A Visionary Sound Arts Interface

Return to Main Page I've moved pre-2005 reviews to this page so that the main review page will load faster 12-12-04 Entheogenic "Spontaneous Illumination" c.o.r.n recordings, 2003 Distributed by Cosmophilia ENTHEOGENIC is the brainchild of Helmut Glavar and Piers Oak-Rhind, English and Austrian, respectively, who record their extremely far out down-tempo Techno in France. While being quite vibrantly and brashly electronical, i might compare their general tempo and layout to, say that of Delirium. But where Delirium wanders in the marshy boginess of post-celtic melancholy, Entheogenic plugs directly into the cycloneuronics of the Gaian system in an extreme display of synthwizardry. My previous review of Entheogenic dissed them a little bit. I think this was because of my own expectation that a musical project with the esteemed name of "Entheogenic" should actually rise to the stratospheric level of such a robust moniker. On their earlier, self-titled, recording,Entheogenic's sound was stil a bit harsh or hostile, as is typical of the Berlin school influence. While their sound approached the titanic level of the DMT experience, it was more than a little bit alien-scary and not containing the spiritually uplifting elements of the entheogenic trance. As the name would imply, the album, "Spontaneous Illumination," has given entre to a more reverent atmosphere that greatly enhances the Entheogenic "feel." I think this may be mostly due to voicing improvements, but surely also to an increase in the maturity and dexterity of the compositions. It is as if each musical piece by Entheogenic is a self-contained DMT trance, expressing vast cosmic landscapes that evolve and dissolve in a ten-minute time frame. What makes this disc an evolvement is that these psydelispace journeys now feature encounters with the numinous and sacred as well as the profoundly weird and bizarre. I fell in love with this disc on first listen, but it probably took me four or five listens to actually GRASP what was going on because it kept knocking me out or transducing me. I can play this album alongside the discs by Simon Posford (of Hallucinogen, Ott and Shpongle) and it fits in perfectly. In Sum, an impeccable production, visually amazing package artwork, imminently listenable and deep tranceable. I am gratified to see these artists rise to the occasion and make such a leap in perfection from the previous album. i will surely buy the next one on release. Jonn Serrie "The Stargazer's Journey" New World Music, 2003 SERRIE never fails to completely involve me in a soft, nurturing environment overflowing with the sacred and the mysterious. While i must tell you up front that this disc breaks no new ground for Serrie, it is still that Serrie that we came to adore initially. I am glad he stays with his sound in a way similar to how i am glad Kraftwerk remains true to theirs. For those of you unfamiliar with him, Jonn Serrie is a quintessential electronic music artist in the genre of "Space Music." His music has been used in planetariums as the background ambience for public displays more than any other single artist. His work, while all being similar in sound and feel, shows a sensitivity to composition and narrative movement that keeps him at the forefront of his field. "The Stargazer's Journey" has more darkness and depth than some of his brighter works. Almost as if it was between midnight and 3am and one was outside in a field or tundra in crisp, clear air, scanning the heavens. Then, as one is lost in wonder, this subtle warm feeling of connectedness and appreciation slowly infuses one's being and the stars of inward beauty emerge as one closers one's eyes, laying there under the glorious starlight.... Anyway, that's what i get out of it. Really, anyone who has previously enjoyed Serrie and wants more will dig this. And anybody who has never heard him, but might be interested in true Space Music ambient synthesis that is relaxing and satisfying, could do no worse than start here with his most recent offering. I should repeat that this is "another" Serrie disc and anybody looking for "something NEW" is not going to find it here. If you want to just buy Serrie ONE TIME i might suggest his 2-cd compilation, "Century Seasons," which has a lot of great stuff on it and you can often find it at a really good price, or my personal favorite, "Planetary Chronicles 2." Alpha Wave Movement "Cosmology" Groove, 2003 IMPROVING on the more positive, if foreshortened, vision of his previous release, Gregory Kyryluk has given us another wonderful artwork which i ultimately credit as part of the modern restatement of the Tangerine Dream stream of the so-called "Berlin School" of electronic music. Some of you may notice i keep referring to the "Berlin School." Well, it is because Tangerine Dream and Kraftwerk both are foundational electronica projects from Berlin whose influence is greatly seen throughout the music of synthesis. Alpha Wave Movement UNABASHEDLY gives the TD sound the full treatment on this album while also giving nods to numerous other electronic music greats like, to my mind at least, Serrie, Roach and possibly Eno in places. The narrative formatting reminds me somewhat of Richard Burmer's works. A big improvement from the last release is that each pieces ends in a satisfying resolution and doesn't simply drop off into nothing. Also, the use of sampled voice approaches the minima that i prefer. There are some stand-out tracks on this disc that i REALLY enjoy: "Distant Edens," which sounds like an parallel reality to the Garden vision of Steve Roach's "The Green Place" (initially "Quiet Music 1.") The second half of this piece moves from the Lush Garden Paradise into understated tribal drums which maintain the blissful transic poise. ALSO, "Rendezvous" is a delightful sci-fi sound track that could have developed and gone farther but is quite nice at just under 6 mins. Kyryluk continues to deliver a tasty dim sum tray of electroexotica that i can highly recommend to people who enjoy pure synthesis firmly in the vanguard of the mainstream of ELECTRONICA proper. Angel Tears "The Dreaming" Love Cat Music, 2003 Kaya Project "Walking Through" Interchill, 2004 I AM reviewing the above two discs together because the minds behind them are intimately connected. Angel Tears is Momi Ochion, based in Tel Aviv, and Sebastion James Taylor, English who also is Kaya Project basically. Both of these projects got a lot of promotion this year that even got through to me sitting in the middle of the Pacific! I was initially interested in Kaya Project because it was doing so well and when requesting it was recommended Angel Tears by Lloyd at Backroads. The two records are similar in production values, having a small room sound, a tight mix of electro and acoustic with a definite emphasis on the percussive side of things. ANGEL TEARS "The Dreaming" is frankly a quite beautiful, positive energy album that imbues us with a feeling of creativity and affirmation. It draws from primarily the musics of India and various Arabic traditions. It quite easily has stature with other endeavors the "Asian Underground" like Makyo or Toires, but in a way is more accessible to a wider array of western ears due to guitar work. i would characterize KAYA PROJECT as the body of more rhythmic ethnically-based musics with not quite the reverence found on "The Dreaming." i initially didn't like "Walking Through" so much perhaps because of the 4th song which quite noticeably says "Cocaine" a number of times (although the speaker appears to be using a South American language beyond my ken and it might all make sense if i knew what he was talking about.) This disc starts out with a couple of great guitar-oriented pieces reminiscent of Soulfood, then charts a course into things Arabic, which is greatly helped by a little co-songwriting and singing by Irina Mikhailova who always improves any project she is invited to join. We then veer into a few African-based pieces which remind me of Professor Trance, then return to the Soulfood guitar work for the last three pieces. after repeated listens, i have come to enjoy "Walking Through" and the piece entitled, "Kanzaman Breaks" is a great seven minute dance jam. but, really for just being mellow, beautiful and spiritual, "The Dreaming" by Angel Tears is a great sonic treat for anyone who enjoys Soulfood or mid-tempo asian underground. 11-17-04 TANTRA MUSIC UPDATE I have a number of different categories of types of music that i collect. this is typically rather idiosyncratic: according to my own tastes. I have a "Tantra" category which is really more music for enjoying physical intimacy with someone one cares about. Even though i actually have him in the angelic section, Raphael has created some some of the best Tantra music. His "Music To Disappear In 2" is one of my long-time favorites, with a very heady sexual atmosphere, great female vocals and his trademark romantic classical music touch. "MTDI1" and his best- selling, "Angels of the Deep," both have great uses for Tantra and his "Intimacy" disc, while not my favorite and something of a restatement of themes from previous albums,was deliberately made for loving physical intimacy. This stuff is fantastic to tryp also. i've personally evoked tantric love goddesses with "MTDI2." Kutira has made some outstanding recordings with Raphael, her husband, which they together release as Oceanic Tantra. I would call special attention to their disc, "The Calling," which is an absolutely Fantastic! album that mixes shamanistic trance beats with Hawaiian chants and overall pacific island feel with some of Raphael's greatest synthesis. Kutira is at the top of her form on this album also. Oceanic Tantra also teaches in Maui, Hawaii and conducts seminars on the mainland and, if i recall properly, in other parts of the world too. Oceanic Tantra website Other interesting recordings in my collection: "Music For Lovemaking" -- which i ordered out of the pages of new age voice magazine some years ago. it supposedly is based on research done at Yale to use music to induce arousal and is now available from Media Rights Productions, The Orchard, 2000. the sound of this disc was aimed at adult contemporary radio. it begins with some juicy blues and proceeds through saxophone into some spicy acoustic guitar stuff, then slowly adds synthesis to a dreamy end. this would be a good disc for people who like "smooth jazz" or "soft r&b" "Skydancing Tantra: A Call To Bliss" by Margot Anand (Spring Hill Music: Boulder, Colorado; 2000) -- the long first cut on this disc is worth the price of the entire thing and features a wonderful use of Cousto's Venus frequency. The overtone singing is extrememly interesting and feels great, reminding me of Michael Vetter, but it does get a little spooky at times. "Temple of Venus" (Canada: Madacy, 1994) -- This is a straight-up New Age recording not particularly well- done but having some good ideas. you can hear samples at amazon. my women friends seemed to like it. rhythms and exotica. i'd give it a slightly better than average mark. as i recall, it didn't build the emotional aspect as i should like from a tantric album. Of course, most music aficionadoes have an opinion, evenly if privately held, about what album THEY think is a great lovemaking cd. I here am only mentioning discs i have that were directly made for it or are implying that they are "Tantric" somehow. this brings us to the REAL reason for this display, which is my recent buying spree of Tantra albums. the joke is: even as i write this review, i am discovering new discs that may require an update to this update some months hence... Tantra Electronica Al Gromer Khan New Earth, 2004 I remember when i was moving from Santa Cruz, i was going through my cd collection at one point -- you know: getting everything in order -- when suddenly i was stunned! "Holy crap! I've got A LOT of Al Gromer Khan!" And it was true. I own most of his canon and there are STILL discs i would like to hear to consider for the collection. I had recently purchased "Sufi," which was a very solid outing and still have great respect for "Mahogany Nights," which is a sterling, amazing tryp. Anyway... i skipped his last couple of discs coz i was in transition and was feeling about Khan maybe a little how i feel about Gabrielle Roth and The Mirrors: (i have so much now i don't really need more of the same.) So "Lexus" and "Future Lounge" both passed by my ears unheard. Hey: like i say: i was in transition. so then "Tantra Electronica" comes out and, you know me, i immediately want to at least hear it because the title has my two favorite things in it and besides i haven't heard the guy for a bit. I am VERY gratified with the direction Khan has taken on this album and it makes me consider back- tracking at least to pick up "Future Lounge," which this is supposed to be the sequel to. Together with producer Emin Corrado, Khan has created a ... a .... what would you call it? he calls his work "paisley music." it has very deep, slow drum rhythms with his trademark sitar, and this is mixed with Corrado's apparent mastery of techno-production magic. the result is a paisley techno-ambient which mixes ancient and modern in a delicious way, while having a very deep meditative mood. Many have referred to Khan's work as being somewhat sombre or even melancholy. i always experienced it as primarily sedate (yes, with some sombre moments it's true, but i find it to be a positive energy and not a downer like "melancholy" implies.) I should also add here that Khan has some great pure ambient discs like "Almond Blossom Day" that have no drums or rhythms. While not particulary "sexual," i think this disc does attempt to grasp the more mystical sensibilities of the philosophical and spiritual import of Tantric "theory," which embraces the entire Universe and not only the genital act. So, while being an incredibly tasty recording, i don't think that this disc would promote a "Tantric Union" the way some of the other albums mentioned her do, BUT this is an absolutely gorgeous recording which incorporates Khan's basic style into a modern setting. Tantric Sexuality Leona Lightwoman and Llewellyn New World Music, 1999 Of the new acquisitions reviewed at this time, this disc is the one that most surely qualifies as a bonafide Tantra album. It pretty much is an 53min- long piece that features a theta paced drum beat that has various percussive and synthetic variations over it. the feel is i guess what i'd have to call "new age shamanic," but it tries to downplay the new agey side and succeeds to a degree. this disc sounds very influenced by Oceanic Tantra, which i consider a good thing. the tempo is languid yet sure, not dorky. the synthesis and other non- percussive instrumentations have interesting increases and releases of emotional energy. a woman moans suggestively through most of it; a feature reminding me of the first Enigma disc, but i'd frankly rather have this one. on occasion, an alto saxophone makes certain "suggestions" (and let's face it: sax means sex, any man in advertising will tell you that!) at least the sax is understated, never breaks loose into mania and is thoughtfully placed in the music. Tantric Sexuality comes with a detailed booklet that would lend itself well to the novice or to someone just looking for some fun experimental spice. the mood is suitable for afternoon or evening. all in all, i would have to rank this as successful and an above average Tantra disc. Tantra Anugama Open Sky Music, 2000/1988(orig.) There are definite similarites between Anugama and Deuter, although Anugama seems to be a little more "scientific" in his use of brainwave entrainment pulse rates, primordial sounds, special studio "enhancements" and processing, and calibrated frequencies. This is an early album for Anugama and i enjoyed the "Healing" album immensely; so, since i was on a Tantra roll, i thought i'd try this one. i was also influenced by the attractive cover on the recent 2000 edition :) the energy of this release is, to me, quite clearly an early-to-mid-morning meditative energy. it consists of a single continuum of rich droning sound that has many overtones, along with the rolling sparkling sound of a santur (a hammered dulcimer, basically.) I have numerous dulcimer dominated continuum pieces by Laraaji ("Ambient 3: Day of Radiance" with Brian Eno, 1980; "Essence/Universe," 1987; "Cascade," 1997) and Constance Demby ("Sacred Space Music," 1982,) so this doesn't break new ground for me in that way. i was listening to "Tantra" this morning and kept thinking it was Deuter. i had to remind myself repeatedly that it was not. there are a number of passages of soaring solo flute which sound just like Deuter, and i dare say if i perused Deuter's canon i'd probably find pieces much like this. i am sure any Deuter fans would enjoy this. as to being a "Tantra" album, per se, i wouldn't consider this to be so. it is much more emphasizing spirit and radiance beyond soul and substance. playing this during actual lovemaking intimacy seems unlikely. i would imagine we'd end up talking or cuddling at best. HOWEVER, i see this has great potential as an alpha-state meditative device particularly suited for early morning. obviously, advanced Tantrics could use this, i'm not saying it has NO Tantra possibilities. but it's certainly not roll in the sack music nor is it evocative of sensuality. so... my final verdict on these discs would be: get "Tantric Sexuality" if you really want to Tantra; get "Tantra Electronica" if you want to go deep and enjoy a fusion of the ancient and modern; and get "Tantra" if you would like an alpha meditation system with predominant hammered dulcimer and flute. Go To TantraLinks Page For More Info On Tantra 11-09-4 Deuter Earth Blue New Earth, 2003 I took my time acquiring this one because i just got "Sea & Silence* a year ago and, while quite pleased with it and after an initial perusal of its finer values, i pretty much stopped listening to it. (Admittedly, my voracious, epicurean appetites for sounds Visionary, as any true aficionado knows, renders me somewhat fickle in my listening habits.) This was due in no way to the fault of the recording -- which as i previously stated i considered his best in 8 years -- but perhaps my general mood... So, "Earth Blue" has been out for some time. i was dallying in other places. Coming back to Deuter, the initial listen to a new album of his, always makes me reflect on the "promise," if you will, of the "New Age" philosophy vis-a-vis where we find ourselves collectively today. For the music of his that i like has a sincere, deeply felt and expressed transformative side, not the bright, sunny "nothing is ever wrong" smiley-face optimism of "newageism" which i find rather annoying. Yet, Deuter has both these sides. Deuter is also like, if i may say, an emotional yardstick for me. My reactions to his music are quite telling and help me to reflect on those areas of my thought that fail to believe in love and sincerity. And that is what i meant by the "promise:" that someday we will all sit down, the Lions and the Lambs, in peace. I look at the world these days and see the Lions gobbling up the Sheep left and right, but that's just me, i guess...Anyway, i think that Deuter has always been a kind of spiritual gyroscope for me. When he comes out with something bright and cheerful, i see how i fall short. I rebel. And then he draws me back in with an album like this one, "Earth Blue," where i can believe again in forgiveness and healing for all beings. and so we are together for a while and then go our separate ways and then return. Ah, how i should like to be bright and cheerful. "Earth Blue" is the return, in theme and style, that "Sea & Silence" suggested might occur. From the early minutes of the first listen i knew that this would be an album that i return to like "Wind & Mountain" (my personal fave by Deuter.) The meditative spaces on this disc are oceanic and of a profundity i can only compare to "W&M." The whole overall vibe of the disc is compassionate, yet realistic and not overtly romantic. The extremely full fathom bass feels extremely pleasant and healing. How i would LOVE a subwoofer on some of these tracks! This is a FINE Deuter album, no doubt! The flute performance is soulful and some of his best work. The production, as usual, is stellar. I have returned to Deuter. Bravo! 11-08-04 Amoraea Dreamseed "Future Memories" Azurite Press, 2003) A number of years ago i rather impulsively picked up a cd by Dreamseed and River Freedom titled, "Didgeridoo Dreamtime" (NOT to be confused with another album with the same title by Mark Atkins, NOR the album, "Didgeridoo" by Dreamtime.) This turned out to be some pretty AMAZING angelic didgeridoo which to this day remains one of my favorite didge cd's. I always kept an open eye out for either of these artists to resurface and was recently pleasantly surprised to see this disc offered from Backroads. I received it today and actually am still listening to it for the first time as i type this and am excited to tell you that this disc is EVEN MORE Angelic and amazing than its exceptionally well-done predecessor. I highly recommended this to Lightworkers and Shamans. Furthermore, anyone with a keen interest in the Angelic effects of musical sound should find this a wonderful listen also. Both of these albums belong, de rigeur, in the collection of didgeridoo aficionadoes. I want to listen to it again right now! Check Out The Dreamseed Website! 10-31-04 Ott "Blumenkraft" Twisted Records, 2002 This hard-to-find release was created by, i have read, the best friend of Simon Posford, who himself is the brilliant mind behind Hallucinogen (see "In Dub" review below) and Shpongle. All the superlatives I heaped on "In Dub" would count for this disc also, which is almost like the "companion album." This recording is more "reggaefied," but the electronics are completely out-of-control. The production is spotless and technique is at maximum. While being completely electronica (i seriously doubt there is ANY live performance,) one becomes so completely lost in the density of what is happening that it is easy to forget that it is Synth Sculpture. A difference between this disc and "In Dub" is the more frequent use of ethnic music references. There african, eastern european and northern India vocals and melodic stylings. You keep finding yourself in different areas of the world. Then, the whole thing morphs around and you are suddenly sucked down the dub wormhole. It is highly transic and i usually nod off after it ends. The vibe is playful, experimental and joyous. A near perfect electrodub outing! Ott has beat William Orbit at his own game! Unfortunately, Twisted Records has apparently let production of Hallucinogen and Ott lapse (or someone recently told me that the Euro is so strong against the dollar that Twisted discs aren't being distributed here because of the price,) so for now only serious collectors will be acquiring these babies.But if you try it, i bet you'll like it! Doctor Jeffrey S. Thompson "Creative Mind System" The Relaxation Company, 2004 The Doctor has been rather prolific this last year and my review below of "Awakened Mind System 2" still stands. This latest release is stylistically in keeping with the other "System" releases by the good Doctor, but i have a few things to say: First, as always, the ability to convey the mind state chosen for the recording (in this case, the brainwave window frequency associated with intense creativity states) is something that Thompson has down to a, shall i say it?, a science. I actually had some very intense crown chakra activity and healing episode during my first two listens, so i can vouch for the effectiveness of the recording. This is great background music for creative work and study. That being said, i should point out that it begins with classical solo piano not unlike "Inner Dance," an album of "healing music" Thompson created some time ago. I remember at that time hearing an occasional objection from people who don't like classical music. Well, this disc unapologetically starts out like that and cleverly converts into ambience. The second half hour piece is all ambience. This rather reminds me of the first "Awakened Mind" release which reprised a melody from an earlier piece on "Brainwave Journeys" during the first half hour and then became spatial. It is one reason why i completely love Awakened Mind 2 more than its predecessor. Furthermore, this is another one of the Doctor's releases that has some seriously annoying machine noise that disrupts my headphone experience. As i've said before, it is hard to tell with Thompson whether these odd noises are there intentionally or are glitches from the tech. All i know is that i'll be listening to these discs over speakers and not on headphones (for speakers they are more than adequate.) All things considered, this is a great acquisition for those people who like classical and are looking for creativity enhancement. I look forward to a second version which would be all ambient and have a clean production like "Awakened Mind System 2." Various Artists "Live At Dakini Nights" Dakini Records, 2004 Those familiar with the DarvTryp know that i prize my Makyo discs practically above all else. This new release from his label features a number of artists who have played live for makyo/dakini produced ambient/experimental venues in Tokyo. The "feel" of this disc is decidedly like it was recorded off of a mobile board, although apparently it is not "live" recordings but studio recordings to simulate live. ??? The music is pleasant and maintains a friendly, social vibe throughout. It would be good for casual social get- togethers to help make an intimate atmosphere. The tracks are pretty much danceable too. so, i like this disc and enjoying hearing it occasionally. There was nothing here, however, that really grabbed my attention and stoked me like a makyo release would do. when i got it, i think i listened to it once, then a couple of days later listened to it again, then i became preoccupied with other stuff and forgot about it. It even took me two months to get around to reviewing it. Now, like i said: this is a good disc and i am glad to have it, it just isn't the level of excellence i expect from the Dakini label. Maybe a few more listens.... 9-18-04 Akshara Weave "Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen" Etherean Music, 2004 This is the third disc in Weave's on-going project of Reiki music. Each disc is a attempted sonic representation of the healing power one of the Reiki symbols. Using the Cycle of Fifths as a starting point, Weave incorporates musical intervals which describe the geometric intervals found in the symbols themselves. I would characterize this as "New Age" music, per se, in tone and feel. Highly suitable for massage, healing work, shamanic journeying or yoga. Very beautiful and optimistic. The previous two, "Cho Ku Rei," and "Sei He Ki," had a very similar sound, probably from production values and equipment. Their tempos were similar to relaxed heartbeat. "Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen" is much slower, the production is way cleaner and the bottom end is incredible! Although still sharing what i can only call a similar Asian feel with its predecessors, it is much more impressive as a work of art. These recordings are all pretty much hour-long continuum pieces which sustain a basic healing mood lush with choir voices, penetrating synth bass drones, water shakers, minimal drum heartbeats, synth strings and what my guess is synth koto. While there are movements, my basic impression after an hour of trancing out is that of hearing improvisations on an 8-bar pattern. This is not sitting down and listening to music; it is trancing out and getting a massage music. As I am interested in Reiki musics by various artists, i enjoy and will obtain Weave discs. This new one shows growth as an artist too. So, i recommend this to anyone looking for something beautiful and healing as a background vibrational support to consciousness activities. People looking for music that provides an intellectual experience might become impatient. Especially with this disc which is explicitly for quieting the mind. 9-2-04 Kip Mazuy "Nurturance" Bliss Records, 2003 I regarded Mazuy's "Ocean Euhporic" (temporarily out of print) as the best pure ambient disc of last year. "Nurturance" is much like it but with perhaps a little more Light, and substantially less expensive. Kip is one of the foremost brainwave composers right now. His albums have been consistently tasteful and subtle in the use of brainwave tech. I usually tell people that his music is the next level of Eno's "Music For Airports." True to it's title, this disc conveys states of comfort and satisfaction. I find it has pronounced mental clearing effects. I'm listening to it now (on headphones for the binaural effect,) and feel centered and PEACEFUL. Not just relaxed, PEACEFUL. Mazuy has a definite style which WORKS. People wanting him to "do something different" won't find it on this disc, but we're here for the way it feels, not the way it sounds. By the way, it is radically beautiful by any classical aesthetic. 8-28-04 Robert Fripp and Brian Eno "The Equatorial Stars" Opal, 2004 When we last left our intrepid heroes, it was 1994 and they patched together a rather ridiculous suite of rockish tidbits called, "Healthy Colours" (available on "The Essential Fripp & Eno.")These pieces took after "My Life In A Bush of Ghosts" by David Byrne and Eno and would generally only be savored by regular collectors such as myself. Frankly, "An Index of Metals" would have been better on that compilation, even though it is harmonically challenging. Fripp & Eno had two CLASSIC releases with "No Pussyfooting" (1973) and "Evening Star (1975.) Both of these discs are landmarks in the development of Visionary Sound Arts. 19 years later, "Healthy Colours" would be something of a disappointment for those of us who equate Fripp & Eno as the foundational ambient duo. Well, it's ten years after THAT... "The Equatorial Stars" is, simply put, a BLAST. Neither of these two gentlemen has ever sounded better and their artistic chemistry is fully fused and well seasoned. The presiding motif would seem, to me, to be interstellar space. Fripp laces the entire proceedings with very impressive guitar leads that seem to be organically grown into the environment. The overall feel is blissfully mystical and nobody throws some oddball curveball hooky noise from left field at you. I have read a complaint elsewhere that there are lots of releases like this out there and only Fripp & Eno fans would dig it. While i do agree that gaseous deep space is a thing getting a lot of sonic interpretation out there, it seems to me that Fripp & Eno have something special here that is mostly due to their mature artistic connection to each other. You can hear that intuitive "there already" all over this disc. On repeated listen, I found many similarites with the classic Eno disc, "On Land," on this album, in terms of the warm fuzzies and certain production methods. I would think anyone who loved "On Land" would love this disc too. I went down into it and found myself completely comfortable and thanking my lucky stars that i lived so long as to hear this new release, 3 DECADES after the first one. The Irresistible Force "It's Tomorrow Already" Ninja Tune, 1998 I still love the 1995 release, "Global Chillage," but for some reason it took me years to pick up this one. This is "chill out" music which uses sawtooth waves for an energizing electric effect set to downtempo electronica beats. Very electric, with lots of flange, etc. This worked really well with "Global Chillage" and even 1993's "Flying High" had it's moments. But this is somewhat of a bummer. Not because of the music, if it was all instrumental it would be great; but, because of Irresistible Force's penchant for inserting sampled talking voices -- used to good effect on the previous discs -- this album is covered with TOO MUCH TALKING. (This is a complaint i have with a lot of otherwise decent chill out.) With so much talking, most of it more humorous than profound, this disc is more distracting and comedic than i think it was meant to be. The music itself, however, is very competent and inventive electronica. "Global Chillage" remains the best work from Irresistible Force. Anubian Lights "The Jackal and Nine EP" Hypnotic Records, 1996 The reason that i like Anubian Lights is that they are really the only project that i know of which was translating traditional Egyptian music into modern techno-ambient. Their first disc, "Eternal Sky" (1995,) is a uniformly enjoyable and interesting technoambient release that i give high marks and listen to even still occasionally. Their second disc, "Let Not The Flame Die Out" (1998,) is even better: more fun, more adventurous, more songs...well, just more. I love "...The Flame..." for just being joyous, like a fun album by B-52s or DJ You DJ Me. The Jackal and Nine EP is basically remixes of material from "Eternal Sky," with 3 new compositions. Well, not only are the remixes fantastic, but the 3 additions are worth the purchase right there. I find this technoambient to be magical and very satisfying. You could play this stuff during a ritual. Unfortunately, Anubian Lights' releases following these become increasingly more urban: the discofied pulse of modern Arabic pop music starts creeping in. So "Champagne Cocaine Nicotine Stains" and "Naz Bar" are very different and i'm not really that into it. 9-1-04 Hallucinogen "In Dub" Twisted Records, 2002 This is technoambient with heavy dub bass lines, moving at reggae tempos. Emphasis on the "techno" here, since the disc has a VERY electric side using familiar techno voicings, BUT this must be one of the most mind-bending, reality shredding, full frontal flame out monster production discs i've bought in a while! Remembering when you were Peaking on LSD? Well, this guy went and made an album about it. Seriously. Now, having been a Visionary Sound Arts aficionado for some time, and having done my fair sharing of psychonavigating with far out sounds in my lifetime, i have been told that this or that album truly captures the psychedelic experience and then am disappointed to see all these people trying so hard and not doing it. Maybe Michael Stearns' "Planetary Unfolding" does it. I'm sorry, Hendrix is truly amazing, but it doesn't do it. This disc gets the listener pretty close. As i said: Mind-Bending In The Extreme. I listened to it 3 times on the day i got it and was, well, befuddled and confusticated in a wonderful way. 8-21-04 Steve Roach "Mystic Chords & Sacred Spaces" Project, 2003 This is a 4-cd set. You can buy all 4 at once, or 2 at a time. It was the last cd purchase i made in Santa Cruz in 2003 before i moved away and it was lost in the mix until just recently. Now, those who know me are aware that i am a Steve Roach aficionado from way back in the mid 80s. His ever- increasing body of work is also quite large and diverse. This collection although perhaps a little pricey is also one of the best fusions of Roach's Light-orientated and Dark-orientated musics. Perhaps the greatest success of the project is the sacred, reverential mood that is communicated throughout. Subtle rhythms never break out into urban-style grooves. All very quiet and friendly. While this will sound familiar to many who have checked steve out over the years, i find the vibe refreshingly positive and beautiful in a dreamy, supernatural way. This is true visionary music from one of the modern masters in the genre. Great for someone who knows nothing of Roach (although "Structures From Silence" is and probably will remain my perennial favorite.) BUY DIRECT FROM THE ARTIST!! Steve Roach's Website 7-29-04 Kraftwerk "Tour De France Soundtracks" Astralwerks, 2003 As a long-time Kraftwerk fan, it gives me great pleasure to give my highest recommendation for this disc to anyone who enjoyed "The Mix" or "Computer World." Understand that you are buying a KRAFTWERK disc. that is exactly what it will sound like. except for the addition of a few techno-like touches here and there, and let's not forget that Kraftwerk near single-handedly INVENTED techno, this will sound and feel like the contemporary Kraftwerk sound. being a set of variations on the old pop hit of theirs, "Tour De France" and a loving remake of the song itself exactly as it would have been had the song appeared on "The Mix," there is nothing "new" here and you get exactly that: a new Kraftwerk album which should nourish any true fan. I would love it if they would remake the entire Computer World album this way. That being said, let me now contradict myself somewhat by indicating that there IS a lot of new material on "Tour De France Soundtracks." This is not break-away experimentation forging new fields of sonic theory or the like. These are solid, CRAFTED electro pieces by THE masters of the genre. And the great thing is that they are doing best WHAT THEY DO BEST. i don't just "like" this album, I LOVE IT because Kraftwerk is, like, the bedrock of our entire premise here in electronica. Vir Unis "Mercury And Plastic" "Symbology" Atmoworks.com, 2002 Vir Unis first came to my attention through his collaborations with Steve Roach on "Blood Machine" and "Body Electric," which were two astounding visionary soundworks. As a radio dj, i followed his solo work which was impressive and promising. "The Drift Inside" was a fabulous ambient disc which i enjoyed better that "Aeonian Glow" which is darker and more turbulent as i recall. Anyway, by checking out atmoworks.com, i decided i wanted to explore Unis' more recent work. While the "Perimeter" series, in collaboration with James Johnson, is in heavy rotation in Darvlab -- being an on-going work of genius -- i knew that "Mercury and Plastic" was going to be more abstract and intellectual by its description at atmoworks. the title says it all really, so i obtained it with this expectation. Sure enough, this disc is faster tempos, greater emphasis on percussion and generates a focused, energized mood which i would compare to how one feels when intensely studying in university. in fact, i think it is a GREAT energy pump for staying up late and studying. as with other Vir Unis works, the levels of complexity and interrelation in these recordings are fascinating and, at times, dumbfounding: "How the HELL did he do that? How did i get here??" this music is VERY modern, using various types of noise and not afraid to sound mechanical at times. it is not a relaxing, melting away experience. but it IS quite stimulating and infinitely interesting as a kaleidoscopic cornucopia of sound. the production has a comfortable "feel" quite similar to Roach, so the music doesn't have an "industrial" feel but more of a "technical" one. does that make sense? "Symbology" the companion disc, is stripped down remixes of "Mercury and Plastic" which are mutated to extreme states of plasticity. whatever that means. while i GREATLY ENJOY Vir Unis' technoambient side, i'm calling this one "savory, for special tastes," because the whole POINT of it is brain-stimulation, sped up thinking and metaphors of mental abstraction. 6-08-04 Crystal Voices "Sounds of Light" Deborah Van Dyke and Valerie Farnsworth, 1998. I own several audio discs of crystal bowls being played and this is BY FAR the best one. The tunings to the chakras are RIGHT ON. The production is close to impeccable and there are enough interesting moments to maintain a good vibe. True, to some this will just sound like endless droning, but you and i know that it's not what it sounds like, but what it FEELS like, right? This disc sounds like something the Hennings would have done with their metal tibetan bowls if they had had the body of research on therapeutic sound that is available today. Only better, because the tunings are RIGHT ON. Rama IV "Silk Mind Etherean, 2000 (Oreade, 1999) This disc is a downtempo ethno-techno recording based on traditional Thai melodies. The first couple of listens threw me because the beats are pretty discofied and i usually enjoy something a little lighter on its feet. That being said, i could easily compare this to Deep Forest's first release for being listenable, complex, yet with simple pop appeal. The female vocals owe something to Enigma i guess, and perhaps some of the Irish singers like Enya that i've listened to very little of, but you get the idea. This is a musical offering that grows on you and becomes more interesting as you become familiar with the melodies. The singing is competent and the whole thing attains a musical level that is impressive considering that it is the artist's first time out. The use of location recordings also gives it an interesting allure. While i'm not shouting, run out and buy this record!, i do think that people who enjoy thai music or who have, as i do, a category in their record collections for pop music infused with the harmonies of indigenous peoples will find this a welcome acquistion. I will probably file this right next to the "Deep Forest" disc. 4-1-04 Vir Unis "Everything Seeks Balance" Atmoworks.com , 2004 What a wonderful treat this disc is! Vir Unis is now fully established in my mind as a modern ambient master. While remaining true to Eno's ambient aesthetic, Unis provides rhythm and pulse in a quite nonintrusive manner. From beginning to end, "Everything Seeks Balance" is a true delicacy. Using a background of recorded flowing water that has been manipulated to synch with the rhythms (influenced by soundworld maestro, Steve Roach, with who Unis has created impressive collaborations,) this sonic journey begins with the drums of the shaman taking us through Light-infused realms filled with crystalline liquid, then submerges into placid deep earth grottoes. Becoming quieter and more introspective towards the end, an encounter with a profound wisdom presence occurs. By the end of the last track, I find myself again marvelling at how satisfying this listen is. If you have enjoyed other works by Vir Unis which had drumming, this disc will make you happy. If you haven't, this is the place to start, i think. Vir Unis & James Johnson "Perimeter 2" 3 cd set Atmoworks.com , 2003 Very reasonably priced 3 disc set in a great carry case, i thought. I really enjoyed the first "Perimeter" release and was hoping something like this would be forthcoming. The combination of Unis and Johnson is complementary; Unis has very interesting rhythmical notions and Johnson has a somewhat classical sense of beauty and drift. Together, they create a tension of modern machine driven and natural classical musics that is impeccably 21st century. Challenging and surprising by turns, the music brings us to impossibly complex and deep interiors which seem so simple and superficial at first glance. Like taking a hike with someone who knows the terrain, you see the vistas that the tourist likes so much and then, by walking a quarter mile, your guide shows you a beautiful untrammeled area that only the locals know about. This music is uncompromisingly ELECTRONICA. But so adept, that one is seriously taken in, as if entranced by a mosaic. The first two discs are very rhythmic with more quiescent parts, while the last is primarily ambience. TJ Rehmi "The Warm Chill" Dharma Moon, 2004 This is a downtempo rock album in the "asian underground" genre. It is influenced by music from India, but is primarily programmed electronica with some voice (no lyrics really.) What makes this disc special is the presence of acoustic and electric guitars used very tastefully. This fifth release from Rehmi shows an artist continuing to mature and at peak form. Dharma Moon is a label that specializes in quiet, gentle music for massage and yoga. This is their first rock album. For having hiphop and dub beats, this album IS very gentle and relaxing. More than that, it is mentally stimulating in its layering of electric effects and offers an intellectual interest with some guitar playing that is not only competent, but quite inventive in its sense of shape and use of effects to twist the vibrating strings into some curliques i'd never thought of, at least. Very trippy and increasingly interesting on repeat listen. What really compels me with this album is the emotional environment, which has the joy and love i find in artists like Makyo; and for that very reason, people looking for music that has an emotional edge, like Karsh Kale or even harder like The Dum Dum Project, should look elsewhere. For the rest of us, who like something spiritual, healing AND Modern Rock Beats, i recommend this as an early 2004 contender for best asian underground release of the year. Let me emphasize that this is to the Dub side of beats and you won't be jamming around the house dancing or doing housework; you'll be more introspective or, if you're lucky, making love. Bob Dratch "Ultra Clear" 2000, Bob Dratch I've been aware of this disc for some time but didn't get it because, as with many of Dratch's discs, it is somewhat expensive even beyond what i generally call "expensive." His "Critter Cleaners" cd was THE most expensive disc i ever bought at around seventy-five bucks. This one is less than half that, but still pricey. That being said, let me tell you that Bob Dratch is a consummate vibrationist who is right up there with the best in terms of creating sounds that have INTENSE effect on the listener. I kept comparing this disc to Iasos' "Sacred Sonic Tools," although "Ultra Clear" is not a varied as that disc. But it DOES seem to have an aligning and cleansing effect that is, well, almost stringent. It is hard to describe but i'll try: This forty minute disc is mainly comprised of high pitched sounds which streak from higher to lower octaves, whirrings that start high and fast, then slow and lower in pitch, UFO-like sounds which undulate, drones at chakra pitches and then towards the end, long brainwave pulse rates in the delta range. It's not really "music," but what Dratch calls "holoforms," which i take to be sonic structures which which create specific energic changes. This are intriguing sounds which seem to alter the environment vibrationally, as you can put the disc on, leave, and come back in a hour to an environment which seems lighter and more coherent. While the connoiseur will enjoy listening to this disc, i would say it is really for special tastes and for people who are studying the effects of sound on the human energy body or environment. I count it as a great treasure and hope Dratch's work will become more available, since currently his web pages are down and i only know of one place: 4dshift.com, where you can get it. That's why i bought it now, worried that i might miss the opportunity. 2-24-04 Doctor Jeffrey S. Thompson "Awakenend Mind System" The Relaxation Company, 2003. Quite frankly, this is one of the Doctor's greatest discs. The multi-wavelength awakened- mind overlay is just fantastic. I think Thompson has been listening to David Parson, because the music has those clear voicings like "Himalaya." really suits the Doctor's style. i've only listened twice on headphone and was bezonked both times: sweet flowing synthesis with Primordial Sounds. It is basically an alpha meditation, but i was quite easily able to entrain to the delta level and go to sleep. This recording is far superior to the last occasion Thompson treated the awakened mind state in the "Brainwave Journeys" boxed set. This has more levels of recording and is just cleaner sounding. On headphones, i did notice some occasional distortion in one ear that seem to not fit, but with the Doctor, you never really know what a strange sound is doing or supposed to do. This is one of my top favorites releases by Thompson. And i've not even mentioned the highly salutary effects of the awakened mind brainwave entrainment. Awesome. Brian Eno - "Compact Forest Proposal" Opal, 2001 This is an older disc that i took my time getting to because i heard it on the radio a number of times and didn't feel like paying the $25. But now i'm in Maui and have only my collection so it became time to add this Eno. At about 48:00, Brian does cover a fair bit of ground. This is quality ambiance which owes a little something to the earthy spookiness of "On Land," but also has the clean tones of "Lightness." the recording itself represents possible states of a randomized system of 10 cd players playing 10 different cd's, each of which contains elements of the piece and also is silent at times. These recordings are of different time lengths, and so the music system has a wide range of possible states including silence (which there is some of on this disc.) What i enjoy about this disc is that it meanders into different states and has jewel-like moments that occur only once. The overall atmosphere is sedate and spooky like deep woods, but i don't recall nature sounds, just very intriguing naturalistic synths. I would recommend this disc to anyone who enjoyed "On Land." 1-29-04 BEST OF 2003: Without doubt, the best Visionary release I heard in 2003 was "Ocean Euphoric" by Kip Mazuy Other best discs of my year: "Ethereal Deserts" by Robert Carty "Essence" by Adhamn Shaikh Deuter - "Sea & Silence" (New Earth Records, 2003) I first liked Deuter when his "Wind & Mountain" disc came out in the "Healing Music" box set from Relaxation Company (1995.) I had heard stuff from him before with low recording values, thin-sounding dulcimers and just lots of, to me, irritating high pitched noise, abrupt transitions and the like and hadn't enjoyed it. Now, i realize that Deuter was probably the first full-fledged "new age" recording artist, a pioneer in the field. he gets some slack for this. Deuter has two sides: the bright happy sappy syrupy new age side that i personally don't relate to and then a deeper transformative devotional side, which i think is epitomized in "Wind & Mountain." I haven't been so happy with Deuter's last few releases so it is with pleasure that i can tell you that "Sea & Silence" is a return of sorts to the "Wind & Mountain" sonic environment. Tastefully chosen natural seascapes (Deuter was the first to use natural sounds as part of music) have tailored backdrops of synthesis and Deuter's flute playing is in high form. My only caveat would be that he is quintessentially "new age" and if that is not for you, then skip it. But i think it's his best in eight years. Various Artists - "Skydancing vol. 3" (Dakini Records, 2003) Jairamji - "Kindred Spirits" These two new releases completely satisfied my jonesing for new Makyo. Skydancing 3 features one new Makyo piece plus seven other artists including a final epic length cut by Jairamji that was too lengthy for his debut release, "Kindred Spirits." The third in the Nada Masala series, Skydancing 3 perhaps remains truest to the Makyonic sound environment. Every cut is engaging and exciting -- no fizzlers. The Jairamji disc features more acoustic instruments than you usually find at Dakini Records -- cello, violin, flute -- and this gives it an exotic twist rather into the native american sound which is very cool. These albums are mid-to-low tempo rock beat excursions with the occasional beatless break and a high-energy hiphop surprise somewhere in the middle of Skydancing 3. Out of my new slew of discs these are my faves. Jonathan Goldman & Laraaji - "Celestial Reiki 2" (Etherean Records - 2003) Jonathan Goldman - "Ultimate Om" (Etherean Records, 2002) Jonathan Goldman - "Chakra Chants 2" (Etherean Records, 2003) Because i am an aficionado of visionary sounds i collect jonathan goldman. this is me catching up. The first Celestial Reiki disc was a spontaneous overnight session between Goldman and Laraaji, released on cassette in 1986 and on cd in 2001, i think. That is a great disc, especially the first cut! Disc 2 has more layers than the origianl synth, guitar and zither. Now we've got a flute which is played quite expertly and brings to the music an angelic, Iasos-like quality, plus lots of vocals in the second half. Overall i like this disc, but maybe the first one a bit more because of its simplicity. Ultimate Om is hundreds of people Om-ing for an hour. This is the best Om-ing disc i have in my collection which includes Master Charles, Robert Slap, Mercury Max, and Frank Natale all giving their om versions. This one is sweet! Chakra Chants 2 - I loved the first one. This one sounds and feels substantially the same, but with the improvement of female voices. Kip Mazuy - "Ocean Euphoric" 2002, Bliss Music I've been in love with Kip Mazuy's music since his first disc. I own all of them. This latest represents a watershed for Kip, a new phase of his development. Although rather expensive, this is one of the finest higher consciousness recordings to come out in recent years. Kip has moved from his more classical music sound to an ambient sound. Although there is piano, gone is the big piano sound up front (which i rather like.) Instead, we find a carefully crafted ambient environment along the lines of the classic "Music For Airports" by Brian Eno or "Quiet Music" by Steve Roach." This recording, however, sets a new level by incorporating subtle brainwave pulse rates and carefully selected natural voicing which induce bliss. Literally. Whether you are an ambient aficionado, a serious meditator, or a tripper looking for a good ramp up to the Light, this disc is immediately essential. Adham Shaikh - "Essence" 2002, SonicTurtle Quite unlike his previous outings, which were Klaus Schulzian electronica meanderings or India-influenced synthesis, this is an excursion into asian massive dubtronics which bears a lot of similarity to the best of William Orbit's high gloss dance electronica but this is more arabic. Rather tasty actually. Production values are exquisite and the drum programming very inventive and live-sounding. Fun! Professor Trance & Wolfman - "Dance Your Animal" 2002 - Natale Music This is the disc i wanted after the astounding first release by Professor Trance and the Energizors entitled, "Shaman's Breath." This is a true trance-dance disc: high energy to get you up and moving & keeping you there, while precise enough to get a clean brainwave and sink into trance. Dedicated to getting in touch with our totem animals (our inner animal self, if you will,) this is really just a lot of fun with memorable memories, lots of growling and cawing. And it Feels Good!! Since it is trance, there is extended drumming which some might feel is redundant, but it's supposed to be like that to trance you out!! More like this, Frank!! Toires - "Oued/Sanati" 2002 - Dakini Records Those who know me know that i've been building the arabic trance-dance area of my collection recently. So seeing this double-cd release from Dakini (a label which has yet to release a fizzler,) i had to put my twenty-five bucks for it. It is a very beautiful journey, but you have to be into the arabic music style (which i am.) Lots of wailing and sultry female vocals. Brilliant special effects and good areas of ambience. Alpha Wave Movement - "A Distant Signal" 2000-02 - Harmonic Resonance Records This is the best AWM since the first release, "Transcendence." I still like the first one better, but am glad AWM is moving out of the dark Tangerine Dream areas of nether void, etc. This disc has a much more positive vibe than others of recent memory and is growing on me. A satisfying space electronic voyage reminding me of Michael Stearns' "Encounter." My only bummer is that some of the pieces come to an end rather abruptly rather than slowly fading like the delicious stuff on "Transcendence." An aesthetic choice by the artist? Still, a good outing, very listenable and good for reading a book. And a positive vibe! Entheogenic - "Entheogenic" 2002, 3D Vision Records This disc has received a lot of positive response for being a "taking-it-to-the- next-level" ambient techno recording. So I got a copy since i'm a next level kind of guy. While i do enjoy this cd and find it comparable to the kinds of music coming out of Ultimae, i still found it not satisfying to my higher spiritual impulses. It is definitely part of the new wave of electronica which is evolving the Berlin-school sound, it is playful and the production is decent. And it is very entheogenic. Just didn't lift me into the stratosphere. It would seem they are trying to describe ayahuasca musically, and i occasionally do get this coming through. Just never seem to ascend into the atmic. Carbon Based Lifeforms - "Hydroponic Garden" 2003, Ultimae Records Much more to my liking than "Entheogenic" is this release, which tends more to the biological. This is again a new mutation from the technoambient scene, with rock beats and strange swirlings. And as with a lot of Ultimae there is a certain environment which can be a little ominous at times. For me, this is much more an advance in pop electronica than just about anything else in the last year. Saafi Brothers - "Liquid Beach" 2002, Saafi Records If you like the Saafi Bros, you will enjoy this disc, no doubt about it. Those who haven't heard them before won't be helped much by my or possibly anybody's review. It is electronic synthesis with dance beats, but very mellow and downtempo, almost feeling like ambient, with traces of reggae dub and subtle jazz nuances here and there. It really would be perfect for lieing on a beach with a coconut with rum in it and a spliff. Very relaxing, laidback, but with enough energy that you could dance to it (like you'd want to with a half a coconut of rum in ya.) Robert Carty - "Ethereal Deserts" 2003, Big Sky Records The ever-prolific chameleon maestro of the visionary sounds world has recently released yet another fantastic disc. Although it took me a while to contact this one because i've been in a state of transition to Hawaii, it came into my life at the perfect time, during my initial weeks in Maui. Because of this, "Ethereal Deserts" will always have a special place in my memories. Where i live now is, literally, a tropical desert. While i am only a ten minute walk or so from a lush Hawaiian beach, the land behind my building is a desert which stretches some distance up the lower slopes of Haleakala. While the neighbors downstairs pound out their inane hiphop rap at bass levels that would deafen the deaf, iam drifting away on headphones to the mysterious and intriguing sounds of one of today's cutting-edge visionary sound artists. If they only knew! As the disc progresses, it expands into ever more wondrous soundscapes somewhere between deep space and deserts in dusky dreamtime. Carty's penchant for interesting native american rhythms and atmospheres is clearly present, providing a human dimension. His use of spiritual sound continues to seek new levels and i found myself thinking,"Whoa - this guy is out Hammering Hammer." Who'da thot? If you haven't checked out Carty yet, and if you love spirit music and space music, start listening. He is clearly established as a force majeur in the field. Steely Dan - "Everything Must Go" 2003, Warner/Reprise I waited 17 years for the "next" Steely Dan release. That one, 2000's "Two Against Nature" was a breath of fresh air in today's sterile pop landscape & also finally finally finally won Our Boyz, Becker & Fagen, their long-time-coming, well deserved Grammy award. While that disc reclaimed their title as the most tasteful pop group, there was something about it which was rather, well, studious, as if perhaps the process of making it had been TOO painstaking. Some of the songs were very reminiscent of songs from past albums. "Retreads" some might say. It was also something of a "sit down" album. The great delight of the new release overshadowed some of these shortcomings. I thought of it as the third in a trilogy which began with "Aja" and "Gaucho." A restatement. This new recording, i'm pleased to report, bristles with a renewed excitement and vitality which may have come from the Boyz synching back up. With some touring and shmoozing, they have rekindled the spunk and flair that whiplashed out of "The Royal Scam" and "Aja." To borrow from a recent remark of another aficionado, this is Steely Dan at their snarkiest best. This is an album you can play at a cocktail party OR at a beach party. The level of inspiration and energized creativity shows a new peak in Steely Dan's wherewithal. Every song shimmies out of the speakers with a sly groove solidly supporting the Boyz reknowned wry wit and gleaming glee. The band is tighter, hotter and more excited than a runaway teenybopper in the Tenderloin (am i allowed to say that as a so-called "enlightened being"?) The production is top-notch. The arrangements are second-to-none. The performances are exemplary. But it's the song-writing that is really blowing me away, because after 3 listens, i've not noticed any "retreading." Sure, Steely Dan will always have that classic vannilla funk sound with the ninths and mu majors. There will be the sweet, airy female backing vocs. But this stuff is VINTAGE, baby. As some of you may know, I am still keeping up with Peter Gabriel and Yes, but, really, this disc surpasses their recent efforts. If you need a summer flavor to go with the sunshine and mayhem, this is it.. MIDIval Punditz - "MIDIval Punditz" 2002, Six Degrees Records "Arabesque" - compilation cd 2002, Restless Records Two reviews for you this time! What they have in common is: #1, they are the two single discs i have purchased this year -- the Punditz i just got yesterday for $5 at the local Logos used bookstore; "Arabesque" i got for $3 at a Wherehouse music store that was having a "going-out- of-business" sale (my shopping habits have dramatically changed from one or two a week;) #2,they both are interesting fusions of ancient ethnic musics with modern recording technology; #3, both are mid- to downtempo dance- oriented discs with certain pieces that would have appeal in an ambient set; #4, i like them a lot (*ahem*) "MIDIval Punditz" is solidly in the asian massive genre and fulfils it in a technically impressive way similar to Makyo, Karsh Kale and Talvin Singh. It is almost as if The Dhol Foundation went completely electronic. (I'm pretty sure the flute is acoustic on this disc, but that's about it, maybe some drums.) Beginning with two instrumentals that introduce the meditative-energetic atmosphere of this project, the album then offers some pop-structured pieces with interesting vocal stylings and spoken word. These songs demonstrate that the Punditz are capable of different styles within the genre, beyond clever fingerings. The second half of the disc then ascends into the spiritual stratosphere, taking the listener on some of the best electromissions yet devised in asian massive. The last 24 minutes are quite impressive, with "Forest Dreams" probably being the piece i would use in my set the most. This song and the one which follows it, "Ajmer," both feature the talents of Karsh Kale, whose contributions really make them stellar. MIDIval Punditz As with other asian massive projects, these pieces can be percussion heavy with sinuous flutes coiling around the third eye. Personally, i love this kind of music, but i do want to emphasize that is is Electronica and people who want that acoustic buzz will probably get antsy. That's why we have the other review: "Arabesque" - a MoMo compilation MOMO is a restauranteur who has his businesses feature modern music influenced by North African styles. I have recently been building a section in my visionary collection for Arabic trance music. In this field, it is difficult to find a satisfying level of production and truly trance-inducing stuff that isn't too overly affected with the disco-dance virus but sounds more natural. (Even this disc has a little of that, i guess.) I am still very pleased with the "Africa North" compilation from Hearts Of Space's World Class label. Many do enjoy the Arabic explorations of Alpha Wave Movement's alter-ego, Open Canvas. I still wanted something which was more of a fusion between total electronica and traditional acoustic. This cd, while not perfect, is a good start. I would have to call it a "downtempo" record, although there are some faster pieces on it. The album has a wide use of acoustic instruments featuring crack professional performers from North Africa, particularly Algeria. The overall vibe is close to what i've been seeking: that distinct Arabic vibe with the wailing and accessible cosmopolitan tunes with, say, accordian and horns. The disc begins with an instrumental worthy of airplay, then several pieces with female vocals, one is a classic from Natacha Atlas (of Transglobal Underground.) This gives way to a cool piece from (who woulda thot) Stereo MC's (remix by Steve Hillage of 777,) and then Shashkin by Omar Faruk Tekbilek (you get two mixes of this on the disc.) After two male vocal pieces which are strange and exotic, the whole thing takes off with a number of magnificent instrumentals, "Valencia" by Rachid Tama being the one i'd probably play most since it is a slow, mellow, positive mood. By the time "Arabesque" concludes in a dance beat with handclaps and a celebratory feeling, i'm ready to go sit in an Arabic cafe and have a demitasse or two (if only one were around where i live!) Both of these discs have a vivaciousness and exotic feeling that i am craving currently. Perhaps the last i can say is that there is little to no english language on either, so if you don't like to hear language you don't understand....i myself prefer it on occasion, under the right circumstances, flying through the aetheric clouds of mandalas. Robert Carty - "Tonalities" This recent release is again another fine piece of work by the continually morphing synthmaestro. The mood is Space and is easily on a level with the best of composers like Constance Demby or John Serrie. A very mellow, serene and gorgeous outing. I keep putting his new releases at the top of the Carty list and fear i may eventually run out of room up there. (Addendum: Even months later, I am still playing this disc regularly and truly enjoying each listen.) The only perspective i might offer in the way of critique is on the use of voice. While Carty does use voice effectively when using vowels in chorus, his particular instrument is a bit thin and can be distracting when a chant appears out of nowhere for no apparent reason. A friend, listening to one of Carty's discs under the appropriate conditions once remarked, "There i was floating in space and all of a sudden.... who's this guy?" As i've commented before, Carty has improved vocally over time and far be it for me to tell anyone so talented how to create their music. On balance, though, i feel the chants don't work so well, mainly because of the timbre of the voice. That being said, don't get the idea that i don't LOVE this disc! I do! And the greatest thing about it is that Carty is learning how to move energy and caress the body's vibratory centers with an increasingly spiritual finesse! Positive Vibes in ambient skies! SUPPORT THE ARTIST! Spirit Of Relaxation/Flute Ltd. - "The Spirit Of EasternChillOut" Looking through the local cd shop, I came across a smartly packaged box of six cds. The exterior is white with a golden Shiva Nataraja gracing the cover. The information on the back seems to indicate that each disc is performed by a difference artist with special mixes each of which uses a nature motif: rainforest, ocean, waterfalls, dolphins/whales, waves and an "asian harvest." The entire thing cost less than twenty dollars, so i thought i might get some bang for the buck. Six discs for $20. Even if they were only twenty minutes each, i'd have lots of listening. well....yeah. First off, don't be fooled by the packaging. These aren't really "chill" types of environments. They are more "new age" with some, a little, more visionary elements. Furthermore, my guess is that they are all composed by the same artist; someone who goes by the name of "DJ Delerium." Lastly, they are copyright 1997, not 2002 like the box says. This music is not in the "asian massive" genre, nor does it abide in specific Asian cultural motifs. It has a very Western feel to it, if you ask me. I was pleasantly surprised to find that each disc consists of a forty minutes long piece, so there IS a lot of listening available (for the money.) Each one has a pleasant feel to it, is well produced and is very relaxing. However, the repetition in parts becomes a little heavy handed. Although each piece does develop slightly over time (with some exceptional pieces that are more satisfying,) overall it does not fulfil the ambient aesthetic of being consistently interesting over time. Now, i'm not saying i don't like this stuff. i would use portions of it to great effect in an ambient set. of the four discs, i have a genuine liking for three of them, find one to be pleasant if somewhat pedestrian, and didn't really like 2 of them as being, well, "hokey." so, this is pleasant relaxing background ear candy that has several fleetingly intriguing passages over the course of 4 hours. it WILL elicit the "relaxation response" as one entrains to it. so, if you like continuum pieces along the lines of Mars Lasar, but with a more "new age" kind of feel, you might like this. i feel that i basically got my money's worth, but didn't like the packaging leading me to believe that i was picking up some east asian oriented soundscapes. the "Dolphins & Whales" disc would mix great in a cetacean set, and "Calming Tibetan Waterfalls" is certainly graceful. look at it this way: if you have twenty dollars for four hours of background, go for it. Patrick Bernard - "Love Divine" Patrick's tenth cd recording finds him in his own studio, with his own production. The music itself is reminiscent of his other classical/romantic outings. The narrative thread of Love Divine centers around Krishna. It is inspired by PB's reading of "The Golden Volcano of Divine Love." (you can find some excerpts from this book in the on-line texts section of Darvlinks.) This album is gorgeous and expertly created. It doesn't break any new ground, but will appeal to those who love Krishna consciousness and the loving vibe of PB's discs "Solaris Universalis," "Atlantis Angelis," "Amor Immortalis," and "Atlantis Angelis 2." I can enjoy this disc as a collector and an appreciator of PB's sincere devotion expressed through sound. I owe him a lot as regards my own spiritual development, because his early recordings greatly influenced my awareness of celestial being and the higher consciousness states that we are capable of experiencing. Some may find it too sugary and syrupy. I find his stuff overall to be very nourishing to the energy body. Good, but for savory tastes. Robert Carty - "Dreaming Earth Water Memories" The latest release from this consummate electronica chameleon finds him in top form. Carty is able to weave influences from the premier visionary sound artists - primarily Roach, Parsons and Stearns, with a healthy dose of Alpha Wave Movement's electronica sense (but do my wondering ears not also sense a tinge of Michael Hammer and even some long lost wisp of Halpern?) -- into an integrated sound which is always clearly Carty. Now, i, for one, have particular tastes within this artist's prolific dynorama of sonic nuance. While many distinctive styles of composition flow throw the Carty continuum, I admittedly lean toward the more ambient, 'spiritual essence" (as i call them) recordings, in preference from the "romantic," the "earthy tribal" and the "void-like" soundscapes. For me, "Timeless," "The Living" and "Himalayan Dreams" are core discs in my collection, with "Cloud Pull" "Spectrums" and "Moving Spaces" as strong outings. I must own umpteen Carty discs now, and get real enjoyment from each of them, but sometimes he really outdoes himself. After 4 listens (2 of them under the appropriate conditions,) I'm prepared to allow "Dreaming Earth Water Memories" admittance to my group of favorites. For starters, it's great that the songs have a narrative thread with smooth transitions from composition to composition. And each song has appeal: a solid listen all the way through. The fundamental tones of the songs are arranged to ascend the chakras and this makes for increasing Light as the disc progresses. Also, Carty's mix of natural sounds is perhaps his strongest ever. The drum rhythms are also among the surest and spicealicious among his works. A full sound with enough complexity to remain interesting throughout each piece. But what i really like about this disc is that the emotional tone is consistently positive and illuminating. His ability to move energy with sound has reached a greater proficiency so that the music speak/weaves more truly in my organism. The production is clear and competent. This is evident in the way the voice is mixed-in in the 5th song, perhaps the best use of voice he's done. Carty is SO prolific that it is hard to keep up with him. This is the most exciting disc of his that i've heard since Cloud Pull and definitely reinstates my confidence in him as a great candidate for a future breakthrough. I have to admit that some discs don't impress me as deeply as others, but when it all comes together, i REALLY dig it. And what i'm listening for is these sorts of enlightening spiritual environments, rather than spooky nights in the shamanic desert or glurpy galumphs in primordial ooze. This disc will be pleasing to old fans and a wonderful introduction for those who have not yet been Cartyized. Fans of Parsons, Stearns or Michael Hammer will find an enjoyable listen here. Peter Gabriel - "Up" On first listen, i thot to myself, "This is a darker vision." and then, lo & behold, Matt Lauer, on NBC's Today show said to Peter Gabriel in a recent interview, "People are calling this a 'darker vision'...." To which PG responded with a wry smile and "Well...." But after listening a few more times, i realized that this disc is about facing one's fears. So it starts out with something pretty scary and then sort of mellows. After gorging on it for a few weeks, i've come to really love it. It's better than the last release "Us." Every song is carefully crafted and gives new dimensions on repeated listen. While i can't help thinking that perhaps PG's voice has lost a little something with age, he still has that powerful emotional presence that fans love, and his feeling of empathy for those that suffer is still strong! Still hits those high notes on occasion. The emotional tone hearkens back to the 3rd album, "melting face" and will probably not appeal to those new fans who found out about PG when "So..." came out.--Repeated listening is proving to reveal glorious depths. I'd say we're pulsing this one through the UnderRoom about once a day. Now we just need to find a way to force PG to get into a once a year release habit! As a final note, if "So" is the only PG disc you own and you aren't very aware of his entire body of work, you probably won't like this disc. It is not a pop commercial release, but rather a fiercely uncompromising expression of a personal statement. There is much to love in this recording, particularly for dedicated long-time fans such as myself, who bought his 1st solo disc the day it came out, but for the yuppie swine who made "So" such an enormous hit, well, be prepared to disappoint yourselves once again... Brian E. Paulson - "The Pulse Of Life" This is a half hour sonic gem which is great for the background while one is engaged in an activity. It has a steady synth drone keyed to the Earth Year (according to the Cousto calculations," and features a lot of playful synthesis. I even recognized a riff from Yes' "Close To The Edge" pop up for 5 secs. People who liked BEP's "Power Of Seven" will probably like this one even more! Great acid trip! Go For It! Soulfood - "Shaman's Way" A new release from Soulfood i always open with some relish, knowing that i may really like it, or find it simply pleasant. This disc is very strong in the last third, where there is some Robert Rich-like play with marimba like sounds. The disc begins with some stuff that sounds aimed for new age and light jazz radio play. The saxophone keeps popping up with some too-familiar, fit- right-in solos. The second song starts out like Enigma or something and then suddenly pop jazz is back. But, the album then gets into some great rock tracks reminiscent of "Breathe" which is still my fave disc. Notable Rita Coolidge delivers some very tasty, goddess like vocals on some tracks. What i really like about Soulfood is the gentleness of the music. Good disc. Soulfood - "Serenity" Solo piano with a bit of light synthesis underneath. Touch of the jazz influence Nothing special, but very pleasant massage music. Probably will do well on new age charts. Brand X - "Masques" This is not a new release, but dates back to the 70s and the jazz band Phil Collins helped create to have an alternative vehicle to Genesis. Phil is not on this disc, but it is, in my opinion, the 2nd best thing BX ever did! Serious complicato fusion on the level of Return To Forever, but with Zappa, Santana and National Health influences. Prog Fusion. wow. fine performances all around, still exciting to listen to a quarter of a century later and whizzo! great for watching sports while having a tall one & a bit of the mj. production is very clear. the compositions have verve and humor. exhilirating but not for the faint of heart! Gabrielle Roth & The Mirrors - "Zone Unknown" This is not a new release, either, but i found it for 99 cents & what the heck? I've been a big fan of GR for some time, particularly older recordings like "Bones" or "Ritual." This recent recording returns to that period but is a bit more urban and energized. A mix of american funk & african drumming with native american & australian indigenous muscial ideas thrown in for spice. Good for working out or cleaning the house on acid. Return to Main Page