Islands

1. Ohana

2. Gypsy Dance

3. St. Croix

4. Islands

5. Harlequin Messenger

6. Vashon Poem

7. Oristano Sojourn

8. Fawn

Islands,Scott Cossu,Windham Hill Records,Adult Alternative,Chamber Jazz,Jazz Music,Neo-Classical,New Age / Meditation,Pop

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Average customer rating: Set Sail Still smooth as ever Ethereal Jazz Nu Jazz which sounds good.

Koop Islands ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Styled in Italy Waltz for Koop Koop Island Blues Park Hyatt Tokyo Airflow Momento ASIN: B000NQPXPI Release Date: 2006-10-03

Album Description

2006 release, the follow-up to their 2002 breakthrough album Waltz For Koop. Koop is Swedish Electronica/Jazz duo Magnus Zingmark and Oscar Simonsson who have been compared to Jazzanova and Kruder & Dorfmeister. The duo create modern Electronic sounds laced with Jazz influences with Hip Hop and Dance added into the mix. Koop Islands features the talents of two talented female vocalists: Cecilia Stalin and Yukimi Nagano. Features the single 'Koop Island Blues'. K7.

Customer Reviews:

Set Sail.......2007-07-09

Loved it. Jazzy and breezy like a kitschy Tiki Bar. As good as the last one but lighter and airier. My only complaint - too short.

Still smooth as ever.......2007-05-31

Koop's follow up to the stellar "Waltz for Koop" lives up to the hype. It's been a while since that album, but the sound hasn't changed much at all, and this album is pretty much more of the same from the Swedish duo.

"Koop Island Blues" is a beautiful lament, featuring gorgeous vocals by Ane Brun, the only new vocalist in the lineup. It's upbeat, but mellow and even sorrowful; great stuff.

"Come to Me" is a chippy, upbeat song with vocals by returning vocalist Yukimi Nagamo, and she is just as good as ever. Tells a story of a girl who seems to be optimistic despite just getting over a failed relationship.

"Forces...Darling" features Earl Zinger, who's back for more after the last album. He and Nagamo make great rhythms with their voices, they work very well together.

"I See A Different You" features Nagamo again, and it REALLY shows off her vocal range. The title is pretty self-explanatory. A great little upbeat number.

"Let's Elope" brings back Mikael Sundin again for a more sensual feel. A very smooth piece that somehow manages to remain as innocent as possible despite the suggestive title.

"The Moonbounce": Koop lets loose! An energetic number with a catchy vocal sample overtop of lots of solos and rhythms. Good pace and very cute! (Yes, you can call music cute!) A great instrumental piece that'll get you moving.

"Beyond the Son" is a very interesting tune that may not work for some, but does for me. It's Earl Zinger reading a letter overtop of some slow beats and rhythms. It's fantastic, the letter he reads is so....interesting. Seems to be a letter to a good friend in Sweden from London. Zinger's voice is VERY unique and quite comforting. It's just the sort of letter you'd love to get from a suave friend such as him.

"Whenever There Is You" features Nagamo again, and serves as a nice jazzy love song. Great vocals again, and backing that is smooth as silk.

"Drum Rhythm A (Music For Ballet Exercises)" is the only one that didn't really cut it with me. A xylophone dances overtop of a fairly simple beat. A bit of artistic meandering, in my opinion, this song should have been built upon to make it a better instrumental piece.

All in all, "Koop Islands" is slightly (and I mean just slightly) more upbeat than "Waltz for Koop", but the sound remains the same for the most part. You still get the same feeling in this album. You feel like you're floating through the music. It's comforting, its smooth, and the production/engineering is TOP NOTCH. Truly wonderful relaxing music, I highly recommend this.

My only major beef is the same as I had with "Waltz". The album is WAY too short. Paying full price for 35 minutes of music is not so hot. If you're gonna charge full price, then fill up your CD! If "Waltz" and "Islands" were combined, they'd easily make one of the best jazz albums ever made.

Unbelievably smooth and well crafted music.

Ethereal Jazz .......2007-04-22

Koop is like music beamed from earth in the 50's that is captured by a spaceship radio in the distant future except you get to hear it now! Smart and fun. Break out the bubbly and popcorn.

Nu Jazz which sounds good........2007-03-05

"Koop Islands" is the third album from Stockholm duo Koop and is a journey through reminiscent jazz styling with an exotic twist.
Where "altz For Koop" was steeped in a modern - and modernist - take on 60s jazz and swedish songstressess from the time (Monica Zetterlunds name was mentioned more times than the group thought was fair), "Koop Islands" has - despite its name - very little to do with romanticising the Stockholm archipelago. Rather, it goes much, much further south west, all the way down the caribbean for inspiration. That's where you'll find "Koop Islands" on their imaginary world map.
Oscar Simonsson and Magnus Zingmark bring experiences from their travels in the Caribbean to create this unique blend. The guest vocalists on the album are a gift adding graceful tones to the album.
The first track "Koop island blues" features the vocals of Norwegian singer songwriter Ane Brun, who also co wrote the song. Her breathy vocals add to the swing drum rhythm and clarinet glissandos to create a cool ambience.
Similarly, the tracks "Forces" and "Darling" featuring the vocals of Earl Zinger are like a cheeky swing set of the 1930's that simply compels you to tap your foot.
One of the two instrumental tracks on the album is "Moonbounce", a song that maintains your attention for the three minutes with tinkling piano keys, jazz flute and beatnik bongo rhythms.
Perhaps the coolest song on the album is "Beyond the son" which again features Earl Zinger performing spoken word on top of jazz accompaniment. You feel as though you are invading his personal thoughts, his confessions with the walking vibraphone.
A deliciously classy slice of jazz fuelled pop,"Come To Me", the first single is another glorious treat for the ears.
Unashamedly old fashioned,this track sounds as if its been beamed in from some 1950s parallel dimension; an all swinging, all dancing affair complete with sultry female vocals, waltz time drum brushes, strutting bass lines and what sounds like Glenn Miller resurrected blasting out the big band brass interjections with superb style.
The album is a refreshing change from the typical electro sounds that feature driving beats and house riffs, bringing some much needed Caribbean sunshine to these cold winter months.

Average customer rating: Dooooooooom!! One of the best in years!! Kings of Doom! Album of The Year

King of the Grey Islands Candlemass Manufacturer: Nuclear Blast Americ ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Sweden | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Give Me Your Soul...Please Ithyphallic Fire Up the Blades United Abominations The Apostasy ASIN: B000R4S6EG Release Date: 2007-07-17

Tracks:

1. Prologue
2. Emperor of the Void
3. Devil Seed
4. Of Stars and Smoke
5. Demonia 6
6. Destroyer
7. Man of Shadows
8. Clearsight
9. Opal City
10. Embracing the Styx
11. At the Gallows End [*]
12. Solitude [*]

Album Details

Prepare Yourself for a True Epic Doom Classic!

Customer Reviews:

Dooooooooom!! One of the best in years!!.......2007-07-19

Alright, I was skeptical on anything Candlemass would do without their Original Singer Messiah. But this album shows just how great they are without him, I mean, This album has "Come Get Some" written all over it, its very good!I cannot believe Messiah did not want to sing on these songs! i have listened to this band since early 86 and love playing them on guitar and this album totally surprised me!! I listen to it more than any other album released recent. i love Niles new album too but i like this album more!! The vocals are so good and solitude and at the gallows poll are just as good as messiah was. I am so happy they are moving on for their fans and i feel they are a very unselfish band to go on and try so hard for us other than a breakup over differences with their singer. It just happens. But Messiah should see just how great they are without him. Robert is a Dallas boy and so am i so you can see he is more hungry (probably nicer too) and it shows because this is a classic candlemass album. so many defining moments, like "Embracing the styx" what a powerhouse song!! If you ever loved doom metal, This is it. Hands down, anyone who doesnt agree is a liar!. And probably does not play music. This is one of the best albums they ever did! im happy they are moving on , for us the fans! we deserve it and they show it through a hard driving album that should define them for the past and the future, and show the power behind them. You should get this album, you will love it! It has a cool album cover too!! Simple, mean and to the point!

Kings of Doom! Album of The Year.......2007-07-18

Marcolin is gone- and the result is an incredible album! This album blows me away- it's easily the best Candlemass release in years! The self-titled reunion album was something of a disappointment; even though the classic lineup was back, the weird production and lackluster songwriting made for an uninteresting listen. Not so this time! While the songs still do not have the epic grandeur of tunes from 'Nightfall' and other 80s CM albums, the tracks on KotGI have a dark, focused intensity that makes them menacing and memorable in nature. Lowe's vocal performance is easily his best in many years, adding the perfect dark atmospheres to the songs, some of which sound like classic Solitude Aeturnus material (particularly 'Destroyer'). Other tuns are also incredible, such as the majestic 'of stars and smoke', the poundingly heavy 'emperor of the void', and the haunting 'man of shadows'. Honestly, if you're a fan of Doom, this album is for you! Make sure to get a copy with the new versions of 'Mass classics 'solitude' and 'at the gallows end'. While they sound a little different musically, Lowe's vocal treatment of these two classics is just godly. Hail the return of true doom!

Average customer rating: Contemporary Island Music Very good,not great,but still fun One of the best in this series Incomplete Islands--Go Ahead, Dance!

Islands Various Artists Manufacturer: Putumayo World Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cape Verde | Africa | International | Styles | Music Madagascar | Africa | International | Styles | Music Cuba | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music Puerto Rico | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Tahiti | Pacific Islands | International | Styles | Music Caribbean & Cuba | Compilations | International | Styles | Music General | Compilations | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Caribbean & Cuba | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music International | Putumayo World Music Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Latin Music | Putumayo World Music Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Caribbean Party Music from the Coffee Lands French Caribbean Putumayo Presents: World Reggae Putumayo Presents: South Pacific Islands ASIN: B000003EK1 Release Date: 1997-02-04

Tracks:

1. Danca Ma Mi Criola - Tito Paris
2. Me Ki Sa Oule - Kali
3. Bomba Te Traigo Yo - Jose Gonzales Y Banda Criolla
4. Falso Testemunho - Maria Alice
5. Veinte Anos - Los Traditionales De Carlos Puebla
6. Mbo Hahita Avao - D'Gary & Jihe
7. Sonegaly - Tarika
8. E Iti Taurua - Bobby & Angelo
9. Olinda Road - Hapa
10. Mix Up World - Quito Rymer

Amazon.com

Why is it that island cultures so often create the most magical, deeply individual sounds? Is it because they are usually miles away from corrupting outside influences? Perhaps it is due to the fact that they are forced to create music from their own inner resources. The powerful voices of Jamaican reggae, Cuban rumba, and Puerto Rican salsa have been joined on the world stage by Cape Verdean morna and Hawaiian slack-key guitar, and the hits just keep on coming. The tunes on this set are not terribly revealing about their place of origin, but plenty of likable grooves turn up, primarily dance-oriented party fodder. It's like a casual tourist's piña colada-fueled vacation fantasy: a very pretty and colorful interlude that doesn't have much to do with real life in either place. It's perfect for lazy summer days and nights, ethnic banquets, and tropical-themed celebrations. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

Contemporary Island Music.......2007-02-25

"Islands" is a compilation of contemporary music from tropical islands across the world. Artists from the Cape Verde Islands, Madagascar, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Martinique, Tortola, Hawaii and Tahiti are featured on this disc. The Cape Verdean blues singer, Maria Alice, is a real standout with her sad, haunting Falso Testemunho. Bobby & Angelo from Tahiti sing the beautiful, upbeat and distinctly Polynesian E Iti Taurua evoking memories of the cowboy melodies of the `50s. Hawaii's contribution is Hapa's Olinda Road, the disc's one instrumental selection. The selections from the Caribbean artists are all very good whether dance numbers or mournful love songs.

This very enjoyable album is both exotic and easy to listen to. It has introduced me to a number of talented artists whom I otherwise might have missed.

Very good,not great,but still fun.......2006-06-16

"Danca ma mi Criola" is a bouncy love song."Me ki sa oule" is a lilting song of longing."Bomba traigo yo" is joyfully infectious.The BEST songs are "Falso Testemunho" from Cape Verde&"Veinte anos" from Cuba.Both these songs are about unrequited love&betrayal.For popular songs,they are moving."Sonegaly" is an enchanting song from Madagascar.Tarika hasn't been as good since."E I Taurua"&"Olinda Road" are magical songs from Tahiti&Hawaii.

D'Gary&Jihe from Madagascar as well as Quito Rymer from Tortola aren't quite so good.Interesting sidenote-Rymer's "Mix up world" is one of the themes for Putumayo's World Music Hour.Oh well.

This is still a good album."South Pacific Islands" is EVEN BETTER."Islands" has held up for a good 9 yrs since its release.No wonder it's still in print.How many pop albums last that long???

One of the best in this series.......2005-09-24

My whole family loves this CD. My 2 year old daughter dances up a storm and my 4 year old son puts on his jolly roger do-rag and swashbuckles about. A little mellower and less adventurous, musically, than similar compilations, but the quality is higher throughout.

Incomplete.......2005-07-28

Incomplete. What else can I say? This is a good mix, and a good cd, but the title is Islands. So, why not throw something a little more exotic into the mix? Cuba and Hawaii are predictable, but what about music from the Azores? What about the Madeira Islands? A little Luis Bettencourt, some Jose Medeiros, or Katia Guerreiro and this cd would have been a whole lot better!!!

Islands--Go Ahead, Dance!.......2004-12-11

Flip this on and be instantly transported to an exotic tropical island-it costs a lot less than a plane ticket, and you don't have to buy one for each person you want to take with you.

Spend forty-five minutes in places like Hawaii, Madagascar, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Tahiti. Great stuff to dance to, just relax and feel it pulse through your veins. This music makes you feel awesome-makes you younger just listening to it.

Just imagine yourself relaxing on an island, no one but you and maybe your lover. You can dance in the sand, relax and listen to the ocean. Feel the culture in this wonderful music and let the sun warm your body. Nothing like it.

Average customer rating: they're gRRReat! This music is... fun? A bit of a lark Hey, if you like fun pop... Bones bones brittle little bones

Return to the Sea Islands Manufacturer: Equator ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Neo-Psychedelia | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Shut Up I Am Dreaming Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone? The Gulag Orkestar Return to Cookie Mountain (with Bonus Tracks) The Crane Wife ASIN: B000ELJAU6 Release Date: 2006-04-04

Tracks:

1. Swan (Life After Death)
2. Humans
3. Don't Call Me Whitney, Bobby
4. Rough Gem
5. Tsuxiit
6. Where There's A Will, There's a Whalebone
7. Joggin Gorgeous Summer
8. Volcanoes
9. If
10. Ones

Amazon.com

"I woke up thirsty on an island in the sea," went the last line in the last track on the last album by beloved indie rock pranksters, The Unicorns. At least two members took those words to heart, as frontman Nick Diamonds and drummer J'aime Tambeur return as Islands, a Montreal duo that reigns in some of its former band's more obnoxious qualities in favor of more manicured melodies and purposeful arrangements. Oh, who are we kidding? The seven-minutes-plus opener, "Swans (Life After Death)," sets the insane tone, showcasing sprawling rhythms and a freewheeling arrangement that leaves room for epic guitar solos, blustery piano flourishes and a falsetto vocal lead. It's like "November Rain" on magic mushrooms. Other highlights--if you could call them that--come in the form of the faux Caribbean jam "Don't Call Me Whitney, Bobby," the spacey instrumental centerpiece "Tsuxiit," and the frankly convoluted prog-rock-goes-hip-hop of "Where There's A Whale, There's A Whalebone." Warning: They Might Be Giants sound rational in comparison. --Aidin Vaziri

Album Description

Hailing from Montreal, Islands is a 7 piece band founded by former Unicorns front man Nick Diamond and drummer J'aime Tambeur. Following the untimely disbandment of the Unicorns right as they were on the cusp of breaking through, this highly anticipated debut release by Islands entitled Return to the Sea, with its quirky sounds and refreshing, catchy melodies, contains collaborations with members of Arcade Fire, Wolf Parade and Beck.

Customer Reviews:

they're gRRReat!.......2007-02-07

I saw Islands open for Metric at the Fonda in Hollywood. they put on an awesome show - complete with a flaming guitar, a 8+ person music ensemble, and most importantly - excellent music. this CD has steadily grown on me, and is now one of my favorites. thank you, Islands.

This music is... fun?.......2006-12-23

This CD is a bit "out there", and thus is not accessible to every audience. For example, if you have friends that listen to pop music all the time, they aren't going to be able to pop this in their CD players and enjoy it (I could be wrong here of course and this is a gross generalization). The feeling of this CD seems carefree and happy at times, and it reminds me of the way listening to Animal Collective makes me feel.

Criticism of the "rap" in "Where There's A Will, There's a Whalebone" seems uncalled for in my opinion. It's not like this is a hip-hop CD, and the disjointed sound is obviously what they were going for.

All in all, this is a great CD. But, one last note: I wasn't previously a fan of The Unicorns, so I didn't have the "hey, this doesn't sound like The Unicorns at all!" disappointment I see in here. So, if you are a fan of The Unicorns, just keep in mind that this isn't their latest CD under a different badge.

A bit of a lark.......2006-11-28

Somewhere between "The Pixies" and "The Flaming Lips". Love the way they dont take themselves too seriously. Great little album if you are driving to the beach.

Hey, if you like fun pop..........2006-11-24

I bought this album, listened to it, then payed no attention to it, dismissing it. I came back to it a couple weeks later and really started getting into it. The songs are really good and you can't go wrong with "swans", "rough gem", and "volcanoes". I was skeptical that this album wouldn't be what I loved from the unicorns, but in many ways it's even better. Buy it.

Bones bones brittle little bones.......2006-11-21

The Unicorns turned out one album and one EP before shattering, reforming under a different name, shattering again, and scattering into other bands.

Hopefully the Isands will stick around longer than its mother band, because "Return to the Sea" is an outstanding debut album. Living up to their name, the Islands produce a flowing, fuzzy kind of pop, flavoured with calypso and dancehall music. Imagine Sufjan Stevens on a Caribbean kick, and you have the general idea.

It opens with soft flashes of synth, and some twangy guitar strings being plucked in a rather moody way. As "Swans (Life After Death)" kicks into its catchy folk melody, the eerie synth adds an otherworldly feeling. Nick Diamond croons a song about being reborn on a tropical island, and discovering the joys of being in this beautiful place.

Then they veer into the wonderfully expansive "Humans," which sounds like music-hall piano mixed with a brass band. After that, the band experiments with other kinds of island-folk sounds: bouncy guitar pop, dense folky psychedelica, exotic experimental music, breathless psychedelic rap, and sunny calypso-flavoured pop.

If you ever got shipwrecked on a Caribbean Island with an Elephant 6 band, it might sound -- and feel -- a little like the Islands' debut. Just about any combination of folk, calypso and psychedelica you can imagine will be on "Return to the Sea," done with such polish and confidence that it feels like a band that's been around forever.

Their music is controlled and tight, but with a sunny, giddy little pop edge. They effortlessly mishmash styles (classical and blippy keyboard?), mostly folky, also some dabbles in hip-hop and dense proggy electronica. The songs are seamless meshes of folky guitar, blippy keyboard, buzzing analog synth, swelling violin, kettle drums, and whatever else you can imagine.

Diamond has a rather odd voice -- a little off-key, but still quite pleasant. And he can trip out the slightly morbid lyrics ("Bones, bones/brittle little bones"), written with a flair for description. "Swans sung songs/Till the morning dawned on us/And the sun-smudged peach moon still hung loose..."

The Islands are a pretty new band, but they don't sound like it in their polished debut "Return to the Sea," which sounds like Sufjan Stevens jamming in the Caribbean.

Average customer rating: Lovely! A great CD ,and Great Sound Humpback Whale Songs Whale Song great cd

Rapture of the Deep - Humpback Whale Singing Paul Knapp Jr. Manufacturer: Compass Recordings ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sounds of the Earth: Humpback Whales Echoes of Nature: Killer Whales Reiki: Whale Song Song of the Dolphins Reiki Whale Dreaming ASIN: B00005QXSB Release Date: 2001-03-05

Tracks:

1. Caribbean Humpback Whale
2. Four Days Later
3. Mostly One
4. One Humpback Whale
5. Calm Afternoon
6. One "2000 Whale"
7. Five Days Later
8. Breaching (Jumping) Whales

Album Description

72 minutes on 8 tracks/ very good song diversity.

This CD provides a unique opportunity to hear the authentic sounds of humpback whales. There is no background music, only whales. Includes the special, nearly 25 minutes, "One Humpback Whale", an excellent recording of a close whale, just a few hundred yards away, originally recorded on digital audio tape, giving the whale great presence and clarity.

Recorded near the Virgin Islands from a 13 foot inflatable boat, using a professional hydrophone.

Customer Reviews:

Lovely!.......2007-07-24

This is my first purchase of whale songs and I absolutely love it. I wish it was longer!

A great CD ,and Great Sound.......2007-01-28

The track " One humpback Whale " is the best I've ever heard.
Nothing but Whales, No added music.
Beautiful

Humpback Whale Songs .......2007-01-28

One of the best examples of Humpback Whale recordings to date. I have heard them all.
Paul Knapp has captured these songs for all the world to hear. Pure Humpback Singing.
I highly recommend this CD to everyone. Truly a treasure for any audio collection. Young and old.
A+

Whale Song.......2007-01-23

Good for meditating or working in the basement. Also use it for going to sleep. Personally, don't appreciate it when driving, but HEY! Save the Whales. Collect the whole set!

great cd.......2007-01-04

I had been looking for whale songs for a while, and finally this cd filled my expectations. It is only natural whale voices, nothing more. Some of them give me a peculiar funny feeling, like if the whale were singing a joke, or laughing. Not for everyday, but I enjoy it once in a while.

Average customer rating: so good Excellent. In Memory of Ian Wallace and Boz Burrell. I'll unwind my old strings while the sun shines down -Crimso's 4th Crimso Mk. I Broke Up After This One

Islands King Crimson Manufacturer: Discipline Us 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 Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Lizard In the Wake of Poseidon Larks Tongues in Aspic - 30th Anniversary Edition Remastered Starless and Bible Black - 30th Anniversary Edition Remastered In the Court of the Crimson King ASIN: B00064WSNC Release Date: 2004-12-20

Tracks:

1. Formentera Lady
2. Sailor's Tale
3. Letters
4. Ladies of the Road
5. Prelude: Song of the Gulls
6. Islands

Album Description

2004 reissue of the band's 1971 album. Discipline label.

Customer Reviews:

so good.......2007-05-13

What makes King Crimson so good is the fact that they write music in such a way where ANYTHING is possible. This means they can write music anyway they want. With that in mind, Islands continues with the enjoyable "weirdness" that Lizard did so well. The music on this album is only weird because it's unlike anything else I've heard.

I'm sure you'd agree that there's nothing more rewarding than being able to discover new things in music even after hearing the same songs over and over, a hundred times? That's what King Crimson did so well in the early days- they were apparently a band on a mission to toss in as many instruments and songwriting styles as possible, and putting songs together any way they felt like. The results are not only fantastic, but able to be played over and over, as you hear more sounds the more times you listen to the music. What a great band.

Islands doesn't quite remind me of an island, or outer space (well, except for Track 2). It's really a strange album. You'd be crazy if you went in expecting every note to click the first time you hear them. It doesn't happen that way. In fact, only the title track and that classical instrumental will be the only tunes you'll remember the first time you play the album. This is certainly an album that requires repeated listens.

Pick up Lizard first, then Islands. Two great albums.

Excellent........2007-03-21

This is one of my favorite King Crimson CD's. It's some of the best music they've written. If you like this album and you're unfamiliar with other King Crimson albums, I recommend:

In The Court Of The Crimson King
In The Wake Of Poseidon
Lizard

In Memory of Ian Wallace and Boz Burrell........2007-02-23

With the passing of Boz Burrell in September 2006 and of Ian Wallace on this very day (Feb. 22nd 2007), a review of King Crimson's "Islands" album seems appropriate:

1971 marked another transistion for Prog-rock giants King Crimson. After some unsteady line-up changes following the split of the original 1969 band, Robert Fripp emerged with Crimson's second stable line-up consiting of lead singer and bassist Boz Burrell, sax player and flautist Mel Collins and drummer Ian Wallace. Besides Fripp, the only other original holdover was lyricist Peter Sinfield whose swansong would be this very album, "Islands".
Unlike the almost psychedelic feel of the previous three King Crimson albums, "Islands" has an almost laid-back classical feel to it. The orchestrated feel is definitely felt in the epic title track and the "Prelude-Song of the Gulls" which preceeds it. The opening track, "Formentera Lady" also has a quasi-classical feel as well as a slight George Harrison-Indian vibe to it.
Elsewhere on the album are some hard rocking moments such as the dynamic instrumental "A Sailor's Tale" which features an outstanding drum rhythm from Ian Wallace and some truly Coltrane-inspired sax work from Mel Collins. "Ladies of the Road" is a brilliant pop song that could very well be the band's first foray into risque humor while "The Letters" ventures out into more darker territory. Boz's voice really shines here as it does on the aforementioned title track.
While "Islands" is the only studio album to feature the Fripp/Burrell/Collins/Wallace/Sinfield line-up, this band would continue on for nearly another year (minus Sinfield) with some relentless touring and a live album "Earthbound". "Islands" has personally grown on me since I first heard it back in 1992 (21 years after it was released). While this is not THE place to start when discovering King Crimson, it is definitely worth picking up after discovering the so-called 'indispensible classics' (ie: In the Court Of The Crimson King, Larks Tongues in Aspic, Discipline). The playing on this album is tight and focused and the musical arrangements are flawless.
Definitely an underrated gem from an underrated line-up of King Crimson.

Rest in Peace, Boz and Ian. You both will be missed.

I'll unwind my old strings while the sun shines down -Crimso's 4th.......2006-12-24

This is a more laid back and quieter feeling album than most by KC. Still it has many good songs. For the most part, this is a continuation of the Lizard band but with Boz on bass and vocals. This would also be the last studio album with Peter Sinfield as the lyricst. There is also alot of orchestration throghout the album which might be off putting to some. All three songs on what used to be the first side connect to each other. The album starts off with Formentera Lady which is a song I like alot. This gives way to Sailor's Tale which is a great instrumental for the band. The Letters is not a song that I really care for. The second part of the album begins with Ladies Of The Road which is a fun song with a cool chorus. Prelude:Song Of The Gulls is a pretty instrumental. Islands continues where Prelude leaves off. Very nice and mellow. Once again, I wouldn't suggest anyone start here however once you have some of their other releases, pick this one up and you won't be sorry.

Crimso Mk. I Broke Up After This One.......2006-11-27

By the time "Islands" was recorded, Mr. Fripp's inability to keep a bassist/lead vocalist apparently had gotten around, and Fripp had to settle for "Boz" Burrell - who would go on to fame and fortune with Bad Company - and who had prior to his "gig" with KC, never played bass before.

His voice is pleasant enough, but he's certainly no Greg Lake, and even a notch below Gordon Haskell, whom he succeeded.

Not to speak ill of the dead - Burrell passed away in September of this year due to heart disease - but Burrell was hardly a great solution to Crimson's vocal woes. The entire album seems to meander, not really knowing where it wants to go. The biggest strike against it is the decidedly unclever and downright foul-mouthed "Ladies of the Road." Why Fripp and Co. wanted such a public statement of their participation in rock 'n' roll's "wretched excess" is beyond me. Fripp has always been rock's intellectual anti-hero. Maybe just a bit of male braggadocio?

The record has moments of beauty, but considering many of the same sidemen as appear on the sublime "Lizard," including wind-player Mel Collins and pianist Keith Tippett, I really expected better. I admit that I purchased this one last of all the early Crimson records when I was an active fan during high-school, even after I already had "Larks' Tongues in Aspic," "Red," and "Starless and Bible Black" in my collection, and did so only with a view toward completism.

I would not recommend this record as an introduction to the neophyte. There is some good material, but I suggest doing as I did originally, and listening to this one after you're done sampling the rest of the 60s-70s output of King Crimson.

Average customer rating: Does not disappoint!!! Upbeat and unexpected... A musical mai tai the best music to wake up to Tropical paradise

Putumayo Presents: South Pacific Islands Various Artists Manufacturer: Putumayo World Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Compilations | International | Styles | Music International | Putumayo World Music Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Islands Putumayo Presents: Music from the Chocolate Lands Putumayo Presents: Mali Music From the Tea Lands Putumayo Presents: Afro-Latin Party ASIN: B00063MC0W Release Date: 2004-11-23

Tracks:

1. Iuliana (Tokelau/Samoa/New Zealand) - Te Vaka
2. Mana Ma'Ohi (Rapa Nui/Easter Island) - Matato'a
3. Sei Ma Le Losa (Tokelau/Samoa/New Zealand) - Te Vaka
4. Abebe (Papua New Guinea) - Telek
5. Haloa Olohega (Tokelau/Samoa/New Zealand) - Te Vaka
6. Nengone Nodegu (New Caledonia) - OK! Ryos
7. Whine Whakairo (New Zealand) - Whirimako Black
8. Nukukehe (Tokelau/Samoa/New Zealand) - Te Vaka
9. Siasi (Papua New Guinea) - O-Shen
10. Co Era So (New Caledonia) - OK! Ryos
11. Watolea (New Caledonia) - Gurejele

Amazon.com

Bring up the subject of Polynesian music to most Americans and they might mention Hawaiian slide-guitars and ukuleles, the hula or perhaps slack-key finger-picking. But Hawaii is a mere pin-spot within Oceania, a huge area consisting of more than of 25,000 islands that are in turn subdivided into regions known as Melanesia, Polynesia, and Micronesia. As well, there are the related native cultures of Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Many of the traditions seem to share a passion for melody which is often expressed via exquisite close-harmony singing. The songs on this collection, while contemporary, bear out this reputation for fine vocals. But the selections are otherwise quite varied, ranging from Auckland New Zealand-based Whirimako Black's Sade-like delivery, to Gurejele's sun-drenched, almost South African-sounding vamps, to the glistening, multi-layered pop of Papua New Guinea's O-Shen. The enhanced CD features a video of Co Era So by OK! Ryos. --Christina Roden

Album Description

Blessed with stunning natural beauty and unique cultures, the islands of the South Pacific have long symbolized paradise on Earth to outsiders. Of course, life is more complicated than travel brochures and Gauguin paintings would lead one to believe. The people of the South Pacific, like elsewhere, struggle with the impact of modernization and are fighting to revitalize and redefine their traditions before they disappear.

Both Telek and O-shen come from Papua New Guinea, a tropical archipelago of dense rainforests and active volcanoes. Telek combines ancient Tolai traditions and contemporary Western music without compromising his native culture. O-shen, the son of American missionaries who was raised in a remote Papuan village, fuses traditional Pacific music with hip-hop and reggae.

OK! Ryos and Gurejele are leading figures in New Caledonia's Kaneka movement, a unique music that blends local polyphonic singing styles and traditional rhythms of the Kanak culture with pop and world beat flavors.

Te Vaka, a New Zealand-based band with members from across Oceania, is creating a pan-Pacific pop music that incorporates elements from a variety of cultures into an appealing fusion. Fellow New Zealander Whirimako Black endeavors to bring Maori music, culture, and language to a broader audience.

Finally, from far-off Rapa Nui, better known as Easter Island, comes Matato'a. Their native language is now spoken by less than 3000 people and is blended here with an upbeat, cross-cultural mix of music.

This enhanced CD features an OK! Ryos music video filmed on the picturesque beaches of New Caledonia, as well as informative liner notes in English, Spanish, and French, striking Lonely Planet photographs and the recipe of a traditional South Pacific dish.

Customer Reviews:

Does not disappoint!!!.......2007-06-07

Every track on this CD is excellent and makes you envision the islands of the south pacific. Just makes me want to visit these areas.

Awesome treasure courtesy of putumayo.

Upbeat and unexpected..........2007-02-09

This is one of those albums that just makes you happy. We have quite a few Putumayo collections and like all of them, but most of them have at least one song we could skip. Not this one. Every single track makes me smile. Enjoy!

A musical mai tai.......2006-06-13

This CD has EVERYTHING--a great recipe,a music video AND of course,wonderful music.It's the musical equivalent of Trader Vic's.It's a mai tai of music.

Highlights-
1)Mana Ma'Ohi-A group from Easter Island (Rapa Nui).Yes,there is more to this island than the giant heads that now adorn tiki rooms everywhere.
2)Sei Ma Le Losa-A song in honor of Greenpeace's founder.Very beautiful.
3)Siasi-A joyous love song.If you look in the liner notes,the lead singer is as easy on the eyes as he is on the ears.
4)Co era so-This has a music video.Wonderful.
5)Watolea-A rousing tune.

Drink this music down!

the best music to wake up to.......2005-05-06

want to start the day right? want to start light, carefree, and happy? then this CD is a must-have for your collection. whenever i listen to this i can't help but imagine the sun, sand, waves, and the beautifully round, dark and happy polynesian people with yukeleles (spellcheck please!) singing and dancing along the shore. this, for me, is the best putumayo album i've ever listened to. thank you, putumayo, for this CD release!

Tropical paradise.......2005-04-21

The South Pacific Islands collection comes from Tokelau, Samoa, New Zealand, Rapa Nui, Easter island, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia. Here the easy listening contemporary music with a traditional feel moves along at a comfortable speed, conjuring up romantic islands and emerald seas. To help put you in the picture the CD is enhanced with a video from New Caledonian band OK! Ryos featuring dreamy images that make you wish you were on holidays in the tropical sun, not stuck in that damn job! Harmony vocals are a feature, and there's a touch of funk as well. Don't worry if you don't know the artists, they're all professional and engaging.

Average customer rating: Brings back visit to Hawaii I judge all my other slack key cds against this one...

Slack Key Guitar Various Artists Manufacturer: Palm Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Hawaii | Pacific Islands | International | Styles | Music Pacific Islands | Compilations | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Pacific Islands | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Slack Key Guitar Volume 2 Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Masters Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Masters Collection, Vol. 2 Black Sand Moe`uhane Kika: Tales From The Dream Guitar ASIN: B00000J10I Release Date: 1998-09-01

Tracks:

1. Give a Lei, Bryan Kessler
2. Island Style, Randy Lorenzo
3. Dolphin Days, Charles Michael Brotman
4. Kiho'alu Jam, Sonny Lim
5. Hi'ilawe, Sonny Lim
6. Milili'i Slack Key, Ken Emerson
7. Mehameha, Sonny Lim
8. Kaulana Na Pua, John Keawe
9. Saddle Road, Kevin Teves
10. Pu'uanahulu, John Keawe
11. Hapuna Sunset, Charles Michael Brotman

Album Description

"Ki ho'a lu," or slack Key guitar, refers to the altered tunings of the acoustic guitar that are unique to the musical heritage of Hawaii. The beautiful slack Key sound is synonomous with the majic of the Hawaiian Islands. This collection of solo performances features 7 well known slack key guitarists.

Customer Reviews:

Brings back visit to Hawaii.......2005-12-10

I had no idea what Slack Key Guitar was until finally took the wrapper off this CD and played it. Love this CD. Very relaxing. Great backgound music-can let it play all day. Brings back the memories of our visit to Hawaii.

I judge all my other slack key cds against this one..........2000-06-02

Bought it on May 17. Ended up buying 11 (and counting) other slack key music cds. But still my favorite overall. I can't sing, but do want to learn to play slack key, so this instrumental cd of solo (no other instrument) slack key inspires me. You will not go wrong buying this one!

The mellow performances match my personality, and bring to mind images of balmy breezes and swaying trees.

I've been looking for another instrumental cd of solo slack key performances, but have yet to find one that matches this one...except maybe Ozzie Kotani's, and Ledward Kaapana's live CD.

If you are wanting to play slack key, listen to this one and hear what can be achieved, without being distracted by other instruments.

Average customer rating: Really lackluster, but it's still The Band Manuel makes this a masterpiece Not THAT Bad Don't Ignore this Album very good set from a great group of musicians

Islands The Band Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Northern Lights-Southern Cross Moondog Matinee Cahoots Stage Fright Rock of Ages ASIN: B00004W3L2 Release Date: 2001-05-08

Tracks:

1. Right As Rain
2. Street Walker
3. Let The Night Fall
4. Ain't That A Lot Of Love
5. Christmas Must Be Tonight
6. Islands
7. The Saga Of Pepote Rouge
8. Georgia On My Mind
9. Knockin' Lost John
10. Livin' In A Dream
11. Twilight (Single Version)
12. Georgia On My Mind (Alternate Take)

Amazon.com

The liner notes for Robbie Robertson's version of the Band's swan song makes the case that Islands was never meant to be viewed as their studio signoff. Rather, argues Robertson, it was seen as their version of the Who's Odds and Sods and a contract fulfiller so that the quintet could release their true coda, The Last Waltz, on Warner Bros. With such modest aspirations in mind, Islands, while falling far short of the Band's creative heights, provides a pleasant listen for stalwart fans. Covers of "Ain't That a Lot of Love" and "Georgia on My Mind" (the latter recorded to boost Jimmy Carter's presidential campaign) showcase the always striking vocals of Levon Helm and Richard Manuel, respectively. And while the likes of "The Saga of Pepote Rouge," "Knockin' Lost John," and "Let the Night Fall" lack the passion and precision of prime Band, they're appealing in their own modest way. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

Really lackluster, but it's still The Band.......2007-01-06

I think the fact that the average rating for this album is 4 stars is a bit of an inflation. Don't get me wrong, I own all their recordings and love The Band just as much as anybody else, but this album, though it has a couple highlights, sounds mostly burnt-out and hollow, making it subpar (for ANY band) and WAY lower quality than we've come to expect from The Band.

I'll start with the negatives, since they mostly outweigh the positives, then move to the album's highlights later (please remember, I'm trying to take off the rose-colored glasses and be realistic about this album). First off, as everyone knows, this collection of songs is, and never was, an album. It's a collection of unreleased studio tracks strung together to fill The Band's contract. Consequently, the songs weren't conceived as part of a cohesive whole and the album has no flow whatsoever. Likewise, the rest of the album reflects this: a lack of attention, care, and soul.

By this point, a lot of Robbie's writing became really tired and forced--listen to "The Saga of Pepote Rouge," and "Let The Night Fall," and you'll see what I mean (spaceships?!). There's not much inspiration, and he seems to be ineffectively trying to follow stock song blueprints that worked on their better albums. The magic that buoyed Northern Lights - Southern Cross, making it one of their strongest records ever, is pretty much completely absent, which is a pity. You can really tell on these songs just how bad Robertson wanted to be done with The Band and move on. The playing is pretty similar. The Band members go through the motions, passing around lead vocals, Garth plays a bunch of instruments (a lot of easy-listening sax this time around, not really to my taste), and Robbie contributes some pretty gnarly guitar, though it's not supported by well-written songs. Although the songs are pleasant enough, there's not really much to get excited about, and it really sounds like the musicians aren't emotionally invested and inspired in making these songs as good as they can be. On a final note, "Knockin' Lost John" reminds us why Robbie didn't and shouldn't have sung on almost all of the Band's releases.

Now on to the album's saving graces, since there are a few. No matter how bland the songs and how uninspired the playing, it's still The Band doing it, which counts for something. Even though much of their signature sound is being replaced with a more late-70's lite-pop production, it's still a bit of a pleasure to hear Rick's, Levon's and Richard's voices. "Georgia On My Mind" is worth the price of admission all by itself. Richard Manuel's voice was getting pretty haggard due to his hard living, but I'll be if it didn't add even more soul and texture to his always sublime vocals--I could listen to the guy sing grocery lists and probably still be entertained. Robertson actually did write a couple decent tunes, like "Christmas Must Be Tonight" (although an arguably better version was already released as a bonus track on the superior Northern Lights - Southern Cross), and "Right As Rain" isn't too bad, though it really doesn't sound like The Band. It's also pretty cool that Rick Danko helped out with the songwriting with "Street Walker" (Robertson always complained that he had to do all the work), even though it's not that great of a song. Unfortunately, though, most of the album's good points are only mildly pleasant, and after it's over you get the feeling you've just listened to something with little substance that The Band cared about just as much as you probably did.

I'll probably get axed by hardcore fans for not giving it 5 stars, but seriously, it's not worth that many by anyone's standards. If Islands deserves 5 stars, how much is Music From Big Pink worth?! I'm glad I own it because of its highlights and because I'm a completist, but not everybody is. Islands certainly isn't essential, but you might get some enjoyment out of it. Just make sure you have everything else first.

Manuel makes this a masterpiece.......2006-08-17

Without the soulful voice of Richard Manuel, this album would be drowning in MOR. But he lifts the music into an indescribably emotional area - Right as Rain, Georgia on my mind particularly. He performed almost the same miracle on Northern Lights, Southern Cross. Maybe Islands contains markedly inferior songs and some lacklustre performances, but it is nowhere near as bad as it has been painted. Listen to Richard...

Not THAT Bad.......2006-07-06

The good news about "Islands," for Band fans desperate for more product, is that it isn't nearly as bad as "Cahoots." True, the overall sound is a little Muzaky, but at least it's tuneful. "Knockin' Lost John" is a boring, tuneless mess that would have been at home on "Cahoots," but everything else is at least listenable. What Band fan could resist the opportunity to hear the departed Danko and Manual singing their hearts out on a few more memorable melodies (even if the lyrics leave something to be desired from time to time)? Helm's contribution of "Living' in a Dream" also has some charm. This is certainly not the album to introduce someone to the Band, but devoted fans needn't be afraid of it.

Don't Ignore this Album.......2005-09-21

"Islands" has often been described as an album that was just released by the Band to fulfill their obligations to their record company Capitol - Robbie Robertson calls it an album of B-sides and outtakes in the sleeve-notes. Though there obviously is some truth in his statement, there actually were new sessions held to do a follow-up album to the much-acclaimed "Northern Lights / Southern Cross".

This may not be as succesful an album as its predecessor, but there is still much great music that it equals some of the other Band albums.

Stand out tracks are Robertson's "Christmas Must Be Tonight", inspired by the birth of his son in July 1975, and here beatifully sung by Danko. I'm usually not very fond of Christmas tunes; but this one makes an exception. Other highlights are Richard Manuels great vocals on the old standard "Georgia on my Mind", which was also released as a single and the new song "Right as Rain". "Let the Night Fall", could have been a great song, but it sounds a little unfinished, probably lacking a good bridge.

"Streewalker" is another fine track, sung by Danko, would have fitted nicely into "Cahoots".

"Ain't that a Lot of Love" sounds like it should been featured on "Moondog Matinee". Helm sings!

The instrumental "Islands" is fine track, but misses some vocals to make it a "real" great "Band" track.

"The Saga of Pepote Rouge" is a great song, sung by Danko with Helm and the charming "Knocking Lost John" sung by Helm and Robertson is bound to grow on you.

The final track "Livin' in a Dream" is described in the notes a Grade B material - with the addition, grade B material from the Band is better than the finest efforts from a lot of other artist.

The first bonus-track is a real stand-out, and possibly the only authentic out-take, "Twilight" was a song from the "Northern Lights" sessions that the Band like so much that they saved it for a single. Beautiful song, slightly reggae inspired.

Don't ignore this album! Four and a half stars!

very good set from a great group of musicians.......2005-05-27

Back when Rolling Stone magazine released the first edition of their Record Guide they rated "Islands" with 4 stars, and they referred to it as the Band's last studio album. I have always agreed with that assessment. Later on in interviews members of the Band declared that this album was a contractual filler, made up of a collection of leftover tracks. I found this troubling because I've noticed that opinions change for the worse when such things are brought to light, not just with this release but others by other artists as well. Subsequent printings of the Rolling Stone album guide have since carried the reduced rating of 2 or 3 stars, as does the All Music Guide. I, for one, feel that there is an abundance of really good songs making for a very good album. Many were recorded in late 1976 in anticipation of this album, while some date back to the 1975 Northern Lights sessions. This hardly makes this album eligible for the "Odds and Sods" category. That album, by the Who, was made up of leftovers that span 1964 to 72. All that aside, "Right as Rain" & "Georgia On My Mind" have always been two of my favorite Richard Manuel moments, and many of the other tracks hold their own quite well in the amazing catalogue of the extraordinarily talented Band. If this is the Band at their slightest they still blow away just about everyone else at their best.

Average customer rating:

Ragnarok Týr Manufacturer: Napalm ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Eric the Red Eric the Red How Far to Asgaard With Oden on Our Side Ensiferum ASIN: B000HWXSZU Release Date: 2006-10-10

Tracks:

1. I - The Beginning
2. The Hammer Of Thor
3. II - Envy
4. Brothers Bane
5. III - The Burning
6. The Ride To Hel
7. IV - Torsteins Kvæ_i
8. V - Grímur Á Mi_alnesi
9. Wings of Time
10. VI -- The Rage Of The Skullgaffer
11. The Hunt

Album Description

Hymns of Nordic Folk and pounding Metal summon the ghost of Tyr's ancestors. Scandinavian mythology, Viking warriors, and heroic battles become the lyrical backdrop that accompanies powerful Viking choruses, traditional melodies, and timeless Heavy Metal. Tyr has refined their trademark sound in their latest work, Ragnarok. Technically brilliant and 100 percent authentic, Ragnarok emerges as a masterpiece within the true Viking Metal genre!

Meditation Music:

1. It Takes Two
2. Ivory Wings
3. Jewel Lake
4. Kokopelli's Cafe
5. Land of Enchantment
6. Last Train to Lhasa
7. Live at Notting Hill [Live]
8. Love Themes
9. Lyle Mays
10. Maganda

Meditation Music

meditation music

Meditation Music

Foot to the Floor Hardcore [Import]

Caruso Sings Donizetti & Rossini

Grand Duo Brillant: Works for Clarinet and Piano by Müller, Weber and Böhner

Music: The Grunt Song and Other Country Classics

Freestyle Heaven [Box set]

Groove Armada Presents Doin' It After Dark [Import]

Fiesta Mexicana [Import]

Hustla's Handbook [Explicit Lyrics]

Joyous Encounter

German Baroque Chamber Music 3

Extraordinary Ordinariness [CD-single]

Electromensch [Import]

House Sounds of London

African Blues

Ever Since the World Ended