Floating [Import]

Track Listings

1. What Once Was

2. Why Don't You, Why Don't I

3. There's No One Like You

4. Still Your Man

5. I Am The One

6. There She Goes

7. For You

8. Miracle

9. Interlude

10. Matching

11. I Will Always Depend On You

12. Nothing Secret

13. Floating On Love

14. Outro

Floating,Eric Gadd,Wea/Warner,R&B/Soul

Floating [Import]

Tracks:

Benediction and Dream
The Floating Bed
El Conejo
Paloma Negra
Self-Portrait with Hair Down
Alcoba Azul
Carabina 30/30
Solo Tu
El Gusto
The Journey
El Antifaz
The Suicide of Dorothy Hale
La Cavalera
La Bruja
Portrait of Lude
La Llorona
Estrella Oscura
Still Life
Viva La Vida
The Departure
Coyoacan and Variations
La Llorona
Burning Bed
Burn It Blue

Amazon.com

She was famous as both artist and model, infamous as political revolutionary and social libertine, and Frida Kahlo's controversial life couldn't help but seem the stuff of great musical theater. Her story is brought to the screen by director Julie Taymor, whose musical compatriot here is also her husband; Elliot Goldenthal, student of both Copland and Corigliani, shrewdly sublimates his modernism in service of the rich, evocative music and songs of Mexico and Central America. Utilizing performers that range from the contemporary (Lila Downs) to the folk-classic (Costa Rican legend Chavela Vargas; Brazilian star Caetano Veloso) and traditional (Los Cojolites, El Poder Del Norte, Trio Huasteca, Caimanes de Tanquin, and others), Goldenthal generously displays the true breadth of Mexican folk music, while seamlessly infusing it with the minimalist corners of his own underscore and some winning songwriting of his own. The result is one of 2002's most compelling soundtracks. The enhanced CD features include musical film excerpts, as well as a video conversation between Goldenthal and star Salma Hayek and text interviews with the composer and director Taymor. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

It's good.......2007-07-22

But I don't think it's all it's hyped up to be on the other reviews, but, I do like it to the point of keeping it. It's the perfect 4star rating.

Revolutionary times.......2007-05-14

I absolutely love this soundtrack! Everytime I listen to it, I feel as though I am in Mexico during the revolution and Frida's life. Everyone should choose their own life soundtrack and this one allows us to see into Frida's life more clearly.

Black Dove.......2007-05-13

Fell into the movie trying to avoid study and hang out with a jilted housemate. If I'm honest, Salma Hayek was the main draw. Wafer thin.
However, I was enraptured by the story of Frida and the amazing performance (no wonder she was oscar nominated).
I bought the soundtrack the next morning. It really got to me.This is a great soundtrack and, yes, it does help if you have seen the movie but not necessary. I loved the latin passion (highs and lows). Chervala Vargas as Elliot Goldenthal describes in the slieve was once Frida's lover. I loved her Paloma Negra. So powerful.
There is something for everyone in this long soundtrack.
Do as i have: watch the movie and buy the soundtrack. Worth the time and money.

makes me want to dance .......2007-05-07

I really enjoyed the CD, the musical selection is great and it seems very authentic.

Enjoy!.......2006-12-30

I purchased this CD after seeing the movie. The music is enjoyable to listen to and passionate as I would think Frida was. I purchased this CD a second time to give to a female Hispanic artist who identifies with the trials and tribulations of Frida. This artist now paints while listening to this CD. Her artwork not only has improved but has become popular. I defiantly recommend its purchase.

Average customer rating:

Haunting
The most dreamy, surreal album I've ever heard - dazzling
The Ultimate Dream Music CD!
HEAVEN
songbirds

Floating into the Night
Julee Cruise
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002LH4
Release Date: 1990-05-09

Tracks:

Floating
Falling
I Remember
Rockin' Back Inside My Heart
Mysteries Of Love
Into The Night
I Float Alone
The Nightingale
The Swan
The World Spins

Customer Reviews:

Haunting.......2007-03-12

The music on this Cd is haunting, mysterious and enchanting. The qaulity is suberb and Amazon's great prices and fast shipping made it all possible.

The most dreamy, surreal album I've ever heard - dazzling.......2006-09-27

Given that David Lynch is my favorite director, it's really no surprise that I love Julee Cruise's FLOATING INTO THE NIGHT. The world was introduced to Cruise when she sang "Mysteries of Love" at the end of Lynch's critically-acclaimed masterpiece BLUE VELVET, released in 1986. That song is on Cruise's debut; it's probably the weakest of the songs contained in the album. That's good news, though, because "Mysteries of Love" is a pretty fine song. It pales in comparison, however, to the new material Cruise recorded for FLOATING INTO THE NIGHT - 9 utterly delightful compositions that redefine the word "dreamy".

Let me attempt to describe the album to someone who's never heard any of Cruise's songs. Imagine those old laid-back jukebox tunes from the 1950s. Take those tunes and add a dash of shadiness, then inject that mixture with a narcotic. That's what Cruise's songs sound like. Despite the album cover's depiction of a naked woman floating off into the darkness, the songs on FLOATING INTO THE NIGHT glitter like a case of diamonds. True, they're dark; but they're dark in the same soothing way that sleep is dark. Indeed, the songs on FLOATING INTO THE NIGHT are like dreams converted to music. Take "I Remember", for example. The song rolls along tranquilly at its beginning, but around the midsection it suddenly circles around like a merry-go-round - an eerie surprise that only lasts long enough to throw us off guard before the song metamorphosises back into a 50's rock number. But honestly, what else would you expect from David Lynch, one of the most controversial directors in the film industry? Lynch and Angelo Badalamenti, the immensely talented composer who has worked with Lynch on nearly all of his productions, produced the album. Lynch wrote the lyrics for the songs (which are surreally beautiful and make the bold decision not to rhyme), while Badalamenti wrote the wonderful music. It's filled with tight drumming, strong bass, and anything else you'd expect from the dream pop of the late-1950s and 1960s.

Not surprisingly, most of the album's fans are also fans of David Lynch's work - in particular, TWIN PEAKS, Lynch's brilliant TV series about a mysterious town in Washington and its wacky inhabitants. Julee Cruise actually appeared on TWIN PEAKS in a few episodes to sing some of the songs on this album, namely the be-boppin' "Rockin' Back Inside My Heart", the unnervingly mysterious "Into the Night", and "The Nightingale". The song will attract the most attention from PEAKS fans is "Falling", an instrumental version of which wound up becoming the show's instantly-recognizable theme song; the album version of the song also wound up in the show's second season.

One of my favorite songs on the album is "The Swan", a song with an opening like something straight out of a nightmare. There's an eerie calm through the rest of the song as well, but it gradually becomes more upbeat; still, there's something unpredictable and unnatural about the melody, the lyrics, Cruise's singing - the whole song. It's a very unusual composition that disturbs me - and impresses me - every time I hear it.

I simply love this album. I would call it an essential album. If you don't own it, then I would most certainly recommend that you correct that error and give it a spin in your CD player of choice. David Lynch, Angelo Badalamenti, and especially the wonderful Ms. Julee Cruise really hit it big with this dazzling masterpiece. If ever there was an album more surreal or dreamy, I can't imagine what it was like. This is a gorgeous record. Purchase it and dream on.

The Ultimate Dream Music CD!.......2006-02-19

Twin Peaks may be gone and forgotten by many but the collaboration between singer Julee Cruise composer Angelo Badlamenti and writer David Lynch will live forever as a timeless collection of surreally beautiful songs.Filled with romantic longing,Cruise's haunting voice and Badlamenti's atmospheric music and completely avoiding trip hop electronic posturing for pure 50's dream music.If you're a musiclover this is as good as it gets for romantic dream music.After owning this cd for 15 years it still hasn't lost it's ability to cast a magical spell over anyone who hears it.

HEAVEN.......2005-10-23

JULEE'S VOICE IS LIKE BEING KISSED SOFTLY OVER & OVER BY ONE THOUSAND ANGELS WHILE LYING ON A SMOOTH BED OV SILK FLOATING ENDLESSLY THROUGH THE CLOUDS UNTIL THEE END OV TIME.. AHHHHHHHHHHHH..

songbirds.......2005-09-24

quite simply, if you are a fan of Twin Peaks, then you need this album. it's lovely nighttime music that is spooky and serenely beautiful with flourishes of jazz and new age. Julie's vocals are sweet and tender and float right over the music. you can't help but think of scenes from the Twin Peaks television series when you play this cd at home. everytime i hear it, it makes me want to break out my old vhs box set, make some coffee and cherry pie, and watch the whole series from start to finish.

Creating Calm In Your Life: A Guided Meditation and Stress Reduction CD

Average customer rating:

Great for beginners short on time!
Not meditation, but not bad for tension
Somewhat helpful
meditation is deeply personal
a little too hippie for my wife

Creating Calm In Your Life: A Guided Meditation and Stress Reduction CD
Rivka Simmons
Manufacturer: Floating Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Ease of Being: Guided Meditations for Centering and Healing
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Guided Meditations for Stress Reduction

ASIN: B0002TQZSK
Release Date: 2003-12-01

Tracks:

Mindfulness Meditation One (15 minutes)
Mindfulness Meditation Two (15 minutes)
A Progressive Muscle Relaxation (15 minutes)
A Body Scan Relaxation (15 minutes)

Album Description

Creating Calm In Your Life: A Guided Meditation and Stress Reduction CD contains 4 short, easy-to-do, 15-minute meditations: two mindfulness meditations, a progressive muscle relaxation and a body scan meditation. It is ideal for busy people looking for an easy way to incorporate meditation and relaxation into their lives. Rivka's soothing voice gently guides listeners to deep stillness and calm. Here's what some of Rivka's students have to say about Creating Calm: "I love Rivka's gentle voice" "Gives me a deep feeling of well-being" "Helps me to sleep peacefully" "A good introduction for beginners" "Perfect way to end a hectic day"

Customer Reviews:

Great for beginners short on time!.......2007-03-29

I've wanted to practice meditation for years and have been taking steps here and there to make it a part of my life. I figure this activity will probably be similiar to my process of losing weight or quitting smoking (which took me several tries to do successfully). So a few years back, I bought the audio book of Pema Chodron's The Places that Scare You. I don't think I was ready for it. I'm sure it's great, but it seemed too long for my purposes and honestly, I couldn't follow it. I think when I am further along my path of meditation, I will be able to return to Chodron.

So I listened to Creating Calm and I think it's perfect for where I am right now. I'm a true beginner in meditation. I'm short on time, but I have time to do 15-minute meditation exercises. There isn't any music on it, which I appreciate. It's all very concrete and body focused. Rivka Simmons takes a compassionate and gentle approach. I never felt like I was "doing it wrong."

She provides specific directions; she asks you to draw your attention to what you're doing; to notice what it feels like to be in your body. This may be too simple or easy for some people, but for a beginner like me with only 15 minutes to spare, it works!

Not meditation, but not bad for tension.......2007-03-03

This is not truly a "meditation" cd. The author guides you thru tensing and relaxing the various muscles in the body, from head to toe. Personally, I do find it helpful; but someone with more meditation experience will probably not get too much from this. There is no music or "white noise", and occasional background sounds can be heard, as if the cd were recorded in different environments at different times. The one thing I found particularly annoying was the author's way of interrupting my concentration by saying "Where is the mind now?"; however she only does this during the "Mindfulness Meditations". I recommend skipping those two and go directly to "Progessive Muscle Relaxation" exercise and the "Body Scan" exercise.

Somewhat helpful.......2007-02-16

Rivka Simmons' voice is very soothing and encouraging, but her "meditations" have been only so-so helpful in easing my "stress". Track 4, "Body Scan Relaxation" continues to leave me baffled. (*How* am I supposed to "breathe" from my feet?) Track 3, "Progressive Muscle Relaxation" has been more helpful.

meditation is deeply personal.......2007-01-18

i read the conflicting reviews of this CD and realized that different people want different things from a meditation CD. i chose this one. i personally find music distracting, so the fact that i can focus solely on a calm voice helps me get into that really relaxed place. i've also done plenty of meditation in yoga and writing classes where i was guided into a forest or cave or whatever... i really like that in these meditations i'm focusing on relaxing my mind and body without traveling all over. these are simple, straight-forward, short trips to a deeply relaxed place. works for me!!!

a little too hippie for my wife.......2007-01-10

she found the material good for helping her relax, and calm down when she feels stressed or nervous, but it was a little too hippie

Oyasumi: Japanese Lullabies and Restful Melodies

Average customer rating:

Destined to be a classic!
A big disappointment
It' s the Japanese Sandman
Exquisite!
Beautiful collaboration!

Oyasumi: Japanese Lullabies and Restful Melodies

Manufacturer: Koto World
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Japanese Children's Favorite Stories
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The Very Best of Japanese Music

ASIN: B00005QB3U
Release Date: 2001-09-05

Tracks:

Oborozuki yo (Dreamy Moonlit Night)
Furusato (My Heart's Home)
Sakura, Sakura (Cherry Blossoms)
Momiji (Scarlet Leaves)
Takeda no Komoriuta (Takeda Lullaby)
Aiko's Lullaby
Aka Tonbo (Red Dragonfly)
Aogeba Tosohi (Song of Gratitude)
Umi (Vast Ocean)
Mimura nu Angwa (Girls from Three Villages)
Hatsu Yuki (First Snow)
Kirakira Boshi (Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star)
Hama Chidori (Plovers on the Shore)
Hagoromo no Komoriuta (Okinawan Lullaby)
Komoriuta (Japanese Lullaby)
Oyasumi (Goodnight)

Album Description

Winner of both a 2002 NAPPA Gold Award and 2001 Parents' Choice Gold Award. Aiko Shimada (voice) and Elizabeth Falconer (koto) play old songs from Japan; lullabies and age-old favorites that have been used to soothe children and adults alike for centuries. Compellingly understated arrangements bring out the warmth of Shimada's voice and the ephemeral beauty of the 13-string koto. Works sung largely in Japanese, with some English lyrics artfully woven in, but no knowledge of Japanese is necessary to enjoy the beauty of these intimate, nurturing songs.

Customer Reviews:

Destined to be a classic!.......2005-11-07

This CD helped to put my first baby to sleep. Now, it is putting both of my kids to sleep....and sometimes me, too! The singing seems straight from the heart, the arrangements are touching, and I love the lyrics in both Japanese and English. This CD has something to offer everyone, of all ages, of all cultures. It is destined to be a classic.

A big disappointment.......2005-08-27

[...]
I dislike Aiko Shimada's singing style intensely. She slurs the notes in a very annoying way.
This CD is more like new age music than authentic Japanese songs.
Even the koto playing is uninteresting.

It' s the Japanese Sandman.......2003-01-01

Or perhaps it's the Sandwoman--Aiko Shimada (voice) and Elizabeth Falconer (koto) play traditional Japanese lullabies and songs. Ms. Shimada, however, does not employ the traditional Japanese singing technique--a kind of throaty sound mixed with that shrill sound so popular in Asia. Instead, she has an almost Celtic lilt to her voice. These songs seem to evoke night, a ruined castle, ghostly cherry trees in bloom or a pond reflecting a moon behind a cloud. This is a nice CD to play if you love Japanese songs but are not fond of traditional Asian music (I do happen to like the screechy sound of traditional singing, but this is a nice variation.)

This would be a fun CD to use as a bedtime CD for kids, encouraging them to relax and imagine they are drifting off on a barge on a night-dark river. Or good for atmosphere during your next sushi dinner at home. Very pretty stuff.

Exquisite!.......2002-10-12

"Oyasumi" is a very deceptive album: deceptive in its simplicity, that is. Like most folkloric music, the songs on this CD are deeply rooted in experiences common to all people, and their emotional impact is complex, subtle and very powerful.

I first heard sound clips from this recording in the wake of the horrific events of 9/11. I listened to the clips again and again, deeply moved by the beauty of Aiko Shimada's voice and Elizabeth Falconer's work on koto. The creativity and undertone of joy broke through the pain and brought new hope. (This in the midst of constant military surveillance flights in the airspace surrounding the Pentagon, and a pall of silence in an otherwise lively neighborhood...)

My initial impressions haven't changed, though my appreciation for what Falconer and Shimada have achieved grows deeper each time I listen to the CD. Both women are master musicians, but the chemistry here is something unusual - and lasting. All of the tracks reach the very high standard set by their creators, making it very difficult to choose the so-called "best." However, my top picks include "Mimura nu Angwa," "Hagoromo no Komoriuta" (traditional Okinawan songs), an extremely elegant reworking of "Sakura, Sakura," and two original compositions by Falconer and Shimada respectively: "Hatsu Yuki" and "Aiko's Lullaby." I'm sure you'll find your own favorites soon enough...

Beautiful collaboration!.......2001-10-19

A mesmerizing, vey relaxing compilation of songs sung in Japanese and English. Some interpret classic folk tunes, some are modern original ballads (a la Jewel or Tracy Chapman). All feature Ms. Shimada's spectacularly clear, pure, delicate voice, accompanied by the sonorous rainwater sounds of Ms. Falconer's koto. The harmonies are delightful and enchanting.
Even without knowing the lyrics (which can be accessed on their website), you'll be able to hum along with many of them, and the language exposure is wonderful for young minds! The CD is long enough that even an energetic little one will slow down by the end. My 18-month old was completely transfixed for the first 3 or 4 songs at least, and on subsequent days would hand me the case as a hint to play it, even at bathtime.
With songs about dragonflies, cherry blossoms, stars and the ocean, one's spirit feels charmed, lightened and youthful; and yet there is also a deep wisdom and connectedness to nature and culture in these traditional sounds that have probably soothed generations.

Ladies & Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space

Average customer rating:

Never let this album go
mr. wilson and mr. spector will be pleased
Fantastic
Words cannot describe this...
This is great!

Ladies & Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space
Spiritualized
Manufacturer: Arista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002VTE
Release Date: 1997-07-01

Tracks:

Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space
Come Together
I Think I'm In Love
All Of My Thoughts
Stay With Me
Electricity
Home Of The Brave
The Individual
Broken Heart
No God Only Religion
Cool Waves
Cop Shoot Cop

Customer Reviews:

Never let this album go.......2007-02-09

When I first listened to this CD I thought it was a little long and somewhat boring. It was my first exposure to Spiritualized and from what everyone was telling me I was a little disappointed. However, I did not let my first run around make up my mind. I kept on listening and everytime I did something new came up in the music. Eventually, listening to the CD became more than just music playing it became an experience of life. The music eveloped me and I felt the connection. There are a lot of CDs I have that I will listen to when I just want a sing along or to rock out. However when I want to be part of the musical experience I feel there are really only two. "Marquee Moon" by Television and this album. There are others that come close to the experience but only those two really achieve the mark. This is an amazing CD.

mr. wilson and mr. spector will be pleased.......2006-09-28

i was first introduced to spiritualized at a jesus and mary chain show in 1992. the lights went down, all you could hear is organ and someone in the crowd jokingly asks,"what, are we in church?"
they've been one of my favorite bands ever since. and when this album came out, well it has been one of my favorites ever since. this album shows that music is still going somewhere. listen to this cd in headphones over and over and you will find yourself amazed at the new things you hear with every listen. it's been almost 10 years that i've played this cd over and over and i still hear new sounds in it's infinite layers. there are only a few albums that i could listen to as much as i've listened to this one.
if you like great production, if you like soul, if you like gospel, if you like psychedelic, if you like rock and roll, if you like "pet sounds", if you like "seargent pepper's," if you like phil spector, daniel lanois or brian eno, do yourself a favor and give this a shot.

Fantastic.......2006-08-02

I was introduced to Spiritualized through a free music site and bought "Let It Come Down" as my first album. I immediately went out and purchased "Ladies and Gentlemen...", and I was not disappointed. While "Let It Come Down" may have more layers and perhaps more accessible music, "Ladies and Gentlemen..." is certainly more consistent, with subtle touches that repeated listens uncover, such as the use of Pachabel's Canon in D on the title track. There is a wide variety of styles in use on this album, including classical, jazz, rock, and progressive influences.

For all fans of Spiritualized, Radiohead, and all who want to escape into someone else's dreamscape.

4 and a half stars.

Words cannot describe this..........2006-03-12

I first heard the song "Ladies and Gentlemen we are floating in space" in the movie Vanilla Sky (an awesome movie) and I just had to find out who the Artist was! This song got me hooked on Spiritualized! Their sound is like no other, it just blew me away. I have to buy this cd!! :)

This is great!.......2005-05-22

I cant tell you how long I have been searching for this cd. I first heard the first track during the movie "Vanilla Sky". It plays as Sophie is walking in to David's Memorial. They neglected to include it on the soundtrack, so I didnt know the name of the band or the song, and it took a bit of detective work on my part. I finally found it, and the first track "ladies and gentlemen...." alone is worth it for me. Anyway, music for me is all about how it makes me feel, and I love how this makes me feel. I love music that has the abstract feel of a dream, so this does it for me. For those of you who are interested in another great song that the aforementioned movie also forgot to include, you must also try "Njosnavlin" by sigur ros (it plays as david jumps) You can find it in the cd entitled "()" and it is track #4.

Average customer rating:

A derivative, overhyped near-disaster
Heartwarming and Eccentric Young Band
A magical experience
A humble band creates powerful music.
A Beautiful Surprise

Floating World
Anathallo
Manufacturer: Nettwerk Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

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Colour Revolt
Are You a Dreamer?
Brother, Sister
Dog Problems
Yellow House

ASIN: B000FDFRXM
Release Date: 2006-06-06

Tracks:

Ame
Gennesarat (going out over 30,000 fathoms of water)
Hoodwink
By Number
Dokkoise House (with face covered)
Hanasakajijii (four: a great wind, more ash)
Hanasakajijii (one: an angry neighbor)
Inu (howling)
Hanasakajijii (two: floating world)
The Bruised Reed
Yuki! Yuki! Yuki!
Hanasakajijii (three: the man who made dead trees bloom)
Cuckoo Spitting Blood
Kasa no Hone

Customer Reviews:

A derivative, overhyped near-disaster.......2007-07-04

It's tough to figure out why Anathallo's version of the harmonic joy-soul-joy rings false. Sufjan Stevens made it work and despite what I think, a lot of people believe in Chrisplay, I mean, Coldplay. But Anathallo is flat cola, sweet but lacking fizz. As it veers from mood to mood, triumph to failure, exuberance to melancholy, I suspect that they may be entirely false. After all, as everyone else has already pointed out, the band's name means "to renew or refresh" in Greek, so they're obviously mimic specialists. And by going with seven players, they may want to pretend to be the next Broken Social Scene (a band that knows how to go all over the map and make it work) but they're actually closer to the oft-dreadful Polyphonic Spree in terms of output quality.

The "Hanasakajijii" tracks are all mired in pretention, soaring little numbers that ache for the clouded dream while snickering at themselves for the "brilliance" of spreading out a Japanese story through mirthful murk. The so-called poetry intermingled into the squall is tepid; sometimes lyricism begs to be picked apart, but if you pick apart these words, you'll be left with a handful of clichés. Some moments work, notably the fine "Hoodwink" and the ponderous epic, "The Bruised Reed." It ends on a high note with the reflective shorty, "Kasa No Hone." And even the "Hanasakajijii" foursome isn't entirely embarrassing; despite some nausea and the wincing overreach of such grand endeavors in small hands, they have a few nice touches. Lastly, whoever told them that handclap percussion was the way to win over the world needs to be beaten to death with a VHS recording of "Hey Mickey!" When Queens of the Stone Age did it on "Quick and to the Pointless," they knew it was a JOKE.

Best cuts: "Hoodwink," "The Bruised Reed," "Kasa No Hone (The Umbrella's Bones)," "Dokkoise House (With Face Covered)," "Hanasakajijii (Three: The Man Who Made Dead Trees Bloom)"

Heartwarming and Eccentric Young Band.......2007-02-16

This quirky great-lakes octet has certainly started their career with a wonderful and imaginative debut album. Brimming with all sorts of delightful vocals and melodies, it is obvious this band will have a bright future ahead of them.

Their music is probably best described as an Indie band with folk and orchestral influences, rarely getting "loud" enough to even be described as rock. It contains mostly acoustic guitars, lots of bells, pianos, trombones, clarinets, and flugelhorns (which I have never heard of until now), also many unconventional "instruments" mostly in the percussion area: feet stomping, clapping, chains, pipes, and what sounds like a bunch of drum sticks banging together in the opening "Ame."

Most of the vocals are performed by several members at once, and all eight members contribute to the vocals. There are often relatively higher-pitched vocals, and plenty of harmonization and backing vocals. They are always very playful and jaunty, almost evoking a carefree, perfect world with no worries. My favorite vocal performance is perhaps on "The Bruised Reed" or "Hanasakajijii (three: The Man Who Made Dead Trees Bloom)."

The poetic lyrics tell a story based on a Japanese fairy tale, and also contain some Japanese poetry.

Anathallo's song structures are quite unique, often taking sudden shifts and twists in the mood and tempo, creating an unpredictable sequence of melodies, but they are anything from random and unorganized. There is definitely a progressive logic with many great build-ups and arrangements. Although many of the songs are sparse and minimalist sounding at times, there's a fair share of wonderful collaborations where the band's musicianship is truly unveiled: most parts of "Hanasakajijii (four: a great wind, more ash)," which was the song that originally turned me onto the band, and the last couple minutes of "Hoodwink," to name a few.

This is one of the most refreshingly distinctive albums I have bought in a while, and I'll definitely be looking forward to the band's next album. ~2007 IcemanJ256

A magical experience .......2007-01-20

"Floating World" takes you on a whimsical and unique journey. It is a beautiful story, told through smooth harmonies and twinkles. A story that makes you feel connected to the world. The musical talent and creativity are un-like anything I have ever heard. Anathallo uses music to create a portrait that is rich and flavorful. It will make you happy to be apart of this "Floating World."

A humble band creates powerful music........2006-11-23

Listening to this album is such a joy! Anathallo mixes the sound of classical minimalist inspired bands like Sigur Ros with a genuine message to create unique and meaningful music. I particularly enjoy tracks five through seven--a beautiful sequence of songs to compliment any activity in my day! This album is a fantastic supplement for fans who find themselves in between Anathallo concerts.

A Beautiful Surprise.......2006-10-02

I've attempted a number of times to listen to Anathallo in passing, mostly because they are from my area and I know a couple of the guys. But somehow, I just couldn't connect. It was too avant garde, too untraditional for me. Then I listened to Hanasakajijii (Part 4: A Great Wind, More Ash)... and nothing changed.

But I found myself hooked on certain catchier parts of the music, so I listened again. And again. And again. Until I started to realize there was a story hidden beneath. I did some digging on the internet and finally I wouldn't be satisfied until I heard it all. And as I dug I found my own treasure.

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite albums both musically and lyrically. The music is a combination of folk, modern rock, and modern orchestra. However, if you are expecting something in the vein of punk or rock, you'll be disappointed. It is very low-key, very thoughtful, often times dischordant, but never without reason. I find most of the energy is bottled in Anathallo's unique chanting and vocal arrangements found throughout the album (not to downplay the unique rhythms and percussion). The lyrics are pure poetry, begging to be picked apart and chewed. The heavy use of Japanese language and culture is an interesting choice, but it fits well. The overall theme even harkens to the band's own name, if you are familiar with its meaning.

I must also comment on the cover. That itself is a work of art. Look carefully at all the black in the image; it is a stencil cutout, with all the colors you see on a secondary cover behind it. Perhaps it's been done before, but I've never seen it, and everyone to which I've shown it is impressed. It's so distractingly pretty that it took me until today to notice the story is captured here, too.

If you're willing to put the time in, I would HIGHLY recommend this album. As for me, I'm off to buy a glockenspiel.

Average customer rating:

Scary horror music at its finest
Darkest Horror Soundtrack
There is a reason this music doesn't sound as good...
Geez, I don't remember the movie music being this bad!
Candyman, Candyman, Candyman, Candyman......can't do it.

Philip Glass : The Music of Candyman
Philip Glass
Manufacturer: Orange Mountain
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005QFLQ
Release Date: 2001-09-21

Tracks:

Music Box
Cabrini Green
Helen's Theme
Face to Razor
Floating Candyman
Return to Cabrini
It Was Always You, Helen
Daniel's Flashback
The Slave Quarters
Annie's Theme
All Falls Apart
The Demise of Candyman
Reverend's Walk

Album Description

"The Music of Candyman" CD is the original music scores written by Philip Glass and produced by his production company, Euphorbia Productions for the films "Candyman" and its sequel "Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh". Subsequent to the first "Candyman" film release, Philip Glass' fans have been requesting access to these recordings. At this time Orange Mountain Music, Philip Glass' new record company, is very happy to make these recordings available. Newly re-mixed to facilitate home stereo playback from the original masters by Don Christensen, this CD will be an important addition to any serious Glass fan's collection as well as a stimulating record for all listeners. The "Candyman" films started out as "The Forbidden", a short story written by the acclaimed horror/fantasy author Clive Barker. It is the story of a graduate student's investigation into a grisly urban legend with distinct racial and social undertones. Director Bernard Rose's ("Paperhouse", "Immortal Beloved") adaptation has given the narrative an underlying intelligence and believability. Unlike most horror films "Candyman" is low on special-effects but still delivers hair raising suspense and surprising shocks, primarily with its creative imagery. Bernard Rose's innovative and realistic direction, the excellent cast (Virginia Madsen as Helen the graduate student and Tony Todd as Candyman) and the Cabrini Green location (a notorious Chicago housing project) made this film an original in its genre. Written for piano, pipe organ and chorus, Philip Glass's score is perfectly suited for this modern gothic tale. Using some of his well established techniques of rhythmic intensity and switching between major and minor key harmonies, Glass's score is as trance inducing and terrifyingly seductive as Candyman himself.

Album Description

In 1990 Philip Glass was approached to compose a score for the psychological horror film 'Candyman' and he provided additional cues for the sequel that followed. Since the release of these films, there has been much demand for a soundtrack album that until now has only been satisfied by bootlegs and cover albums. 2001.

Album Details

Features Music Philip Glass Recorded for the Candyman Films. The Orange Mountain Label is Dedicated to Unveiling Previously Unavailable Gems from the Archive of this Important Contemporary Composer.

Customer Reviews:

Scary horror music at its finest.......2006-10-29

I saw the film "Candyman" several years ago and, being originally from Chicago, the film resonated with me more than if had been filmed in a different city. However, what stuck in my head for a very long time was Philip Glass' surreal, creepy musical score. When I learned there was a CD with the entire score years later I knew I had to have it.

The album actually draws from both the original "Candyman" film and its sequel "Candyman II: Farewell to the Flesh" (which I have not seen) and while there is some carryover musically there are really two separate musical suites on this CD. The first seven tracks are derived from the first film and center on a haunting melody that is the leitmotif for the film's protagonist, Helen Lyle. The tune is first heard most simply in "Music Box", before changing to a piano solo in "Helen's Theme" and finally culminating in the crescendo of a breathtaking choir with resonating basses and soaring sopranos. The remaining tracks build on the sense of horror in the film, particularly the staccato section of high notes in "Return to Cabrini."

The second half of the CD (tracks 8-13) begin with a brief reiteration of Helen's theme before changing over to Annie's theme, a beautiful melody sung by an anonymous artist. Whereas the first film made heavy use of piano in the score, the sequel replaces it with a magnificent pipe organ. "Annie's Theme" finds its own culmination with choir and organ in "The Demise of Candyman" which soars to unexpected heights.

While you might not listen to this CD every day, it is well written and arranged, and is perfect to enjoy as scary "mood music."

Darkest Horror Soundtrack.......2006-09-30

Setting aside any other bad reviews this soundtrack got, the music that Philip Glass produced here is very authentic... I have not heard very many horror movies that actually have such a flawless music score besides Clive Barker's "Hellraiser" Parts 1 and 2. This soundtrack sets a morbid mood and can actually bring down a bright sunny day. For those who know how to appreciate something outside the box of the usual cliche, this is a must have for the dark-minded.

There is a reason this music doesn't sound as good..........2006-07-22

It's evident from the very first notes that this is a re-recording, and not a very good one at that. If you absolutely must have this music in some form, get this CD. To be honest, you'd be better off just playing the tracks from the DVD.

Geez, I don't remember the movie music being this bad!.......2006-06-06

Now I admit that I've never heard any other Philip Glass music prior to obtaining this CD. However, I was hooked on the "Candyman theme" song (actually titled "It Was Always You, Helen", track 6) from the first movie, so I figured there would probably be additional good tracks on the CD. Ok, made me look! To paraphrase Dr. Phil, I was "stupified" as to how awful this CD is, other than track 6 and a not-too-bad track 10 (Annie's Theme). Repetitious organ melodies and unrelenting, overbearing choral vocals (drowning out most of the music) comprise most of these songs. Maybe it can be blamed on the producer for a bad mix, I don't know. What I do know is, after getting about halfway through this CD while listening to it in my car, I was looking into my rearview mirror saying "Candyman, Candyman, Candyman", hoping he'd show up in my backseat and relieve me from listening any further. Sorry, but other than the "Helen" track so memorable from the first movie, this CD is probably just for hardcore Glass fans.

Candyman, Candyman, Candyman, Candyman......can't do it........2005-03-02

Quite possibly the best horror soundtrack to the greatest slasher movie of all time. Candyman is one of my all time favorite movies you see, and the soundtrack is one of the main reasons why. It is truly one of a kind. Pick it up. Now.

Average customer rating:

Music to De-Stress
Great music to sleep by!
De-Stress to sleep

Music to De-Stress

Manufacturer: Advanced Brain Techno
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004NS1A
Release Date: 2000-01-26

Tracks:

Variation 1
Poco Adagio
Foghorn Melodies
Dreamtime
Floating
Drifting
Poco Adagio

Album Description

Music to De-Stress supports deepening levels of mind/body revitalization. Slowing theme and variations are from Mahler's Fourth Symphony Adagio. Instrumentation includes string quintet, oboe, flute, and piano. Combining faraway foghorns and ocean tides with the psychoacoustically-refined music of Arcangelos, this recording is leisurely and unhurried- designed to soothe and strengthen a fatigued nervous system.

Customer Reviews:

Music to De-Stress .......2006-08-20

This is great student working music. Play it when the class is writing or reading for a gentle brain boost for greater concentration. This is just one in a series of music to work by. I bought 4 different titles. I highly recommend all of them. Just love it and use it everyday in my second grade class!

Great music to sleep by!.......2005-11-03

I bought this CD because I am a Mahler scholar, and the CD bases all of its material on bits and pieces of the third movement of Gustav Mahler's Fourth Symphony. While I am fascinated that this group chose a Classical work to rewrite and de-construct in this way, I found the several "variations" on the piece a little boring. On the other hand, I am not a fan of New Age music, but of Classical music. If you want to sleep, or to relax, this is the CD for you! You can just feel smug that you are listening to Classical music at the same time.

De-Stress to sleep.......2002-02-28

I play my Music to De-Stress CD every night while I'm going to sleep. The beautiful music and nature sounds are so pure and peaceful...You will be lulled into a deep and peaceful sleep effortlessly. My children have come to love this CD as much as I have!

Average customer rating:

Aquabats at their finest
Brilliant?
truth is a harsh mistress.
Hey kids, what do we got?!
Not Good

Aquabats Vs. the Floating Eye of Death!
The Aquabats
Manufacturer: Time Bomb
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Return of the Aquabats!
Myths, Legends and Other Amazing Adventures, Vol. 2
Charge!!
Serious Awesomeness
Friend or Foe?

ASIN: B000020613
Release Date: 1999-10-26

Tracks:

Sequence Erase
Giant Robot-Birdhead
Anti-matter
Lotto Fever
Lovers Of Loving Love
Chemical Bomb
The Man With Glooey Hands
Monsters Wedding
The Ballard Of Mr. Bonkers
Canis Lupus
Tinjy Pants
The Thing On The Basss Amp
Amino Man
Hello, Good Night

Customer Reviews:

Aquabats at their finest.......2007-05-15

This album is hot and cold, though more the former than the latter. I remember having the same impressions when it first came out, and I still feel it is their finest recording. You can almost taste the influence on southern californian sister band No Doubt's electronic Rock Steady (seriously) that came out 9 or 12 months later...

Much less "ska", the Aquabats have taken a new and entirely unforseen electronic / analog synth direction, while still retaining their strangely potent combination of occasionally pertinent lyrics, over the top Devo influences, catchy songs, and a full horn section. Awesome stuff.

When it's bad, however, it's pretty bad. I submit as exhibit A Lovers of Loving Life and one or two other disposables.

Once past that, there are some really cool songs, some of which are musically and / or lyrically quite dense, all of which are entertaining.

The whole album is extremely creative and also a testament to the talent of the Aquabats.

Brilliant?.......2006-03-13

A vaguely uneven but enjoyable album perked with two of the greatest bizarre pop tunes I've ever encountered in a very long career of encountering bizarre pop tunes--Tiny Pants and Canis Lupus. If the whole album had been at the level set by that pair this could've been in the Top 100 Hall of Fame.

truth is a harsh mistress........2006-02-13

if someone tells you this albums is anything less of amazing, punch them in the face and call them a liar. i can honestly say this is the best album of all time. people that dislike this album or think its mediocre are bad people. they are people who dislike amazing things and love bad things. so basically if you buy this album and enjoy you are a good human being and have a soul. but if you dont buy this album or do buy it and think it is horrible you are in with the group of bad people that don't deserve to hear great things or possibly even live.

Hey kids, what do we got?!.......2005-09-13

Don't listen to any kids who say "Fashion Zombies!" is The Aquabats' best song. Just tune them out immediately.

I adore The Aquabats. Christian (The MC Bat Commander) said that this album was different. He wasn't lying, though I sort of discredited him at first considering he threw up rotten half-and-half all over some kid named Todd thirty seconds after he revealed in the brilliance of this album.

This album is an exploration into a whole new world for The Aquabats. If you've been a fan from the start, or just plunged into their world recently, be true to them and get this album! It's fanatastic! They have their insane, crazy songs, and some serious, meaningful songs that absolutely take my breath away. Case in point, "Hello, Good Night" is a gorgeous song about death, life, and finding meaning in what you have. It's so different for them, but they do emotional lyrics in a way that's totally their own, but also so easy to relate to.

Another amazing song on this CD is "Chemical Bomb", which holds deep insight to the fate of this world.

Looking past that, my favourite song is on this CD, "Lovers Of Loving Love". The Aquabats do love songs right! Fun, sweet, adorable, and absoultely lucious, I am in love with this song about being in love. And tasting cherry chapstick, ahh, ahh, ahh.

And wow, the cover art and inside booklet are so amazing and fun. I love to look at the art and the super rad photos. All of the lyrics are included with this CD, unlike some of their other CD's where in I had to look online to decode what Christian was screaming.

I don't know if ska fans will enjoy this, considering I like The Aquabats, not ska. But if you like good music, or you love The Aquabats, then this is for you!

Not Good.......2005-09-06

This is the Aquabats worst outing and its pretty bad. Fury and myths are much better. But there new alblum Charge! is my favorite Fashion Zombies is the best song they have made. But if you liked them for being ska then you wont like Charge they almost have no ska on it and the horns are completely gone.

Average customer rating:

A "tough love" review for a very talented band at it's jazz fusion peak.
Holdsworth At The Beginning Of His Peak
The Floating World
ALLAN HOLDSWORTH ON FIRE!

Floating World Live
Soft Machine
Manufacturer: Moonjune Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Soft Machine: Out-bloody-rageous

ASIN: B000E3LHX2
Release Date: 2006-06-01

Tracks:

The Floating World
Bundles
Land Of The Big Snake
Ealing Comedy
The Man Who Waved At Trains
Peff
North Point
Hazard Profile (Part One)
J.S.M.
Riff III
Song Of Aeolus
Endgame
Penny Hitch (Coda)

Customer Reviews:

A "tough love" review for a very talented band at it's jazz fusion peak........2007-06-12

This is my favorite period of Soft Machine (which frequently puts me in the minority among my colleagues), I'm a huge prog/jazz fusion fan, and Allan Holdsworth is one of my favorite guitarists (how many times have I typed THAT in past reviews!). Unfortunately, this cd does not live up to much of the hype associated with it. Do not buy this cd if you just expect to hear "non-stop jams" or a live concert of AH backed by members of Soft Machine. Yes, AH charges out of the gate with some searing guitar runs through the first few songs of the album, especially "Bundles" and "Land of the Bag Snake". But then you sort of lose sight of him for long stretches in the middle of the album where other players' solos and a mix of softer jazz take over. That's where this album faltered for me.

Not that AH is the only star here - he's not. But let's face it, Ratledge's annoying 6-minute keyboard solo "North Point" is a real distraction, sounding like a cross between a pinball game and Pong. And while I love drums and think that Marshall is a fine drummer, I've rarely heard a drum solo longer than 3 minutes that I could enjoy. His drum solo is 10 minutes long. Too long. The best of the non-AH solos is Babbington's distorted bass guitar solo, though (again) 6 minutes gets to be kind of a drag. The album ends strong with the funkier jams "Riff III" and "Endgame" that sandwich around the more Camel-like "Song of Aeolus".

This album is of interest to those who need to hear a blossoming AH jamming through the unique prog/jazz of mid-70's Soft Machine, and there is at least 45 minutes of music here that I really enjoyed. The production is good, and the band plays well off of each other. But I actually like the "British Tour '75" cd better, featuring guitarist John Etheridge instead of AH (I know - sacrilege!). There you'll find some simply stunning guitar workouts all the way through, including the ENTIRE Hazard Profile. (Note: You won't escape the 10-minute drum solo there either!)

For me, the moments of excitement and awe on "Floating World Live" were too often interrupted with overlong self-indulgences and a lack of inspiration. I really wanted to like this more...

I value interesting music that is played and recorded well. This cd's rating was based on:
Music quality = 7.2/10; Performance = 8.5/10; Production = 9/10; CD length = 10/10.
Overall score weighted on my proprietary scale = 8.0 ("3-1/2 stars")

Holdsworth At The Beginning Of His Peak.......2006-08-04

If, like me you consider the Tempest-Soft Machine-Tony Williams-UK period to be the "Golden Years" of Allan Holdsworth, then there is no earthly reason for you not to buy this CD. It is a logical progression on the material first heard on "Bundles" and a brilliant live showcase for his then blossoming guitar technique.

I'm not your typical "Prog/fusion" fanatic that feels that any rock presented with a jazz/classical bent to it and stretched to 10-20 minutes (as in Flower Kings - BORING) is nectar from the gods. I'm 56 and have been with this type of music since the beginning and quite frankly, style and structure don't hold much water with me unless there is an abundance of substance and soul as well (as in Riverside, Anekdoten and several others). That's what has left me so cold when it comes to most of Holdsworths post UK work - lots of technique presented with a group of highly talented sidemen devoid of any soul or sense of collaborative effort or destination. Sure, he can play fast and do more with notes than any other living guitarist, but where is the passion and soul? This CD is a different story. The Soft Machine is firing on all five cylinders here and aside from a slightly muddled recording/mix I am at a loss to find anything negative to say about it. Even the John Marshall drum solo holds up pretty well. There a few weak moments but those are more than offset by the brilliance of the collective talents of the band in this live setting. And speaking of John Marshall, why, much like Jon Hiseman, is he unknown except to a select few outside the confines of Europe? His playing never ceases to amaze me.

No individual track dissertations here...anyone reading this probably already knows the material and the players. If you're looking for prime Holdsworth grab this wonderful CD while it's still available.

The Floating World.......2006-06-11

Finally a album live with Allan and also way better then British Tour 75. This album has great sound, better performances and has got a reasonable price on it,a clear pick over the other preformance. Live at Radio Bremen Janurary 1975 the band puts on nothing but nonstop jams with Holdsworth in a great mood just check out Bundles and The Land Of the Bagsnake of a blistering preformance. The show also gives out more solo showcases to Babbington on the six min. Earling Comedy armed with nothing but a Fender Baritone and a effects pedal. North Point gives Ratelege and his new found synths a place to bubble and screech around. Jenkins goes for his only sax solo on the album on Peff and even Holdsworth shows his skills on violin for The Man Who Waves At Trains. And finally the dynamic gymnastic stylings of Marshall on J.S.M. Song For Aeolus is very diffrent from the Softs vesion only because it brings out the fuzz soloing out of Ratelege's organ. The unreleashed material are your basic epic Softs jams like the funky Endgame. Rift 3 on the other hand is a limp version of Ban-Ban Caliban which isn't as impressing. Penny Hitch 2 took me some time to realize that it is Penny Hitch just in a sad and slow ending to a marvelous live cd. Highly recommended to anyone from gutar fanitic to a lover of fusion.

ALLAN HOLDSWORTH ON FIRE!.......2006-03-28

With the release of Floating World Live, as of 2006 there were four CDs on the market -- two studio and two live discs -- representing the peak of Soft Machine's "guitar fusion" years. Bundles and Softs (studio) and Floating World Live and British Tour '75 (live) are all recommended to anyone for whom jazz-rock fusion doesn't cause a breakout in hives, with the live discs capturing inspired performances and having an edge over the studio efforts. The expertly recorded Floating World is clear evidence that Allan Holdsworth was just what Soft Machine needed in the mid-'70s. By the time this live German show had been (partially) captured by Radio Bremen in January 1975, Holdsworth had been with the band for slightly over a year, and the Softs had already recorded Bundles with him. This is a killer live set, and Holdsworth's lightning-fast scalar runs, wide-interval leaps, and expressive note-bending over the band's vamps and composer Karl Jenkins' chordal changes -- not to mention his prominent positioning in the mix -- make Floating World a must-hear for any fans of the blurry-fingered axeman. He plays a touch of beautiful violin as well. No wonder jaws were dropping all around -- and apparently including the jaws of his bandmates, for Floating World sounds rather less like the work of a fully collaborative band and more like a live date by a guitarist-led fusion outfit than the British Tour '75 recording from later that same year after John Etheridge had joined the group following Holdsworth's departure. The flow of the overall Floating World set is at least partially to blame for any slight comparative shortcomings, particularly during the first half but redeemed by some inspired playing from all quarters at the conclusion. The group seems to have barely gotten underway when Roy Babbington's bass solo, "Ealing Comedy," makes an appearance; it's a great showcase including some Canterbury-esque fuzz in the mold of the pioneering Hugh Hopper, but its placement so soon in the proceedings somewhat derails the initial momentum of "Bundles" and "Land of the Bag Snake." And midway through, it doesn't help that "Hazard Profile," the Jenkins multi-part composition that would soon introduce Holdsworth to flabbergasted listeners upon the release of Bundles, fades out after less than five minutes -- that's where the radio station placed its commercial break. (Curious listeners are encouraged to check out the BBC Radio 1971-1974 compilation, which presents a broadcast version of the complete "Hazard Profile, Pts. 1-4" from June of 1974.) Both the Floating World and British Tour CDs feature solo Mike Ratledge synthesizer and John Marshall drum'n'gong interludes -- here respectively named "North Point" (a version of which is also on BBC Radio 1971-1974 from the June 1974 broadcast) and "J.S.M." -- but on this disc they further tilt the balance away from the full-band music and contribute to the feeling that Soft Machine had become a vehicle for solo statements with Holdsworth leading the way. Still, this is a vital document proving that the Softs were capable of some truly magnificent music during the mid-'70s -- and they were still evolving, testing the waters in live performance on a funked-up jam like "Riff III" that would later develop into "Ban-Ban Caliban" after Holdsworth bailed and Etheridge climbed aboard. Floating World Live reveals Soft Machine caught up in the excitement of a new direction thanks to an extraordinary guitarist, but not quite realizing their full potential as a collective. Nevertheless, appreciate Holdsworth for the shot in the arm he provided -- and also for suggesting Etheridge as his replacement. The new direction heard here would continue and Soft Machine would experience a final peak -- as demonstrated on British Tour '75 and to a lesser extent Softs -- before dissolution and mediocrity truly began setting in.
~ Dave Lynch, All Music Guide

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