Mali - The Dogon: Music Of The Masks And The Funeral Rituals - Awa De Sangha

Advantages: It's totally unbelievable, I love it so much it hurts
Disadvantages: none

...This has got to be a good contender for one of the best albums ever written, in the words of Henry Rollins 'Janes Addiction were more than a band, they were a way of life', and who's going to argue with Henry Rollins? Janes Addiction were formed in the late 80's in LA by vocalist Perry Farrell who is best known as the organiser of the Lollapalooza tour in America. Apparently the band got their name from the fact that they all 'knew' the same prostitute named Jane who was a heroin addict. Despite being hailed by the music press as being one of the best bands ever formed they released only two studio and one live album before splitting up after the release of Ritual De Lo habitual amid rumours of severe drug dependancy and on stage fist fights. Of their releases, Ritual represents their finest hour. Make no mistake, this is an absolute... Read review

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Advantages: calm, deep and thoughtful music
Disadvantages: none

...of the instruments conjures up the images of a north African evening under the stars. "Full Circle" explores some bigger themes, that of the journey itself. After years of travelling on a musical and spiritual pilgrimage between such wondrous and holy places, the singer is musing on the journeys of other religious pilgrims who have made the same journeys for their own, not too dissimilar reasons. Accompanied only by Middle Eastern violin type sounds of an instrument that I probably don't know the name of, there are many in her work, it is the voice that carries this song. Always a focal point of here work, here you truly get to appreciate just how amazing her voice is as it is left uninterrupted by music. One of the obvious places that would feature on a devotional pilgrimage is Santiago de Compostella (St James in the Field of Stars) the supposed... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Sublime Tracks, Beautiful Arrangement, Intriguing Lyrics, Intriguing Sound, Unique
Disadvantages: The album sleeve could of been an album case

...Background Information: Arcade Fire is an indie rock band from Montreal, Canada formed by husband and wife duo Win Butler and Regine Chassagne. The band is unique for its stage presence as they tour with many members who each change instrumental duties throughout the show. Instrumental duties include guitar, drums, bass guitar, piano, violin, viola, cello, double bass, xylophone, keyboard, French horn, accordion, hurdy gurdy, harp and mandolin. Their debut album Funeral went on to reach critical aclaim being nominated in 2005 for a grammy award for the best alternative music album. Their second album Neon Bible went on to add to their success also being nominated for a grammy award for the best alternative music album. Funeral The newest and most exciting band to come out of canada and they name their debut album "funeral". I must... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful