Light and Shade [Import]

Product Description
After 33 Years in Music 2005 Brings a New Era for Mike Oldfield. Earlier 2005, Mercury Records were Honoured that an Artist with Such an Unquestionable Musical Heritage Chose them as his New Home. The First Fruit of this Partnership is a Stunning Double Album Entitled Light and Shade. With Light and Shade Mike Oldfield Has Presented a Collection of Songs that Sit Proudly Amongst the Many Classic Moments in an Amazing Career. He is an Artist Like No Other and He Continues to Produce Timeless, Unique and Inspirational Music that Will Enthral Listeners for Many Years to Come.

Light and Shade,Mike Oldfield,Universal Int'l,England,Pop,Progressive Electronic,Rock,Rock/Pop

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Light and Shade [Import]

Average customer rating: Another Great album by the best Mike Oldfield and M&M's Music for Soaring Accross the Atlantic Very good album, although it's like Jean-Michel Jarre very good

Light + Shade Mike Oldfield Manufacturer: Ume Imports ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Electronic | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Exposed Mike Oldfield - Live at Montreux 1981 Tubular Bells III Hergest Ridge Amarok ASIN: B000B5KEUK Release Date: 2006-01-10

Tracks:

1. Angelique
2. Blackbird
3. Gate
4. First Steps
5. Closer
6. Our Father
7. Rocky
8. Sunset
9. Prde Toi [*]
10. U-Myx Format: Quicksilver/Our Father/Slipstream/Angelique [CD-Rom ...]

Tracks:

1. Quicksilver
2. Resolution
3. Slipstream
4. Surfing
5. Tears of an Angel
6. Romance
7. Ringscape
8. Nightshade
9. Lakme [Fruity Loops][*]

Album Description

After 33 Years in Music 2005 Brings a New Era for Mike Oldfield. Earlier 2005, Mercury Records were Honoured that an Artist with Such an Unquestionable Musical Heritage Chose them as his New Home. The First Fruit of this Partnership is a Stunning Double Album Entitled Light and Shade. With Light and Shade Mike Oldfield Has Presented a Collection of Songs that Sit Proudly Amongst the Many Classic Moments in an Amazing Career. He is an Artist Like No Other and He Continues to Produce Timeless, Unique and Inspirational Music that Will Enthral Listeners for Many Years to Come.

Album Details

After 33 Years in Music 2005 Brings a New Era for Mike Oldfield. Earlier 2005, Mercury Records were Honoured that an Artist with Such an Unquestionable Musical Heritage Chose them as his New Home. The First Fruit of this Partnership is a Stunning Double Album Entitled "Light and Shade". With "Light and Shade" Mike Oldfield Has Presented a Collection of Songs that Sit Proudly Amongst the Many Classic Moments in an Amazing Career. He is an Artist Like No Other and He Continues to Produce Timeless, Unique and Inspirational Music that Will Enthral Listeners for Many Years to Come. Includes "Pres De Toi" and "Lakme (Fruity Loops)" that Do Not Appear on the USA Equivalent.

Customer Reviews:

Another Great album by the best.......2007-04-30

This guy just makes great music. That's all you need to know.

Mike Oldfield and M&M's.......2006-03-11

Forrest Gump's Mama used to say, "Life is like a box of chocolates..." If that's true, then Mike Oldfield is like a bag of M&M's - colorful, yummy, but not surprisingly a lot like the bag you had last week.
Let me clarify.
To me, there is a very common thread running through several Oldfield albums of the last decade or so. These are 'Songs of a Distant Earth,' 'Voyager,' and 'Tres Lunas.' These albums all sound very similar to me. This is not to say that I don't love them, I do. 'SoaDE' and 'Voyager' are both near the top of my Oldfield favorites list. I'm also not terribly concerned that several songs from 'Light & Shade' are reworked from 'Tres Lunas.' I like when an artist can effectively reuse themes and elements to create very different things (although I think 'TB 2003' wasn't quite different enough).
I guess it's hard for someone who has been making music as long as Mike to break new ground, but I'll keep buying his albums nonetheless. Has it really been 33 years? Holy moly!

Music for Soaring Accross the Atlantic.......2006-03-04

I picked up this album recently during a stop at London Gatwick while looking for something new to listen to during my flight across the Atlantic. I did hesitate in making the purchase, but I am glad I finally bought it. I popped the first CD (soon to be followed by the second) into my laptop and listened away. The next couple of hours flew by. There is some amazing stuff on these CDs with a couple of weaker tracks. This certainly isn't the best Mike Oldfield album in my opinion (I consider Songs of Distant Earth my favorite) but it is defiantly a strong performance and worthy of inclusion in any Oldfield collection.

Very good album, although it's like Jean-Michel Jarre.......2006-02-05

I'm for a long time a fan of Mike Oldfield and for me 'The songs of distant earth' is the best album. 'Light and shade' is definitely an album you must hear a couple of times, before you get it. It is a pity the best song on the album is 'Lakme', only appears on the UK-special version. At some points I think Mike had made an album together with my other favorite, Jean-Michel Jarre. Not al the songs are very original, I suppose.

very good.......2005-12-14

I've been an oldfield fan for longer than i can remember,
and while some prefer such albums as 5 miles out, and others albums like guitars, I think it's safe to say that the diversity of Mike's music allows everyone to at least like 'some' of his work.

I'm a Tubular Bells man, I can't get enough of it, I hope he brings out many more versions I listen to it nearly every day and I keep finding other bits of it to appreciate.

light + shade is amazing, it's simply beautiful.

Mike once said he made music because he wanted music to listen to, and didn't feel that there was much stuff out there he enjoyed listening to.

beautiful, let that guitar play


Oli

Average customer rating: New Transition VERY UPBEAT End of An Era Interesting data format I really like it...

Light + Shade Mike Oldfield Manufacturer: Universal ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Electronic | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mike Oldfield - Live at Montreux 1981 Guitars Tres Lunas The Songs of Distant Earth Tubular Bells III ASIN: B000B7HY9M Release Date: 2005-11-01

Tracks:

1. Angelique
2. Blackbird
3. The Gate
4. First Steps
5. Closer
6. Our Father
7. Rocky
8. Sunset

Tracks:

1. Quicksilver
2. Resolution
3. Slipstream
4. Surfing
5. Tears Of An Angel
6. Romance
7. Ringscape
8. Nightshade

Album Description

After 33 years in music 2005 brings a new era for Mike Oldfield. Earlier 2005, Mercury Records were honored that an artist with such an unquestionable musical heritage chose them as his new home. The first fruit of this partnership is the stunning album entitled Light & Shade. With Light & Shade Mike Oldfield has presented a collection of songs that sit proudly among the many classic moments in an amazing career. He is an artist like no other and he continues to produce timeless, unique and inspirational music that will enthral listeners for many years to come.

Album Details

The First Disc is Made Up of Atmospheric 'ambient' Or 'chillout' Pieces Whilst the Second Disc is of More Up-tempo Tracks and They Are in a Darker Moodier Vein. Using New Computer and Software Technology, this Album is Oldfield's First Foray Into this Exciting New World of Music Where Anything is Possible.

Customer Reviews:

New Transition.......2007-02-03

If you're familiar with his music, then you already know how unpredictable his projects can be from one CD to the next. He is an innovator, always. Though I may not always appreciate what he's trying to do in a particular project, I always admire his genius and willingness to move through the many shades of music like a painter always experimenting with colors. Light & Shade is a 2-disc set, one titled "Light" and the other aptly "Shade." "Light" is more serene/mellow down tempo and "Shade" is filled with the more deep bass electronic style music heard in clubs. I happen to like both, but I lean more to the "Light," so I like this project from Mike. Definitely worth your time and money, especially since you're only paying the price of one. Listen to the sample tracks here and judge for yourself. But I'm still a great fan of Mike.

VERY UPBEAT.......2007-01-28

I have to admit there are only a few of his works I truly enjoy, The Songs of Distant Earth (VERY SOOTHING)Is by far his very best in my opinion but this one being opposite in beat is a good one to listen to whem you need a burst of energy. I just discovered him while looking around forsomething different. I am not an expert on his sound but some of his Cd's left me wondering just what was he thinking?. The older ones are far better. Take advantage of Amazon's ability to listen to music. Listen to this one before taking anyone else's word on what you may or not may like, You just might find it is better than the reviewer who compaired him to Picaso say's it is!

End of An Era.......2007-01-27

After reading the reviews below, I can only conclude that Mr. Kinkaid was listening to the same album I was, and everyone else something completely different. I found the whole two albums to be even more bland than Tres Lunas, and IT was elevator music with the exception of a few tracks. Understand, Mike Oldfield has delighted me for more than 35 years with awesome innovation in styles and inspired virtuosity in performance. This last album contains none of either. I, too, am sad to see the passing of a musical genius into mediocrity.

Interesting data format.......2006-12-04

I just thought I mention that the CD I got is in an interesting format. My audio CD player is happy with it, but my computer will only play some tracks using software on the CD. And I cannot locate the equivalent of the "play all" button, so I have to restart the player for each track. I suppose I can bypass this somehow, but why should I have to? It's 2am and I just want to listen to the music.
The software in question allows the user (according to the help files) modify the mix of the music and then store the resultant music to play back later on. I cannot comment on this feature since I am not too interested in mixing music, although a quick run through did not turn up any problems.
The music is OK for Mike Oldfield, but is not similar to Tubular Bells, Hergest Ridge, or Ommadawn. It more like his later, shorter, pieces.

I really like it..........2006-09-18

It's funny, I've been a fan of Mike's forever (I have the original Tubular Bells... on VINYL, for crying out loud), but I had been getting tired of the older sound. The sound he has on this double album is definitely a modern one, and one that really works for me. I can see some people who liked his older stuff not liking this, but it's apples and oranges, really. If you like the idea of Mike Oldfield doing electronica/trance/techno, you'll really like this album. If not... well... i wouldn't buy it. =)

Average customer rating: Another fine addition to the series

Lost in Boston III Various Artists - Soundtracks , Cy Coleman , Stephen Flaherty , Frank Loesser , Ralph Martin Hugh / Blane , Richard Rodgers , Harvey Schmidt , Stephen Sondheim , Charles Strouse , Jule Styne , Meredith Willson , Tom Fay , Dan Shaheen , Debbie Gravitte , Dennis Kelley , Gannon McHale , Guy Haines , Harry Groener , Jason Graae , Lindsay Ridgeway , Liz Callaway , Liz Larsen , Lynne Wintersteller , Lynnette Perry , Malcolm Gets , Michele Pawk , Patricia Ben Peterson , Paul Blankenship , Rebecca Luker , Rod Raines , Sal Viviano , Sarah Chapman , Tammy Minoff , Tim Ewing , Walter Willison , and Steve Orich Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music 1990s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Lost in Boston: Songs You Never Heard From Lost in Boston, Vol. 4 Lost in Boston II Unsung Musicals Unsung Musicals II (Studio Cast) Unsung Musicals - The Ultimate Collection ASIN: B0000014VK Release Date: 1995-04-25

Tracks:

1. Gypsy: Mama's Talkin' Soft - Lindsay Ridgeway/Sarah Chapman
2. Guys & Dolls: Travelin' Light - Malcolm Gets
3. Meet Me In St. Louis: A Bell Will Ring - Patricia Ben Peterson
4. Seesaw: Big Fat Heart - Debbie Shapiro Gravitte
5. Sweet Charity: Pink Taffeta Sample Size 10 - Lynne Wintersteller
6. The Music Man: You Don't Have To Kiss Me Goodnight - Lynnette Perry/Sal Viviano
7. 110 In The Shade: Inside My Head - Ton Raines
8. She Loves Me: Tell Me I Look Nice - Rebecca Luker
9. Where's Charley?: The Bee - Guy Haines
10. Bye, Bye, Birdie: Older And WIser - Michelle Pawk/Tammy Minoff
11. Flower Drum Song: My Best Love - Dennis Kelley
12. Where's Charley?: Your Own College Band - Walter Willison/Paul Blankenship/Tim Ewing/Gannon McHale/Dan Shaheen
13. Merrily We Roll Along: Honey - Liz Callaway/Jason Graae
14. Oklahoma!: When I Go Out Walkin' With My Baby - Liz Larsen/Harry Groener
15. Once On This Island: When Daniel Marries - La Chanze
16. Seesaw: Pick Up The Pieces - Michelle Nicastro

Customer Reviews:

Another fine addition to the series.......2001-02-13

After a bit of a slip with the second, this series was back on track with this third CD of songs cut from well-known musicals. As I mentioned in a previous review, just about any successful musical has had songs cut from it, not always because the song wasn't good, but because it no longer fit the show as updated, or a character or scene was cut (the booklet explains why each song was removed from its show). Once again, the songs are all good and the performances are wonderful. My favorites are "Mama's Talking Soft" (cut from Gypsy), "Big Fat Heart" (Seesaw), "Your Own College Band" (Where's Charley?), "When I Go Out Walkin' with my Baby" (Oklahoma!), and "Pick Up the Pieces" (also Seesaw). Bruce Kimmel was smart in using show singers instead of pop singers. I recommend the entire series. This CD features some fine songs that deserve renewed appreciation.

Average customer rating: Too Rushed, Low on Feeling Beyond mediocre Pretty voice sings pretty songs, but it's pretty mediocre... HEAVEN!!! HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brian Asawa - The Dark Is My Delight And Other 16th Century Lute Songs / Tayler Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Dowland | Dowland, John | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Asawa, Brian | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Brian Asawa - more than a day ~ music of Ned Rorem Brian Asawa - Vocalise / Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields ASIN: B000003G9X Release Date: 1997-10-14

Tracks:

1. Come Again, Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
2. His Golden Locks Time Hath To Silver Turn'd
3. Flow My Tears
4. It Was A Time When Silly Bees Could Speak
5. Sorrow, Stay!
6. Can She Excuse My Wrongs
7. A Shepherd In A Shade His Plaining Made
8. Time Stands Still
9. Go, Crystal Tears
10. I Saw My Lady Weep
11. Away With These Self-Loving Lads
12. Now Hath Flora Robb'd Her Bow'rs
13. Author Of Light, Revive My Dying Sprite
14. Come Let Us Sound With Melody The Praises
15. Oft Have I Sigh'd For Him That Hears Me Not
16. Turn Back, You Wanton Flyer
17. This Merry Pleasant Spring
18. There Were Three Ravens
19. The Dark Is My Delight
20. Willow Song
21. Miserere My Maker
22. Where The Bee Sucks
23. O Death, Rock Me Asleep

Amazon.com

As one of the leaders of an exciting new generation of countertenors, Brian Asawa benefits not only from his distinctive voice, but also from his record label's publicity machine, which has made his name and his first two recordings strongly recognized by critics and listeners. Asawa's success at the Metropolitan Opera Auditions in 1991 and his many opera performances in the United States and abroad certainly haven't hurt his career. The voice we hear is unquestionably pretty and technically refined, but its throaty, dark timbre sounds more like the efforts of a man trying to sound like a woman. He just doesn't have that uniquely male countertenor quality exemplified by three of Asawa's more engaging colleagues--Andreas Scholl, David Daniels, and Daniel Taylor. That's not to say that these performances of some of the 16th century's loveliest songs are not eminently listenable and occasionally sublime. Asawa's agile voice projects a strong character coupled with an effortless delivery that will appeal to many listeners. He has an annoying habit, however, of singing slightly behind the beat and gradually leaning into longer-held notes. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Too Rushed, Low on Feeling.......2006-03-04

I've really tried to like Brian Osawa but when I hear this CD, it sounds to me like he's faking his way through the songs, though I doubt he in fact is. It's passionless.Thankfully I bought this CD used for only $9.99 CDN. Regretably, I will likely be selling it back to the used CD store from which it came. Daniel Taylor and James Bowman's Love Bade me Welcome would be a much better selection, i bought it new and its worth every cent!

Beyond mediocre.......1999-08-26

Sorry, but this self-involved, primping prissy, gen-x "amerrican" version of lute song is a far cry from what I would have hoped to have heard from this supposed "promising" artist. The only promise we can hope for is that he stops inflicting this pap on us. If this is the future of opera, get me outta here.

Pretty voice sings pretty songs, but it's pretty mediocre..........1999-07-04

This album of 16th century songs was VERY highly recommended to me by a store clerk at my local music retailer. I did not preview the album before buying it, but was intrigued by the seeming popular nature of the albums production and promotion. As a 20th centuruy composer and performer, I have dealt extensively with the human voice, in all it's many guises and forms. Asawa's voice has a sweet and fairly clean alto character, but the desired strenth and passion of the counter tenor labeling is obviously lacking. I do not doubt that future albums, perhaps featuring a more complex instrumentation and format will show that Mr. Asawa's voice can be something more than a young alto with an overindulgent rubato complex. The album is not the worst I have heard utilizing "non-traditional" male voices, but the clarity of line and sensitivity needed to convey emotion in these songs is something that perhaps is better left to a more tenured voice. I am ooking forward to seeing what the future brings us from Mr. Asawa, but I do hope he will be braver with the timbres and colors in his voice. It is truly a shame not to let the emotive quality of the counter tenor voice lead the way over "technical" purity.

HEAVEN!!!.......1998-10-01

When you start the CD and sit back you will literally think you have died and gone to heaven! Brian Asawa is heaven on Earth!

If you have not heard anything from Brian, you are in for an extraordinary treat. Brian's voice is an incredible gift that every person should be exposed to. "The Dark is My Delight" is a wonderful display of Brian's range and vocal gifts. A collection of mostly 14th Century lute songs, it is a perfect subject for Brian's unique voice. "Come Again, Sweet Love" is a perfect opening song as it gives you his full range and style. In the beginning you cannot believe that this sweet, melodious voice can be coming from a human, muchless a male. You'll be thinking that throughout this wonderful CD.

There are few CDs that are so extraordinary but then again this is Brian's first CD. EVERYONE should listen and expose themselves to Brian Asawa's talents. He can only be looked upon as a rising countertenor star soon to be at the same level as the "great tenors!" I am not exaggerating. FIVE STARS and TWO THUMBS UP!!! There is nothing more I can say!

HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......1998-09-30

Brian Asawa is simply heaven on Earth! Nothing else can describe that wonderous voice of his. You literally feel like you have died and are hearing the angels welcome you to their kingdom. When you listen to the CD you'll understand!

The compilation of songs here are an excellent line-up for Brian. It allows him to, in a sense, tell you stories with excellent lute accompaniment. "Come Again, Sweet Love" was an excellent choice to lead off the CD as it showcases the extraordinary abilities of Brian. His sweet and melodic voice almost transports you back to the late 1500s when this song was written. In fact, you will probably get that feeling with every song on this CD but it is to Brian's abilities that we credit this.

There are very few CDs that I can/do recommend so highly. Brian Asawa is a rising star of countertenors to the same level as the "great tenors." I do not exaggerate when I say this. He has a vocal gift that must be shared with the world and the more people that hear him the better THEY are for it. FIVE STARS and TWO THUMBS UP!!! What more can I say!!!

Average customer rating: This Pretension? i plead with you..... GREAT!!!!!!!!!! Making steady progress with each album A good release

Light & Shade This Ascension Manufacturer: Projekt Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Tears in Rain Walk Softly, A Dream Lies Here Water to the Dead To Kill a King Reminiscence ASIN: B00005K9SU Release Date: 2001-06-05

Tracks:

1. Ave Maris Stella
2. Return
3. Ill Met By Moonlight
4. Chameleon Room
5. Fearful Symmetry
6. Lonely Place Of Dying
7. August Rain
8. Ashes Don't Burn
9. Exit

Customer Reviews:

This Pretension?.......2005-07-06

Sorry, not my cup of mead. Wailing in a shower ... that's what keeps coming to mind.

When I hear that much reverb and echo on a vocalist I assume the desire is to mask the inadequacies of the singer. I'm unable to tell if this is the case here.

It seems just as likely that the producer thinks the effects increases the "gothiness" of the music. Combine this though with the "progressive" bass and effected drums and the band sounds more New Age, more Prog-Rock. Think October Project, not The Damned.

i plead with you............2004-10-10

....for those fans of evanescence (sp), staind, the whole lot of misery-rock artists, i beg you, branch out, find something truly beautiful.

and that would be: THIS ASCENSION. this short-lived early 90's band made some remarkable music (although vocalist Dru is still in the music biz with another project).

This band has been categorized as "gothic", and more specifically, "ethereal", if not other categories. (if you wince at the thought of "goth", well, this isnt marilyn manson, or type o negative.) this music is hard to explain. the songs are well crafted, though-- not pop, but with hooks, beautiful melodies, crafty chord structure, etc.

"Light and Shade" is amazing. every song on it is listenable, although one shouldnt expect instant gratification (this is not commercial radio material- some songs may require a second listen).

still, there are guitars (this IS still rock and roll, after all), a vocalist with great range and whose voice texture is warm and sexy, yet piercing. the lyrics are interesting, and the drummer, honestly, kicks ass. the bassist makes his presence known as well with some good thumping licks.

know what? "sever", which is i believe TA's last studio album, is even better, but "light and shade" is a great cd. ive had this on cassette for many years, and recently bought it on cd. check out the samples here at amazon.com, and keep and open mind.

the songs are generally morose, but moving, and musically more intricate than other, current bands that try so hard to be dark and brooding.

GREAT!!!!!!!!!!.......2004-03-05

All of This Ascension's CD's are worth the investment.
Light & Shade seems the most Siouxsie & The Banshee's influence.
If you love Siouxsie do not hesitate to get this!

Making steady progress with each album.......2002-01-31

This Ascension gets better on each CD. Dru Allen's singing is more polished and confident each time, and the band doesn't hibernate in the off-season. "Light and Shade" sticks with tried-and-true themes of romance and angst, building on 1988's "Tears in Rain."

Their sound has always been as much indie as goth, and this balance keeps the songs from getting "weepy." The overall vibe is that of a college band, aware that the art students might want to dance just like everyone else.

Matt Ballesteros's drumming (yes, LIVE DRUMMING in dark music!) provides a strong backbone, and the rhythm section moves towards the classic "wall of sound." "Ave Maris Stella" starts the whole thing with a good blend of Dru's harmonies, keyboard-guitar interplay and an urgent beat. By the fourth track ("Chameleon Room"), you can tell Dru knows she sounds good. "Fearful Symmetry" would fit just fine between The Smiths and The Cure on an alternative compilation.

After a couple of more subdued songs, the upbeat instrumental "Exit" is a good bookend to "Ave Maris Stella." It kind of brings the album full circle.

If you like it moody but not mopey, This Ascension is worth the money.

A good release.......2002-01-13

This is a really good album with many different sounds within. For those of you who heard the first album "Tears in Rain", this is definately a step up. Not to say that "Tears in Rain" was bad, far from it, actually, but "Light and Shade" is just much more developed in terms of sound and vocals. More complex, If you will.

Average customer rating: This Pretension? i plead with you..... GREAT!!!!!!!!!! Making steady progress with each album A good release

Light & Shade This Ascension Manufacturer: Tess ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Tears in Rain Walk Softly, A Dream Lies Here Water to the Dead To Kill a King Reminiscence ASIN: B00000DG4N Release Date: 1995-06-20

Tracks:

1. Ave Maris Stella
2. Return
3. Ill Met By Moonlight
4. Chameleon Room
5. Fearful Symmetry
6. Lonely Place Of Dying
7. August Rain
8. Ashes Don't Burn
9. Exit

Customer Reviews:

This Pretension?.......2005-07-06

Sorry, not my cup of mead. Wailing in a shower ... that's what keeps coming to mind.

When I hear that much reverb and echo on a vocalist I assume the desire is to mask the inadequacies of the singer. I'm unable to tell if this is the case here.

It seems just as likely that the producer thinks the effects increases the "gothiness" of the music. Combine this though with the "progressive" bass and effected drums and the band sounds more New Age, more Prog-Rock. Think October Project, not The Damned.

i plead with you............2004-10-10

....for those fans of evanescence (sp), staind, the whole lot of misery-rock artists, i beg you, branch out, find something truly beautiful.

and that would be: THIS ASCENSION. this short-lived early 90's band made some remarkable music (although vocalist Dru is still in the music biz with another project).

This band has been categorized as "gothic", and more specifically, "ethereal", if not other categories. (if you wince at the thought of "goth", well, this isnt marilyn manson, or type o negative.) this music is hard to explain. the songs are well crafted, though-- not pop, but with hooks, beautiful melodies, crafty chord structure, etc.

"Light and Shade" is amazing. every song on it is listenable, although one shouldnt expect instant gratification (this is not commercial radio material- some songs may require a second listen).

still, there are guitars (this IS still rock and roll, after all), a vocalist with great range and whose voice texture is warm and sexy, yet piercing. the lyrics are interesting, and the drummer, honestly, kicks ass. the bassist makes his presence known as well with some good thumping licks.

know what? "sever", which is i believe TA's last studio album, is even better, but "light and shade" is a great cd. ive had this on cassette for many years, and recently bought it on cd. check out the samples here at amazon.com, and keep and open mind.

the songs are generally morose, but moving, and musically more intricate than other, current bands that try so hard to be dark and brooding.

GREAT!!!!!!!!!!.......2004-03-05

All of This Ascension's CD's are worth the investment.
Light & Shade seems the most Siouxsie & The Banshee's influence.
If you love Siouxsie do not hesitate to get this!

Making steady progress with each album.......2002-01-31

This Ascension gets better on each CD. Dru Allen's singing is more polished and confident each time, and the band doesn't hibernate in the off-season. "Light and Shade" sticks with tried-and-true themes of romance and angst, building on 1988's "Tears in Rain."

Their sound has always been as much indie as goth, and this balance keeps the songs from getting "weepy." The overall vibe is that of a college band, aware that the art students might want to dance just like everyone else.

Matt Ballesteros's drumming (yes, LIVE DRUMMING in dark music!) provides a strong backbone, and the rhythm section moves towards the classic "wall of sound." "Ave Maris Stella" starts the whole thing with a good blend of Dru's harmonies, keyboard-guitar interplay and an urgent beat. By the fourth track ("Chameleon Room"), you can tell Dru knows she sounds good. "Fearful Symmetry" would fit just fine between The Smiths and The Cure on an alternative compilation.

After a couple of more subdued songs, the upbeat instrumental "Exit" is a good bookend to "Ave Maris Stella." It kind of brings the album full circle.

If you like it moody but not mopey, This Ascension is worth the money.

A good release.......2002-01-13

This is a really good album with many different sounds within. For those of you who heard the first album "Tears in Rain", this is definately a step up. Not to say that "Tears in Rain" was bad, far from it, actually, but "Light and Shade" is just much more developed in terms of sound and vocals. More complex, If you will.

Average customer rating:

Light + Shade Mike Oldfield ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Electronic | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music ASIN: B000GG4W4S Release Date: 2005-11-01

Tracks:

1. Angelique
2. Blackbird
3. Gate
4. First Steps
5. Closer
6. Our Father
7. Rocky
8. Sunset
9. Quicksilver/Our Father/Slipstream/Angelique [CD-Rom ...][Mix]
10. Our Father [CD-ROM Track][Mix]
11. Slipstream [CD-ROM Track][Mix]
12. Angelique [CD-ROM Track][Mix]

Tracks:

1. Quicksilver
2. Resolution
3. Slipstream
4. Surfing
5. Tears of an Angel
6. Romance
7. Ringscape
8. Nightshade

Average customer rating:

Light & Shade Skylark Manufacturer: Claddagh Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000001LQT Release Date: 1994-07-15

Tracks:

1. Mad French
2. Brown Girl
3. Sunflower
4. Nell Mulligan's/Upon St. Nicholas's Boat
5. Cruel Wars
6. O'Donnell's Fancy, Get up Old Woman and Shake Yourself/The Star ...
7. Little Pack of Tailors
8. Frank Quinn's/Peter McArdle's
9. Factory Girl
10. Up in Smoke
11. Young and Foolish
12. Munster Bacon, the Hawk Paddy Kierce's
13. Boys of Mullaghbawn
14. Gypsy

Average customer rating:

Light & Shade Skylark Manufacturer: Claddagh Records/Celtic ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B00004RIKJ Release Date: 2006-06-27

Tracks:

1. Mad French
2. Brown Girl
3. Sunflower
4. Nell Mulligan's/Upon St. Nicholas's Boat
5. Cruel Wars
6. O'Donnell's Fancy, Get up Old Woman and Shake Yourself/The Star ...
7. Little Pack of Tailors
8. Frank Quinn's/Peter McArdle's
9. Factory Girl
10. Up in Smoke
11. Young and Foolish
12. Munster Bacon, the Hawk Paddy Kierce's
13. Boys of Mullaghbawn
14. Gypsy

Average customer rating:

Dancing Stars and Moonlit Mountains Raelene Bruinsma Manufacturer: Raelene Bruinsma ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Acoustic Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CA8ETW Release Date: 2005-08-23

Tracks:

1. Climb the Mountain
2. Something to Say
3. It Wasn't Me
4. Rosebud
5. Summermoonlight
6. It's Gonna Be Alright
7. Trouble with Timing
8. How Beautiful You Are
9. Sometimes Life Is Hard
10. Twisted
11. Dancing with the Stars
12. Reliable Love
13. Watch out Girl

Rap Music:

1. Linda Ronstadt: Greatest Hits, Volume Two
2. Listener Supported [Live]
3. Live in Paris [Live]
4. Logic Will Break Your Heart
5. Los Lonely Boys [Enhanced] [Special Edition]
6. Love Lifts Us Up: A Collection 1968-1983 [Original recording remastered]
7. Nightsongs
8. No Wow [Explicit Lyrics]
9. On Stage [Live] [Original recording remastered]
10. One Size Fits All [Original recording remastered]

Rap Music

rap music

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