Possibilities

Possibilities

ASIN: B0009I7FI8

Track Listings

1. Possibilities

2. Straight from My Heart

3. Back Home

4. Going

5. Everyday

6. Up for Grabs

7. Ultimate

8. Turn to Him

9. It's All About Love

10. Rest of My Life

11. There for You

12. Down the Road

13. Lost Hope

14. Back in Town

Possibilities,The Emmons Sisters,The Emmons Sisters,Original bluegrass gospel music that will put a smile on your face. 14 orginal songs played on acoustic instruments.

Average customer rating:

A new generation of Hancock music to love!

Herbie Hancock, Possibilities

Should Have Bought Just The One Song I Liked

Great Listening

THE MASTER TEACHES THE KIDS SOME TRICKS...

Possibilities
Herbie Hancock
Manufacturer: Vector Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Back Home

Souls Alike

A Time To Love

All That I Am

Magic Time

ASIN: B000AARK2Q
Release Date: 2005-08-30

Tracks:

Stitched Up featuring John Mayer
Safiatou featuring Santana and Angilique Kidjo
A Song For You featuring Christina Aguilera
I Do It For Your Love featuring Paul Simon
Hush, Hush, Hush featuring Annie Lennox
Sister Moon featuring Sting
When Love Comes To Town featuring Jonny Lang and Joss Stone
Don't Explain featuring Damien Rice and Lisa Hannigan
I Just Called To Say I Love You featuring Raul Midon (also featuring Stevie Wonder on harmonica)
Gelo No Montana featuring Trey Anastasio

Amazon.com

Possibilities, by jazz piano/keyboard legend Herbie Hancock, with songs by Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, and Leon Russell, is a multigenerational masterpiece. Rock's "it boy" John Mayer leads off the CD with the spare, bouncy opener, "Stitched Up." Brit-born soul girl Joss Stone and bluesman Jonny Lang get down on the gutbucket "When Love Comes to Town." Christina Aguilera's excellent vocals illuminate "A Song for You." Not to be outdone, Annie Lennox delivers an operatic take on Holly Cole's "Hush, Hush, Hush," while Sting's "Sister Moon" swings with stealthy syncopations. Santana and the Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo provide the world flavor on "Safiotou," and the dreamy "Gelo No Montana," with ex-Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio, is the lone instrumental. Hancock's tight solos and intelligent orchestral synths radiate all of the tracks. Like Frank Sinatra's Duets and Ray Charles's Genius Loves Company, Possibilities introduces Hancock to a new and awestruck generation. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Recommended Herbie Hancock Discography

Maiden Voyage (RVG Edition)
Headhunters
Speak Like a Child (RVG Edition)

Album Description

Imagine the possibilities…..

"Possibilities" is the musical event of the year. The album is a series of inspired encounters between Herbie Hancock and world-renowned musicians - including John Mayer, Sting, Trey Anastasio, Annie Lennox, Damien Rice and Lisa Hannigan, Santana and Angelique Kidjo, Paul Simon, Christina Aguilera, Jonny Lang, Joss Stone, and Raul Midon. Herbie Hancock describes "Possibilities" this way: "This is a real collaboration that we're doing here. It's all been decided at the session, a record without borders, woven like a tapestry with many colors. The possibilities are endless"

Customer Reviews:

A new generation of Hancock music to love!.......2007-06-08

The mix of artists Herbie Hancock chose to work with was exceptional. There's a track on the playlist for everyone to love. Haunting melodies to ones that make you want to clap and sing along.
It's one of the best CD's I've purchased in a long time!

Herbie Hancock, Possibilities.......2007-03-23

The very best I've heard in a long time. So many talents with Herbie. Christina Aguilara is excellent, Joss Stone, Sting very best arrangements of great songs. Loved it, refer it to all my grown-up music loving friends.

Should Have Bought Just The One Song I Liked.......2007-03-09

What a disappointment this album was. If not for the first duet with John Mayer, this CD would be nothing but a coaster for me.

Great Listening.......2007-01-10

This album is masterfully done. Everytime you listen to it you will come away with something new and exciting.

THE MASTER TEACHES THE KIDS SOME TRICKS..........2006-10-25

For those of us who fear that "American Idol" is in the process of ruining an entire generation of performers, this disc gives hope. In making this record, Herbie has taught an entire roster of "stars" that part being a star is to know that every note DOESN'T HAVE TO BE over-sung or over-played. This set is packed with wonderfully matched songs and artists with arrangement that bring out the best in all.

The singing of Paul Simon, Annie Lennox, Damien Rice with Lisa Hannigan and John Mayer is top notch. And, Christina Aquilera has NEVER sounded this good!

And one final thing. The control and restraint by Herbie Hancock is amazing. Don't worry. He GETS his moments to shine on this disc. But he is masterful in getting out of the way so others can share the spotlight.

POSSIBILITIES is fun and uplifting. At other points, it is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and incredibly sad discs that I've ever heard. It will always be in my music collection and will offer different things to appreciate with each listening. BUY THIS ONE!!!!

Average customer rating:

Still Groovy As A Solo Artist
"Great Solo Debut "
Not a bad CD
As good on CD as it was in person!
Larrieux's Debut

Infinite Possibilities
Amel Larrieux
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

Neo-Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
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Groove Theory
Sweetback
The Once and Future
Change It All
Surrender to Love

ASIN: B00004HYM1
Release Date: 2000-02-15

Tracks:

Get Up
Ini
Sweet Misery
Searchin' My Soul
Even If
Infinite Possibilities
Shine
Down
Weather
Make Me Whole

Amazon.com

Amel Larrieux, formerly of mellow duo Groove Theory, unleashes her wholesome musical and personal aspirations on her ear-catching solo debut, Infinite Possibilities. A fusion of hip-hop, groovy R&B, jazz, and Middle Eastern and African rhythms overlaid with the singer's soulful vocal meanderings, the album resonates with the influences of Sade, Innervisions-era Stevie Wonder, and Prince. All the while thoughtful and respectful to God, Larrieux's good-girl vibes are made less ordinary with a multilayered, proficient musical backdrop that deepens with each listen. The single "Get Up" reels the listener in with atmospheric synth notes and Larrieux's beguiling vocals, which spiral into a jazzy tone poem to close the track. "Sweet Misery" is another tune bolstered by her heartfelt vocal expressions, and "Infinite Possibilities" conveys the title's meaning as it builds to its climax of overlapping vocal rounds, dreamy keyboards, reverberating guitar chords, and plugging bass. "Down" is a striking funked-up variation on the piano-bar diva's usual melancholy mood. While not as gutsy as such contemporaries as Macy Gray and Angie Stone, Larrieux's vision for a modern, world-beat-savvy sound gains significance the longer it stays in the player. --Rebecca Robinson

Customer Reviews:

Still Groovy As A Solo Artist.......2007-05-02

This album from Amel Larrieux puts her in a positive class by herself, and it was well worth the buy for me and for anyone who heeds motivation, relaxation, and mutual luvin'.

"Great Solo Debut ".......2007-03-30

I've been feeling Armel since "Groove Theory". Her solo debut is really tight. People might disagree but I think this is Armel's best work to date (her signature). Some complain that her vocals aren't strong enough. But on this disc her voice goes from smokey to energetic with equal effect. The stand outs on this disc in my opinion are (2) Ini, (3) Sweet misery, (10) Make me whole. I don't know if people classify her as "Neo Soul", I hope not, she should have her own category (Diverse & Wholesome).

Not a bad CD.......2007-02-21

I really only bought this CD for the song "Make me Whole" but the whole CD in itself isn't bad at all! I am very glad that I bought it, and I listen to it quite frequently!

As good on CD as it was in person!.......2006-09-16

My intro to this lovely birdsong was at a live concert prior to my even knowing who she was. I was so blown away that I had to buy her CD that night and luckily she was in an autographing mode! I will keep that cover long after I wear the CD out! She is such an awesome talent!! If you love jazz of any sort you will find something to enjoy on all of her CDs and if you just love music....you will love everything she has done from scat to jazz to freestyle. I love this CD in particular, though. But have bought her other CD as well! Keep up stocking her music!

Larrieux's Debut.......2006-08-04

"Infinite Possibilities", what a title for an album. The title alone made me want to listen to this piece of work. That, and the fact that I kept hearing her name from neo-soul fans. I knew who she was because she was the voice of the group Groove Theory. After listening to this album, I see why she has her own fan base, she's very good.

This is essentially a jazz album. The entire album has the same laid-back feel to it, which is alright because music listeners don't always want to hear party starters and upbeat songs. I love how Larrieux scats, she sounds so good doing it. And she gives me just enough, because she adds scatting on almost every song. The production on this album is subpar, but there is only so much one can do with a jazz album production wise. What really makes this songstress shine is her lyrics. Every song has depth to it. Lyrically, there are no fillers. "Get Up" is the only song that was played on the radio from this album. I enjoy this song. It talks about not allowing anything hold you back. "Sweet Misery" is an album highlight because everything about it shines. The lyrics are about a loss of love, the production is good, and vocally she's on point. "Even If" is beautiful. This is a really nice ballad; it's a love song. The listener can feel the point Larrieux is attempting to convey. Anyone who owns this album should take a few listens to this song. There is no question that "Make Me Whole" is the best song on this albun. I feel in love with this song the first time I heard it. This is a love song at its best. This song is so sincere, it obviously took some time to write because its truly compelling.

Overall, I enjoyed this album. It's not a 5 star album because it was short, the production was not good enough, and most of the songs grabbed me the same way. I didn't really like one song more than I liked another. However, I do recommend this album to neo-soul fans because I am almost sure that they will get something from this multi-talented artist named Amel Larrieux.

Mikeisha's Top 5
1. Get Up
2. Even If
3. Make Me Whole
4. Infinite Possibilities
5. Sweet Misery

Average customer rating:

A Classic Ambient-Glitch Outing
rather dull (it's as if they are warming up the keyboards for Postal Service)
wow
A Masterpiece!
Consuming

Life Is Full of Possibilities
Dntel
Manufacturer: Plug Research
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Electronica | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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HOME: Volume 5
We Will Become Silhouettes
This Is the Dream of Evan and Chan
Nothing's Lost
Transportation + Communication = Love

ASIN: B00005QHR8
Release Date: 2001-10-30

Tracks:

Umbrella
Anywhere Anyone
Pillowcase
Fear Of Corners
Suddenly Is Sooner Than You Think
Life Is Full Of Possibilities
Why I'm So Unhappy
(This Is) The Dream Of Evan And Chan
Last Songs

Album Description

Dntel comforts himself by combining melancholy melodies with an assortment of electronic production styles, as well as enlisting friends to add vocals and guitar on some tracks. The resultsrangefromTimbaland inspired minimal techno to pop songs buried in static, cut-up acoustic guitars, sampled symphonies struggling to find somewhere to settle, found sound and blissed-out drones. This album includes vocal contributions from Chris Gunst (Beachwood Sparks, ex-Strictly Ballroom), Mia Doi Todd (solo artist, City Zen records), Meredith Figurine (Figurine), Rachel Haden (solo artist, ex-That Dog), and Benjamin Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie), plus guitar by Paul Larson (Athalia, ex-Strictly Ballroom) and Brian McMahan (The For Carnation, ex-Slint).

Customer Reviews:

A Classic Ambient-Glitch Outing.......2007-02-23

Anyone who's a fan of texture and ambience should be all over this--the sonic beauty, tonal ambience and rhythmic complexity place this album somewhere between Autechre's beats and My Bloody Valentine's sonic soundscapes. Few people aside from Dntel and Telefon Tel Aviv are doing this kind of things these days, and even fewer are doing it well.

In my opinion, the content of this album (which launched the Postal Service duo) is far superior to the Postal Service's debut itself, which stains itself with lyrical content that seems adolescent in comparison with the surrealist/existentialist vibe of Life is Full of Possibilities. Even The Dream of Evan and Chan, the first Tamborello/Gibbard collaboration, sounds far more poetic than any Postal Service song.

If you're a fan of Postal Service, you might call this Postal Service for adults, although anyone from the electronic/tech side of the spectrum will appreciate this just as much, and likely more. Also, for anyone with a passing interest in Marine Science, Tamborello samples the entirety of the mysterious "Bloop" signal on one track, and yes, he does justice to the intrigue of the phenomenon.

rather dull (it's as if they are warming up the keyboards for Postal Service).......2006-11-01

I love Postal Service.
So i picked this cd up after reading all of the great reviews.
DULL. sorry folks.
there is maybe 2 or 3 decent "songs"...but the rest of the cd is just 5 minutes of a syth "warming-up" here and there.
oh well.

wow.......2006-08-03

All I can say about this album is "oh my god, how did this guy think of this stuff?" It's truly sublime. It's above anything else I can think of. I think this album even could possibly top Telefon Tel Aviv's work.

If you're into psychidelics this will become regular rotation for you - if you know what I mean. Also on that list for me is Herbie Hancock - headhunters, Miles Davis - Bitch's Brew, and Telefon Tel Aviv's Map of what is Effortless. Make sure you listen to track 5 when you peak. Oh my GOD~!

A Masterpiece!.......2006-01-13

Beautiful and uncanny. Highly recommended!

Consuming.......2005-10-04

This CD is worth the money for the first track alone! The soundscapes are euphoric, and like alcohol, can accentuate whatever emotion you are feeling at that time. Just listen and let it engulf you.
The rest of the CD does not quite measure up, in my opinion. There are still, however, some other good tracks. Evan and Chan is ok, but it reminds me of his later works as The Postal Service. (I believe the collaboration on that song spawned The Postal Service.)
All in all, this is a great CD that I am glad I have in my possession.

Average customer rating:

Great for young kids!
The best children's band that has ever existed.
I love Trout!!
These guys just keep getting better!
More Trout, please.

inFINity
Trout Fishing in America
Manufacturer: Trout Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music

Folk Music | Children's Music | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Contemporary Folk | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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It's a Puzzle
Big Trouble
Merry Fishes to All
Mine!
Family Music Party

ASIN: B00005NNKL
Release Date: 2001-09-11

Tracks:

My Best Day
Are We There Yet?
Everything That's Made Of Wood
You Can't Go
Your Name Backwards
Junk Food Jump
Sailing
It Did It All By Itself
Happy That You're Here
Dinosaur In Your Bathtub
Simon Says
It's Better Than That
Something Sweet

Amazon.com

Trout Fishing in America records are the musical version of face licks from floppy-eared hounds--it doesn't get much friendlier than this. InFINity, the duo's 10th album and their fifth for kids, carries forth the warm, wet tradition. Here, Ezra Idlet and Keith Grimwood cast their nets far and wide, reeling in tunes that range from folk to Cajun to general kid stuff to a Shaft-meets-Charlie Brown brand of funk, as Grimwood aptly puts it. The result is a fun, musically faultless wackfest, which, even with all its varied influences, never once dips below a loyalist's expected pizzazz level. A case in point is "My Best Day," whose Paul Simon-ish intro paves the way to lyrics about kid euphoria: sister's evicted from her bedroom, a blue sparkle drum set is scored, etc. While it's snowing whipped cream and raining chocolate on that tune, trouble's brewing on "You Can't Go," on which a player piano teases the song's slothful target. "Your daddy tried to warn you and your mama told you so," but the homework didn't get done and the dog didn't get fed, so it's sayonara, Charlie. A few songs cast a line toward the very young--"Your Name Backwards" works spelling wonders on the just-learning-to-read set, and "Simon Says" and "Dinosaur in Your Bathtub" set standard cases of the sillies in motion. Older folks will want to take the bait too, and not only because songs like "Are We There Yet" beckon backseat bickerers to play along. This record, with its unmatched gloom-chasing quotient, isn't apt to cause parental embolisms, even after a seemingly inFINite number of spins. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Great for young kids!.......2005-09-28

My son is 5 years old and loves this CD. The music is upbeat and the lyrics are clever (so not boring for adults). It's great for car rides and dancing in the living room.

The best children's band that has ever existed........2004-08-17

When you first turn inFINity on, you might not be paying too much attention to it. Vaguely listening, it sounds like your generic children's album. A guitar/bass duo are playing what sounds like a generic children's song and a man with what sounds like the voice all children's folk singers have is singing generic children's lyrics. Whatever.

But after awhile, you begin to notice something that sets this album apart from the many other children's albums you've heard - the music is GOOD. It doesn't sound like children's music, it sounds like real, good folk music. And the lyrics... they're GOOD. They make sense. And they're funny. Oh, and they're not limited to folk, either. Check out the soft rock "Dinosaur In Your Bathtub" or the jazz "Everything That's Made of Wood".

This band has managed to create an album that not only is similar enough to children's music to hold kids' attentions and make them laugh, they've also made a great album for anyone who enjoys music.

And, adding on to their greatness, they have a great sense of humor. Tune to the second-to-last track, "It's Better Than That". The lyrics begin... "I got news for you kids who think adults are lucky - 'They own their own cars and everything's just ducky.' 'Going to bed whenever they want to.' If that's what you think, I've got a flash for you."

"Oh no," you think, "Not another song that's so filled with 'be good' messages, there's no room for real music or lyrics." Then the rest of the song continues. The surprise value of this song will have you laughing your head off the first time you hear it, so I won't reprint they lyric here. But let's just say that the song doesn't go the way you'd expect it to.

This album is the PERFECT children's album in that it combines good, clean music for children with good, funny music for adults.

I love Trout!!.......2003-05-14

This album is great - loads of fun, good "repeatability factor" (this means you can play it over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over in the car - the way kids always want to - and you won't want to press the eject button on the dashboard. Or on your kid's car seat.

The music is silly, intelligent, sly, outrageous and the fun comes through in every note. Having seen Trout in concert twice now, I can truthfully say that these are guys you want your kids to hang out with. In fact, you'll want to listen too.

The song "My Best Day" came out of a workshop Trout participated in with a bunch of kids all talking about what they wished they could have for their very best day. I think the part about "raining chocolate" came from Keith though. If you listen to Trout music, you will hear a distinct prejudice regarding all things chocolate.

Get this album, put it on loud and let the kids have a ball! I guarantee you will too.

These guys just keep getting better!.......2002-02-14

From another family musician and a fan of theirs: I hear lots of musicians trying to do what the Trouts are doing--they do it best. It is intelligent, fun, thoughtful, kind, engaging entertainment with an ethic. These guys care about people and community. This collection shines and does not tire easily. Highly recommended!

More Trout, please........2002-01-18

Excellent! More danceable fun from TFIA. And don't call it "kid's music", please - the lyrics are always amusing for everyone and the rhythms just right for bopping about.

Average customer rating:

Alchemy: An Index of Possibilities
David Sylvian
Manufacturer: Caroline
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Ambient Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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Blemish
Money for All
Snow Borne Sorrow
Plight and Premonition
Brilliant Trees

ASIN: B000F3T7Y2
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

Part 1 Ancient Evening
Part 2 Incantation
Part 3 Awakening (Songs From The Treetops)
Preparations For A Journey
The Stigma Of Chillhood (Kin)
A Brief Conversation Ending In Divorce
Steel Cathedrals

Album Description

Digitally remastered reissue, in standard jewel case, of 1985 album from the former vocalist of Japan. Features four bonus tracks: two of which were only available on the original cassette ('Preparations For A Journey' and 'Steel Cathedrals' and two only available as b-sides ('The Stigma Of Childhood' and 'A Brief Conversation Ending In Divorce'. Guests include Steve Jansen, Jon Hassell, Holger Czukay, John Taylor, Robert Fripp & Ryuichi Sakamoto. Virgin.

Average customer rating:

Wow...

The Sphinx of Imagination
Hypnotica
Manufacturer: Hypnotica
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music
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Comedy Writing Secrets, 2nd Edition: The Best-Selling Book on How to Think Funny, Write Funny, Act Funny, And Get Paid For It

ASIN: B000CA8KBE
Release Date: 2003-03-04

Customer Reviews:

Wow..........2006-11-02

This CD is a trip... quite literally. This is the first hypnosis CD I've ever listened to and I didn't really believe it would work, but it does. It's pretty crazy, but fun, and extremely relaxing. Buy this CD immediately. It's amazing.

Average customer rating:

What will keep Austin famous
Awesome BAND
An AMAZING group with great potential!

Trying to Never Catch Up

Manufacturer: What Made Milwaukee Famous
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CA43I8
Release Date: 2004-07-20

Customer Reviews:

What will keep Austin famous.......2006-06-30

WMMF are certainly one of the most creative and distinctive bands around today. They were the first unsigned band to play on Austin City Limits and they deserved it.

"Trying to Never Catch up" sounds like it could veer into some kind of vapid neo techno-pop on the first few seconds of 'Idecide,' but that Nintendo synth line is slowly built around and touches on several styles of music, at times sounding somewhat like Tripping Daisy, or Nada Surf, or Built to Spill, or Wilco, or Grandaddy, or Interpol, or Spoon, or Spiritualized, or Modest Mouse. "Somewhat Like" is the operative phrase because WMMF sound all their own.

'Mercy Me' ambles along beside reverbed guitars, eventually gaining speed to a rocketing finish. 'Always Never' is a memorable, delectable, sacharrine pop song.

From start to finish WMMF prove that they can effortlessly and successfully meld many different influences and styles into a potent brand of truly independent music.

'Next to Him,' eventually pogos out of control, 'Trying to Never Catch up' begins all weightless before the band rips some awesome fills that echo everywhere and then creep over the song; every song on this album is done to perfection and proves big things are on the band's horizon (esp. after Lollapalalazoozoo).

Plus they sent an autograph with the CD. Can't fault anyone for that. Music fans are about to catch up with What Made Milwaukee Famous.

Awesome BAND.......2006-05-18

WMMF was indeed a breath of fresh air. They are one of my new favorite bands. After they rocked the stage at SXSW this year in Austin I have loved them. They manage to mix and match so much of what is good out there. Check them out if you wanna hear good tunes.

An AMAZING group with great potential!.......2006-04-09

If you like the sounds of Spoon, you will love this group. A superior listen, over and over again. The rhythms, sound, and vocals are top notch. A hint of the Strokes, a pinch of Spoon, and a whole lot of WMMF talent puts together one of the best albums I've listened to in 5 years. This is the kind of band that makes Austin, the Live Music Capital of the World, proud!

Average customer rating:

Searching.
Transcendent music from a master artist
An Enigmatic and Eclectic Mix

Alchemy: An Index of Possibilities
David Sylvian
Manufacturer: Caroline
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

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Gone to Earth
Approaching Silence
Flux + Mutability
Snow Borne Sorrow
Brilliant Trees

ASIN: B0000AQOQV
Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

Words With The Shaman - Part 1 Ancient Evening
Words With The Shaman - Part 2 Incantation
Words With The Shaman - Part 3 Awakening (Songs From The Treetops)
Preparations For A Journey
The Stigma Of Childhood (Kin)
A Brief Conversation Ending In Divorce
Steel Cathedrals

Album Description

Full title - Alchemy An Index Of Possibilities. 2003 digitally remastered reissue of 1985 album packaged in a deluxe digipak. Guests include Steve Jansen, Jon Hassell, Holger Czukay, John Taylor, Robert Fripp & Ryuichi Sakamoto. Virgin.

Customer Reviews:

Searching........2005-08-23

Originally an EP featuring experiments in world music by David Sylvian, "Alchemy- An Index of Possibilities" has been expanded since then to include several instrumental tracks recorded in 1984 and 1985, with one additional track from 1989.

Musically, it's clear Sylvian is trying to learn where he's trying to go with things. "Words With the Shaman", a three part suite featuring contributions from Holger Czukay and Steve Jansen (among others) is an exercise in tribal rhythms and odd melodic invention before falling into an electronic variant of the same thing. It's not a bad track, but it's not altogether too exciting either, and Sylvian would have much greater acheivements as an instrumental composer on "Gone to Earth". Similarly, "Preparations for a Jounrey" isn't altogether stimulating and finds itself in a similar vein and the somewhat overlong "Steel Cathedrals", notable as Sylvian's first recorded encounter with guitar virtuoso Robert Fripp, is nice enough, and certainly it takes unexpected directions.

The track from 1989, "A Brief Conversation Ending in Divorce", is largely a framing for the piano of John Taylor. Largely consisting of electronic synth noises and Taylor's splattered piano, it sounds both out of place with the rest of the material and somewhat unegaging to my ears.

For all of this though, there is some startling beauty on this record-- "The Stigma of Childhood (Kin)", originally commissioned for a dance, is stunning. Featuring a repeated synthesizer phrase and some absolutely beautiful clean tone electric guitar soloing (from Sylvian), it is both delicate and beautiful and well worth the listen.

This reissue features cleanly remastered sound, allowing any subtleties (particularly in "Steel Cathedrals") to shine brightly. The whole thing is packaged in a digipack.

But really being nice enough is the problem with the record. It's ok, but Sylvian's done so much better-- this is obviously an artist who is searching, and I'm inclined to believe he found what he was looking for on "Gone To Earth".

Transcendent music from a master artist.......2005-05-21

OK, OK, David Sylvian is my favourite artist bar none, and its hard to remove the blinkers when it comes to evaluating his music. But this effort, particularly the opening suite "Words With The Shaman" is an aural ticket to different ways of thinking and being. But quite apart from such maunderings, I really recommend listening to this for sheer pleasure: the pounding or subtle rhythm and marvellous guitar abstractions, the vocals hovering at the edge of comprehension, everything pitched exactly as it ought to be...
The rest of this disc is highly recommended also: "Steel Cathedrals" prefigures the haunting, ominous later work with Holger Czukay before leaping into unbridled optimism (and then, limping to a standstill). "Preparations for a Journey" used to annoy me immensely when I was 14 but these days I just sit back and enjoy the going-nowhere-but-here meanderings and textures.

An Enigmatic and Eclectic Mix.......2004-02-27

David Sylvian, the Lord Byron of Post-Rock, is infamous for obscure and limited edition releases. Now that he has left Virgin Records after more than twenty years, much of this rare material is finally becoming widely and affordably available. This CD collects remastered instrumental tracks from projects Sylvian was involved with in the mid to late eighties. Here's how it breaks down....

Words With The Shaman (tracks 1-3) is a three-part EP recorded with John Hassell in 1985. The first section is rhythmic, mysterious, and features wailing female vocals in a foreign tongue. The shorter second section is much like the first, but when the rhythm shifts, horns and an electric guitar kick in. The third and final section starts as a gentle Gamelan piece but grows more intense, like the fall of spring rain on tin rooftops. Words With The Shaman has been available for years as three bonus tracks on the Caroline Records edition of Brilliant Trees.

Preparations For A Journey (track 4) was originally recorded in 1984 with Seigin Ono for a Japanese documentary about Sylvian's life. Characteristically, the film eventually aired on Japanese television with no accompanying music. It is the most East Asian sounding song on this collection. Its electronically treated melody is enchanting, exotic, and sublime.

The Stigma Of Childhood (Kin) (track 5) is a ravishing fragment of a longer piece written for Gaby Agis' modern ballet of the same title back in 1987. It sounds like a long, ambient, arabesque outtake from the instrumental half of Gone To Earth. Sylvian refuses even now to release the entire score, saying only that this song represents the strongest material from the project.

A Brief Conversation Ending In Divorce (track 6) is a curiously ludic and clever, jazz-inflected b-side from Sylvian's 1989 Pop Song single.

A skeletal version of the final song on this compilation, Steel Cathedrals (track 7), was written for the Japanese documentary mentioned earlier. Finishing touches were added in London with the help of Ryuichi Sakamoto (of YMO), King Crimsoner Robert Fripp, Masami Tsuchiya (Japan's tour guitarist), and Kenny Wheeler among others. This long, atmospheric, composition sounds New Agey but slightly unsettling. It reminds me of the albums Sylvian would do later on with Holger Czukay, though the horn section clearly anticipates "Laughter and Forgetting" on the vocal portion of Gone To Earth.

The tasteful packaging and crisp sound quality will do these songs justice for Sylvian completists, but this is not a good choice for people new to Sylvian's work. Find out why Sylvian has been called the last romantic and the most beautiful man in the world by beginning with Brilliant Trees, Secrets of the Beehive, or Japan's swansong: Tin Drum. Once you're hooked you'll make it to this disc sooner or later.

Sunshine Possibilities
Average customer rating:

brilliant clive palmer songs

An Eccentric Offshoot of Folk

Sunshine Possibilities
Famous Jug Band
Manufacturer: Wooded Hill
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music
Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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Sands of Time

ASIN: B0000256FX
Release Date: 1999-06-15

Tracks:

Can't Stop Thinking About It
Nickolson Sq.
He Never Came Back
Leaf Must Fall
Shaky Train Blues
Only Friend I Own
Black Is the Color
Saro Jane
Train On The Island
Main Thing
Breakfast Blues
Sunshine Possibilities
God Knows [*]
Chameleon [*]

Customer Reviews:

brilliant clive palmer songs.......2002-12-14

I first heard Nicholson Sqr and Leave Must Fall when a student in the early 70's. These songs have a naivity and depth of emotion rarely conveyed in song and taught me much about the power of simplicity and craft in songwriting.

I am ordering this album on the back of hearing these two songs again.

An Eccentric Offshoot of Folk.......2000-06-10

A highly original recording by a very short-lived esoteric folk outfit from the turn of the 1970's. While it should be noted that the ever-enigmatic Clive Palmer, founder member of the Incredible Sring Band, is featured here, complete with two original out-there, but wonderfully crafted tunes, it's the vocals Jill Johnson that stand out the most. Although only 18 at the time of this recording, her voice conveys a passion and wisdom of someone who has lived and died and come back as a spirit, boundless in energy and enthusiasm. The lush acoustic arrangements defy classification, an eclectic blend of so-called early music, ragtime, folk, bluegrass, folk-rock, blues and, yes, jug music. The songs, as a whole, are obscure, moody, somewhat chaotic at times, oddly serene at others, which is great if you're into the mystic, neo-acid folk in the String Band tradition, but off-putting, perhaps, to those seeking a more traditional sound. This is an experimental record in the truest sense.

Average customer rating:

Infinitely listenable
Infinite Possibilities Pushes The Listener to Greatness
Infinite Possibilities

Infinite Possibilities
Melissa Phillippe
Manufacturer: Presence Productions
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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Chants of a Lifetime
Heal It!

ASIN: B0002EZ3LK
Release Date: 1997-01-01

Tracks:

Fire From Heaven
Welcome Home
Surrender (to the Love)
Harmony
Kickin' & Sceamin' (Down the Path of Transformation)
Sitting in the Presence of God
Joy & Peace in My Heart
Infinite Possibilies
The Whole of Creation
Thank You
Do You See the Angels?
Child of God

Album Description

Infinite Possibilities Whether you're on a spiritual path to deeper understanding or simply seeking music that will make you feel good, this powerful collection of original music offers healing, insight and a positive message for us all. From the beautiful soaring melody of "The Whole of Creation" to the rock 'n' roll beat of "Kickin' & Screamin' Down the Path of Transformation," Melissa's unique vocal style and musical versatility will uplift and inspire.

Customer Reviews:

Infinitely listenable.......2005-04-12

The range of emotion this recording evokes never fails to move me. From the raucous "Kickin' and Screamin' (Down the Path of Transformation)" to the serene "Joy and Peace in My Heart" these songs inspire me to live my life to the fullest. I highly recommend this and other CDs by this artist.

Infinite Possibilities Pushes The Listener to Greatness.......2004-10-28

Melissa's Infinite Possibilities is one of those albums that just pushes the listener to look at the greatness within. Joy and Peace is a personal favorite as well as The Whole of Creation, which still brings tears even after being a fan for many years. This CD is definately a must have for those who love positive lyrics and positive music.

Infinite Possibilities.......2004-10-28

Melissa delivers top of the line material. Her personality comes through her voice and every tone goes directly to the soul. Live or recorded you can't go wrong. My 40 years as a professional musician has brought me to know many fine vocalists. Melissa is among those few I listen to on a regular basis. I'm Ron Horton and I approve of this artist!

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Album Review

Album Review