Memento: The Very Best of Dead Can Dance Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Honestly, this music is almost pointless to describe. It really needs to be heard, felt, and absorbed to blow your mind. But in words, it is a unique blend of folk, electronica, goth, and world music. In one word, I'd say it sounds ancient. This is actually their second collection. "A Passage In Time" is one track longer than this, however "Momento" includes tracks since, like the earthy "Yulunga". Existing fans might simply choose which disc has more of their favorite songs. New fans will love either. As with any "Best Of" I miss quite alot, but as a sampling of their work, "Momento" is wonderful.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Memento: The Very Best of Dead Can Dance

Cofounded in Australia in the early '80s by Irish punk bassist/singer Brendan Perry and Australian vocalist Lisa Gerrard, Dead Can Dance transplanted to London in 1982 and quickly became globally renowned for their stylistically diverse and groundbreaking music as well as their incredible live shows. Fusing atmospheric, ambient pop, spiritual undertones, and alt-electronica with world beats and European folk-both contemporary and centuries old-their string of album masterpieces kicked off in 1984 with a self-titled debut. After disbanding in '99, Perry went solo and Gerrard became a prominent film composer, celebrated for her Golden Globe winning score for Gladiator, among other works. Their cult following thrives, and Rhino's new compilation coincides with the band's reunion, their first together in many years.

Click here for more information about Memento: The Very Best of Dead Can Dance

Symphony: Live in Vienna (CD & DVD) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)It's great to finally have the opportunity to review this spectacular concert DVD and CD. The clarity of the audio recording is amazing. There isn't as much verbal contact between Sarah to her audience on the CD, but the DVD is the full thing, just as the audience saw it when they were there. I believe this DVD runs circles around The Harem world tour DVD 100 times, which makes this purchase totally worthwhile. The photos are stunning and the printing of the glossy booklet make everything look so nice. The DVD is purple and the CD is black with silver lettering.
Sarah's costumes and hair are gorgeous and she is definitely glowing and looking more pretty than ever. There is one small difference from the studio recording of "Fleurs Du Mal" and the recording on the dicsc. What I'm saying is...Sarah doesn't do that high-pitched vocalise while the violin solo comes in in the intro of the song, compared to the studio album recording. I wonder if it would've wrecked the intro to the song if she did sing it while moving down the middle aisle.
"Sanvean" written by Lisa Gerrard (Dead Can Dance) is a beautiful vocalise consisting of no lyrics but just sounds. That is what I love about this song. It's just so haunting and original, and Sarah does it very well, even if some say she's too breathy. "Canto Della Terra" is beautiful and Alessandro Safina looks & sounds amazing as Sarah's duet partner. Together, they blow everyone away with their breathtaking live rendition of the song. "Atessa" is very pretty and much better than expected. It really doesn't appear they used any playback for this concert, meaning Sarah used her own voice for the whole recording. I was actually expecting Atessa to be dubbed from the studio recording because of that very outstanding high note at the end, which is incredibly hard to do without screaming it.
"POTO" turned out to be quite nice, although it was a little too fast-paced compared to the original version. But the rock concert edge gives it a totally new edge and Sarah was still able to sing over the volume of the rock band and the pipe organ high above her and Chris Thompson. Oh, that reminds me, in "I will be with you"...my only negative comment would be; Chris Thompson looks a bit tired and sounds winded. If I hadn't known already what he looks like, I would've thought they pulled someone off the street to sing with her, although the rock edge was still there in his voice. Fortunately enough, Chris shines in "POTO", and he and Sarah really blew me away when I heared the performance for the 1st time. The CD bonus track "Vide Cor Meum" is beautiful and really fits in well with the theme of the album. It could've worked really well in the traclisting on the studio album "Symphony" too.
It's really wonderful to have this beautiful package and I'll cherish it for many years to come. This is by far, Sarah's best live performance to date...although there are some really amazing live performances on her other live DVDs. But this one really showcases Sarah's live singing voice, and how well she can work with a rock band. Get this item and you'll agree, it's totally worth the wait and the money.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Symphony: Live in Vienna (CD & DVD)

In January 2008, Sarah Brightman recorded and filmed Symphony -- Live in Vienna within the mystical walls of Stephansdome Cathedral in the heart of where classical music evolved -- Vienna, Austria. Renowned for its awe-inspiring Gothic architecture, the cathedral was the perfect setting to enter the magical world of Symphony lead by the voice of the beautiful, gothic-angel. The concert includes repertoire from her album Symphony and some of her most popular songs ("Phantom of the Opera," "Time to Say Goodbye"). COMBO PACKAGES TRACKLISTING* 1. Pie Jesu 2. Fleurs du Mal 3. Symphony 4. Sanvean 5. Canto della Terra (duet w/Alessandro Safina) 6. Sarai Qui (duet w/Alessandro Safina) 7. Attesa 8. I Will Be with You (Where the Lost Ones Go) (duet w/Chris Thompson) 9. Storia d'Amore 10. Pasión (duet w/Fernando Lima) 11. Running 12. Let It Rain 13. The Phantom of the Opera (duet w/Chris Thompson) 14. Time to Say Goodbye 15. Ave Maria 16. Vide Cor Meum (*bonus track)DVD extras: The Production (interview with Sarah Brightman) The Songs (interview with Sarah Brightman) The Location (interview with Father Anthony Faber and historian Elisabeth Lloyd-Davis) Photo Gallery Extras RT approx. 45 minutes Total RT for combo pkgs approx. 75 minutes

Click here for more information about Symphony: Live in Vienna (CD & DVD)

Seventh Tree (Deluxe Edition) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)UK glam electronic duo Goldfrapp is back, and with a new sound on their fourth album. Out go the stomping beats of the last two albums ("Black cherry" and "Supernature"), and in come lots of acoustic guitar against a chilled swirling ambient soundscape, a move sure to send those expecting disco lights and balls heading for the hills. Those who like Kate Bush, Kate Havnevik or Björk will be embracing this with maniacal glee.
"Seventh Tree" is the follow up to their UK #2 Grammy nominated album "Supernature". Right from the delicately strummed guitars, ethereal vocals and haunting strings of the percussion free opening cut "Clowns", the atmosphere is one of gently floating away. "Little bird" is folk/electronica with sparse guitars and electronic flourishes ebbing and flowing, and percussion filtering in towards the end.
"Happiness" features delicate percussion initially which builds up as the song progresses, it has a nice swinging feel and is one of a pair of (the most) upbeat numbers. "Road to somewhere" is a gentle acoustic ballad with lilting beats, a faint bassline and an almost Oriental feel. "Eat yourself" is another acoustic ballad with instruments gradually building up with angelic sounding harmonies. Similar is the shimmery "Some people".
Lead-off single "A&E" is a gently pulsing acoustic song which vaguely reminds me of Cyndi Lauper's "All through the night", albeit a more sombre version. Surprisingly, it has made the UK top 10, surprising as it is beautiful but so uncommercial. The sweeping "Cologne Cerrone Houdini" is a beautiful dreamy ballad that sounds like it should be the next James Bond theme song. The other upbeat song is the poppy Cranberries-style "Caravan girl" with gently jangly guitars (it's almost as though they are afraid they will wake you up), and closing is the gentle acoustic "Monster love" with swirling electronic effects and an almost hymnal feel.
Lots of haunting or angelic harmonies, a stripped down dreamy acoustic sound garnished with swirling synths and electronic effects. Goldfrapp have made music, not for the feet this time, but for the heart.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Seventh Tree (Deluxe Edition)

Limited deluxe two disc (CD + PAL/Region 0 DVD) edition of this 2008 release, the fourth studio album by the Electronic duo. This deluxe package contains a bonus DVD featuring a documentary, 'A&E' music video and a Q&A session, presented in card picture sleeves housed in a deluxe clamshell picture box complete with handwritten lyric book, fold out poster and postcards. Seventh Tree sees the duo return to the more ethereal feel of their debut Felt Mountain as opposed the glitter glamour of Supernature. Here they use elements of Folk and Ambient music, and display influence from Gallic stars such Air and Serge Gainsbourg, all resulting in a warm, delicate, irresistible album. Features 10 tracks including the single 'A&E'. Mute.--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Click here for more information about Seventh Tree (Deluxe Edition)

Distant Bell Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The tracklisting is
1. Gently Johnny
2. So Uncool
3. Innocence Sleeping
4. Banks of the Nile
5. Simple Lyric
6. No More Words
7. Too Late
8. The Trees They Do Grow High
9. Greenwood Laddie
10. Timeless
11. Handful of Ashes
12. Farewell to Music (w. Paddy Moloney of The Chieftains)
13. Gently Johnny (Extended Version)
"A Distant Bell" is Caroline Lavelle's third solo album. She has collaborated with many artists ranging from BT ("The Great Escape"), Chicane ("Lost You Somewhere") and Massive Attack ("Home of The Whale") to Vangelis ("Come To Me"), Hector Zazou ("The Freeze, "Lies Will Flow") and the violinist Nigel Kennedy ("Breathing Stone"). She has also contributed to Muse's "Origin of Symmetry", Radiohead's "The Bends", Loreena McKennitt's "Book of Secrets" and the legendary Irish band Chieftains, attending live tours of these artists with her cello and backing vocals.
A versatile sought-after vocalist and cellist by artists of classic, new age, electronic, chamber folk genres, Caroline Lavelle established alongside her collaborations a parallel solo career that has been one of profound experimentation. Merging traditional Irish tunes with electronic blends (on debut "Spirit", produced by William Orbit), she released an album which surpasses all the likes of Enya. Her second album, "Brilliant Midnight" is a brilliant showcase of her own song-writing and producing skills as well as the depths of her personality.
"A Distant Bell", her third solo effort intermingles, again, the traditional British-Irish tunes with that very creative and sensual attitute towards song-wirting and performing that she exhibited in her previous records. All the songs are crafted with a careful sense of perfection alongside many moments of inspirational spontaneity.

To the changes undergone, "A Distant Bell" has a minimum electronics and maximum of acoustics. The majority of the songs are performed with strings, haunting guitars, pianos and Lavelle's wonderful voice. The result is a unique and fresh interpretation of evergreen traditionality. Her distinctive voice accompany the album's emotive melodies so smoothly as to put you into a state of insurmountable captivation of music.
The haunting emotional essence of the record is further reinforced with her well-crafted self-written songs like gentle "So Uncool", the catchy Irish gem "No More Words", "Too Late" and the glorious climax "Timeless", which goes

"But old love grows so long / that the part above the ground has less effect / and time can wither tender shoots / but leaves those roots secure and strong / But the best love has no time / no forwards, backwards but only now / It's strong arms hold you when you walk and / if you fall you're always caught"... This is exquisite poetry clothed with music, at its best! A perfect 50 min. for forgetting the day and embarking on an acoustic chamber folk journey!
Also don't forget visit Caroline's website carolinelavelle.com where you can stream all the the songs on the album plus discover background of her previous albums, her own record label and some B-sides!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Distant Bell

Click here for more information about Distant Bell

Alexandria Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)NOTE The following is quoted...........
Romantic pop-ethereal faerie singer signed to Prikosnovenie. Albums: Argo, Alexandria, Ariel, Alabaster, Apple Pentacle & collaborations.
Louisa, Australian artist on ethereal French label Prikosnovenie, released 5 CDs: Argo, Alexandria, Ariel, Alabaster and Apple Pentacle, produced at Spring Studio (with Harry Williamson) & Pilgrim Arts (with Brett Taylor). Collaborations: Love Sessions; soundtrack with Stoa; Ghost Fish with Daemonia Nymphe; ambient album with Oophoi; guest appearances with Stella Maris & Ikon. Compilations: Fairy World, L'Odysee, Belladonne, Mystica Antiqua, Cantara Magica, Cryptichon & Hypericomes. She inspired Alyz Tale to write the faerietale "Louisa", published in the book "Mon Dernier Thé", France. What critics say:
'The best female singer in the underground'
(Vampiria Magazine, Italy)
'moonstruck Louisa takes us into a world of fairies and elementals.... a jewel in the field of romantic ethereal-pop fairy music"
(L'Ame Electrique Magazine, Greece)
'Beauty, grace, passion and excellence are the hallmarks of Alexandria' (Celestial Voices, England)
'A canny fusion of ambience, folk and classical.... a haunting music sensation... setting myth and poetry to soaring vocals' (Melbourne Times)
'between Dead-Can-Dance and Enya...Louisa's voice can easily compete with the finest artists of the genre'
(Tranceform, Germany)
'Alexandria reveals a pronounced esoteric and ambient side, but the fascination for other styles like classical music is omnipresent'
(Side-Line Magazine, Belgium)
'Eerie... dreamy... soothing... Its ethereal folk sound comes from an echoing mixture of instruments... Adding to the atmosphere are lyrics full of mysterious storytelling.'
(Rhythms Magazine, Australia)
'A magic potion that gives life to all those mysterious characters from the fringes of reality... full of vivacious incantation inspired from mellifluous rumors from the faery lands and the literary world.... a tasty cocktail of Myth by this Australian voice treasure.'
(FAO CASA Gazette, Rome)
Alexandria's title-track is a tribute to Milton & Cavafy; music adapted from 15th century piece 'Baixa dansa Barcelona'.
Words from cherished listeners:
"If I would meet my Creator I know she would be singing your music." (Lance, USA)
'...on a clear, star-filled night, Alexandria was playing on the Ardfern penninsular, off the Mull of Kintyre at the Westernmost reaches of Scotland from one millenium to the next.'(Mike Robinson, Edinburgh)
'You have a crystalline voice. Thanks for making perfect music for my own dreaming.'(Craig Gidney, Washington D.C.)
'A few people create things that will stand forever. Your work will continue on for many life times if not literally forever.'(David Bagby, California)
Of 3rd album "Ariel" on Prikosnovenie, France:
Side-Line Magazine, Belgium: "captivating"
Vampiria Magazine, Italy: "beautiful", "amazing"
D-Side Magazine, France: "mesmerizing"
Tranceform, Germany: "a gem", "a masterpiece"
Dragon Flight Magazine, USA: "stunning & breathtaking"
Twilight Zone, Italy: "arcane", "visionary", "supreme"
Elegy Magazine, France: "melodique, merveille"
Collected Sounds, Sweden: "lyrical depth & dexterity"
Coroner, Russian Gothic Project: "a masterpiece"
Glasnost Music, Germany: album of the month
Ethereality, USA: "mandolin-mad", "giddily beautiful"
Suburbia Magazine, Italy: "illuminante" "fairy music"
Darker than the Bat, Belgium: "romantic", "dreamy"
Eurock, USA: "subtle...highly exotic sonic textures"
L'Ame Electrique Magazine, Greece: "a jewel"
Positive articles on Louisa's music have also appeared in the following zines/magazines:
Gothic Beauty Magazine, USA
Zillo Magazine, Germany
Presto! Magazine, France
Gonzo Circus Magazine, The Netherlands
Dark Entries, Belgium
Feedback Magazine, Portugal
Le Fantastique Webzine, France
FluxEuropa, UK
La Defuncion, Spain
Deep Listenings Magazine, Italy
Oriflamme, UK
Postmortemzine, France
www.starvox.net, USA
Barbarian Magazine/Tierra de Lobos, Spain
Polarlicht Magazine, Germany
TEAR Magazine (New York), USA
www.topiste.free.fr, France
Khimaira Magazine, Belgium
Heimdallr, Switzerland
Grindzone Magazine, Italy
Elegy Magazine, France
Fiend Magazine, Australia
Eclipsed, Germany
Antiphonal Magazine, Spain
Eisplanet Magazine, Greece
www.obskure.com, France
Swag of Yarns Magazine, Australia
New Age Magazine, Italy
Louisa's websites:
www.louisajohnkrol.com
http://louisajk.ekishnugal.com
Producers: Harry Williamson:
www.farawaymusic.com + www.springstudio.com.au
+ Brett Taylor: www.pilgrimarts.com
Label: www.prikosnovenie.com
Designer: www.sabine-adelaide.com
Thanks for your interest - Louisa :-)

REVIEWS!

Reviewer: Nicholas
This Young Lady From The Land Down Under Deserves Plenty Of Praise For Her God Given Talent... An 'Angelic' Voice That Beckons You To Drift Aimlessly In A Subconsious Delight... This CD Is A Definite Addition To Those Of You That Know Superb Craftmanship...
An Addicted Record
Reviewer: Rob Frank
This album is like what I said in the title. It is addictive. There is not one weak moment on this CD. It opens with a lush ethereal melody with Louisa's voice as a faerie siren. A great flute line hypens Contradiction Is A Dragon. Canto IV and Fortress are just pure gems. I could go on and on about this album. Indeed, I could go on and on about all her work. Just get this CD. You will not be disappointed.

Reviewer: June Barnes, Swag Of Yarns
She sings of the port of many peoples, Alexandria, but Louisa John Krol herself is as a port for many peoples. Her unique sound will tempt and entice the visitor to transcend the ordinary, to become delightfully lost in imagination's adventures. First its the vision of this `port', evocative of a romantic otherworld that tempts you to tarry awhile, then the music summons images of wandering minstrels of long ago who carried myths and legends across the land. But when her clear sweet voice beckons as the sirens beckoned Ulsysses the seduction is complete. You know you're going to stay.
amazing, gorgeous otherworldly music; what you'd think angels would sing
Reviewer: Jackie Zalewski
ethereal fans take note! this should be a defining album for the genre of otherworldly music. I am totally in love with this album. on my top shelf, and that says a lot since I have 700+ cds! You really can't label this, but there's elements of neoclassical, electronic...truly haunting. songs cascade over like swirls of water with vocals as light and pure as wind. and don't think New Agey either, cause these tunes have a beat quite often. nothing washed out/watered down. There's some really great samples worked in as well that complement the whole atmosphere. Why can't music like THIS be on the radio?

Click Here to see more reviews about: Alexandria

Click here for more information about Alexandria

An Ancient Muse Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)AN ANCIENT MUSE. Just the title seems to suggest songs celebrating the past. Fans have waited a decade for this album, myself included. Many reviewers will tell you it falls short of expectations or explores no new territory.....in some ways I find I have to agree...
The album opens with the sun illuminating ancient landscapes in "Invocation" an instrumental chant both haunting and beautiful. We walk through "The Gates of Istanbul" starting our journey thru the ruins of the Ottoman Empire and the splendor of modern Turkey. The song is steady and rhythmic and Loreena's voice has the same banshee/angel quality it always had...no disappointment here.
The night finds weary journeymen who have camped for the night at a "Caravanserai"...an inn for the caravans of Asia. She weaves a story of the many adventures and scenery she has seen before stopping to rest...on a journey home. Easily her best song....great live performance can be seen at her website.
Next a tale of Scotland's woe...words by Sir Walter Scott set to an arrangement of music by Loreena...as she sings of the tragic love between "The English Ladye and the Knight". This kind of poetic adaption has been done before by McKennitt...."Snow", "Dark Night of the Soul" and "The Highwayman" to name a few examples. Her voice is strong and emotionally charged.....the most beautiful song on the album.
From here on out....the rest of the album delivers some fine songs. However, they are not as striking as the first four. Disappointed? I'm not...these songs will grow on me...I didn't wait 10 years just to tear apart her new album!! So for now, I can say it is worth buying.
If you like stories of history, tragic love affairs, and poetry...listen to Loreena McKennitt's AN ANCIENT MUSE.

Click Here to see more reviews about: An Ancient Muse

An Ancient Muse is "eclectic celtic" - singer/composer Loreena McKennitt's highly-anticipated first new studio recording in nine years. Taking up where her previous work left off, McKennitt fuses the melodic sensibility of Celtic Balladry with musical traditions from Greece, Turkey, Spain, and beyond. Once heard, never forgotten, Loreena MacKennitt leads the listener on a timeless journey from the Scottish borders to the caravanserais of the Silk Road to the wine-dark seas of Homer's Odyssey. McKennitt's worldwide multi-platinum sales culminated in her most recent album, 1997's The Book of Secrets, which reached #17 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart.--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Click here for more information about An Ancient Muse

Symphony Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I simply love the CD. Picked up my copy this morning and popped it into the CD player. Wow, totally worth the 4-year wait! I was more than thrilled to hear the eclectic array of songs Sarah has chosen for Symphony. There's an edge to the album, which was coming sooner or later, and I'm relieved to finally hear something a little more close to home, rather than her fully themed albums from before. Symphony offers a little something for everyone. The songs which caught my attention are: Gothica, Symphony, Sanvean, Attesa and, surprisingly, Running. "Sanvean" is a Dead Can Dance cover tune, which is beautiful. Even though I reviewed the MP3 of "Running" and bashed it, I've grown to liking it because of that tribal beat which pops up around the middle of the song. I still think that Gustav Holst's original (Jupiter, from "The Planets") should've been left untouched, but Sarah has put her touch on that such classic just the same.
Symphony is voluptuous and living proof that Sarah is truly the best-selling Soprano of all time. Sarah uses a lot more of her higher, not necessarily operatic range on the album, which is pleasing to the ears, cos she's got a really lovely pop voice too. I haven't heard some notes she belts out, in a long time! The whole ethereality of the photos throughout the digipack & booklet are really nice, though some clever editing & airbrushing has been done, giving Sarah a truly different appearance in the photos. Her blonde wig is interesting with that braid across the front top portion of her head. I don't think she makes a great blonde, compared to her long, cascading raven tresses. And the backdrops...how ethereal and lofty everything seems. I like it. It's theatrical and playful at the same time. Sarah has picked up on a totally different fashion style. I love that white angelic number she wears, looking down upon her altar ego in the red dress down below.
Glad to know that Andrea Bocelli has been brought back to Duet with Sarah on "Canto Della Terra". So pretty and breathy and really packs a wallop of sound! I don't really care for Paul Stanley's voice on "I Will Be With You", compared to the original SB version, sung with Chris Thompson. His is a more soothing, smooth voice. But I realize Sarah was going for something a little more edgier, so I presume that is why they settled with the Paul Stanley version for the album.
Tracklisting is as follows:
01. Gothica - 1:20
02. Fleurs Du Mai - 4:10
03. Symphony - 4:47
04. Canto Della Terra - featuring Andrea Bocelli 3:59
05. Sanvean - 3:50
06. I Will Be With You (Where The Lost Ones Go) - featuring Paul Stanley - 04:31
07. Schwere Träume - 3:22
08. Sarai Qui - featuring Alessandro Safina 3:56
09. Storia d'Amore - 4:03
10. Let It Rain - 4:17
11. Attesa - 4:26
12. Pasión - featuring Fernando Lima
13. Running - 6:09
I don't know about the American edition, but my Canadian edition (the cd itself) is glossy red with silver lettering. It's very pretty and unlike any of Sarah's previous discs. I highly recommend purchasing Symphony, because it's really a wonderful album with a lot to offer.
Bonus material is available, through visiting Sarah's official website, once you've purchased the CD.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Symphony

Japanese pressing of the famed vocalist's 2008 featuring one bonus track: 'Forbidden Colours'. Symphony is Sarah Brightman's firststudio album for five years. Recorded in Germany, Symphony features all new songs and is created with Sarah's long-time producer Frank Peterson. The repertoire ranges from beautiful ballads 'Symphony', 'Fleur du Mal' and epic power rock scores 'I Will Be With You' to interpretations of the work 'Jupiter' from Holst's The Planets on 'Running' to Faith Hill's 'There You'll Be' sung in Italian as 'Sarai Qui' and many more.On this album Sarah reunites with Andrea Bocelli to sing 'Canto Della Terra', as well as singing duets with Fernando Lima (Mexican tenor) on 'Passion' and Paul Stanley (Kiss) on 'I Will Be With You (Where The Lost Ones Go) '. The album showcases Sarah linguistic vocal skills by singing in Spanish, Italian, French and for the first time German.EMI.--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Click here for more information about Symphony

This Is The Life Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The most wonderful things happen when you least expect it. I was absentmindedly listening to an English radio station on the internet and suddenly I was in a happy place thinking that I was hearing a classic Fleetwood Mac or Eagles track. But it dawned on me, I hadn't heard this before. The tune was Mr. Rock and Roll. I totally flipped out, caught the name of the singer and hunted the internet to find out more. My twelve year old daughter came to my rescue got me to YouTube and we watched the video. After that I was hitting the play button again and again like a chimpanzee being rewarded with grapes. I couldn't get the tune out of my head. Then I began to feel uncomfortable. The vocals didn't give it away. Amy MacDonald was nineteen when she recorded This Is the Life. Was this the start of a mid-life crisis? Thankfully, it turned out that the album has resonated with the middle-aged, with apparently many sharing the joy with their kids. Besides Mr. Rock and Roll, the majority of the remaining tracks are just as catchy and melodic, sung with a voice that is rather hard to describe, peaches and grapefruit is about the best I can come up with. The acoustic guitar is addictive.
This is the absolutely the most enjoyable rock or popular music I have experienced in a very long time. Listening to this album certainly is the life.

Click Here to see more reviews about: This Is The Life

Click here for more information about This Is The Life

A Mediterranean Odyssey Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)For those who could not see Loreena in Budapest, this is the next best thing. I nearly gave this four stars - but decided that five stars were merited for both Loreena's talent and for the incredible musicians. What almost lost her a star was that there IS NO NEW MATERIAL on this CD set. All of the songs are available on her other sets.
One CD is just a sampling of her music, sort of a "greatest hits" collection without actually putting that on the CD cover - maybe Loreena thought that was too passe', too ABBAish, if I can turn that group into an adjective....(And Yes, ABBA was a fun band)
The other CD has an assortment of her music recorded at the various locations on her latest tour and it would have been fantastic to see her perform these in Budapest and Istanbul. She has changed some of the songs slightly, and her voice has a warmth and depth that it does not have on the Alhambra DVD. The other change is a greater emphasis of the bass guitar, which can seem out of place with the Celtic/Byzantine direction she had been going, and makes it sound a little more jazzy. The violin is not as pronounced as it was on Alhambra, which is a capital shame since Hugh is so singularly talented, and Nigl has been entirely replaced on the hurdy gurdy, AND YOU CAN TELL. What happened to Nigl?
I enjoyed this for the warm tone of Loreena's voice, and it is replete with beauty and talent - just wish it had some new material. If I had to pick one CD to take with me, it would still be the Alhambra.

Click Here to see more reviews about: A Mediterranean Odyssey

A Mediterranean Odyssey comprises a richly designed Limited Edition 2 disc set commemorating Loreena McKennitt's 2009 Mediterranean Tour. Designed to attract not only the legions of devoted Loreena listeners, but to expose and inspire the uninitiated to an exotic, haunting and emotional musical experience they will never forget. A glittering addition to Loreena McKennitt's catalogue - A Mediterranean Odyssey combines NEW live performances of audience favourites from her 2009 Mediterranean Tour with a collection of previously released studio recordings. Inspired by the tones, textures and rich cultural heritage of the Mediterranean, this latest release features virtuosic performances on authentic instruments including oud, lyra, bouzouki, harp and hurdy-gurdy alongside electric guitar, cello and percussion. Experience the continuing journey of the Celts across the Mediterranean and Aegean seas with this evocative 2-disc set. Disc 1 "The Olive and the Cedar" A Mediterranean-inspired collection of 11 studio recordings personally selected by Loreena McKennitt from her back catalogue. Disc 2 "From Istanbul to Athens" Is 56 minutes of concert highlights from the 2009 Mediterranean Tour including five songs not featured in previous Loreena McKennitt "in concert" releases. Includes a 24 page, lavishly illustrated booklet featuring on-location photographs captured during the tour.

Click here for more information about A Mediterranean Odyssey