(The) Mass of Tournai

Advantages: one of the best albums in the history of the universe
Disadvantages: over produced?

...Nirvana have got to be one of the most influential rock bands in recent musical history – but then I think everyone knows that. Nevermind is their most famous and most successful album. Smells like Teensprit is the most successful and famous song of that album, it’s one of those songs everyone knows. Everyone should have a copy of Nevermind, it’s one of the best albums I have ever heard. Maybe it was over produced but that isn’t the worst crime in the world, for us “real” fans there are at l two other albums and all the live things, Nevermind is Nirvana for the masses.... Read review

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Advantages: Simply stunning music
Disadvantages: None that I hear

...--John Taverner-- Taverner was born about 1490 in Lincolnshire, England, and died not far from his birthplace 55 years later. He studied at Oxford, in the college founded by Wolsey, later re-christened Christ Church by Henry VIII. There is some controversy in the details of Taverner's religious life during the stormy period of Reformation and Counter-Reformation in England. Taverner is reported to have given up composition during this period, but again musicologists are not certain that pieces attributed to earlier years may have in fact come as late as the 1530s. Taverner was a leading musical figure in his time, a time when musical styles were changing rapidly. --Western Wind Masses-- These are unique pieces - these are the only masses in English composition based on a secular tune. There are several `Western Wynde' masses... Read review

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Advantages: Refreshingly Different
Disadvantages: None

...Don't be put off by the title Missa Luba 'An African Mass' or think that it's 'too high-brow'! Missa Luba is a wonderful example of African rhythms and percussive instrumentation - drums and shaken gourds - with traditional African 'call and response' melodies together with additional harmonies. Based on the traditional Mass the work consists of just five tracks - Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Agnus Dei - and is just over fifteen minutes long. The remainder of the recording consists of 10 Kenyan Folk Melodies. These too are as wonderful and refreshing as the Missa Luba . Ideal for the 'serious' listener, as background music or for those who wish to listen to something a little different. Go on. Give it a try; you will be glad you did. After all you have nothing to loose but much enjoyment to be gained. This is my first review... Read review

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