Amazon.com

Iranian-American keyboardist Jamshied Sharifi has the right idea, trying to make his keyboard sound like a "natural" instrument in this ambitious album that blurs the line between world music and New Age. With some strong guests like Moroccan gimbri player Hassan Hakmoun and singing star Paula Cole, he uses Middle Eastern rhythms and ideas as his framework to take his music to another place that exists outside geography. The album is often stunningly beautiful, as on the luminous title track or on "Ammeh Kimia," with the lush voice of Marie Afonso contributing. It's an example of the best worldbeat with Sharifi leading from the back, using his keyboard to sketch the colors while the others provide the detail. Projects like this walk a tightrope--they can either be absolute triumphs or pure slush and Sharifi makes sure his falls in the former category. Spiritual and haunting in the best way, A Prayer repays repeated playing. --Chris Nickson ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Beautiful Middle Eastern and North African inspired music!
Sharifi, among other fine artists, proved that real art and music don't recognize narrow-minded chauvinism and go far beyond one culture.
In this CD, Sharifi's music shows that a true artist doesn't belong to one culture (American, Arabic, Iranian, North African or others) but that beauty in all cultures belongs to him.
That's exactly what defines a global artist and set him apart from the crowd.

Hauntingly beautiful music
Music more beautiful than this is not to be found. This is the rare album that can reach your soul. Sharifi is a master at weaving together various world music forms into songs that will never leave your heart. Each new listen is a transcendent experience. This music carries you away to other lands and ancient times. I recommend this album to everyone I know. It is sheer, blissful beauty.

Exotic and Haunting
This CD, perhaps more than any other, takes me away to another place. Some of the songs paint a vivid picture of a caravan of camels in my mind. The title track is incredibly soulful with a sad, longing quality. If that track does not evoke emotions in you, something has died inside of you. I highly recommend this CD.

good worldy music
the drumming on this cd is fantastic -- complex interesting rhythms

the music is wild, from upbeat to textured curving ambient drones

the Persian style vocals are of course beautiful & very moving

I don't know about how "spiritual" this music is, in the sense that Vas is spiritual in, but it's great music nonetheless

Transports you to another land!
Some songs are very soft and soothing making me feel I'm being whisked away on a cloud, while other songs were full of rythmic percussions that make me want to get up and dance! The Salt Road track has a very interesting melodramatic sound to it, and mixes music with sounds of Persian street vendors in a way that makes you feel like you're in some distant land emersed in a beautiful foriegn culture. I love this CD and highly recommend it! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Drumming To Your Spirit
The beauty of Planet Drum is that it is wakeful to the spirit. It (the drum) being primordial and a basic instrument moves your mind and spirit to something that is everpresent in our lives: rhythm.

Though not exactly a mellowing CD, it is beautiful and will be a sure relaxer if played in the background.

The more upbeat sounds also moves the body into action. ... Read more

Album Description

Single from Enigma's 1994 album 'The Cross Of Changes'.Features five mixes of 'Age Of Loneliness': Radio Edit,Clubby Radio Edit, Enigmatic Club Mix, Jam & Spoon Remix andAlbum Version. Slimline jewel case. 1994 Virgin release. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great Enigma Re-mixes w/Minor Omission
The only unfortunate minor detail about this cd single is how Cretu and company did not include the original version of this track as featured on the Sliver original soundtrack ! That was the first and original version that was released before The Cross of Changes c.d. came out. The original Sliver version had a more Sadeness-like sound with Gregorian chanting in the background with a midtempo groovy drum and bass beat ! The Cross of Changes album and radio-edit versions have a Middle-Eastern or Indian, Arabic influence.
However, there is much redemption to be had with the album version, radio edit, and club and jam & spoon mixes. The Clubby and Enigmatic mixes speed the otherwise midtempo rhythm to a more hypnotic techno-ambient feel filled with energy...The Jam and Spoon remix slow the beat down to 93 bpms with a thumping bass breakdown and Sandra's whispery voice. There's also a synthesized wind instrument much like a pan flute for the backing melody...Still, Age of Loneliness is worth a few spins !

The throes of ecstacy
Here are three things done best with this album. A) Make love to your partner, B) Repeat Step A, C) Repeat Step B. Whether you go up-tempo with the mix at 128 bpm's(perhaps their single greatest mix), or slow it down all the way to 93 bpm for the sensual ones this maxi should be one of the first ones in your CD Tower signifying its value. It's at the top of mine.

this cd is wonderful!!!!
its simply wonderful. includes songs from the motion picture sliver.trust me you will like it,enigma is lovely music__Joshua Misho

This CD will blow your mind
Wow! That is all I can say about this import single version of the tune also known as Carly's Song.There is some serious music happening on this disc that will evoke a whole range of emotions from the listener.If you want to be captured by music and you like Enigma but do not own this cd buy it because it surely is unlike anything that you have ever heard before. Finally you can just dance the night away to the clubby radio edit and enigmatic club mix because they rock non-stop.This is a must for all serious Enigmatics. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The soundtrack to a staged version of J.M. Barrie's classic Peter Pan, this has some marvelous compositions and fiddle playing from former Silly Wizard man Johnny Cunningham, along with Solas's Seamus Egan and fellow Alula artists Jamshied Sharifi and singer Susan McKeown. Cunningham is so well versed in the Scots tradition that his original material sounds as if it should be part of the tradition. His playing throughout is never less than exquisite, a reminder that the man truly is a virtuoso--which is also true of McKeown's vocals. The songs, obviously, pertain to the story, but even so, they shine with sheer class and a real Celtic feel, setting them apart from the wannabes and Celtoids that have crept out of the woodwork in recent years. Add to that a beautiful boxed presentation, and you have a complete winner. --Chris Nickson ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A RARE JEWEL
I had the rare pleasure of seeing Mr. Cunningham and Ms. McKeowen perform much of this material at a small pub in Houston a few years ago. When the final song was done there was a profound still hush as everyone in the full house sat in awe. They had created a magical timeless space, and we were all spellbound.

This CD captures that magic beautifully. This whole production, with its lovely music, lyrics, playing and boxed packaging is quite a work of love. Based on the further thoughts of J.M.Barrie contained in "Peter and Wendy", which he wrote about 9 years after the phenominally successful "Peter Pan" in an attempt to capture a fuller picture of what it is to parent (wanting to get beyond the popular superficial acceptance of the story to reveal the darker side to the experience of Neverland...), this feels like the complete and authentic version.

This is such a beautiful production. The instrumentation here is top-notch. The music and lyrics are tender and heatbreaking, sweet and clear, light and yet also weighty. This is both a labour of love as well as a gift of love. It makes me feel whole and complete, as a child, adult and parent, in one big bittersweet soft and intricate tangle. Thank You Johnny, well done man!

A wonderful album
This is an absolutely beautiful CD, with touching, almost heart wrenching, masterfully crafted songs that are a wonderful tribute to Barrie and to the traditional Scottish music upon which the music is based. It is not all serious, the "Crocodile Tango" is hilarious!
It is doubly poignant now that Johnny Cunningham has left us ( he died in December '03 at the age of 46, I believe). I had the privilege to see Johnny Cunningham & Susan McKeown perform some of these these wonderful songs in concert just weeks before his death. I feel honored I was able to see the two perform in person twice though I was unable to make it to the stage show of "Peter and Wendy"- according to the staff person we spoke to they were planning to produce it and take it on tour again before Mr. Cunningham passed away. So for those of you who loved the show, Barrie's books, or loved the music of these two talented Traditional musicians and have not heard this album, buy it now while it is still available. Very highly recommended- it has an unearthly quality that will leave you spellbound.

This disc never leaves my ipod
I had this CD for a year before I ever saw the show-- I am a fan of Celtic Music, and had seen Johnny play with his brother Phil at Symphony Space in NY (a major reunion for which I flew 1000 miles). All I can say is if enjoy Celtic music, don't miss this album. It is gorgeous, evocative, heartbreaking. Don't imagine this is "kids' music"-- some of it is funny-- but it is also witty and sorrowful, like Barrie's novel on which it is based. (J.M. Barrie was Scottish, by the way)

I am a tough theatre critic (I work in theatre) and I couldn't believe how moved I was when I did get to see the show, which is resourceful, innovative and utterly breathtaking. The interweaving of the music with the story (told via Bunraku puppets and limber puppeteers, and one incredible actress, Karen Kandel, doing all the voices) was seamless. A show as close to perfect as any I've seen.

Celtic fans may remember Johnny Cunningham from his days with Silly Wizard. He's a master fiddler, but this album demonstrates his brilliance as a composer. Haunting and unforgettable.

Cunningham captures the essence of a warm summer night...
... even in the middle of winter. I just got back from seeing "Peter & Wendy" in its current run on Broadway. It is one of the most intensely beautiful productions that I have seen in New York, and arguably the most faithful adaptation of J.M. Barrie's novel ever created. It rescues Peter Pan from the generations of Disney-fied preciousness with which he has become laden over the years. For me, Cunningham's lush score bottles the essence of hunting for fireflies at dusk in the back yard in June. It is truly evocative of the mysteries and the haunting wonder of youth. Highly recommended.

Enchanting
After hearing the sound samples on this page, I had to buy the CD. The music is absolutely beautiful. Track 15 ("Neverbird") is the most beautiful melody I've ever heard. If you are a fan of celtic music, this recording is right for you. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

As its title implies, this unified collection of tracks from lesser-known electronic and experimental compilations (like Throne of Drones and Twilight Earth II) finds Rich in some of his darkest moods. Unlike more rhythm-oriented albums like Rainforest and Propagation, this collection of six Rich compositions journeys through a thick musical ether which seems like it could seep out of your speakers and enshroud your room. Despite the presence of gongs, bells, drums, and steel guitar amidst the synths, the overall feel of these compositions is very spacy. Even the percussive sounds that gradually perforate the dense aural fog of "Bioelectric Plasma" ultimately remain ensnared within the track's overwhelming ethereality. The standout cut is "Black Skies," whose intense bursts of dissonant noise over a bed of delicate drones seem to herald doomsday. This seamless, frequently psychedelic collection of electro-acoustic soundscapes is quite gripping and dramatic. --Bryan Reesman ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Whatever it is, I like it
I'll be the first to admit that I don't know a good deal about ambient music, but I can generally recognize a good CD when I hear one, and this is a good CD. Ambient (the style of which Robert Rich is usually considered to be a practitioner) sometimes seems to be popularly considered a "relaxing" and "soothing" (read: phatic and boring) style, but that certainly isn't an accurate view of this music. Listen to it with good headphones in a dark, cool room at night, and you will be transported. If you like to hang out in isolated forests and ruined abbeys, but happen to be stuck at home, this music is actually not a bad substitute.

The tracks vary enough that I can't make many generalizations, but they are all good. I was particularly impressed by the complexity of the textures. You can listen to this several times and notice new things each time. Also, the sound quality is excellent. Some of the percussion instruments sound as if they are actually in my living room. (My speakers are good, but not normally *that* good.)

A must have on a plane
The use of high and low harmonics in a dream like arrangement leaves the listener almost dazed, if not hypnotized. I took this on a plane trip and was amazed that I could not differentiate between plane noises or Rich's arrangement. Perfect music for a unsettling ambiance. Subtle enough for meditation or yoga. Can lead to intense or dark dreams if listened as you go to sleep.

The best Rich, period
This is the best CD by Rich - dark, percussive, haunting

Very good, but for the collector only...
This is not a five star CD by Rich, it would not be the first choice, It seems to be a darker version of some of his other songs... As a collector of Rich this is not his most creative work, but not bad ... Read more

Album Description

The first single from the album 'Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi!'. Contains three mixes of 'Beyond The Invisible' (RadioEdit, Album Version & Short Radio Edit), plus 'Almost Full Moon' & 'Light Of Your Smile'. Slimline jewel case. 1996 Virgin release. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Play it in Spring
That's just what it makes me think of. Beyond the Invisible creates a very calming, serene mood. You'll be instantly relaxed and chilled the minute you put in this CD. I can just totally dig listening to this while enjoying a beautiful Spring day down at the river.

There are 4 tracks on this CD. The radio edit, which has a shorter opening than the Album version and 2 tracks called Almost Full Moon and Light of Your Smile. Both these tracks are kind of uninspiring and are direct continuations of the radio and album edits. Tho they have none of the melody. I would have preferred an instrumental version in place of these but hey-ho.

Relaxing New Age Music
This is one of the best Enigma album. Liked it alot as
it is very relaxing and moody.

One of Enigma's best songs
With great lyrics and great music makes Beyond The Invisible one of Enigma most powerful tracks.For me,when I listen to it when I'm either stressed or depressed,I just put this beautiful song on and all my worries go away and the song take me out of real life for awhile.Beyond The Invisible is my second favourite song by Enigma.

Everywhere except from here
"Beyond the invisible" leads us everywhere except from here.We forget the awful world where we live, just for few minutes... but it's already a great deal.I love the latvian chant (you know:sajaja bramani totari ta...)and the English lyrics:"cause no one has to hide beyond the invisible"make us feel there is another place... somewhere else, in our mind.

Excellent and relaxing
I've been addicted to Enigma the day Enimga 1 was released, and when I first heard this particular single from Enigma 3 I knew I had to have it. The previously unreleased track "Light of Your Smile" was the main reason I bought it, and I was not disappointed. If you collect Enigma singles, don't miss this. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

journey through rhythm with rhythm
This CD is best listened to alone, in a quiet space, turned up good and loud. The music is at times very quiet and solitary, and at other times, loud and frightening. It takes the listener on a journey through many spaces, ending at last with an arrival at a mythical city. Great stuff! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Shiver-inducing brilliance
Nitin Sawhney is so talented as a musician and a producer it's almost nauseating. Migration is his mellowest, jazziest album - short, but seductively beautiful.

Time for alittle something different
Sometimes it can be hard to put into words your feelings towadrs an album, and this is no exception. The sounds conjured up by Sawhney make you wonder whether musician is the right word for him. Perhaps majician would be more appropriate. All I can say is that if you haven't bought this album yet, then there is a musical genre missing from your collection. That genre is known simplay as Nitin Sawhney... ... Read more

Album Description

Two LPs on 1 CD - Lovin' In The Valley Of The Moon & Desert Horizons from Steve Miller's harmonica player. Cloverprovide the backing, along with Mickey Hart. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

25 years down the line & these 2 LPs still knock me out!
Great stuff here. Norton was a little quieter then, though he still made me sweat up a storm whenever I saw him. I always
loved his voice, & if you prefer it to Roy's, you'll like this, too. Makes me want to go right back to Hopland or Cotati, or even the Brewhouse Tavern in Seattle right damn now!

Love Lovin' in the Valley of the Moon!
Norton Buffalo is abslutely top-notch in this classic collection of "Norty" songs...he is one of the best harmonica players in the U.S.--if not the world, and his vocals are perfect..he uses his voice in such a way that it is impossible to describe...you have got to hear Norton to believe the talents of this most wonderful of American songwriters, performers, musicians...get this album...Buffalo is a true artist--and is an artist who is imposiible to fit into any genre of music...he stands alone in his style...the title song is beautiful...

Fabulous!
I was first introduced to Norton Buffalo (literally!) and his music in 1987.This hip, extremely talented musician, best known for his rippin' solo on Bonnie Rait's "Runaway" and for his 20 year + stint withthe Steve Miller Band, truly deserves more recognition than he has actuallyreceived over the years.Norton is a "musician's musician," andis by far one of the best living harmonica artists of our day, as well asan innovative songwriter.These albums were unavailable for years...all Ihad was a bootlegged copy on cassette, which I completely wore out.I amSO delighted to have access to this music again, and on CD!I really enjoyall of Buffalo's songs, but my favorites include "Nobody WantsMe," "Eighteen Wheels" and the infectious "HangingTree."Norton is also offers some of the most dynamic liveperformances you will ever see.His music is a real treat and comes highlyrecommended by yours truly.

fantastic amazing versitile insightful fun
Nortons first two albums are just the greatest, covers a lot of styles on this double album set, My favorite is "Nobody Wants Me" but all the songsare good.If you don't know, Norton is one of the greatestblues harp players int he world, and he doesn't only play the blues.Youwill hear tropical (like Buffet) type sounds "Puerto De Azul",old west kind of western sounds "Hangin' Tree"&"HighTide in Wingo", even a truck drivers song! "EighteenWheels".DONT get me wrong, I love rock/blues not country, but Nortonhas a way of making anything sound good, with his Amazing harmonica riffs,and a pationate wide ranging, voice (With funny voices too!) Get thisAlbum, it is a steal for all the good tunes, and look for the new one byhim and his new band the Knockouts coming soon!

What a voice! What a talent!
There just aren't enough words to describe the talent of Norton Buffalo. I've been turned on to him pretty recently, but, man, I'm hooked! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

TOTALLY AWESOME!
What does it sound like? The folks in Pink Floyd have imbibed a strong hallucinogenic brew and travelled through outer space to the hidden colony of the Ottoman Empire near the black hole known as Cygnus X-1. The antipodes of the psychonautic orientalist.

Rich at his Richest
Robert Rich has now produced quite a long string of techno-ambient albums of very high quality. This one is my personal favorite (though "Rainforest" and "The Seven Veils" are just about as good); it captures well what classical composer Carl Nielsen described in his fifth symphony as the "inextinguishable" will to survive and evolve. Rich is a master at producing slow, ambling-paced yet rhythmic music that builds gracefully in intensity, but never beyond its ambient roots to an outright climax. The attention to detail and clarity is marvelous! Despite the technological and ambient base, moreover, his music manages to transmit warmth and humanity.

Robert Rich stirs something in the depths of your being.
Robert Rich manages to bring you back to the womb of humanity. At times his music is almost a religious experience, revealing the true nature of man and his place in our universe. Altogether a wondeful experience.

Embryonic Fluid
You're suspended as an embryo when listening to this CD The first track is stupendous; kudos to Mr. Rich! The rest of the CD is a journey deep inside the mind. Get ready when you put your headphones on. You're going to drift down a thick stream...full of dreams. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Not very metal
I was looking for Bestiary's "The Murder Wheel" when I found this, but I was a bit curious and gave a listen... I have to say I am quite impressed, very soothing. You should definately give this a listen, but I still like the metal band better.

Tasteful ambient noise
Months before purchasing this cd I read a lot of reviews of this release by Robert Rich and became well aware that it might take a few listenings to warm up to this unusual "soundtrack to a strange land". Upon first listening it was actually pretty much what I had been imagining. It's actually interesting, though, especially the second half of the cd. At times, the sounds are almost perverse. One thing is for sure, the cd is not boring at all. It's extremely experimental stuff, and I'm glad I have it. Even for alternative ambient music, this pushes the boundaries. I really admire Robert Rich for taking what must have been a risk. If you are familiar with Robert Rich's music, then you will see how much of a departure "Bestiary" is from previous releases.

It is What Turned Me On To Dark Ambient!
I am going to be brief here. Beastiary is a wonderful collage of sound scapes, innertwined with some rythmn. It is a fantastic record. I did not think much of the so-called, "Ambient New-Age" musical movement, but listen to Robert Rich and THIS record in particular opened my eyes to the depth and creativity of this style. It took a number of listens but this really grows on you. If you were like me and thought all ambient was boring, GIVE THIS CD a SPIN! Awesome record! I can not wait to see what he does next. Fantastic spin!!!

Superb....as is expected from Robert
This is an excellent recording. For those of you who are long time fans of Roberts work, it is indeed different. One of the earlier reviews states he was left scratching his head...as was I. But it grows on you like the lichen in the woods that Robert seems to excel so well at conjuring just such mental imagery.
I got the pleasure of meeting Robert Rich in early April 2002 at a Canadian live show. He played many extended tracks off of this album as well as "Strata","Soma" and "Gaudi" styled albums. It was a true mental journey to say the least. And I must also add he is a very cool guy in real life.
Long time fans will may be slightly disoriented at first by the new style with his new modular synthesizer. But it really does sound better every time and doesnt wear thin. Newcomers to this artist will appreciate this album I'm most certain! You won't be let down either way.

EFFECTIVE ELECTRONIC IMPRESSIONISM
I've only heard a couple of other releases by Robert Rich -- most notably his TRANCES/DRONES double cd -- so I don't feel qualified to compare this disc with his other work. I can, however, state unequivocably that this is a very impressive, effective example of impressionistic sound painting.

The sounds are skillfully assembled and manipulated -- I can close my eyes and easily picture munching mandibles, whirring wings and scuttling legs moving about me in the audio field. The pieces flow subtly into one another, the product of tasteful editing. Standout tracks for me are the opener 'Mantis intentions', 'Folded space' and 'Sharpening her talons' -- but there's not a weak cut on this disc.

Particularly effective is Rich's use of altered/modulated vocal sounds in a couple of the tracks. Looking at the musician credits on the back cover, it's astonishing to hear the depth and variety of sounds that Rich has coaxed from his arsenal. This disc is an essential addition to the collection of anyone who enjoys adventuresome, challenging electronic music -- it's intelligent and at the same time extremely listenable. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Fourth World is First Class
This recording is stunning. Flora Purim's recent solo work is excellent, but her work with Fourth World sounds even better to me. More of a jazz, world beat sound. Her remake of Light as a Feather is especially notable. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The lineup may have changed, but Rejoice Rejoice continues Transglobal Underground's explorations in cross-cultural derangement, and their spectrum is spread even wider than before. Mixing Eastern, African, and Gypsy elements with trip hop, dancehall, ambient, and underground dance cultures is no mean feat, but, like a three ring circus, TG manage this unlikely marriage with panache, conscience, and good humor. Tablas, violins, cimbaloms, milk churns, Taiko drums, and clarinets are alternately interwoven with thick, dubby baselines, phat beats, and chill-out textures to produce their most ambitious and inventive recording to date. The clubby "wall of sound" has been replaced in part by a bent for more ethnic textures, but a few original stalwarts like Natasha Atlas are still present, especially on the lush "Sky Giant" and "Ali Mullah" (dedicated to Nustrat Fateh Ali Khan). The variety within these thirteen cuts goes beyond eclectic to controlled schizophrenia, but here it is a sonic plus, with no loss of identity for this adventurous music conglomerate. --Derek Rath ... Read more

Reviews (11)

a strong 3 stars, maybe 3½
Transglobal Underground isn't the kind of band you're likely to hear on the radio, and that's fine, because if you're tuned in to the local FM station, this probably isn't what you were looking for.

The music will probably sound exotic to most US fans, and that's also logical, because Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley weren't the primary inspirations for Transglobal Underground's music. Their sound comes primarily from the Middle East and relies on pounding drums and sparse but hypnotizing string arrangements.

I bought Rejoice Rejoice after I saw Transglobal Underground perform in Fall 1998 (they were amazing, and I suggest you see them if you ever get the chance). The album doesn't have the same power they generated on stage, but it's a nice change of pace and still gets time in my CD player.

My list of favorite songs on the album is constantly shifting, but "Ali Mullah" and "City of Gold" are both sure bets. I'd love to hear more percussion on the album, and the songs that emphasize it tend to be the best, but the album has forced me to focus on the way the vocals relate to the music, rather than just swaying with the drums as I did at the concert.

My uninformed advice -- I own no other Transglobal Underground albums -- is to buy one of the earlier albums before you get this one.

Stunning, if you get it.
Speaking as someone who simply cannot get enough of TGU's "Psychic Karaoke," it is a given that "Rejoice, Rejoice" doesn't reach the transcendental heights of that effort--few recordings do. In fact, it wouldn't be hyperbole to suggest that "Psychic Karaoke" is one of the top 1000 recordings of all time. That said, "Rejoice, Rejoice" would have been a 5-star album if it didn't have such a shining act to follow. Earthy, rhythmic tech/trance built upon flowing Middle Eastern undercurrents takes me away to exotic locales that are by turns serene and peaceful, or energetic and uplifting. House music for when the house is the entire globe.

They're trying to be "hip" and global, but don't "cut it"
I can't really put into words why, but this CD to me comes off as a bit "goofy", like a group who's trying to do all that pan-world stuff that's so in now, and they try to do it with a somewhat experimental edge, but it just doesn't work. In a somwhat similar vein of music, I find Conspiracy Theory's Thievery Corporation (or is it vice versa) CD to be much more "cool".

Lesser effort from TU
If you heard Transglobal Underground somewhere, or heard OF them, and want to try out their music to see if you like it, my advice to you is this: rush out and get "Psychic Karaoke." Then get "International Times." Both are exciting, exotic, multifaceted and over all thrilling albums that will make you dance, trance, whatever. Two examples of the TU folks at their best.

"Rejoice, Rejoice" is not such an album. The other reviews here pretty much sum it up: there are a couple of strong tracks, but most of the music is uninspired, sophomoric, even irritating - especially when compared to the towering strength of the aforementioned two releases. You'd have to pry my copies of "Psychic Karaoke" and "International Times" out of my cold, dead hands before I'll give them up. As for "Rejoice, Rejoice"? After a few listens, I sold it on eBay.

Egyptian pharoahs fell from the sky and played the blues
First, the album could use another ten minutes to be really good. Second, there is a definite cheese factor at work here. That one sass-talkin', vaguely ethnic guy who spouts non-sequitors (like this review's title) for half the song and then chuckles about them for the second half can really get on one's nerves if not in the mood. Add in some oddly placed rapping, and I think it's safe to say TU is at their best when they're not speaking English. I'd say the instrumentals are better yet--quite a lot of neat instruments are used (start with a sitar and get gradually more culturally obscure) to create simple, groovy melodies that are danceable at best and nauseating at worst. A fine but flawed album. ... Read more

Album Details

2001 Hot Release Straight from the Mysterious Island. Orisha Dreams is the First in the Cuban Underground Electronic Music. Their Flavour Consists of Deep House, Tribal, Electro and Even Ambient Atmospheres. This Record was Produced by the Most Innovative Hip-hop Producer to Come from the Island, Ediseo Alejandro. His Progressive Musical Tastes Lead Him to Some of the Freshest Underground Music to Hit These Shores. ... Read more

Album Description

Subtitled - Best Of 1994-2003. Deep Forest's first best-ofcompilation includes new versions of 'Sweet Lullaby' (2003version featuring Ana Torroja), 'Will You Be Ready' (BePrepared Remix) & 'Yuki Song' (2003 Remix), along with'While The Earth Sleeps' & 'Freedom Cry'. The Japaneseedition is scheduled for earliest release. Epic/Sony.2003. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

comments...
Just wanted to point out that 'While the Earth Sleeps', the duet with Peter Gabriel, was featured on the Strange Days soundtrack before being here.

it was about time
It was about time for Deep Forest to release Greatest Hits, and these ones are worth the price with more than one addition of never released material. I don't agree with past reviews as I think these are greatest hits and there is nothing weird here. It is not attemt to make more money (they don't need money as they have enough, and it's not like record company will benefit here as they don't sell too much these years anyway), but the fact that Deep Forest exist for 10 years now and it's just perfect timing to put out a greatest hits album, and make their fans happy.

something missing
I absolutely agree with the above person. I think this album is just an attempt to make money since Eric and Micahel(the men behind deep forest)have run out of ideas for a new one, after the disaster of "music detected". I believe "While the earth sleeps" comes from the extended edition of the album "Boheme", while the remix versions of "Yuki song", "Sweet lullaby" and "Will you be ready" havnt been heard before and are only featured in this CD. The rest are known songs from their past five studio works excluding "Pacifique", which is a movie sountrack recording but is still Deep Forest. One more thing, only two songs from my favorite album "Comparsa" were taken for this CD. I'm sure they considered "tres marias", "green and blue" and "forest power" I wonder why those didn't make it.

Where's the new stuff?
No new tracks in this best of album? Was "While the earth sleeps" the only song composed for this compilation? I don't think I've heard it on the previous releases but still I don't see much sense in spending your hard-earned cash on this one if you already own all DF albums exept for a few diferent versions of older familiar songs. Also, in addition to a few new recordings, I wish they had included several great songs such as "twosome","boheme","forest power" and "green and blue" which are my favorites. I would recomend this one to someone who's not familiar with DF or like to know what they're all about. All in all, it's a good disc containing most of their popular songs. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Aboriginal Funk!
This is a cd worth picking up. Lots of good cuts on this gem. Along with the 13 Yothu Yindi band members {from the Yolngu -Aboriginal- homelands on the ne coast of Australia} they are supported on this disc by Neil Finn (ex-Crowded House and Split Enz), Bill Lasswell and Bernie Worrell, among others.

My faves on this album: Timeless Land, Back to Culture, Yolngu Boy and Dots on the Shells.

Freedom
Absolutely wonderful.. Wish they could come to Switzerland and play at the World Indigenous Day some time in May at the United Nations at Geneva.

AWESTRUCK!!!!!
This is one album not to be missed. If you like dancing or just relaxing then Freedom will accomplish that and so much more! Never before has music been fused the way the Yunupingu clan have done. After one listen to this album, you'll wonder why traditional Koori(Aboriginal) music and rock/techno wasn't combined long ago. One can get a sense of pride, joy and just plain fun after listening to the captivating combo of bilma sticks, yidaki and Mandawuy's vocals! Songs like "Back to Culture", and "Timeless Land" will take you to new boundaries as you learn about Koori culture and jam along the way. "Gapu" will take you to where you most desire as it transports you to where your heart most desires. Believe you me, you don't want to miss this! Check out Tribal Voice as well. Music unlike any other! Never a dull moment! It's got meaningful lyrics and substance, with every listen you will be renewed!

Excellent mix of aboringal/digeridoo & techno pop
The first time I listened to "Freedom" in the Fiji Islands, the music swept me away to a remote land, farther away than I already was to find myself. The combination of the Australian aboringinal sounds and pop sounds in one group never dulls the senses. I feel as though I gain Freedom from my stressed out daily life each time I listen to this CD. The lyrics are well written with meaning and substance. This is a CD which one can listen to over and over again without ever being bored. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Nitin Sawhney's Earlier Works Are Different
Before I purchased "Displacing the Priest," I owned Sawhney's "Prophesy." Being one of the first concept albums I have purchased, Nitin Sawhney is the only artist I know who makes an pure effort to capture true emotions for his ideologys that are incorporated into his music. "Displacing the Priest," being one of his earlier works, has a style that is not yet definite. This album could be described as a collection of different asian styles mixed into one album. If you love Nitin Sahnwey, you will love this album, but it isn't similar to his later works, where his style of music is more defined.

Beauty & Beast
The most powerfull sound with textures, if you want something really good and diferent, buy this record! ... Read more