Live On Earth (+DVD) - Arjen Anthony Lucassen's Star One

Advantages: Inventive mix of styles, great use of multiple vocalists.
Disadvantages: Overlong, borderline masturbatory instrumental passages.

...The double disc 'Into the Electric Castle: A Space Opera' is the third release from multi-talented Dutch prog enthusiast Arjen Anthony Lucassen, but essentially the second (after 1995's 'The Final Experiment') to be of any note. Like its predecessor, 'Into the Electric Castle' is difficult to pin down to a specific style, but is mostly a blend of progressive rock, progressive metal and psychedelic rock in the form of a rock opera (though Lucassen opts for the somewhat meaningless term 'Space Opera'). The diverse cast of characters are all performed by famous rock vocalists from across Europe, although Fish from Marillion is the only truly well-known one here outside of metal circles. Later Ayreon releases upped the ante somewhat to draft in the vocalists from Dream Theater, Opeth and Iron Maiden. This multi-vocal effect is great... Read review

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Advantages: Fantastic, spiritually uplifting music
Disadvantages: None

...I was introduced to the music of Krishna Das by my wife. And God bless her for that, says I! For Krishna Das is well, he just IS. Live on Earth is a great introduction to the music of Krishna Das. Krishna Das is an American by birth, and a Hindu. By conviction. His music is a wonderful exploration and celebration of his faith, that of the Hindu. To listen to the music of Krishna Das is to invite a very special experience into one's very soul. Live on Earth is a two CD release and contains a total of 14 tracks. The tracks on CD 1 are: Radhe Shyam Samadhi Sita Ram Shri Guru Charanam Three Rivers Hare Krishna Hanuman Puja Hanuman Chaleesa Sita Ram Jaya Bhagavan On side 2 the tracks are Devi Puja Jaya Jagatambe Mountain Hare Krishna Namah Shivaya Rama Bolo Shri Krishna Govinda/Gopala Each track is pure... Read review

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Advantages: Great songs, great lyrics, Sharon den Adel's fab voice
Disadvantages: Might be too high-pitched for some

...was recorded and released in 2000. **The Cover** My album cover is not the same as the one shown in the product information here, and I believe that is because I have the special edition which includes a DVD. The predominant colour of the cover is green, and we can see Sharon den Adel peering from beneath her fringe, with a forest illuminated in green behind her. The name of the band and album title is written in a Celtic style font, and that combined with the name of the CD perhaps gives the impression of a folk-style album, though whilst there are definitely Celtic influences, don't be misled by the cover. On the back of the CD is a track list, and on the inside a booklet with lyrics. **Tracklist** 1. Mother Earth 2. Ice Queen 3. Our Farewell 4. Caged 5. The Promise 6. Never Ending Story 7. Deceiver of Fools 8. Intro 9... Read review

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