Music For Yoga And Other Joys - Jai Uttal

Advantages: Working with a range of singers
Disadvantages: Several tracks too long

...An album which see the Bristol-born artist working with a range of other performers, the 'Nearly God' project is an album of experimentation both musically and vocally. The opening slow-burner "Tattoo" is the only track on which Tricky performs alone. This is followed by the excellent "Poems" in which he sings alongside Martina and Terry Hall - a song based on the most minimal of beats, this is one of the finest tracks in his repertoire. As usualy sombre lyrics prevail: 'I cannot wait to deeply neglect you, deeply forget you' "Together Now" is a startingly upbeat duet with Neneh Cherry whilst "Make A Change" sees Alison Moyet taking centre stage. Icelandic singer Bjork guest appearances on two tracks that work especially well - "Keep Your Mouth Shut" and "Yoga". In amongst this though are a few weak numbers. "I Be The Prophet... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Distinctive sound, mostly solid tracks, good value for money
Disadvantages: Nothing ground-breaking

...Introduction - Ambulance LTD. It's difficult to fit new American band 'Ambulance LTD.' into a genre. Their instumentation marks their music as 'rock', yet the smooth and slick sound, paired with songs that are mostly mid-tempo with breezy, poppy tunes separates them from the pack. I feel that the album cover design defines their smooth, 'stylish' sound well. Songs vary from noisy instrumentals (Yoga is Union) to rather 'Twee' pop songs (Anecdote), but mostly the sound is one of smooth, stylish and breezy rock. Instrumentation can get heavy, but is never raucous, and mostly tuneful. Vocals take a lead role in most songs, and these are distinctive and rather 'smooth' and 'suave' sounding, fitting the tone of the music perfectly. Lyrics don't particularly stand out to me, as the overall tune and tone takes dominance - but they're certainly... Read review

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...I happen to go through a sale in a CD shop in London and came across this recording of Incidental music to two plays, written by Beethoven. The longer work is the incidental music to "The Consecration of the House". Most music lovers might know the overture but the complete incidental music is a sheer joy. The orchestra is Abbado's own, the Berlin Philharmonic and the soloists are Sylvia McNair and Bryn Terfel. There is a considerable amount of choral writing. The music is rich, joyous and, at times, full of grandeur. The recoding is suitably warm and rich whic matches the performances. The other item is a piece I did not know existed. It is music to Dunker's play "Leonora Prohaska". This is aslo a great find. This CD is an indispensable addition to all Beethoven lovers.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful