto flute difficult enough to maintain breath control on, so the ability to play the bass flute *really* impresses me.)

I'm a little skeptical of "mood music" in general, but this music lacks the cheesiness found in the many productions of lesser quality that seem to dominate the music racks. The textures are rich and relaxing, making this the perfect CD for lighting a few candles and curling up with a good book at the end of a rough day. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Mature and patient electronica
Taste is relative. This recording happens to hit me in all the right ways. Musicians claim the spaces of silence are just as important as the audible notes. Luke Vibert is mastering spacial sample arrangement with these new electronic constructions. Love it! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Excellent for studying
I love this CD! I often put it in my personal CD player and take it to the coffee shop to help me as I study French. The music is relaxing but not sleep-inducing. Steven Halpern composes great music.

Nice background music for studying
This is my first Steve Halpern album. I'm not sure if the subliminals in this CD do any good, but the new age music on it is nice, relaxing, and not annoying. It is not distracting either. I use it to study with and it certainly helps block out unwanted noise.

I can listen to it endlessly and not tire of it.
I listen to this CD when I'm working in my office. I find that the music is not distracting and actually enhances my ability to concentrate and stay focused.

all Halpern music is the same (forwards or backwards)
Am I the only one, or does all of Steve Halpern's music sound the same? Of course, he would say that my unconscious mind is interpreting this stuff differently. I'm not a "play it backwards" person, but due to a tape player malfunction the darn think played backward and you know what? It sounded the same. Now think what that would do to your subconscious mind!

His music is soothing and great for background (either forwards or backwards). Better than elevator music for waiting rooms. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

None of the chirpy, intricate, eclectic tracks on I Care Because You Do sound dated, certainly not in any heinous way. Richard James's work stands outside any genre cages and continues to satisfy dedicated listeners. This is at least partially due to James's twisted, British-bad-boy sense of humor: the title of the disc alone is something of an ironic display. I Care Because You Do is a sound introduction to James's peculiar, personal work, which ranges from symphonic to spartan to relaxing to unnerving, though it generally manages to be all those at once. The disc is cleverly constructed and juicily modern, and it's easy to see why critics, struggling to understand James's emergent "ambient techno," early on compared him to minimalist composers such as Philip Glass and Steve Reich. James was clearly influenced by these pioneers, but his music is more about stretching the limits of what one perceives to be music, of sound itself. --Mike McGonigal ... Read more

Reviews (61)

Classic
This is my favourite of all James' output. Worth purchasing for the first three tracks alone, each containing subtle, repetitive but gorgeously orchestrated melodies. At first all you hear are beats, and then almost subliminally the music sinks in. Thrill to swelling highs of 'Wax the Nip', the string hooks of 'Icct Hedral', the sparse brilliance of 'Alberto Balsalm' and haunting march of 'next heap with'. Lot's of humour on this album too. If you have patience with ambient sounds, a tolerance for techno beats (you don't need much), and an ear for music with a decent shelf life you should get into this. I've been listening to this one regularly since 96' and it's just as good as ever. Thanks.

Totally Awesome Stuff!!!!!
I was amazed when I first heard the Richard D. James album, but this one is head and shoulders above the previously mentioned album. This album, "I Care Because You Do", is a much more mature album whereas the Richard D. James album sounds very childlike, but no doubt that was his intention, hence the song titles Goongumpas, To Cure a Weakling Child, etc. This album is a more ambient album, but mostly it should probably be called hard ambient because it's not like anything I've heard from SAWII. Songs like "Start as You Mean to go On", and "Acrid Avid Jam Shred" have loud drums throughout the song with ambient tracks beneath, but yet they still captivate you while you listen, and are very hypnotic even with the loud percussion. Other songs like "Mookid" especially, but also "Alberto Balsalm" (one of the coolest songs ever), "Wet Tip Hen Ax", "Icct Hedral", and "Next Heap With" are closer to the ambience of SAWII. "Mookid" and "Alberto Balsalm" are both absolutely beautiful. "Icct Hedral" is one of the most awesome songs I've ever heard. It is such a dark, evil sounding song, and it just sucks you in that it becomes scary. I was listening to this track on night when I was pretty close to being asleep, in other words I was lying down totally relaxed, and with a clear mind while the music was playing. I was totally relaxed just letting the music wash over me, then this track Icct Hedral reachs, somewhere around the 5 minute mark, and I literally had the breath sucked outta me, it was such an intense experience. You'll have to listen to the song to understand what I mean, but in the state I was in it totally affected me in a way I have never been affected by music. It was almost like I fell down a trap door, and my god, it was cool!!! Anyways, check this album out if you like the Richard D. James album, or the Come to Daddy EP, or if you just like music of all kinds. My favorite tracks are Alberto Balsalm, Mookid, Icct Hedral, Start as You Mean to go On, and Wet Tip Hen Ax.

a little twisted
Just great. I am a fan of his music for quite a while and all of his records are special in their own way. Tracks with a little twist only RDJ can add. Sometimes a bit sinister, but thats ok for me! Most of his tracks are sertainly refreshing and energy boosting. A philosopher teacher once said: "to enjoy and appreciate the quality of sertain aspects (of whatsoever) you have to have rotten spots besides it". In case of some of the tracks ("ventolin" (medicine for asthmatic patiens) for example in which you hear a sample of a person hyperventilating), annoying bleeps, cracks and sounds are added in such way that when they fade away in a track you almost feel a releef....a contrast between serenety and rotten (no offence)

A masterpiece
This album does not seem to draw from the musical 'fads' or movements of the day (like drill'n'bass or spinach-tune), but is just a distilled potion of Richard's musical sense.

Plenty of contrasts in frequency and hardness, a general lucidity of tone and timbre, and an obvious talent for balance and proportion are the hallmarks of this album.

Highly recommended.

One of his most consistent, and subliminal works
This album came right before RDJ became famous (though "fame" may seem like an oxymoron when describing the still-niche electronica genre, a level of fame which might make Britney Spears scoff seemed to have a profound impact on the outlook of this bedroom knob twiddler). So forget the incessant images of a grinning/leering Richard, and Chris Cunningham's perversely brilliant videos. Though Richards face does appear on the cover, ironically I think at this point it was as much a bid for celebrity as a comment on it; I remember when the album came out I thought "Ugh, what an ugly portrait, who is this guy?" Now everyone knows. I wonder if Richard has ever received any award for self-promotion - aspiring musicians should follow his inspired example. Squarepusher, ever the slow learning idiot-savant, just seems to have caught on fifteen years later with Ultravisitor, featuring his emotionless mug.

Anyway, moments of "f**k with the listener's head" music do appear here, eg. on the track Ventolin, but at this point they were the exception rather than the rule. What you get is a continuation of the subliminal vibe present on both Selected Ambient Works albums, only with harsher beats(I think Autechre took many of the harsh beat/fragile melody innovations on display here, and ran with them in their own direction.) When I say subliminal, I mean it; another reviewer here said it was "mind control music" and he has a point. If I were a psychologist studying music (or perhaps Boards of Canada, who seem fascinated with discovering the mathematical underpinnings of great music), I would dissect this album to try and figure out how the simplest of tones, and the simplest of contrast in melody and rhythm, evoke such vivid mental images and strange feelings. Incidentally, Richard said he used to have the ability to lucid dream, and that all of his pre-Drukqs music sounded "yellow" to him. I'm somewhat dubious of his synesthesia claims given his penchant for self-promotion, but I bet there's something to this. It's funny how you can tell if something is made for the artists' enjoyment, or to satisty/annoy his fans (this sort of evaluation has little to do with artistic merit - there have been many pop albums with clear target demographics that were nonetheless brilliant.) To my ear, I Care Because You Do is one of the best examples of the former type of album; it sounds like Richard made it for himself, though you can see him toying with the idea of celebrity in the cover art and playful song titles, many of which are near anagrams of "Aphex Twin."

Back to the music. Well, it's hard to classify. I will say that this album has a "cowboy western" motif not present in RDJ's other work. Really. Listen to Wax the Nip, Wet Tip Hen Ax, and Mookid and I swear there is a whistling sort of melody that brings to mind Ennio Morricone and Clint Eastwood squinting at the sun. As others have said, there's also a serious "classical" vibe to the melodies, that caught Philip Glass' attention among others. If you've listened to Drukqs and find the idea of Aphex Twin aspiring to Erik Satie legitimacy sort of sad, don't fret: the "classical" arrangements here sound much less forced and are really beautiful.

I'm a bit tired of people labeling RDJ a "genius," as though everything he puts out is pure gold. I think somehow the label genius is only applied if an artist has a prickly, attention-getting personality, a dash of charisma and fame-hunger. Why do people never say, for example, that Orbital are geniuses, when their Snivilization and In Sides albums show better consistency and have tracks that to my ear blow much of Aphex Twin's work out of the water? Who knows. Anyway, point being that this album is still a bit uneven like all Aphex Twin stuff. As is often the case with electronic artists, it seems as though RDJ has trouble finding good bridges for songs. Even the much-praised Alberto Balsam has a boring drum breakdown in the middle that bugs me every time. Like I said it's subliminal, and much more likely to put you in an altered state of consciousness, than stimulate the way the Richard D. James album does. Nevertheless it fully rates five stars, and if you are someone who's just curious about this "Aphex Twin" guy, you can't go wrong with this album or the Richard D. James album, though I'd start with the Come to Daddy EP, which is the purest distillation of RDJ's "genius" to date IMO. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This U.K. duo's landmark ambient techno album Lifeforms (1994) explored lush jungle vistas. Its follow-up opts for a much darker urban nightmare motif that makes it an ideal soundtrack while reading William Gibson.Progressive rockers by any other name, FSOL are highly respected innovators who rate with Orbital as the genre's leading exponent. --Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Thinking man's "electronica"
To lump this album under just "techno" or "electronica" would be doing this absolutely wonderful album a disservice. While it isn't quite EVERYBODY's cup of tea, "Dead Cities" does a fabulous job of telling a story throughout the 70 some minutes of this epic CD. "Herd Killing" and the 4th track, "We Have Explosive" are very crunchy, loud, filled with all sorts of F-off beats and yells. "Dead Cities" and "Quagmire/In A Permanent State Of AbysS" are darker sounding techno-like tracks, with the latter track being a twisted d'n'b collage. From "Glass" on, the tracks take more of a subdued feeling, more depressive and pensive feeling. This album has too many styles to be lumped into any category. It's just Future Sound of London, folks. You'll either love this album or hate it. I love it because of the multitude of styles within it, and the whole dark apocalyptic feeling it carries with it.

A Solid Effort
FSOL again demonstrate their talent, but Dead Cities is however their least impressive album in my opinion. Seeing the album as a whole it doesn't quite match with Accelerator, Lifeforms, ISDN or Tales of Ephidrina.

The 'dead city'-theme idea was wicked; the tunes really are dark. The singles My Kingdom and We Have Explosive are two classics and the highlights on the album. Tracks like Dead Cities and the 11th track, I think it's called Yage (the tracklisting is the worst ever, although deliberately done so), also stand out, there's really a scary feel to them. The weakness is that the album from time to time loses a bit of structure, which perhaps is somewhat unexpected as Dead Cities was intended to be more of a real album, compared to the impeccable ISDN, which was a compilation of tunes recorded not with purpose to be for an album.

Anyhow, this album is likely to give you a listening experience different from anything else you've heard, there's just sooo many weird sounds on here... An essential album, but go for FSOL's other CDs in first place:

Accelerator - club monster
Lifeforms - ambient masterpiece
Tales of Ephidrina - ambient (with a commercial touch to it), must have
ISDN - triphop, progressive, FSOL's best probably

Fan-freakin'-tastic, friends
FSOL doesn't do songs. They do "albums," that being a continous flow of music that all follows a theme or continuum, rather than merely being being a coalescence of unrelated singles. FSOL didn't invent this idea, but they do more with the idea than just about anybody.
And Dead Cities is the quintessential ALBUM. These songs flow seamlessly from one to another, creating a 70-something-minute soundscape with the elements occasionally coalescing together into a cohesive "song".
And said songs, it should be noted, are excellent. Yage is an otherworldly journey (fitting, given that in addition to being FSOL's pretend engineer "Yage" is a hallucinogenic South American vine). We Have Explosive is a serious industrial dance track sandwiched between several minutes of moody, ambient backwash on either side. While previous FSOL albums searched out a specific timbre or feel to them (see Lifeforms, Accelerator, and ISDN), this one is all over the map, ranging from chlostrophobic and depressing beats and samples to playful ambient ditties like Her Face Forms in Summertime and track 7, whatever it is. (As you'll discover, the number of tracks and the number of songs aren't the same.)

And for those of you who just skip to the end of long reviews to see what the punchline is, GET THIS DISC! It's an anonymous classic.

Pre-Millennium Tension
Future Sound Of London's last tribute to the 20th century is an apocalyptic peace of mastery. With dark, almost industrial heavy beat on some of the tracks (Herd Killing, We Have Explosive), and ice-beautiful melodies on others (Glass, Through Your Gills I Breath), this album weaves a tapestry of opposites. There is compassion (Everyone In The World Is Doing Something Without Me), and majestic (My Kingdom). You progress through the album, closer to the climax of his apocalyptic end, and just when you think it's over, and the cities are ruined, there is a last gasp of air. A distant heavy rock band is playing the continues mantra, repeatedly crying "dead cities, dead cities" before melting away.

Dead Cities is the wrong title for this CD.
I'm glad I didn't go by the majority of these Amazon reviews to decide whether or not to buy this disc. The reviews I read said that the music on this album was dark, scary, or complimented the title "Dead Cities." Maybe two tracks on this CD have a dark feel to them, but mostly this is an energetic album. It contains lots of soothing synthesizers made for dramatic movie background music. The artwork in the booklet is definitely spooky, but it is just art. The first track is warm up for track four, "We Have Explosive." Track 2 should be soundtrack music for a sci-fi movie. Loops of a flute come in and out as steady synth hits maintain the flow. The guy talking in a high-pitched voice at the end cracks me up to no end. Track 3 reminds me of Hawaii or some beach where you can catch some nice waves. It has a strumming guitar throughout the five minute track. It starts off slow and builds up with stable percussion. "We Have Explosive" is next, and I think everyone has heard this, so I will not say anything else about it. Track 5 starts off with choir-like singing with what seems to be an animal snorting like a pig. The pig noises stop with the choir still singing and then the there are orchestral strings going in sync with the singing. Track 6 has an Asian vibe to it with strings and a percussion similar to what you could hear walking down the street in Thailand. Track 7 is an uplifting piano and synth track that would make Brian Eno proud. Track 8 is a beautifully constructed piece with with wonderful synthesizer harmonies. Track 9 appears to me to be the darkest track on this album. It maintains a dark monotone synthesizer throughout the song with heavy blasts of percussion and computer noises. Track 10 starts out with a harmonious poppy synth which eventually develops with the help of various bleeps and bloops. This is my favorite track. Halfway through this masterpiece the drum and bass kick in to add flavor to the positive and happy synthesizer. Track 11 is easily my second favorite track and reminds me a lot of "Amoeba" off of "ISDN." This is another positive track with major flowing sonic synthesizers backed by tickled drums and cymbals. Track 12 would be the next darkest track in my opinion with an ominous synthesizer keeping the dramatic melody in check. It's not totally dark (if you want to say it's dark in the first place), because a very upbeat synthesizer chimes in with about three minutes to go in the song. That upbeat synthesizer doesn't last long unfortunately, but that's how FSOL keeps stuff from sounding drab. The final track is a very moving piece with a percussion similar to Queen's "We Will Rock You." This band has always been underrated for their talent, so if you enjoy "real" music get this as soon as you can. ... Read more

Reviews (97)

good creativity music despite being scary and disturbing
i found this music to be weird,scary disturbing but i guess that was the point of aphex twin with these songs.

here are my favourite songs/tracks

Come To Daddy (Pappy Mix)

i remember seeing the video for this song(on a large screen tv with the sound up at 2am) and its probably the most scariest song i've ever seen or heard and definatly the scarierst thing i've ever seen on a tv screen, no movie or anything comes close to this, it was a horrific experience.

The music starts off with this spooky guitar 3 notes playing while with the heavy drum and bass sound with this evil growling voice yelling "i want your soul,i will eat your soul,come to daddy" simular to that voice of that demon from the movie the "excorcist" but that wasn't even scary compared to this. I managed to watch the whole video untill near the end as i found the "middle" and "end screaming part" the most painfull and disturbing to watch and listen to. Its certainly not something that i would listen to too often or even while driving or before bed becuase of the nature of it but it deserves at least one listen or watch, though be warned because of the nature.

film

this is a nice song with a nice melody that i can listen to anytime.

Come To Daddy (Little Lord Faulteroy Mix)

this song is my favourite, its not scary just a little creepy maybe but its listenable. It sounds like a 2-step hi-hop type beat with these voices(sometimes kids) singing or talking with this wierd melody or notes playing, i like this song becuase of its weirdness.It sort of makes me think of something from the x-files or walking through the haunted mansion at a theme park.

Bucephalus Bouncing Ball

this isn't a track i like much but its a great song to listen to for the beats and they are all made from sounds of bouncing balls, the song does get noisy especially the 2nd half but it is interesting.

To Cure a Weakling Child (Contour Regard)

this is another weird song but its also a little creepy a kid would be singing this but its really samples of kids singing put in a loop,"my feet,my arms!" e.c.t. Its a good song becuase of the beats and the song makes me think of a great song the kids from the adams family tv show would dance to or if you lived in the haunted mansion then your kids would dance to this music.

Funny Little Man

this is my least favourite track but i thought it was a joke just as the aphex twin song "milkman" comes to mind sounded when i first heard it, this would be a great song on a soundtrack for a weird comedy movie.

Come To Daddy (Mummy Mix)

this song sounds alot different from the other come to daddy remixes and its not scary at all. The song is just a bunch of beats and there is no melody or lyrics. Some people said this song was noisy?? well it is if you have the trebble on full with the volume up but otherwise its listenable.

IZ-US

this song is just as nice as "film" a really peacefull song that i really like listening to and is my 2nd favourite on this cd.

well i hope i can help with this review, it is certainly an experience and i hope other can share it as i have.

Mr. Inconsistanty
This mini-album/EP is a bit too harsh sounding to stick it on repeat in your CD player, but... it's a guilty pleasure that warrants a spin once every fortnight or so.

1. Come to Daddy [Pappy Mix]

This is the video death-metal version. Splintered beats rattle behind a heavy three-note guitar riff with mad Richard screaming "I want/will eat your soul". Like Windowlicker, it loses quite a bit without the excellent Chris Cunningham video backing it up.

2. Flim

Not as ground-breaking as others may have you believe. Basic playful melodies with a skittering jungle beat. Serves as a good contrast to the mayhem that precedes it, but it's minutes too short to amount to much.

3. Come to Daddy [Little Lord Faulteroy Mix]

Better than the Pappy mix. This features the typical Aphex 'sick keyboard' sound combined with suitably creepy skewed kiddy vocals chanting 'Ooh you dirty little boy' and something about watching swans and listening to birds singing. It's quite catchy too which is unfortunate, as any attempts to sing it on the bus will get some pretty strange looks.

4. Bucephalus Bouncing Ball

Fast junglish beats coupled with metallic bouncing effects. The first half is nice enough, but it deteriorates into a mess of noise towards the end.

5. To Cure a Weakling Child, Contour Regard

Probably the EP's highpoint, although I can't really point out why. It's the most tuneful anyway.

6. Funny Little Man

A funny Daft Punkish electro tune with "Oh you funny little man" samg over the top in a warped computer voice. Amusing in a mentally ill kind of way, but nothing that you'd listen to too often.

7. Come to Daddy [Mummy Mix]

Not really a tune, just screeching white noise with jagged breakbeats. The worst side of Aphex in my opinion, but it's a side he likes to excercise on most of his newer releases. Noteworthy because of his mother's voice fed through his PowerMac.
"You've got so many machines Richard".
"I 'aven't got that many."
Funniest is a slowed down Mrs. James intoning over ear-splitting white noise, "Oooooohhhh, thaaat's a naaastyy noise... but I like those faaast bits."

8. IZ-US

Mellow synths with unusually paced beats. Like Flim, too short to do anything worthwhile.

About Flim
If any of you cats got the vinyl of Come To Daddy, put song 02- Flim on slower speed (which on a normally 45 speed LP would be 33rpm), I swear it sounds so much better. It's almost as if RDJ intended it to be that way but released it faster to trick his fans. The rest of the (cd) album is great, the cd has more songs, some of the best songs. Mummy remix is terrific, Contour Regard fantastic, Iz-Us compelling.

Daddy Meat
This guy just scares the crap outta me. Listen to "Come To Daddy (Pappy Mix)" in the dark at 1:49 AM with headphones after (enter chemical amusement aid here) like I'm doing right now and tell me Richard is not one disturbed man. Brilliant, but what a nut job. Excellent beats, interesting melodies, twisted, disturbing, funny. Great EP. I think the cover tells you best what to expect inside, yowch.

Aphex Twin - "Come To Daddy EP"
This is my first Aphex Twin album and I just bought it about 1.5 hours ago. And since it's an 8-track EP, i've already heard the whole thing. For the past few years, I have been strongly into rap music, listening to artists such as Ludacris, Eminem, 50 Cent, etc. Then someone I know introduced me to artists such as Mum (Iceland), Boards of Canada, Prodigy, The Crystal Method, etc. So I decided to try Aphex Twin...and I am very pleased with this album. I'm going to go through each track and tell you what I rate them.

01. Come To Daddy, Pappy mix (4:23)
RATING: 7/10

02. Flim (2:57)
RATING: 9/10

03. Come To Daddy, Little Lord Faulteroy mix (3:48)
RATING: 8/10

04. Bucephalus Bouncing Ball (5:45)
RATING: 9/10

05. To Cure A Weakling Child, Contour Regard (5:10)
RATING: 8/10

06. Funny Little Man (3:55)
RATING: 6/10

07. Come To Daddy, Mummy mix (4:24)
RATING: 5/10

08. IZ-US (3:03)
RATING: 8/10

I am very pleased with my first Aphex Twin album and it motivates me to look into buying some of Richard D James' other albums like, "I Care Because You Do", "Richard D James Album", "Selected Ambient Works, Volume II", etc.
Another thing: if you don't agree with me that this CD has one of the most interesting/disturbing covers...you must have not seen it yet. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Put on Stars of the Lid's Tired Sounds of Stars of the Lid and bliss out. Unspeakably sublime, the latest effort of Brian McBride and Adam Wiltzie, who distance themselves from their hometown Austin, Texas, boogie rock scene, is a minimalist, parametric--and ambient--symphony with a faint rock sensibility that refuses to beg for attention. Tired Sounds is built from formal patterns with layers of melody, texture, atmosphere, and rhythm--but not in the way we normally know it and without the use of drums. Unidentifiable guitars, strings, keyboards, and horns, from soprano to bass in tone, are synthesized with occasional field recordings sounding like audio samples of our universe from the last century and the next galaxy. The work recalls impressionist classical music more than indie rock, and one might mathematically graph the patterns of the six suites that stretch across two CDs and six sides of vinyl with names like "Austin Texas Mental Hospital" and "Requiem for Dying Mothers." Transcendent yet subtle, Tired Sounds will require many listenings to fully grasp, remaining a fascinating puzzle to contemplate and enjoy. File under life-affirming ambient. --Jillian Steinberger ... Read more

Reviews (9)

This packaging makes me Kranky!
A great ambient disc, no doubt about it. Actually, this an epic in the genre. This Texas based group has captured the qualities that Robert Rich and Steve Roach are hailed for as being superior in ambient/space music. My beef (again with these guys) is the freakin' packaging of the cd's. Again, they come in these damn cardboard sleeves with no "protector" envelopes and after pulling the disc's out a few times, they get scratched up in no time. What the hell is the matter with these people? As if paying an arm and a leg for music these days isn,t enough, they gouge us some more by trying to save some money at the buyers expense. It's up to the people to speak up about this crap, so that's what I'm doing.

Mum - Boards of Canada - Stars of the Lid
I found this album by following Amazon.com's (very helpful) "Explore similar artists" link, with magnificent Mum and Boards of Canada as my starting points. Although I forcefully reject the assumption that Stars of the Lid be in any significant way "similar" to Mum or BoC, I must say that it certainly is true that those who enjoy music by the aforementioned groups are likely to appreciate the content of this recording as well (indeed, I am living proof of this). I think explaining why in my opinion Stars of the Lid differ from Mum and BoC alike, as well as why I was nonetheless taken in by their music, might help other customers to determine where this group stands in the musical scene.
However gentle, both albums by Mum also have a strong rhythmic structure, mostly based on "micro-beats." It is the latter that provides the crackly effect people often mention when describing their music. Through repetition and layering, these micro-beats create a suggestive and very hypnotic atmosphere (the kind of warmth one feels at wintertime in front of a - well... "crackling" - fire when the wind is gushing outdoors). The female components of Mum (two twin sisters) sing to the music in a sweet, gentle, almost childlike fashion, which of course adds to the charm enormously. All in all, repeated micro-beats (often similar to the mechanical chiming of a music box), romantic overlying melodies and graceful vocal renderings make listening to Mum's music a very soothing experience.
Boards of Canada, on the other hand, use very powerful, at times overtly aggressive rhythmic patterns, notwithstanding the presence of a constant underlying hum. In any case, whether electronic or instrumental, their beat line is often very "percussional," almost tribal/pagan, and as a result very liberating. That is why one could very well dance to a good number of their songs. Although, in general, conventional singing is not present in BoC's records, the human voice does play an important part in their work, providing a sense of human presence, however distorted and disturbing it may be.
Both Mum and BoC also rely extensively on the use of sampling, making it possible for them to be ascribed to the "concrete music" bunch. Furthermore, although one could easily put on their records for ambiance and listen to them from beginning to end without paying great attention to the way each individual song is structured, it is nonetheless true that, particularly in Mum's case, each song does have a specific structure and does differ from every and any other on the record.
Turning now to The Tired Sounds of Stars of the Lid, the first thing that comes to my mind is that there is no strong, recognizable rhythmic structure here. I'm no music expert I'm afraid, so of course the following is to be taken as an amateur's general impression, but it seems to me like all tracks on this album are based upon "pedal points," a pedal point being "a musical tone held by the bass." Now, while pedal points usually serve the purpose of giving a musical composition a solid background for other parts to develop freely over, in this case all melodies involved are so delicate that one would be tempted to say that the pedal point itself is the main feature. In other words, the music on this record is, for the most part, a sequence of overlapping drones, with just very unobtrusive touches of the piano and other instruments. Needless to say, there is no singing involved in this record, as well as no significant use of unexpected sound samples. Furthermore, most tracks intersect, or at least meld, making it rather arduous for one to tell the difference between one track and the following. This leads to a very hypnotic atmosphere indeed, where hypnosis is no longer merely an effective image to describe the music, a metaphor, as in Mum's case, but a nearly physical effect the music itself exerts upon the listener. (In fact, based on personal experience, I have reason to believe that repeated, everlasting drones must stimulate the eardrum itself in such a way as to induce relaxation, or at least tiredness! Is it not so?)
The Tired Sounds reminds me not of something by Mum or Boards of Canada, but much more so of Terrry Riley's A Rainbow in Curved Air (and of other works by Minimalists in classical music). I have no knowledge of whether what I'm about to suggest is true or not, but the more I listen to The Tired Sounds the more I am inclined to believe that Stars of the Lid too, like Terry Riley before them, must have found inspiration in Oriental music, such as Hindu Ragas, or at least in Oriental philosophy. The Tired Sounds seem to me like an ideal background for meditation. The sense of calm, peacefulness, and utter mental "blankness" it brings about suits meditation perfectly. This record (a double CD, to be exact!) is an impressive work of art, and I'm sure its simplicity and pampering gentleness will help many to find approximately two hours of peace of mind. Not bad, I say.

(I suggest SILENCIO, performed by Gidon Kremer and Kremerata Baltica, published by Nonesuch records, as a good addition to The Tired Sounds, for those who care to explore Arvo Part's works.)

Perfect for the serious ambient fan
"The Tired Sounds of Stars of the Lid" isn't the type of album that will convert a nonbeliever to the joys of ambient music. The songs are all quite sedate and reflective, with no real "hooks" to catch the ear of the listener. Also, the length of the CD is in itself daunting to some - the sheer quantity of music here means that discerning song from song requires some time. In other words, if you're not already a fan of ambient music, go ahead and click the back button. "The Tired Sounds of Stars of the Lid" will probably bore you into a coma.

However, if ambient music is already a taste you've acquired, then be aware that this is one of the best ambient CDs I've run across. The music is smooth, calming, and yet also rich with texture and detail that slowly reveals itself play after play. The album works simultaneously as music for intent listening, background sound, and a sleeping aid. (In fact, it seems almost perfect to drift off to sleep with.) No songs particularly stand out, but that's actually part of the album's appeal. The disc simply flows majestically from track to track.

Again, though, it's not for everybody. If you're interested in ambient music but still new to the genre, I'd recommend The Orb or Brian Eno as a starter disc. But for those who've grown to love music that celebrates semiconsciousness, "The Tired Sounds of Stars of the Lid" will reward your investment many times over.

This is Essential
I feel the need to review this disc simply due to the fact that it is so remarkable. I listen to a lot of music and probably bought between 100-150 albums last year. Out of those, I felt the need to review about 4 of them. Out of everything I bought last year I've listened to Tired Sounds the most (by far). If I had to pick best albums of 2001, this would be #1.

To warn anyone who doesn't know what this is- it's not pop music in the faintest sense. It is ambient/droning/minimalism music. And it is done beautifully.

I am writing this because when I find a work of art done so well and so perfectly, I can't keep it to myself. It's selfish. Everyone should hear this. For me, the first (two-part) piece, "Requiem for Dying Mothers" is the essence of beauty. And the second disc is even better than the first, which is an unbelievable acheivement.

This stands as an amazing work of art and to me it is the best ambient album I've heard. Tired Sounds is essential for anyone searching for the sublime.

COMPELLING!!! I LOVE IT!!
Austin Texas. Insanity. Craziness. Beauty and sheer Stars of the Lid!! This album is mesmerising and compelling, just incredible, I absolutely love this record and hope everyone gets it as soon as possible!! Great and remarkable string music mixed with that classic drone from SOTL. Austin, Texas Mental Hospital pieces and Requiem for Dying Mothers are the most emotionally packed tracks and are just outstanding. Get Tired Sounds of Stars of the Lid. Beautiful 2CD(3LP) release from Kranky Records. I love this cd. ... Read more

Album Description

Gandalf's music is inspired by the beauty of nature and by the wisdom and myths of various cultures. Magician of sounds and painter of musical landscapes, he conjures moods and magical moments that point to other realities behind the scenes in our fast-paced modern world.

Austrian born Gandalf blends acoustic, electronic and spherical sounds and weaves folk elements into a symphonic structure to create his unmistakable and unique musical style. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

from Solo Piano Publications
"Between Earth and Sky" is a series of "musical landscapes" by Austrian-born multi-instrumentalist Gandalf. Using a musical palette of both electronic and acoustic instruments along with voices, the sound is full, rich, and colorful. In his travels, Gandalf has been touched by the realization that far more things unite than separate the various people and cultures of the world, and his goal in composing and recording is to create music that dissolves boundaries. Folk elements are woven into a symphonic structure, giving Gandalf's music a unique sound. Until this release, his recordings were mostly available in Europe. Gandalf plays various guitars, sax, piano, keyboards, mellotron, balaphon, and percussion. He is joined by White Horse on cello and vocals; and Peter Aschenorenner on flutes, sax, and backup vocals. Sounds of nature are also woven into several tracks. Each piece flows into the next, making this a sonic journey to another world or another reality. Citing individual pieces doesn't make sense for this album since it was conceived as a whole experience, and you can't always tell exactly where one piece ends and another begins. As the album evolves, various musical styles flow in and out - some more rhythmic and even tribal, while others are serene and introspective. It's a fascinating musical journey that is both soothing and uplifting. Real Music's Robin Algaze outdid herself on the artwork - a beautiful job! ... Read more

Amazon.com

This second installment of what looks to be an ongoing series carries the usual selection of mellow mainstream on the first disc and a typically intriguing collection of lesser-known compositions on the second. The acoustic guitar alongside Nelly Furtado's voice on "Party (Reprise Mix)" is a wonderfully melancholic surprise on the first disc, whileGoldfrapp deliver the smoky, Air-esque "Lovely Head." Purists will again find the second disc worth its weight, as Tosca's "Honey (Supatone 1 Dub)," the again excellent Witchman, with "Mekong," and Timo Maas's "Hash Driven" give the disc a nice, dub-driven spine. Extra credit is awarded for not only reviving the Specials' brilliant "Ghost Town," but for making it work as part of a chill-style compilation. If Chilled 01 was your cup of chai, then 02 will further serve both your needs and chillin' education. --Steffan Chirazi ... Read more

Reviews (22)

one of the better comp cds...
i purchased both ultra. chilled 01&02 at the same time. 02 imo is better. the first cd comprised w/ vocals where much of the second cd instrumental...it works well though...pending how you want to set the mood to go...
both cds are continuously mixed w/out any pauses between the songs which is how i hoped these cds would be...nice also when played as background music...

the mixing is nothing superb. but who cares when more time is spent selecting the songs...which obviously was the case here...great tracks. as w/ most comp cds...your lucky if you like more than half the tracks, but w/ boths these...i didn't care for maybe 2..3 from each cd...and who knows...i may grow to like them...as i've only listened to both cds once!!!
i actually own goldfrapp, zero 7 & black box recorder full length cd and must say...they picked tracks from each that are one of my fav. ...if thats any further indication of the quality of these cds...

for those new to chillout...or, lets say "beautiful mellow music";)...definately go w/ this cd...and those old...why not when its already done...this way, you don't have to rack your brain picking songs for that comp you've been wanting to make for how long now?!?

those who listen to trip hop, techno or dance... you'll easily recognize some of the names...and if there ones you like...then its that simple.......................
chill out w/ friends or...turn down the lights, maybe light a few candles...little wine...you know the rest...

ps. again, just my opinion...but if debating on ultra. chilled 01. i thought 02 was just a whole notch above. "destiny" & "utopia" are my favs by zero 7 and goldfrapp but i'm sure you own both those already anyway, plus massive and morcheeba. the 2nd cd i caught myself skimming! right through......

Low Class Lounge
If you can even call it "lounge". These leet DJ's are mixing the Specials in-between the Boards of Canada and Röyksopp, "Uhhh, thanks guys, I appreciate that, um, new and interesting take to downtempo/chill musical refreshment there". I'm sorry, but this album is either;
* A: a very small music collection on the part of the "DJ" mixing this compilation or
* B: a serious newbie music label that could care less about a quality soundscape

BUT, in all fairness, there were a couple of songs that I was turned on to that I hadn't heard before. Again, I have to play the devil's advocate in saying that this does not include the song entitled "The Facts of Life" by Black Box Recorder. This song is noted by a over exerted woman's "sexy" voice talking about little boys in puberty on top of a bunch of no talent "sex-ed" samples. Come on guys, I can do just as well with "intellectual" doctor Ruth samples on top of a 80's Casio keyboard demo button! (Hmmm, maybe I should start a no-talent "chill-out" label).

All and all, I believe that this album is a rip-off. The only thing I could imagine making up for all the crap music on these CDs is putting a decent (more arousing) centerfold of the goddess on the cover in the CD sleeve.

-Cheers

BOOOOOOOORING....
I'm not an expert in lounge music, but I know what I like, most of us GenXers like Lounge Music that is smooth, sexy and intriguing, that's what a chilled album should have, something you can listen to while having a nice conversation with your date... However, this copilation is something that you would listen to if you want to put your date to sleep, and I'm not talking about sleeping with your date, I'm talking about watching your date sleep... all in all I thought it lacked imagination and I agree with others when they say it is way too predictable.. Nevertheless, to give it some credit (2stars) there are a couple of songs worth listening to or at least burning into a different cd..

If you're a college freshman...
...then you might want this to balance your Linkin Park and 50 Cent CDs when you have girls over.

Otherwise, it's not worth your money. There is no mixing on the CDs, and the selections are pretty random. I like the Specials, for example, but I certainly wouldn't have included 'Ghost Town' on a downtempo mix.

If you are over 20, look into releases from Eighteenth Street Lounge (i.e. home of Thievery Corp. and great compilations) and Grand Central Records, or the Naked Music series.

Outstanding
I can't get enough of either of the CDs here. I especially like the first CD, with the Goldfrapp track and the Black Box Recorder tracks standing out (To say that Coldplay and Radiohead did well would be unnecessary)

I could keep listening to this Black Box Recorder song all day. The music is just so gorgeous, it just makes you feel peaceful with the world.

When you listen to a CD like this, you think there can be nothing wrong with a world in which music like this exists ... Read more

Reviews (8)

What's Your Favorite Selection?
This CD was originally created to go along with Neale Donald Walsch's book by the same name. Whether or not you read or agree with the book is completely up to the individual listener. The CD speaks for itself, and it does so eloquently. It is a compilation of New Age music crafted into a CD that creates a soothing, relaxation enhancing back drop. And the appeal isn't limited to New Age fans. My grandparents use this CD for background during their bridge parties and book club meetings. My best friend puts it on at night for her newborn baby. Even my New Age hostile mother never argues when I slip this CD on the player.

Out of the fifteen tracks on this disc, there isn't one that should be discarded. Her Knees Deep In Your Mind by Ray Lynch is the first selection on this CD. It's unsurprising that some listeners have bought the collection after sampling that song alone. If you can, check out the audio sample available here. Other artists on this album include Jim Brickman, David Arkenstone, Yanni and George Winston, to name just a few. If nothing else, this CD offers the New Age listener a feast of styles, instruments and artistry to sample. I've discovered everyone has their favorites. Some love the piano performance of If You Believe by Jim Brickman. Others are drawn to the more esoteric works, like Shadowfax's Angel's Flight.

Compilations are an excellent way to explore new artists without committing to an entire album by said artist. This particular compilation has made a wonderful gift for many friends and family. The title is slightly misleading. While the compilation was put together by the author of the book by that same title, there is no necessity to read or subscribe to the ideas in the text to enjoy the CD. Most, if not all these chosen pieces were first recorded well before this book was ever written. This is excellent background music, or meditation music. I don't recommend the second or third CD compilations created under the same title, as I found the music choices less inspiring or interesting.

Happy listening! ^_^ Shanshad

Beautifully compiled
I love the music of Windham Hill, and this disc is no exception! Compiled from 14 different artists, each and every track is incredibly beautiful. The White Spirit (track #13) by Uman is evocative and Reflection (track # 6) by Oystein Sevag is just one of those songs that transports you.

I have a disc for my car, which just sets the tone for the day!

The music is varied, including such artists as David Arkenstone, George Winston, and Patrick O'Hearn to name a few.

The music is soothing, yet evocative at times and can transport you to the depths of your soul if you let it carry you away. Great compliation - just another great winner from Windham Hill!

Conversations With God/A Must-Have CD
When I first heard a track of this CD, I didn't know the CD's title nor even the exact music genre. Yet, I knew one thing after hearing only one track. I had to purchase it.

I tracked down the name of the CD and bought it immediately. So, I was braced and prepared to be disappointed because I hadn't listened to the entire CD before purchasing it. What a wonderful and uplifting surprise to find myself absolutely mesmerized and seduced by every single track of this excellent CD.

It would be misleading if I said the CD gets progressively better beginning with Track 1 because every single track will offer you something extraordinary. (Track 13 is the grabber for me.) The power of this music is masked by its ethereal qualities, but powerful it is. After sharing this music with so many of my relatives, friends and co-workers, I'm convinced that this music can only be explained by whatever defines you. It will reach, touch and soothe anyone's core.

I purchased a second copy of this CD for my car. I'm a big music lover but I've never done that before. It's the best musical decision I've ever made.

Must have !
I first heard this album from a friend and I tell you, it's an absolute must have. The music is so soothing it allows you to get in touch with your inner self. If you listen under the right circumstances you could even get into a sleepy state that puts you in touch with your subconscious self. Fantastic! Highly recommended!

Exquisite music for the soul
This CD is a wonderful compilation of complementary New Age music at its best. Nothing overpowers anything else and it just WORKS! A great addition to the CWG book series. This music speaks directly to the soul. A must for any New Age collection. ... Read more

Amazon.com

After dark descents into the abyss on The Magnificent Void andMidnight Moon, Steve Roach lightens up the textures a bit on the double CD Mystic Chords & Sacred Spaces.The mood harkens back to his influential 1984 release, Structures From Silence, but the atmospheres are more textured and layered while melody is virtually non-existent.And while Structures had a slow motion pulse, Mystic Chords hangs rhythm free.It floats in a space of richly detailed, but minutely shifting sound constructs that owe more to Gyorgy Ligeti and Mark Rothko than early Roach touchstones like Klaus Schulze and Salvador Dali.Roach is creating a free fall through space, less rooted in the pulsing techno-tribal sound of his 1990s music, and more ecstatic in its evocations of something beyond.He carries you to groaning turgid depths, then lifts you as electric guitar glides and synthesizers gurgle, shudder, and swell in an Aurora Borealis of sound.--John Diliberto ... Read more

Reviews (11)

AMBIENCE WITH A DIFFERENCE
The ambience of the music of Steve Roach belies the 'background sound' aspect of the term - this is music that can be experienced on many levels. As with all of his releases, the music on these two cds is transporting and evocative - it's anything but aural wallpaper. Roach's spirit infuses all of his works with a sincerity and sense of the Quest that many of his peers seem to lack or even eschew - there is emotion here that reaches down to the depths of the mind (as opposed to the brain - and there IS a difference) in such a way as to resonate in the well of the listener's very soul.

The tracks on these discs - MYSTIC CHORDS & SACRED SPACES and LABYRINTH flow gently, but with an unmistakable power. Each composition has a mood of its own, but the transition from piece to piece is never jarring or inappropriate - there is a path that exists from track to track, as there is one within us from thought to thought and from one level of consciousness to another. It is when the barriers between these levels are broken down, and they can interact, that progress and healing can begin - Roach's music is, in a way, an aural parallel of those techniques.

Primal ambience? Steve Roach seems to have found the key to producing just that - let it carry you, both away from yourself and into yourself. This is one of his best works - and that's saying a lot about someone with such a huge catalogue of quality music to his credit.

Total Immersion - A magnificent Journey!
Once again, the master of ambient music has woven his web of intricate patterns, deep resonate drones and subtle counterpoints to create an amazing sonic journey.

On disc 1, (titled Mystic Chords and Sacred Spaces), we hear five long, expansive pieces that immerse the listener into a quiet yet satisfyingly complex environment devoid of rhythm, melody or harmony. All that is left are gorgeous, lush tones that wash over and through you in relentless waves of pure beauty.

Disc 2 is appropriately titled Labyrinth, and it has quickly become one of my favorite discs in all of the massive Steve Roach catalog of works. On this disc, Roach combines his distinctive musical talents with atmospheric sounds and gentle rhythms to carry the listener through his fantastically expansive and complex maze. In this labyrinth, you will actually twist and turn, doubling back on your path to hear echoes of places you've already visited and catch glimpses of what lies ahead on your journey. Repeated listening to this disc will reward you with a richer experience as the echoes and foreshadowing become more evident.

If you are able to find the complete four disc set, disc 3 (Recent Future) will present you with 13 connected tracks of shorter thematic pieces. Disc 4, (Piece of Infinity) is a single, 74 minute track of floating in boundless space; not dissimilar to Roach's Timeroom release: "Darkest Before Dawn" CD.

If you are a fan of the ambient genre, you can't help but be pleased with these wonderful, surreal sonic landscapes.

A Pleasant, Awesome Regression--No Equal!
Ah, how the ignorant voice their lack of understanding of this masterpiece--anyone who does not recognize the sheer genius of this brilliant composition. Strangely reminiscent of Roach's previous works "Dreamtime Return" (1987) and "Quiet Music," (1989), pleasantly blended with the floating melodies of "Solitaire: Ritual Ground," (1991) it would be woefully inexcusable to miss this unique, inimitable recording. For a while Roach was digressing into the mysteriously haunting, utterly creepy sounds akin to Robert Rich's dark and gloomy "stalker" (which was so eerie I had to expunge it from my collection; it was like being trapped in the soundtrack to "The Blair Witch Project--thank God I EsCaPeD!). Since I first discovered them back in the 80's, I was hopelessly hooked on Roach. He presents a reprise into the subconscious, for which I now notice a new generation beginning to take notice of his musical magnificence. He has humbly dipped into his previous experience and brought back this ambience for us to enjoy that serves as a way in which to relieve stress, insomnia and as a cure for mood swings, anxiety, depression and short tempers. Face it, this album is therapeutic. It helps me to be a better person. Clearly it was meant to be enjoyed in private with a good pair of headphones, with repeat on--it functions fabulously as a circular ereathral composition, without beginning, without end, comprised of masterfully arranged waveforms that release the mind's inner desires to find peace in an unsettling, paranoid world. Steve, I want to party with you brother. A little less I talk now, a little more I listen to what you have created just for me--something that causes others to wonder what my secret was to a calmer, more energetic self.

overrated
this music like other steve roach cd, keyboards with big reverb. too has made exactly like this? there was buildup for this and it falls flat. he poblem is that making too much lessomthe special one and it sounds like he is he uninsipred stop,s career. there doesnt anything left in bag of magics and like eno now he does is do the same past things. no drums or rhythm make a boring music

I keep coming back to this...
I always thought of Steve Roach as the "deserts and digeridoos" sort of guy, which has never really been my cup of tea, but anyway I came across this disc and purchased it on a whim. Upon first listen I was digging the textured ambience and churning synths of disc one- all the while waiting for the clay drums and chaka flukes to bust in. But they never did. In fact, the entire disc droned away for more than an hour without even a hint of percussion. Just the hum, the throb of LFOs to keep the time.
So, I figured, OK... Disc two will be all about the percussion and hypnotic rhythms. Again, no dice.

But wait... something is going on here, I thought. There is some real depth and texture to these drones, something memorable and substantive. This is no new age twaddle. This is pure sound hypnosis, like Eno used to do.

So, I keep going back. I fall asleep to this disc almost every night now. It has worked itself into my life. Something is going on with these discs that makes me want to listen all the time. I think there must be some buried messages or something. ... Read more

Amazon.com

You're having a dinner party. The in-laws are going to be there. So are some of your closest "after-hours" friends. You need music, something mellow but not despicably insipid. Welcome to a double-disc set that will cover all the above bases. Featuring Dido's "Home with Me (Chillin' with the Family Mix)," St Germain's wonderful, downtempo "Sure Thing," and Royksopp's jaunty "Eple," it's mainstream enough for the progressive suburbanites in your midst. Meanwhile, Badly Drawn Boy's "The Shining" and "Nights Interlude" from Nightmares on Wax are culled from a deeper well of modern folk and jazz, respectively. The second disc, which contains some absolute gems, works overall as a more fluid mix. After Jakatta and Moby bring us further in, Dusted hit the dubbed-out trip-hop trail with "Childhood." Witchman (a.k.a. John Roome) has the set's best moment with "Leave No Trace (Dub)," a smoky bit of wicked seduction that makes for a marvelous chill-out gem. --Steffan Chirazi ... Read more

Reviews (53)

Oh man. Awesome.
There ARE thousands upon thousands of chillout compilations. It seems like the in thing to do if you're a producer.

But this one is still excellent. I purchased this a couple days after it came out, and I've been in love with chillout music ever since; a good introduction indeed.

The track selection is a great way to get anyone into chillout. It showcases big names in downtempo (Thievery Corporation, Zero 7, Massive Attack), stuff you've probably never heard of (Royksopp, Dusted), and even commercially available stuff (Dido, Moby, Deep Dish, Chemical Brothers).

The first disc is the easier to enjoy of the two, as it's livelier, funkier, and would probably go well with your girlfriend, a couch, and dimmed lights. Standouts on the disc are Zero 7's "Destiny", one of my favourite songs ever, Royksopp's incredibly catchy tune "Eple", and the classic Massive Attack tune "Hymn Of The Big Wheel". The only shortcoming on the disc is I Monster's "Daydream In Blue", which doesn't really fit with the mood of the rest of the CD.

The second disc is slightly more abstract and full of lesser known artists. But it does include two very classic tracks: Moby's "Go", and The Future Sound Of London's "Papua New Guinea". Standouts on this disc are Banda Sonora's "Guitarra G", a slick drum+bass track with flamenco guitars, as well as the warm and fuzzy track "16 Again" by Neon Heights.

All in all, this collection is well worth your money, especially for someone who is new to the realm of chillout music.

another chillout album...
For those of you who haven't an extensive cd collection of chillout beats this cd would make a nice addition to your collection. I recently purchased this cd as it makes a nice compilation including many of the artists I hold in high regard making an appearance. I must say that the track selection is for the most part exceptional with several of my favourites being listed including "Zero 7 - destiny", "Future Sounds of London - Papua new Guinea" an excellent downtempo version which also makes for an excellent dance track via Hybrid's remix, "Massive attack - Hymn of the big wheel" a moving and vocally aesthetic song as only Massive Attack knows how.. and "St Germains - Sure Thing" a popular track regularly played in bars and lounges since its release on "Tourist".
The cd also includes a few more 'commercial' American tracks from Roger Sanchez ,Jakkata, Dido and Gorillaz , each having been mixed to keep in with the deep and downbeat atmosphere created by the rest of the tracks. Personally I don't think these hold up alongside the European masters of chill on the album like Zero 7, K&D, Thievery corporation and St Germain. CD 2 starts to lose its flair after track 10 with a few sterile and rather flat tracks.

The Best CDS Yet
When I first heard the cd, I was like man, this would be awesome to chill too, not knowing it was called Ultra Chill. When i found out i knew i had to have it so i bought volume 1 and 2. I loved Volume 1 with Nigntmares on Wax, Gorillaz, Dido, and many more. But when i put in Volume 2 i have to admit i was a little disappointed. But all in all i love both cds and if had a second chance would DEFINATELY buy agian.

fantastic compilation
I discovered this CD when I walked into a music store in downtown San Francisco and it was being played in the store. I immediately asked which CD it was and after listening to some other tracks on a listening station promptly purchased two copies (one for myself, and one as a gift).

I don't buy many CDs.

Good, but not consistently good
I disagree with some other reviewers. I love Disc 2. It has a hip, mellow but uplifting mood, and flows nicely. Disc 1 is more hit and miss. I'm a bit sick of the Dido track; it's been around a while and used a lot it seems, or maybe it's just that it was the theme song for a TV show that has killed it for me. I've listened to Disc 2 far more than Disc 1. But I'd hesitate about spending full price on this double disc album when only one of the two discs is a keeper. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Though he was once on top of the drum & bass heap, in recent years LTJ Bukem, king of ambient drum & bass, has been pushed aside in favor of hard and dark tech-step. Fame came easily to Bukem, who with his labels Looking Good and Good Looking spearheaded the movement of intelligent drum & bass with the release of the Logical Progression series, quickly cementing his place in the short history of urban breakbeat. Journey Inwards marks his long-awaited return and attempt to reclaim his throne in the fickle drum & bass community. True to form, Bukem turns in a two-disc set of songs heavy on the reverb, caressed by light lyrics and sweet singing throughout. Horns and synths are as integral--if not more important than--bass lines, and often the bass takes a backseat to the music's melodic enterprises. Jazz peeks its head in a few places, particularly when Bukem slows the tempo, as in "Sunrain," cuing up the old suspicions that Bukem creates adult contemporary jungle. Not concerned with rocking the joint, Bukem instead lulls slowly to sleep or seduces his admirers. Whether he's playing with scattershot drums or mellow-yellow downtempo, Bukem manipulates the mood as deftly as he chops a beat. --Tricia Romano ... Read more

Reviews (42)

Journey Inwards is smoooooth baby
I've been a fan of LTJ Bukem since a friend of had me listen to one of LTJ's first Logical Progressions cd's. I have since bought just about every LTJ Bukem release I can find. I couldn't say I have a favorite, but Journey Inwards has to be it right now. I think this is LTJ's best work to date. The mixture of smooth jazz with groovin beats really does it for me. This is the ultimate relaxation cd. Favorite tracks from this cd are CD1 tracks 2 and 5, CD2 tracks 1, 4 , 5 and 6. If you aren't a LTJ fan, then maybe this cd will be the one to make you a believer. Check it out, it's smooth.

Excellent variety of well produced tunes
Ok, previous reviewer, perhaps you're not familliar with the sound of Good Looking Records? This is not Optical and Ed Rush.

For the rest...the biggest give away here is the picture of LTJ Bukem with Juan Atkins, on the inside cover. Juan is an obvious influence on this album, which accounts for it's jazzy-funky-techno sound, in addition to Good Looking's trade-mark "intelligent" sound.

What I find is a good mix of tunes, some boardering on Maxwell meets Roni Size, with the trippy sweeping keyboard sounds and amen choruses we've come to expect from this label. This is a great album. It's not likely to disappoint. It's well thought out, well produced, and well arranged.

I've got most of this stuff on vinyl already, but had no hesitation buying this cd. Well worth the cost of admission.

Also, check out the Big Bud CD on the same label.

These guys are the future of drum n' bass.

A timeless masterpiece that has no equal.
LTj Bukem's Journey Inwards is a rare gem in the world of music. It's not so much an album but a work of art, lovingly crafted, flawlessly mastered, and polished to a perfect shine. Hardcore jungle fans are best warned to stay away; this isn't a dance album, really. Bukem, who made his name with his own melodic style of jungle (drum & bass), abandons the furious pace of the rave dance floor in favor of a jazz-like sensibility. Upbeat, but not hard. Complex layering, yet remarkably accessible melodies that you just can't help but tap your foot to. Nimble, but not really fast. Slick, but remarkably natural and acoustic sounding. Instead, it's an endlessly listenable odyssey, a seamless blend of jazz, big band, a dash of swing, and a whole lot of electronic flourishes. The Bukem's home turf of drum & bass slithers throughout the album, subtly moving in and out and keeping the sound fresh. It's an incredibly classy act; the music seems the perfect fit for a prestigious penthouse party, a gloriously lit urban skyrise of Manhatten or Chicago at night in the background, lights low, fine drinks all around. Journey Inwards is a dreamy, sensuous collection of grooves, beats, and saxophone tones that grow richer and more tasteful with each listening. Few artists break into this kind of ground, and Bukem does it masterfully in this work, undeniably his most original and finest hour.

..impressed !
This album features two IMMORTAL tracks :1/ Watercolours 2/Rhodes to freedom
LTJ's music is so great, you can hear every millimeter was lovecrafted, it's absolute genius.. This guy can paint the fabulous landscapes I can usually only hear in my musician's dreams. Makes me think of AdamF for the kickass jazzy moods! buy it !

Stellar force on the Ambient Drum and Bass Scene
I bought this 2-disc set on a whim, and I am glad I did. The set is a dreamy escape into the world of ambient Drum and Base. I like how Bukem has blended the nifty hooks of jazz-fusion with a softer version of Drum and Bass beats.

This is music definitely for relaxing and enjoying its nuances. I really didn't listen to both discs all the way through until I went on a long flight. This CD set should be listened to all the way through at least once. Each song stands on its on, but together, this is a tour de force in the modern electronica genre. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The original in the internationally popular Hearts of Space series, Celtic Twilight is a collection of 14 pieces: 8 from the label's artist stable of recordings--including a quartet of compositions from HOS stalwart Bill Douglas--and 6 from other carefully selected artists. An instrumental recording, save for the standout "Ancient Pines" from singer-instrumentalist Loreena McKennitt and the Bill Douglas closer featuring soprano Jane Grimes, Celtic Twilight combines traditional Celtic whistles, acoustic strings, and bagpipes with contemporary keyboards. Gentle, lilting and romantic, these songs are the music of the ocean and rolling green hills, of that magical pink-sky time of evening when the lines between myth and reality blur in a most pleasing fashion. --Paige La Grone ... Read more

Reviews (15)

This is the CD that got me totally hooked on Celtic music.
I bought this CD about two years ago after hearing excerpts on the syndicated Hearts of Space radio program. I never grow tired of listening to it. Each of the selections is excellent. I love this CD so much that I bought a second one, in case I lost it! It was the first Celtic CD I bought in my ever increasing collection of Celtic CD's.

Good, but Others in Celtic Genre more Worthy
'Celtic Twilight' (title given by William Butler Yeats for an 1893 book of stories of his Irish homeland) is a compliation of selected from the Heart of Space catalog. I'm a long-time listener of Celtic music and I'm not knocking HOS but, other albums in this genre are more worthy. This album is a mixture of electronic synths harmonizing with fiddle, bagpipe and tin whistle. They're beautiful to hear them and are very relaxing. The four music pieces of Bill Douglas are quite nice and combines the elements of Celtic, African, Indian, jazz and classical. The only piece that come any close to Celtic is the Joanie Madden (Cherish the Ladies) piece, "Women of Ireland" and heard on John Boswell's piece "Skye Boat Song" (from the traditional Scottish) and Alasdair Fraser's piece playing the fiddle on "Lassie with the Golden Hair" (traditional Scottish).

May I suggest a few good Celtic albums I find that are satisfying in their style and pure form-Joanie Madden's 'Song of the Irish Whistle,' Séamus Ennis 'Best of Irish Piping,' 'Castles of Gold,' 'A Thistle & Shamrock Christmas Ceilidh,' and 'Gaelic Voices.' Hope that some of these will help in your Celtic music selection. In my experience most compliation albums aren't all that great. Most great songs are missed that should have been on the album. Also be careful of imitations and read those customer reviews if an album is genuine or not. Good Luck!

Celtic highlight!
I bought this CD because it looked very mysterious with the title and the cover picture and all. I've picked a few CD's because of their covers, and it hasn't always been a pleasant surprise... This time, however, I was not dissappointed. The album has this true Celtic feeling over it, and when I sit at my room listening to it I can see the beautiful landscapes of Ireland clearly before me. There are so many CD's of Celtic and Irish music, and a lot of them are just [JUNK]. I'm just very happy to say this wasn't.
The tracks I liked the most will have to be track nr 1: John Doan with Farewell, track nr 4: Joanie Madden with Women of Ireland, nr 6: Bill Douglas with Windhorse and nr 9: Radhika Miller with Origins. Origins is the album's best track. It's very emotional and makes me want to cry, simply because it's so great.
If you like Celtic music, you should buy this album.

Celtic Dissapointment
When I bought this CD I was hoping for the gritty real-life celtic spirit music HOS is famous for playing. Instead I felt like I was shopping in some new-age wannabe store where they play what they think is supposed to be celtic music. Basically, it is almost all watered-down synths and occasional flute medlies. I do not recommend it.

Perfection...
I first heard this compilation about 7 or 8 years ago. My wife (girlfriend at the time) had found the cassette at a nature store and broght it over. I have long since worn the cassette out. I was so glad to see that I could get another copy (this time on cd). This is the best collection of Celtic music in the world. Period. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Canadian experimental guitarist Brook and the late, "shining star of Qawwal" come together for a second time to bring the music of Pakistan into a creative new realm. If you are a traditionalist who wants nothing but Pakistani music, stay away. This album is soaked in ambient electronic guitar noises and some of Khan's most out-of-the-tradition singing. These experiments are not to be confused with lots of the electro-noodling, however. Both artists were devoted to their gods and their music, and it shows in the potency of these tracks. Brook seems to have been a natural match for Nusrat and has drawn out an unusual performance that probably fulfills the ideas that were only hinted at in their first collaboration, Musst Musst. --Louis Gibson ... Read more

Reviews (24)

multiple epiphanies
this is by far one of the best fusion albums i have heard. to make world fusion work, it is not enough to just fuse two styles, the result must be several magnitudes better than the sum of its parts. otherwise, whats the point? well, "night song" is very much that. a unique collaboration, between two very different idioms, that works because not a single tune lies squarely in one or the other tradition. each tune is a perfect amalgam of the two styles, and much more. sufi/qawwali music is very emotive, and like all eastern devotional music, aspires to reach out to something outside our immediate sphere of sensory perceptions. michael brook's arrangements preserve this ambition and sense of personality. his guitar work (for instance on "my comfort remains") is nothing short of amazing. i first heard this album almost 8 years ago, and i still am amazed when i return to it.

Meditation.
I am writing a review of Night Music because I feel that Nusrat's music is very important to rock and roll. This Pakistani singer, who sadly passed away a few years back, had the power to touch the soul with his singing. Though I can't understand a word he said, Night Music's feelings are well received. I like to think of Nusrat's music as mesmerizing and hypnotic as well as emotionally raw. Michael Brook just enhances Nusrat's ideas, making this recording a haunting, painfully sweet listen. This is a must have for any rock collector. Thank you to Peter Gabriel for creating his RealWorld label in which we get to hear such fine musicians from other countries of the world.

Good but not great
Nusrat's qawwalis are always playing in my Pakistani family's household, and I'm a fan of so-called "fusion" music, so naturally I bought this CD upon its release many years ago. There are definitely some great tracks on this CD, such as "My Comfort Remains", but a lot of the album is on the verge of studio overproduction. I think the other collaboration with Michael Brook, "Mustt Mustt", is more subtle and palatable. Regardless, I'd still recommend this album if for anything Nusrat's voice being incredible as always.

A Language That Needs No Translation
Michael Brook is a very talented and underrated composer and producer whose love and appreciation for world music and great voices, was responsible for putting the Qawali of the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan on the popular world music map, and made its sometimes rough edges and repetitiveness(to the untrained ear) far more accessible and enjoyable.
His first collaboration with Khan, was a record (with its 'single' Mustt Mustt') that largely contributed to the huge global boom and interest in World Music.
His second collaboration takes a smiliar route and blends his trademark ambient guitars and atmosphere with Pakistani's most famous music export and one the best voices in any language.
The songs of 'Night Song' are so serene and almost spiritual.
Brook has worked with other world artists from India, Armenia and Tanzania,always adding his original touch, but somehow you can feel that the work he has done with Khan was his most successful and personal: Two men coming from different parts of the globe, united by their passionate love of music: world or western, with Brook and Khan this label becomes redundant,as music becomes one language for all that requires no translation.
A Must Buy!!

the words seem to make english sense,no babbling brooke
On Night Song, the words are not english, (clearly), yet there
is a transcendence of words, especially in the most
sublime first song, which i recommend a person put into
an infinite re-play loop. it seems to say to me :
'there is only love, it is very much....'
gorgeous the way Brooke blends so cunningly and with
such soul craft the western sounds.
no one's done it this well since Shankar met Menuhin
in "East Meets West". buy it and listen often
and you will grow.... ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Suburban Anthem
I heard "It's a Fine Day" the other day playing from a Toyota 4-runner filled with upscale suburban kids from Houston. "Fine Day" was redone by Miss Jane and played earlier in Y2K over Houston radio. Opus III had the foresight to produce a timeless, haunting, classic club anthem- "Fine Day", which should be in any cool person's cd collection.

Ahead of its time
Mind fruit is a CD that is still a favorite of mine after all these years. "Up" and "Fine Day" are still some of my favorite tracks of all time. This CD was definitely ahead of it's time with the tight track programming and sounds that were perfectly constructed. The vocals are very nice and fitting. It's a shame this group hasn't done anything since 1994.
However, the woman who did the vocals(I'm forgetting her name) did some work on Ian Pooley's "Since then" CD. It's track #7. This remains one of electronic's best CD's and one of the best kept secrets as well....

Fruit for your mind...
Kirsty Hawkshaw and her former bandmates have made one of the best trance/techno/house albums. Besides a terrific cover of the Edward Barton penned "Its a Fine Day", there is also a great King Crimson cover ("I Talk To the Wind") and an original song called "Evolution Rush". This album definately is better than their follow up album and is one album I always recommend to any electronic music lover.

Out there and ethereal!
I loved this CD for the sheer beauty and range of Ms. Hawkshaw's voice and for the "way out there" atmosphere that Opus III created as a backdrop for her vocals. Opus III generates strong rhythms throughout the better part of the tracks and that fact just makes this CD all the more danceable and well, listen-able. I look forward to hearing more of her and Opus III's work!

Original Trance
This is without a doubt one of the foundations that paved the way for trance artists of today. It's a Fine Day is such a classic track, and Kirsty has quite possibly one of the most amazing voices a woman could possibly have. A great cd for any aivd trance collector :) ... Read more

Reviews (12)

What a dream it was!
I bought this cd because: a) the cover art intrigued me and b) the asking price was too good to pass up...Being a big fan of goth music, I thought this cd was worth checking out especially for the Miranda Sex Garden because I am a big fan of Katherine Blake's latest group Mediaeval Baebes. I absolutely loved "Ardera Sempre" by Miranda Sex Garden. I really need to hear more music from the classical/pop trio. I really don't consider Future Bible Heroes to be gothic and thought it was odd to hear this indie pop band on a cd with mostly goth bands. Still I enjoyed "O! What a Dream It Was" immensely. It took me a few listens for Rasputina's "Hunter's Kiss" to grow on me. Initially I wasn't too wild about the song. I am not really familiar with Bitstream Dream, The Flir, Russell Mills, Livid Kittens, The Devics, and The Legendary Pink Dots to be perfectly honest but what I heard from them I did like, especially The Legendary Pink Dots and The Flir. Violet Indiana is alright. They could be better if the guy stopped singing. I used to have their debut album and I thought his vocals just ruined the vocals. I dug the other songs by The Creatures (Siouxsie Sioux's post Banshees project), The Cranes as well as Miranda Sex Garden, The Flir, the Legendary Pink Dots, and Rasputina. The art work was fascinating as well. Not many people put much effort into the art work in their cd booklets but the girls in Rasputina did with this compilation. It added a nice touch to the music.

Worthwhile buy- maybe even twice
I recieved this cd as a gift over a year ago, and I still absolutely love it. I have a feeling it was bought for me because I was a Rasputina fan with nothing left to buy, (ha-ha) however the rest of the songs on this c.d. are just as epic and lovely

It's absolutely beautiful in it's entirety. The most outstanding songs are "Hunter's Kiss" "Purr la Perla" and my ABSOLUTE favorite "O What a Dream it Was" by Future Bible Heroes.

My cd is already starting to skip (from repetitious play) and- now this should tell you something- Im thinking of obtaining a REPLACEMENT copy!

so yes nothing but glowing reviews for this cd.

12 satisfying tales
If you're into ethereal and melodic Goth music and don't mind some shoegazer and very subtle glam rock thrown in the mix than why not take a chance and buy this? The price is affordably low so it's definitely worth checking out. I promise you won't be disappointed, and if you are, well, you don't have much to lose - only something to gain so look at it that way. Not every song's a gem but it's a well put together compilation and it's a great introduction to a lot of amazing groups, such as The Cranes (Alison's childlike voice fits right in here), the eclectic Bitstream Dream, Miranda Sex Garden, and many others that are far less known but just as talented in this underground arena of stars. "The Hunter's Kiss" by Rasputina is a fantastic song but the production is so gritty I can hardly stand the torture of it. Not every track is like that though which leads me to believe it was their intention for the instruments to sound raw that way instead of polished (?). "O! What A Dream It Was" by Future Bible Heroes is probably the biggest highlight for me and I'm absolutely enthralled with the deep, enchanting male vocalist. The dark, hypnotic "Slipping Away" by The Creatures, the trip-hop blues of "Purr La Perla" by Violet Indiana, the harmonious guitar and drum swirling of the alternative "Flying" by Livid Kittens, and "You Could Walk Forever" by Devics, which is a sad yet gorgeous tune with an underlie of pop sensibility are other personal favorites that I otherwise would have never heard before if it hadn't been for this purchase. What truly makes the merit of this album laudable, however, is how every track includes illustrations by the often-quirky Amy Brown with short tales written by Melora Creager to accompany each picture. I therefore recommend this to fans of faerie lore as well.

[Cover art: Cloak Of Stars by Amy Brown]

fantastic mix
Don't hesitate to hear some familiar favs and learn about new bands on this mix cd. Rasputina's gritty love-death-hunted song can be found on their album Cabin Fever, and if you like the second track "Oh What a Dream it Was," browse through Stephin Merritt's other works from the Magnetic Fields and the 6ths - no one else brings such glamour to darkness. The Flir's song "Lick" is one of my favorites and has a great beat and haunting vocals. Some tracks will remind you of goth roots like Souxie and the Cure, but the overall mix is well constructed and flows from song to song. Quite enchanting, and a great bargain for the 12 tracks you get.

Not as great as the cover looks.
What first got my attention was the cover, and that Rasputina put it together. I like Rasputina but the other artists really weren't that great to me,nor are the songs.(Although Miranda Sex Garden is fairly good.)If your a Rasputina fan, I would definantly check out the other artists first to see if you like them. I know I won't make judgements on cd cover art anymore. ... Read more