bee
Group: Members
Posts: 1227
Joined: Jan. 2004 |
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Posted: June 27 2006, 18:06 |
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Whilst attemping to tackle a particularly enormous pile of ironing ( with a complete lack of enthusiasm, I might add ), I decided to give Incantations a proper listen ~ and as I listened I thought on...
It is a masterpiece, unique and far reaching as are all Mike's albums, but what for me stood out most about this album today was the rhythm. The use of percussion and rhythm throughout is significant. That's the element that carries this to other heights. During part one, the Diana part,clapping, drums etc,the wonderful African drums and Maddy Prior's voice undulating above during part two, as part three progresses the drumming gets more interesting and also on part four too with the fabulous glockenspiel. So many little bits, too many to mention individually. All reminding me of a horse galloping across open countryside. Freedom. I do think this is all done very well.( Do hope he can use real drums on the new album.)
Then I listened to Amarok & I just completely & utterly love this album. Everything about it, from the way it gently curls away from you at the very opening notes to it's mad darting around, gathering speed & pace & ideas. Absolute scattiness, but it is probably the purest form of genius in music. And it's so happy with itself, which is also so appealing. Underneath the layers and layers and different dimensions I heard how very good the bass is throughout.
Light and Shade has lots of ideas, impressions, snapshots even, of a certain period in time and a big electronic feel. Overall there's the accent on the beautiful sound of a single guitar or piano over and above a smooth blend of other sounds, pure, uncomplicated and relaxing ~ easy going.
I think, as is usual for me with Mike's music, these elements were clear for me today, but tomorrow it could be something else that speaks louder. Anyone else feel any of the albums have characteristics that could be said to define them? Which album is best for guitar, use of melody, atmosphere, percussion, keyboards or anything else you might care to mention? It's sure to change from day to day.
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....second to the right and straight on till morning....
You heard me before
Yet you hear me again
Then I die
Till I call me again
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