Amen So Be It [Import]

Amen So Be It [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
This young Irish singer/songwriter's debut release, Amen (So Be It), is a stunning look at typical heartfelt songs about long lost love, despair, and national frustrations. Hailing from Dublin, Paddy Casey's thick Irish brogue is gorgeously embryonic in his 11 song set list of alternative rock songs and folk-rock tales. He is sultry in moving into all sorts of music, illustrating fine jazz vibes and brief electronic beats. Ragged album opener "Fear" harks with moody desire, and the quick pop feelings on "Whatever Gets You True" is refreshing in a sense that Casey sings about spiritual optimism -- emotion usually found in other Irish artists such as U2 and The Cranberries. His acoustic guitar is a strong guide as his work delves into traditional folklore and such cinematic work is lush and vibrant simplicity. Other key tracks on Amen (So Be It) are the tranquil "Sweet Suburban Sky," "Ancient Sorrow," and the magical presence of "Downtown." Paddy Casey introduces a musical intensity so surreal -- music hasn't seen such talent since the late Jeff Buckley.

Tracks:

Messiah: No. 1 Overture
Messiah: No. 2 Arioso For Tenor
Messiah: No. 3 Air For Tenor
Messiah: No. 4 Chorus
Messiah: No. 5 Recitative For Bass
Messiah: No. 6 Air For Bass
Messiah: No. 7 Chorus
Messiah: No. 8 Recitative For Alto
Messiah: No. 9 Air For Alto And Chorus
Messiah: No. 10 Arioso For Bass
Messiah: No. 11 Air For Bass
Messiah: No. 12 Chorus
Messiah: No. 13 Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
Messiah: No. 14a Recitative And No. 14b Arioso For Soprano
Messiah: No. 15 Recitative For Soprano
Messiah: No. 16 Arioso For Soprano
Messiah: No. 17 Chorus
Messiah: No. 18 Air For Soprano
Messiah: No. 19 Recitative For Alto
Messiah: No. 20 Air For Alto And Soprano
Messiah: No. 21 Chorus
Messiah: No. 22 Chorus
Messiah: No. 23 Air For Alto
Messiah: No. 24 Chorus
Messiah: No. 25 Chorus
Messiah: No. 26 Chorus

Tracks:

Messiah: No. 27 Arioso For Tenor
Messiah: No. 28 Chorus
Messiah: No. 29 Recitative For Tenor
Messiah: No. 30 Air For Tenor
Messiah: No. 31 Recitative For Tenor
Messiah: No. 32 Air For Tenor
Messiah: No. 33 Chorus
Messiah: No. 34 Recitative For Tenor
Messiah: No. 35 Chorus
Messiah: No. 36 Air For Alto
Messiah: No. 37 Chorus
Messiah: No. 38 Aria For Soprano
Messiah: No. 39 Chorus
Messiah: No. 40 Air For Bass
Messiah: No. 41 Chorus
Messiah: No. 42 Recitative For Tenor
Messiah: No. 43 Air For Tenor
Messiah: No. 44 Chorus
Messiah: No. 45 Air For Soprano
Messiah: No. 46 Chorus
Messiah: No. 47 Recitative For Bass
Messiah: No. 48 Air For Bass
Messiah: No. 49 Recitative For Alto
Messiah: No. 50 Duet For Alto And Tenor
Messiah: No. 51 Chorus
Messiah: No. 52 Air For Soprano
Messiah: No. 53 Chorus
Messiah: Amen

Customer Reviews:

Finally a Messiah with fervor!.......2005-10-20

I've hunted a thrilling performance of The Messiah through 240 versions so far. This is the best I've found. Some are self-conscious, dutifully singing as instructed. Some are almost childish in their lilt. Some are overblown with so much bombast that you can barely hear the heart of the music. Some are concentrated on faithfulness to the original instruments. If you want a performance that will make you shiver with the power and joy of the music, this is the one. The singers are singing about GLORY. They sound as if they are ecstatic. The musicians are at one with the music and they create a virtual cathedral wherever this CD is played, just close your eyes. Or, let your own imagery, be it celestial, or of great oceans...carry you away.

Great recording!.......2003-09-22

There are so many performances of the Messiah out there that it is very difficult to point to a difinative one, but I'd put this in the catagory of the "very good" ones. As other reviewers have said, every performance is different and has its own character. Each has stronger and weaker points. Here the conductor and musicians have made good, solid musical choices. There is an amazing attention to detail which is not so obvious the first listen through but which makes the piece shine. The tempos seem to be right on, and there is no frivolous over-embellishment by the soloists. There is no attempt to be showey. The dramatic dynamics in the first section of the overture are interesting, but seem to work after you hear it a few times. This performance also includes sections which are often omitted (Second half of "He shall feed his flock," "Thou art gone up on high," "Great was the company of the preachers," and "Death where is thy sting"). I prefer the more intimate quality of a small ensemble of musicians to the mega-performances by the London Philharmonic, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, etc.. As with this performance, the smaller group lends a clarity to the music, where the larger ensembles can get a little "muddy" at times. Just my personal preference. Overall, this is a very good performance, and certainly the low price (being on the Naxos lable) makes this a clear choice.

Good and Bad.......2000-04-09

I was more interested in "The Messiah" for the religious content than as a music critic, but this was too much. The strings are tinny. The orchestra is plodding. The soloists and choir are thankfully very good and seem to understand the meaning of the words. It is a shame the sound mix is uneven. The male parts come across loud and clear, but the poor women. For instance, No. 9 Oh thou that tellest..., the soloist sounded like she was singing in an echo chamber far from the mike. This is one of the most disappointing versions of "The Messiah" I have heard in a long time.

This is a great recording!.......2000-02-11

I was really surprised with the new that the Messiah's New World premiere was held at Trinity Church in October 1770, twenty-eight years after it was written. This fact only will make one proud in having this CD among his collection.

Anyhow, this is nothing more than a historic detail and would not count if this recording had not an outstanding first-rate ensemble of singers. Without doubt there is no definitive version of Messiah. Each one has its own distinctive touch and feeling and exploring it is always a pleasant journey through imagination.

Tracks:

Handel's 'Messiah': Overture - The London Philharmonic Orchestra/Walter Susskind
Handel's 'Messiah': And The Glory Of The Lord - The London Philharmonic Choir/Frederick Jackson
Handel's 'Messiah': Behold A Virgin Shall Conceive - The London Philharmonic Choir/Frederick Jackson
Handel's 'Messiah': For Unto Us A Child Is Born - The London Philharmonic Choir/Frederick Jackson
Handel's 'Messiah': There Were Shepherds Abiding In The Field - The London Philharmonic Choir/Frederick Jackson
Handel's 'Messiah': He Shall Feed His Flock Like A Shepherd - The London Philharmonic Choir/Frederick Jackson
Handel's 'Messiah': Behold The Lamb Of God - The London Philharmonic Choir/Frederick Jackson
Handel's 'Messiah': He Was Despised And Rejected Of Men - The London Philharmonic Choir/Frederick Jackson
Handel's 'Messiah': Lift Up Your Heads, O Ye Gates - The London Philharmonic Choir/Frederick Jackson
Handel's 'Messiah': Why Do The Nations So Furiously Rage - The London Philharmonic Choir/Frederick Jackson
Handel's 'Messiah': Hallelujah - The London Philharmonic Choir/Frederick Jackson
Handel's 'Messiah': Since By Man Came Death - The London Philharmonic Choir/Frederick Jackson
Handel's 'Messiah': Worthy Is The Lamb That Was Slain/Amen - The London Philharmonic Choir/Frederick Jackson

Tracks:

The Lord's Prayer
Old Rugged Cross
Onward Christian Soldiers
Rock Of Ages
How Great Thou Art
Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow
I Believe
Lord Hear Our Prayer
Now The Day Is Over
Amazing Grace
Ave Maria
Let Us Humbly Sing Our Praises
O Holy Night
Praise, Praise The Lord
Praise My Soul The King Of Heaven
Oh Lord Most Holy
Unfold Your Portals
Jesu Joy Of Man's Desiring
The Lord Is My Shepherd
All The People That On Earth Do Dwell
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Oh God Our Help In Ages Past
Holy, Holy, Holy
Battle Hymn Of The Republic
Keeping Faith

Tracks:

A Dream Of Peace
All In This April Evening
Our Wedding
Bless This House
Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Climb Every Mountain
Day By Day (Theme From Godspell)
Down By The Riverside
The Impossible Dream
Swing Low Sweet Chariot
The Day Is Gently Sinking To Close
Jesus Christ Superstar
Abide With Me
March On
Peace In The Valley
Go Tell It On The Mountain
Born Free
American Trilogy
Sunrise, Sunset
I Don't Know How To Love Him
Blessed Be The Tie That Binds
Enduring Light

Average customer rating:

Amen (So Be It)
Paddy Casey
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

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

Rock | Celtic | International | Styles | Music

Folk | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000258T6
Release Date: 1999-06-29

Tracks:

Fear
Whatever Gets You True
Can't Take That Away
Ancient Sorrow
Everybody Wants
Sweet Suburban Sky
Downtown
Would U B
Winter's Fire
Rainwater
It's Over Now

Album Description

This young Irish singer/songwriter's debut release, Amen (So Be It), is a stunning look at typical heartfelt songs about long lost love, despair, and national frustrations. Hailing from Dublin, Paddy Casey's thick Irish brogue is gorgeously embryonic in his 11 song set list of alternative rock songs and folk-rock tales. He is sultry in moving into all sorts of music, illustrating fine jazz vibes and brief electronic beats. Ragged album opener "Fear" harks with moody desire, and the quick pop feelings on "Whatever Gets You True" is refreshing in a sense that Casey sings about spiritual optimism -- emotion usually found in other Irish artists such as U2 and The Cranberries. His acoustic guitar is a strong guide as his work delves into traditional folklore and such cinematic work is lush and vibrant simplicity. Other key tracks on Amen (So Be It) are the tranquil "Sweet Suburban Sky," "Ancient Sorrow," and the magical presence of "Downtown." Paddy Casey introduces a musical intensity so surreal -- music hasn't seen such talent since the late Jeff Buckley.

Average customer rating:

i just don't get it
As Good As White Ladder!
Solid start for an Irish lad.
Simply fabulous!
simply brilliant

Amen (So Be It)
Paddy Casey
Manufacturer: Sony
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

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Rock | Celtic | International | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Living
9

ASIN: B00004THM3
Release Date: 2000-06-06

Tracks:

Fear
Whatever Gets You True
Can't Take That Away
Ancient Sorrow
Everybody Wants
Sweet Suburban Sky
Downtown
Would U B
Winter's Fire
Rainwater
It's Over Now

Customer Reviews:

i just don't get it.......2005-10-17

i don's see how insipid singerl like david grey and damien rice get all the play and someone as good as paddy casey doesn't get his records released stateside. crime.

As Good As White Ladder!.......2002-07-18

This album came out way back in '99 and at that time it became a firm favourite of mine. In fact it did very well in Ireland but since then there has been no follow up c.d. from Paddy Casey. Like many c.d.'s I have, it sort of gets pushed down the pile as new c.d.'s become the flavour of the month. Then I heard it again from start to finish in a bar and it's renewed my love of the c.d. It only struck me once I'd read other reviews on this site how similar it is to David Gray. When this c.d. came out, Ireland was probably the only country where David Gray was popular-so it's no surprise then that this c.d. did well. If I was to review this c.d. in only one sentence I'd have to say that if you liked White Ladder then this c.d. is for you. But I much prefer to ramble on instead.

Musically it's a mish-mash of angst ridden white blues meets some acoustic leanings. The music has an almost spiritual, atmospheric feel to it. Tracks like Winter's Fire seem to capture the dark wet nights that are so common here in Ireland. The unusual tinkling of an off key piano capturing the sound of the rainfall, the gentle strumming of the guitar and some beautiful lyrics seem to capture a mood so perfectly-in fact I've never heard this sort of mood captured so accurately. Like many of the tracks the multi-layered harmonies and distorted vocal backgrounds are very melodic yet quite haunting at the same time.An even better example of this vocal style is track 4 which is very different in that it uses a really industrial sounding background, scratches and unusual beats yet it still maintains that soulful sound.The only other artists I can compare this sort of mood to would be the music of Icelandic group Sigur Ros. Many other tracks like "Can't Take That Away", and the sublime yet louder "Everybody Wants" have a similar vibe. The latter track drifts from minimalist arrangements of the verse to a big sounding full on chorus which you'll be singing along to with ghusto. Casey's voice is soothing when it needs to be-yet he can deliver lines with amazing power especially on the last track "It's Over Now". This track has an almost anthem feel to it. Plenty of the songs harness the full power of the band, none more so then track 2 "Whatever Gets You True", which was a pretty big single over here. "Sweet Suburban Sky" is so like Gray it's almost unreal. If he produces a song as good as this on his next album we'll all be hailing another masterpiece. Gray was totally deserving of his break through-just in the same way that I feel Casey's album deserves more exposure and international recognition.

Solid start for an Irish lad........2001-08-14

Very strong debut from Irish singer songwriter who evokes comparison to fellow U.K troubadour, David Gray. Similarly under heavy Dylan influence, Casey doesn't yet have Gray's sense of melody as a songwriter however there's some fine stuff here none the less. The single "Whatever gets you True" is a frantic rocker whilst the playful restraint of "Downtown" and the heartfelt "Its over now" show that Casey is indeed capable of some exceptional work. His voice is unique and well rounded and it gives many the more sparse tracks (most notably "Everybody Wants") a clarity and resonance as opposed to the modern Brit tendency to be shaky and unsure. The main problem with "Amen" however is that for every solid song there is a relatively mundane and tired counterpart. On the whole there is a bit too much sameness to the album which would have benefited from more adventurous production. Many of the songs are allowed to just plod along and moments of climax often seem left dormant when they should be emphasised especially considering Casey's aforementioned captivating voice. That said, "Amen" is an album well worth a look and Casey is a talented artist who will undoubtedly produce some fine material in the future.

Simply fabulous!.......2000-12-31

I was lucky enough to be introduced to Paddy Casey CD by my cousin who heard him while he lived in Ireland. I have loved this CD since I first recieved it and have purchased several others for friends of mine. I just hope that he has a another CD coming out soon!

simply brilliant.......2000-11-29

with all the David Gray hype, I'm suprised Paddy Casey hasn't gotten much publicity in the states. After living in Dublin for awhile I was introduced to Paddy Casey's music, well before I even heard of David Gray. This is an incredible album that does remind me of Gray's "white ladder." Some songs are just Casey and his guitar while others have a full band, and some are structured with drum loops. If you like David Gray, you'll like this album.

Average customer rating:

Groundbreaking Contemporary Music Fused with the Traditional
Try something different ...........

Amen (So Be It)
Paddy Casey
Manufacturer: Sony/Columbia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004TK8V
Release Date: 2000-03-24

Customer Reviews:

Groundbreaking Contemporary Music Fused with the Traditional.......2000-09-28

I went to Tower Records to buy a David Gray cd (which I am enormously happy with), and I noticed the sign informing me that if I like David Gray's "White Ladder" I might like Paddy Casey's "Amen (So Be It)". I was feeling a little risky that day, so I put fifteen bucks on the line and picked up the cd. I couldn't be more happy with the purchase. The album starts off with an attention grabbing contemporary style song "Fear", but doesn't lose it's momentum as the tracks progress. Paddy Casey takes technoligical advancements in the field of recording and turns them into brilliant thought provoking songs. His lyrics contain an underlying Dylan-esque message while he fuses acoustic folk music with electronic ecstacy. If you listen to folk, rock, rap, techno, etc... you will be pleased with at least a few songs on this album (most likely all). The tracks are a combination of every genre of the modern day music industry. The result is an opus that can be communally respected and enjoyed. Bottom line: Buy this album!

Try something different ..................2000-05-17

Well I went to my local music store to buy The Man Who by Travis and came out with Paddy Casey's Amen instead. This has proved to be an excellent decision. I was at the listening post listening to Travis and there were these soulful eyes staring at me from the cover so I gave up on Travis (sorry too much like a lot of other stuff) and tried this instead. If you like thought provoking stuff try this, kind of U2 meet 80s Bob Dylan but definitely not dated. Not exactly up tempo on all the tracks but I'm quite happy with my purchase and will be rushing along to Mall Music in Sydney this coming Sunday to hear him play in the coffee bar.