Fumbling Towards Ecstasy

Amazon.com essential recording
Pre-Lilith Fair, McLachlan had critical acclaim and a cult following but was otherwise just another hard-working female singer/songwriter--one who wasn't blasting down doors with overt sexuality or popping along in front of a male Svengali. Similar in their emotional urgency to her more recent work but delightfully less polished, these folk-rock songs are surprising gems. If not for McLachlan's poignant vocals, lyrics like "Your love is better than ice cream" (on "Ice Cream") would sound childishly absurd (especially alongside deeper material like "Hold On"), but here they're given just as much respect as the weightier issues she explores. A great album to accompany your moments of introspection. --Rebecca Wallwork

Fumbling Towards Ecstasy,Sarah Mclachlan,Arista,Pop,Popular Music,Rock,Rock/Pop

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Fumbling Towards Ecstasy

Average customer rating: Must have Sarah McLachlan CD Awesome Good acoustic rock An all-time favorite love it love it love it

Fumbling Towards Ecstasy Sarah McLachlan Manufacturer: Arista ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Surfacing Afterglow Solace Mirrorball No Angel ASIN: B000002VN7 Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

1. Possession
2. Wait
3. Plenty
4. Good Enough
5. Mary
6. Elsewhere
7. Circle
8. Ice
9. Hold On
10. Ice Cream
11. Fear
12. Fumbling Towards Ecstasy

Amazon.com essential recording

Pre-Lilith Fair, McLachlan had critical acclaim and a cult following but was otherwise just another hard-working female singer/songwriter--one who wasn't blasting down doors with overt sexuality or popping along in front of a male Svengali. Similar in their emotional urgency to her more recent work but delightfully less polished, these folk-rock songs are surprising gems. If not for McLachlan's poignant vocals, lyrics like "Your love is better than ice cream" (on "Ice Cream") would sound childishly absurd (especially alongside deeper material like "Hold On"), but here they're given just as much respect as the weightier issues she explores. A great album to accompany your moments of introspection. --Rebecca Wallwork

Customer Reviews:

Must have Sarah McLachlan CD.......2007-07-08

For a rainy day, or a somber mood~ This cd will help you achieve a stress free listening experience

Awesome.......2007-06-16

It is because of THIS ALBUM that I am a true fan of Sarah McLachlan. Her voice is angeling and her lyrics are awe-inspiring. The only grievance I have is the fact that I knew nothing about her until a few years ago. Damned radio!

I'm 21 and I've never been to a Lilith Fair....I really wish Sarah, Alanis, Sheryl, and all the rest would just get together and say "Hey, we're overdue for another Fair!" God knows I'd be the first to buy a front row ticket!

This album is seriously AMAZING and it opened the door to many more amazing albums by McLachlan. At least it did for me. This album gives me the feeling equivalent of that of a kid being showered in the best candy.
Better than Ice Cream, I tell ya!

Good acoustic rock.......2007-04-16

'Fumbling towards ecstasy' is considered to be one of McLachlan's most popular pieces of work and along with 'Surfacing' one of her two best-selling albums.

It is a beautiful collection of rock ballads. The lyrics are good, the music is good, Sarah's voice is beautiful, in short it is a very good item to have in a collection. This is mainly material for people that are into rock/soft rock/ folk and enjoy the tunes of Leonard Cohen and/or Sheryl Crowe, although I can't say that any of the two are identical to her.

Next to his CD I would recommend Elisa's "Then Comes the Sun" (which in fact I favour a bit more).

And a small warning: this is exclusively good, relaxing acoustic material. It is not the type of music that will wake you up before storming for an endless night out. It definitely has quality but is not dance material, so don't buy it and then diss it...

An all-time favorite.......2007-02-15

If I were going to be on a deserted island for five years and could choose to have 50 of my favorite CDs with me, I would definitely take this one along. I haven't listened to it in a while, but I am reviewing it because I want amazon to recommend more music like this to me. Sarah is a great talent, which we all know by now, and this was my first exposure to her. I wore this CD out when I first got it quite a few years ago.

love it love it love it.......2006-12-21

need i say more? ok ..... every song could be a hit.

Average customer rating: SQ to Sarah Sweeeeet Surrender! A bad Tribute Beautiful Sounds and Spirit Did not dissapoint ME

String Quartet Tribute to Sarah Mclachlan Various Artists Manufacturer: Vitamin Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Precious Things: The String Quartet Tribute to Tori Amos String Quartet Tribute to Coldplay The String Quartet Tribute to Elton John The String Quartet Tribute to Dido The String Quartet Tribute to Norah Jones ASIN: B0000668N3 Release Date: 2002-05-21

Tracks:

1. Possession
2. Sweet Surrender
3. Adia
4. I Love You
5. Elsewhere
6. Full of Grace
7. Ice
8. Building A Mystery
9. Fumbling Towards Ecstasy
10. If I Only
11. Let Me Know

Customer Reviews:

SQ to Sarah.......2007-03-14

Nice for the first few listening sessions, but not something I could listen to over and over again. Thought it would be more beautiful.

Sweeeeet Surrender!.......2005-08-25

Ok, some people really panned this cd, but I listened to it anyway. Turns out they were wrong. This tribute CD is really awesome. At first, it didnt hit me right away, and I was really busy comparing these tracks to the originals, which was stupid and futile because they are not the same, they are a unique inerpretation of Sarah's songs. If you were expecting the same tracks as on Sarah's albums, then just go listen to Sarah's albums. If you want to hear a slightly different take on her songs, then listen to this cd.

Of all the tracks, Sweet Surrender is my favorite, because they really captured every aspect of the original song. Even the background vocals on the original track are represented beautifully with their stringed instruments. This cd is worth the price for this track alone.

The last two tracks are the quartet's own compositions, and to be honest, I really really like them too. These two tracks might not be related to Sarah in any way, but they sure sound like something she might have come up with. These musicians know their Sarah music, and Im sure this tribute makes her proud! Truly a talented bunch!

If you are a Surfacing freak like me, you will LOVE this CD. Ectofiles are too critical of this CD because they hate Surfacing and only want to hear everything prior to Surfacing.

If you are an Sarah ectofile, please dont listen to this cd so that I dont have to hear you drone about what songs are missing. Thank you!

-Patrick

A bad Tribute.......2005-02-10

I love Sarah and I love classical strings. But these pieces were really badly done. The recording isn't very good and most of the strings sound really off.

It felt like a stock band was crammed in a room for 2 days, given sheet music and plunked this out....it doesn't sound like a tribute at all.

Beautiful Sounds and Spirit.......2004-12-30

I received this CD for Christmas and I have been enjoying it ever since! A hardcore McLachlan fan, I know her music well. Listening to the instrumental string versions of her work is highly enjoyable.

Another reviewer mentioned that the 'essence of McLachlan's songs was not at all captured.' However, on the contrary, I feel that there is no better way to capture the rich melodies and chord changes -- as well as the deep spirit and soul her music possesses -- than to produce a tribute utilizing scintilating stringed instruments.

Having a love of music and a music background, I know the importance of allowing oneself to be open to different sounds, instruments, and arrangements. Even if a person decides that a certain style of music or instrument does not appeal to him/her, simply being aware of and experiencing different genres enlightens listeners.

Art and music is all about expression, so while the string quartet arrangements are meant to capture the quintessence of McLachlan's music, they have their own beautiful qualities via artistic expression. Do not steer clear of this CD just because some of you might not listen to "classical" music on a regular basis, because this is a gorgeous blend of string and emotional spirit.

Did not dissapoint ME.......2003-12-24

Contrary to what the other reviews say, I was not dissapointed by this album. The string quartet's interpretations of McLachlan's songs add a gentle, soulful quality that make this album perfect to listen to as background music. The disc has just the right mixture of both familiarity and originality that kept me interested throughout the time I listened to it. I put it on repeat and let myself get lost.

Average customer rating: Emotional, Beautiful Music Soooo Damn Good! Sarah McLachlan is WONDERFUL

Fumbling Towards Ecstasy Sarah McLachlan Manufacturer: Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Solace Rarities, B-Sides & Other Stuff ASIN: B000025GHE Release Date: 1994-10-17

Tracks:

1. Possession
2. Wait
3. Plenty
4. Good Enough
5. Mary
6. Elsewhere
7. Circle
8. Ice
9. Hold On
10. Ice Cream
11. Fear
12. Fumbling Towards Ecstasy
13. Blue [*]

Album Description

Her hit 1994 album complete with 'Blue' added as a bonus track NOT on the U.S. release! 13 tracks total, also featuring the hits 'Possession', 'Good Enough' and 'Hold On'. 1994 release.

Album Details

Asian Version featuring a Bonus Track: "Blue".

Customer Reviews:

Emotional, Beautiful Music.......2005-11-09

Tens of thousands of albums have been released since recorded music was first invented. Many of those albums were good, to very good, and some even deserve the appellation of "great." Each of these descriptions was applied to a particular album because of what the album added to our lives, our understanding of ourselves or each other, and sometimes as a call to action.

However, there is a level that transcends all of these descriptions; that of beauty and art. "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy" accomplishes exactly that. It is music as art, and achieves the aspiration of being nearly as pure art as possibly music can be.

The voice, the music, and the lyrics are perfectly blended to support and intertwine with each other in a very sensuous way. Writers try hard to match the flavor and form of their words to the thought being conveyed. Musical arrangements are made to convey a form of feeling. Lastly, the emotion of a singer's voice is shaped to help form the thoughts, ideas and feelings by the sound as much as by what is said. This album achieves each of these possibilities nearly as perfectly as I have ever heard in any album.

This album is an emotional album. It is not for wusses, because if you immerse yourself into the music, you feel Sarah's thoughts and emotions. She is an artist, and it is her art that strikes the resonant emotional chord within your soul.

The album begins with one of the most outstanding songs ever written and recorded, "Possession," a song about fame and fan obsession. The tone is lamenting and longing, and an emotional depiction of the two-edged sword of fame. On the one hand there is the joy of having your art widely accepted and appreciated, and on the other hand there is the sadness of having unbalanced fans carry their love of art past the art to the artist herself. This song is best listened to in soft light, with no distractions.

Next is "Wait," a song of longing and searching and apology, beautifully written and sung. "Plenty" is next, a song about someone who realizes that she feels emotion that her partner does not, and that there is a gap between them that she has only lately come to realize. The song by its tone seems to hope they could have stayed together, but the song ends without resolution; it is a song about what happens before the resolution.

"Good Enough" is quietly scary; beautifully sung, but about abuse. The point of the song is that there is more than "good enough," and the singer is offering it.

"Mary" offers a woman who has given of herself to others her whole life, without appreciation. And one day, she seems to wake up from what she has been doing, perhaps wondering what happened to herself while she was giving.

"Elsewhere" is a song about someone who is happy within herself, happy about what she is doing. She is making the choices that she feels are right, and those choices make her happy. Perhaps not the right choices for someone else, perhaps not her mother, but she is not her mother, she is herself.

"Circle" is sad. People losing their identity in love, smothered by the relationship rather than nurtured by it, and not recognizing they have lost themselves.

"Ice" offers up a description of shallow relationships, and the motivations between people. What one person says, and what the other believes. From her eyes he appears to have no depth, even though perhaps he pretends. Furthermore, even when he appears to have concern, what is the concern for? Himself or for what he might lose?

"Hold On" brings tears to my eyes. She is with a very dear loved one (her best friend) near the end of his time. She fears for his pain, she fears for what happens afterward. But she also cherishes each day that she gets, and hopes that each one will bring the least pain possible.

"Ice Cream" finally gives you a break from all the sadness. This song is the one bit of whimsy on the CD, a song about how good one person's love is, though compared to ice cream chocolate.

"Fear" appears to be about commitment and relationship. The fear that when you have a real relationship with someone, what you have to give may be inadequate, but by opening yourself up to another, you risk losing yourself, your identity. Indeed, at the end of the song Sarah notes that they both have a lot to lose. Relationships are investments, and when they go south, everyone suffers. The singing on this song is gorgeous, fully exploiting Sarah's voice in ways the other songs do not, accompanied by counterpoint music sewing a tapestry of feeling.

"Fumbling Towards Ecstasy" is the conclusion to what you realize is a concept album. Sarah has finished her tapestry to the fabric of life. She has talked about love, death, abuse, obsession, pain...and now she says she will not fear what happens while searching for comfort and peace...not tears, not fears, not love...

The album is dark. But the ending is a positive spin, though sung soberly, matter-of-factly. The song is about the human condition, and as humans we want to be upbeat and positive. We have so many struggles in our life, and Sarah has endeavored to list them, and explore them, and tell you at the end of it all, there is beauty in our lives, even in sorrow, pain, love, life and death. It is why we are here. Listen to the beauty of this album, and do not be afraid to shed a tear...

This imported version also includes the song "Blue." Since this imported CD is but one of several versions, I recommend you decide which version is right for your budget and needs before you buy.

Soooo Damn Good!.......2003-03-04

This album of Sarah's, in my opinion, is the best one she's come out with. Every song on this cd is awesome. I don't even know where to begin. The hidden track on 12 is an awesome rendition of Possession. It's just her and her piano. It's to die for. There are only two cd's that I have that I love the whole album. Check out my other review on Destiny's Child's second album.

Sarah McLachlan is WONDERFUL.......2000-09-15

I really like this CD. I had her other 2 and heard about this one, so I was psyched when I got it used off a friend. It's got some of the same songs (Possesion, Good Enough, Ice Cream, Fear), but they are different - she's refined them and changed them since the release of this CD. The ones that haven't been on her other CDs are good too - it's awesome to hear more of her work you didn't even know existed. There's a hidden track on it too, if you just leave it running it'll come on after the last number. I can't say enough how much I enjoy this CD... anyone who likes Sarah will love this CD.

Average customer rating:

Touch/Fumbling Towards Ecstasy Sarah McLachlan Manufacturer: Sony / Bmg Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Surfacing/Solace ASIN: B00066D0AU Release Date: 2004-11-01

Tracks:

1. Possession
2. Wait
3. Plenty
4. Good Enough
5. Mary
6. Elsewhere
7. Circle
8. Ice
9. Hold On
10. Ice Cream
11. Fear
12. Fumbling Towards Ecstasy
13. Out Of The Shadows
14. Vox
15. Strange World
16. Trust
17. Touch
18. Steaming
19. Sad Clown
20. Uphill Battle
21. Ben's Song
22. Vox (Extended)

Album Description

Import exclusive two CD set combines the Canadian singer/songwriter's 1989 & 1993 albums. Highlights include 'Vox', 'Possession', 'Ice Cream', & 'Hold On'. The import pressing of 'Fumbling Towards Ecstasy' includes Sarah's cover version of the Joni Mitchell classic 'Blue'. BMG. 2004.

Average customer rating:

Fumbling Towards Ecstasy Sarah McLachlan Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000LXMXVK

Average customer rating: FROM TEENAGE ANGST TO FEMINISM Bravo, Sarah! The best CD ever created, period. A Waste SIMPLY SIMPLY AWESOME

Fumbling Towards Ecstasy (+Bonus Track) Sarah McLachlan Manufacturer: Bmg Japan ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B000007225 Release Date: 1995-05-03

Tracks:

1. Possession
2. Wait
3. Plenty
4. Good Enough
5. Mary
6. Elsewhere
7. Circle
8. Ice
9. Hold On
10. Ice Cream
11. Fear
12. Fumbling Towards Ecstasy
13. Blue [*]

Album Details

Japanese Version featuring a Bonus Track: "Blue".

Customer Reviews:

FROM TEENAGE ANGST TO FEMINISM.......2004-04-06

This Cd is Sarah'ultimate masterpiece.Her vocals are at its best and so are the musical arrangements.She journeys through a plethora of viewpoints that a female may travel throughout her lifetime conveying a sense of piercing assertiveness and yet a ton of vulnerability.From POSSESSION to HOLD ON,from ICE CREAM to FUMBLING...,this is a must have for any pop music lover.

Bravo, Sarah!.......2000-05-21

Even though I have already reviewed this album, I just had to review it again since I didn't do it justice. Fumbling Towards Ecstasy is a poetic journey through Sarah McLachlan's deepest and most personal thoughts. As in all of her albums, she bares her soul in her music and proves she is one of the most talented singer/songwriters of our time. From the rocking Possession to the beautiful and uplifting title track, Fumbling Towards Ecstasy is an incredible journey to be taken time and again. Sarah's beautiful voice and songwriting skills are magical and so is this album. Highly recommened.

The best CD ever created, period........1999-09-07

Anyone who rates this album under 5 stars hasn't listened to it.... If you are unsure about whether or not you should buy it, just BUY it! Without even hearing one song sample - this is the best album ever created by any artist under the sun. Perfect in every sense of the word.

A Waste.......1999-07-08

Pure schlock, this is one of the worst, if not THE worst CD of all time. Even Milli Vanilli had more talent. Don;t waste your hard earned money on this garbage.

SIMPLY SIMPLY AWESOME.......1999-05-28

This superb album was given to me by a friend, Glenn. Thanks Glenn, because I can't stop listening. It's one of those albums where many of the beautiful songs subliminally capture your subconsciousness to the extent that you simply can't stop singing the same track again and again. ICE my favourite track is overpowering. The rest a real treat. Spend your money here and get real real dollar value.

Average customer rating:

Fumbling Towards Ecstasy Sarah McLachlan Manufacturer: Nettwerk ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000LZKYKK

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