Ian Too
Group: Members
Posts: 72
Joined: Aug. 2005 |
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Posted: Oct. 02 2005, 07:14 |
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Right, now I've had a chance to listen to it and at last I can talk directly about the album.
In my opinion, Light and Shade is Mike's strongest album in years, possibly since Amarok. I simply didn't realise how thirsty for this type of music I was until I got it in both ears from my trusty Sennheisers last night. Then I preferred Shade, but this morning Light is more convincing. Our Father, Angelique, First Steps, Sunset, Rocky and Blackbird all please in thier differing ways.
The piano pieces are a pleasant surprise, because in the past Mike hasn't convinced me on this instrument; he's either been unemotional like in Top of the Morning or just plain dull in Daydream. In contrast, both Blackbird and Rocky work on an emotional level, which isn't to say many pianists could not have played them better, but it is definite progress.
Angelique is just beautiful and really convinced me that all that money paid for a dedicated CD player and amp was well spent. Listening to Mike through a computer or poor stereo gives no clue to the aural depth in the recordings. Good Hi-Fi is well worth it.
Not being a fan of the late pope, I wasn't sure whether I'd enjoy Our Father; but after a couple of listens, the music is getting through and I find myself able to appreciate its gravitas.
Sunset is terrific. It is the perfect track for winding down a really good day and reflecting on it.
For me, the best track on Light has to be First Steps and that is because it has something sadly lacking on recent MO albums: developement. First steps isn't just a tune off Tres Lunas the game; it grows to a satisfying climax and uses interesting rhythms. Mike has never just recapitulated music we've heard before, new versions are always developed in some way.
On Shade: Resolution, Tears of an Angel, Ringscape and Nightshade stand out as the best tracks.
Some of you have dismissed Resolution as a poor man's version of Pink Floyd's The Great Gig in the Sky and I also found it reminiscent of a Vangelis piece from - if I recall correctly - Heaven and Hell. However, if that is as far as you've got then you're not listening, you're comparing. Resolution has depth and the soaring vocaliod and guitar work complement each other.
Tears of an Angel starts off like The Doge's Palace, but then fades and returns with a much more serious and pleasing song and has a stunning guitar solo remeniscent - if we must reminisce - of Earth Moving.
The only thing wrong with Ringscape is that it's not long enough, but then again it hits its is emotional stride quite early, before trailing away for a more contemplative period and then returning with the full bore brilliance only Mike can do. If he could make all his music this stunning, he could take over the world.
Nightshade is an interesting juxtaposition of a ringing sample and deep throated Spanish guitar and ends the album on a strong note that is very welcome.
Most of the people who have criticised this album have done so on the grounds of how it is made. Well frankly, I don't care. I react emotionally to music and this has me reacting more than I have for a long time and on that most important level, Light and Shade is a success. The music is more varied, interesting and Mike is playing his guitar fluidly. This album will be listened to regularly unlike any album since Tubular Bells III.
As for Mike's making Techno music; well, he has subsumed contemporary trends before and then moved on. It doesn't seem to take him long to extract the essence from a style and perhaps because genres are inherently limiting for a man who has had plenty of good ideas.
Finally, there are the covers, which I find dispoable with the exception of Lakme; in my opinion the most delicious joke Mike has done for ages...
Lamke has for years been used by British Airways to lend (and I do mean lend) and air of style to what is the most industrial form of travel yet inflicted on humankind. What a glorious jape then, to juxtapose one of the most delicate pieces of classical music with the most robotic and crass contemporary forms... Maybe I'm wrong, but the idea sure had me grinning so hard my head nearly fell off.
This album is definitely an up. Thank you Mike.
-------------- (-: Ian :-)
Currently reading:
What Remains to be Discovered by John Maddox
Also doing far too much decorating than is good for one
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