Aphrodite

Amazon.com
As a guy who puts out 12-inch jungle singles on a regular basis, Aphrodite has found himself in a rut in the three years leading up to this release. As the partycentric "jump-up" style he favors began settling into a formula, he cranked out three or four duff tracks for every dance-floor stormer he's come up with. By this point, his disdain for experimentation is beginning to seem less like a principle and more like a dodge. Nearly every track that emerges from his camp relies on the same tambourine loop and wobbly bass line--though with a different rap sample thrown in to distinguish them. So consider his stateside debut album something of a surprise. Jumbling together tracks old and new, Aphrodite has put together an absolutely convincing summary of what he does and why. From "B.M. Funkster," which blatantly samples the O'Jays's "Money," to "Summer Breeze," which roughs up the immortal Seals & Crofts pop tune, Aphrodite doesn't exactly court subtlety. This is unapologetic dance music, too committed to moving the crowd to advance the science of jungle technology. When it doesn't work it has nothing else going for it to keep your interest. But when it's on--and this record is on--the music doesn't need anything else. --Jeff Salamon

Product Description
Gavin King (Aka Aphrodite), Renowned Remixer for Such Diverse Greats As: Tribe Called Quest, Ice Cube, Luniz, Jungle Bros, Nine Inch Nails and Moby. His First Album for V2 Records; Compilation of Highlights from the Aphrodite Rec Vaults. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Tracks:

The System
Babylon
Loud, Loud, Loud
The Four Horsemen
The Lamb
The Seventh Seal
Aegian Sea
Seven Bowls
The Wakening Beast
Lament
The Marching Beast
The Battle Of The Locusts
Do It
Tribulation
The Beast
Ofis

Tracks:

Seven Trumpets
Altamont
The Wedding Of The Lamb
The Capture Of The Beast
00
Hic And Nunc
All The Seats Were Occupied
Break

Album Description

Deleted in the U.S., the landmark 1971 album by the Greek act led by Vangelis. A concept album about the Bible's Book Of Revelations, it contains all 24 tracks from the original release on Vertigo, including the near hit 'Break'. A Polygram International release. Double jewel case. The full title is '666 (The Apocalypse Of John.13/18)'.

Album Details

Unavailable in the U.s.; 1970 Release - a Progressive Jazz/Rock Fusion Concept Album Based on the Biblical Chapter of the Same Name.

Customer Reviews:

The original "Antichrist Superstar"...........2007-06-19

Before The Omen, and before Vangelis departed upon a solo career yielding electronic music for various films, there was this interesting "rock opera" conceptual production based upon the apocalyptic Judeo-Christian myth's book of Revelation, and seems to be a rather darker answer to 'Jesus Christ Superstar' so prominent at the time.

Essentially considered "progressive rock", it does contain some rather pleasing pieces setting a mood for celebration and 'sinful' vice, as well as somber orchestrations incorperating an eclectic combination of classical, rock, and even tribal mixes of instrumentation, combined with haunting narrations ranging from both the 'angelic' to the 'demonic' in countenance.

Track List:

* Disc one: 1. "System" 2. "Babylon" 3. "Loud, Loud, Loud" 4. "The Four Horsemen" 5. "The Lamb" 6. "The Seventh Seal" 7. "Aegian Sea" 8. "Seven Bowls" 9. "The Wakening Beast" 10. "Lament" 11. "The Marching Beast" 12. "The Battle Of The Locusts" 13. "Do It" 14. "Tribulation" 15. "The Beast" 16. "Ofis".

Nefarious chanting introduces the opus in 'System', preparing the mood for some morbid storyline; Appropriately, "Babylon" casts the impression of a carnal city in the midst of a celebration of the flesh in joyful rapport; "Loud, Loud, Loud" seems to admonish the humanimal towards the natural acceptance of the self, and a breaking forth of perfidious contraints from white light enslavers; 'Aegian Sea' is an instrumental in Ur sound orchestration, wherein one may visualize the vast misty shores of a glistening crest upon the ancient waters; "The Battle Of The Locusts" and "Do It" are violent guitar solos illustrating warfare; "The Beast" is rhythmically heavy with a memorable chorus, which may have your hoof tapping; The brief though amusing "Ofis" contains a humorous "shilgne" reverse speech inunciation amidst the throes of apparent 'possession'; The other intervening songs seem to link these together as segueways, preserving a smooth flow.

* Disc two: 1. "Seven Trumpets" 2. "Altamont" 3. "The Wedding of the Lamb" 4. "The Capture of the Beast" 5. "" 6. "Hic and Nunc" 7. "All the Seats Were Occupied" 8. "Break".

"Seven Trumpets" opens in carnival barker style, as a british voice welcomes the listener back to the show, as the curtain opens to... "Altamont" alludes to that infamous concert by The Rolling Stones in Northern California in which "the hunter became the hunted" {pun intended}; "Hic and Nunc" includes a choir singing "Here and Now", jaunty piano, some handclapping, and voice complimentations; "Infinity" is primarily comprised of a rather orgasmic woman in the throes of devilish ecstasy, again alluding to 'possession' - in this case, perhaps the "demon of lust", and/or Lilith; "All The Seats Were Occupied" spans near twenty minutes, incorperating many different effects therein, including bits and pieces from previous songs in the background, the return of the ringmaster, several other voices, chants, monks, to multiple shifts in harmony, and a cavalcade of instruments including scitar and sistrum; The opus concludes with "Break", a melancholy ballad utilizing piano and guitar in concert, creating a pleasant interchange.

'666' integrates the arcane with the modern, one complimenting the other in kind. Ironically, this album just may be the zietgeist which launched similar concept albums into the mass consciousness, both musically and thematically, inspiring subsequent diabolical expressions in a myriad of genres.

"DO IT."

[Another shadowy opus by Vangelis: "Heaven & Hell"]

Sahlep? Sahlep? What the heck did Sahlep have to do with it........2007-05-17

Don't know what being "recorded under the influence of Sahlep" had to do with this but about 34 years ago I came home one night in high school under an influence myself and put the headphones on so as not to disturb the folks. This was playing on WVSL, an "Underground Album Rock" station across the lake in Slidell. Wow!! Glad I couldn't get to sleep that night. What Music!!!!! You've probably never heard anything like this before anywhere but you need to hear it. I used to dig this out late at night at college parties and let it roll from "Seven Trumpets" through "Infinity" It got some interesting cross room glances and a few eye rolls for a while, but when Irene Pappas got about thirty seconds into her deal........the place got quiet and the eye contact got alternately suggestive, shocked or accommodative. By the time she was through (man was she through) it was like watching the fruition of some mating ritual on Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. (OK Animal Planet for you children out there). Let's just say this...All the seats were no longer occupied and the pairs had scooted off to their own private venues. Ah the power of suggestion. Great memories with this powerful music. Four Horsemen is one of the top ten rock songs of all time in my book. Too bad so many people never heard it. Don't let your kids listen to this with you. It's just one more thing they'd never be able to believe about you.

BAND'S HISTORY.......2006-06-01

INTRODUCTION
The story of "Aphrodite's Child" starts in Greece during the early sixties, in the time that the local music scene is quickly developing a new movement, usually referred to as beat or garage music. Many young musicians and groups emerge in search of a new sound, breaking away from tradional Greek bouzouki and taking inspiration from similar movements in Western pop-scenes.
All members of Aphrodite's Child had been playing in different local groups before moving to Paris. Most notably Vangelis Papathanassiou already formed a highly successful band during his high school years, "The Forminx" (1963 to 1966), while Demis Roussos has been part of bands such as "The Idols" and "We five".
During 1967 Vangelis and Demis form an ensemble together with Lucas Sideras (drums) and Argyris Koulouris (guitars), sometimes referred to as "The Papathanassiou Set". They record a demo with two songs, "Plastics nevermore" and "The other people". Impressed with the demo, Philips Records in Greece proposes to have the group try their luck in England...

1968
Early in 1968 Vangelis, Demis and Lucas travel from Greece to England in search for a better creative environment. Back in Greece a military regime has taken over the government, and just as many other Greek artists they decide to leave their country. Argyris Koulouris has to stay behind to fulfil his army duty. Although aiming to travel to England, Vangelis, Demis and Lucas first get in trouble as they are not allowed to enter the UK due to their work-permits, and then get stuck in Paris due to a transportation strike. By that time they decide to stay in Paris, and sign up with the Mercury record label as the band "Aphrodite's Child", with the help of Philips producer Pierre Sberro.
Their first single "Rain and tears", based on a Canon by Pachelbel and released in May 1968, immediately strikes gold and becomes a huge hit. The song plays in France during the student riots, and is an instant success in France and other countries in Europe. Due to the success of the single it is time to record their first album "End of the world". The title song of the album, released in October 1968, becomes their second single. A third single "Valley of sadness" is also shortly issued in France, but that is quickly withdrawn.

1969
To support their concerts and appearances in Italy, in January the band releases the songs "Lontano dagli occhi" and "Quando l'amore diventa poesia" as a single. Both songs are sung in Italian and recorded on occasion of the Italian San Remo music festival.
Back in Paris Vangelis prepares the release of another single, "I want to live", an arrangement of the song "Plaisir' d'amour". The release of the single in June is another big success in Europe, especially in France and Holland.
The success of the album "End of the world" calls for the release of another, so Vangelis, Demis and Lucas go back into the studio. What did not seem possible a year before now finally happens, the three Greeks, still astonished with their sudden success travel to London to record their next album "It's five o'clock" in the Trident Studios.
The first single from this album "Let me love, let me live", released in October 1969 rises to a number one position in the French charts, but it is the B-side "Marie Jolie" that is most popular in the rest of Europe. The title track "It's five o'clock" quickly follows the same path, released in December 1969 it does well in the charts of many European countries.
Shortly after the release of the album the band starts touring in Spain and Italy, but this time without Vangelis who prefers to stay in the studio. To replace Vangelis on keyboards fellow Greek Harris Chalkitis enforces the band on stage. In the meantime Vangelis works on his very first solo project, the score to the Henry Chapier film "Sex Power".

1970
While the band is touring to promote their latest album, Vangelis firmly sets himself in the studio in Paris. He uses his time among others to prepare for the bands next album, a concept album of which the recording will start later that year. In the meantime he finds himself composing the theme to that years "Rose d'or" festival, a theme performed by the orchestra of Raymond Lefevre. Also Vangelis produced a single for French single Paul Labbey, and around this time he probably also composed a song for fellow Greek artist Tassos Papastamatis.
Before the group would go back into the studio to record their third album, the record company insists on another single release, which becomes "Spring, summer, winter and fall". Released in August the epic song quickly becomes another big hit in Europe. Then the recording of the final Aphrodite's Child album can finally begin....

1971
By the time Vangelis, Demis and Lucas start working on the their third album (666) Argyris Koulouris joins the band after fulfilling his army duty in Greece. The conceptual album "666" is based on a part of the New Testament, The Apocalypse of St. John and is conceived by Vangelis and Costas Ferris. The entire album takes more than a year to record and complete, and when it was finally ready for release, the band has already split up and each member working on solo albums.
Demis records his first solo single "We shall dance" (with Lucas on drums), and releases his first solo album "On the Greek side of my mind". Lucas also started working on his first solo album, which he released the next year titled "One day".
Vangelis in the meantime records the score for "L'apocalypse des animaux", his first collaborative work with the French director Frédéric Rossif. He also releases a single with his girlfriend Vilma Ladopoulou, performing with Arghyris Koulouris using the pseudonym "Alpha Beta".
Production problems for "666" are numerous, as the band members were not on very good terms during the recording sessions. Then Mercury, the band's record label starts objecting to the specific content of the album, and although Vangelis refuses to remove offending tracks (such as 'oo' Infinity) the album is brought back to the released issue of 80 minutes.

1972
One single makes it off the album, "Break/Babylon" is released in November, but that can not turn the album into a commercial success at the time. Today however the experimental "666" has received widespread acknowledgement and is regarded as a classic work and milestone in progressive rock!

ABSOLUTELY PERFECT !!!.......2006-05-19

Aphrodite's Child was a Greek rock band formed in 1968 by vocalist Demis Roussos, multi-instrumentalist Vangelis Papathanassiou, drummer Lukas Sideras and guitarist Argyris "Silver" Koulouris.

The band's first two albums, "End of the World" and "It's Five O'Clock", combined a very '60s Euro-pop sounding with Greek folk music elements. The former album featured the song "Rain and Tears", a reworking of Pachelbel's Canon in D major. The song was a minor hit in the United Kingdom, but did far better in France, where the band was based, as well as the rest of Europe. Other European hits included "Marie Jolie", "I Want to Live", and "Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall" from 1969 and 1970 respectively.

666
Vangelis started working on this album in 1970, because the contract with Mercury demanded a third album. The record company had doubts about the concept, which was very progressive, so they asked for a new single first. After "Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall" had been released the group started to record 666, joined by Silver Koulouris who's initial participation in Aphrodite's Child couldn't be because he had had to fulfill his duties in the Greek Army.
There was quite a bit of controversy surrounding the album at the time of its release. This led to boycotts on certain radio stations. One of the reasons for this, was a remark on the album's sleeve stating that the album was recorded under the influence of "Sahlep", which was interpreted as being either a drug or a demon. It actually is an unalcoholic beverage which includes Sahlep powder (a spice) as ingredient. Another reason was the song "Infinity" which has Irene Papas making certain noises one would normal not allow to leave the bedroom.
The blood-red cover with the number of the Beast prominently displayed in black and white was striking, and brought immediate accusations of occultism from various quarters. Any suspicions of occultism could be dispersed by simply reading the lyrics, which were faithfully based on the "John's Book of Revelations".
The music itself was an impressive display of Vangelis' abilities, combining psychedelic and progressive rock with ethnic instruments, choral chanting, recitations, and a very advanced use of synthesizers and keyboards for the time.
Today the experimental "666" has received widespread acknowledgement and is regarded as a classic work and milestone in progressive rock!
One more thing: Koulouris' guitar playing is BRILLIANT, ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT !!!

PS 1

The concept of the album is about the most complex and controversial Book of the Bible, "Saint John's Book of Revelations" also known as "The Apocalypse"; it's important to notice that 666 is considered the first properly concept album.

When 666 was recorded the problems inside the band were leading to the inevitable split, mostly because Roussos and Sideras wanted to continue doing commercial music as in their previous albums and Vangelis was decided to take a more complex path, so 666 was really their last attempt to maintain the classic formation of the band allowing Vangelis to compose a real progressive and complex album, but it was too late for the band, and 666 was their last album, an excellent way to close the short story of APHRODITE'S CHILD.

It's hard to describe the music because there's no other band with a similar sound or style; the Greek influence is also different than the usual (don't expect something catchy or folksy as Zorba the Greek).

PS 2

My favourite tracks are:
-Babylon
-The Four Horsemen
-Aegian Sea
-The Battle of the Locusts / Do it
-The Beast
-Altamont
-The Wedding of the Lamb
-Hic and Nunc
-All the seats were occupied
-Break

Incredible Greek prog/psych/space rock from Vangelis Papthanassiou (aka Vangelis).......2006-05-13

My first exposure to the music on this 1971 release was through the Supernatural Fairy Tales prog rock box set put out by Rhino in 1996. After having listened to this incredible double CD set in its entirety, I am not sure why the Rhino folks picked The System/Babylon to represent this album. There are much better pieces on the album in my opinion - The Four Horsemen for example or maybe Aegian Sea.

The core musicians on this album include Vangelis (organ, piano, flute, percussion, vibes, and backing vocals), Demis Roussos (bass, vocals); Lucas Sideras (drums, vocals); and Silver Kouloris (guitars and percussion). There is a host of supporting musicians too, including Harris Halkitis (bass, tenor sax, conga drums, and vocals); Michele Ripoche (trombone, tenor sax); John Forst (narration); Yannis Tsarouchis (Greek Text); and Irene Pappas (vocal on Infinity).

The musical styles used on this album include a little prog rock and a ton of psychedelic rock, although there are some excellent spacey passages too. The 24 tracks are spread across 2 CDs and more or less flow together as one large song-cycle suite. The music covers a broad spectrum of emotions and dynamic ranges and include full blown rave-ups along with very dreamy passages. Although I enjoy all of the music on the 2 CDs, my favorite tracks include Aegian Sea (this haunting and spacey piece is simply incredible), The Four Horseman, and the mega 19'19" jam All the Seats were Occupied. Of all the pieces on the album, the track Infinity is very different and some may find that it makes for difficult listening - Irene Pappas seems to favor an avant-garde approach when it comes to using her voice. Overall, the music is absolutely incredible however.

With regard to the lyrics, they are alternately apocalyptic and flower power and reach a peak on the great track Altamont. Although I may be way off base here (I am a Biologist not an English major) I believe that the author of this piece is viewing the horrific tragedy that unfolded at the Rolling Stones concert held at the Altamont Speedway (1969) from the lofty heights of "the high Mountain" (having actually achieved spiritual enlightenment). Based on what I have read, many people view the Altamont tragedy as the spiritual end of the 1960s. The imagery used in Altamont is simply incredible and includes a lamb with seven eyes, a beast with seven horns, and seven bowls filled with anger. Although I was only four years old (and completely oblivious), 1971 must have been a pretty frightening time.

All in all, this is a simply incredible album that pushes the boundaries of rock to the breaking point. Highly recommended to all fans of psychedelic rock with touches of prog.

Average customer rating:

King of beats and improv
Surprisingly good, gets annoying at the end
fine craft
The funkiest Drum & Bass I have ever heard !
love those funky beats

Aphrodite
Aphrodite
Manufacturer: Gee Street (Bmg)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000020610
Release Date: 1999-10-26

Tracks:

Interlude
Cross Channel
Spice (Even Spicier)
B.M. Funkster
Interlude
Rincing Quince (Slider Mix)
Style From The Dark Side '99
Interlude
Cool Flight
Stalker
King Of The Beats
Listen To The Rhythm
Music's Hypnotising (Re-Charged)
Woman That Rolls
Summer Breeze

Amazon.com

As a guy who puts out 12-inch jungle singles on a regular basis, Aphrodite has found himself in a rut in the three years leading up to this release. As the partycentric "jump-up" style he favors began settling into a formula, he cranked out three or four duff tracks for every dance-floor stormer he's come up with. By this point, his disdain for experimentation is beginning to seem less like a principle and more like a dodge. Nearly every track that emerges from his camp relies on the same tambourine loop and wobbly bass line--though with a different rap sample thrown in to distinguish them. So consider his stateside debut album something of a surprise. Jumbling together tracks old and new, Aphrodite has put together an absolutely convincing summary of what he does and why. From "B.M. Funkster," which blatantly samples the O'Jays's "Money," to "Summer Breeze," which roughs up the immortal Seals & Crofts pop tune, Aphrodite doesn't exactly court subtlety. This is unapologetic dance music, too committed to moving the crowd to advance the science of jungle technology. When it doesn't work it has nothing else going for it to keep your interest. But when it's on--and this record is on--the music doesn't need anything else. --Jeff Salamon

Album Details

Gavin King (Aka Aphrodite), Renowned Remixer for Such Diverse Greats As: Tribe Called Quest, Ice Cube, Luniz, Jungle Bros, Nine Inch Nails and Moby. His First Album for V2 Records; Compilation of Highlights from the Aphrodite Rec Vaults.

Customer Reviews:

King of beats and improv.......2003-12-30

Highlights:
The first track I really like on this album is the first track on the album, which is one of three interludes, also known as "Tower Tronic". It is a very relaxing instrumental, and it captures the spirit of Enya in a drum and bass rhythm. It makes for an interesting introduction, and it is probably my favorite track on the album.

The second track I really like is called Spice. it doesn't have very many lyrics, but I like the few it does have. I like the repeated and sporadic whispering of the word "spice". This track is my favorite track that isn't an interlude. It has a magical sort of quality to it.

The last favorite of mine is called Woman That Rolls. It has a very good beat, and it is hella catchy. I like the sound clip that he mixes in the song where he says "I need a woman that rolls with my arrangement".

What first time listeners might think/experience:
Most people have never heard or even heard of drums and bass/jungle. What it is is techno sounds with the sounds of a drum kit and a heavy beat, with a lot of emphasis placed on the beat. Instrumentation is more important than lyrics are in the genre. The songs are usually either completely instrumental or there isn't much to the lyrics, which often are something that is repeated and remixed into the song over and over, often in different ways.

An unexperienced listener would probably say that this guy stuck a bunch of musical tracks in some sort of imaginary sound blender, put the lid on, turned on the blender, and then, suddenly, ripped the cover off.. The resulting sound would be an Aphrodite track. Yes, that is what it sounds like on the surface... Everything seems sporadic, varying, unplanned.. but you may realize that it sounds professional.. it sounds alright.. It doesn't sound like a total piece of S#!T.. at all.. It is beautiful and great.. It's because he knows what he is doing..

For experienced listeners:
Simply to say, this guy is the master of improvisation. He knows all the rules.. he follows them.. yet, to your ears, it sounds like he's breaking rules, because there is so much going on. I've noticed one important feature. AT LEAST ONE beat/melody at a given remains constant. It may be hard to notice at times, but it is always true. The reason it is so hard to notice is because there are up to around 5 other tracks being played that are varying at a given time... What is weird and special about Aphrodite is that even in the variations there is much consistency.. if you listen closely enough you can tell that there was a lot of planning, practice, and preparation involved in this guy's work. I given Gavin a lot of credit because he knows his improv.. he obviously had musical training and education... Not only that, but he makes something so consistent seem so varying.. so inconsistent... he's really good at fooling people's ears.. especially someone who doesn't listen closely.

That's about all. Happy listening.

Surprisingly good, gets annoying at the end.......2003-07-22

Not being the biggest d&b fan, I was completely suprised to be enthralled by this album at the outset. What a groove, great bass track, never boring, seldom repetitious. Until the end of the album, where it seemed to fall a little short (otherwise, 5 stars). A worthy purchase nonetheless.

fine craft.......2002-05-03

Finally, somebody told a story. That is all i have to say.

The funkiest Drum & Bass I have ever heard !.......2001-10-03

I am usally only into Breaks and some Trance but this CD is different from any other D&B mix I have ever heard. It is funky as hell and rocks the house. You do not have to be a fan of this genre to enjoy this CD. It is unique and very good.
If you have two ears and and an understanding for good electronic music you will enjoy this one.

love those funky beats.......2001-09-06

Aphrodite is a master of funky jungle, and this disk is nonstop.

Prior to owning it, I'd heard only "Woman That Rolls", and I hafta say, the quality level is consistent to that standard. This disc just blows me away every time I hear it.

Urban Junglist
Average customer rating:

flawlessly mixed, brilliant track selection

Good- Not His best

Awesome album!

A Must!!

Good Mix CD

Urban Junglist
Aphrodite
Manufacturer: Spun
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00008OLY6
Release Date: 2003-04-29

Tracks:

You Got Me Burning - Peshay
Slice of Pie
Your Love - DJ Phantasy
Flava for Rava
Global Love - High Contrast
Barcelona
Whatever's Clever [Aphrodite Remix] - Beverley Knight
How It Is!!! - DJ Phantasy
Slate
Twilight
Double Trouble
Telling Me - Illfingas & Slide
Crater
Go [Mulder Mix]
Rip Up
Original Nuttah - Shy FX
Arsonist 2000 Aphro Dub Mix - Urban Shakedown
Down Boy [Aphrodite Remix]
Breathe It [Aphrodite Remix] - Frou Frou
Say Goodbye - Potential Bad Boy

Album Description

Urban junglist runs the gamut with massive tunes from Peshay and High Contrast, Beverley Knight, Frou Frou and more. 20 tracks. Spun-Records. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

flawlessly mixed, brilliant track selection.......2007-04-28

I got this mix back in 2003...its still bloody top notch. The track selection and sequence is a brilliant concoction of MC vocal tracks, smooth R&B vocals, old school classic cuts and bang-on contemporary choons. The track i fancy most is "Flava For Rava"...

Good- Not His best.......2006-07-27

Some good tracks, I'm partial to #4 with Skibadee. I still say that Takeover Bid is his best. If you're new to jungle, or you have heard parts of this cd, Check out that cd instead. The difference between that old blue cd and this one is continuity. That cd flows brilliantly from one track to the next without one dull moment, whereas in this cd the tracks seem more isolated and, in my opinion, has some subpar choices. But if you you already have that other one and can get this for only a few bucks, go for it.

Awesome album!.......2005-04-27

This is one of my favorite cds- If you like jungle/DnB, you need to have it! Flava for Rava & Whatever's Clever are my favorite songs, but all are great to listen to. This is a definite must have!

A Must!!.......2004-08-15

This is one of my favorite cd's- if you are reading this right now and like dnb, buy it!

Good Mix CD.......2004-06-18

(First off. I have had the album for a while, but I just wanted to leave some advice to those who haven't.)

I felt this was a good mix effort by Aphrodite - who is called the king of jumpup drum and bass.

Even though he is a great producer of orginal music, this is a good, fast-paced album.
The placement of the songs on the album also flows very naturally, something that doesn't always happen on a mix album.

My favorite track has to be:
"Flava for Rava" with 3 MC's on it - MC Shabba, MC Fearless, and MC Det. It is a worldwind of rhymes.
Also has the classic old school jungle track "Orginal Nuttah" by Shy FX and UK Apache. (A must listen, if you haven't before.)

Overall, I would say -- this album is a good buy if you are into the genre of drum and bass.

Aftershock
Average customer rating:

The CD is great.....

Gggreat

played out

Sellout? lol

Not bad, just not my favorite.

Aftershock
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Manufacturer: V2
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000069KH1
Release Date: 2002-07-09

Tracks:

In Flight Introduction
Heat Haze
Put A Cut On It (feat. Rah Digga)
Interlude
All Over Me (feat. Barrington Levy)
Calcutta
Wobble (Stumped Up mix)
Interlude
Ganja Man (feat. Deadly Hunta)
Off Limits (feat. Big Daddy Kane)
Hoochie (feat. Schoolly D)
Interlude
Be With Me (feat. Miss Bunty)
Karma Sutra (Slinky mix)
Fanfare (Bomber mix)
Interlude
Chinois
See thru It (feat. Wildflower)

Customer Reviews:

The CD is great............2005-09-22

I don't know what that DJ is complaing about this CD being mediocre. Just because you can't spin some of this music in the clubs it doesn't render Aphrodite mediocre. I personally enjoy this
cd: Off limits, See thru, Hoochie, and so on. You may come to this some of these tracks a bit hard to spin for a wider audience (dj's perspective) but you'll enjoy the beats (dancer's perspective).

Gggreat.......2004-06-13

I must say that this album has totally blown me off... To my opinion it's one of Aphrodites best, if not THE best.
I'm no newby in DnB, so take my word and get this album... I've played it to a lot of my friends, and they all really loved it.
My favourite track is probably Ganja Man, but they all trully do kick ass.

played out.......2004-03-04

i bought this cd 2 years ago and have listened to it maybe three or four times. its appallingly obvious that aphrodite is using outdated equipment to produce his music and this cd comes across sounding like all his other stuff. he even bragged in remix magazine about using the same equipment that hes been using for years to patch this stupid cd together. he needs to evolve or just give up producing alltogether. here it is 2 years after the cd has been released and jump-up has not made a come-back. its over people. drum and bass is not for candy-ravers and fairy lovers. just because d&b is moving away from dark and heavy tech-step to more melodic and danceable tunes doesn't mean its prime time for a genre that died 5 years ago.
skip this for true colors by high contrast or resonance by reid speed if your looking for innoffensive drum & bass.

Sellout? lol.......2003-11-18

First of all, whoever says this guy's a sellout needs to stop munchin' so much candy and get a musical education. If more DJ's were like Aphro, Dance music would have a much larger crowd.

This is a great mix. I've had it for a while, and continually enjoy it. Yes, there's some hip hop in there, but it works well.

A good investment, but honestly, now that I picked up his 2003 release "Urban Junglist", I like the new Aphro better. Less sci-fi flash, more meaty D'n'B.

Not bad, just not my favorite........2003-10-14

Aphrodite never sold out, in fact, he helped pioneer the sound which has come to be what defines west-coast D'n'B for alot of people, and alot of people like it (including me). While this has certainly made him very successful as an artist and dj, it doesn't equate to him being a sell-out. He used to be a sell-out until now with a new, radio-friendly sound? That's one confused kid.
Aphrodite's style on this disc is a more aggressive hip-hop influnced one than on his older stuff that I own, most notably The Takeover Bid - Round One and his eponemous release. Both of those have what I'd call a rave-ier sound than this one, more electronic and upbeat (not to be confused with up-tempo). Personally I liked those works better than this one, especially at the time when they were released.
This time, we get alot more hip-hop. I like hip-hop, especially older stuff and underground, but that doesn't mean that I like my D'n'B saturated with it. I agree with the other reviewers here that all of the colaborations are pretty cool, but I don't feel that Aphrodite necessarily "needs" it, as he's capable of doing great work on his own. I can't help but feel that hip-hop is taken for granted these days as an automatic way to gain street cred. Great if you're a true hip-hop artist ~ maybe questionable if you're not. As far as Aphrodite, I'll leave that up to the listener to decide for themself where he falls. And while I would certainly agree that this a darker sound for Aphrodite, I think that buying this disc expecting dark side would be disappointing; it certainly gets alot darker than this.
Overall, this disc isn't bad. If you're a fan of his earlier stuff but aren't a big fan of hip-hop, you may want to pass on this one. Otherwise, you might really like it (and should check out Pish Posh for more good state side jump-up d'n'b).

Average customer rating:

You would never expect this.
Vangelis: Rock Superstar
amazing

Singles
Aphrodite's Child
Manufacturer: Br Music Holland
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

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666
Best of Aphrodite's Child
Second Album
Tangerine Dream
Definitive Collection

ASIN: B00009PJN4
Release Date: 2003-05-26

Tracks:

Rain and Tears
Don't Try to Catch a River
Plastics Nevermore
Other People
End of the World
You Always Stand in My Way
Valley of Sadness
Mister Thomas
Grass Is No Green
Shepherd and the Moon
Day of the Fool
Quando l'Amore Diventa Poesia
Lontano Dagli Occhi
I Want to Live
Magic Mirror
Let Me Love, Let Me Live
Marie Jolie
It's Five O'Clock
Funky Mary

Tracks:

Wake Up
Take Your Time
Annabella
Good Time So Fine
Such a Funny Night
Spring Summer Winter and Fall
Air
Break
Babylon
Four Horsemen
Lamb
Seventh Seal
Aegian Sea
Lament
Marching Beast
Hic et Nunc (Here and Now)
End of the World [Live][*]
Lontano Dagli Occhi [Live][*]
Pathenon [*]

Album Description

Double disc collection of singles and more from BR Music for the Greek prog-rock trio which spawned the solo artists Vangelis & Demis Roussos. 38 tracks & a full-color glossy booklet with track by track credits. Standard double jewel case. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

You would never expect this........2006-03-26

The first thing which one should take into account while talking about Aphrodite's Child is that it was a bizarre band. And highly unique, not possible to briefly describe.
This band is so interesting paradox, that I don't even care that much for the quality of their music, although for me it is good. I take their whole output and listen to it together, including crappy, mild pop, like "Marie Jolie"
The lineup consists keyman Vangelis. And he is also the main composer. But you can hardly recognise it is Vangelis! He is messing up, joking and experimenting with production all the time. And he tries to play pop, psychedelic rock and blends it with folk music. Also, there are attemts to do funky ("Funky Mary") or country ("Take your time"). Gosh!
There's also Demis Roussos here. And he's not only a vocal, but he also plays bass! Additionally, he once tries to shout like true rockman ("You always stand on my way"). Does he succed? Well, at least it sounds funny :)
The band is unbalanced. Vangelis rules all the melody (the great guitarist had problem with army, he joins the band very late ). They try to do some pleasant pop for charts, but they completly fail. Vangelis arragements are sweet, but a bit too eccentrict for pop. Roussos can't fit to the metrum with his screaming voice. But you can get used to it.
All in all, it is immature, sometimes almost unlistenable, eclectic pop with some rock/psychedelic/meditarrean influences. And if you know Roussos or Vangelis, it can really suprise you. Positively or negatively. Who cares :)

Vangelis: Rock Superstar.......2005-10-25

I'm not terribly interested in rock, much less 60's era, but, being a fanatic of the music of Vangelis, I decided to give Aphrodite's Child a try. In short, the music absolutely blows me away. The melodies are pure Vangelis brilliance, 100 percent. It also didn't hurt to have one of the most gifted vocalists in the history of rock, Demis Roussos. His singing is so passionate and moving that some will call it overwrought, but for those who love Vangelis' music, that's what it's all about. Standout songs include Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall, Marie Jolie, Such a Funny Night, and my personal favorites Lontano dagli Occhi, and It's Five O'Clock. My discovery of Aphrodite's Child only further reinforces my belief that Vangelis is the world's greatest living composer. This group is truly one of the greatest rock bands no one has heard of.

amazing.......2005-05-15

This is one of the best "blind" CD purchases I've ever made. I had never heard a single song by Aphrodite's Child but figured that since I'm a huge admirer of Vangelis (he wrote most of the music for AC) and Greek music in general that I'd give it a try. Wow...I'm shocked at how wonderful this compilation is. Not just a few hit tracks with filler but almost every song is catchy and memorable. Highly recommended for lovers of prog-rock, 60's/70's, psychedelic rock and Vangelis!

Average customer rating:

Aphrodite Rose's Wild Mountain Times

Aphrodite Rose
Greg Keelor
Manufacturer: Wea International
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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Light That Guides You Home
Seven Songs for Jim
In Concert, Vol. 1
Live at Massey Hall (CD/DVD)

ASIN: B000IHYB9Q
Release Date: 2006-10-17

Tracks:

No Man's Land
Steal Your Mind
Dragonfly
Prisoner
Colour and Rhyme
Miss You
Alaska
Glory Oh
Aphrodite Rose
High Meadow
If You Go
In the Reflections

Customer Reviews:

Aphrodite Rose's Wild Mountain Times.......2007-06-18

By far the best record of Greg Keelor's solo career outside of Blue Rodeo, Aphrodite Rose takes a trip back to the heady days of the mid-1960's when one could hear the jangling guitars and soaring harmonies of The Byrds, the country rock of The Buffalo Springfield, blues, psychedelia and garage rock, sometimes all brewed up into one song on the radio. Departing from the more laid back country rock of Blue Rodeo, Keelor probes the darker recesses of the mind, the oil rich wilderness of Alaska, lost love and free spirited hippie earth ladies in 12 melodic and daring tunes. With both melodic and lyrical echoes of The Byrds' "Wild Mountain Thyme", Keelor sets the stage with the opener, "No Man's Land", initially a dismal observation on the current insane state of the world filtered through television that is tempered by the affirmative resolve to "go together hand in hand...through the no man's land." Along the journey, one witnesses not only political deceit, military madness, and ecological destruction but also scenes of idyllic and pastoral peace and tranquility ("High Meadow") rendered transcendent by Sarah McLachlan's ethereal vocals. Overriding all of the physical and mental wasteland is the need to be set free. Musically, Keelor does cut loose with help from Travis Good and Mike Belitsky of The Sadies, who rev things up with their unique brand of cow-punk and 60's psychedelic, surf and garage rock. The dramatic tempo changes in "Prisoner" are a tad awkward and choppy but the song works on a visceral level showing that Keelor is willing to take musical risks by venturing into edgy hard blues rock. "Glory Oh" comes closest to replicating the classic Blue Rodeo country rock sound, while "Alaska" shows Keelor paying musical homage to Canadian folk legend, Gordon Lightfoot. Several nice instrumental interludes round out the album with piano fills by Blue Rodeo's Bob Packwood. I was lucky enough to have seen Keelor perform many of these songs live at the CD release party last November in Toronto. What makes this album ultimately his best is that Keelor has finally found a way to convey his mystical, romantic and poltical ruminations with a more melodic and harder rocking approach than his previous muted and sparse solo efforts. Aphrodite Rose is a very tuneful record by this gifted Canadian rocker that is well worth checking out.

Average customer rating:

loved it
What the heck???
RIP STEVIE HYPER D

Overdrive
Aphrodite
Manufacturer: Feed Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Drum & Bass | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
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Urban Junglist
Aftershock
Egil Music Presents: Urban Jungle
At Close Range: Mix CD
From Here to There

ASIN: B0009VI5QQ
Release Date: 2005-08-23

Tracks:

Top Buzz Living In Darkness (Phantasy & Shodan 2004 Remix)
Accidental Heroes Precinct 13
Aphrodite Stalker (Benny Page Remix)
Rascal & Klone Europa
Stevie Hyper Cant Stop (Aphrodite Remix)
The Force Invasion
Special K Growler
Aphrodite Move n Rhythm
Distorted Minds We Cant Stop
Distorted Minds Ruff Neck Style
S.M.O.K.E. Cyclops
Aphrodite & Beverley Knight Sometimes (Original Vocal Mix)
Aphrodite Beefcake
Benny Page Neck Breaker
Aphrodite Boomtime
Dope Ammo (Drunken Masters) Roots & Culture
Afrika Bambaataa Soul Makossa (Aphrodite Remix)
Sketch & Code Featuring Kim Nile Evolution
Aphrodite London Massive (Raw Dub Mix)
Aphrodite & Mickey Finn Bad Ass (Special K & Mickey Finn Remix)
NG3 Holler (Aphrodite Dub Remix)

Product Description

1. Top Buzz- Living In Darkness (Phantasy & Shodan 2004 Remix)
2. Accidental Heroes- Precinct 13
3. Aphrodite- Stalker (Benny Page Remix)
4. Rascal & Klone- Europa
5. Stevie Hyper- Can’t Stop (Aphrodite Remix)
6. The Force- Ivasion
7. Special K- Growler
8. Aphrodite- Move ‘N’ Rahythm
9. Distorted Minds- Ruff Neck Style
10. S.M.O.K.E- Cyclops
11. Aphrodite & Beverley Knight- Sometimes (Original Vocal Mix)
12. Aphrodite- Beefcake
13. Benny Page- Boomtime
14. Dope Ammo (Drunke Masters- Roots & Culture
15. Africa Bambaataa- Soul Makossa (Aphrodite Remix)
16. Sketch & Code Featuring Kim Nile –Evolution
17. Aphrodite- London Massive (Raw Dub Mix)
18. Aphrodite & Mickey Finn- Bad Ass (Special K & Mickey Finn Remix)
19. NG3- Holler (Aphrodite Dub Remix)

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

loved it.......2006-05-13

I think "Kranzor" has done TOO many drugs to realize you shouldn't need that to listen to EDM....... Sounds like it has taken over your personality....... It takes someone smart and strong to be able to over-come the bad aspects of the rave scene. OH, AND BY THE WAY, go tell the doctors and business owners in the scene that they don't have real jobs. They'll probably laugh at you, waving their $100,000 in your face. (this last paragraph is just for "Kranzor" - hope no one takes offense to it) I've been around far too many jaded losers to agree with their crapping on my beloved scene...

ANYWAY, I loved this CD. Aphrodite is one of my favorite Dj's, track #8 is hot, hot, hot!!!!!! This CD is more of a dirty drum and bass rather than funky, or hip hoppish...

I have "Move n' Rhythm" playing on a website of mine, I always get questions from random people asking who is playing. I always recommend this CD to them!!

What the heck???.......2006-03-06

First off I was searching on Amazon out of boredom and was knocked off my seat when I saw that Aphrodite is still making cd's. I was into the whole rave scene back when it was still cool in the mid to late 90's. What in the hell is going on here? Does anyone really still listen to this crap anymore? If you can honestly tell me that you can sit down and enjoy this cd while not being high on X or 'cid then I can honestly tell you that you're a filthy liar. By the way, your future children just called and they want you to grow up and stop wearing 44 inch wide pants and get a real job. Oh yeah, and put down that glow stick while you're at it too.

RIP STEVIE HYPER D.......2005-12-20

Same ol Aphrodite. Its HOT! Grab it! My favorite song Track 5 - Stevie Hyper D - Can't Stop. Hands down best track! RIP Stevie Hyper D

Hope's Journey: The Music of Michael Conway Baker

Average customer rating:

This music is beatiful.

Hope's Journey: The Music of Michael Conway Baker

Manufacturer: Summit(Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Michael Conway Baker: Washington Square (Original Ballet Score)
Music of Michael Conway Baker

ASIN: B0000038KK
Release Date: 1995-07-18

Tracks:

Summit Con, Op.105: Largo; Alla Marcia - Dick Hickman
Summit Con, Op.105: Cantilena - Dick Hickman
Summit Con, Op.105: Allegro - Dick Hickman
The Flight Of Aphrodite, Op.99 - Michael Davis
Through The Lions' Gate, Op.83: The Rain - The Sinf Of London/Bruce Rodney Dunn
Through The Lions' Gate, Op.83: The City - The Sinf Of London/Bruce Rodney Dunn
Through The Lions' Gate, Op.83: The Mountains - The Sinf Of London/Bruce Rodney Dunn

Customer Reviews:

This music is beatiful........1999-12-17

I'm a 18 years old trumpetstudent, and I love the trumpetconcerto. It's (what I think) the most beutiful music ever been written. The concert is ordered by David Hickman, who also are the performer. He has a very nice and warm sound in his trumpet. The other pieces on this CD are also very beatiful, so if you like nice, warm, beatiful and relaxing music, buy this CD!

Average customer rating:

sweet memories? dreck!!!!!!
Wonderful single hits. But it misses a major one

Best of Aphrodite's Child
Aphrodite's Child
Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
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Singles
666

ASIN: B000006SHY
Release Date: 1994-04-04

Tracks:

Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall
Such a Funny Night
I Want to Live
You Always Stand in My Way
Rain and Tears
Let Me Love, Let Me Live
Don't Try to Catch a River
It's Five O'Clock
Wake Up
End of the World

Album Description

German compilation from Greek progressive rock band of the late '60s and early '70s which included Vangelis & Lucas Sideras. 10 tracks including 'Spring, Summer, Winter & Fall' & 'Such A Funny Night'. Standard jewel case.

Customer Reviews:

sweet memories? dreck!!!!!!.......2003-08-05

what is this? sweet memories with the sappy love songs like rain and tears? where are the powerful legendary heavy bands such as Deep purple, led zeppelin, lynyrd skynyrd or the CREAM? Aphrodite S child did not belong to the classic rock bands.

Wonderful single hits. But it misses a major one.......1999-02-09

Everyone have heard the sweet songs like Rain And Tears, I Want To Live, Spring Summer Winter And Fall. This CD gethers a few pieces of wonder. And those who are familiar with the Band, will miss the sweet Marie Jolie, witch bring us back nice moments from early teenage. In most of the pieces you can recognise in the backgroud, the firsts chords of what I would call the Vangelis Music, a singular atmosphere. And also the greek folk music in the voice os Demmis Roussos. Buy it, you will really love it.

Average customer rating:

CHADWICK'S RARELY HEARD ORCHESTRAL WORKS WELL SERVED ON THIS CD!
Discovering George Chadwick
"American Classics" Series Turns Up Near Classics

Chadwick: Orchestral Works

Manufacturer: Naxos American
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

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William Grant Still: Afro-American Symphony; In Memoriam; Africa (Symphonic Poem)

ASIN: B000069KFF
Release Date: 2002-07-16

Tracks:

Euterpe
Angel Of Death
Aphrodite
Melpomene
Thalia

Customer Reviews:

CHADWICK'S RARELY HEARD ORCHESTRAL WORKS WELL SERVED ON THIS CD!.......2006-05-16

Here are some intensely melodious, colorfully rich tone poems and overtures by the rather neglected American composer George Whitefield Chadwick (1854-1931), whose varied, imaginative musical output is absolutely worthy of more attention today. Shadows of influence by the two Richards (Wagner and Strauss) seem occasionally to peek through Chadwick's orchestral music. But this is really a benefit, I think, because Chadwick's work as a whole stands solidly grounded and connected to its own creative strength, originality, and idiom.
The EUTEREPE, MELPOMENE, and THALIA overtures; the ANGEL OF DEATH symphonic poem; and the long APHRODITE symphonic fantasy, are the orchestral works presented here.
Chadwick's music moves along tuneful lines that are often hauntingly beautiful, almost ballet-like in nature. In fact, APHRODITE is programmatic music, divided into various scenes like a ballet, where each scene contains a specific musical theme and mood. The composer in some scenes becomes a bit overly dramatic at times, very nearly bordering on the melodramatic. But this is impressionistic/neoromantic music, after all, which is prone to touches of wonderfully melodic and colorful excess.
The Nashville Symphony explores with enthusiasm and loving care the pleasing harmonic details and variances of color and mood underscoring each orchestral work on this CD. Indeed, Chadwick's music is well served by these enormously impressive and strong performances by the Nashville Symphony, which is firmly and most capably guided by Kenneth Schermerhorn.
My 5 stars on all counts go to this gem of a CD. A must-have on the NAXOS label! Now run and get it while still available at such a reasonable price from Amazon.

Discovering George Chadwick.......2005-07-25

Many American music lovers remain unfamiliar with the music our country has produced. An excellent way of exploring American music is through the budget-priced Naxos series of American classics. Through this series, I have got to know better the music of Charles Ives, George Rochberg, Alan Hovahness, Samuel Barber, among many others.

This Naxos CD features orchestral music by George Whitefield Chadwick (1854 -- 1931), an American composer who deserves to be remembered. He has been overshadowed by the music of his near contemporary, Charles Ives.

Chadwick was born in Lowell, Massachusetts and pursued a musical career despite strong opposition from his father. After studying in Europe, he modernized the New England Conservatory while serving as its director from 1897 --1930 and teaching a rising generation of American composers.

Chadwick composed orchestral, chamber, and piano music, some of which is available on CD. This Naxos CD features five programmatic orchestral works in an outstanding performance by the Nashville Symphony conducted by the late Kenneth Schermerhorn. It is an excellent way to begin with Chadwick.

I was most impressed with the lightness of these pieces, with Chadwick's use of orchestral texture and color, and with his use of solo instruments, particularly the clarinet, violin, flute, and percussion. Wagner and Richard Strauss were obvious influences on Chadwick, but I hear a great deal of Mendelssohn as well. These pieces move with grace and show a good deal of American character.

Of the five works on this CD, three have titles and themes based upon the Greek muses. The opening piece, "Euterpe" celebrates the muse of music and is my favorite of this collection. It contrasts a variety of musical styles beginning with a dramatic slow opening, continuing through a lively march theme in the strings, and some lovely lyrical passages. This is a light-textured and highly appealing work.

"Melopene" was named for the muse of tragedy. Chadwick's work is heavily influenced by Wagner, but the composer finds his own voice as the work proceeds. There are solos for English horn and cello, dramatic trumpet calls and climactic drum rolls in what is the most solemn work on this CD.

Thalia was the muse of comedy and Chadwick's music returns in this work to lightness and grace. There are impressive solo passages for the clarinet and the horn, the latter of which develops into a singing theme in the orchestra. Much of this work has an endearing swing and almost jaunty character.

The remaining two works on this CD take as themes paintings by two of Chadwick's friends. The tone-poem "Aphrodite" is the longest work on the disc. It is meant to capture Aprodite gazing at the sea and captures several distinct moods. I enjoyed in particular a baccanalian section with swirling strings, brass, tympany, and percussion which is the second major musical image of the work. The piece includes solos for clarinet, violin, snare drum and cello and has a light, impressionistic touch.

The final work, "Angel of Death" begins rapidly and lightly in a manner that hardly suits its title. But the work deepens, and the theme of death is introduced in dramatic fashion by a large drum roll followed by a melancholy solo for the bass clarinet. The work proceeds in the lower strings and closes triumphanly in the brass as Chadwick depicts in music how the creative process triumphs in the end over human mortality.

This CD consists of delighful American music beautifully performed. It will interest listeners wanting to know more about the American experience in art music.

Robin Friedman

"American Classics" Series Turns Up Near Classics.......2002-08-22

As you can guess if you're not familiar with this valuable series from Naxos, the majority of the music recorded is not quite classic in status, but even if Naxos digs up forgotten music that cries out to be heard again, they're more than doing their job, as far as I'm concerned. With George Whitefiled Chadwick, we have a sadly underrated American composer who should be heard today. As Naxos'notes to the recording say, "Chadwick became the fist composer of concert music whose works often show the snap, the wit, the independence of the American." Look no further than the two finest pieces on the disc, Euterpe and and Thalia, for a confirmation of this assessment. My favorite of all is Euterpe, a tribute to the Greek muse of Music. Eurterpe is celebrated with the dance: despite more lyrical interpolations, Chadwick's tribute struts along with the bounce and vigor of a cakewalk. This is wonderfully American music indeed, definitely parting company with Chadwick's contemporaries who wrote transplanted Germanic music, such as McDowell and Horatio Parker and, early on at least, Griffes.

Thalia is the muse of Comedy, and Chadwick creates another bouncy portrait, a scherzo of Mendelsohnian lightness and charm, though it doesn't sound like Mendelssohn, except maybe Mendelssohn filtered through the music of Sir Arthur Sullivan. Chadwick, after all, did not composer in a vacuum. In the more serious Angel of Death and Melpomene (muse of Tragedy), Chadwick sometimes sounds like Franck or, especially in Angel of Death, like Richard Strauss. In fact, the senario of Chadwick's work is very much like that of Death and Transfiguration, though Chadwick's work is not quite as heaven storming, mostly to its benefit, I think. And if Chadwick's apotheosis isn't as grandiose as Strauss's, Angel of Death is still a dramatically telling work that should be reinstated to the concert halls--especially for those who've grown tired of the bombast of Liszt and Strauss.

The most ambitious work on this disc is Aphrodite, which has an Impressionistic scenario a la Debussy and Resphigi. The tone poem tries to recreate the scenes that took place around a statue of Aprhodite situated on some Greek coast or other. So we have moonlight on the sea, a storm at sea, a march-by of a great army, and so forth. Unfortunately, the more dramatic moments such as the storm and march scenes don't recall Strauss or Resphigi but lesser movie music, and the whole affair seems less compelling than any of the other music on this disc. But it does show a more progressive side of Chadwick: if mostly the orchestral effects in Aphrodite are more Germanic than Gallic in nature, Chadwick does seem to have learned a thing or two from Debussy. A repeated figure for celesta and muted trumpets shows Chadwick's considerable skills as an orchestrator and makes me think of the Debussy of Printempts or Afternoon of a Faun.

Since this disc features music of such orchestral flair, it's good to note that the Nashville Orchestra plays not like a regional orchesta but like one of America's finer ensembles. Smaller orchestras often lack umph in the bass, but in this recording, the double basses and low brass contribute great impact to the proceedings, and individual contributions from the winds, trumpets, and percussion are all laudable. As is Kenneth Schermerhorn's lively conducting. He seems to catch perfectly the many moods of Chadwick's music. A good, rather up-front recording underscores the impactive playing.

Album Review:

Album Review

album review

Album Review

Mamouna [Extra tracks] [Import]

The Musical Tradition of the Jewish Reform Congregation In Berlin, Historical Recordings (1928-1930)

Szymanowski: Sonata for violin in Dm; Nocturne & Tarantella Op28

Music: The Decline of Western Civilization, Pt. 2: The Metal

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The Collection [Import]

The Christmas Album (Al Green) & Merry Christmas (Jackie Wilson) [Import]

Symphonies: The Greatest Hits, Vol. 1-10 [Box set]

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Sueño de Amor

Super Black Market [Import] [Original recording remastered]

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Bowmboï