Elemental

Tracks:

Blacksmith
She Moved Through The Fair
Stolen Child
The Lark In The Clear Air
Carrighfergus
Kellswater
Banks Of Claudy
Come By The Hills
Lullaby

Customer Reviews:

Elemental/WOW.......2007-04-05

What a pleasant ride in fantasy the beautiful voice gives. The haunting, almost otherworldly range creates magic.

Lorena McKennit-great music.......2007-03-09

Been a fan for a long time. Love the soulful Celtic flair of the songs.

A Must for McKennitt Collectors.......2007-02-20

I am a new McKennitt fan but am a devoted one already. Some people might be put off by the fact that this is her first CD, but her beautiful voice and wonderful arrangements are already in place and she has chosen some delightful traditional songs. My favorite is the lovely arrangement of "Carrighfergus" where she is singing background harmony to Cedric Smith's perfect vocals, producing an exquisite rendering of this Irish classic. Another notable one is her original melody and dramatic arrangement of William Blake's "Lullaby". Not a loser in the bunch and oh, so great to see from where she started. You will not be disappointed.

Unlike her other albums..........2007-02-01

Her first recording is very naked and basic compared to everything that followed. It is mostly traditional folk songs, with a few embellishments from Loreena. She features her harp playing on most (all) of the songs as well as her exquisite voice. As much as I like all of her albums, this is my favourite! So simple and hauntingly beautiful, I wish she would return to this sound every once and a while.

Average customer rating:

listen visually
Honest, soulful work.
No Curt ? No problem
Excelente
There's Something Missing, But It's Still Enjoyable

Elemental
Tears for Fears
Manufacturer: Island / Mercury
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Raoul and the Kings of Spain
The Seeds of Love
Everybody Loves a Happy Ending
Saturnine Martial & Lunatic
The Hurting [UK Bonus Tracks]

ASIN: B000001DYY
Release Date: 1993-06-22

Tracks:

Elemental
Cold
Break It Down Again
Mr. Pessimist
Dog's A Best Friend's Dog
Fish Out Of Water
Gas Giants
Power
Brian Wilson Said
Goodnight Song

Customer Reviews:

listen visually.......2007-07-03

(true story) I worked at a bike shop where we listened to this record nearly everyday for an entire summer. we each got to pick a cd to play and Jack's pick was frequently Elemental by Tears for Fears. (You all should go buy it...last I checked it was only $0.05 on Amazon)
What I realized throughout this summer was that I was developing a very clear image as to what was going on visually during this record...and that was the full coreography of the CATS broadway musical. If you could go to the musical and listen to this album (you know kind of like dark side of the moon and wizard of Oz) I think you would be in for a treat.
Also, Jack was gay.

Honest, soulful work........2007-06-04

Somewhere in my upper half of TfF catalog. Gritty, honest work that has some definite inspired moments. Album seems uneven with strong tracks and some forgettables.

No Curt ? No problem.......2007-05-07

This is Roland's first solo and boy does he pull it off, great production
great songs, must be listened to on a high end stereo or good Headphones
to appreciate the quality & complexity of the sound mix.
If you like Big Chair & Sowing the Seeds get this !!

Excelente.......2007-02-08

Mesmo sem Curt Smith, Roland Orzabal fez um album com muito esmero.
Influências de funk, jazz, blues no do pop.

There's Something Missing, But It's Still Enjoyable.......2006-11-14

The first two TFF albums were masterpieces in their own right. One was heavily dependent on a theme, and the shorter follow-up was essentially a few great singles and two more tracks. Buy them both. The third album had "Sowing the Seeds of Love" and is generally regarded as an example of elaborate, yet sometimes lovable, over-production.

Then, the duo dissolved and one man carried on with the Tears for Fears moniker. This was the first album that resulted from the schism. For the most part, it continues with the TFF tradition of having great singles/potential singles along with more brooding tracks. Elements of the traditional Tears for Fears sound prevail, although the sound does change due to the departure of a key member and the early 90s setting. Overall, its not as strong as the first three albums due to the blandness of some tracks. However, the highlights of this affair do provoke the same reactions that the band could elicit back in it's heyday.

Highlights include: "Break it Down Again," "Fish Out of Water," "Elemental" and "Goodnight Song."

I'd suggest you buy the first two albums and then maybe get this or The Seeds of Love later; Tears for Fears is best approached by taking in the brilliant early days and then accomodating oneself to the nature of their late-80s/early 90s work.

Average customer rating:

Geothermic Chill
Sexy smooth cool
Earthy and delightful
superior chillout

Elemental Chill, Vol. 2: Earth
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Kriztal Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Elemental Chill 3: Air
Elemental Chill 1: Fire
Elemental Chill 4: Water
Vintage Chill, Vol. 2: Summer
Vintage Chill, Vol. 1: Spring

ASIN: B00006SF9R
Release Date: 2002-11-26

Tracks:

Glamourgirl - Alex Cortiz
Mrs. Castle - The Big Knife
Spanish Wind - Ikarus
September - Greg Long
Missione a Bombay - Nicola Conte
Shadow of a Bee - The Pleb
Honung - Sunday Brunch
Magnolia - Max Melvin
Cadence - Desmond Williams
Sigh - Praful
Pabadam - Yonderboi
Islamorada Fishing Company - Sven Van Hees
Skyscraper - Kinobe
Alone - Amalgamation of Soundz
Hibernations - DRM
London In The Rain - Variety Lab

Album Description

The Elemental Chill Series is comprised of four CDs, each one representing a different element found in nature, Fire, Earth, Air and Water. Each CD is carefully compiled to reflect the mood that each element evokes. Volume 2 in the Elemental Chill series, Earth, has organic rhythms and deep, sensual grooves that hint at a slightly grounded vibe.

Customer Reviews:

Geothermic Chill.......2007-06-22

Mossy dark and loamy, the Earth installment is another low-key success in the phenomenally exquisite Elemental Chill series. Although it's not as passionate as Fire or as fluidly fun as Water, it's still just as perfectly produced.

You've got tender dashes of ethnic flair ("Spanish Wind" and "Missione A Bombay"), eloquent swirls of swampy sonorousness ("Skyscraper" and "September"), and songs that'll lower your blood pressure even as they excite your brain waves ("Shadow of a Bee"). "Earth" mixes smooth, soulful jazz (Praful's "Sigh"), canyon-deep ambience (Melvin's "Magnolia"), and light-eyed beachcomber beauty (Yonderboi's "Pabadam") into a single, uninterrupted and relaxing ride. Notable without being obtrusive, classy without being too clever, and combining equal parts salsa and sigh, this is pretty much the pinnacle of what any good chill album wants to be.

Whether you're looking for a sonic tapestry for a late-night get together, or whether you need something subtle to hush up the silence while you study, read, write, or work, or even if you just want an album to dance with the mood of an intimate moment, this is, without exaggeration, a perfect choice. If you are a fan of any kind of chill, I have no doubt you'll want this album and its friends in your music library.

Sexy smooth cool.......2004-12-04

Ah what can I say, I absolutely adore this CD! This was the first one that I played, though I bought the Air and Earth at the same time. The reason why these CDs are excellent to me is that they blend one song into the other...a seamless stream of melodic, dreamy, sexy, danceable music. You definitely should treat yourself to the entire collection. I never tire of listening to these selections...the first song on the Earth CD is especially sexy!

Earthy and delightful.......2003-08-13

Picked this up just the other day in a used-CD store. I hadn't heard of even one of the artists, but I am a sucker for pretty packaging, so I decided to take a chance.

I'm in love! Tracks like "Missione A Bombay," "Cadence," and "Sigh" are all perfect for easy-listening...in fact, this relaxed me so much that I used it last night to help me get to sleep. The name "Earth" is quite apt for this part of the series--every track made me want to put down roots and dance at the same time. I would recommend this to any easy-listening, new-age, world music, or jazz buff.

If the rest of the series is half this good, I'm buying all of them.

superior chillout.......2003-01-22

as a junkie of the recent spate of european imports, i am so happy to find a series that breaks open the diluted chillout genre. this is dope stuff! and from an american label this is so overdue. i have all the elemental cds and though i like them all very much i like the moodiness in this one. it's not a completely downtempo cd, there are rhythms and grooves that will get even the serious couch potato moving. the nicola conte track, "missione a bombay" ,is a standout, as is the max melvin (who is this?) track and it ends with the delightful "london in the rain" by variety lab. overall the selection is unique, diverse and very hip. A+

Average customer rating:

Perfect Mellow Background
Fantastic CD
superb lounging music

Elemental Chill 3: Air
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Kriztal Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Elemental Chill, Vol. 2: Earth
Elemental Chill 4: Water
Elemental Chill 1: Fire
Vintage Chill, Vol. 1: Spring
Vintage Chill, Vol. 4: Winter

ASIN: B00006SF9V
Release Date: 2002-11-26

Tracks:

Before You Leave - Nor Elle
Sky Colors (Blend Mix) - Makis Ablianitis
Co-lette - Gerd
Theme From Abbadesses Street - Soulstance
Dreaming Out Loud - Billy Paul Williams
Delirium (Fila Brazillia Mix) - Euphoria
Blue Angel (Atomhockey Rmx) - Slop Shop
Breakfast with Abductees - Sven Van Hees
Dream of A Place - Spooky Monkey
Where Are You? - SuZy
Whatever - Max Melvin
Just An Illusion - David Basho
Time is the Enemy - Quantic
So Easy - Ropp
Slapping Detectives - E.D. Swankz

Album Description

The Elemental Chill Series is comprised of four CDs, each one representing a different element found in nature, Fire, Earth, Air and Water. Each CD is carefully compiled to reflect the mood that each element evokes. Volume 3 in the Elemental Chill series, Air, is the quietest CD in the group with 15 tracks reflecting the chilled ambience of lightness. The epitome of chillout.

Customer Reviews:

Perfect Mellow Background.......2004-12-16

I have all the Elemental Chills (except Water, which I intend to remedy!), and this is surely the most light and calm. It is perfect to listen to while you are working (I have an office job). "Air" flows along so seamlessly, it is like a gentle soundtrack to your day. With smooth transitions and such a mellow sound, this disc never interferes with a phone call or other multi-tasking project. In fact I find that this CD helps the time pass along as easily as the music does.

Fantastic CD.......2004-12-04

I own the Air and the Earth Elemental Chill compilations and I will say that it is the best Chill collections that I have ever heard! Why? For one simple but fantastic reason, the songs blend into each other, which is very good for when you are dancing up a storm or creating a fire in the bedroom...no one to five second silences until the next song comes on. I love these CD's so much...soon I will have them all!!!!Yeay!

superb lounging music.......2003-01-22

this is just pure chill... and good at that. so many different flavors coming together in a mix that is seamless and in tune with the very sensual sound that results. many people prefer the uptempo vibe but this is chillout to recline to. get on the sofa, froth up the fireplace and get close to your special someone. this is the soundtrack for a winter's night.

Average customer rating:

Smooth Sailing
Very nice lounge ambient sound
One of my FAVORITE Chill CD's
Once again FANTASTIC!
Superior chillout set

Elemental Chill 4: Water
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Kriztal Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Elemental Chill 3: Air
Elemental Chill 1: Fire
Elemental Chill, Vol. 2: Earth
Vintage Chill, Vol. 2: Summer
Vintage Chill, Vol. 1: Spring

ASIN: B00006SF9O
Release Date: 2002-11-26

Tracks:

Nota Bossa - Funky Lowlives
Itchy Feet - Leggo Beast
Orson - Nuspirit Helsinki
LEnergie Irradiait feat. Louise Vertigo - Mum
Eclipse (Afronaught Nocturnal Dub) - Kyoto Jazz Massive
Destinations - Schmoov!
Memphis Freeway - S-Tone Inc.
Sofisticata (Nicola Conte Soft Samba Strings Remix) - Montefiori Cocktail
Sunseeker - Adelphi
Birds Eye View (Rhythmic Remix) - Uman
String Vibe - Plastyc Buddha
Its A Knockou -- Fila Brazillia
Bar Rumba - Mo Horizons

Amazon.com

Assuming that the world really needs another "chill" compilation, this fourth album in the Elemental Chill series offers a solid mix to accompany the late-night cocktail of your choice. In keeping with the first three volumes, the collection's title refers to an element: water, in this case. It's a suitable reference given the liquid nature of transitions like the one that joins Nuspirit Helsinki's "Orso" with "L'Energie Irradiait" by Mum (not to be confused with Iceland's Múm). Other highlights include Nicola Conte's Soft Samba Strings remix of Montefiori Cocktail's "Sofisticata," Kyoto Jazz Massive's "Eclipse," and the loose, acoustic rhythms of Mo' Horizons's "Bar Rumba." If you can squeeze room into your collection for another new-blue mix, complete with all the lounge clichés, downtempo dreaminess, and occasional surprises you've come to expect, then Elemental Chill, Volume 4 should satisfy. --Matthew Cooke

Customer Reviews:

Smooth Sailing.......2007-06-27

One of the entries in the Elemental Chill catalogue. Earth and Air are the standouts, with Water and Fire satisfactory, featuring more jazz and funk vibes.

Very nice lounge ambient sound.......2006-03-16

Always on the lookout for mellow lounge music for late evening work, I found this album while listening to other stuff on Amazon.com. It has just enough variation, jazz overtones, and beat to keep it interesting. I also bought Fire and am planning to get Air and Earth as well. This is good quality stuff, not like the music that is completely orchestrated on a electric keyboard.

One of my FAVORITE Chill CD's.......2006-03-11

I am a HUGE Chill fan and just happened to stumble upon this in Traverse City, Michigan. It is a beautiful mix and blend of mellow "beats" n Jazz.

If you are looking for a fun way to enjoy a laid back afternoon - this one is worth it. I am looking forward to getting some of the others.

Once again FANTASTIC!.......2005-01-13

Though this is not my favorite out of the four, it is like the others worth buying. I am totally addicted to these CDs! I suppose since they have covered all of the elements, this will be the last one? Perhaps they will try the planets next! I hope to hear more.

Superior chillout set.......2003-01-05

I've only bought the "Water" volume in this series so far, but if it is any indication of the quality of the other volumes, then Elemental Chill is winner on all counts. Seamless blending of the tracks and the packaging is tres' cool.

Average customer rating:

Groove 'n great
The best of the four
I love it!
Zesty and Tempered, Together as One!
I Agree!!!

Elemental Chill 1: Fire
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Kriztal Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Elemental Chill, Vol. 2: Earth
Elemental Chill 4: Water
Elemental Chill 3: Air
Vintage Chill, Vol. 2: Summer
Vintage Chill, Vol. 1: Spring

ASIN: B00006SF9U
Release Date: 2002-11-26

Tracks:

Quanto Tengo Que Esperar - Afrit
Avenue LAmour - Naomi
Diving - MikaDelta
He Said (Instrumental) - Sun Trust
Breathing Space - Compendium
Magic Single Barrel (Mo Horizons Restyle) - La Taverne du Lac
Kalas - Butti 49
So Tinha Que Ser Com Voce (Original Lounge Mix) - DJ Marky
Elevator (Herbaliser Remix) - Jaffa
Superspectral (Cabana Remix) - The Tao of Groove
Under My Sensi (Les Demons Flowers Mix) - Boozoo Bajou
Preguicoso - Intuit
Pandajero - Cantoma
Love From the Sun - Geb.el

Album Description

The Elemental Chill Series is comprised of four CDs, each one representing a different element found in nature, Fire, Earth, Air and Water. Each CD is carefully compiled to reflect the mood that each element evokes. Volume 1 in the Elemental Chill series, Fire, is a very upbeat affair. From relaxed, but sunny lounge, to bright, electronic pop, this compilation is the perfect accompaniment to an outdoor cocktail party or a day at the pool. Grab that sunscreen and soak up the vibes!

Nominated for The AFIM Indie Award for Best Electronica Album 2002.

Customer Reviews:

Groove 'n great.......2007-04-18

I probably have too many compilations and a slew of chill music but this one hangs in there on the rotation because of the Latin influences, I suppose. The music does have the chill out vibe but it has enough umpf to be lazy dance grooves. The mix is interesting, seemless for the most part without much of a transition as if a deejay were playing your own get together or at yopur house. The exotic nature of the disc gives it an edge over the competition. Naomi's "Avenue L'Amour" exemplifies the point with the French language underneath the thumping beatz as the harmonies shine through for a very sensual dance groove. The jazzy nature of the tracks is another selling point with some tracks being completely instrumental. If you like stuff like St. Germain's "Tourist" than you will like these tracks. If you like your mix to have a little samba to liven things up than you got it here. Right in th middle of the disc are a few Brazilianesque songs . "Kalas" gets the sambaesque beat going and then "So Tinha Que Ser Com Voce" fills in the gaps to complete the Rio carnival tour. Later on in the disc the samba beat is revived with "O Preguicoso" by Intuit, complete with driving beatz puntuated by flute. This is a grat soundtrack to play to stimulate creative expressions between people or for self expression in the arts. Recommended for your electronica collection.

The best of the four.......2005-05-28

I loved this CD as soon as the sound came through my speakers. My wife initially did not like it until she heard it a second time. I can't seem to locate it anymore. I'm considering buying another copy.

I love it!.......2005-01-13

Like all of them, this CD is excellent also. Though Elemental Chill Vol. 2 Earth is still hands down the most elegant, sexy, divine CD of the entire collection. Okay, you have the buy the entire Elemental Chill collection because if you are missing one, you are missing something for sure.

Zesty and Tempered, Together as One!.......2004-12-16

I want to say this volume of Elemental Chill is my favorite, but in reality they are all excellent. "Fire" displays an attitude and a slightly more lively quality than the other volumes I currently own (Fire, Earth and Air). All the Elemental discs have their own mood, and for me "Fire" inspires creativity. I have listened to this disc while painting and found the results quite satisfactory!

I Agree!!!.......2004-06-01

Elemental Chill Fire is the best of the 4. ( I have all four CD's in the set.) Great mix and flow of songs, I never tire of this one.
I agree with the other two reviewers.

Average customer rating:

Scream Dracula, Scream
90's Punk Classic
SOOOOOO GOOD!!!
Import?!

Scream, Dracula, Scream!
Rocket from the Crypt
Manufacturer: Elemental
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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RFTC
The State of Art Is on Fire/Plays the Music Machine
Drive Like Jehu
Circa: Now!
All Systems Go, Vol. 2

ASIN: B000024KM1
Release Date: 2003-12-02

Tracks:

Middle
Born in '69
On a Rope
Young Livers
Drop Out
Used
Ball Lightning
Fat Lip
Suit City
Heater Hands
Misbeaten
Come See, Come Saw
Salt Future
Burnt Alive

Album Description

1995 album deleted in the US. 14 tracks including 'Middle', 'Born In '69', 'On A Rope' & 'Young Lovers'.

Customer Reviews:

Scream Dracula, Scream .......2006-12-14

One of the more underrated punk/rock bands out there. Great Rock'N'Roll with some punk touches here and there. As I think this album is now out of print, it's totally worth the $20.00, heck I'd probably pay more if I didn't already own this.

90's Punk Classic.......2006-11-12

RFTC is one of the great bands to forward the punk sound in the 90's. A great mix of aggression, horns, showmanship and pop sensibility RFTC is both a great live and studio band. Scream Dracula Scream is their fine hour and a must for any fan of the early 90's music scene.

SOOOOOO GOOD!!!.......2006-07-20

RFTC is a great band, and this CD is well worth your money.

Import?!.......2002-10-08

From beginning to end, this is classic RFTC...probably the band's best known/loved album (featuring one of the band's best-known songs, "On A Rope").....

Average customer rating:

My favorite Libana CD...
A Little Better Than A Circle Is Cast
Uplifting, singable music
Fire Within
Libana is a fantastic all women vocal group

Fire Within
Libana
Manufacturer: Ladyslipper
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

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A Circle Is Cast
Night Passage
Let It Begin Now
She Changes
Goddess Chant

ASIN: B0000000A2
Release Date: 1994-07-26

Tracks:

Fire Within
Hotaru Koi
Treeplanter's Round
Con El Viento
Good Friends
Kona Kai Opua I Ka Lai
O Virgo Splendens
Rise Up O Flame
Neesa
Lullaby
Clear Horizon
OdeTo Contentment
I Will Be Gentle With Myself
Now I Walk In Beauty
Be Like A Bird
Lo Yisa Goy
Kwaheri
And She Will Rise

Customer Reviews:

My favorite Libana CD..........2002-07-09

I've been into Libana for over 10 years, and this is by far my favorite, even surpassing "A Circle is Cast." The songs are easy to chant/sing along to and are life/earth affirming, rhythmic and soothing. I particularly am fond of Treeplanter's Round, Con el Viento, Lullaby, Ode to Contentment, Now I Walk in Beauty, and most especially, Be Like a Bird. Even my husband has begun to appreciate Libana through this CD, which is a real breakthrough.

A Little Better Than A Circle Is Cast.......2002-06-05

Just like their other album, it includes songs about the Judeo-Christian Deity. If I wanted that I'd buy one of the countless albums about Jesus! And like A Circle Is Cast the songs are too short and somewhat hard to understand.

To be honest, Libana kind of reminds me of Enya who I'm also not crazy about.

Uplifting, singable music.......2002-03-12

I bought the cassette maybe ten years ago and fell in love. There is a guided meditation, some great circle chants and even a girl scout campfire song! Feminine without being offensively feminist, and somehow delivering the feeling of being very personal. I wish I understood the Spanish: Con El Viento is lovely. Music translates well into other philosophies (some come from other philosophies). Buy it, you'll like it!

Fire Within.......2001-11-24

Some of the songs are great for meditatng

Libana is a fantastic all women vocal group.......1999-01-10

First buy A Circle is Cast, then buy this, if for no other reason than for the Swedish Lulliby.

Average customer rating:

Spare, sparkling Celtic ballads with subtle shades of things to come
Lady Loreena's Debut
I love the harp music.
Loreena is The Best
A few gems, but not her best work

Elemental
Loreena McKennitt
Manufacturer: Quinlan Road
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Parallel Dreams
The Visit
The Mask and Mirror
An Ancient Muse
A Winter Garden: Five Songs for the Season

ASIN: B000000LXB
Release Date: 1994-01-20

Tracks:

Blacksmith
She Moved Through The Fair
Stolen Child
The Lark in The Clear Air
Carrighfergus
Kellswater
Banks of Claudy
Come By The Hills
Lullaby

Amazon.com

This 1985 album represents the debut of Loreena McKennitt. If there was justice in the world, it would have represented her commercial breakthrough. (That didn't come until 10 years later). Though her work became more complex as time passed, all the elements were already in place: her beautiful voice, ethereal arrangements, and her exotic adaptations of traditional songs. McKennitt is smarter than Enya and a better singer to boot. Her version of William Blake's "Lullaby," the best yet put on CD, is alone worth the price of this CD. --Charles R. Cross

Customer Reviews:

Spare, sparkling Celtic ballads with subtle shades of things to come.......2006-10-01

This is Loreena McKennitt unplugged, on what is--to my knowledge--her first album. These are gentle, wistful songs, primarily minor in flavor and performed in a fairly traditional manner. "Elemental" is a short CD, only about 33 minutes long. Eight of its nine songs are vocals--mostly Loreena singing in her sweet, lilting voice to her own harp accompaniments, although gentle additions of acoustic bass, accordion, synthesizer, cello, guitar and occasional multitracks of her own voice sometimes enhance the pieces as well. "Carrighfergus" is a duet with singer and guitarist Cedric Smith, and Lullaby is a poem by William Blake, read by Douglas Campbell and accompanied by McKennitt's vocalise and instrumentation. Other guest artists include cellist Pat Mullin and acoustic bass player George Greer. There's none of the bodaceous intensity and world music instrumentations of McKennitt's later work (like "The Mask and the Mirror" and "The Book of Secrets") but a delicate, dreamy magic drifts through this album that is delightfully restful and soothing. And her deft, delicate, evocative arrangements of harp and harmony, even at this early stage of her career, stand out as something special. Follow Loreena McKennitt's development as a musician and composer by collecting all her wonderful works! Her next release after "Elemental" was "To Drive the Cold Winter Away," followed by "Parallel Dreams." Try also the work of Kim Robertson and Aine Minogue, two more elegantly innovative harpists and composers.

Lady Loreena's Debut.......2004-06-13

"Elemental" is the 1985 debut album by the multi-talented Loreena McKennitt. The album is a beautiful, celtic masterpiece, with Loreena taking traditional songs & poems, and putting her own angelic stamp on every single one of them. With her heavenly voice and exquisite harp playing & arrangements, Loreena casts her spell over the listener with the greatest of ease. "Blacksmith," "Stolen Child," "Carrighfergus" (a gorgeous duet between Loreena and Cedric Smith), "Banks Of Claudy," and the powerful William Blake poem with musical accompanyment, "Lullaby," are all standouts. Loreena McKennitt is a lady I have the utmost respect & admiration for, as she truly is a very special, unique artist. "Elemental" is an outstanding debut.

I love the harp music........2004-03-27

When I first got this album I was pretty disapointed. The only album I'd gotten so far was live in Paris and Toronto, so when I heard Elemental I thought it would have lots of music. I was wrong.
About a monthe lator I got it out and started listening to it again. At that point the only songs I liked on it were 'Stolen child' by Yeats and 'Come by the hills', which is a rather jolly song. However, after I listened to it about a million times I started to like the other songs.
Kellswater makes absolutely no sense, everyone in my family has agreed.
Carrighfergus... well.. when I first heard this I was extreemly freaked out because it wasn't Mckennitt singing. It was some guy. But when theres a song I really dislike I end up paying so much attention to it that I end up loving it. So I love this song. It cracks me up.
Blacksmith was also sung by Ed Mcurdy and put on his 'Bawdy songs'album(to my knowlage). Despite that rep it's a really good song.
Banks of the Claudy is quite nice. I like the seagull effects.
Lullaby sounds like an insperational tape. Mom likes it.
Going back to Stolen Child, My sister hates it and Mom and I love it, so we cancel her out. It's a great song but the dog effects are questionable. I just ignore them.
I only gave it four stars because I like more music.
Buy this Cd! You won't regret it!

Loreena is The Best.......2003-08-21

You will never, in my opinion, hear a more beautiful voice!

A few gems, but not her best work.......2003-08-15

Loreena McKennitt's voice is one of the purest, most enchanting, most refined (and yet still raw and natural) that I have heard in a long time. One of my favourite singers for the beautiful quality of her voice, and one of my favourite artists for the polished perfection of her songs.

I own every album she's made except for Parallel Dreams (and I'm working on changing that), and while Elemental is not my favourite (that honour goes to The Book of Dreams), it is still very good.

The overall feel of the album is not a unified one, and the CD as a whole doesn't leave me feeling revived/passionate/exhausted or really anything at all, unlike her later CDs. But taken individually, some of the songs on here are absolute gems.

In particular, listen to Stolen Child, a setting of the poem by W.B. Yeats - I may be biased, having loved that poet for years and especially this poem, but the melody works so perfectly with Yeats' words that you might think he'd had that tune in mind when writing the poem. A few extra sound effects towards the end and beginning of the track also add to it.

Another really lovely one on this pitiably short album is She Moved Through The Fair. Delicate, subtle, and brief - it's like a tear drop, or a small, perfect crystal.

In the end, I would recommend this album to anyone who is already a fan of McKennitt and wants to add to their collection, but if you're only planning on buying one McKennitt CD, you may wish to look elsewhere.

Elemental
Average customer rating:

Adult contemporary. The Fixx?

music listener

"From high of highs to depths of sorrow"

Fixx's comeback LP fails to re-capture magic

OVERLOOKED

Elemental
The Fixx
Manufacturer: Sanctuary Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
General | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
General | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

React

1011 Woodland

Ink

Walkabout

Missing Links

ASIN: B0000061RF
Release Date: 1998-04-07

Tracks:

Two Different Views
Going Without
Is That It?
Happy Landings
Silent House
Fatal Shore
Ocean Blue
You Know Me
We Once Held Hands
Life Is Killing Me

Album Description

1 CD studio album + Live 2 CD set: It's not surprising that The Fixx were still around--with the same core lineup of singer Cy Curnin, guitarist Jamie West-Oram, keyboardist Rupert Greenall and drummer Adam Woods--nearly 15 years after their period of greatest commercial success. Plenty of MTV-era stars are still plying their trade, after all. What is surprising is that 12 years after their last US hit single, "Secret Separation," The Fixx were able to release 1998's ELEMENTAL on a major US label, proving how popular the group's streamlined art rock is elsewhere in the world, especially in Europe. ELEMENTAL is not far removed from The Fixx's other '90s albums. Having moved away from the art rock impenetrability of early hits such as "One Thing Leads to Another," the group created a smooth, mature pop not far removed from other grown-ups the likes of Peter Gabriel, Genesis, or even Enya.

Album Details

Special Triple CD Combination Box Set of the Group's "Elemental", "1011 Woodland Ave-live" and "1011 Woodland Ave. V.2".

Customer Reviews:

Adult contemporary. The Fixx?.......2003-12-31

I can not believe this is The Fixx. I lost track of them at Ink and was pleased to see there are a couple of newer albums I had not known of; the Fixx are one of my favorites for such a long time, but this??? This album has few Fixx qualities other than Cy Curnin's voice. Why does this album sound so boring and bad and just plain cliche in all it attempts, I do not know why. I believe one reason I can not stomach this album is the missing Dan K. Brown on bass. His influence on The Fixx funk is larger than the little credit he gets, he kept them on a serious groove for so long, now their sound is closer to American Idol-styled bastardization than anything else.

Oh well, I still love the Fixx, but this made-for-adult contemporary poop is not worth it.

music listener.......2003-12-10

We live in a world of obvious perpetual change and as we evolve, so does that of music, and life. We live in a very different society today than we did when the Fixx recorded their(last album to date,prior too..) album 'Inc'.
As reflected in these perpetually changing and different times so does that of the music produced by the Fixx. Good base lines, clean sound in every song, well produced, compositions very well written and performed. A mature band, that has grown and changed with the times. An excellent new album. Maybe one of their best. And one last note, to the reviewer that couldn't find something "funky", give track 6 Fatal Shore a good close listen, from beginning to end. Then listen again.....

"From high of highs to depths of sorrow".......2003-12-06

As a longtime FIXX fan, I was very happy when Elemental was released and I was finally able to see the band live in a small bar in Chico, California. Elemental almost captures that early 1980s magic that was the FIXX. It starts out to be five-star material. The single "Two Different Views" is one of the best songs they've released in a long time. It is a soothing number with wonderful acoustic guitar. "Is That It?" is one of the heaviest songs the FIXX has ever recorded and sounded fantastic live. "Happy Landings" is a nice slow song and "Silent House" is a haunting track that would have fit quite snugly on the Phantoms album. Unfortunately, the last three tracks on Elemental ends the album on a very sour note. "You Know Me" sports the following lyrics: "So don't judge a book by its cover Don't count your chickens before they hatch We're all looking for that super lover" and "Life's What's Killing Me" is just plain bad, so down goes the grade. While it is no Reach the Beach or Shuttered Room, Elemental is pure FIXX. Cy Curnin and the band sound great. Casual fans may want to pass on this one but any FIXX fanatic from long ago or newcomer who can't get enough of the FIXX will enjoy having this CD in their collection.

Fixx's comeback LP fails to re-capture magic.......2003-06-10

By C.S.

If you want to talk about New Wave with a distinctive sound, then look no further than the London based outfit known as the Fixx
Channeled through the efforts of vocalist Cy Curnin, the supporting cast members Adam Woods(drums), Dan K. Brown on bass (who came on board between the "Phantoms" and 1986's "Walkabout") Jaime West Oram (guitars), and the swooping synth / keyboard sounds of Rupert Greenall, the band always craftily dropped political bombs with complex, and progressive funk- based sounds that put them ahead of other outfits.
After "Saved By Zero" and the"Reach The Beach" LP hit big on North American shores in 1983, allowing for their first record "Shuttered Room" to recieve exposure along with the success of "Phantoms", the eccentric sound and the New Wave genre as a whole, seemingly had hit it's peak.
"Walkabout" (arguably their best effort)Calm Animals"!(1989) and "Ink"(1991),were released without much fan fare. It seemed as though British New Wave and groups that were like minded were a thing of the past.
Almost eight years pased until the release of this record, "Elemental" in 1999.

The trademark gloss is used in a scaled down manner fashion, which after a number of years on the sidelines,was to be expected. As time changes,so does music. A key element that would seem fitting for an album named "Elemental" was missing and that was the FUNKY element. No You Chase The Fire" or "Built For The Future"'s here. Only "You Know Me" fits into that realm, and the punch is less potent than that of the best work on "Ink", arguably, along with "Calm Animals" the spottiest album the band ever released.

From Track Four "Happy Landings" to slightly slower tracks like "Silent House, Fatal Shore, Ocean Blue to "You Know Me",the album saves some measure of face,narrowly escapings from being burned and buried beyond recognition.

The expectations placed on a super- group like The Fixx are often times brutal and unfair.
When ther are lineup changes and/ or long breaks chemistry can take time. First LP in almost eight years can lead to a few mistakes.
Unfortunately for Cy and the band, "Elemental"is littered with plenty errors, making it a bumpy ride listening wise.Even the die- hard fans may find this record hard to play along with. Not anywhere as high in quality as their classic LP's like "Reach The Beach, Walkabout,or Shuttered Room" "Elemental" falls into the second -tier of The Fixx catalog as a two (2)- star record.

C.S.
6-9-03

OVERLOOKED.......2002-08-07

I have always been a fan of the Fixx. They have recorded a significant amount of great music over the years which has barely been noticed. Elemental is a solid album which features what could be the best song the Fixx has ever recorded "Two Different Views". For this song alone the album is a worthwhile purchase. If this song had been a single back in the early 1980's when the Fixx enjoyed their greatest commercial success it would have been huge.

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