The Magic Dragon

The Magic Dragon

ASIN: B00008OM62

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
As Caia, Japanese producer Maiku Takahashi comes up with a solid debut filled with ambient space and druggy downtempo. Produced by Groove Armada's Andy Cato, The Magic Dragon has some of that band's soulful warmth, but Caia's sound is even smoother, layered with rich chill tunes and hypnotic effects. Wordless choruses float like little fluffy clouds into extended bridges, mixing up the structure of songs like "Summer Lighting" and "La Telecabine." The atmospherics gain momentum from traces of hip-hop and dub, like a Tangerine Dream movie soundtrack with a beat. Some songs end up in completely different places from where they started; "Heavy Weather" develops from a brooding acid-house bass line, but eventually dissolves into a wash of keyboards and chanted melodies. By keeping us off balance, Takahashi gets to surprise us and takes advantage of our disorientation to establish a dreamy and wonderful weightlessness. --Matthew Cooke

Product Description
2003 long player debut from Japanese recording artist Maiku Takahashi which was produced, recorded, arranged and engineered by Andy Cato of Groove Armada fame. Digipak. Guidance Recordings.

Tracks:

The Rose Room
Remembrance
The Love Room
Summer Lightning
La Telecabine
Mr Gone
Whose Blues
Heavy Weather
Subway Freedom
Jericho
Afterwards @ The Bar

Amazon.com

As Caia, Japanese producer Maiku Takahashi comes up with a solid debut filled with ambient space and druggy downtempo. Produced by Groove Armada's Andy Cato, The Magic Dragon has some of that band's soulful warmth, but Caia's sound is even smoother, layered with rich chill tunes and hypnotic effects. Wordless choruses float like little fluffy clouds into extended bridges, mixing up the structure of songs like "Summer Lighting" and "La Telecabine." The atmospherics gain momentum from traces of hip-hop and dub, like a Tangerine Dream movie soundtrack with a beat. Some songs end up in completely different places from where they started; "Heavy Weather" develops from a brooding acid-house bass line, but eventually dissolves into a wash of keyboards and chanted melodies. By keeping us off balance, Takahashi gets to surprise us and takes advantage of our disorientation to establish a dreamy and wonderful weightlessness. --Matthew Cooke

Album Description

2003 long player debut from Japanese recording artist Maiku Takahashi which was produced, recorded, arranged and engineered by Andy Cato of Groove Armada fame. Digipak. Guidance Recordings.

Customer Reviews:

This Might be the Best Chill-Out Album Ever.......2007-02-21

Yes, I know, you've never heard of this obscure band called "Caia". But let me tell you, I've listened to a lot of downtempo/chill-out music, and this is my favorite album. This music will simply make you happy. It's just one of those inexplicable things. Caia's music is soft, light, refreshing, with many nice beats and great synth work.

Remembrance is one of the all-time best ambient tunes. So good that it may bring tears to your eyes. Other great songs on here are The Love Room, La Telecabine, and Jericho. Along with the Dining Rooms, Caia ranks as my favorite Chill Out band!

Do yourself (and your ears) a favor and get Caia's The Magic Dragon. You won't regret it.

can't really think of a worthy title for my review of Caia.......2006-09-09

ITunes is a great tool, isn't it? Now, even tho I'm hella asian, I don't know anything about computers and technology and all that jazz. I do know I like certain songs and artists and what not. So, I pretty much have no life, although when I spell it out it doesn't seem all that unusual. I'm a 25 year old bartender who sits at the computer and plays online poker in his spare time. That could easily describe 2 million people. But when I'm pokered out (or when I'm flat broke from pokering around) I go to amazon and read people's reviews, then go to limewire and get songs based on reviews. I must do this 20 hours a week. I work 40, play poker another 40, sleep 60, and do this for 20. I told you I have no life. When I made my profile 5 or 6 years ago, and I was prompted to put down a profession like teacher, or student, or whatever, I said "music is my life, by default", and the statement still holds true today. Why am I going on this long winded narrative about my life, or lack thereof? I'm not sure, I just want to stress that I'm a music lover, and I love Caia.
So ITunes, it keeps track of what songs I play. Weekend Players is number one, with Aquanote not far behind. But I've had those guys a lot longer than Caia, and Caia is proudly number 3 right now. And the reason I'm writing this review is because I've had "Remembrance" on repeat for 50 minutes now. I just had to share how good this song and album is to people who might care. There is no other song in my vast ITunes library that I would put on repeat, let alone 8 times. If you're like me, who likes to browse and download based on reviews, get Caia's "Remembrance". It's not for everyone, but you'll be glad you're not one of them.
There are other delicious songs on here as well, and I'm sure like everyone else, I went through a phase where I liked "Rose Room" the best, or that Subway song, or "Summer Lightning". It really doesn't matter anyways, everyone has their own tastes. I'm just saying, that right now, a music junkie with no other life, I love this album the best. Maybe I'm not willing yet to put it ahead of OK Computer by Radiohead yet, but it's in the same discussion. I never thought I would say this because OK Computer is well, OK Computer. Just check it out, ok?

Relaxing Magic.......2006-03-07

This is very definitely a chill-out album, so many of the normal buzz words apply - blissful, melodic, electronic, etc. Each track is beautifully composed, but not overwhelmingly so. There is a sense when listening to Caia that the music is subtly and sophisticatedly put together and produced. Mostly, it's an instrumental album though female vocals stand out on 'the rose room' and 'subway freedom', 'Whose blues' along with saxophones, and soulful crooning and tribal chants appear on 'heavy weather'. However, the vocals are minimal and the music is always the main impact on the listener.

Favourite tracks for me are:
'the rose room': a real funky opening with a heavy beat, scratches, dub, and a luscious bass line.
'La telecabine': its a track filled with soothing synths and crashing base, but its composition seems to change when you least expect it. It keeps you on your toes.
'afterwards@the bar': a real end of the night tune. Deep mellow acoustics and piano, a jazz feeling, full of soul and gentle passion.

If you are into chill-out, you'll love this, particularly if you like Groove Armada as Andy Cato is said to have helped out on production. The album also shares musical similarities with Bonobo, Thievery Corporation, and Weekend Players.

Another great Andy Cato production - LOVE HIM!.......2005-11-27

I love this album, but I love pretty much everything touched by Andy Cato, such as Groove Armada (of which he is half) and The Weekend Players (which he co-wrote, produced and engineered with the amazing vocalist Rachel Foster).

This is a little more downtempo and "chill" than the typical Groove Armada fan may be use to, but this music is beautiful and entrancing. Perfect for that dinner party or even part of your romantic soundtrack - smooth, sexy, and sophisticated.

This has a fairly similar sound to The Weekend Players album "Pursuit of Happiness", which I absolutely adore and acually prefer to the CD if pressed. "Pursuit of Happiness" is easily one of my favorite albums and is never far from reach. There is even a shared song between the two, "Jericho", but the vocals that really make this song soar on "Pursuit of Happiness" are missing here. Lyrically and vocally dense, this album is not. Think ambient and subtle.

Check this one out, it's a little gem. Also, regardless of where you land on this album, be certain to add "Pursuit of Happiness" to your list, you will NOT be disappointed.

Eagerly awaiting the next one!!.......2005-04-29

Great CD, every song is different, sounds like each could be from a different artist completely. I caught myself listening to it repeatedly while driving. The Amazon critique is mostly correct - this is a necessary addition to anyone who appreciates chillout.

Average customer rating:

Travel Song Sing Alongs
Kevin Roth
Manufacturer: Star Gazer Prod
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CAE75M
Release Date: 2006-08-23

Tracks:

The Singing Dragon
Down By The Bay
Puff The Magic Dragon (Duet With Peter Yarrow)
The Professor
Teddy Bears Picnic
That Bear Makes Me Crazy
The Snoring Bear
I Know An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly
You Are You
Noah's Ark
Mr Bedbug
The Ladybug & The Moon
Mr Rabbit
Animal Fair
The Green Grass Grows All Around
I've Been Working On A Railroad/She'll Be Coming Round The Mt
The Wonder Song
Little Piggy
Bye N Bye
The Quiet Times

Album Description

What can be better then traveling in a car on a long ride with great music to either sing along with, or relax to? This recording is a parents dream come true! Kevins voice is not only wonderful to listen to, but his material is intelligent, popular and hits the spot where music counts! An award winning record you'll enjoy in or out of the car!

Average customer rating:

Puff the Magic Dragon
Paul & Mary Peter
Manufacturer: Falcon Music Germany
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Folk | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Puff the Magic Dragon
Peter, Paul And Mary (1st LP)

ASIN: B000051NSZ
Release Date: 2006-03-13

Tracks:

Puff (The Magic Dragon)
This Land Is Your Land
Lemon Tree
Where Have All the Flowers Gone
500 Miles
Early in the Morning
Soalin'
If I Had a Hammer
Blowin' in the Wind
Don't Think Twice
Settle Down (Goin' Down That Highway)
Morning Train
Cruel War
Flora
Big Boat
Tiny Sparrow

Hana and the Dragon and other tales from Japan

Average customer rating:

Roly Poly Fun!

Hana and the Dragon and other tales from Japan
Elizabeth Falconer
Manufacturer: Koto World
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music

General | Children's Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Plum Boy! and other tales from Japan
Once Up On A Lilypad
Little Pink Fish

ASIN: B000059GYA
Release Date: 2001-01-15

Tracks:

Hana and the Dragon
Grow, Nose, Grow!
Rabbit and Crocodile
Roly-Poly Rice Ball
The Magic Seashell
Hana's Dream (Instrumental)

Album Description

Winner of both Parents' Choice Silver and Storytelling World Honors Awards! Enchanting Japanese folktales told with warmth and humor by Elizabeth Falconer. With her creative adaptations and her 13-string Japanese koto to accompany the stories, storytelling and music rise to new heights. Hear the koto as a runaway riceball, dragon'e wings, rolling waves and more. This collection features stories of friendship, sharing, and trust. Suitable for listeners 5 and up.

Customer Reviews:

Roly Poly Fun!.......2002-12-18

What a delightful recording! My kids love it. My daughter's favorite is the one about the runaway rice ball. Her younger brother's favorite is called "Grow Nose, Grow," which stars a Japanese badger named Mr. Tanuki. They have been singing the catchy "Bean Jam Sweets" tune for days now. We have it in the car and have been listening to it all over town. Personally, I love the sound of the koto - it adds a lot of atmosphere to the stories.

Average customer rating:

North Cathedral Way

Manufacturer: Magic Dragon Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B00062PTGW

Product Description

The songs on Huff's album, "North Cathedral Way" (Magic Dragon), come from a sensibility formed as much by the dark angst-rock of Nirvana (Kurt Cobain even gets a name-check in the first song, "Ball and Chain"), the street-rock of Lou Reed and the art-rock of David Bowie, along with more typical influences for acoustic guitar-strumming singers such as Bob Dylan, to whom Huff pays tribute on "Talking Benadryl Blues," a clever, vintage Dylan-style talking blues about the over-the-counter antihistamine.

Average customer rating:

Puff the Magic Dragon
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Direct Source Label
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music

Compilations | Children's Music | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Puff the Magic Dragon
Best Of Peter, Paul & Mary: Ten Years Together
Free To Be ... You And Me (1972 Television Cast)
The Very Best of Peter, Paul & Mary
Sing-A-Longs & Lullabies for the Film Curious George (Jack Johnson)

ASIN: B000065S0J
Release Date: 2003-01-01

Average customer rating:

Don't Forget the Donut
Wayne Potash
Manufacturer: Happy House Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CAFCJ2
Release Date: 2005-10-11

Tracks:

Stunt Car
Wiggly Tooth
When the Red Red Robin Comes Bob Bob Bobbin' Along
March of the Leprechauns
Frim Fram Sauce
Juba
Street Sweeper
I've Been Everywhere Man
Look at My New Shoes
Lobster Dance
Hot Corn, Cold Corn
Constantinople
Down in the Valley
Cindy
Haul Away Joe
(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66
Boo Boo
Heroes to Me
Seven Nights to Rock

Average customer rating:

Singin' with Susan, Too!
Susan Shane-Linder
Manufacturer: Susan Shane-Linder
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CAG83Q
Release Date: 2004-02-24

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