Circles & Arrows

Circles & Arrows

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
After two promising but undeveloped albums and a couple of tunes that hit the country charts (courtesy of other singers' versions), Cheryl Wheeler made this album for Capitol/Nashville in 1990. Unfortunately, her label experienced a personnel shakeup just after Circles & Arrows was released, and the disc was lost in the shuffle. It was rereleased by Rounder Records on their Philo imprint in 1995. Produced by Kyle Lehning (Randy Travis) and featuring a full string section and guests such as Vince Gill, Pam Tillis, Jerry Douglas, and Mark O'Connor, this is blockbuster collection of songs. The soft "Aces" (a 1992 hit for Suzy Boguss), the pop tune "Hard Line to Draw," and the midtempo "Northern Girl" are Wheeler the songwriter at her best. The comical "Estate Sale" shows her emerging humorous side. The vocals throughout are also exceptionally strong. This is the Wheeler breakthrough album that, for a variety of nonmusical reasons, didn't break through. --Robert Baird

Circles & Arrows,Cheryl Wheeler,Philo / Pgd,Contemporary Singer/Songwriter,Country-Folk,Folk,Folk & Traditional,Pop,Singer/Songwriter

Enter
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Instrumental Beauty... One of the finest the Genre has to offer.

See them live!

Impressive!

Enter? Yes please come in...

Enter
Russian Circles
Manufacturer: Flameshovel
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Experimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
General | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000EXDRRG
Release Date: 2006-05-16

Tracks:

Carpe
Micah
Death Rides A Horse
Enter
You Already Did
New Macabre

Customer Reviews:

Please enter a title for your review.......2006-12-29

Russian Circles continue what is fast becoming a tradition in the current melodic post-rock scene, taking what could and should be a progressive interesting genre and stuffing it into a pigeonhole. Taking all the most basic elements of innovative band's songwriting, erasing the subtleties, adding nothing, and just being a straight up creativityless mimic. If the post-rock scene Mogwai spawned has outlived it's usefulness it's only because bands like this (and the audience they're inexplicably still able to impress by doing nothing) refuse to let it grow. This album is an offense to my sense of creativity in much the same way rotting garbage is an offense to one's sense of smell.

Instrumental Beauty... One of the finest the Genre has to offer. .......2006-09-04

RUSSIAN CIRCLES - Enter
-
Chicago seems to be a sort of hot bed for instrumental acts now-a-days... Hearing all the hype about this album I felt I should proceed with caution, thinking it may be just be a winded version of Pelican or their kin. Truth is, `Enter' is a debut worth shouting about and will likely make it in the top 10 of 2006.

Russian Circles sound is much less pretentious then many of the other instrumental bands... with songs never getting tedious or tiring. The opener `Carpe' is subtle opener which really sets the stage for the album. Unlike many other bands their opening track does not eclipse the rest of the album and does not set the bar too high for the following songs. Using the term very loosely it is likely one of the weaker tracks. The second song `Micah' is a real piece of art, sounding like the love child of Lateralus-era Tool and the Red Sparowes. `Death Rides a Horse' is a furious power shot of spastic guitar rhythms, driving bass and definitive drum sections. It is likely the darkest and heaviest song on the album, yet does not sacrifice melody. The title track, `Enter' is an interesting blend of rock-fusion and sparse dissonance. Again the rhythm section is incredibly tight and really helps drive this song forward. Track five, `You Already Did' is a breathtaking amalgamation of various styles. This song has an underlying melody which is one of the most beautiful things that has graced my ears in quite sometime... at the 5:00 minute mark the song unfolds into delicate aural transcendence. The final track, `New Macabre' is a spiral of musical emotions, dabbing in the darker realms and shifting back to the driving melody.

`Enter' may take the place from Pelican's `The Fire in our Throats will Beckon the Thaw' or Red Sparowes' `At the Soundless Dawn' as my favorite instrumental CD. But only time will tell, as both those albums still get regular rotation in my player. If you are a fan of the genre this is required listening.

Favorite Songs: You Already Did, Death Rides A Horse, and Micah.
-5 Stars

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See them live!.......2006-08-23

The CD is alright, but if i hadnt seen them live in concert the CD sound quality would have made me think much less of their musical abilities.

Impressive!.......2006-05-28

Hailing from Chicago, Russian Circles is one of those bands that comes completely out of nowhere and blows everyone away. Enter, does exactly this! Perfectly blended "Instru-Metal" is RCs talent, and is also a rapidly rising movement. A merger of typical Indie Rock mixed with other forms of Hardcore and Metal. If you like Pelican, Red Sparowes, Isis, Godspeed you Black Emperor, or even Explosions in the Sky, you need to check this record out.

Enter? Yes please come in..........2006-05-20

Lush instrumental arrangements with punk, indie rock, metal, and orchestral influences. They are melodic, epic, ambient, at times dark, well crafted songs that blur the lines between genre classification. Russian Circles are the breath of fresh air complacent rock has been waiting for. One of the best records of the year, the past 10 years, and for years to come. All on their debut.

Average customer rating:

The world is still a "B" movie
Great to have!
bigfan
Coolest yet!!
A Great CD

Since There Were Circles
Bob Lind
Manufacturer: Rpm Records UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

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Ultimate Collection
LA, Memphis & Tyler, Texas
Elusive Butterfly - The Complete 1966 Jack Nitzsche Sessions
Home & Away
John the Wolfking of L.A.

ASIN: B000HXDXK4
Release Date: 2006-11-27

Tracks:

I Love to Sing/Sweet Harriet
City Scenes
Love Came Riding
Loser
Not That I Would Want Her Back
Theme from the Music Box
Anymore
Spilling Over
She Can Get Along
Up in the Morning Me
Since There Were Circles
I Found You [*]
Marlene [*]
San Francisco Woman [*]
Colorado Line [*]
We Are Children Still [*]

Album Description

A rare and sought after album (around $200 on recent search) this the first time the album has been reissued, and is enhanced by the inclusion of four bonus tracks being supplied directly by Bob. (trivia note these tracks are being mixed, and the album re-mastered by Lind's present near neighbor in Florida, Aerovon Tom Hartman.) First time reissue, first time on CD. Well known writer of international hit Elusive Butterfly. One of the '60s US folk rock troubadours. Includes 4 bonus tracks. Includes performances by luminaries the Dillards and Gene Clark. Reissue co-produced with Bob Lind.

Album Details

A Star of the Mid 60's Us Folk Rock Boom Hitting the Top Five in America with his Own Song Elusive Butterfly . This Song was Then Covered by Many Other Artists around the World, as were Later Songs by the Likes of the Turtles, Noel Harrison, Nancy Sinatra and Bobby Sherman, Including Cheryl's Going Home (The Blues Project), Counting (Marianne Faithfull), and Mr. Zero (Yardbirds' Lead Singer Keith Relf). A Rare and Sought after Album (Around $200 on Recent Search) this the First Time the Album Has Been Reissued, and is Enhanced by the Inclusion of Four Bonus Tracks Being Supplied Directly by Lind.

Customer Reviews:

The world is still a "B" movie.......2007-04-20

WOW!!!! I am VERY happy to have this on CD! It really is a great album. I thought Bob was an excellent song writer from his earlier work, but this album just solidifies his talent. It is a very sad album. His first 2 albums (Don't be concerned & Photographes and feelings) were on the sad side, but there was a sense of hope. Since there were circles....Is boarder line angry at times. You really feel what his state of mind was at that point while listening to it, which is a great example of Bob's talent. This album reminds me of John Phillips' Wolf King of LA album. Not the sound, but the tone and the mood. It seems like people had high hopes for things in the 60's and by the 70's all of the good intentions and high spirits were just gone. Or maybe the rock & roll lifestyle just caught up to everyone & everyone burnt out. I don't know, I wasn't there but I am glad that the music was.

Great to have!.......2007-04-10

I loved this when it was new, and love it just as much now! Great to have it on my IPod!

bigfan.......2007-03-27

It's great to finally have this classic, essential, early 70's Bob Lind recording on CD. This release is like a fine wine in that it get's better with each listening. Highly recommend!

Coolest yet!!.......2007-01-30

There's a certain sound in a young man's voice that just comes out effortlessly when he must feel he's on top of the world-and understands it all completely. "Since There Were Circles" on RPM Records in the UK is one of those magical records for me. The confidence from Bob's vocal delivery just leaps off this disc, with all his different twists and turns from his earlier also-wonderful discs. He's playing with his brightness and tone a lot-which is great new stuff to me--and I've never heard his delivery be so relaxed and easy sounding-like silk. I would place this record up next to Elvis Costello's "Imperial Bedroom" as far as how it strikes me as I listen to it-like the artist is there to serve no one but himself-which is the way it should be-(at least according to me!) This record also has such a cool, dry recording sound-very 70's and "in your face". Even the strings and horns (wonderful arrangements!) are nice and dry-like a Don Dixon approach. Bob is also completely unconcerned about the usual abab cdcd rhyme scheme in 99% of all recorded music. He does rhyme-but only....when he wants to. He serves no master. This is definitely the "coolest" record of Bob's-to date-and I personally know there is more to come. I've heard it....

Did I mention the packaging is great too? A nice big fold-out with lots of interesting liners and comments from Bob. Also-the bonus cuts are all top shelf. No filler, whatsoever. Great pictures too! It has the very best version of "San Francisco Woman" I've heard yet.

Bob is no one-hit wonder-he's all over the map, if you ask me.

Jamie Hoover 1/30/07 *****

A Great CD.......2007-01-09

This CD is terrific. It contains truly great lyrics - as do all Bob Lind's songs - and the musicians and arrangements are excellent. The content reflects a life less simple than those he sang about on his first two albums. You may not envy the storyteller, but you sure do envy the storytelling.

Average customer rating:

Relaxing
Reverie
Peaceful, serene--absolute piece of art!
Beautiful
Beautiful Melodies

Water Circles
Mia Jang
Manufacturer: Narada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00004TWK1
Release Date: 2000-06-27

Tracks:

Water Circles
Lily Pond
Fountain
Wishing Well
Lagoon
Riverside
Spring Shower
Waterdance
Stream
Morning Dew
Tide Pool
Floating

Amazon.com

Relaxing, peaceful, high-minded without arrogance, Mia Jang's second album of piano solos is a pleasant collection of pastel-shaded compositions that could nicely complement a therapeutic massage or an evening spent with a favorite book. Jang, a native of Taipei now living in the United States, occupies a place on the solo piano continuum somewhere between David Lanz and Michael Jones, managing to sidestep the exaggerated romanticism that sometimes hinders Lanz while demonstrating more structure and purpose than Jones. Though not as lyrical as Jim Brickman, nor as artful as Liz Story, Jang composes music with simple dignity, conveying a sense of sweetness without the annoying saccharine aftertaste that sometimes plagues this genre. While the classically trained pianist often aims for a meditative mood, her more melodic pieces (the brightly engaging "Fountain," the more reflective "Morning Dew," and "Tide Pool") are small jewels worth repeated listenings. An attractive, low-key sophomore effort. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews:

Relaxing.......2004-08-23

My daughter chose Water Circles as the CD she wanted to listen to while she was in labor with her first child. All the nurses commented on the beautiful and relaxing music. This CD as now become on of my favorites for meditation or simply relaxing after a long day of work.

Reverie.......2003-08-18

Water circles is a good title for this CD, but for me Reverie would be better. I find myself totally caught up in this music, daydreaming, and flowing like water with the music. Mia Jang's songs have really struck a chord in my heart and soul. It is almost like being able to "hear" Monet's Water Lilies. I get that same feeling of beauty, peace, and relaxtion. This is my favorite cd for some soothing moments at the end of a long day.

Peaceful, serene--absolute piece of art!.......2000-11-17

Mia Jang's personality, feeling, and soul is in this cd! I've found that some of the songs make me remember past life experiences. Every piece is unique and I find myself discovering new meaning in each song everytime. My favorite is Water Dance. I love the way it makes me feel...so soothing and beautiful. I constantly find myself playing along by ear on the piano.

Beautiful.......2000-09-15

I have to disagree with those who don't think this music is relaxing. It's wonderfully melodic and introspective. I first bought her CD (Sweet Dreams) after hearing a piece of her music used on a figure skating documentary section and I have loved it ever since. The first four tracks of her new CD are so rich and haunting that I can't stop listening to them, whether I'm at work or on the train or just relaxing at home. Water Circles ia the soundtrack to your life - at times quiet and peaceful, and at other times layered and complex. It's a musical journey of soul-searching and I can't recommend it enough.

Beautiful Melodies.......2000-09-03

Mia Jang has produced another CD full of beautiful solo piano works without a single disappointing song. CDs following outstanding debut CD's (like Jang's "Sweet Dreams") are often weak in comparison, but "Water Circles" is just as strong as her earlier work. Very relaxing music, played skillfully, with feeling.

Average customer rating:

8 Circles
Jo Potter
Manufacturer: ROAR Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000CA6Y44
Release Date: 2003-12-05

Tracks:

Walk Away
Round and Round
Valentine's Day Song
All I Need To Know
Together
Seduction
I Am Missing You
Burn
You Don't Have To Say
Finally Found You
Get Me Through This
Stay
I Hate It When You Go
Just Say Yes
More
You Won't See Me Cry

Average customer rating:

Horrible.
I think this is their best album
What the soap opera...!?
After Forever Rocks
Wow

Invisible Circles
After Forever
Manufacturer: The End Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0002MHE0U
Release Date: 2004-08-24

Tracks:

Childhood In Minor
Beautiful Emptiness
Between Love And Fire
Sins Of Idealism
Eccentric
Digital Deceit
Through Square Eyes
Blind Pain
Two Sides
Victim Of Choices
Reflections
Life's Vortex

Customer Reviews:

Horrible........2007-03-04

This album is really disappointing.

First of all, the album concept is completely cliche. It's almost as if the band members couldnt think of anything better so all decided to pick a stupid album concept out of a hat. It definitely is off-setting.

Second of all, Floor's vocals couldn't be more ridiculous. She sings almost the exact same note throughout the whole damn CD. It's like shes trying to make us aware that she's a "wonderful" soprano and that she's extremely gifted to be able to do the note(s) she does. Theres no strength or beauty in her voice, just ego. The listener is unable to find any emotionally connection with in voice.

Third of all, the CD pictures are laughable. It's pretty hard to take the concept of a broken home story seriously when all the band members are dressed in black and turquoise leotards and posing in the most humurous positions possible in every other page of the CD booklet. I swear they just dont want to be taken seriously on this one.

Overall, the whole thing was just ridiculous. The songs weren't good by any means, Floor fell short, the concept was horrible, and the artworks were worth a few laughs.

Don't get this album. You'll regret it.

I think this is their best album.......2007-02-23

I've listened to all their past albums and the one after Invisible Circles and I must say Invisible Circles is my favorite After Forever album.

I've read a few reviews and they're a bit harsh. I'm a huge fan of concept albums, Queensryche, Ayreon etc... and this one is just as good.

What the soap opera...!?.......2006-12-21

Sometimes, I find myself wondering why ex-guitarist and primary composer Mark Jansen departed After Forever to form Epica... and then I listen to Invisible Circles. In the three years since AF's ear-opening album, Decipher, the band has seemingly decided that their flawless approach was in need of some renovation.

The music on Invisible Circles has, at the same time, the most aggressive songcraft ("Blind Pain") and the most watered down balladry ("Eccentric") seen on an After Forever album to date. The full, lush orchestral arrangements have been replaced by proggy keyboard leads and symphonic enhancements that no longer sound so much symphonic as they do synthetic. The guitars have developed a definite sense of crunch and an attitude of progressiveness that sees them exploring some rather elaborate arrangements and halfway interesting riffing patterns, acoustic segments, and leads... halfway interesting because a lot of it sounds forced, like they tried too hard and only half-way succeeded. Andre Borgman's drumming has moved in a similar direction, once again acting as a breath of fresh air in a genre saturated with predictable and trite percussion. Floor is... Floor. However, there's something about Floor on this album that doesn't really sit right with me. I have immense trouble saying or writing anything negative about her talents, but throughout this album her voice sounds sort of strained. Maybe it has something to do with her delivery - much more immediacy, drive, and power that seems almost forced; not quite as pure and angelic. Perhaps I'm just being nitpicky... she still blows her peers out of the water with extreme prejudice. With the departure of Mark Jansen, growling and snarling duties have been taken over by guitarist Sander Grommans, and while the vocals themselves aren't bad, they seem dreadfully out of place at times... not really complementing Floor so much as just taking up valuable space.

The album starts off promisingly with "Childhood in Minor", which evokes images of children playing in a carousel. Not just any carousel though, but a carousel that's under the watchful eye of some sinister, invisible entity. This subtly menacing mood rolls over into "Beautiful Emptiness", which sees Floor reaching for the heavens (hah, no pun intended) straight off the bat, but quickly abandons that and meanders through driving metal, piano-led serenity, and one or two instrumental evolutions before reaching "Between Love and Fire"...

...and here, my friends, is where the true horror of Invisible Circles is revealed to the audience.

Around three minutes into the song, the band drops out and spoken dialogue ensues between two individuals - a male and a female arguing and yelling about various broken-home related things. It becomes apparent that this is a concept album. A concept album about a girl growing up in a home full of discontent. A girl unloved and unwanted by her father. A girl growing up in confusion as she's trying to figure out how everything went so horribly wrong. In other words, an extremely cliché concept. The male and female mentioned above are the father and the mother in this melodramatic soap opera. Now, the concept itself isn't really the problem - the problem is with the actual delivery. This act (and all that follow) is so horrendously pathetic that I would actually feel embarrassed should anybody ever catch me listening to this album in public. Honestly, I'm afraid to recommend this album to anybody I know in real life because of those interludes. They are awful.

Of course, those spoken interludes make up an almost insignificant portion of the album's running time, and are mostly placed at the end of a given song so that they become easy to skip and erase from your mind - permanently.

Ironically, the part of this album that really floors me also makes up an insignificant portion of its running time. The part in question lasts for approximately two seconds and comes in at roughly 1:15 (and again at roughly 1:22, for a total of four seconds of music) into "Two Sides". It is Floor Jansen singing a particular line in harmony with herself, but the way the vocal lines are layered and her absolutely godly delivery is just so completely incredible that it makes me want to lay down and die peacefully... and the effect is multiplied ten-fold through headphones. As silly as it might seem to buy a 59+ minute album just to drool over four seconds of it, I think I can safely say that I would do it with Invisible Circles. Label me daft. I care not!

Another standout moment is in "Sins of Idealism". Floor's vocals throughout the last minute or so of this song are totally reminiscent of past glory.

So... basically, just skip through the inane acting portions. The rest is still good After Forever material.

After Forever Rocks.......2006-06-16

After Forever teased fans with what they were capable of on "Exordium"; now with "Invisible Circles" we get a better idea of the kind of power that this group holds in its hand. The band is labeled as Melodic Dark Metal and this fits especially well based on the lyrical storyline that is the basis of the album. The Soprano that is Floor Jansen blends her amazing voice with the sad topics of loss, hardship and disappointment in one's self. Behind her is a forceful group of talented musicians made up of Ben Maas (guitar, vocals), Sanders Gommans (guitars, grunts), Luuk Van Gerven (bass), Lando Van Gils (synths) and Andre Borgman (drums). The 6 member band has a full and in your face sound based on their musical abilities and the varied style of vocals presented during the songs. Both Sanders and Ben offer Floor accompaniment during the songs to some good result. Lead Singer Floor Jansen is stunning in her looks and a hurricane with her vocal prowess. One thing I felt when I heard her sing was a commanding power that is unlike the group's peers in Nightwish and Epica (also Dutch and led by former After Forever guitarist Mark Jansen). The piece wastes no time in showing you that After Forever means business with the rousing "Beautiful Emptiness" and it begins the tale of a young girl, a child of loveless parents. The enclosed booklet allows you to get the whole story in a lot more detail throughout its 16 pages. The story itself has some interesting moments but the dialogue between the central characters that is blended in some of the songs takes a little bit away from it. The level of some of this seems distant, and my guess was they wanted you to feel this was being overheard from a distance. That kind of perceptions is better left for video or television since an album makes you question your hearing or the recording process. I think that to make this a better concept album, the dialogue should have been less prevalent and perhaps spread out more between the songs.

There are a number of solid tunes on the album. One of my favorites is not heavy at all, but is a slow piano piece by Floor alone, entitled "Eccentric". During this tune, we get to see a softer side of Floor and just how beautiful her voice is when used in this fashion. Some fans might be reminded of when Amy Lee of Evanescence does this type of thing, however I feel that Floor has a better overall presence. Musically interesting at many points, I feel listeners will take to tracks like "Through Square Eyes" and "Blind Pain", mainly for the different changes in time and technical ability displayed. After Forever has a few good points in their favor and they do not sound like a Nightwish clone. This allows you to absorb their music and not feel like you have heard this somewhere before. "Invisible Circles" is the group's third full-length release and I believe this sets them apart from other groups who are fronted by powerful female vocalists. Check them out.

Wow.......2006-03-24

This is the type of album, that when you get into the music, and all that's behind it, you really love it. This is Metal. Some call it Gothic Metal, whatever, Floor's powerful voice, Sander's powerful growlings, the emotional lyrics, the powerful instrumenta, all togheter reached a very high quality.
It is a concept album and it talks about a 14 year old girl that grow up without feeling any love or support from her parents.

My favourite tracks:

Beautiful Emptiness: It starts with a lot of power, with the choirs singing angerly "Your the worst of all, with all your accusations and compunctions, i can't suffer this duress from someone so depraved and selfish" All the anger comes out right in the second track, one of the best of all.

Sins Of idealism: Powerful, great lyric, greath choir, great vocals.

Through Square Eyes: Best track of all album!! Floor and Sander sing together, and the chorus of this song is one of the bests I ever heard. GREAT SONG!!

Life's Vortex: The album finish with this great song. it begins very slowly with Floor's voice but the chorus is powerful and catchy.

There's a piano ballad, Eccentric. Simply beautiful!!

Average customer rating:

Sometimes you just stumble onto brilliance by chance
A pretty good folky/indie rock album which has a couple flaws - you'll still probably like it, though
Brilliant Stuff
Excellent record
An astounding album!

Circles
The Autumn Defense
Manufacturer: Arena Rock
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Chamber Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Loose Fur
Eveningland

ASIN: B0000D8L3Q
Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

Silence
The Sun in California
Written in the Snow
The Answer
The World (Will Soon Turn Our Way)
Why I'm Like This
Tuesday Morning
Some Kind of Fool
Iowa City Adieu
Circles

Amazon.com

While most of today's retro-inspired bands seem to go channel their garage rock instincts, the Autumn Defense take a different, understated approach. Led by Wilco bassist John Stirratt and multi-instrumentalist Pat Sansone, the group creates a soft-hued album of reflective ballads, softly strummed acoustic guitars, and gorgeous harmonies. This is retro as heard through classic Beach Boys, Harry Nilsson, and Bread records, but it offers some surprisingly refreshing rewards. "Written in the Snow" is a slow-motion, ballad take on Wilco's Being There output; "Iowa City Adieu" sounds like a meeting of the minds between the Pernice Brothers and the Smiths; and "Circles," the album's closer, seems to bring all these disparate folk-pop elements together. All told, it's both bittersweet and beautiful. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Sometimes you just stumble onto brilliance by chance.......2007-06-07

As i stated in my headin, "sometimes you just stumble onto brilliance by chance. I was browsing thru my favourite shop in the world, (Real Groovy, Auckland New Zealand)when I noticed an album by Hem. I bought it quickly and it wasn't until later in the car, I noticed it was an EP with half the tracks by Autumn Defense (Who??)Anyway that album is brilliant and I purchased the next Autumn Defense album I came across as a result.

Now we all know that Jeff Tweedy dominates Wilco completely, but if he ever decides to listen to his bandmate, John Stirratt's album, Circles, maybe he will give John some air time too. Autumn Defense starring John Stirratt is a criminally underrated album bordering on an album gone incognito. The music is timeless in the Singer/Songwriter vein with elements of the 70's, but firmly fixed in the 00's with an almost psychedelic Englishness. Its gentle, beautiful, welcoming aura is unique. I swear, listen to this and you will smile beautifically for hours afterward. Its not quite a religious experience, (I've never had one)but it must be a bit like this, I guess similar to your first orgasm or listening to your first Bellwether album.

The obvious next step for all Wilco fans

A pretty good folky/indie rock album which has a couple flaws - you'll still probably like it, though.......2006-01-09

"Circles" is a pretty good album which is unfortunately marred by a couple problems. One of them is that the singer is sometimes not very likable (especially when he sings high notes - also see "The Answer" for an example of when he goes awry). The musicianship, however, is usually very well done. It sounds like acoustic-driven indie rock with some piano and violens thrown in on most of the songs. It has a very nice sound most of the time, but occasionally it's not so great. It has a couple pretty catchy and memorable songs including "The World Will Soon Turn Our Way" and "Some Kind Of Fool". The lyrics are somewhat interesting, but overall that's not really the main attractor here. Every track here is good-if-not-decent, and that certainly helps things. They certainly have potential. I don't think most people will like it, but indie rock fans might. Slightly recommended.

Highlights include:
the entire album

Brilliant Stuff.......2003-12-18

It's great that people still know how to make music that really matters.

Excellent record.......2003-11-28

John Stirratt of the Autumn Defense is perhaps better known for his work in Wilco; that being work of the bass-playing and harmonizing variety. Well here Stirratt and Pat Sansone treat us to a brilliant album as the Autumn Defense. I have to admit I am a bit biased. I loved their first album 'The Green Hour', and it proved imovable from my stereo. I didn't think I could enjoy this album as much as that record ... but I have, even though they are quite different.
The entire album has a comforting, summery feel. 'Written in the snow', 'Why I'm like this', 'Some kind of fool' and 'Iowa city adieu' really stick out for me but all the tracks are lovely in their own way.
I guess a few people may pick up this album due to Stirratt's work with Wilco. The Autumn Defense do not particulary sound like Wilco, but please don't let that deter you. Like Wilco's records this album is full of brilliant, well crafted, meaningful songs - and what more could you want? So in short, the record is excellent. I cannot think of another band today producing a similar sound. The music really gets inside you. Buy it.

An astounding album!.......2003-11-20

With sweet melodies and a nostalgic feel, Autumn Defense's "Circles" achieves what many in the industry only dream of. This album has such a unique feel it's hard to categorize, but somehow captures a musical innocense that is at once evocative, timeless and romantic. The tunes get inside you and stick with you. "Silence," "Tuesday Morning," and "The World (Will Soon Turn Our Way)" are instant classics, while the rest slowly take hold as touching favorites. I highly recommend this album.

Average customer rating:

Perfect Circles and Beautiful Seasons
FULL CIRCLE
Gary's Experimental Album
Pure Gary!!

Circles & Seasons
Gary Chapman
Manufacturer: Word Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
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Outside
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Shelter

ASIN: B00005Y1MZ
Release Date: 2002-02-05

Tracks:

Nothing To Hide
I Need Jesus
All I Ever Have To Be
Like I Love You Now
He Thinks I Hung The Moon
Leave What's Left
Jackson And Jesus
I Hear A Call
Walk On
24/7

Customer Reviews:

Perfect Circles and Beautiful Seasons.......2005-07-28

I'm a long-time admirer of Gary Chapman and I think this is his best album ever. He conveys intense love, hope and faith without becoming preachy or sentimental. Jackson and Jesus is one of the most moving Christian songs I've heard in years. It's worth buying the album just to hear that one. I can't wait for Chapman's next album!

FULL CIRCLE.......2003-05-03

It takes a tremendous amount of talent, heart and self-confidence to do a complete CD by yourself. But amazingly, Gary Chapman has pulled it off beautifully in this CD, which I think, contrary to other reviewer's belief, is his most mature, spiritual and meaningful. "Circles and Seasons" is an awesome listening experience. I've always admired Chapman's considerable talents and "The Light Inside" was what I considered his most well realized work. However, after his split with Amy Grant, his music took on a rather somber, apathetic touch and I feared he'd get lost in this down swing. However, a new wife and a new life obviously have prompted a return to a positive, life-inspiring collection.
Vocally, Gary has never sounded better. His use of overlaying vocals in a beautiful take on "Sweet Hour of Prayer" is incredible and extremely moving. It's called "24/7" and shows an insight into faith few Christian singers have ventured into.
There's not a song on this CD that doesn't somehow inspire you or make you think or renew your faith in Jesus and his love. Without bang your head down your throat preaching, gary's songs convey the wistful hope of an everyday Christ, who is there for us, and all we have to do is ask. His "Walk On" is a truly goosebump-inducing anthem that stands as one of his finest compositions (Along with "Man After My own Heart." I really can't praise this CD enough...it's a very beautiful expression of Gary Chapman that I found I could relate to and feel moved by. I don't care whether or not he uses synthesizers or what...this is truly a man who has come full circle to his talents, and God bless you Gary for your courage in fighting back and giving us this beautiful gift.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Gary's Experimental Album.......2002-02-27

I am a long time fan of Gary's. When I read that Gary was doing the production himself I was enthused. Unfortunately, this causes the album to sound like a poorly produced demo. It must be noted that Gary's primary instrument is the guitar, which he plays very well. However, this some what limits him in his arrangements. Gary is forced to fill the tracks with a cheap sounding synthesizer/keyboard. This is unfortunate due the sterile and motionless feel of the instrument which sounds like midi computer music. His voice is beautiful and powerful, as it never fails to soar. His song writing on the album is genius. He is a true talent. If you wish to enjoy this fully, I would recommend one of his previous, professionally produced albums. Give "Shelter" a try, you won't be disappointed!

Pure Gary!!.......2002-02-14

This is a great album. It's 100% Gary because he wrote the songs, sung all vocals, played all instruments and produced it all himelf and once you hear the album, you'll be impressed. Each song has a meaningful lyric and an honest guitar. Gary's harmonies and words have never been better. The prize song on this album would probably be Jackson and Jesus (for me). I recommend this album.

Average customer rating:

Not worth it on its own
away from the docks

Circles
Unwed Sailor
Manufacturer: Burnt Toast Vinyl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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The White Ox
Firecracker
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The Four Trees

ASIN: B000F4RHKM
Release Date: 2006-05-02

Tracks:

Circles 1: Mist
Circles 2: Mesa

Customer Reviews:

Not worth it on its own.......2007-06-23

"Circles" as an album, is well, not an album. It is an eleven minute intro that builds into a short but good song. It's a single with an over-extended intro. Certainly not worth $10. The best way to hear this record is on vinyl, where it is a part of the white ox record. If you're a huge Unwed Sailor fan, its cool to have, but you will feel cheated paying $10 for it.

away from the docks.......2006-06-19

finally i feel unwed sailor has made music that fits their name. they have broken away from their structured guitar melodies into a minimalistic approach which feels more like an ocean surface landscape than anything.
track one is 11 minutes of pure constance. similar in tempo to tarentel's "adonai" (and coincedentally only 8 seconds longer). slow moving but it has the sense that it's approaching something. that something is track 2: upbeat and smooth sailing. this piece is reminiscent of eno's "the big ship". this track makes the record, although a short one at that. just these two songs. the song names are fitting though: mist and mesa. mesa meaning a flat table-like expanse of land. wonderfully named.
i thought after three years without a release the band would have produced more than 16 minutes of music. but with the anticipation of another full length this year "the white ox", this is excusable for the band.
fully refreshing to hear this album. very daring in it's minalmism. pick it up and play it on repeat.

Average customer rating:

They Found their Way Home!
Rooster Rocks
Why is this band still across the sea?

Circles & Satellites
Rooster
Manufacturer: Bmg
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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The Departed (Two-Disc Special Edition)

ASIN: B000FI8TE6
Release Date: 2006-07-03

Tracks:

Home
I Come Alive
One Of Those Days
Everything Moves So Fast
So Long
Maybe I'm Right
Clear Skies
Get Up
Good To Be Here
Unexpectedly
In Your Head (Bonus Track)
Halo
Breathe

Customer Reviews:

They Found their Way Home!.......2006-11-07

"Circles and Satellites" proves to be an incredible sophomore effort!

If you are looking for a laid back, good ol' rock and roll album like their debut release, do not expect much. However, if you are interested in the growth of the band and the maturity of conceptual music that can be found on this release, then this is perfect for you!

Don't get me wrong. This album is still fun rock music. It's just not in the same style. With this release, the band moves on past the good ol' boys image to more established musicians. The lyrics on this album are sensational, and the lead single "Home" is pure-anthem-material.

Somehow echoing throught the record is a message of "be open to possibilites, be open to change", whether a song actually verbalizes this or not.

Worth the price 100%!

Rooster Rocks.......2006-08-17

Why has the release for this album been postponed in the UK? This band are worthy of so much more. I had to buy this album as a Japanese Import. Their first album was superb and their second offering is nothing short of brilliant.

Why is this band still across the sea?.......2006-08-02

This band is so much better than most of our US bands! I haven't stopped listening to this since I bought it! BUY IT

Average customer rating:

happiness takes place in small piano tunes
Cacaphonic Harmonious

Gurdjieff's Music for the Movements

Manufacturer: Channel Crossings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Classical | Imports | Stores | Music

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Meetings with Remarkable Men

ASIN: B00003CK7L
Release Date: 1999-12-14

Customer Reviews:

happiness takes place in small piano tunes.......2001-07-24

these short piano pieces are simple, but absolutely not boring. gurdjieff and de hartmann wrote some of the most thoughtful and sincere music you'll ever hear. I found this CD over a year ago and it's one I return to over and over again.

Cacaphonic Harmonious.......2001-07-15

Truly an exposition of beautiful "objective" listening. This music will not put you to sleep. Transitions are abrupt and engaging throughout the score's entirity. I play the music whenever I find myself searching for something to do or am bored. This music will consume all negativity and poke the listner to begin a stirring sensation in their own mentation. The music is not sophisticated or eligant by no means, but has a way about it which will intrige one to listen again and again.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

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