Rites

Rites

ASIN: B0000245JD

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Listeners who discovered Norwegian saxophonist Jan Garbarek through Officium, his million-selling 1994 collaboration with the Hilliard Ensemble, aren't likely to be disappointed in this double disc. They might, however, be in for a surprise. Ambitiously traversing territory from ambient techno to large-scale choral works to Garbarek's more familiar brand of melodic jazz, Rites largely features Garbarek accompanied by electronic effects and synthesizers. But while there are plenty of appealing genre-hopping moments--like disc 2's opener, "It's High Time," where a traditional Scandinavian folk melody floats over a shuffling techno beat--the real successes on Rites come on the more acoustic-oriented tunes. The gorgeously ethereal "Her Wild Ways" features Garbarek backed by piano, bass, and drums, and Don Cherry's "Malinye" is a moving tribute to the late trumpeter that features the saxophonist accompanied only by percussion and accordion. There's also an intriguing two-song suite that's probably the set's highlight: "We Are the Stars," Garbarek's composition for himself and a Norwegian boys choir, and "The Moon Over Mtatsminda," composed and performed by Jansug Kakhidze, the Georgian conductor of the Tbisili Symphony Orchestra. The latter piece doesn't even feature Garbarek but blends seamlessly with the rest of the album because of its intense spirituality and beauty. --Ezra Gale

From Jazziz
Jan Garbarek's 1998 double-CD, Rites, features the Norwegian saxophonist's inimitable sound blended wonderfully with the subtle wash of Rainer Bruninghaus' synthesizer, the sonorous propulsion of Eberhard Weber's bass, and the subtle invention of Marilyn Mazur's drums. But the musical story is really Garbarek's, and it's meant to suggest initiations, rituals, and magic, as well as the pivotal passages of his own life. Long fascinated by the culture of his native land and of "India via the Balkans and Asia Minor," as he put it, Garbarek now finds these interests suddenly in vogue. But his recording speaks volumes about the enduring beauty of ECM's label aesthetic and about the timelessness of music that is as accessible as it is idiosyncratic.

Tracks:

Three Hits
Galileo
Ghost
Joking
Jonas & Ezekial
Love Will Come To You
Romeo And Juliet
Virginia Woolf
Chickenman
Airplane
Nashville
Let It Be Me
Cedar Tree
Three Hits (Live From Eddie's Attic, Atlanta, GA)
Love Will Come To You (Live From Eddie's Attic, Atlanta, GA)

Customer Reviews:

I can be sweet and good and nice...........2007-03-11

Next to "Indigo Girls," this remains my favorite CD from Amy and Emily. From "Three Hits" to the elegiac "Cedar Tree," the emotional weight of "Rites Of Passage" seemed greater than any of their other records. As much as I liked Dire Straits' original version of "Romeo And Juliet," Amy's raw exuberance won me over to their cover for keeps.

They also kept up their social barometer. The pro-peace "Galileo" (with harmonies from Jackson Browne and David Crosby) called for nuclear disarmament during a time when protest songs weren't a particular norm. "Jonas and Ezekiel" prays for peace in the Middle East (funny how that problem remains as timely now as it did in 1992). There is also a line in "Let It Be Me" that rings out as pure folk:

"The President has no good idea
of who the masses are.
Well I'm one of them among my friends
trying to see beyond the fences
of our own backyards."

The political and personal mesh throughout "Rites Of Passage." "Ghosts" is a beautiful love song that cries for tolerance. It probably ranks among my favorite IG songs. "Chickenman" and "Airplane" also explore their Southern Roots (I could have sworn "Chickenman" was an REM song the first time I heard it).

The re-master on "Rites" is first rate as well. It brings out the definition of the acoustic instruments. "Romeo and Juliet" now explodes from the stereo. While I also have to admit, I really don't think the live cuts add anything to the CD as a whole. I will continue to recommend "Rites Of Passage" as a pinnacle in the Indigo Girls' career.

A MUST have for every collection!.......2006-08-26

Beautiful music, intelligent lyrics, what more could you ask for. I first heard this album at the tender age of 14 (I am almost 30 now) while I was working at a music store. One of my coworkers was obsessed with this album and kept playing it in the store. After awhile I realized I was singing it at home and school, and I bought myself a copy.

I love music, and own an uncountable number of CDs. But I think I can safely say THIS CD is my favorite of them all! The lyrics are intelligent and elegantly crafted, the music is moving. Galileo (with it's make you think factor) is my favorite song on the CD, with a romeo and juliet coming in 2nd for it's humor factor. Ghost can make you feel emotions stir at your very core if you have ever lost a lover. After 16 years of hearing Ghost, it can still make me cry.

This CD is great for taking in the car, especially on long drives. Do yourslef a favor and get this one.

Deathbed Music.......2006-06-23

Yup, this is the album I'd choose to listen to if I had an hour of consciousness left before dying. It's that good. And if I only had five minutes? I'd listen to "Love Will Come To You"... and happily expire.

best indigo cd .......2005-11-22

This is my favorite Indigo Girls cd because it was a mainstay during my college years and a lot of fond memories can be associated wih it. Indigo Girls have incredible talent and they work together beautifully to make some lasting songs. My favorites include Romeo and Juliet (from AC/DC's hit), Love Will Come to You, and Three Hits. Galileo is the most popular song on the CD and is very soothing. The Indigo Girls also have other great CDs such as thier single Closer to Fine, and Swamp Ophelia but this CD is the best for an introduction to their music. I hope you enjoy.

Pinnacle.......2005-03-18

"Rites of Passage" is Indigo Girls best album. It's a classic.

I need to make one point thought. Amy Ray has never needed to "catch up" with Emily Saliers as a songwriter. She wrote six of the ten songs on the famous "Indigo Girls" album including "Secure Yourself", "Kid Fears" and "Tried to be True", all classics. She also wrote "Strange Fire", "Welcome Me", & "World Falls (Nomads, Indians and Saints), all great songs. If anything, Emily needed to catch up to Amy on "Rites", not the other way around!

Average customer rating:

!!! SUPER EXCELLENT ALBUM FROM VIKINGLANG !!!

The 8th Sin
Nocturnal Rites
Manufacturer: Century Media
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000PAAI2U
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

Call out to the World
Never Again
Not the Only
Tell Me
Not Like You
Leave Me Alone
Till I Come Alive
Strong Enough
Me
Pain & Pleasure
Fools Parade

Customer Reviews:

!!! SUPER EXCELLENT ALBUM FROM VIKINGLANG !!!.......2007-06-21

SUPER EXCELLENT ALBUM !!! KILLER VOICE AND SPEED !!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO ALL !!!

Average customer rating:

A MUST have for every collection!
One of my favorite albums ever
_THE_ essential Indigo Girls album
One of the best recordings ever captured!
Every song a winner

Rites of Passage
Indigo Girls
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Swamp Ophelia
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Come on Now Social

ASIN: B000002872
Release Date: 1992-05-12

Tracks:

Three Hits
Galileo
Ghost
Joking
Jonas And Ezekial
Love Will Come To You
Romeo And Juliet
Virginia Woolf
Chickenman
Airplane
Nashville
Let It Be Me
Cedar Tree

Amazon.com

Fans of Georgia duo Indigo Girls are dedicated to this act for very specific reasons: there's the rare (bordering on brilliant) harmonies and counter melodies, the seemingly effortless acoustic guitar playing, and a host of emotionally cathartic lyrics that make the listener feel like they've been reading someone's diary. That said, the Girls reached a point around the time of this album where opening up their souls for song perhaps felt less appealing than general storytelling. Does that make the music bad? No, but it is decidedly different; 1992's Rites of Passage comes off more as a musical jam than a night alone in front of a campfire. The Roches, Jackson Browne, David Crosby, and Lisa Germano all contribute to that effect, providing a musically interesting but perhaps emotionally less challenging effort than some of the duo's earlier works. --Denise Sheppard

Customer Reviews:

A MUST have for every collection!.......2006-08-26

One of my favorite albums ever.......2005-10-10

It should be a rite of passage for every person to listen to this album from the Indigo Girls. I really love every song on this CD.

Three Hits is a nice enough start, with great lyrics and rhythms. But then we go right into Galileo which is one of my favorite songs. The harmonies are gorgeous, the melody is great, and the lyrics are just so engaging. Is there meaning for the fears we have? Why do people maintain their superstitions? How long till my soul gets it right?

But that's not enough - Ghost is incredibly poignant and is a song that got me through many rough times. You can sing along with it at the top of your lungs, knowing that the Girls knew exactly the pain you feel. Those smooth harmonies are just brilliant.

It keeps going. Joking is another pain-and-angst song, shouting back your anger and sadness at an ex. Love will Come to you has the most amazing visuals in it, me myself with my face pressed up against love's glass.

Romeo and Juliet has just the right amount of attitude in it, for a twist on the classic tale. Even the "later songs" on the CD hold their own. Chickenman is one that seems bizarre at first listen, but has the most catchy tune you've heard in a long while.

Highly highly recommended!

_THE_ essential Indigo Girls album.......2003-10-03

I just saw on Amazon's "Essential CD's" section that they didn't have "Rites of Passage" on it - that's so wrong! If you get only one CD by the Indigo Girls (that isn't "Retrospective", which gives you a smattering of songs from all their albums), get this one. It is them at their most beautiful, folky, gorgeous melodic period. (Happily, I had the privilege of seeing them perform both acoustically and plugged-in during that period.) Admittedly, "Swamp Ophelia" is a very close second, though. THe strongest tracks on "Rites" include, but are not limited to, "Ghost" and "Galileo". They're just great. Get the album - and "Swamp Ophelia" too, while you're at it.

One of the best recordings ever captured!.......2001-12-14

I am a huge music fan. I have had this CD for years, and recently popped it in for the heck of it while cleaning my house because I hadn't listened to it in a few years. How could I have forgotten? When it got to Romeo and Juliet I froze in my tracks. Never in my life have I heard a more emotional recording. It is the closest thing to perfection I have ever heard. I swear that after recording that song that they must have had to send in a janitor in to mop up Amy Ray's guts because they were all over the floor.

This CD is amazing and beautifully recorded. The lyrics blend perfectly with the music. I encourage you all to rediscover this CD, and if you don't own it, rest assured that your money will be well spent.

Every song a winner.......2001-06-28

This is my favorite Indigo Girls record. Unlike some of their other albums, every song here is a winner. While it does not quite have the energy of their debut release ("Indigo Girls") it is a more open and approachable album, both acoustically and in terms of thematic content. It has a number of beautiful songs, like "Ghost" and "Cedar Tree", yet these are performed levelly without being cloyingly sentimental or preachy. It also has some songs like "Joking" and "Jonas and Ezekiel" which really rock without being as "in your face" as some of Amy's songs from other albums (e.g. "Come On Now Social"). I can listen to this album endlessly.

Average customer rating:

The begining and the end of emo
It's hardcore, it's emotional...
A turning point album
Ground-breaking album
ah

Rites of Spring - End on End
Rites of Spring
Manufacturer: Dischord
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Damaged
My War
MIA: The Complete Anthology
Bad Brains
Zen Arcade

ASIN: B000000JNN
Release Date: 1994-09-19

Tracks:

Spring
Deeper Than Inside
For Want Of
Hain's Point
All There Is
Drink Deep
Other Way Around
Theme
By Design
Remainder
Persistent Vision
Nudes
End On End
All Though A Life
Hidden Wheel
In Silence/Words Away
Patience

Customer Reviews:

The begining and the end of emo.......2006-11-21

Some albums stand alone in their own little rock universe,nothing i know sounds like this album.
Rites of spring created the emo genre and if this is the standard by which all other emo albums are to be judged then they also ended it.For me aesthetically,musically and emotionally this is completely independent of Fugazi and even embrace.
This is music that goes beyong normal musical limits,beyond genre.Creative but not pretentious ,aggressive but not macho,honest but retaining a mysterious and transcendental quality.
This is not the self pitying college boy whining that pases for emo today,nor is it the warts and all dirty laundary on display that typifies modern america ala david springer.This is something real,honest,something that cannot be faked.Something special in a scary way.
I dont listen to this album regularly, as it will take you to a place that you wish you had never been,or if you really have been here,you would wish never to return to.

It's hardcore, it's emotional..........2006-06-18

This is a very, very, very good album. I'm a huge Fugazi fan, and Guy is one of my favourite singers. He may not have a huge technical range or anything, but for raw emotion and passion he is hard to beat in my opinion. Those interested in the starting point of the much-maligned genre of 'emo' would do well to pick this up. More basic and with more rough edges than Fugazi, it is still well-constructed and quite accessible. The band was clearly home to one or two gifted songwriters; often a straightforward hardcore structure will erupt into a very catchy chorus, or experimental dynamics (such as on the 7 minute-plus 'End On End').

My one minor complaint is that the drum sound is somewhat muted. Any Fugazi fan will know that Brendan Canty can absolutely kill it on drums. I know this was early in his career, and considering that the playing is very good, but there is something flat about the drum sound. That said, I suppose it was probably recorded on a pretty 'basic' budget. This is a minor complaint in comparison to the overall high quality for the album and should not affect your listening enjoyment unless you are listening on powerful headphones...

Although I realise I've referred to Fugazi throughout this review, really RoS should be taken as a seperate entity. Those who have listened to albums such as 'Repeater' will know what to expect vocally and lyrically from Guy however. His lyrics are poetic and certainly emotional - feelings of betrayal, anger, confusion etc are prevalent - but I would not describe them as 'sappy' or weak. There is not much musical variety but each song certainly has its distinguishing characteristics. A very, very impressive album. Way beyond what I expected it to be. Pick this up!

A turning point album.......2006-04-04

I was your typical teenage US Hardcore fan when this album first came out. Being a HUGE fan (and collector) of anything Dischord put out, I was eager to get my copy. One listen left me more confused than excited. Is this hardcore? Is this the DC sound? I kept listening. Each successive listen revealed more and more brilliance. 20 years later I still listen to this album on a regular basis. It never fails to move me.

On a side note, I am a professor at a university in Colorado and have turned a good number of my so-called emo/punk students on to this album. So far, I've got nothing but positive feedback.

Ground-breaking album.......2006-01-13

The first time I heard RoS was when I saw them play with Grey Matter at a VERY small club on Connecticut Ave (I can't recall the name of the place). At the time, I was 17 and fully immersed in the DC and NY hardcore scenes. I was into fast, raw, and violent punk, and so for me, RoS had a completely different sound than anything I had ever heard. Despite their different style, I was so intrigued by their music that I bought this CD at their show. Little did I know that it was a ground-breaking album.

20 years later, I can listen to the songs on this album and remember vividly the deep impact that some of them had on my life between 1985-86. "Drink Deep" was a song that had particular meaning to me because I listened to it a lot during a brief, but intense romance while on a European trip in June 1986. The girl broke it off near the end of the trip for fear of becoming too involved with me, and I can remember making her listen to "Drink Deep" in an desperate attempt to get her to apply the message of the song to our relationship. The message to me was live in the moment and don't let chances pass you by. Alas, she dumped me, and for the rest of the summer, I would tearfully listen to "Drink Deep" and the rest of the album when I pined for my lost love.

I was out of the punk scene by 1990, and so I really haven't payed much attention to all of the developments in the music since them. I know of "emo" because of what my son tells me and what he has played for me, but as other reviewers have written, the so-called emo bands of today are nothing compared to RoS. In fact, when I first heard emo, I thought this is ok, but it sucks compared to RoS. I also thought, I wonder if this band has listened to RoS? So you seem, for me, RoS is THE standard you can compare other emo bands to.

I plan on buying this CD for my son so he'll know where emo came from, and how it should sound.

ah.......2005-08-19

Almost twenty years after I first heard them and I still get some of these tunes in my head, so there!

Check out the soon to be re-released photo book "Banned in DC" to capture some anecdotes and pics from the DC indy music scene around that the time they were together.

Average customer rating:

Rites of Uncovering
Arbouretum
Manufacturer: Thrill Jockey
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000L421NE
Release Date: 2007-01-23

Tracks:

Signposts And Instruments
Tonight's A Jewel
Pale Rider Blues
Ghosts Of Here And There
Sleep Of Shiloam
Mohammed's Hex And Bounty
The Rise
Two Moons

Album Description

Baltimore-based Arbouretum are led by lyricist and guitarist Dave Heumann, member of Anomoanon and longtime Will Oldham collaborator. A triumphant journey through brooding loner-rock ballads and righteous acid guitar breakdowns.

Average customer rating:

Oh my god, what a great cd, can't stop playing it.
Who's Your Daddy?
Rites Of Summer!!!!!!
A review of Spyro Gyra's Rites Of Summer.
An almost good record marred by marketing desire

Rites of Summer
Spyro Gyra
Manufacturer: Grp Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

GRP | Verve Music Group | Specialty Stores | Music
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Stories Without Words
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ASIN: B0000001UP
Release Date: 1996-03-26

Tracks:

Claire's Dream
Daddy's Got A New Girl Now
Limelight
Shanghai Gumbo
Innocent Soul
No Man's Land
Yosemite
The Archer
Captain Karma

Customer Reviews:

Oh my god, what a great cd, can't stop playing it........2006-05-28

This is my 1st cd from Spyro Gyra, bought this because i kept hearing Midnight Thunder on SmoothJazz.com since early 06 and luckily they put it in their listening loft, omg this is good i thought quite diverse and love the occasional west indian infuences on it, fortunatley it came out same day in uk which is rare, only complaint is no slow ones but stillits a great cd and i throughly recommend it, but do play the samples on amazon.com or headsup.com to see if you like it, and lastly its a real grower [ more you play more you love it !] Paul London UK

Who's Your Daddy?.......2004-10-23

Who's your daddy? Well, SG will set any true fan straight with "Daddy's Got A New Girl Now (written by Jay). To me, this song, and this song alone, carries the whole album, and just on its own merits makes this a 5-star recording; had it not been for the inclusion of this wonderful song, the album, IMHO, would be about an average SG album.
I have been an SG fan and supporter from the band's inception. I have seen them live many times . And while I can say that I don't like all of their tunes, as a whole, they have made some great and lasting quality music. One thing you can count on though, is that when they make a beautiful or catchy tune, it is honest and heartfelt.
Music is so subjective, what someone else loves, I may dislike, and vice versa. But, trust me you true SG fans--"Daddy's Got A New Girl Now" is perhaps their BEST TUNE EVER! Don't believe the reviews that call this wonderful song 'canned tripe', it is anything but! Of the two known available versions, I prefer the studio album (heard here on ROS). Jay's playing on this song is absolutely wonderful and soulful. But, please listen to Oscar Cartaya's terrific bass line in this song! It is soulful and funky all at once!
So, in conclusion, SG fans should, without a doubt, own this recording, just for "Daddy's Got A New Girl Now." Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Rock on!

Rites Of Summer!!!!!!.......2004-09-08

This is by far, one of Spyro Gyra's greatest records. It's got everything you would want, expect, and love from the world's greatest band, period! Forget about The Beatles, Led Zeplin, these guys make really great music. As far as jazz goes, Spyro Gyra wins, hands down. It might take a while to convince rock fans, but Spyro Gyra is truley a magnificent group. Although this album starts off with a boring ballad, (the only clinker on the whole album), it gets better with, Daddy's Got A New Girl Now. A tune that would latet turn into a feature for guitarist, Julio Fernandez, at concerts and shows. It remenises, their earlier, Shakedown, but is a masterpiece in its own right. Shanghi Gumbo has to be the most creative and most bright song you ever heard. Dave Samuels' Limelight, is also wonderful. No Man's Land is another great track. Kaptin Karhma i a gem! This album is one of Spyro Gyra's best albums. Their most creative time period was about to come to a close; the 80's, but they ended that decade with a bang! Rites Of Summer, and Point Of View. Once Richie Morales left, the group changed its style, but they'll still always be my favorite band, hands down!!!!!!!!

A review of Spyro Gyra's Rites Of Summer........2003-06-11

Rites Of Summer is a terrifically well-done album by Spyro Gyra. It was released in 1988. They had fantastic songs back then. This cd is definetly one of their best. It would rank up in my top 5 personal favorites. It conveys very good songs and melodies that are just extraordinary.

It is a challenging decision on voting for my top 3 favorite cuts from this record, but here they are. Tracks 3,5, and 6. Limelight is a terrific piece with various good solos. Innocent Soul is a moving, mellow song with an awesome piano part. Tom put effort into this one. No Man's Land is a good song with good beat and has a superb introduction. Jeremy Wall produced a lot of good songs during the late 80's.

To condense, this cd is one of their best, undoutebly. Every track on here is great listening and good 80's Spyro Gyra. It is definetly worth it to buy it. You will have a great time listening to it, just like me. Thank you for taking the time and generosity to read my review.

An almost good record marred by marketing desire.......2002-05-22

This is the last record of their's that was worth a darn. After this album blew up, the band went way too comercial and soft around the edges, with only glimmers of past excellence (which was always a little shaky more times than not). This record is about a 50% hit, and you may find yourself struggling to figure out why they didn't keep nailing away at that wack 50% to make a classic record. They had the ability, the clout and the studio push to make it happen, but they just droped the ball here for media attention and money. When you listen to powerful, driving, edgy stuff like (#1) "Claire's Dream", (#6) "No Man's Land" and the winding, devilishly clever (#9) "Captain Karma", and then listen to horrendously canned radio tripe like (#2) "Daddy's Got a New Girl Now", (#4) "Shanghai Gumbo", you can't help but scratch your head and want to drive over to Kenny G's house and bash him with his sax for making every contemporary jazz band chase after his "Songbird" success.

Tracks:

Holy Sepulchre
The Dove
Maria
Crucifixion
Kyrie Eleyson
Holy
Resurrection
Moses
Annunciation
Alleluja

Product Description

1. Holy Sepulchre
2. The Dove
3. Maria
4. Crucifixion
5. Kyrie Eleyson
6. Holy
7. Resurrection
8. Moses
9. Annunciation
10. Alleluja

Format: CD

Amazon.com

Drawing from early Christian women's chants of the Middle East, Vox, a two-person collaboration between vocalist Fadia El-Hage and composer Vladimir Ivanoff, centers on the regal tones of El-Hage, this time interpreting ancient feminist tracts from the 4th and 5th centuries, before women were banned from liturgical singing. Many of the songs have Arabic, Jewish, and Christian roots, perfectly suited to El-Hage's Lebanese and operatically trained voice. Religions and traditions blur in this fascinating 10-track collection, fusing some familiar religious dogmas with those of early Maronitic and Melkitic faiths of the ancient Middle Eastern churches. Ivanoff's synthesized arrangements are augmented at times rather strongly by electric guitar, but it is El-Hage's intense and spiritual voice that draws the listener like a moth to a sanctified flame. --Derek Rath

Customer Reviews:

mystical beautiful voice.......2005-12-01

Especially in Crucifixion, do not know translation of the words she is singing - but there is so much emotion..to be there (lends me to think of The Passion of Christ), to feel such sadness and she sings it (if that is a correct interpretation).
For the other songs, she resembles Enya but Middle Eastern Style - which I also find wonderful to listen to.

Mmmmmmmmmmmm MAGICKAL & Enchanting..!.......2004-07-12

Ah this CD is hot. Beautiful, transcendental VOX (as in Vocals.) hehe.. great magickal musick. Keep in mind that Early-Christian was in fact quite Pagan; as Witches and such did not begin to be put to death and torture until after 1000 C.E. Anyway.. I thought this was the band VAS (with Azam Ali on vox [vocals]); the Middle Eastern style is VERY similar. If you like this, you would ADORE "Feast of Silence" by Vas.
Blessings Be,
~Raven~

The definition of ethereal.......2001-08-31

I bought this CD based only on a description of the music. I was not disappointed. Fadia el-Hage has the most amazing voice, and is probably the closest I'll ever come to hearing perfection. The music is based on ancient Syrian Christian songs, but with modern instrumentation. The effect is astounding. I'm not even into New Age music, but this is one of my favorite CDs.

Great voice!.......2001-07-21

I was not quite sure what to expect from this CD having only heard one or two cuts from a friends copy, but what little I heard got me interested enough to take the chance on Vox. I am so glad I did. The vocals on this CD are crystal clear (even though I have no idea what she is saying) and worshipful. If you like chants and clear vocals this CD will do it for you.

MONTONOUS.......2001-06-03

I listen to many c/ds everyday in my massage practice. Some c/d stand out and others do not. I thought this one was going to be one of those shining stars. I was greatly disapointed. The songs all sound the same after a while. The electric guitar on track 2 is completely out of place. I commonly skip that track altogether. I like the idea of this release and voice work is superb, but it does not hold up. I use it like a very rich dessert and listen to it once in a great while.

Average customer rating:

The definition of Musical Genius
Epistolary reflections on Costellian themes...
Beauty? Truth? You Can't Handle Either!!
Deep and moving music from Elvis Costello.
Give it a Try

The Juliet Letters

Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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For the Stars
North
Brutal Youth
All This Useless Beauty
When I Was Cruel

ASIN: B000002MI4
Release Date: 1993-01-19

Tracks:

Deliver Us
For Other Eyes
Swine
Expert Rites
Dead Letter
I Almost Had A Weakness
Why?
Who Do You Think You Are?
Taking My Life In Your Hands
This Offer Is Unrepeatable
Dear Sweet Filthy World
The Letter Home
Jacksons, Monk And Rowe
This Sad Burlesque
Romeo's Seance
I Thought I'd Write To Juliet
Last Post
The First To Leave
Damnation's Cellar
The Birds Will Still Be Singing

Amazon.com

Good on Elvis for risking the ridicule of a blinkered pop world with this unprecedented (for him, certainly, and most anyone short of Kurt Weill) and quite lovely album of bitchy, wise, and funny art songs accompanied by strings. His freshest, most evolved work in years. --Jeff Bateman

Customer Reviews:

The definition of Musical Genius.......2007-05-22

If/when this ever is reprinted you MUST purchase it. It is beautiful in ways that I can't describe. For a writer/musician who is known for writing some amazing pieces, this is his pinnacle.

You will sob. You will laugh. You will rage. You will be haunted.

From a purely musical perspective, when you listen to this CD you are in the presence of great genius.

Listen to it alone, at least at first. Listen in the dark and let the imagery flow over you like fog.

Epistolary reflections on Costellian themes..........2006-01-16

Elvis Costello (Declan MacManus) has done his fair share of collaborations in the past decade. From the Grammy-award winning project with Burt Bacharach in 1998 to 2001's subdued "For the Stars" with Anne-Sophie von Otter Costello has branched out from his rock roots in diverse directions. "The Juliet Letters" from 1993 was the first in a long line of such collaborations. Costello and the Brodsky Quartet were brought together by mutual appreciation (Costello went to Brodsky Quartet concerts while the Brodsky Quartet attended Costello concerts). And Costello's now ex-wife Cait O'Riordan provided the epistolary theme for the project. She spotted a newspaper article about a professor that responded to letters addressed to "Juliet Capulet". Costello then presented the article to the quartet for inspiration. The group of five ended up writing all of the music and words (though much of the music is credited to "MacManus"). The results fall somewhere between classical song cycles and Beatle-inspired "string rock" (a la "Yesterday" and "Eleanor Rigby"). Feelings of melancholy and anger pervade most of the songs. The strings punctuate these feelings perfectly. Fans of Costello's rock music probably won't find much to appreciate here. But the album contains many of the same classic Costello themes and vocal styles utilized in his rock.

Like a Richardson novel, letters provide the basis for the project. Failed and frustrated relationships abound. "Thank you for the flowers / I threw them on the fire / And I burned the photographs that you had enclosed / GOD they were ugly children" Costello sings venemously on the driving "I Almost Had a Weakness". After all, nothing seeps loneliness more than an unanswered love letter. But more than love gets the treatment here. Other songs include a suicide note ("Dear Sweet Filthy World"), a letter from a soldier to a stranger ("I Thought I'd Write to Juliet"), a bizarre experiment in selective exhumation ("Damnation's Cellar"), a reflection on separation ("Why?"), and a letter full of hope in the face of despair ("The Birds Will Still Be Singing"). Many songs explore the sad one-sided nature of letter writing. And no song responds to any other song. This fills the songs that deal with ineffable questions with an almost desparing isolation. But not everything is doom and gloom. "This Offer is Unrepeatable" picks up the mood with a humorously exaggerated letter from a scam artist (and it more than a little resembles the Tom Waits' classic "Step Right Up"). The final song injects some hope into the stark themes in the manner of "Old Man River": "Banish all dismay / Extinguish every sorrow / If I'm lost or I'm forgiven / The birds will still be singing". So in the end, things aren't as bad as they seem. The world goes on regardless of our ephemeral concerns. And as long as the world goes on hope exists.

This CD contains a lot of very beautiful and moving music. Two violins, a viola, a violincello, and voice provide all of the instrumentation. Costello branched out into something very different here. And not all of his fans appreciated it. Regardless, in retrospect "The Juliet Letters" pointed to the future. This year Costello will tour orchestra halls. Not only that, he also wrote a full orchestral score ("Il Sogno"). Strings appear more frequently in his recent music. And year by year he seems to embrace "classical" music more intensely. Still, he hasn't abandoned rock and pop (as "When I Was Cruel" and "The Delivery Man" testify). Though this early collaboration remains somewhat underappreciated, it nonetheless fully showcases Elvis Costello's diverse, adaptable, and broad musical scope. Costello will doubtless appear somewhere on the list of accomplished twentieth and twenty-first century musicians.

Beauty? Truth? You Can't Handle Either!!.......2006-01-06

The reason the Costello/Brodsky collaboration "Juliet Letters" is such a difficult listen is also why its the MOST SINGULARLY BRILLIANT ALBUM IN THE ENTIRE ELVIS COSTELLO DISCOGRAPHY! And this declaration is coming from a man who could write a thesis on "Armed Forces" and "Imperial Bedroom" in his sleep! The idea of setting "letters" to music has certainly been done before, but Costello sticks his neck out, both as a composer and singer in ways he'd never done before. Accompanying yourself with just a string quartet (no snarling guitars or euphonious keyboard filigrees,) is the surest way to test your mettle as a vocalist. And sure, sometimes Costello's voice isn't exactly the strongest, but like say, Billie Holliday it always seems to occur precisely when the lyric calls for it: check out "Who Do You Think You Are?" or "The Birds Will Still Be Singing" and you'll hear exactly what I mean. Even his ode to a chain letter, "This Offer Is Unrepeatable" serves up a cheeky bit of satire worthy of "Three Penny Opera." Of course, you can only experience this album sporadically - could anyone watch "Death Of A Saleman" or "Long Day's Journey Into Night" repeatedly without losing one's mind? Emotionally-wrought exercises like "Letters" take a lot out of you, even when you're merely the observer (or listener,) rather than the participant. But that's what makes the journey, however bittersweet, one worth taking.

Deep and moving music from Elvis Costello........2005-06-18

The Juliet Letters is a moving colaboration from Elvis Costello and the Brodsky String Quartet. His deep vocals are complemented by the string quartet. This album is
neither fish nor fowl (classical or pop) it's just a musical
exercise. The strings are some of my favorite compositions,
(viola, cello and violin). Elvis Costello not only got the Brodsky Quartet a bigger audience but he inspired them to
write their own music (a third of the songs are composed by the Quartet).

While it might not be everyones cup of tea, the music is brilliant and Elvis reaches octave levels I thought I would never imagine he could ever attain. Maybe sometime in the near future he'll work with them again. I applaud him for taking such a bold step in making a non-commercial album.

Highly recommended.

Give it a Try.......2004-03-03

I've been listening to a lot of Philip Glass and Steve Reich lately,and its caused me to go back to this album to give it another go.Previously I thought that it was an interesting experiment which hadn't worked out very well.Now I think that it is a good album for rockers and classical music lovers to use to stretch their ears a little.So called crossover albums are usually horrifying-does anyone else remember that album that Procol Harum did with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra? Elvis flatly denounces the concept in the liner notes.And not everything on this album works.It isn't the brilliant work that some of the other reviewers seem to think that it is.But it is a worthwhile experiment and a work that should be given a fair chance.Rockers and classical music lovers tend to be snobbish and dismissive of one another.This is a good work for them to live with for a while.When Elvis and the Brodsky's click-on "Jackson Monk and Rowe" or "Romeos Seance"-the results are as beautiful and valid as anything either of them have ever done.
Three stars because some of this simply doesn't work. But this is a work anyone who likes Elvis or the Brodsky's should have in their collection.

Average customer rating:

the lyrics on this album are awesome!
So they added a 7-string guitar... so? quit yer cryin!
As close to Power Metal perfection you'll likely ever hear..
As close to power metal perfection you'll likely ever hear
Fantastic Effort, Fantastic Results

Afterlife
Nocturnal Rites
Manufacturer: Century Media
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004WFJI
Release Date: 2000-08-29

Tracks:

Afterlife
Wake Up Dead
The Sinners Cross
Hell And Back
The Sign
The Devil's Child
Genetic Distortion Sequence
Sacrifice
Temple Of The Dead
Hellenium

Customer Reviews:

the lyrics on this album are awesome!.......2004-07-08

not your typical power metal lyrics, this is their best lyric writing right here. it's dark, edgy, and very "grim" for this style of music. i can tell that a lot of power mteal bands don't really know much about death metal or any other kind of metal by some of the reviews here. not all death metal bands talk about hating god and stuff. and just beause you got heavy guitars doesn't make you brutal or not power metal.

I would say this is maybe my personal favorite NC cd but shadowland and new world messiah are both really good too so i'm not sure. BUt the riffs on this cd are pretty good and heavy, very memorable. While not as catchy as the two cds after this one, it is still catch with shorter song structers so you won't get bored.

The production isn't very clear. I mean, it's LOUD. You don't have to turn your cd player up a thousand notches to hear it or anything but it's muffled, kinda like someone with a pillow over their face screaming at the tops of their lungs. maybe it's just that i'm used to shadowland and NWM having awesome production, i dunno. but i'm not taking any points away for it.

Their singer is that power metallish here as he is on the next two releases. I wold actually say this cd is more standard metal than power metal. but oh well, i like all metal so i don't care. I haven't heawrd their first two cds so i can't compare but compared to their one after this, it's a worth addition to your metal catolog. bye.

So they added a 7-string guitar... so? quit yer cryin!.......2001-11-26

Ok, as other's pointed out, it's a lot heavier than the previous 2 albums, and a little less lead work. But all in all it's not THAT much different. A 7 string really does make a difference in the sound, but it's about the same pace as it was before, all i really find different is the extra string and the less cheesy lyrics. It's basically the same, but i think better because of the deeper tone of the guitars. Not too much new to say here that other reviewer's haven't already said. I think some people are being silly be deciding they don't like it because of one little string. Also whoever said this was death metalish is being ignorant. Go listen to a sound clip from a Cryptosy record. THAT's death metal, this isn't even remotely related in the world of metal.

As close to Power Metal perfection you'll likely ever hear.........2001-06-20

It's very easy for power metal bands to be seen as too self-important. While their last two CD's ("Tales of Mystery and Imagination" and "The Sacred Talisman") were enjoyable, they failed to connect with the listener on a personal level. (Songs about kings with all the Dungeons and Dragons imagery usually come off sounding pompous and, well, bloated. HammerFall suffers from this affliction worse than most.) That said, power metal is in danger of becoming a parody of itself. Thankfully, Nocturnal Rites saw this and made the necessary changes. Paramount changes being new singer Johnny Linqvist, and a streamlined, more modern approach to songcraft. These changes have yielded a power metal masterpiece that actually focuses on the "power" aspect of power metal. Too many power metal bands rely on elaborate, keyboard-drenched instrumental flourishes to make their statement. However, like Lefay, Angel Dust and Hades, Nocturnal Rites prefer to pummel you with dirty sounding riffs, devastating rhythms and mature subject matter. As a metal journalist, I've heard nearly all of the new power metal releases. My conclusion? Afterlife is very possibly the best metal album of non-American descent to come along since Iron Maiden's grandest statement, the almighty "Piece Of Mind" from 1983.

As close to power metal perfection you'll likely ever hear.......2001-06-19

Yes, you read that title right. I personally can not say enough good things about these guys. While I did like "The Sacred Talisman" and "Tales Of Mystery And Imagination," those albums are TOO characteristic of power metal and lacked any real effort to try to connect with the listener on a personal level. Thus placing Nocturnal Rites in danger of becoming a parody of itself. (HammerFall suffers from this same affliction.) Thankfully, Nocturnal Rites also saw this and made the necessary changes. Those changes (New vocalist Jonny Linkvist and a leaner, more modern approach to songcraft) have resulted in a stunning album that combines the best elements all of today's truly great power metal bands (Hades, Angel Dust, Lefay) currently possess. I'm probably in the minority here, but as a metal journalist (www.harderbeat.com), I've heard damn near all of the new power metal. In this respect, Nocturnal Rites has assumed the mantle of true greatness the likes of which hasn't been seen since Iron Maiden's mighty "Piece Of Mind" opus in 1983.

Fantastic Effort, Fantastic Results.......2001-02-24

Yeah, yeah -- you could say that this is quite different from its past two albums but a band changes and matures as it is supposed to! People who believe contrary are listening to hard rock and mainstream metal which are extremely confining and run across a thin line -- they break no barriers.

This is a fantastic album! There are always omnipresent, great melodies, its never dull and with excellent production on top of it! It has been called a masterpiece and a failure in the underground metal community -- I call this a MASTERPIECE. A Buy-Or-Die purchase -- Go get it!!!

First Love, Last Rites
Average customer rating:

"Angelic"

Not Much Shudder - Not Much Interest

A must

Eclectic, Unusual -- and a must for Jeff fans

Eclectic, Unusual -- and a must for Jeff fans

First Love, Last Rites
Shudder to Think
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00000ADJG
Release Date: 1998-08-25

Tracks:

I Want Someone Badly
Erecting A Movie Star
Diamonds, Sparks & All
When I Was Born, I Was Bored
Appalachian Lullaby
Airfield Dream
Automatic Soup
Lonesome Dove
Speed Of Love
Day Ditty
The Wedding Is Over
Jelly On The Table
Just Really Wanna See You
I Want Someone Badly
Final Dream

Customer Reviews:

"Angelic".......2005-07-18

Although I'm a huge Shudder to Think fan,
the obvious star of this album is Jeff Buckley.
In my opinion, he was at his vocal best in that track.
My apologies if your a fan of "Our last goodbey" as I am.

Not Much Shudder - Not Much Interest.......2004-04-16

Except for a few tracks, this didn't hold my attention. I really enjoy Shudder to Think's edgy direction, especially Craig Wedren's vocal gymnastics. But that's missing here, and it's sorely needed.

A must.......2003-11-23

The movie wasn't much, but the soundtrack's great. It's got a bunch of really cool, unusual songs on it. It's really good at setting a mood. An absolute must for Jeff Buckley and Shudder to Think Fans. "I Want Someone Badly" is probably one of the most stunning examples of Jeff Buckley's vocal abilities. His voice was out of this world.

Eclectic, Unusual -- and a must for Jeff fans.......2001-02-28

Jeff admired this band and it's no wonder. There are brains behind this music and a sense of humor. Some of it is even very pretty to listen to. Listen with an open mind and play it a few times to see what I mean.

Eclectic, Unusual -- and a must for Jeff fans.......2001-02-28

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music