Easy Listening > EMI Easy Listening

Advantages: fresh, original and uncategorisable music
Disadvantages: none

It the beginning was the word, well a few words really and the words were “can you write some music for an Airline commercial?” Thus begins the story of Adiemus, a series of musical works that have now stretched to four albums, international fame and critical success. Its creator Karl Jenkins is now a well-respected composer in the field of classical music but his route to his exalted position today began in jazz music being a member ...
...the seminal bands of the 1970’s. Despite winning awards for his work with such bands and later for film scores and advertising music, it is perhaps the Adiemus projects that have become his best known work, a music that seems all encompassing in many ways and non-categorisable at the same time. A piece of work that Jenkins had in mind for another recording project was pitched to the aforementioned Airline company (Delta, if you must know), ... Read review

Advantages: Atmospheric, different
Disadvantages: Needs the right time of day and mood

...and English language compositions reflecting Keren Ann's cosmopolitan background - Israeli-born of Dutch and Russian heritage, currently residing in New York and Paris - "Keren Ann" is sung only in English). Opening track "It's all a lie" sets the tone: Keren Ann's sultry voice half singing, half talking over very slow and sparse but vaguely bluesy music. (Other tracks such as "'Harder ships of the world" have similar sparse sound). Track two "Lay ...
...hand claps and harmonica and Keren Ann sounding like she should really be with the Velvet Underground. "Where no endings end" is also good - like the opener, it's sparse but this time with a plcked guitar and a feel of a Parisian comes across as almost medieval in its austerity. Other times it sounds like bands such as Logh or even Mogwai, but without the noisy bits (except "It ain't no crime", which features howling guitars, a heavy very slow blues ... Read review

Advantages: Christmas nostalgia
Disadvantages: Too much Sinatra

...of Christmas albums is The Sinatra Christmas Album. I did not intend writing a review on this but came across it whilst looking for another product on Ciao. I saw it and well that was that, the review had to follow. The album was first recorded on 11th November 1987, the tracks having mainly been assembled from other previously recorded albums; most from the Sinatra Family Christmas recorded in 1968. It was, then released on CD on 1st November 1994 ...
...album are the two tracks Sinatra recorded with Bing Crosby, “Go Tell It on the Mountain” and “We wish you the Merriest”, both exemplifying perfect Christmas swing. The two crooners are evidently at ease with each other and compliment each other wonderfully. Another track to note is “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, Sinatra sings with his three children Tina, Nancy and Frank Sinatra Jr (I wonder just how embarrassed they are by the recording now). ... Read review

Advantages: Excellent Voices , Great
Disadvantages: One or two Songs I don't like

...two albums All Angels and Into Paradise. Their music comes under the opera , pop , classical and crossover genres. * Sancte Deus * This song starts off with one singer, then two singers and then the rest of the group join in. This song is very 'church choir'. The music appears too loud , as can't hear voices in some places on the song and the vocals are not that too clear. Not my favourite song. * In Paradisum * The music is played quite fast ...
...else to say about this song…um…..there is the sound of violins… * Make Me A Channel * This song starts off with all four of the girls singing. I like this song. It is sang beautifully and their voices blend well together. The song goes on with only one singer while the others 'oooh' and 'ahh' in the background. Another good song! * Swing Low * This song sounds like there isn't any music to it. Swing Low shows off one of the girls' rich voices. ... Read review

Advantages: Calming and soothing music.
Disadvantages: The tracks all generally resemble one another.

...this is characteristic of Gregorian chant and an inexorable style of chant. I would recommend this CD to be used as a meditative background sound or one to just listen to and be enveloped in, providing a great way to relax or even sleep. It is possible to purchase for £10, however it has been sold for more. Prices may have even been reduced further now so it may be of greater value to purchase now. ... Read review