Touch the Sun

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
By combining electronics with multicultural influences, composer Wolfgang Stindl has created a unique type of world fusion that touches on Celtic, African, Indian, and Asian themes. Fleshing out ambient grooves with the didgeridoo, guitar, keyboards, vocal samples, and shakuhashi, Touch the Sun exhibits a new vision of transcendental sound and energy. With fluid and dramatic tracks such as "In My Deepest Dreams" and the title cut, "Touched the Sun," this 10-track collection provides an uplifting experience in trip-hop sounds. --Leslie R. Marini

Touch the Sun,Ikarus,Earthtone,Dance Music,Electronic,Pop
Touch the Sun
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • DEEP FOREST lite
  • Don't have the cd but...
  • CMJ March 26, 2001
  • Something for your mind
  • Good, but not good enough
Touch the Sun
Ikarus
Manufacturer: Earthtone
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
ElectronicaElectronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
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ElectronicaElectronica | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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  1. Worlds Within
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ASIN: B000056IAG
Release Date: 2001-01-30

Tracks:

  1. Touched The Sun
  2. Shine On
  3. Catu (Vienna Sub Mix)
  4. Another World
  5. Evening Lights
  6. Bassment
  7. Out Of This World
  8. Believe
  9. In My Deepest Dreams
  10. Paramatma

Amazon.com

By combining electronics with multicultural influences, composer Wolfgang Stindl has created a unique type of world fusion that touches on Celtic, African, Indian, and Asian themes. Fleshing out ambient grooves with the didgeridoo, guitar, keyboards, vocal samples, and shakuhashi, Touch the Sun exhibits a new vision of transcendental sound and energy. With fluid and dramatic tracks such as "In My Deepest Dreams" and the title cut, "Touched the Sun," this 10-track collection provides an uplifting experience in trip-hop sounds. --Leslie R. Marini

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars DEEP FOREST lite.......2004-11-19

If you like the music of DEEP FOREST, you might like this album. The orchestration is not as lush and complex as that of Deep Forest and many of the songs can get repetetive. Ikarus' simplistic formula: take a small sample of indigenous singing, add an exotic instrument or two, throw in backbeats, stir and repeat (and repeat). One exception: the last song blatantly---and unsuccessfully---tries to recreate the sound of Karl Jenkins' "Adiemus." Overall, OK, but there are better CDs out there within this genre. For example, check out Waterbone's excellent album "Tibet."

5 out of 5 stars Don't have the cd but..........2004-07-19

Just wanted to say that upon hearing just a few 30-second clips, I went on a furious search to find more of this group- low and behold Ikarus has its own website, (do a quick search on google), that contains 3 CD releases after this one, and almost every song as a preview sample. "Touch the Sun" is the only release that is sold on mainstream websites, but I strongly strongly strongly recommend you take a listen at the samples of his latest CD, "breathing cultures", on his website. I was absolutely stunned, the production is world-class, top-notch quality. (Note to amazon: you should sell this CD!) If you like groups like Enigma, and Deep Forest.. you should be incredibly inspired by the new take Ikarus adds to these genres.

5 out of 5 stars CMJ March 26, 2001.......2002-12-22

CMJ March 26, 2001

The fusion of world music instrumentation and electronic rhythms/production tactics has always reached a diverse audience intrigued by the fuson of earthy spirituality and synthetic ambiance. Though such musical disciples have no trouble finding artists whose music meets their aural needs, Wolfgang Stindl's IKARUS project approaches the form with a fresh perspective. TOUCH THE SUN is an engaging offering that fleshes out its Celtic, African, Indian, and Asian influences with a mixture of didgeridoo, guitar, keyboards, vocal samples with ambient groove and trip-hop undercurrents. The ingredients are similar to those of artists like Banco De Gaia and Ekova, but the taste of the end result is succulent and satisfying in it's own right.

5 out of 5 stars Something for your mind.......2002-05-14

This CD is absolutely astounding. There are few composers taking advantage of the of soul and spirit in music that match Ikarus' creativity. I've followed Ikarus since his debut on mp3.com, and have not been disappointed. The music is a fantastic bridge between ambient electronic and world music. The regional samples and songs are seemelessly intertwined into emotional works of electronic art, each track something completely different from the next. The diversity of his compositions are incredible. I've never heard anything like this CD, and it is honestly one of the best ever. For deep, thought-provoking music that returns to the diverse culture of humanity and brings it to light in a contemporary form, Ikarus is the mastermind you must experience.

3 out of 5 stars Good, but not good enough.......2001-06-17

I loved Praying to Different Gods, but Touch the Sun...well, what can i say. I was a bit disappointed. The first song, touched the sun, is my kind of music, but most of the songs after that were kinda boring-- so unlike Wolfy (at least to me it seemed that way). but i do recommend buying Praying to Different Gods. But no matter. Ikarus is TIGHT!
Touch the Sun
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • from Solo Piano Publications
Touch the Sun
Eric McCarl
Manufacturer: Weaving Libra Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0009FUUYC
Release Date: 2005-04-18

Tracks:

  1. Journeys End
  2. Touch the Sun
  3. Alone Place
  4. Soft Light
  5. 1000 Angels
  6. Wild West Rain
  7. Lost, Again
  8. Walk on Water
  9. My Father
  10. Sun Goes Down
  11. I Dont Wanna Know
  12. Free Fall, Take 1
  13. Free Fall, Take 2
  14. Blue Blue City
  15. Window Sill

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars from Solo Piano Publications.......2005-05-25

"Touch the Sun" is the third installment of pianist Eric McCarl's "Trilogy of Light," a collection of original pieces written over the course of the past twenty years. The fifteen piano solos range from quiet and pensive to upbeat and jazzy, with the majority being more on the reflective side. Overall, this CD has a warmer, more contented mood than the two previous releases, although it certainly isn't breezy. The music has enough structure to hold it together, and enough improvisation to make it feel spontaneous and in the moment. McCarl's playing style is always expressive and full of color, and the sound of his piano is beautiful.

The CD opens with "Journey's End," a piece that has a sense of moving forward and also of looking inward. Perhaps triumph without victory as yet? The title track is a bit more ambient and floating, with lots of open space between the musical phrases. "Alone Place" is also very open and minimal, with the damper pedal creating an echo effect that is both lonely and chilling - this is definitely one of the darker tracks. "Soft Light" is very calming, peaceful, and gentle. Most of the notes are in the upper and middle registers on the piano, but McCarl brings in some deep bass notes here and there that give the piece a different dimension. I really like it! "Walk On Water" is another favorite. The first part is structured and melodic, and then segues into a more improvised section that seems both reverent and questioning. The simple rhythm is quietly intense, creating a sense of peace and calm. Very effective! My favorite piece is "Sun Goes Down," which begins with a bluesy feeling and a slinky rhythm that is infectious. The piece is very free, but weighted by some deep bass accents. Some sections sound improvised, and the second half of the piece is more rubato with the original rhythm weaving in and out. My other favorite is "Blue Blue City," which is rhythmic, jazzy, and very, very cool ( a double-entendre where both meanings are accurate!). The closing track, "Window SIll," returns to a reflective mood with lots of open spaces between the musical thoughts, and passages that are full of passion - a serene way to end this impressive album and the Trilogy itself.

Having spent so much of his adult life working on the music for this project, it will be interesting to see where Eric McCarl goes next, musically. In the meantime, treat yourself to "Touch the Sun," "Atlantis Lost," and "Seeking the Light," aka "The Trilogy of Light." This is music that is meant to be listened to, not relegated to the background. Find a comfy spot, close your eyes, and let the music take you away! Recommended!
Come Touch the Sun
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • One of my favorites
  • Weightless
  • This music always puts me in a good mood.
  • Fresh, jazzy, full of infectious rhythm and shimmering beats
  • Great CD
Come Touch the Sun
Mo' Horizons
Manufacturer: Stereo Deluxe
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00001WRKY
Release Date: 1999-11-02

Tracks:

  1. Yes Baby Yes (Sally Said)
  2. Bar Rhumba
  3. Big, J'Aim
  4. Hold On
  5. Fever 99
  6. Foto Viva
  7. Come Touch the Sun
  8. Walk into Space, Pt. 1-2
  9. Oye! ... Bossa
  10. Brazil
  11. Prince Charles' Latest Affair
  12. Flyin' Away

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars One of my favorites.......2003-05-26

The first time I heard of Mo Horizon's was when I heard the track "Foto Viva" on Thievery Corporation's compilation "Eighteenth Street Lounge Jet Society". It was dark, seductive and had a sort of groove that you could just totally unwind to while sipping a drink with a beautiful lady. After hearing it, I was curious about the band, checked out a few of their cuts while picking up different compilations and finally went for their feature release.

This is a very good album. It's a bit of jazz, great beats and for that special flair, you add Brazilian vibes into the mix to get "Come Touch the Sun". Most of the tracks on this CD are pretty smooth and neat - you have to have this for the full version of "Fly Away", and of course you'll recognize "Prince Charles Latest Affair" if you're a Brazilectro fan. And if you've seen a recent Kia (automobile) commercial, you'll recognize the familiar background mix from "Yes Baby Yes".

I highly recommend this album. It's a great addition to my collection and while it does have it's flaws (some tracks just don't do it for me - and I don't like the end of Foto Viva with the alarm clock) it more than makes up for it in general quality. Likewise, if you're a fan of this definitely look into ESL Jet Society as mentioned before, look at "More Psycodelico" by Reminiscence Quartet, and they do have another album. But IMO, the second album isn't as strong as this one is. Finally - their label is Stereo Deluxe - who showcases them on their compilation series titled "Basic Instinct".

5 out of 5 stars Weightless.......2003-02-27

I have just finished the 5th song on the CD. By now my body is weightless and Im floating around my small universe, Incense flowing through my hair. One hand straight out and one bent, keeping time to the downbeats and my eyes are closed..and I'm seeing the future of this life...straight out in front of me. I am no longer "ego".

Buy this CD. This surpasses even Baby Mammoth. And thats a mouthfull.

This CD kicks. Buy it. Buy it today. Buy it NOW. Of 30 or so lounge CD's I have, this takes me out of my chair effortlessly. This makes me ...something...I never thought was there. This is the sound of the world turning.

5 out of 5 stars This music always puts me in a good mood........2002-07-19

This was recommended to me because of some Theivery Corporation CD's I bought a while back and I can honestly say I like this album as much as any of my TC records.

Come Touch the Sun provides the perfect variety of jazz sounds. A great CD for driving or just chilling around the house. I especially like 'foto viva' talk about smooth! Wow! Would highly recommend.

5 out of 5 stars Fresh, jazzy, full of infectious rhythm and shimmering beats.......2001-01-26

"For your pleasure, I created...a dream."

That's how the last track (Flying Away) begins, in a jazzy-cool, restrained voice that cannot hide the Portuguese embers smoldering underneath. Close your eyes, and picture yourself as James Bond flying to Brazil at midnight, with this voice whispering in your ear. I could swear I heard this song before on some 60s Brazilian jazz album...but, like most of the other songs, it was written by the two German masterminds behind Mo' Horizons. Talk about breaking a stereotype: you would never guess that these guys weren't born in Cuba and raised in Rio.

Touch the Sun was not at all what I expected...every surprise was a good one. DJs Ralf Droesmeyer and Foh Wetzler stir electronic beats that sound engineered by BMW, into a melange of brassy funk, South American and African rhythms, latin and acid jazz, bossa nova bongos, stunning and sultry vocals, breathy flutes, jungley dub, and more. Then they somehow slip it all into a downbeat wrapper that is as sleek, smooth, energizing, and exotic as the dress Marilyn Monroe wore to sing Happy Birthday to President Kennedy.

For your pleasure, Mo' Horizons has created...a dream.

5 out of 5 stars Great CD.......2000-06-21

This is a great album. It was listed in my record store under Trip-hop. I think it speaks for itself. They have a great sounds and the album flows really well. I would highly recommend it for a dance party or just chillin.
Touch Me Like the Sun
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • listening to an old friend
  • The most beautiful sounds I've ever heard.
Touch Me Like the Sun
Savourna Stevenson
Manufacturer: Cooking Vinyl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000031WG6
Release Date: 2000-05-12

Tracks:

  1. Emily's Calling
  2. Touch Me Like The Sun (Ft Eddi Reader)
  3. Fording The Tweed (Harp Solo)
  4. Blue Orchid
  5. Come Try Me (1st Movement Of String Quartet)
  6. No False Love (2nd Movement Of String Quartet)
  7. Thousand Curses (3rd Movement Of String Quartet)
  8. Dug's Lugs
  9. Tickled Blue

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars listening to an old friend.......2005-11-28

I first met Savourna back in the 80s when my now ex-wife and her played a lot of music together in Edinburgh and Peebles, where Savourna then lived with harpmaker husband Mark Norris. I have continued to follow her career over the years (difficult as it has been from this side of the Atlantic) and can only say if you haven't heard her, you need to. She has always been on the cutting edge (if such a phrase fits) with her clarsach-- traditional one moment, then classical, then jazz. I even used to have a tape of her fronting a rock band at the Edinburgh Festival! Buy it-- you'll be doing yourself a favor...

5 out of 5 stars The most beautiful sounds I've ever heard........2002-10-26

Savourna Stevenson is an enchanting harpist. This album is incredible and all the musical pieces were beautiful. This album was quite difficult to get. I first had the pleasure of hearing "Come Try Me" on an episode of "Sex and the City". I was absolutley mesmorized by this song.
Substrata 2
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Substrata 2

    Manufacturer: Touch UK
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B00005CBVV
    Release Date: 2004-01-01

    Tracks:

    1. As the Sun Kissed the Horizon
    2. Poa Alpina
    3. Chukung
    4. Things I Tell You
    5. Times When I Know You'll Be Said
    6. Hyperborea
    7. Kobresia
    8. Antennaria
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    Tracks:

    1. Prologue
    2. Silent Orchestra
    3. City Wakes Up
    4. Freeze-Frames
    5. Manicure
    6. Club
    7. Ballerina
    8. Eye of the Cyclone
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    Come Touch the Sun
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Fresh, jazzy, full of infectious rhythm and shimmering beats
    Come Touch the Sun
    Mo' Horizons
    Manufacturer: Stereo Deluxe
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
    Latin PopLatin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music
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    Latin JazzLatin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B00002DFKK
    Release Date: 1999-10-26

    Tracks:

    1. Yes Baby Yes (Sally Said)
    2. Bar Rhumba
    3. Big, J'Aim
    4. Hold On
    5. Fever 99
    6. Foto Viva
    7. Come Touch the Sun
    8. Walk into Space, Pt. 1-2
    9. Oye! ... Bossa
    10. Brazil
    11. Prince Charles' Latest Affair
    12. Flyin' Away

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Fresh, jazzy, full of infectious rhythm and shimmering beats.......2001-01-26

    "For your pleasure, I created...a dream."

    That's how the last track (Flying Away) begins, in a jazzy-cool, restrained voice that cannot hide the Portuguese embers smoldering underneath. Close your eyes, and picture yourself as James Bond flying to Brazil at midnight, with this voice whispering in your ear. I could swear I heard this song before on some 60s Brazilian jazz album...but, like most of the other songs, it was written by the two German masterminds behind Mo' Horizons. Talk about breaking a stereotype: you would never guess that these guys weren't born in Cuba and raised in Rio.

    Touch the Sun was not at all what I expected...every surprise was a good one. DJs Ralf Droesmeyer and Foh Wetzler stir electronic beats that sound engineered by BMW, into a melange of brassy funk, South American and African rhythms, latin and acid jazz, bossa nova bongos, stunning and sultry vocals, breathy flutes, jungley dub, and more. Then they somehow slip it all into a downbeat wrapper that is as sleek, smooth, energizing, and exotic as the dress Marilyn Monroe wore to sing Happy Birthday to President Kennedy.

    For your pleasure, Mo' Horizons has created...a dream.
    Sun & Shadow
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Sun & Shadow

      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B000FSMG86
      Release Date: 2006-01-03
      Naked
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Naked

        Manufacturer: Immune Recordings
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B000CAANBO
        Release Date: 2003-06-17

        Tracks:

        1. This Town
        2. As The Story Goes
        3. The Dream
        4. The Note
        5. Too Tall
        6. Shadow Of Doubt
        7. Civilised
        8. Prodigal Son
        9. If She Only Knew How
        10. In The Long Run
        11. Flat Face Rock
        Vision/Music of the 20th & 21st Centuries
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          Vision/Music of the 20th & 21st Centuries

          Manufacturer: Eroica
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
          ASIN: B000CAF2GA
          Release Date: 2005-06-28
          Sun
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Sun

            Manufacturer: Sound of the Sea
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
            ASIN: B000CAF2YM
            Release Date: 2003-09-02

            Tracks:

            1. Before Our Eyes
            2. Into Your Bones
            3. Train Whistle
            4. If I Only Could
            5. Killer and Pa
            6. Weighs On My Mind
            7. You Are The Reason
            8. The Sun
            9. Prelude
            10. Out Of My Hands
            11. In The Aftermath
            12. A Bare Tree
            13. I Must Be Off
            14. Goodbye

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