Archimbaud: Organ Works

Advantages: fantastic dance music
Disadvantages: getting a copy

...I seem to be making a habit of finding rare and obscure books or music, Well this is no exception. This is Tielman Susato, Dansereye 1551. Tielman Susato was a cathedral musician and a copyist. He also played in the town band. He set up a publishing shop in Antwerp. He published many of the Chansons and Motets of the day. He also published this book of dance in 1551. There was music in Church. Organ and vocal, catholic and Protestant both. There was music at Royal court. Here as church bishop you could afford to keep several professional musicians. There was the town band, The Waits, professionals who could play in church and at important civic functions. The alehouse usually had something like a violin hung on the wall for anybody to play, though the pitch and tuning can only be wondered at. A major Fayre could attract some... Read review

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Advantages: VDGG in their full Glory
Disadvantages: It Is Prog Rock but that is not always bad

...Van Der Graff Generator were sonic visionaries of the late 60's and 70's who treaded grounds that no other prog rock band dared. This was the last album to be recorded by the classic 4 piece of Peter Hammill (Vocals, Guitar, Piano), David Jackson (Flutes and Saxes), Hugh Banton (Organ, Bass pedals) and Guy Evans (Drums) before it all went financially pear shaped, until their triumphant re-union in 2005. The album is notable as it is the first where Peter's electric guitar work came to the fore front of the music, rather than hiding behind the other musicians. This was done whilst keeping all the components of shifting melodies and harmonies, and interactions between sax, organ, drums and possessed vocals in place i.e. the sound remained consistent with their past work, and like all VDGG records it is not for mass consumption... Read review

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Advantages: Unlike anything else
Disadvantages: So varied that you won't like every track

...After an album as good as Funeral, it's always difficult to live up to the expectations of your next album. Did Arcade Fire manage to do it? Well, partially. Neon Bibe contains some stunning tracks, the highlights being Intervention, Black Wave/ Bad Vibrations and Windowsill. The variation is bewildering and the use of Church Organs really give a surrel feel that generally works. It's just a shame that the great songs are interspersed by some more mediocre ones. They're not bad tracks, I guess I just hoped for me from a band that have written one of my favourite all time tracks (Rebellion/Lies). Having said that, the title track, Neon Bible, is a total waste of space. It's a good album, and very listenable, but part of me wishes it could have been just that little bit more.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful