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Shpongle: Live From the Roundhouse 2008 (2010) Review

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Shpongle: Live From the Roundhouse 2008 (2010) ReviewShpongle - what a band! If readers have not heard of them, they are a band that combines influences from all over the world, in particular India and Spain, mixed in with a healthy dose of dance. I wouldn't call it dance music though - yes, you can dance to it, but it's not the sort of top 40 music that appeals to the lowest common denominator. Shpongle definitely demands your ear and I dare to say, a certain level of intelligence.
Ok, on to the DVD...
PERFORMANCE:
What an amazing show! I think at various times in the performance there are 9-12 people of stage. It sometimes feels crowded on there, but they aren't bumping into each other. It's amazing how much of the sound is created live. The songs sound great live and you feel the energy in them. Raja Ram has quite the stage presence and you can see he is having a ton of fun. As for Simon Posford, you can see that being on stage is not where he is the most comfortable, but it's always great to see the genius performing his art. There are many live dancers during the performance. At some points it is ok, but at others (such as during Dorset Perception), I was not digging it. The setlist is fantastic and really covers everything Shpongle have done. Camera angles are great and you really get to see all the performers on stage, as well as the crowd and the stage as a whole. Further, it is not edited like an MTV performance, so you don't feel like you have ADHD after watching it. The light show is not the greatest, and the visuals are decent, but at least the music and sound quality are great. I know a lot of people say that all they care about the music, but I feel that the visuals are just as important as the music during a live performance. And that becomes even more important when you are watching a DVD.
VIDEO:
Video quality is OK, but not great. I'm not sure if high-definition cameras were used, but because a lot of the performance is darker, there is grain in the picture. It would have been nice if this was released on blu-ray, especially for when it was released. I'm actually surprised that it wasn't. Maybe the cameras were not high-def?
SOUND:
All you get is a stereo mix. Again, I am surprised that there is no surround mix, particular since Simon Posford is such a stickler for sound. However, the stereo mix is fantastic, particularly on a decent system.
EXTRAS:
There are a whole slew of extras to dig into, but my absolute favorite is the interview with Raja Ram and Simon Posford in Simon's studio. Raja is hilarious and does most of the talking, and you really get a lot of insight into the creative process, where their influences come from and some great stories on Simon's trip to India to get material for their latest album. Even though you can watch most of the interview on youtube now, the DVD is almost worth it just for that.
SUMMARY:
Fantastic show from a fantastic band. Video and sound quality are ok, and the extras are great. Really wish this was released on blu-ray though. But hey, if you are a Shpongle fan, you already own this right?Shpongle: Live From the Roundhouse 2008 (2010) Overview

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My Downfall Review

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My Downfall ReviewAs every reviewer will doubtlessly state, "this is Aaron Funk's follow-up to Rossz Csillag Allat Szuletett", to view it as "Rossz Part Two" is far too limiting. Yes, it's similar in that it features orchestral instruments and greater harmonic content than most Venetian Snares albums, but it's really a great record in and of itself.
Even though I urge everyone to listen to "My Downfall" on its own terms, I'll offer some comparison. The drill 'n bass elements are as good as ever, and like Rossz, many tracks don't use percussion at all. If you know Venetian Snares, you know the kind of beat mangling to expect - it's a beautiful thing.
However, the real treat on the album is Funk's new-found sense of harmony and melody. Rossz was a great start and showed a great deal of potential, but by art music standards it wasn't incredibly sophisticated. Now, before anyone starts pointing fingers and calling me a music snob, let me say that I consider Venetian Snares to be art music right along side Stockhausen, Reich, and Varese. All I mean to say is that his melodic sense showed potential but was not full mature yet. In "My Downfall", Funk makes great strides and comes up with something at least twice (if not more) as sophisticated as Rossz. You'll understand immediately once you hear "Hollo Utca 2", which could have been a missing movement to Berg's "Lyric Suite". Okay, maybe that's going a little too far, but it really is quite good.
The other great thing about the album is that Funk has had additional time to practice the violin. His tone and technique have improved a lot and it really gives the songs a big boost. The other instruments sound great as well - if you thought Rossz sounded fairly convincing as a virtual orchestra, you'll love this.
I really can't recommend this one highly enough. Since it's not representative of the bulk of Venetian Snare's output, I wouldn't necessarily recommend this as your first VSnares album just because, at the end of the day, VSnares is still all about the drill 'n bass. That said, if you're already a fan, you must buy this immediately and start enjoying it.My Downfall Overview

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Enigma - MCMXC a. D. - The Complete Album DVD (2003) Review

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Enigma - MCMXC a. D. - The Complete Album DVD (2003) ReviewEnigma has been in the forefront of electronic music since their stunning debut in 1990 with the album MCMXC a.D. What most of us here in the States didn't know is that they also released this video a year later. Now for the first time, Enigma's American audience can finally experience this masterpiece.
This DVD is basically the entire 41-minute album as you hear it on the CD with an array of visuals to accompany it. Lots of the footage you've probably seen in the official music videos for the album's four singles (Sadeness, Principles of Lust, Mea Culpa, Rivers of Belief). Some scenes may look a bit cliche nowadays, but putting yourself back in 1990, you can see Michael Cretu's vision. The scenes include landscapes, monks, knights in armor, and trippy illusions.
The DVD fortunately includes Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS. This makes songs like "Sadeness", "Callas Went Away" and "Mea Culpa" sound absolutely powerful and breathtaking. Also included is an interview with Michael Cretu from 1996, mostly dealing with the album Enigma 3- Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi.
All in all, this is an absolute must-have for ANY Enigma fan. It's a chance to hear a classic album as never before!Enigma - MCMXC a. D. - The Complete Album DVD (2003) OverviewLongform Film: The Voice of Enigma, Principles ofLust/Sadeness/Find Love/Sadeness, Callas Went Away, Mea Culpa, The Voice & TheSnake, Knocking on forbidden Doors, Back To The Rivers of Belief/Way ToEternity/Hallelujah/The River of Belief + Full-Length Videos: Sadeness, Mea Culpa, Principles of Lust, The River of Belief,EPK: Enigma II, Enigma 96/97

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Show & Tell (2010) Review

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Show & Tell (2010) ReviewThis DVD is a must have for any fan of The Birthday Massacre, regardless of if you've seen them live already or not. The video quality is pretty decent, and their performance is always so beautiful, energetic and artistic. Chibi (the lead singer) is always so adorable with her behavior on stage, this DVD really brings out the personality in every band member. I even found myself clapping along when Chibi would do it as if I were actually participating in the audience. Chibi's was on top of her game the night this was filmed and her voice sounds wonderful.
What they don't tell you for some (stupid) reason is that this video is TWO CONCERTS! haha. They're selling it as one, just the live one in Germany, but in the bonus features section, the entire M'era Luna performance of 2005 is in there! I don't know why its just considered a bonus feature, I think they'd sell more if they actually told people. Maybe its supposed to be a surprise to the fans buying the DVD and i'm currently spoiling their fun (Sorry if I am, TBM). The M'era Luna performance is really cool too because its in the daytime outside, so on an HDTV it looks WAY cooler than the Germany night time main performance this DVD has. There is also a little bonus feature of an interview with TBM on the DVD, and they actually said "we didn't even know this was going to be a DVD, we were surprised" which means this concert is raw, real TBM. They didn't go on stage that night with the intent to show off for the DVD, which makes it even more special. It shows that this is how all TBM shows are. High energy, beautifully artistic, and wonderfully executed.
I'd also like to add that the people who filmed and edited the DVD did a great job. It's not just a still shot of their concert. Sometimes the camera will kind of go into "slow motion" and turn certain ways with different camera effects, it makes it really fun to watch. It gives the concert even more depth and makes it very unique. Some shots you'll feel like you're literally on stage with them probably tripping over all their cords (hoping you wont break anything since they have so much electronic equipment and stuff on their stage haha), then all of a sudden you'll be in the back of the audience seeing a view of all of the action.
Seriously, even if you don't have any idea who The Birthday Massacre are, just still buy it. Take yourself on a wonderful audio/video journey just because its an experience you'll never forget.Show & Tell (2010) Overview

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Alexander Review

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Alexander ReviewAlexander, King of Macedon, Captain General of the Greeks, Shahanshah of Persia, Lord of Asia, son of Zeus-Ammon, Iskander Gojastak (Alexander the Cursed), Dhu L'Kairnan (the two horned), Alexander the Great. A figure as well known as Alexander has been known by at least the proverbial ninety and nine names. Some modern historians consider him to be the worst butcher in history, others regard him as the most significant figure of the Hellenic world. All of this and more will surely reemerge with the release of Oliver Stone's film "Alexander." It seems inane to worry about what musical sound should be associated with this historical colossus. But that is exactly the task given to the famous Greek composer Vangelis. To be fair no one has any accurate idea of what music in Alexander's tent may have sounded like. Most likely it would not work well in a twenty first century film, or a club in downtown Athens. But Vangelis has been equal to the task on numerous occcasions including incredible scores for "Chariots of Fire," "Blade Runner," and "1492." But in all three of these scores there was a common strength and weakness. All three possessed outstanding main themes, but suffered with rather mundane music in other parts of the score. Thus his "greatest hits" wears much better than the entire soundtracks from these films. With "Alexander," however, we have more of a comprhensive film score. There are still references to what might be considered period music and the various exotica that ply the edges of new age cliche, and some over the top choral arrangements, but as a sountrack album this works better than earlier recordings. The main strength is still a marvelous main theme, first heard in "Titans" that transforms into percussion driven battle music with "The Drums of Gaugamela," and reappears both triumphantly and mystically in "Dream of Babylon." These are the grand higlights of this very good score. The weakness of many composers is that they hit on a good theme and then beat it to death. Here Vangelis leaves us wanting more of that main theme, or more variations on it. It is unclear how this score will work with the film itself, but as a soundtrack album this is a worthy achievement that will, no doubt, strike a solid chord with many parts of the modern audience. Nicely produced and packaged by Sony.Alexander Overview

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Memoryhouse Review

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Memoryhouse ReviewWhen I heard a few phrases of Richter on the radio, his use of static delighted and moved me -- so I ordered the CD. It speaks to the most solitary part of me, reminds me of being a child falling asleep in the afternoon, voices muted and far away and the sounds of the world a jumble. But Richter is not an innocent. This music is sober and full of grief. It is written for the 21st century as we look back in anguish and as we look forward with terror. This is not music for the faint of heart.Memoryhouse Overview

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Seven Years: 1998-2005 Review

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Seven Years: 1998-2005 ReviewYou get 5 brand new tracks, 1 remake or an old track, and 14 singles which ATB has released over the past 7 years. Amazon is selling a few imports and this one, which appears to be the single disc US version. I have the original German release on Kontor, which comes with a Bonus DVD that has all his videos right up to the two new singles from this album, Believe in Me and Humanity. You also get photos, interviews, and the making of the Believe in Me video, and an alternate Belive in Me video.
Most of the videos were on his DVD he released in 2004, except Long Way Home, which you could only get on that CD single; Marrakech, which was on the import No Silence limited edition set; and Ecstasy, which was on the US No Silence. If you buy the import, you won't get the DVD to play on your normal player, but maybe in your computer. If you are looking for a complete set of videos, and can play this PAL formatted DVD, this makes the import more attractive. If you already have most of his videos and don't have to have Marrackech or Believe in Me videos, you can just stick with this US copy, which is basically a best of, with some new tracks and edits.
The first of the new singles is Believe in Me, sung by 4 Strings member Jan Loechel. It's a nice club/dance track, but I prefer the peppier versions on the CD single over the album version. The new Tiff Lacey voiced track, Humanity, is excellent, and while I haven't heard the remixes yet, the album version works just fine. It's a breakbeat/trance blend that Tiff sings her heart out on. Jan Leochel also sings an updated version of Let U Go, which I liked. It's a slower paced version that refreshes the song nicely.
The 14 "best of" tracks are all his single releases, and they are all either radio edits or album versions. The radio edit of the new vocal remix of In Love With the DJ hasn't been on any other album, and the Here With Me radio edit was an internet exclusive, so even in the collection of past hits, there are some new perks.
Over the past 7 years, no trance DJ/producer has been more prolific in releasing high quality vocal trance, instrumental trance, artist albums, and mix CD's than ATB. If you are a new fan, I would highly recommend this, just don't pass up some of is albums, thinking you are getting everything here, because you will miss out on a lot of great music (like one of my favorite instrumental trance tunes of all time -- Mysterious Skies off No Silence). Only his radio play releases are here. If you are a regular ATB fan, I am sure you are going to purchase this anyway!Seven Years: 1998-2005 Overview

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And In the Endless Pause There Came the Sound of Bees Review

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And In the Endless Pause There Came the Sound of Bees ReviewJohann Johannsson's soundtrack "AND IN THE ENDLESS PAUSE CAME THE SOUND OF BEES" (Type Recordings, 2010), for the film "Varmits" by Mark Craste, is a gem. Subtle, gorgeous, refined music beautifully written, arranged and produced by Mr. Johannsson. If you are drawn to music that inspires elevated states of beauty and being, please give your ears and heart the gift that is this c.d.And In the Endless Pause There Came the Sound of Bees Overview

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Armin Only: Mirage (2011) Review

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Armin Only: Mirage (2011) ReviewI bought the blu-ray/dvd off Armin's website a few weeks ago, and let me tell you...the music is TO DIE FOR.
Having set the bar extremely high with his Imagine DVD, I was not expecting it to be as good, but Armin has delivered yet again.
If you are a fan of Imagine, you will LOVE this DVD. The set he played at this concert is incredible, and along with the visuals and background performance, it is simply legendary. Buy it NOW!Armin Only: Mirage (2011) Overview

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Mirage Review

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Mirage ReviewThis CD is amazing! in my opinion, I've enjoyed his ASOT 2010, but this on is even better. The songs are shorter than on his previous Artist Album 'Imagine'. Rock & Trance are my favorite Genres of music, & I liked that Armin mixed them together in some songs. All in all I think this is just another great album, from an amazing DJ. It's Worth IT!
Favorite Tracks:
#2. Mirage
#3. This Light Between Us
#4. Not Giving Up on Love
#7. Take a MomentMirage Overview

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Tron Review

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Tron ReviewFor reasons unbeknownst to us (but knownst to Disney), the soundtrack to their 1982 film "TRON" completely missed the digital revolution. You would think that a movie whose whole premise is digitally-grounded would have been an early adopter of compact disc technology. But it wasn't. I still have my old LP version of the soundtrack, but it certainly doesn't fit in my car's CD changer, and my tape of the soundtrack is old and over-used.
Well, just in time for the movie's 20th anniversary year, Walt Disney Records has finally brought the soundtrack to the CD format, and believe me, it was worth the wait.
The album has been completely remastered with the full assistance of the composer, Wendy Carlos. The CD's liner notes include a recent interview with Carlos, who details the creation of the unique digital/orchestral score that accompanies the on-screen computer animation. Being something of a novice when it comes to modern music composition, many of the terms sailed clear over my head, but she managed to provide more than enough context to make her descriptions make sense.
On to the tracks: All the tracks from the original LP soundtrack are here, arranged in an order reasonably consistent with the progress of the film. What makes this soundtrack so intriguing is not so much how it evokes memories of the film (which it certainly does) but how the merger of sythesized music with the work of a symphony orchestra came across so well. Considering the movie itself was a merger of traditional film techniques with cutting-edge (for the early 80s) computer animation, the fact that the soundtrack is similarly composed makes it that much more engrossing.
As owners of the original soundtrack might recall, 80s supergroup Journey prepared two tracks (one song, one instrumental) for use with the movie. Both tracks are in the movie, but there's nothing to call attention to them; check the arcade scenes in the film and you'll hear them. They do seem somewhat out of place, especially the anacronistically-named "90s Theme," but not so much that you'll skip them.
An added bonus on the CD is three previously unreleased tracks; Carlos mentions in her interview that they were intended for the original soundtrack, but were left out because of lack of space on both the LP and cassette formats. The first track is an early "draft" of one of the action themes, the second is a piece that was used in the film but not on the old album and the third is a simple single-instrument version of the "TRON" theme (being the last track on the disc, it's a welcome cool-down). The liner notes go into greater detail about how these tracks came to be.
The fact that this disc has never been available before is enough of a selling point. If you're on the fence, however, you would do well to pick up this exceptional compilation that was some twenty years in the making.Tron Overview

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Tiesto: Elements of Life World Tour (2008) Review

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Tiesto: Elements of Life World Tour (2008) ReviewI've caught Tiesto 3 times now in 3 different parts of the world. For a guy generally called the "world's greatest dj," he has played in some of the most random places and still been able to bring not just fans but the half-fans, unifying them in his brand of uplifting trance. It's a rare gift that is in full display in this DVD. By straying from his own cuts, Tiesto energizes the crowd so well that you wish you were at this performance. To that extent, I call this DVD / CD package the party pack: not only does it come with a Compact Disc of 12 Tiesto tracks (at least mine does), the 2 DVD set is perfect for the late night house parties or more. At 16 : 9 Widescreen (perfect for most widescreen tvs and Dolby 5.1, the quality of the image and the sound is probably better than most Tiesto concerts you've been to! The extra features are pretty enjoyable as well, with the little mp3 soundtrack and a fun on the road snippet. I don't know too many people who could sit down to watch this DVD; most of them will be dancing and have a good time. Buy accordingly.Tiesto: Elements of Life World Tour (2008) Overview

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Fever Ray (2CD/DVD) Review

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Fever Ray (2CD/DVD) ReviewI don't think of myself as someone who gravitates towards electronic music. Maybe Fever Ray aroused some part of my brain that has been inactive since the 80's. Maybe I listened to too much beard rock last year and needed an intervention. Whatever it is, this album is ADDICTIVE.
It may or may not appeal to fans of The Knife. It might be too chill for them, but that might be fine for the rest of us. For those that don't know, Fever Ray is Karin Dreijer Andersson's solo project away from The Knife, the band she created with her brother. Their last album was a big hit in some circles. She famously talked about retiring after it came out.
This album is here to show she didn't, and in a pretty spectacular way. From her web site-
--Thus `I'm Not Done', one of Fever Ray's more upbeat moments, only reveals its true meaning in its title, a gesture of defiance against Karin's own thoughts of retirement. "That was the last song I wrote and in contrast to many tracks that are more about anxiety and depression, that one is very full of life," she says. "Sometimes, when you're as old as I am now, you think you're going to quit, and people around you think you're going to quit. But then you have days when you realise how good music can be, there's so much left to explore and so much left to do. That's why I sometimes feel I'll never quit."--
But `I'm Not Done', -though one of the finest- is not the last song on the album. Two that were probably written out of the anxiety and depression she describes follow it, and they bring the album to a breathtaking close.
Music videos of the albums first two songs can be easily found online. They are works of art unto themselves. As good as they are, and as good as the songs themselves are, they just scratch the surface of the depth and enjoyment that listening to the entire album brings. Along with albums like Fleet Foxes eponymous debut last year, and Grizzly Bear's Veckatimest coming in May, Fever Ray seems to be in on what might just be the beginning of a trend; The return of the essential complete album. The album that's too good to just download a song or two, but one where you want to own the whole thing. One you want to hold in your hands and read the liner notes while it's playing on your stereo.
Fever Ray (2CD/DVD) Overview

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