Valley in the Clouds

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Released in 1987, Valley in the Clouds by multi- instrumentalist David Arkenstone still stands as one of the most exquisite electronic new age recordings ever produced. Lofty praise, but nearly every track of this meticulously designed musical voyage validates the claim. Imbued with a star-traveler's adventurous spirit, Arkenstone's work conveys a sense of interstellar majesty that invites a listener's imagination to operate on an IMAX scale. Luminous at times, gently percussive at others, the nine pieces succeed at fulfilling Arkenstone's stated composing ambition: "I kept asking myself: What would Indiana Jones enjoy listening to?" he said whimsically at the time. If Indy was transformed into Rocket Man, Arkenstone would immerse him in such expansive sonic delights as "Ancient Legend" and "Stepping Stars," a classic pair of album-openers that grandly establish the mystical-travel theme. "Princess" is worthy of royalty in any galaxy, and "Night Wind" can introduce you to auroras that only your mind's eye knew existed. An audio excursion not to be missed. --Terry Wood

Valley in the Clouds,David Arkenstone,Narada,Adult Alternative,Contemporary Instrumental,Ethnic Fusion,New Age,New Age / Meditation,Pop,Progressive Electronic

Tracks:

Ancient Legend
Stepping Stars
Valley In The Clouds
Princess
Eastern Dream
Night Wind
Rain
Sun Girl
Lost Temple

Amazon.com

Released in 1987, Valley in the Clouds by multi- instrumentalist David Arkenstone still stands as one of the most exquisite electronic new age recordings ever produced. Lofty praise, but nearly every track of this meticulously designed musical voyage validates the claim. Imbued with a star-traveler's adventurous spirit, Arkenstone's work conveys a sense of interstellar majesty that invites a listener's imagination to operate on an IMAX scale. Luminous at times, gently percussive at others, the nine pieces succeed at fulfilling Arkenstone's stated composing ambition: "I kept asking myself: What would Indiana Jones enjoy listening to?" he said whimsically at the time. If Indy was transformed into Rocket Man, Arkenstone would immerse him in such expansive sonic delights as "Ancient Legend" and "Stepping Stars," a classic pair of album-openers that grandly establish the mystical-travel theme. "Princess" is worthy of royalty in any galaxy, and "Night Wind" can introduce you to auroras that only your mind's eye knew existed. An audio excursion not to be missed. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews:

A Gem in Time.......2006-03-31

Yes, I give "Valley in the Clouds" 5 stars. It was the first David Arkenstone I bought, some 18 years ago, and it was his debut album. My 5 stars come with a sense of perspective.

While, in some of my other reviews, I refer to "Valley..." as somewhat dated, it represents the absolute best of "New Age" music circa 1987. It cannot, however, be referred to as Arkenstone's best work. Certain other of his releases even received Grammy nominations. "Valley..." did not. It also lacks much of the sweep, drama, and symphonic orchestrations of some of Arkenstone's later work.

Having said that, "Valley..." is highly recommended both for its stand alone quality, and as an introduction to David Arkenstone. It was Arkenstone's brilliant introduction to all of us. He creates a unique "synthesized" world, lush in imagery and vision, full of dreams, at once familiar and yet fantastic.

It is hard to name a track not to like. But there are standouts which deserve separate mention, such as "Ancient Legend", "Stepping Stars", the title track "Valley in The Clouds", "Princess", "Night Wind", and "The Sun Girl". These vary from the sweep and grandeur (as much as can be created on a synthesizer without an orchestra) of "Ancient Legend" and "Valley in The Clouds", to the wonder of "Stepping Stars"and "Night Wind", and finally to the lyrical beauty of "Princess" and "The Sun Girl".

Did I leave out anybody else's favorite? Of course! That's part of the joy of "Valley in The Clouds". Almost anyone can name different favorites, because almost all the tracks are that good! If asked for two favorites, almost everyone can say "Valley in The Clouds and... .", with a different track to name.

This album deserves its 5 stars, but with perspective. Anyone who begins listening to David Arkenstone with "Atlantis", for example, would be surprised by the simplicity of "Valley...". It IS somewhat dated.

But given that, it is one of the best debut efforts ever. A real "Gem in Time".

Wonderful debut.......2005-07-25

I consider myself fortunate when my first exposure to a musician occurs at the time of their debut release. It makes it far easier for one to grasp how the artist matures and grows as a musician and composer. Such was the case with Arkenstone and Valley in the Clouds. I own all of his releases, along with the Troika CDs, and VitC stands as one of those rare, excellent debuts that hints at what is to come. With this release, Arkenstone instantly established himself as one of the few artist, like Patrick O'Hearn and David Helpling, whose music reaches epic, aurally cinematic proportions without bombast. Their are many gems on this album, Ancient Legend , Valley in the Clouds, and Rain are still amongst my favorite songs alltime and I think the best cuts on this CD, but the entire release is superb. Having said that, the assertion that this was his best release is complete rubbish considering that quite a bit of his work afterwards exhibited far more lyrical, majestic, and musically expansive qualities. Stellar debut and a clear sampling of what was to come from a talented musician.

This Is the new age album to have...really!!.......2005-02-16

Most critics would agree that this is David Arkenstone at his very best. I have to agree also with collin mcdaniel that David has not made an album of this calibur since!! This of course was his debut album and so every song is beautifully and meticulously crafted and sounds rich with analog instrumentation.
For any of you fans of David's current music, this will definitely be a change because like another reviewer said, it was before he started becoming so ethnically fixed on one style and every track is a five star with the exception of "Rain" which goes a little too long on the arpeggiation.

This should be regarded by all audiophiles as one of the top five albums to own.

J castle

Music for thought.......2003-10-23

I am new to Arkenstone. I am new to "lifestyle" music, although I am a child of the New Age, supposedly. I bought the Narada Classics release which contains two disks: "Valley In The Clouds" and "In The Wake Of The Wind". I do a lot of writing at my computer and have been using web radio (New Age) for background sounds. Arkenstone's music and name showed up, and I was hooked. His style and composition on these two disks fit perfectly with my needs and style. When I write, I need auditory sensory input to help me concentrate and stay the course. Mr. Arkenstone makes music that can sometimes make you tap your foot and at other times might bring you close to tears, but is never so overwhelming as to cause you to forget what the hell you are doing. These two disks are very good for that. I am pleased with the production quality of these disks, and the sound Mr. Arkenstone constructs on them. The sound is pleasing and relaxing when listened to in an exclusive way, such as when you are doing nothing but laying around on the couch in a substance induced semi-comatose state. So much for critical rationalizations; I just like the music on these disks.

A simple yet elegent debut for David Arkenstone........2002-05-30

If I had heard any of David Arkenstone's later albums before I heard "Valley in the Clouds", I probably wouldn't have thought much of this album. But it was "Valley of the Clouds" that introduced me to Arkenstone's music, and while it's not as complex as his later works, this album contains some of my favorite Arkenstone songs and is still a wonderful work of art to listen to.

Listening to Arkenstone's albums, it's easy to notice that he likes to make each album unique and different from the last one. Each of his albums has its own sound, and it's this that makes his music so ecclectic and appealing. With his debut, "Valley in the Clouds", the music is simple and right to the point. Rarely is there a complex movement found in this album's songs, and each piece likes to use long, drawn-out notes that echo like a haunting opera. But the songs are in no way reminiscent of BGMs (BackGround Music) that you hear on a Discovery Channel documentary; they are all stand-alone compositions that sound great. Several of my personal favorites on this album include the haunting "Night Wind" and the magnificent "The Sun Girl".

Tracks:

64. Sigrid, A Delightful Child. From 'To The Mountain Farm'
65. Improvised Poem From Vegaardhejen. Folk Song (Oh! Ola, Ola...
66. Fetching The Water, Fetching The Logs. Folk Song
67. The Siren's Call (Leaves Of Summer And The Saddle)
68. The King's Song (God Bless Our Good King)
69. Ser At The Beach (The Cottage Is Closed)
70. The Tree (The Tree Stood Ready)
71. Thoughts Of My Thoughts
72. The Bridal Dance
73. The Student's Song. From 'To The Mountain Farm' (The Fresh Wind...
74. Folk Dance From Bergen
75. To The Mountain Farm
76. The Buds In Spring Time (Where The Woods Are Young And Fresh)
77. Aftermath Of The Sun (To The Mountains Under The Fir Trees...
78. The National Song For The Young Lads (We Are A United Nation)
79. Sight Of England (Shining Thither In The West)
80. To My Gillyflower (Gillyflower, Before Your Blossoms Wither)
81. Folk Dance From Aamot
82. Shepherding My Nanny-Goat Named Tulla. Folk Song From Hitterdalen
83. To Sweden (Look Thither, Side By Side The Baltic Sea)
84. The Ogre (I Put My Ear To The Fountain's Source)
85. The Calling Tunes (There Flies A Bird)
86. Such A Beautiful Sunny Day
87. Mountain Song From Valdres
88. Ole's Proposal.Folk Song (And Once It Came To Ole's Mind)
89. Improvised Folk Verse (Oh! Do You Want Me To SIng)
90. Wandering In The Forest (My Sweet Bride)
Norwegian Melodies, EG 108: 91. Folk Dance
92. The Shepherd's Life (When Maidaagaa Calls)
93. A Song To the Flag (Look! Hovering There, The Angel Of Peace)
94. Song From The Valley (It Is My Soul, My Spirit)
95. Two Brown Eyes
96. Folk Dance From Tin
97. The Norseman's Song (Among All The Countries)
98. How I Would Love To Have A Sweetheart.From 'At The Mountain Farm'
99. The Mountain Farm: And I'm Looking At You.
100. Ellan And The Siren.Folk Song (A Tired Lad)
101. The Pathfinder Sings (From The Valley To the Mountains)
102. The Tune (Little Boy In The Big Forest)
103. The Autumn Song (The Winged Flock)
104. Racing Clouds
105. A Lonely Moment
106. Barefoot Magnus (My First Word Of Greatness)
107. The Song (Sing Only In The Springtime Of Youth)
108a. When The Sun Shows The Way To Rest
108b. The Traveler's Song.Folk Melody (Hear The Call)
109. Astri, My Astri.Folk Song
110. I Laid Me Down To Rest Too Early. Folk Song
111. Longings (To Sleep Was The Impossible)
112. The Backwards Verse.Folk Song (I Saddled My Boot)
113. Ser To Welhaven (Listen Thee To The Sgr)
114. Taylor's Song (Every Happy Moment You Receive)
115. Dance Of The Giants.From Valdres
116. The Craftsmen's Union (Now Brothers, Sing Out Loudly)
117. Amidst The Storm (The Storm Is Raging)

Valley in the Clouds/In the Wake of the Wind

Average customer rating:

what a great combination!

Valley in the Clouds/In the Wake of the Wind
David Arkenstone
Manufacturer: Narada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

Electronic | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Atlantis: A Symphonic Journey
Caribbean Dreams
Sketches From an American Journey
Return of the Guardians
Quest of the Dream Warrior

ASIN: B0000BV20N
Release Date: 2003-09-02

Tracks:

Ancient Legend
Stepping Stars
Valley In The Clouds
Princess
Eastern Dream
Night Wind
Rain
The Sun Girl
Lost Temple

Tracks:

Papillon (On The Wings Of The Butterfly)
Dark Dunes
Not Too Far To Walk
Borderlands
The Rug Merchant
Firedance
The Southern Cross
Overture
The Stardancer
Morning Sun On The Sails
The Lion's Breath
Dances Of Jankala
Discovery
Emerald Dream
Through The Gates
Sailing

Customer Reviews:

what a great combination!.......2004-05-28

I originally purchased this CD for "Vally In The Clouds" which has been a "must have" favorite I aquired years ago in cassette after falling for "The Narada Collection". I especially like "Stepping Stars" and "Valley in the Clouds". I was suprised that I actually like "In the Wake of the Wind" even better. With 15 songs, it's hard not to find several to like. My favorites, Papillio, The Lion's Breath, The Rug Merchant and the Southern Cross are all different but really pull you in. I listen to these CDs for hours at work, they block the surrounding cubicle noise while providing a great work background sound. Arkenstone is a creative genius, his music is exciting and varied. If you're even a little into new age music, you won't be disappointed with this combination.