Michael Flatley - Gold (2001) Review

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(More customer reviews)I must disclose that I am a bit of an overeager fan of Irish Dancing at least in the form of Lord of the Dance, Feet of Flames, and Riverdance. I have seen all of the shows several times and had the fortune of going backstage after a Lord of the Dance performance to meet a few of the dancers (who were quite friendly and generous with their time). And, I listen to the music as I work out. I have all of the shows on DVD and video and to this day watch them almost daily.
As such, I was very happy when I learned of this new DVD title, Gold. Michael Flatley cerainly is not shy and is known for his "confidence," but this new DVD is extremely entertaining. I do not necessarily buy the sometimes manufactured sounding humility in this production and his "accent" seems to vary depending upon his audience, but we overlook the shortcomings in those we admire, right?
The DVD contains highlights from the original Riverdance show and Michael Flatley's two shows including dance peformances of Feet of Flames in Budapest.
The DVD is arranged in a long interview format interspersed with performances in a chronological order. Included are clips from his days with the Chieftans, dancing at the Kennedy Center, performing at Eurovision, Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, Feet of Flames, and rehearsals for what may be an upcoming movie/video. The Budapest Feet of Flames performances contain short interviews with some of the dancers. The DVD is arranged in a home moview/documentary format begining with pictures of Michael Flatley's family and childhood all the way through and including performances and photographs from the present.
There also is a very interesting "making of" Feet of Flames which is included as well. One really can get a sense of what it was like making the "one off" show. In addition, you get to meet a number of the dancers.
Certainly this DVD will entertain and delight the loyal fan base, but it is extremely well done, and as with the other DVDs and videos, it can be watched repeatedly. I do not know how long the Irish Dancing craze will last, but I get the feeling its twilight may be near. Any additional worthy videos and performances, therefore, are treasured.
You will enjoy this one for years to come.

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Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca)Release Date: 01/09/2007Run time: 130 minutesRating: Nr

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The Book of Secrets Review

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(More customer reviews)Loreena McKennitt is a singer songwriter who defies generalizations. While primarily in the Celtic tradition, she is always pushing the borders. Sometimes traditional and sometimes completely inventive she is capable of perpetual surprises.
"The Book of Secrets" is a musical journey through the relatives and contemporaries of the Celtic tradition. She mixes themes from Europe and Near East with the rhythmic and instrumental approaches of the Celtic world. The effect is hypnotic. The eerie and contemplative 'Prologue' shifts to the strong melodic work of 'The Mummers' Dance' recalling ancient spring rituals of rebirth. 'Skellig' has an almost Renaissance flavor as it voices the contemplative farewell song of an Italian monk.
'Marco Polo' echoes Oriental touches with Sufi melodies, capturing the ecstatic nature of that tradition perfectly. The, in an almost magical transition McKennitt switches to one of my favorites, 'The Highwayman.' This is a resetting of an Alfred Noyes poem, a dramatic stories of sacrifice and vengeance over melodic fiddle work and dancing drums. 'La Serenissima' is a return to the medieval contemplative, playing harp and fiddle against each other.
'Night Ride Across the Caucasus' uses Asiatic styling over the pulsing beat of horses in motion to recall the spiritual journey of the alchemist and the quest of the mystic. 'Dante's Prayer,' the final song of the album, is another personal favorite. Occasioned by a trip across the Russian Steppes it opens with an echo of Russian Orthodox melody and then shifts to a melodic, contemporary sound as McKennitt voice sings a beautiful plaint that echoes the love songs of Sufi poetry, whose object is the Beloved, the divine. "Cast your eyes on the ocean, Cast your soul to the sea," she sings, "When the dark night seems endless, Please remember me."
Recording quality is immaculate, with a fine atmospheric aura. McKennit's voice is soft and full, possibly the best I've ever hear hit. Her skill as a lyricist is every bit as good as her musical talents. This is an extraordinary album which will provide countless hours of pleasure and thought. Enjoy.

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BONUS DVD (PAL)--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

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