World Beyond The Veil - Mithras

Advantages: Great sound, very different, interesting guest singers
Disadvantages: Not a sound that everyone will find they like

...I have always had trouble writing music ops. I find it very difficult in transferring one medium (music) into another (writing). But I thought I would give it a stab with one of my all time favorite albums. Long Black Veil by the Chieftains is probably one of my top ten favorite’s albums of all time. Now, I will admit that it is not popular music, nor it is it for everyone. Many people would find it an odd choice. Irish music isn’t for everyone. However, I think this album may have more general appeal than the other albums by the Chieftains. Why would I think that? Because this album isn’t just the Chieftains. It is songs played by the Chieftains but the songs are sung by a variety of popular singers, such as Mick Jagger and Sting. Now, I know what you must be thinking. Mick Jagger singing Irish Folk Music. Yes, you... Read review

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Advantages: Some of Above & Beyonds best work!
Disadvantages: Might not satisfy all die-hard trance music fans

...As a fan of Above & Beyond's work before this release, I couldn't wait to get my hands on their debut album, 'Tri-State'. More chillout than the Anjunabeats Volume compilation albums, this is perhaps more ideal for those dance music fans who prefer to drift away while enjoying the music, rather than raving. 'Can't Sleep' and 'Alone Tonight' are two smash club hits, with simple but effective vocals, and with great breakdowns for those 'hands in the air' moments. If you're looking for a track to float away to, look no further than 'Home' and 'Good For Me', the latter's club mix later voted as the track of the 2006 on Armin van Buuren's famous A State Of Trance radio show. The females vocals are beautiful, soothing, and shows another side to Above & Beyonds production capabilities. 'World On Fire', 'Air For Life' and 'Indonesia... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Brilliant, thoughtful folk music
Disadvantages: Could be seen as too one-note, musically.

...James Yorkston – Just Beyond The River James Yorkston’s second album picks up where the first left off, inviting the listener into his world without making it to easy for them: this is music you wave to work for, and all the more satisfying because of that. If there’s one thing Yorkston’s good at, it’s picking collaborators. Here it’s Kieran Hebdon, once of post-rockers Fridge and now working successfully under the moniker Four Tet, where his has previously mixed electronica and acoustic instruments to devastatingly effective results. On ‘Just Beyond The River’, the electronics are gone, but the music has been produced in such an intimate way that, if you close your eyes, you could imagine the band performing in front of you: Yorkston stamping his foot to keep himself in time until the rest of the band join in, and the pauses... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful