Middle Earth [Import]

Middle Earth [Import]

Track Listings

1. Wraith of the Rings

2. Fields That I Recall/Emissary/The Fields That I Recall (Reprise)

3. City Walls

4. Against the Wind

5. Where You Lead I'll Follow/Stormcrow and Pilgrim/Where You Lead I'll Fo

6. Return of the Mountain King

7. End of Summer [Galadriels's Theme]

8. This Gallant Band of Man/Strangers

9. Fellowship

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
2001 solo album for the British rock legend, former frontman for Magnum. Guest musicians include members of Ten and Dante Fox. 9 tracks. Standard jewel case.

Tracks:

War Of Wrath
Into The Storm
Lammoth
Nightfall
The Minstrel
The Curse Of Feanor
Captured
Blood Tears
Mirror Mirror
Face The Truth
Noldor (Dead Winter Reigns)
Battle Of Sudden Flame
Time Stands Still (At The Iron Hill)
The Dark Elf
Thorn
The Eldar
Nom The Wise
When Sorrow Sang
Out On The Water
The Steadfast
A Dark Passage
Final Chapter (Thus Ends...)

Album Description

Domestic debut of 1998 album, a musical interpretation of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic tale 'Night Fall In Middle Earth'. 22 tracks of metal fused with just a hint of folk & classical music from this German power metal act.

Customer Reviews:

Greatest Album Ever?.......2007-06-20

I must admit, I'm a pretty big Blind Guardian fan. I took a risk in early 1998 and bought an expensive 30 dollar import from an online retailer (this was 4 or 5 months before Nightfall came out, and a full year and a half before they were even SOLD in the U.S!), that being Tales from the Twilight World, and was hooked.

However, that would not prepare me for what is possibly the greatest album ever, the best (metal) concept album ever (other than Mindcrime) and the greatest symphonic metal album ever, Nightfall in Middle Earth.

You see, the newer Blind Guardian albums don't have such as scope as this, and don't sound half as organic. I think that they lost something after this album, which is likely their peak.

Its epic metal for the person who hates stuff like Rhapsody, its progressive metal for those who hate progressive metal (not me, but just a statement I'm trying to make). What really seperates Blind Guardian from the various "epic metal" and "Symphonic Metal" bands is EMOTION. Hansi Kursch really sounds like he is struggling when a character in a song is struggling, he sounds exalted when the character is exalted. Fabio Leone and others sound like robotic Kiske clones compared to this.

There is a rough edge to Blind Guardian that makes the competitors sound like mere competitors. Its the element that makes Emperor's symphonic majesty tower over stuff like Dimmu Borgir, and so on.

I would like to say its the fact that the band is still very riff oriented underneath all the bombast but thats not it. Its this human element, this imperfection that makes the band so powerful. They layer on guitar after guitar to rival Queen but its still not perfect, its whats going on between the notes that's just as important. And Blind Guardian understand this, they make music with melody, emotion, and POWER. Also, another thing that makes them the best in this Genre is the fact that they still have a soulful 70's element brought in from Prog rock and 70's metal that makes it sound unique compared to symphonic bands that just shred away for 50 minutes. Its this sometimes pentatonic scaling that gives it a bit more "soul" I would say. Plus when the guitars kick in, they're almost as heavy as thrash, something you can't say about a band such as say, Fairyland. Acoustic guitars and flutes sure help among the choir vocals.

Blind Guardian plays what is a normally very cheesy type of music topically and musically with panache, passion, and a dark atmosphere. This is another thing that makes them tower over their competitors.

The best album of all time? Its certainly up there. The Queen meets Queensryche meets Rage (german band) meets a group of medieval
bards is intact, but it is also so much more. This album defined a genre, the genre of Symphonic Heavy Metal, and stands among the best metal albums of all time.

wonderful.......2007-03-31

Just like a tale, it gives a musical story. Really good as we are used to hear from BG.

BG has won me over with this album.......2007-02-07

There are already tons of reviews for this album, but I just felt like I had to add one. I'm coming at this from a somewhat different perspective, for I'm not a fan of Blind Guardian (this being the only album I own by them), nor am I a fan of this genre of music. Yet despite my preferences, I still enjoy this disc enough to give a four star rating, which really says something I think.

I bought this album because I'd read so much about how it was inspired by the Silmarillion, one of my favorite books. At first I was pretty skeptical for a few reasons. For one, it really sounded like a gimmick to me. Lots of metal groups (especially European progressive ones) have theme albums, and they can be quite good, but they can also be exceptionally bad. Specifically Tolkien-themed stuff that's actually good is almost impossible to create, because it's hard to live up to Tolkien's writing abilities, especially considering that in the case of the Silmarillion, Tolkien spent almost his entire life slowly polishing the history of Middle Earth (from 1917 to 1973). I was also skeptical because I didn't see how a fast-paced, heavy metal album could possibly do justice to the content. The Silmarillion has some incredible highs, but mostly it is a tragedy: the tragedy of the Noldor, their "doom" as Tolkien would say. I thought that if anything fit Middle Earth musically, it would probably have to be some kind of New Age/Celtic/Folk fusion, all on a very somber note (maybe with some Mideastern influences).

I could go on, but I was expecting this album to be way off the track. Yet I was proven wrong. The theme album concept worked beautifully because Blind Guardian was smart - they didn't go off on a tangent and make the Silmarillion their own by reinterpreting it. Nor did they do what I expected, and which I would have loathed: utilizing as many placenames, character names, etc as possible just to "suck up" to Tolkien fans. Instead they kept out the gratuitous use of Tolkien's names, and used them but sparingly when necessary. The Tolkien names that Blind Guardian used amount to but a few: Silmarils, Noldor, Feanor, Arda, Vala, Morgoth, Eldar, Valinor, and possibly a couple others. That's it. If you've read the Silmarillion you know it's chocked full of names; the index takes up 80 of the 460 pages in my edition. I really expected this to be a Tolkien love fest, but instead anyone listening can tell that Blind Guardian was truly INSPIRED by Tolkien to write the things they did, they did not just REHASH or regurgitate what he had already written. Yet they didn't reinterpret either, for the lyrics are all pretty spot on with the storyline (once you figure out what's being referred to), they just did it without gratuitously spewing Tolkien at us.

As to the music itself: I'm still hesitant to say I like it. I simply love the choruses: it sounds like a hundred people are singing the words, and it gives the choruses such power. At first the only thing I liked about the songs were the choruses; they were diamonds in the rough, tiny little gems that I had to wade through lots of power-metal to listen to. As time has passed and I've listened to the album more and more, I've begun to like some of the fast paced songs in their entirety. There are a few really great riffs that get stuck in my head, but the choruses remain the most compelling parts of the songs.

"Into the Storm" and "Nightfall" were the first two songs that won me over. The choruses are great, and the rest of the tracks are epic as well. I'd say these are the most popular songs on the disc, and possibly the most popular Blind Guardian songs overall (based on the fact that I was at a BG show for three songs before I had to leave, and 2 of the first 3 were the aforementioned tracks). But surprisingly, I've started to really like other songs as well. The chorus to "Mirror Mirror" is one of the best choruses, and "Blood Tears" has some great moments as well. But right now my very favorite song off the album is "The Curse of Feanor." I can't get enough of this song; it just stays in my head for days. It keeps conjuring the story anew in my mind: Feanor, in his fell wrath, cursing Morgoth and vowing to have his revenge and to regain the Silmarils. Epic is a word that I can't help but use, and though the word applies to much of the album, it is at its high point right here. Another song that has this same epic quality to it as far as the theme goes is "Dead Winter Reigns." This track shows us the Noldor at the pinnacle of their folly, as they have just slain their kindred, and have journeyed far to the north to cross the sea when they are confronted by Mandos, who pronounces their full doom. Fantastic! The music I'm not wild about, but the lyrics are just pefect: `Noldor, blood is on your hands,' `this deed can't be undone,' `can't escape from my damnation,' and especially the whole last part of the song after the final chorus, which I won't spell out here. So many great lines. "The Eldar" is a great slow song - I was surprised BG could write a song like this after listening to the album up to this point (though the vocals get a little breathy in parts). I was so happy to see BG make use of the concept of the "doom of the Noldor" in this track. This is possibly the best song thematically, because the tragic nature of the entire story of the elves that returned to Middle Earth is melded with a very somber sounding song.

There are still some songs I don't like at all (mostly toward the end of the album, if you haven't figured that out yet): "When Sorrow Sang" is my least favorite, followed by "A Dark Passage." I'm not wild about "Time Stands Still" either, though there's a cool acoustic riff in there. And it's taken a LONG time for the narrated tracks to grow on me. If you haven't recently read the Silmarillion, these narrations will mean nothing to you, and will detract from the album as a whole, but in the context of the storyline they're (usually) fairly appropriate.

Well this review is already long enough. On some days I could almost give this a 5, and on some days only a 3. But coming from someone who doesn't like this genre of music, I think 4-stars is a huge success. Blind Guardian has accomplished their goal, and they have given us a soundtrack to the tragic aspects of the Silmarillion.

The finest music I have ever heard........2007-01-04

I love Blind Guardian very much. I love Tolkien very much. I love the Simarillion very much. And yet I was still unprepared for the utter awesomeness that this album carries inside a small disc of alloy. Many claim that Imaginations from the Other Side is Blind Guardian's ultimate album. I disagree: that award goes to Nightfall in Middle-earth!

War of Wrath: Excellent. Depicting Morgoth conversing with Sauron and sending him off to Middle-earth. Great voice acting and the battle SFX in the beginning are something I'd expect from Manowar. (Manowar: It's really something we wanted to do.)

Into The Storm: The best godsdamned opening you will ever find. It opens both the album and BG's live concerts flawlessly. Very enjoyable riffs and lyrics that stands the hairs on the back of my neck on end.

Lammoth: It's Morgoth. And he's...screaming. Yeah. ...neat. And...the wind is blowing, zomg.

Nightfall: This song about the Noldor's departure from Valinor brings up images of a world on the brink, contains the best choir I've seen, and is the only song capable of rivalling Valhalla as the favorite live BG song. There's nothing about this song to dislike, and it's more and more proof that a metal band like BG can do melancholy and non-metal music.

The Minstrel: I assume this is Feanor talking, and it tells us one thing: He has no idea what he's doing.

The Curse of Feanor: One of my top 5 BG songs of all time. "

Morgoth I cry
all hope is gone but I swear revenge
in my oath
I will take part
IN YOUR DAMNED FATE

Captured: I think we all owe BG a big thank you for bringing to us Morgoth's evil laugh, because it is awesome.

Blood Tears: A phenomenal song. It's melancholy and holds your interest through the entire song. The chorus is emotion-stirring, and the opening stanzas just reel you in. Plus it contains my favorite line to quote ever: Welcome to where time stands still
no one leaves and no one ever will

Mirror Mirror: If it were possible to distill pure, unadaultrated awesome into a song and project it into your ears so that you want nothing more than to stand up and start singing along at the top of your lungs, it - oh, wait, they've already done that with Mirror Mirror. Quite possibly the best chorus ever concieved, an excellent opening riff, and lyrics that stay with you after hearing only a couple times, and just....don't ask me to put how great this song is into words, I'm only a mortal man, I can't do it.
Mirror, mirror on the wall
true hope lies beyond the coast
you're a damned kind can't you see
that the winds will change

Face The Truth: This one has to be my favorite narrative. It's pretty deep, and sums up the Noldor's current situation (I.E. completely screwed) really well.

Noldor(Dead Winter Reigns): Another hit. In my opinion, the best melancholy song on the album. It's a unique combination of melancholy and power metal. Each part of the song has its own style, always leading back up to the fantastic chorus. The end brings out a sudden bit of piano that just ends the song in the absolute best possible way.

Battle of Sudden Flame: An interesting narrative-style piece that actually sounds a bit like a rejected sound clip from Nightfall. It's quite good, with a neat flute in the background.

Time Stands Still(At The Iron Hill):

The fate of us all
lies deep in the dark
when time stands still at the i-ron hill

A fantastic chorus, unique and very enjoyable music, and a live hit. The only song that can challenge Mirror Mirror and some freaking awesome music to play while playing Battle For Middle-earth 2. These and more describe Time Stands Still. You will put it on repeat for hours. This is not a prediction or an expectation. It is a fact.

The Dark Elf: DUN DUN DUUUN.

Thorn: This is an interesting, rather melancholy song about bad consience. It takes some time to grow on you, but once it does it's excellent. Yet more unique music and vocals, and some very, very nice cooperation between drums and guitar.

The Eldar: This song deserves a mention simply because it's unbelievable that Hansi Kursch can sing this high, nay, that any metal singer can go this high. If you played a song from Imaginations From The Other Side, and then this song, most people would not believe that it was the same band and same singer. It's a very good song with some excellent keyboard work.

Nom The Wise: A mournful goodbye to one of the finest of the Noldor, and also a strange contrast to the next song.

When Sorrow Sang: This song is precisely the opposite of what it looks like. With a name like that, you'd expect another melancholy song, huh? Wrong. This one is pure power metal. It doesn't make it a bad song, it's just kind of wierd in my opinion. Good beat, nice lyrics, excellent chorus as always.

Out On The Water: Another sad narrative-ish piece. Nothing special.

The Steadfast: Morgoth appears to be very pleased with himself. Jackass.

A Dark Passage: This one took me a while to get into, but it's an excellent song.
Deep in his castle he said,
All land be mine
there's one thing for sure
the triuph of shadow is near
Deep in his castle they sang
We shall not rest until all will be thine
All land is mine
you can be sure
don't dare me the mighty one screamed

Final Chapter(Thus Ends): This one isn't too good. Why is that? Because it's the end of the album. Just kidding. This is a fine narrative, explaining the conclusion of the Simarillion and almost sounding like it's describing Aragorn...but I don't think that's too likely.

There's only one bad thing I have to say about Nightfall in Middle-earth. On the album cover: Morgoth's taste in entertainment leaves something to be desired.

A progressive masterpiece on all levels.......2006-09-19

Like i said in the title, this is one of the few great power metal bands there are these days. Sure there are bands like Dragonforce or whatever but these guys have been here for a pretty long time, not judas priest long, but long nonetheless. This album popularly known as NiME, is a progressive masterpiece. Like Seventh son (maiden album), this needs a bit getting used to. At first, i was fairly dissapointed with this effort, but soon enough it grew on me. My theory on listening to music is that its hard to listen and like the music, when you don't know any of the riffs or lyrics. You can't sing-a-long which automatically makes it boring. But you'll know these catchy lyrics after the first time, because they are so damn catchy! There are 11 songs on the album ( not including the narratives). The narratives are what makes this album seem really progressive and story like. It's as if i'm watching lord of the rings the musical. Not don't take that too seriously, its just a thought. The narratives are great because they feature great battle sounds, some flutes in there, and a lot of yelling. Most of the songs on here are great. The only track that i really hate is Time Stands still ( at the iron hill), its so annoying. Not really metal, or anything really. I should categorize it as annoying rock. But otherwise this album is great, great progressive, passionate, emotional (not emo), dramatic music from the great minds of Blind Guardian.

Best songs: War of wrath/ Into the storm, Nightfall, The curse of feanor, Captured/blood tears, Mirror Mirror, Thorn, When sorrow sang, and A dark passage/ final chapter.

p.s. if you like this album, get the debut from Demons and Wizards!

Average customer rating:

Bardic Magic...
Nice work!
Great Album misleading Credits a must have!
A great understanding of Tolkien's world
inspired

In Elven Lands: The Fellowship
Jon Anderson
Manufacturer: United States Dist
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
Similar Items:

White
Animation
Tour of the Universe
Homebrew 3
Olias of Sunhillow

ASIN: B000BSZA9M
Release Date: 2006-01-31

Tracks:

Tir Im
Dan Barlinman's Jig
The Silver Bowl
The Man In The Moon
A Verse To Elbereth Gilthoniel
Elechoi
Beware The Wolf
Orome: Lord Of The Hunt
Creation Hymn
When Durin Woke
Eala Earendel
The Sacred Stones
The Battle Of Evermore
Blood of Kings
Verses to Elbereth Gilthoniel
Evening Star

Product Description

1. Tir IM
2. Dan Barliman’s Jig*
3. The Silver Bowl
4. The Man In The Moon
5. A Verse To Elbereth Gilthoniel
6. Ele Choi*
7. Beware The Wolf
8. Oromë: Lord Of The Hunt
9. Creation Hymn
10. When Durin Woke
11. Eala Earendel
12. The Sacred Stones*
13. The Battle Of Evermore
14. The Blood Of Kings
15. Namarie
16. Verses To Elbereth Gilthoniel*
17. The Evening Star

*Songs that feature vocals by Jon Anderson

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

Bardic Magic..........2007-06-01

While Jon Anderson is not the chief creator of this magnificent project, I have this to say: 'In Elven Lands' would not be the album that it is without Jon adding his own bardic artistry into the mix. I think Carvin Knowles (the primary composer) knew the album would benefit from Jon's musical wizardry.

That being said, the other artists/musicians did themselves proud by honoring Tolkien's original intentions by not only using Tolkien's material but expounding further by giving their own musical interpretations...and it came out sounding precisely how I think the music of Middle-Earth would have sounded.

If there is any 'modern gloss-over' on this album (as one reviewer suggested), it's due to the fact that it's recorded on CD, and not vinyl. Otherwise, there are no synths, no electronica stuff going on...the only thing 'electronica'-related is Jon Anderson...and don't kid yourself about his talents, because his gifts aren't solely relegated to electronic stuff...he does play acoustic guitar after all. ;-)

As for the Led Zeppelin thing: I *much* prefer The Fellowship's slower interpretation of 'Battle of Evermore.' This has more to do with sound/energy vibes than anything. If the Fellowship had tried to copy Zeppelin completely, the harder-edged result would be too harsh in comparison to the Renaissance-style music on the rest of the CD. Plus, the slower rhythm gave the song more of the 'Lord of the Rings' feel that the CD required.

I also enjoyed 'Beware the Wolf.' It has a nice Halloween-like edge to it that appeals to this Celtic Pagan..in fact, the whole album appeals to my Pagan sensibilities. ;-D

Above all, I confess that I did purchase it because Jon Anderson is on the album, but I also purchased it because it *is* Tolkien-inspired, and I am such a Lord of the Rings/Renaissance music geek that it's not even funny. ;-)

Nice work!.......2007-05-21

This is a nice album by the Fellowship. Jon Anderson's voice is strong and beautiful in some of the songs. Recommende for Jon Anderson fans.

Great Album misleading Credits a must have!.......2007-01-10

After having listened to this Album several hundred times. I can say that of all the "Music inspired by LOTR" this one is the most satisfying. I am a fan of period style, Early instrumentation and arrangement so this makes me biased toward this album as many of the other albums out there sound far too Orchestral and Modern or Gawd awful New Agey to my ears. (The exception being "Music Inspired by LOTR" by Bo Hannson in the Seventies with its dated synth and organ sounds..but that's a Nostalgia pick as I heard that album when I was what, 12?) Some people have called it Rennaisance like but the sound is definitely earlier than that.
As has been pointed out in other reviews the album's credits are misleading as Jon Anderson only sings on four songs and this is definatley an Ensemble work with alot of the credit going to Carvin Knowles who handles a good portion of the instrumentation and writing credits. It is closer in spirit to Mediaeval Baebes than anything else (Would be nice to see a Baebes LOTR album), though comparisons to other Irish/Gaelic music abound and are appropriate.
Most of the Songs are very good to excellent and I recommend listening in order as I believe this sets the mood. (though I like waking up to Tir Im and Orome). Beware the Wolf and Orome: Lord of the Hunt come to mind. 2 songs that while diffrent in staly share theme and are vry complimentary. Beware the Wolf also has quite abit of energy and Draws you in. You really get the the feeling the you are preparing to face down Carcharoth and recover the Silmaril.
The Best songs (IMHO) are the ones sung in "Elvish" performed by both John Anderson and the Female Lead Caitlin Elisabeth. Totally believable and other-worldly. I am however on the Fence with one tune; The Battle of Evermore cover. Its a little too Goth-y (and I like Goth-y)and would not sound out of place on an Eighties 4AD Album like Dead can Dance or This mortal Coil. I was not fond of it at first but it grew on me. (I like the use of the Female Chourus in Counter to the Dreary male lead). However, another Tune sung in Elvish by either Jon Or Caitlin would might have been better.
Another nice fact about the album is the way that the songs seem to cover the span of Tolkiens works with more emphasis on the Silmarillion than LOTR itself. Overal and Excellent album that should be in any Fans collection.

A great understanding of Tolkien's world.......2006-07-10

What an amazing album! And who saw it coming? Jon Anderson's work here is the best, it's really great to hear his natural voice on it's own, as opposed to the way his voice is layered in Yes. But his talent is not to take away from anyone else on the album's by any means! There certainly is other great talent, especially on the last song and the instrumental works. "Beware the Wolf", which I think is about the wolf who eats the Silmaril and Beren's hand, is also a favorite of mine.

Most of the lyrics are in elvish, but there's some in english (old and modern), too. All the songs are good, and the only real downpoint is the cover of "Battle Of Evermore" pales in comparison to the original Zepellin song. But after owning this album for a year, I'm beginning to see that song in a new light. Listened to as an old english interpretation of a somewhat modern classic, it becames incredibly interesting!

All in all, this accompanies Tolkien's work fabulously. Tolkien's new book out, and with it my interest in all things middle earth has been reawakened. This album deserves a 5, I wish I had rated it so ealier!!!

inspired.......2006-03-13

Jon Anderson and the rest of the Fellowship have grabbed hold of the essence of Professor J.R.R. Tolkein's mystical land. The haunting melodies and outstanding musicology add more color and richness to Middle Earth than I had ever imagined. Every time I listen to the CD I hear something new. I give my highest recommendation for this CD to any wishing to be musically transported to Elven lands .

Between Heaven And Earth: Music Of The Jewish Mystics

Average customer rating:

TRUE TRADITIION CUTTING EDGE CLASSIC
A Musical Milestone
Superb jazz based on an unusual tradition
A refreshing change of pace
Great Soul!

Between Heaven And Earth: Music Of The Jewish Mystics
Andy Statman Quartet
Manufacturer: Shanachie
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Jewish & Yiddish Music | Folk | Styles | Music

Klezmer | Folk | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music

Israel | Middle East | International | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Fusion & World Fusion | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Songs of Our Fathers
Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge
The Hidden Light
New Shabbos Waltz
Avodas Halevi

ASIN: B000000E41
Release Date: 1997-01-21

Tracks:

Maggid
You Were Revealed
Adir
Chassidic Waltz
Yonah
Reb Nachman's Deveykus Niggun
Purim
Tzamah Nafshi
If Not For...

Amazon.com

Discs that attempt to cross-pollinate jazz with the soulful sounds of klezmer tend to be hit-or-miss; usually you just end up wondering if today's players are half as proficient as the forefathers they're trying to upstage. Andy Statman's credentials don't allow for such doubts. He apprenticed with klezmer legend Dave Tarras (and was even bequeathed the master's clarinet), and whether on clarinet or mandolin, his playing is impeccable. On Between Heaven & Earth, Statman reaches a (thus far) career high point and creates something completely gorgeous and new. The quartet is modeled on the jazz paradigm (horns, piano, rhythm section), and the occasional virtuoso guest (banjoist Bela Fleck and mandolinist David Grisman) joins in. The results are spectacular: extended meditations on Hasidic themes and compositions that quite literally blossom before your very eyes, with shades of klezmer, bluegrass, and jazz all thrown together. The tunes may not come out swinging, but, filled with gorgeous reflections, a gentle pace, and haunting solos, they simmer to great results. The cuts were recorded live in single takes, and the effect is moving and spiritual; there are quiet moments here, and (thank God) the ensemble never sounds rushed. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

TRUE TRADITIION CUTTING EDGE CLASSIC.......2005-12-02

Andy does a tremendous job of taking nigunim (songs) of the holy hasidic masters of long a go. he puts it in a format which people can appreciate today. However, he does not sell out. Meaning, is he does not "water down" . Andy perserves the holiness and sacred nature of each tune so that even the tradional are able to enjoy this. Andy bridge the tradition with modern times and does so in a magnificent fashion

A Musical Milestone.......2004-09-27

It is often said that Andy Statman is a "musician's musician." He also may be said to be a "critic's musician," having earned an unending string of accolades from the press throughout his career. This CD, for example, was featured on the cover of the year-end double-edition of Billboard just before the record hit the stands, and subsequently was dubbed one of the Ten Best CDs of the Year by NY Times music critic, Neal Strauss. If I may add my "two cents," I would say that "Between Heaven and Earth" is an American-Chassidic answer to "A Love Supreme." These sessions were truly inspired!

Superb jazz based on an unusual tradition.......2002-09-20

I think the reviews by Jason Verlinde and Rabbi Yonassan Gershom are accurate as to the feel and value of this music. I mostly want to add some technical stuff that may be of interest. The quartet is Statman on the clarinet (he has a beautiful yearning tone) and mandolin, Kenny Werner on the piano, Harvie Swartz on the acoustic bass and Bob Weiner on the drums. Bola Fleck (banjo), David Grisman (mandolin) and Scott Lee (bass) put in guest appearances.
When I first heard the first song on this record it reminded me a lot of the first song on Moodiology by George Garzone. Werner also plays on that excellent album and on both albums he is in fine McCoy Tyner form- playing piano of great spiritual power and beauty. Other than Statman, Werner is the main instrumental presence on this disc.
Statman on clarinet is wonderful. He doesn't so much tear up the changes as work with the melodies. When you have melodies of this beauty it is a wonderful approach.
One reviewer found this music to be too new ageish. Maybe but I think in that case he has heard a lot better new age music than I have. I find this album to hold its own against anything I put it up against on my CD changer. Right now I am playing it with masses by Palestrina. I have played it up against Leila Josefowicz, Anouar Braham and George Garzone (it is apparent that Statman is not the player that Garzone is but then how many are?). Each time I play this CD I find new things to hear, new beauty to enjoy. These guys play this music because they love it, they feel it to the bone, it cuts to the heart of how they see the world and, I suspect in Statman's case as well as Palestrina, it is part of an ongoing conversation with God. How often do you get to hear music played with that much heart? It may not speak to you but it is definitely worth a listen to find out.

A refreshing change of pace.......2000-08-31

Most albums of Hasidic music tend to focus on the rapidly-paced "table bangers" designed to get your adrenaline going. Not so with this album. Statman and crew have chosen some of the slower, more contemplative Hasidic tunes, and rendered them in a soul-filled cross between klezmer and modern jazz. The result is meditative Jewish music that is definitely not the usual "new age" pablum.

In their original cultural context, these tunes are sung orally, usually without instrumental accompaniment, because the use of instruments is forbidden on the Sabbath and festivals. Instead, the singers sit around the table, using their voices to improvise complex harmonies and variations on the basic tunes. Sometimes the tunes have words, but more often, they are made up of meaningless sounds such as "ai-ai-ai!" that, precisely because they are wordless, can contain all possible meanings of the heart. The result is a sort of verbal jazz that reaches deep levels of the soul.

Such music is known in Hebrew as a "devekus niggun" (D'VAY-kuss-NEE-gun), which means, loosely translated, "A sacred tune for connecting with God." What Statman has done here is to translate that oral devekus experience into instrumental music. And it really works! As I listened to this album, I was carried back to my own deepest experiences around the Shabbos table. There are only nine pieces on this CD, but each is long enough to really get into the music, the same as when we sing them around the table. This album truly conveys the inner spirit of Hasidism.

Great Soul!.......2000-03-06

This album is really a favourite of mine. No easy listening, no swinging. It's full of subtle and spectacular ensemble music. Statman's clarinet reaches out to unknown heights and the combination of styles is really moving. Improvising on well-known Hassidic themes, Statman and his musical friends create a new genre: mystical music with body and Soul! Unlike so-called 'New Age-music', that usually lacks any depth, this album combines the old with the new.

Average customer rating:

much better than anticipated
M.E.M.ories

Middle Earth Masters
Soft Machine
Manufacturer: Cuneiform
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Grides (W/Dvd)
Third
Matching Mole
Soft Machine: Out-bloody-rageous
Hemispheres

ASIN: B000GYHY2C
Release Date: 2006-10-09

Tracks:

Clarence In Wonderland
We Know What You Mean
Bossa Nova Express
Hope For Happiness
Disorganisation
We Did It Again
Why Are We Sleeping?
I Should've Known
That's How Much I Need You Now
I Should've Known
A Certain Kind
Not Listed

Album Details

Recorded Live in Swinging London's Legendary Middle Earth Club.

Customer Reviews:

much better than anticipated.......2007-06-06

The sound quality is much better than I feared. I had a bootleg CDR called Middle Earth which was horribly reverb drenched, probably recorded with open mics, possibly to a standard 1/4" cassette. (think "Turns On" series)

This CD however, actually is a line recording and is as clean as a 1967 Soft Machine performance possibly could have been. I would love to have such a fine document of the band *with* Daevid Allen, but until then, this is a welcome addition to my collection and above average quality in comparison to similar recordings of its kind.

M.E.M.ories.......2007-05-01

Soft Machine's earliest incarnation, as a trio with Kevin Ayers, Mike Ratledge and Robert Wyatt, is represented on disc by Soft Machine 1 and the Giorgio Gomelsky demos, but the only live recordings, despite extensive gigging, have been 5 "in studio" songs done for BBC -- until now. Recorded in London clear back in September 1967, this live performance was captured on 15 i.p.s. half-track reels by Bob Woolford, nearly state-of-the-art for the time. Unfortunately the band's live concert setup was prone to distortion (understatement!) and the resulting tapes were deemed unsalvageable more than once.

Enter Mike King, the same dude who "wrote the book" on Wyatt. Thanks to modern digital technology, much persistence and a ton of hard work, Mike was able to resurrect a quite-servicable representation of the original overdriven concert. It really sounds surprisingly good (say, compared to Brian Hopper's archival tapes of the same period) and has been edited together into a continuously-flowing set like the first album.

This release rates AT LEAST five stars for the effort put into releasing it and for the rarity of it. Thanks to all the lads involved for putting it together nearly 40 years later.

Songs of Middle Earth: Inspired by The Lord of the Rings

Average customer rating:

Bland and uninspired
Not from Lord of the Rings
Taken by Wakeman to Middle-earth
a masterpiece
INTERESTING INTERPERTATION......

Songs of Middle Earth: Inspired by The Lord of the Rings
Rick Wakeman
Manufacturer: Bmg Special Product
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Myths & Legends Of King Arthur & The Knights Of The Round Table
Journey to the Centre of the Earth
The Six Wives of Henry VIII
Return To The Centre Of The Earth
Sea Airs

ASIN: B00006CYAT
Release Date: 2002-07-23

Tracks:

Shire
Old Forest
Rivendell
Great River
Lothlorien
Misty Mountains
Helm's Deep
Rohan
Minas Truth
Grey Havens

Customer Reviews:

Bland and uninspired.......2006-11-18

This album does not seem in any way related to Middle Earth. All of the tracks seem bland and very similar to each other, there is nothing to distinguish one track from another. Having read the books many times, the areas associated with each track are significantly different. I have liked some of Wakeman's other theme albums, particularly Six Wives of Henry VIII, where each track had a distinct character. This album is not up to that standard and the tracks seem to be a mish mash of bland compositions that was thrown together and had titles slapped on them to associate them with LOTR. Given the well developed character of each area in LOTR, I would have expected tracks with distinct character, much as Holst's Planets compositions each have very distinct characters that strongly evoke the character being portrayed. Not so the tracks on this album, they evoked only boredom in this listener.

Not from Lord of the Rings.......2006-11-11

The music is not like lord of the rings style, is more like new age, if you search someting like lord of the rings don't buy it, the music is nice to relax in your house.

Taken by Wakeman to Middle-earth.......2004-08-27

You can definitely get lost in the music on this CD. The composition of these songs definitely fits the theme of Middle Earth, and you can close your eyes and imagine being the scenes of the respective titles. Rick Wakeman masterfully has put together melodies and harmonies that blend so well with each other that makes the CD so inspirational.

a masterpiece.......2004-06-01

There's no time when you talk about this album. And specially now, after the movie, it fits our minds with another soud track and another trip in the world of the lord of the rings.

INTERESTING INTERPERTATION.............2003-03-15

I MUST ADMIT TO TWO THINGS RIGHT OFF THE BAT-ONE I DON'T CARE FOR PIANO MUSIC VERY MUCH, AND TWO, I AM CRAZY ABOUT DAVID ARKENSTONE'S MUSIC. THAT SAID I MUST SAY THIS IS A VERY INTERESTING INTERPERTATION OF THE MUSIC OF MIDDLE EARTH. I LIKED THIS "MODERN" VIEW OF THE MIDDLE EARTH MUSIC.

IN ALL FAIRNESS IF ONE WANTS MUSIC THEY FEEL IS RIGHT OUT OF MIDDLE EARTH ONE SHOULD HEAR DAVID ARKENSTONE'S MUSIC INSPIRED BY MIDDLE EARTH. IT IS MORE CELTIC WITH A NEW AGE HINT. BUT IT STICKS WITH WHAT YOU WOULD THINK MIDDLE EARTH MUSIC WOULD SOUND LIKE, EVEN THOUGH NONE OF US HAS EVER BEEN TO MIDDLE EARTH.

I FEEL JACKSON WOULD HAVE HAD MOVIES OF A RICHER AND MORE FULLFILLING NATURE HAD HE USED DAVID AND HIS GENIUS AT STORYTELLING WITH MUSIC.

Tracks:

Kick Out The Jams
Empty Heart
Ramblin' Rose
Thunder Express
Rama Lama Fa Fa Fa
Motor City Is Burning
I Can Only Give You Everything
I Just Don't Know
Looking At You
Borderline

Album Description

10 track compilation with four cuts off of two early singles from 1966 & 1968, plus six tunes from a 1972 recording session at Studio Herouville Castle, including their signature anthem 'Kick Out The Jams'. 1999 release.

Album Details

10 Tracks from Early Singles plus a 1972 Session. 12 Page Booklet.

Customer Reviews:

America's version of THE WHO... .......2007-06-17

If you're a true fan of the MC5 you'll be doing yourself a major favor if you add this to your collection!

Blew me away on the first listen...

WAY COOL!!!

Slam back a few & enjoy!
the dOg

MC5, baby! Kick out the jams, brothers and sisters!.......2005-08-18

I think I had this cd a couple of years back! I remembered how cool it was to hear 'Kick out the Jams' and then going straight into 'Empty Heart'! That was really cool! And what makes this even more special is that I have a DVD with the exact same session when they did this in 1972. Ultra cool! Wayne was playing a cool Epiphone Wilshire and Fred was playing his Ric and they had Steev Moorhouse in on bass! This cd also has some early tracks from the mid-60's, early singles! This is a cool cd to have and I'll probably need to get it again!

Average customer rating:

I like this album in spite of myself.
Arghh
An Unexpected Gem
well done
Beautiful

The Middle Earth Album

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Progressive | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Journey Of The Dunadan
Shadowlands
The Inconsolable Secret
Perelandra
Memories of Middle Earth

ASIN: B00005R0AK
Release Date: 2001-06-01

Tracks:

Elrenn and Endereth
The Old Troll
The Old Troll and the Maiden
Dwarf and Orc
The King's Beer
The Ballad of Balin Longbeard
The Man in the Wood
Mirkwood
As I Walk
The Last Ship
Mithrandir (This Fading Age)
Sweet Goldberry
No Crown for Balin

Album Description

Glass Hammer's "Middle Earth Album" is a HIT with fans of fantasy and Tolkien. On this album, Glass Hammer departs from it's usual progressive rock bombast, to perform a medieval \ Celtic \ folk set recorded "live at The Prancing Pony Inn". Sing along with the denizens of Bree as you hear tales of Elven maidens and sword-wielding Rangers, Dwarven heroes and bloodthirsty Trolls. Transport yourself to a land of legend with the music of Glass Hammer!

Jonathan Watson of TolkienOnLine.com has commented that "It may very well be what Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippen witnessed as they stayed at the inn. On the album, the music is rousing, the lyrics pure fun, and the crowd at the inn a jostling bunch that doesn't seem to get their fill of fun. If you want a truly new experience in Middle-earth, a musical example of what Tolkien termed "sub-creation", then grab your headphones, slide the CD in, and join the patrons of The Prancing Pony Inn!"

Customer Reviews:

I like this album in spite of myself........2007-07-20

Had I know in advance that this was an album of medieval/fantasy tavern music I probably would not have bought it. Yet I can't listen to it without smiling widely and humming the tunes for hours afterwards. There is definitely magic in here. It might not be the complex prog I was expecting but when I am done listening I feel as if I just spent an evening in a pub full of rowdy friends. An earlier reviewer mentioned that the mood is spoiled by "electric keyboard" - utter rubbish. The predominant instrument throughout the album is a harpsichord (perhaps being synthesized but authentic sounding nonetheless) and very appropriate for the style of music being played.

Arghh.......2005-05-21

I bought this CD on the basis of all the glowing reviews here on Amazon, and the fact ive been a big LoTR fan for 30 years.

1st off the singing doesnt capture the flavor of a wandering minstrel troupe, IMHO. Bleh.

2nd, the mix is bad. Granted its supposed to be a "live performance" at the Prancing Pony, but half the time you cant even understand the words they are singing.

3rd, the main instrument heard is an electric keyboard. Ive read the books several times, and to my knowledge i missed the part where the Shire had electricity. Maybe they plugged it into Gandalfs staff or something...This detracts heavily on my "you are in Middle Earth" experience i am supposed to be having.

Dont get me wrong, i love prog, Yes/Rush/Enchant/Cairo/Dream Theater and all, and i love celtic style music like the Chieftains, Tempest, Solas and the like, but this cd by Glass Hammer dont cut it by a long shot. Maybe this should not have been my 1st purchase by them.

An Unexpected Gem.......2005-05-06

I first picked up "Lex Rex" and "Shadowlands" by Glass Hammer and was instantly hooked, being an old fan of bands like Yes and Renaissance. I avoided picking up "The Middle Earth Album", however; I was afraid it would be too silly. Cautiously, I visited Glass Hammer's web site and downloaded the sampler MP3 and wasn't particularly impressed. But eventually, for completeness, I got "The Middle Earth Album". What a pleasant surprise! The first half of the album is "recorded live" at the Prancing Pony Inn, and is lots of fun - you soon find yourself singing along and tapping your feet. The second half of the album was different, more traditional progressive rock, but still delightfully good.

"The Last Ship" is one of the most beautiful songs I have heard. "Mithrandir" is a good version of "This Fading Age" from their previous album "On To Evermore". And "Sweet Goldberry" is probably my favorite song on the entire album. It closes with the comedic "No Crown For Balin", which made me laugh out loud when I listened to the lyrics.

The weakest points on the album are "Man In the Wood" and "Mirkwood". That is not to say that they are bad - far from it! They're just not as fantastic as the rest of the songs.

Bravo, Glass Hammer!

well done .......2005-01-14

I bought this on a whim and could not stop listening to it for the first few weeks after it arrived. The "live from the Prancing Pony" music really sticks in the mind and I could not help humming or singing it. Although I will admit initial surprise at the rather gory lyrics in places (songs about being eaten or otherwise killed by trolls, etc), after a while I got used to them - after all, what would one sing about in a pub but love, death, battles, and beer? I was disappointed that the "set" was so short. I would have liked a few more songs, especially since some of them are quite brief. My other gripe is that the font for the lyric sheet is fiendishly difficult to read.

Many people have written that this album has a Celtic flavor to it. I admit I am new to Glass Hammer, but the genre of the Prancing Pony bit seems to be more Renaissance to me with the exception of "Elrenn and Endereth," which is more Celtic, and "The King's Beer," which seems more newgrass. There is also a definite Gilbert and Sullivan influence, specifically from The Mikado. Compare "The Old Troll and the Maiden" to "The Criminal Cried As He Droppped Him Down" from Act 2, and the last song, "No Crown for Balin" to both "Three Little Maids From School" (the vamp) and "So Please You Sir, We Much Regret" (the melody) from Act 1. Not to say I don't like it; I found the comparison interesting.

In the second section, which is quite melodic in most places, I had less interest, although some of the melodies and vocals are beautiful. I think the words need a bit of work, since in places they don't make a lot of sense ("Mithrandir/This Fading Age," for example). Perhaps that is why the album is not longer. I don't know much about "prog rock" but "Sweet Goldberry" puts me pleasantly in mind of the album Roar of Love by the Second chapter of Acts.

Enough comparisions. If this had been a vinyl album it would have been worn out long ago. It is definitely worth a listen (and the album art is lovely).

Beautiful.......2004-01-22

My god...this is beautiful.
This CD is a must have for anyone who had read the trilogy. The first few songs emulate a night in the Prancing Pony and the later ones emulate a night with the elves.
The music is all classic gypsy like. Tamboures and acoustic guitars are played beautifuly to create an atmosphere like no other. I highly recommend this album.

Average customer rating:

aaaaahh!
Escape
Earth, The Soundtrack to a movie Deep Within

Earth
Robin Barber
Manufacturer: Robin Barber
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00015WN18
Release Date: 2003-11-25

Tracks:

Living Earth
The Wind
Oceano
Fire
Sea of Grass
Forest
Mountain Pass

Album Description

This is dramatic soundtrack music without the movie. The music is infused with musical traditions as diverse as Celtic, Southeast Asian, Classical, and Middle Eastern. It combines soothing sounds collected from Nature with colorful harmonic landscapes, intriguing rhythmic textures, and melodic lines that are sometimes gentle and at other times powerful. Almost cinematic, this unique blend of sounds invites the mind to paint ever-changing scenes as it moves ones moods through states of relaxation, contemplation, and exhilaration.

Customer Reviews:

aaaaahh!.......2004-06-01

This recording moved me to a very still place, especially the piece entitled, "The Wind". The whole CD is superb both as meditation music and entertainment. In either way, it summons me to it again and again. The jacket description calls this music a 'sonic journey', and so it is, but I would add that it is one of stunning beauty. I look forward to more of Robin Barber's music

Escape.......2004-05-11

Listening to Robin's music will take you to the most wonderful places. His songs are rich musical paintings. I highly recommend this CD and hope to hear more in the future!

Earth, The Soundtrack to a movie Deep Within.......2004-04-01

Robin Barber's powerful blend of ecclectic influences and transpersonal landscapes opens up a sense for all that surrounds us, and all that awaits us. This Album took me into a deep rich journey, where the visual landscape simply revealed itself as I gave myself fully to Mr. Barber's powerful tunes. This is certainly the work a bright musical influence just about to be discovered. I recommend Earth and eagerly wait to see what is in store. Mr Barber trully promises to be a new and powefully inspiring influence in the music of the new millenium.

Average customer rating:

Sittin' In the Middle of (IMPORT) Earthquake
Best of Beserkely!!!
Beserkley's Best
earthquake rumbles!

Sittin in the Middle of Madness
Earth Quake
Manufacturer: Pidm
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Power Pop | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Purple: The A&M Recordings
All Too Much/Blow You Out
The Wall (Deluxe Packaging Digitally Remastered)
The Departed (Two-Disc Special Edition)

ASIN: B00004RCDS
Release Date: 2000-07-25

Tracks:

Friday On My Mind
Tall Order For A Short Guy
Mr Security
Finders Keepers
Little Cindy
Savin' My Love
Motivate Me
Hit The Floor
Don't Want To Go Back
Lovin' Cup
Emma
Julie Anne
Kicks
Train Ride
Street Fever (Live)
Knock On Wood
Tin Soldier
Power Glide Slide
Head Held High
Sittin' In The Middle Of Madness (Live)

Album Description

UK collection from hard rock act originally signed to the legendary Beserkley label. 20 tracks including 'Finders Keepers'. Remastered & repackaged. 2000 release. Standard jewel case.

Customer Reviews:

Sittin' In the Middle of (IMPORT) Earthquake.......2002-04-14

Growing up as a teenager in the late 60's & early 70's the music was a precious time for music in the Bay Area & as a music collector I have been trying to replace these gems from the past & a lot of them are not in print in the states. But thank god for imports that some of this music is again here. Earth Quake is a great example of this past music. Puts most of todays rock & roll to shame. With all there greats on one cd the expense is resonable! Get yours today.

Best of Beserkely!!!.......2001-03-07

Growing up in the aftermath of the late sixties, early seventies San Francisco Bay Area priveledge was being invoved in the weekly bar scene that included the Long Branch, The Keystone and other venues of the local scene. Earthquake was a easy pick on Friday nights for a great time for me and the guys in my band. We were wherever they played...their hard drivin' rock and roll helped pass away many wild hours in and around Berkeley. These boys knew how to rock (check out "Sittin' in the Middle of Madness" live!!!) and their ballads were equally as strong...(Saving My Love was a personal favorite) I can still see John, Robbie, Steve etc. like it was yesterday...Mammmamma..belle!!

Beserkley's Best.......2001-02-02

Accolades were never forthcoming for this virtually unknown band, unknown outside the confinds of mid-1970's San Francisco. Even on their own label they were often overlooked while their stablemate Greg Kihn broke through for the Beserkley label on the national scene. And yet to those of us fortunate enough to frequent such venues as Winterland and the Keystone's in Berkeley and Palo Alto, Earthquake was fixture and their power-pop sound legendary. This album brings together several tracks from basically their two most popular albums, 8.5 and Leveled. From the hottest cover of the Paul Revere and the Raiders song "Kicks" to originals like Finder's Keepers and Trainride, this album is loaded with rock and roll which will surely leave you asking why weren't these guys famous! Only D.J.'s can answer that. The music speaks for itself as a testament to the many hidden treasures a listener and true rock fan can find if he wishes to say his collection is complete. And on this set there are so many memorable tunes both covers and originals. Each one done in a style which is definitely the Beserkley sound. Rather than tell you what to listen to I think you will enjoy listening for yourself and perhaps discover the most enjoyable surprise which has been all but hidden for the past quarter of a century.

earthquake rumbles!.......2000-06-26

Finally! The best of earthquake on cd. A great mix of 70's guitar rock and catchy power pop tunes. Play it loud. You can't resist singing along to "julie ann" and "loving cup", then 'kicks" and "trainride" are solid rockers. Another highlight is a fabulous remake of "friday on my mind". This music has held up. You won't be disappointed.

Music Track:

Music Track

music track

Recommended Music:

El Timbal Compilation [Import]

Mozart: Symphony No. 40; Serenade for Strings

Messiaen: Poèmes pour Mi; Chants de Terre et de Ciel

Music: Rossini: Arias / Ricciarelli

Permanent Record [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] [Soundtrack]

Old School Hip Hop [Import]

Living on a Back Street [Import]

Part 3: Coping With Insignificance

Made in Love [Import]

Organ Works From Tabulatura Nova (1624)

On a Clear Day [Import] [Limited Edition] [Original recording remastered]

Lastima Que Seas Ajena

Just Mad Dog'n it [Explicit Lyrics]

Ancient Ways Future Days: A Celtic Season of Songs

Ceasefire