Elizabeth I - The Virgin Queen - Various Artists

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	Highly Addictive  -  Makes You Want To Time Travel
Disadvantages:	Highly Addictive  -  People May Think You Have Joined A Cult

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Who knew that I had a thing for Medieval Chanting Choral Music? Not me, that's for sure. Until I watched The Virgin Queen and became ADDICTED to the enchanting music that came with it.
The more I watched of this drama series, the more musical bliss that unfolded and it became a psychological need of mine to own this incredibly addictive soundtrack.
As soon as I had finished watching it I got onto youtube to find out the name of the group who provided this historically exciting genre of music. I came up with The Mediaeval Baebes - a choral group of (rather attractive) women, who specialise in this bizarre mix of renaissance with an edge. For anyone who has already enjoyed this CD, i suggest checking out some of their other work. It won't disappoint you.

Though I am not certain (damn my ignorance) what language the songs on this are sung in - I presume Latin or some kind of Ye Olde Englishe... *sheepish grin* It becomes necessary to want to sing along. I assure you you will be in minutes. (Only Track 1- the Virgin Queen has english lyrics, which are - a stroke of genius in my opinion - based on an actual piece of writing by Elizabeth I herself!)

Admittedly, you do have to be in a certain mood for this kind of music, and the less open-minded of us may be inclined to shun you in fear of you being some sort of religious nut. That is the slight downside - if there could be one - that the Medeival Baebes inevitably sound somewhat like a Church Choir albeit one transported from a renaissance faire and high off LSD.
Yet, I am an out and out non-beleiver and am still incredibly able to appreciate the magic of this style of music. I suggest you play it loud and proud out of car windows, or in the garden whilst barbequeing - though not if you wish to keep your neighbours ;-)

Enough describing it you can't read anything to do it justice anyway- go and listen! And while you do look out for tracks such as Miseri Nomine, Essex and A Legacy Of Comfort (Just hear those violins...heaven!)

Oh, and by the way, the drama itself is pretty damn good too... But that's a whole other review that I'll have to write some day!