Song of the Whales

Track Listings

1. Songs of the Whales

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Nature's relaxing sounds.

Song of the Whales,Various Artists,Unison Records,New Age,New Age / Meditation,Pop,Popular Music

Song of the Whales

Song of the Whales

Of Whales and Woe
Average customer rating:

good

It takes a few spins to really take it in, but it's all good

Just Claypool--no one else's sound

Funk Bass Slappin' Masterpiece

"One Better" makes this album better

Of Whales and Woe
Les Claypool
Manufacturer: Prawn Song
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
General | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Metal | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000F9T6J2
Release Date: 2006-05-30

Tracks:

Back Off Turkey
One Better
Lust Stings
Of Whales And Woe
Vernon The Company Man
Phantom Patriot
Iowan Gal
Nothin' Ventured
Rumble Of The Diesel
Robot Chickent
Filipino Ray
Off-White Guilt

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Primus bassman/mainstay Les Claypool uses the occasion of his fifth strictly solo outing to strip his musical instincts almost to the bone; guitars are almost non-existent, with Skerik's sax and the sitar/theremin work of Gabby La La providing the punctuation. Pushing his aggressive, wickedly fluid bass work even farther into the spotlight will no doubt please Claypool's most ardent fans, but the gambit also yields an album whose hypnotic rhythms and spare but potent seasonings are often intriguing. The dozen tracks may be driven by Claypool's feverish, often willfully obtuse creative muse--imagine a smackdown between Zappa and Bootsy with Zorn as referee--yet often constrained by a sense of shrewd pop economics that are rare in similar, instrumental virtuoso-driven excursions. "Vernon the Company Man" and "Phantom Patriot" are texturally compelling, if limited by a lyrical approach that's but re-heated Frank Z. "One Better" and "Rumble of the Diesel" offer sizzling funk workouts, while "Iowan Gal" and "Robot Chicken" evoke whacked-out metallic hoedowns for cyborgs of all ages. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

good.......2007-05-17

i like this,but it seemed too short(album and song length/s),and didn't have the character most les' work does.iowa gal and the first single are my favs!

It takes a few spins to really take it in, but it's all good.......2007-02-15

The Good
"One Better" spins a funky bass line under the tale of two friends trying to outdo one another. The second verse delves into the U.S. and Russia trying to out due one another is space exploration. You know those senior citizens that talk and talk about the good old days and how great things were and how great they were back then? That's the story behind "Of Whales and Woe." You can hear the agony in Claypool's vocals. "Vernon the Company Man" is thick on the bass (like you expected something else) and light on the guitar. There's a surprise ending to this devoted employee's life.

"Phantom Patriot" has a superhero theme quality--a cheesy superhero that is. The groove is sweet and the songs will bring a smile to your face. "Iowan Girl" has a country twang to it. You can actually picture a long-bearded hillbilly on his front porch rocking chair tapping his foot along to the beat. "Rumble of the Diesel" suggests a powerful truck, but in keeping with his albums nautical theme, Les is really speaking of the lives of fishermen.

The Bad
There are a few songs that are really nothing special. "Back off Turkey" is one that comes to mind that is bad even for the wacky Les Claypool.

The Verdict
There's no denying that Les Claypool is a little twisted and bizarre. Sometimes his music is funky and fun, other times it's just plain strange. Of Whales and Woe is a balance of both. It takes a few spins to really take it in, but it's all good.

Just Claypool--no one else's sound.......2006-12-31

It is ALWAYS refreshing to listen to a solo outing that doesn't sound like an attempt at the artist BEING the band all by himself. Ric Ocasek, for example, started his post-Cars solo career by trying to sound like The Cars (without the rest of the The Cars, of course), a thorough flipping of the bird to former bandmates.

Les Claypool doesn't sound like he is trying to do the sound of a former band without the rest of the members getting in his way in this one, _Of Whales and Woe_...but then again, what band could Les ever try to sound like? Primus? Sausage? Oysterhead? Actually, one might think, considering the range of bands Claypool has played with, that it might be impossible NOT to sound like one of his previous projects.

But the truth is that Claypool is an odd enough artist to be able to go out on his own and still sound as unique as always. We should all feel fortunate that Metallica turned him down when looking for a replacement for Cliff--no doubt, not only would Metallica have been changed forever (for the better?), but Claypool might not have developed into the punk-Zappa, Waits-drinking-buddy funkmaster we know and love. The only true connections to Primus-type work on this disc is the sea theme which pervaded Primus, but here Claypool lets the sea theme invade the music as well as the lyrics, fostering unusual collaborations of bass against anything but guitar.

It's hard not to bob along to Claypool's avant-funk in songs like "One Better," and the faux-epic storytelling of "Vernon the Company Man" is somewhat Tom Waits in nature, but how nice it is to see other Claypools join the effort in the first track.

Dance, jig, or just stare at the wall, _Of Whales and Woe_ is worth a few loud listens in your kitchen while fixing yourself a few cocktails. Grog preferred.

Funk Bass Slappin' Masterpiece.......2006-10-16

I am a fan of aggressive funk/punk bass slapping. Until recently I have regarded Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers as the best in the business. However, now I can say confidently that in my mind, Les Claypool has supplanted Flea as the best. He has shown glimpses of it in albums past, most notably Tommy the Cat, Shake Hands with Beef, Awakenings, etc. but this album has the best collection of that style of playing I have found anywhere, regardless of artist. When I listen to this album I have to wire my jaw shut so I won't catch any flies.

"One Better" makes this album better.......2006-09-16

Les Claypool is brilliant. I love all of his music. That said, this CD is a little inconsistent at times. There are better albums of his to get a hold of, whether it's his solo work or his days with Primus. But "One Better" is a masterpiece. If you can't download this song by itself online, then it's worth it to buy this CD. Claypool is the most important musician to alternative music since Frank Zappa, and his music probably won't be fully appreciated for decades. Much like Frank Zappa.

Average customer rating:

Song of the Whales
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Unison Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Environmental | New Age | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

Nature | Compilations | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000005T8K
Release Date: 1997-07-15

Tracks:

Songs of the Whales

Product Description

Nature's relaxing sounds.

Relax With...Ocean Dreams: Song of the Whales/Relaxing Ocean Surf/Song of the Dolphins

Average customer rating:

Relax With...Ocean Dreams: Song of the Whales/Relaxing Ocean Surf/Song of the Dolphins
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Ent. Media Partners
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Meditation | New Age | Box Sets | Stores | Music

General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Meditation Music | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Relax with...3 Volume Collection: Sailboat Journey/Song of the Whales/Ocean Relaxing Su

Average customer rating:

Relax with...3 Volume Collection: Sailboat Journey/Song of the Whales/Ocean Relaxing Su
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Ent. Media Partners
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Meditation | New Age | Box Sets | Stores | Music

General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Meditation Music | New Age | 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

4-for-3 New Age | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

Tracks:

Sailboat Journey
Sailboat Journey

Tracks:

Song of the Whales

Tracks:

Ocean Relaxing Surf (Enhanced with Music)

Average customer rating:

"Amazing Grace" Casts A Spell & Lives Up to its Title
Welcome collection beautifully and expertly played
Press Quotes
Press Quotes
Press Quotes

Amazing Grace, An American Tapestry

Manufacturer: Eroica Classical Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00004U4SO
Release Date: 2000-06-08

Tracks:

Simple Gifts
Duo: Flowing
Duo: Poetic, Somewhat Mournful
Duo: Lively, With Bounce
Duo: Pleasant Song No.1
Duo: Pleasant Song No.2
Duo: Canzone
Three Dances: Andante
Three Dances: Adagio, Quasi Improvisatory, Tempo Rubato
Three Dances: Allegretto
Ste Modale: Moderato
Ste Modale: L'istesso Tempo
Ste Modale: Allegro Giocoso
Ste Modale: Adagio
Ste Modale: Whales Weep Not!
Ste Modale: Somewhere (West Side Story)
Ste Modale: Polka And Can-Can
Ste Modale: Orange And Blue Rag
Ste Modale: Old Folks At Home
Ste Modale: Oh, Boys, Carry Me 'Long
Ste Modale: Bayou Home
Ste Modale: Amazing Grace
Ste Modale: A Simple Gift

Customer Reviews:

"Amazing Grace" Casts A Spell & Lives Up to its Title.......2000-08-28

Donna Wissinger and Jon Klibonoff have done a superb job. Their musicianship is genuinely artistry of the first caliber. All the music is vibrantly and sensitively played. One feels joy, wonderful intelligence and great caring every step of the way in their music making. I was especially struck by their playing of the Copland Duo. What purity of heart in the opening phrases! Clear, beautifully balanced tones that sing out from the soul. I come back to it again and again to taste its utter peacefulness. Each breath a graceful, easy flowing. Thank you, Donna! I am inspired! And the third movement of the piece is so full of fun and fabulously virtuosic for both players -- Bravi! Among my other favorites were the two Stephen Foster pieces: "The Old Folks at Home" and "Oh, Boys, Carry Me 'long". They magically re-create the charming spirit of another time and place. The pep and bounce of "Carry Me 'long" is absolutely contagious. "Bayou Home" is another miniature masterpeice. William Grant Stills is a treasure I would love to hear more of. Jon and Donna do a splendid job here too. What is so great about their playing together is that they know how to cast a spell with the music and take the time and care to do it magnificently, generously and for the sake of the music. Jon Klibonoff's work is a miracle in its own right, always fully present, rhythmically alive -- simply brilliant. The Howard Tappan arrangements of "Simple Gifts" and "Amazing Grace" are sonorously rich and full of heart and, in the hands of Donna and Jon, absolutely uplifting, indeed, eloquent. I have been privileged to hear these two fine artists in concert on numerous occasions. AMAZING GRACE: AN AMERICAN TAPESTRY captures their extraordinary gifts with prize-winning authenticity. Congratulations as well to sound engineer, Jonathan Schultz. I could not recommend this album more highly.

John Cimino President & CEO Associated Solo Artists Creative Leaps International

Welcome collection beautifully and expertly played.......2000-08-25

The new CD, Amazing Grace: An American Tapestry, is a welcome collection of American music beautifully and expertly played by flutist, Donna Wissinger, and pianist Jon Klibonoff. Ms. Wissinger's lovely, full, pure tone sends us through a treasury of American music. The disk begins with "Simple Gifts" arranged by Aaron Copeland. The Copeland "Duo" is played very expressively with a variety of dynamics and tone color in both the flute and piano parts. There is energy, drive, and brilliant technique without losing tone quality or clarity. Peter Schickele's "Pleasant Songs" are given a mellow, simple and indeed pleasant rendition. Samuel Barber's "Canzone" is shaped by the artists with beautiful flowing lines and deeply concentrated feeling. The composition, "Three Dances", by Stella Sung, is a marvelous addition the the literature. The Andante's intricate and fascinating rhythms and melodies are tossed off with panache by the artists. Playing alone in the Adagio, Ms. Wissinger perfectly captures the improvisational style with a range of emotion and gorgeous color. The Ostinato never lets our attention lag for a moment, the duo brings it to a dazzling finish. Ms. Wissinger and Mr. Klibonoff continue their excellent ensemble throughout all the selections. In the Ernest Bloch "Suite Modale", they take a very thoughtful approach. There are subtle nuances, much delicacy, elegant long lines, and carefree yet refined style with perfectly spun filigree. The remaining somewhat lighter compositions are charming. They provide the finishing touch to an outstanding recording.

Press Quotes.......2000-08-23

"...a star. Miss Wissinger has the sound and the rhythmic vitality of the very best. " - Lavrov, Director Capella Leningrad, USSR

Press Quotes.......2000-08-23

........ a great artist with great warmth ...... a tremendous stage personality. real Renaissance person." - Mid-Western Tour

Press Quotes.......2000-08-23

Her gifts and abilities as a flutist are rare and compelling. I am greatly impressed by her beautiful sound, exciting musicality, and captivating presence. " - Jean-Pierre Rampal

SONG OF THE WHALES (Sounds of Nature series)

Average customer rating:

AMAZING WHALES

SONG OF THE WHALES (Sounds of Nature series)
Chuck Plaisance Suzanne Doucet
Manufacturer: Only New Age Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000MQ3OIM
Release Date: 2006-11-01

Tracks:

Song Of The Whales

Customer Reviews:

AMAZING WHALES.......2007-03-17

These whales are magical. Their songs are so deep and haunting it touches the heart. Enchanting sounds! Are they communicating with us? Recorded by sound wizard Chuck Plaisance with his special underwater recording system this album is truly a metapysical communication from the humpback whales in the Dominican Republic to a group of spiritual researchers. Even if you don't understand the language of the whales you can feel the love and consciousness that is being transmitted through this amazing album.

Average customer rating:

not just the whale

Song of the Whales: Sounds of Nature
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Masters Intercontine
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Environmental | New Age | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

Relaxation | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Whale Sounds
Whale Sounds
Whale Sounds
Whale Sounds
Whale Sounds
Whale Sounds
Whale Sounds
Whale Sounds
Whale Sounds

Customer Reviews:

not just the whale.......2002-02-27

This is not a CD of whale song- it is drowned out by folk guitar and other instrumental music. Some people like the combination, i was expecting just the whale.

Average customer rating:

Singing Whales

WHALE'S LOVE SONG (Tranquility Series)
Suzanne Doucet , and Chuck Plaisance
Manufacturer: Only New Age Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000NUZ660
Release Date: 2007-02-28

Tracks:

Whale's Love Song

Customer Reviews:

Singing Whales.......2007-03-02

It is amazing how the whales seem to sing with the music. A great album.
The sound of the singing whales is enchanting and haunting... I love the ocean and I love whales. The music fits perfect!