Perfect Sky

Track Listings

1. Sunburst

2. Green Galliard

3. Andecy

4. Sunday Morning Overcast

5. Muir Woods

6. Rock Skippin' Creekside

7. Perfect Sky

8. Linus and Lucy

9. Sunshine Rag

10. Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy

11. Mysterious Barricades

12. Reflections

13. When You Wish upon a Star

Perfect Sky,Andrew York,Artifex,Jazz,Pop

Perfect Sky

Tracks:

Der Letzte Tag
Anger
Lost Soul
Perfect Love
Heart In Chains
Die Zeit
Black Angel
Devil Inside You
Rebirth
Are You Missing Me
Ballade
Show Me Heaven (bonus track)

Album Description

Elis' debut album caused quite a commotion in 2003: God's Silence... was a triumphant, strategic advance that undoubtedly continues with the quintet's new opus, Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky. The CD displays superb, rich and varied Gothic Metal, with a heavy and occasional ballad-like edge. Altogether a deep and entertaining album - a new star in the "perfect sky".

Customer Reviews:

VERY VERY GOOD CD.......2007-05-22

Goth-metal, straight up rock with a female singer with the voice of a goddess. The first song on this CD, sung in the band's native tongue (German), is incredible. The remainder of the CD is very well crafted and the female vocalist is/was incredibly, incredibly talented. When I heard she had died at age 29, I was really saddened. What a loss to the world of music. Out of all the female vocalists I've heard over the years, this girl had it going on. I love her voice,layered and backed by throbbing rock and roll. Gracious, mesmerizing. Please don't let her death deter you from purchasing this CD. I highly recommend it. Add it to your collection. You won't be disappointed.

Are you missing me.......2006-07-13

I am not a big fan of heavy metal. I hated the '80s hair metal scene when I was in high school. I hated the nu metal schtick of the late '90s, early '00s. The only metal genre I enjoy is the gothic metal genre which has been around longer than Evanescence (who contrary to what some people might think, did not originate the goth metal sound...The Gathering is credited for creating the goth metal sound).

One of my favorite goth metal bands who I think have never really been recognized is the german band Elis. I discovered Elis accidently in the back pages of Outburn magazine (when it was STILL cool). I immediately went out to purchase the band's 2nd album "Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky". There is a definite resemblence of Leaves' Eyes Liv Kristine in the voice of Sabine Duenser. Both women share that same delicate voice. The music is though a lot more aggressive IMO. The aggressive guitar riffs compliments Sabine's angelic vocals. A lot of that credit goes to producer Alexander Krull (Atrocity), Liv's husband. His production abilities are immaculate. His work on Elis' album as well as with his wife's albums are perfectly crisp and clean without being overly produced.

Some of the stand out tracks on "Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky" are the ballads. "Perfect Love" and "Ballade" has that perfect combination of melody and sorrow without losing out that aggressive edge. I absolutely love working out to the aggressive track "Anger" or if I lose my temper, I often crank up this song and start taking out my anger to this song. Elis's sound may not be terribly original but they certainly know how to keep the goth metal genre from becoming bland and predictable.

It deeply saddens me to note mention this news. The heavy metal scene has lost one of its own. Elis lead singer Sabine Duenser recently passed away not even a week ago due to a cerebal hemorrage. This young woman had shown a lot of promise and had a bright future. You were loved and will be forever missed. RIP Sabine :(.

Review.......2006-06-15

Elis, a Liechtenstein-based 5-piece band began as "Erben Der Schöpfung" & they released their debut, "Twilight" in 2001. Vocalist Sabine Duenser and guitarist Pete Streit continued working together and Erben Der Schopfung morphed into Elis. They released their debut, "Gods Silence Devils Temptation" in 2003 to very good reviews, and quickly followed with "Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky" in February 2004. Their style of music is most often considered goth metal, but Elis incorporate electronics, doom, and rock into their music for a rather eclectic sound.

Following the path of bands like Lacuna Coil, Leaves' Eyes, Darkwell, Lacrimosa & The Gathering, ELIS is trying to find a place for themselves in the world of Gothic music, and with Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky, they succeeded in doing just that.

Let's start with the Album Cover Artwork. Vocalist Sabine Duenser says : "The picture with the butterfly is a symbol for the album title and so it is also a symbol for the message we want to give to the listener. There's this perfect butterfly, which is a picture of a real but dead butterfly- which is brutally speared on the sky. On the first look the picture just seems nice but when you have a closer look at it you see that it is not as nice as it seemed. The title Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky stands for the fact that in this world there exists nothing which is perfect. Everything, even when it seems to be perfect, has also a dark and ugly side. People only can be rich, because many people are poor. We like it when the sun shines but it has the power to burn everything. The nature can be very nice but on the other hand it can destroy lives with its power. So the title is a metaphor of our music, which also combines these dark and soft elements, and the lyrics which are about this contrast between good and bad. Also in a perfect sky there can appear dark clouds." [ from an interview with www.basementbar.com (Transcending the Mundane). ]

Upon first listen to Dark Clouds in A Perfect Sky, one may get the impression lead singer Sabine Duenser might be taking one too many nods from ex-Theatre of Tragedy vocalist and current Leaves' Eyes frontwoman, Liv Kristine. When you realize Liv Kristine is also the wife of Elis producer and manager Alexander Krull, the comparison might make a little more sense.
This is not really the case, though both vocalists do share similarities in their approach. They both can, and will pull out a booming soprano when needed or lull you into a mid-tempo trance.

There are 3 tracks in the band's native language, German : Der Letzte Tag (the last day) / Ballade (ballad) / Die Zeit (it's time). The other songs are Anger / Lost Soul / Heart in Chains / Perfect Love / Black Angel / Devil Inside You / Rebirth / Are You Missing Me / Show Me Heaven (Bonus Cut on Digipak Release)..Emotions range fom anger (guess which song that focuses on... ) , to love (Perfect Love) , to something we all have tendency to do, thinking too much (Are You Missing Me).

Der Letzte Tag , the album opener is bombastic with even an epic solo from Pete Streit near the conclusion. It's just how an opening track should be. Bassist Tom Saxer is featured on a couple of songs, where his extremely capable growl lends itself to the subject matter ("Lost Soul", "Heart in Chains", "Are You Missing Me").

All in all , this was an amazing listening experience. I enjoyed each & every song. However, I found myself trailing back to Black Angel , Show me Heaven , and Perfect Love..repeating them again & again...

Overall rating of the Album : 9/10

I like it.......2006-06-11

Frankly, with all the rather blah reviews here on Amazon it took me a while to get around to this cd, but when I listened to the samples I realized that it sounded very good -- and now that I have it and I've listened to it a few times I'm not really sure why so many people (well, 3 anyway) said that it was uninspired and unmemorable. I think it's much better than that, so I had to write a review.

Now, I'll admit, I'd be the first to say that if you're just getting into this kind of music, you should probably listen to Nightwish, Leaves' Eyes, Within Temptation first. Maybe Lacuna Coil too, I don't own any of them but enough people seem to like them. But if you really like this style of goth metal then this is a very good cd. Read what the official Amazon reviewer said, listen to the samples, and see for yourself.

I like it a great deal more than, say, Epica or After Forever, for example....

Hopefully the future is kind to Elis.......2006-01-26

3.5 stars

I discovered Elis completely by accident. I only bought this CD because I knew it was a female fronted the band and I thought the title of the CD was intriguing, luckily I didn't expect much on first listen. Sabine doesn't have the strongest voice you'll ever hear, she pretty much has the same vocal pattern for each song actually and the death growls, while good, don't fit at all. So a lot of the time it's the band pulling most of the weight.

My big issue with Dark Clouds In A Perfect Sky is that the songs don't have much variety. In fact, the only song that really stands apart from the others to me is Devil Inside You. I think every other song tries much too hard to be groundbreaking. Take Heart In Chains, there are some very good parts in the track, but the death metal growls and some of Sabine's vocals kind of ruin it. The closing song, Ballade, despite being performed completely in a foreign language, is the other strong track. It seems simplicity is key to this band making good music. Devil Inside You is pretty intricate, but I just think Elis shines on ballad-type songs.

My two favorite songs are Devil Inside You and Ballade. There's so much potential in this CD, but it doesn't seem Elis tried to capture it and use it to their advantage. If they want to be compared to a band as truly amazing as Nightwish, then they better step their game way up.

Average customer rating:

Old Meets New!?
The thinking man's new age
Music to feed your soul
Paul does it again!
Jon Nipp - www.Spirit-Within-New-Age-Radio.com

Phos Hilaron
Paul Avgerinos
Manufacturer: Round Sky Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

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

Maya
Gnosis
Sky of Grace
Salvaging the Past
Slow Time

ASIN: B00099XGPI
Release Date: 2005-05-01

Tracks:

Humbly I adore Thee
O Sons and Daughters
Call to Prayer
Phos Hilaron
Anoint and Cheer
Song of Gladness
Kyrie
Oneness
The Mystery Telling
O Heavenly Word

Product Description

Produced by the Grammy Nominated artist Paul Avgerinos, Phos Hilaron ( foss hill-a-ron ) is a deeply devotional ambient soundscape setting ancient Sacred Hymns sung in English within a tasteful modern accompaniment . The title hymn, Phos Hilaron , dates back to the first century .

Customer Reviews:

Old Meets New!?.......2006-02-01

When I was younger and sat in church every Sunday I truly enjoyed the peace and calm Gregorian Chants offered me. Fast forward several dozen years and I discovered that same kind of peace and contentment in New Age Music. Paul Avgerinos merges these two formats in Phos Hilaron to create a nicely blended sound that is heavy on the New Age side. It is like a Bloody Mary that takes ones's beloved vodka and mixes it with just the right amount of tasty tomato juice to create a whole new sensation. Phos Hilaron may not be the best of both worlds but it is a pretty satisfying musical Bloody Mary anyhow.

The thinking man's new age.......2005-08-02

Paul Avgerinos is the renaissance master of modern new age, a classically trained artist who brings to his projects experience, learning, and a passion to communicate with listeners. His latest recording, Phos Hilaron, is a richly textured collection of performances based on Christian hymns, an obviously personal statement of faith. One listen will convince you that this music is from someone who wishes to create as much with his heart as with his head.

Music to feed your soul.......2005-08-01

Paul Avgerinos' Phos Hilaron is stunning. It is music that is not only heard by the ear, but by one's soul. The entire CD is an experience of centering and calming and reassuring the listener that there is a place of great beauty and sacredness within him/herself and it is a place where one can go anytime.
Although based on a very early Christian hymn, this music transcends those roots to speak to all people of all spiritual paths.

Paul does it again! .......2005-07-16

I've followed Paul's music for many, many years now and each release shows his growth as a person and a musician. PHOS HILARON is AWESOME! It's a cross between Gregorian and New Age and is wonderful to use in almost any setting. I use it while reading or just as background music for my day. It's also great to just sit and listen (with headset is best) and hear the subtle nuances Paul is so good at creating! I HIGHLY recommend it! Rev. Ronald G. Cosseboom

Jon Nipp - www.Spirit-Within-New-Age-Radio.com.......2005-07-04

Need to chill out? Paul's music is different than most: it makes me think of when you drive out to the middle of nowhere to get away from it all and the only sounds you hear are the constant whisper of a gentle wind humming through the blades on a windmill, while a nearby stream quietly and endlessly dances past you. Suddenly you realize you've been sitting there staring off into vast fields of golden wheat and without a single thought for hours.We highly recommend Paul's music for your new age music collection.

Average customer rating:

York is one of the wonderful modern guitarists.
One Guitarist's Tour de Force
NOTE: York CD on new label, GSP
York Approaches Perfection

Perfect Sky

Manufacturer: Gsp Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Andrew York: Denouement
Into Dark
Mel Bay Andrew York - Contemporary Classic Guitar
LAGQ's Guitar Heroes
Classical Cool

ASIN: B000003WFM
Release Date: 2000-09-12

Tracks:

Sunburst
Green Galliard
Andecy
Sunday Morning Overcast
Muir Woods
Rock Skippin' Creekside
Perfect Sky
Linus & Lucy
Sunshine Rag
Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy
Mysterious Barricades
Reflections
When You Wish Upon A Star

Customer Reviews:

York is one of the wonderful modern guitarists........2004-04-30

I am a classical guitarists too. Though I may be a young man, I tend to like modern guitar sounds than old guitar sounds like F.Sol or Tarrega etc. I like special tecniques that have not been made ever. But I always like all the modern guitarists. The most favorite guitarist is R.dyens. I like his unique rythm and melodies and high tempo sounds. A. York is my favorite guitarists too.

In a CD, I chanced to listen to Sunburrst, I was tempted with the high tempo sounds and blight melody and unique bass topping.
But in addition to such songs, he can write slow ballade songs too. The ballade is good too.

But in Japan, his guitar score peace is a little high price. If it have possible, I wish that the publishers make song books.

Anyway, A.York is a new age revolutional gutarist that blow new fresh wind to classical guitar genle.

Thank you for reading poor English.

One Guitarist's Tour de Force.......2004-01-09

There are two modern guitarist who share the honors for being the best of today's masters of the classical guitar - Andrew York and Scott Tennant. Tennant is a bit better technically, but I consider York the more 'musicianly' of the two. In a large part that is because York has proven himself the more willing to try new approaches and create is own compositions. And when he feels it necessary he is equally at home in the world of steel strings and electric pickups. Perfect Sky is an album designed to demonstrate exactly those facets of York, and by any measurement, is completely successful.

Nine of the thirteen compositions on this CD are original to York. While they have a New Age sound to them, carefull listening shows that the technical work behind his clean melodies sets him well apart from standard fare. Spend some time listening to the neck work on Andecy or the counterpoint in Green Galliard and you will see what I mean. Each piece has special moments of brilliance, but what stands out for me is Yorks strong sense of melody, which never seems to desert him. Two of my favorites are Perfect Sky and Muir Woods, two experiments in the use of jazzy chord progessions.

York's arrangement of Guaraldi's Linus and Lucy is a pure whirlwind of technical work. Every time I hear the harmonic arpeggio's I get exceedingly jealous - these require a level of precision that is totally out of my fumble fingered league. But this entire piece is pure showing off, a perfect demonstration of a master guitarist for who style is a choice, not a constraint. Then there is the complete believability of the Nutcracker ballet piece and the hysterical complexity of Couperin's Les Barricades Misterieuses.

And the list goes on and on. There is literally no mischosen or misplayed work on this album. Something to marvel at in an age which has become sadly accepting of shoddy corners. York has other albums that demonstrate his classical side (and let's not forget his and Tennant's membership in the Los Angeles Guitar Quartett) but Perfect Sky is the album if you are looking for a deeper look into Andrew York as a musican. Highly recommended.

NOTE: York CD on new label, GSP.......1999-07-05

Since its original release, Andrew York's "Perfect Sky" has been re-released on GSP, the same label which released his next CD, "Denouement". But not only the label has changed; York has added the piece "Andecy" (which appears on the Windham Hill label guitar sampler CD) to "Perfect Sky" and eliminated a song, as well as changing the CD artwork to more appropriately reflect the title. (The new CD cover, for example, features the guitarist beneath a clear and sunny blue sky.) Though "Andecy" is a solid piece, its addition does not make or break the CD, which remains an incredibly diverse and beautiful collection of songs by a guitarist (then-fresh from his studies at USC in the mid-1980s) who can both amaze and inspire listeners.

York Approaches Perfection.......1998-11-20

A beautiful collection of pieces arranged for the guitar, "Perfect Sky" stands out as proof that Andrew York is the master of the six-string domain. He combines incredible technical skill with both compositional and arranging talent. The opening track, "Sunburst" (covered by both John Williams and Christopher Parkening, and re-titled "Jubilation" on a recent Christmas album), played on a steel string guitar, demonstrates his compositional skill as well as his well-maintained chops, evidenced by the "burst" of speed at the song's conclusion. The album's most catchy tune, Vince Guaraldi's "Linus & Lucy", displays the playful, familiar bass line simultaneously with the melody, showcasing York's fretboard facility (that's right, it's ONE guitar). The song ends magnificently with a dazzling array of Jaco Pastorius-inspired harmonics. The album is an eclectic one, but York manages to keep a sort of identity throughout, never alienating the listener. Almost a decade after its release, "Perfect Sky" sounds as timeless as ever -- as all great music should. (Other highlights include "Green Galliard" and Tchaikovsky's "Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy".)

Average customer rating:

Guy with a Guitar
great Eagles type cd!

Music for a Bright Moon Sky
Andy Mac
Manufacturer: Stay Clean Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music

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

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000A3SXLK
Release Date: 2005-06-05

Tracks:

She Falls Away
Rather Be Alone
An Afterthought
How am I to Know?
Good Day
Sara with no "h"
Best Believe
Go
Small Everything
Stars

Product Description

"Music for a Bright Moon Sky" is the debut album from singer/songwriter Andy Mac. Always ready to mellow, Mac delivers a perfect playlist for the ride home with this "happy to be sad" album.

Customer Reviews:

Guy with a Guitar.......2005-12-12

I have been a fan of Andy Mac's for a while and I am so happy that this CD has finally come out. Andy has poppy, yet introspective lyrics mixed with an ecclectic mix of pianos and guitar making him a cross between the Beatles and Jason Maraz--only he's better than any other guy with a guitar out there right now.

Give the music a try, it'll set your toes a-tapping and erase any shyness you have about singing along.

great Eagles type cd!.......2005-12-08

Any fan of the rock band the Eagles, will love this great set of tunes. Featuring great harmony vocals, nice west coast pop tunes done very very well. One of the nicest surprises I've heard this year!

Average customer rating:

Third Time The Charm?

Picture Perfect
Sky
Manufacturer: EMI Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00009II45
Release Date: 2003-05-26

Tracks:

Dedication
Invisible Life
Crazy
Indiana Jones
Dreamin' of You
So Cruel
I Like I Like
Slide
Drop
Live a Lie
15 Minutes of Fame
Picture Perfect
Dedication [Version Franse]

Album Description

2003 album from Canadian pop duo. The album features a hidden track, number 13, the French-language version of 'Dedication'. Copy Controlled. Sextant Records.

Customer Reviews:

Third Time The Charm?.......2004-08-06

Sky's "Picture Perfect" denotes a return to the sounds and sensibilities of their first album, but with a few of the tricks they picked up from the second. The ever-changing duo's anchor, Antoine Sicotte teams up this time with Karl Wolfe to return to the original boy-boy sound that won Sky their initial acclaim. There is an overall sense that they resemble a Canadian version of Savage Garden, and Karl's vocals tend to sound somewhere between Darren Hayes and Nick Carter's solo work. The duo couldn't have chosen a better first single than "Dedication," which is catchy, upbeat and showcases the potential of the album. The track "Indiana Jones," beyond its interesting title, is a mid-tempo track with a good hook and lyrics which talk about one's fantasy life. "I Like I Like" is another catchy track, and the rented rapper almost works for it, but the intro and the "Uh, oh yeah"s towards the end detract. "Drop" brings a little more R&B into the mix and has great staccato beats mixed with trumpets in the background. "Crazy," "So Cruel" and "Slide" are all tracks with good beats, good hooks and "Slide" borders on dancey, but not quite to the same extent as they achieved with two tracks on the last album. The ballads are well done and not overly syrupy, and the pop songs are not irritatingly so. A good effort, even though I didn't find any track besides "Dedication" overly memorable.

Average customer rating:

Classical Jazz Virtuoso

Perfect Sky
Andrew York
Manufacturer: Artifex Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000008CMV
Release Date: 1995-04-16

Tracks:

Sunburst
Green Galliard
Andecy
Sunday Morning Overcast
Muir Woods
Rock Skippin' Creekside
Perfect Sky
Linus and Lucy
Sunshine Rag
Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
Mysterious Barricades
Reflections
When You Wish upon a Star

Customer Reviews:

Classical Jazz Virtuoso.......2002-09-07

This original edition - on Artifex Records - has a different track listing than the two pressings which followed. Aside from an altered running order, "Andecy" and "Reflections" are not on this edition, although a fine rendition of Bach's "Allegro" is. This version of "Linus & Lucy" - entirely on solo guitar - is one of the finest ever performed. As the liner notes attest, all tracks are single takes with no overdubs.

Average customer rating:

Words Touch
Paul Avgerinos
Manufacturer: Round Sky Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

Relaxation | New Age | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Liquid Mind VIII: Sleep

ASIN: B00005UKCD
Release Date: 2001-11-21

Tracks:

Heaven Sings
Song Without End
Always With You
Words Touch
Floating Clouds
Weightless You Are
Empress
In My Heart

Album Description

Words Touch, is a subtle and delicate tapestry of gentle melodies and exquisite sound design . Featuring the soaring EWI ( Electronic Wind Instrument ) of Kevin Fortune Braheny , The masterful guitar of Brian Keane , the unique guitar work of Jeff Pearce and Cello of David Darling , Words Touch is perfect for Massage , Meditation , Relaxation and Contemplation .The album has a steady, even and deep flow , designed to nurture profound states of consciousness . It is truly good for Body , Mind and Soul .

Average customer rating:

A Perfect Sky
Bonnie Pink
Manufacturer: Wea/Warner
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music

International | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000FPX14M
Release Date: 2006-07-10

Tracks:

Perfect Sky
Free
Interlude -Siesta-
Perfect Sky (Instrumental)

Average customer rating:

A beautiful farewell to Fred

The Sky Party
Fred Drake
Manufacturer: Cholla Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Twice Shy

ASIN: B0006L5P30
Release Date: 2004-11-23

Tracks:

Goodnight, I Love You
Moon Prayer
Got Me
Gazoo Overture
Sundog and I
Breakfast in Santa Barbara
Now and Forever
Cloudy
Full Moon For Freddy
Ascent of the Moon Fish
Emmeline
Theme

Customer Reviews:

A beautiful farewell to Fred.......2004-12-01

This album embodies the peaceful serenity of the desert, Joshua Tree in particular. This whisper farewell to the recently deceased Fred Drake is best served with a slow sunset.

I know you'll enjoy it.