Beat the System

Track Listings

1. Beat the System

2. Computer Brains

3. Clean

4. It Is Finished

5. Voice in the Wind

6. God Gave Rock and Roll to You

7. Witch Hunt

8. Hollow Eyes

9. Speak to the Sky

10. Adonai

Tracks:

When I Still Need You
Secret Bliss
Mojave
Sene
Beautiful Rain
Anatomic
Mother
Dhol Dogs
Drake

Amazon.com

Their debut album broke down many tediously outdated barriers. Now the Afro-Celts are back with another genre-bursting, non-preachy, multi-culti soundscape. There has never been anything bland or generic about the ensemble's output as their concept of one-world music is less color-blind than color-appreciative; in other words, they don't ignore our differences but celebrate them. Anatomic continues an ongoing pilgrimage of respectful collaboration, wherein Western studio mastery abuts Irish flutes and percussion, harp-like West African koras, keening bagpipes, and gutty Greek bouzoukis, all presented over a resonant, crunchy bottom with beats and electronica for days. Iarla Ó Lionáird sings in English and Gaelic, sitting in with Sevara Nazarkhan from Uzbekistan (who is lovely if disembodied on "My Secret Bliss") and Dorothee Munyaneza, a genocide survivor whose soulful pipes made such a strong impression on the soundtrack to Hotel Rwanda. As always, Simon Emmerson's guitar fulfills dual roles as a melodic vector and tireless rhythmic powerhouse. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

An Antti Keisala Comment: The Temples of Sound.......2007-02-06

I'm preparing some commentary on Iarla Ó Lionáird, one of the true voices of our contemporary music. He has only released three albums so far, as much of his time has passed with this band, a sort of a super group of celtic fusion, or into whatever the brand we wish to demote them, if in the mood. So I'll start here, with their best album.

I prefer the quietude of Ó Lionáird, but the Afro Celt Sound System is, in its inexorable energy, a rather successful blend of the kind of febrile search of tapestries of sound, a play of culturally coloured and multilayered instrumentations and polyrythms, all tied together by the modern Western sonic dance beat heritage. Most people use the word 'fusion' with their music mostly because it resembles so seemingly and seamlessly the well-known formula of dance beats straight from the club floor, that somehow this is an intergration of the realm of world music and club beats. But I think the whole idea of their music goes beyond mere fusion of genres, a 'definition' already turgid enough to provoke resentment to the writer who unknowingly and happily happens to use the word. Let's talk about more cultural a word, that being 'tradition'. I'm no historist at heart, but to think of the streams of musical influence as traditions of influence is an attractive one. So we get to think of the collision of world music and modern dance music in this album as not as collision of genres but of the ways of approaching to music as tradition. Tradition, that is, the perspective of listening and producing music.

At this writing I've compiled only a single list of records, a Top 40 with only a single album from each artist. "Anatomic" was my selection for the Afro Celts, although their debut "Sound Magic" came close. And they are similar.

If you listen to the five volumes in retrospect, there is the visible (or rather, audible) change and evolution in how the different instruments are being blended together. The harshness, almost extraneous soundscapes of "Sound Magic" have in time been turned into lush and broad landscapes, temples of sound. I really like the solacing and otherwordly primitive atmosphere of "Magic", yet what was lost then and what has now been found is the ability to integrate. That is, to integrate and unify the whole traditions, concepts, into not only sweeps, but into dimensional sounds and impressions. In this they are growing and advancing with each new release, but what is not as easily determined is the other side of unity, and that's how the songs fit together.

"Magic", although being a sort of an impressionistic sound-piece, is surprisingly whole. The other albums in between, rather not. There were the epics like "North" and the transcendentals like "Cyberia", the pearls, but the whole was smaller than its parts. At last I've found an album that pragmatically states otherwise. There are some of the best Afro Celts songs to be found from here, "When I Still Needed You" and "Mojave", but also the most sophisticated structure they've yet pulled on us. Don't get me wrong, I could never critize the state-of-the-art engineering of these albums, as they are all as expertly made as ever, and at the same time they offer us the purest experiences in music; sort of sonic profundity. My idea on the other hand is that the whole album grows into and out of itself, through songs that complement rather than just follow each other. And whereas "North" is epic, "Mojave" is majestic. The only flipside is perhaps Sevara Nazarkhan's "My Secret Bliss", of which "Nevermore" or "Green" is the fuller counterpart; Nazarkhan doesn't fit perfectly (which in itself in its friction makes it still interesting), but you should really listen to her album "Yol Bolsin", which is deliciously gigantic in its intimacy, reminding me of the serenity of Yungchen Lhamo.

At its best, Afro Celt Sound System is soulful and as far from discrepancy as their size as a group would imply, and "Anatomic" sounds their finest moment yet; and never have they lost, even if they've changed, the huge energy and passion for music, for which I give extra points in any case. I recall the autumn of 2005 with fondness, for then were we blessed with two astonishing records: the first one is this, of course, and the other is Ó Lionáird's blissful "Invisible Fields". This is an amazing record.

With best regards,
AK

Relaxing envigorating refreshing music for your day.......2007-01-27

I enjoy the masterful blending of rhythm, tone, beat, instruments, and voice that to me is so well done by Afro-Celt Sound System. And this album is their best yet.

My current favorite song is "Mojave" - the third track on this album. I love to put ACSS on in the background as I'm working through the day, and Mojave takes me from a quiet start on an emotional journey through different stages and moods and then gently back down at the end. One day I was playing my way through the album and after hearing Mojave (which is nearly 11 minutes long) I wanted to hear it again, so I just set it to repeat. About 90 minutes later I got up and realized that I wasn't tired, wasn't bored, wasn't even remotely tired of taking the same journey again and again. That, to me, is the test of great music.

Afro Celt Sound System Volume 5: Anatomic.......2007-01-09

This is my second buy for the Afro Celts. I may like this one better than the first one. I'm sure this won't be the last. Thanks for asking.

Very Mellow.......2007-01-03

The songs were very beautiful and well done, however extremely mellow and something you could fall asleep to.

Buy it - now!.......2006-11-23

To be honest, I had to listen to this CD about three times before I got it. I was used to the faster paced earlier works but wow - the wait was worth it. I can't put it down now. The layers of melodies in each song blew me away. With ACSS, there are always layers and deeper sounds in their music. If you take your time and listen closely to this CD, it will blow you away. I highly recommend it.

Average customer rating:

Awesome CD!
Unique and upbeat
Incredible - the only word to describe it
My mind has been blown
Afro celt all the best the world has to offer in one band...

Volume 3: Further in Time
Afro Celt Sound System
Manufacturer: Real World
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

World Dance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Vol. 2, Release
Volume 1: Sound Magic
Volume 5: Anatomic
Seed
Pod (Bonus DVD)

ASIN: B00005ASHF
Release Date: 2001-06-19

Tracks:

North - Part 1
North - Part 2
When You're Falling (featuring Peter Gabriel)
Shadow Man
Lagan
Colossus
Life Begins Again (featuring Robert Plant)
Further in Time
Go on Through
Persistence of Memory
Silken Whip
Onwards

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

While not as out-of-left-field revelatory and astonishing as their exalted debut, nor as darkly magnetic as their sophomore follow-up, Volume 3: Further in Time finds Afro Celt Sound System fleshed out, funky, and fiercely fresh. Now a band of 20-some-odd players, the Afro Celts push forward with unbounded energy and focus, organically driven beats, and a thoroughly joyous fusion of West African and Irish traditional music enhanced with dissonant Eastern influence, psychedelic trip-hop groove, and a monster flood of sonic waves. The resultant sound is somehow both cutting-edge futuristic and primitive in its visceral virility. Demba Barry steps up with an unexpectedly punchy African hip-hop-styled vocal on "Shadowman," "Lagan" plays out into an orchestral swan dive, and, throughout, Johnny Kalsi and Moussa Sissokho come on like gangbusters with the drums. Real World label honcho and world-music champion Peter Gabriel does a stunning turn on the eminently catchy "When You're Falling," and Robert Plant contributes a powerfully epic rock vocal on "Life Begins Again." Fine as all these moments are, the centerpiece of volume 3, where the band achieves beyond perfect synthesis, is the ecstatic groove-lock on the African acid ceilidh of "Colossus." Volume 3 is the tune-in turn-on we've been waiting for. --Paige La Grone

Customer Reviews:

Awesome CD!.......2006-11-26

I just can't get enough of this group. They have such a unique sound: the name of the group sums it up pretty well. This is an awesome CD like the others.

Unique and upbeat.......2006-11-06

I was introduced to this music by a coworker and I really like it! I've always been a fan of celtic music, but this is like celtic on espresso. It's very upbeat and truly unique. I highly recommend it - enjoy!!

Incredible - the only word to describe it.......2006-08-02

My aunt put this in the car one day when we were driving to my uncle's house. I had just played the song "Chaiyya Chaiyya" from Inside Man, and she said I bet you'll like this, it's a lot of the same style. As soon as she put it on, "North" came on, and absolutely blew me away. The beautiful ambient sounds and the sparse, yet undeniably enchanting African vocals were just beautiful. By the time "North Part 2" came on, we were both drumming our hands and dancing in the car. Whoever thought of mixing African and Celtic music, then setting it to a rave/techno beat is a genius.

She bought me the CD (and also "Seed, which is great too), and I've been listening to it obsessively since. I know it's now a cliche so rate this CD 5 stars, but the beautiful, haunting melodies and the catchy, rythmic tehcno beats make this CD one of the best in my collection. It was a great find for me especially, since I'm getting sick of all the horrible pop/rock/rap that's out there. If you're like me, and you're sick of all "today's hits" and are looking for something to dance to and have a great time listening to, BUY THIS ALBUM! It is something very fresh and amazing. Aah, North 2 just came on with that awesome celtic instrument riff and dance club style techno beat. I gotta get back to dancing!

My mind has been blown.......2006-05-30

Peter Gabriel, Robert Plant, plus musicians from all over the world combining their grooves together to make a whole that surpasses anything I could have imagined. This CD not only transports, it elevates! Essential for the world music collector.

Afro celt all the best the world has to offer in one band..........2006-04-20

Every album is better than the one before...I love the depth to the music and the fact that it is depth from the number of musicians playing and not the number of sound effects is wonderful. There is a difference...and wow it is powerful....thank you thank you thank you

Average customer rating:

Musical Erotica.....
Where to from here?
Ditto
A true merger of Celtic and African styles.
Excellent!

Volume 1: Sound Magic
Afro Celt Sound System
Manufacturer: Real World
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

World Dance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Vol. 2, Release
Volume 3: Further in Time
Seed
Volume 5: Anatomic
Pod (Bonus DVD)

ASIN: B000000HPO
Release Date: 1996-09-24

Tracks:

Saor/Free/News From Nowhere
Whirl-Y-Reel 1
Inion/Daughter
Sure-As-Not/Sure-As-Knot
Nu Cead Againn Dul Abhaile/We Cannot Go Home
Dark Moon, High Tide
Whirl-Y-Reel 2
House of the Ancestors
Eistigh Liomsa Sealad/Listen to Me/Saor Reprise

Amazon.com

Bodhran and kora? Talking drums and Uilleann pipes? Echoing ancient trade roots from a thousand years ago, Sound Magic reunites two seemingly disparate music traditions in a contemporary setting, reaching for a dance-oriented but spiritual hybrid that takes on a life of its own. Producer Simon Emmerson assembles some noteworthy artists including Ayub Ogada, Davy Spillane, Manu Katche, Caroline Lavelle, James McNally (of the Pogues), Iarla O Lionaird, and Masamba Diop to create evocative, clubby grooves that also incorporate samples and flavors from Armenia and the East. With its multilayered rich textures, Sound Magic grafts cultural respect and urban hipness for the global village of the '90s. --Derek Rath

Customer Reviews:

Musical Erotica............2005-09-28

I happened to have the good fortune one night, of catching a few moments of these fellows on a PBS special. It left me lusting for more. I cannot recall ever having been so enthralled after such a brief encounter with a group's music.

This album is the musical equivalent of a languorous, blissfully exhausting sexual encounter. From the undeniably seductive SAOR/FREE, to the tranquil lulling afterglow of SAOR REPRISE, The Afro Celt Sound System will having you rushing through that obligatory post-coital cigarette in order to do it all over again....

Where to from here?.......2005-07-16

Afro Celt Sound System's first album is, as their name says, a clever and in parts quite stunning mix of Celtic & world music that garnered huge praise and success on its release. But despite its ingenuity it's an odd record, veering often incongruously between "dance" music and much slower and occasionally quite turgid world/folk. Truth is that it's the more upbeat club/dance tracks, in particular the outstanding "Sure-As-Not/Sure-As-Knot", "Whirl-Y-Reel 1" & Whirl-Y-Reel 2", that make it come alive and which justify a great deal of the praise heaped on it.

So... if you want to discover similarly inspired, upbeat dance/world music where to? Well, Afro Celt's second album - "Release" - moves them much closer to the club area but, while good, loses a lot of the melodic intricacy & instrumental interplay that made "Sound Magic" such a success; better to go for their third outing - "Further in Time" - which more effectively combines the inspired enthusiasm of their early tracks with the driving club beats of "Release".

Better still, check-out their virtually unknown UK contemporaries, Elephant Talk, whose difficult to find albums follow a similarly infectious, more jazz tinged club/world "fusion" formula with more consistently upbeat and enjoyable results. Check out Amazon.co.uk for Elephant Talk's first two albums, "In a Big Sea" and the even better "Head", and the group's own web site at http://www.infrasound.co.uk/index2.htm for their quite brilliant last release "Leap". You won't be disappointed but you may be left wondering how such equally innovative and exciting music can remain so little known.

Ditto.......2004-05-20

Five stars to all four of the albums put out by these grand folks. I do not need to offer a description as other reviewers have done a perfect job; but if it's helpful to you to see an emphatic "ditto to that" as a review, then here it is.

This, along with Enya, is truly my above all, favorite music across the board. Beats all my other faves in every other music category.

A true merger of Celtic and African styles........2003-07-09

Imagine Irish jigs and reels powered by a heavy jungle beat, African jazz supported by Irish pipes, whistles and fiddles, songs of prayer combined with high-kicking dance tunes, delicate harp melodies with synthesized accents -- all linked together by driving African percussion and an electric rock sensibility. That's the Afro Celt Sound System, but it doesn't begin to cover their sound.

The Afro Celt Sound System isn't a band so much as a cooperative of musicians intrigued by an idea. United under the umbrella of Peter Gabriel's Real World label, nearly two dozen musicians added their personal touch to make the idea a reality.

The initial product of their joining is Volume 1: Sound Magic. It cannot be described as Celtic or African in nature; yet, both styles are evident in spades. Sound Magic is a true union of two completely dissimilar musical genres.

Excellent!.......2003-06-26

This is quite simply a highly essential album from an extremely unique group who fuse seamingly opposite cultures together: Celtic strings & African drums! This album started it all. The music is very traditional and has little of the electronic mayhem of their following albums. "Sure-As-Knot" is absolutely haunting and enchanting!

Although there isn't exactly any filler on here, I'm not so much into the final track but that's just because it doesn't quite rank up there with the others. Still, it's pretty good, just the others are better.

Tracks:

Release
Lovers Of Light
Eireann
Urban Aire
Big Cat
Even In My Dreams
Amber
Hypnotica
Riding The Waves
I Think Of...
Release It (Instrumental)

Amazon.com

Lots of traditional-music recordings thrive when they're at their purest, stripping away influence to revel in a core sound. The exact opposite is the case with the Afro Celt Sound System's sophomore effort, Release, which hits its highest plateaus when it's juiciest and pulpiest, throwing everything into the mix. Hailed for their cross-cultural toss-together of traditional West African and Celtic musics on an electronic backbone, the Afro Celts indulge their digital-age ability to throw African drum patterns behind Uilleann pipes and Irish tin whistle all with a club-ready pulse. Their debut and various appearances at World of Music, Arts, and Dance (WOMAD) festivals cemented their success at this mixological approach, and Release makes the clarity of the group's vision all the more astonishing. Perhaps it's what Irish violinist Martin Hayes has called the "lonesome touch," but the Celtic contribution often squares up as a yearning cry, contrasting vividly with the techno beats and West African drumming. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

More AfroCelt Wonder!.......2007-02-11

Have all their CDs now. Can never get too much of this exotic blended music. Haunting, lively. Can't just sit and listen; have to move with it! Even little kids get caught up in the reels. A listening feast!

Yet another awesome CD.......2006-11-26

Like my other reviews for this group, all I can say is that they are awesome. I never get tired of hearing their unique sound. They have a beautiful way of conveying feelings, and have a terrific way of uplifting my spirits when I'm down. I love this CD.

Toe-tapping rhythm, unique haunting melodies.......2006-11-14

I first heard about Afro Celt Sound System in a Science Fiction Anthology for 2003. This group was listed in the anthology under "Best Music for 2003". So, I gave album #3 a try then, and loved it enough to ship it from Florida to overseas. Upon returning to the US this year, & after carefully sifting through reviews and sample tunes for all their CDs, I chose "Release" and was not disappointed.

If you want that international musical flavor, toe-tapping rhythm with great drums, guitar work and melodies that get you moving, this is for you. If you want ethereal, slow, Gaelic-singing atmospherics, try something else more appropos.

well, i love it.......2004-03-07

i first heard an afro celt song on the gangs of new york soundtrack. i fell in love with it and decided to buy a cd. i got release and i am so damn glad i did. "even im my dreams" is one of the best songs i've heard in a while. i play it whenever im feeling down or something, or just when i wanna hear something good. anyway, its a great cd.

Very good.......2003-08-05

I love this music and listen to it a lot. It love how it mixes different music styles together. This CD is my favorite of the 3. My skating coach has cut music for a skater off this CD and one of the other volumes. People from my skating and Dance class found it very inspirational as well. The only thing I wish they did differently on the CDs is provide a translation for the non-English parts. I enjoy them singing in the other languages, it is beautiful and it fits the music perfectly but it would be kind of nice to know what they are sing.

Average customer rating:

Music Should Rule the World
absolutely wonderful
A FABULOUS Blending Of Music!!!! 2 Thumbs WAY UP!
4.5 stars - Just as good as Volume 3
Frightfully Disappointing

Seed
Afro Celts
Manufacturer: Real World
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

World Dance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Volume 5: Anatomic
Volume 3: Further in Time
Vol. 2, Release
Volume 1: Sound Magic
Pod (Bonus DVD)

ASIN: B00008DAN1
Release Date: 2003-03-25

Tracks:

Cyberia
Seed
Nevermore
The Otherside
Ayub's Song/As You Were
Rise Above
Rise Above It
Deep Channel
All Remains
Green Instrumental

Amazon.com

In 1996, the Afro-Celt Sound System formed a sound clash that mixed Irish music, dance floor grooves, West African percussion, and the kora. While there were highlights, often with help from high profile singing guests like Sinead O'Connor and Peter Gabriel, the albums were fragmented. Now the members have shortened their name to the AfroCelts for their forth album, declaring that the Sound System isn't applicable because they've evolved into a more conventional and fully formed group. The change sounds radical, but it's really just a refinement in their working relationship and songwriting skill. Consequently, Seed holds together more strongly as an album. The songs are more consistently crafted and sonically rich here, with different voices and instruments coming to the fore, but never outshining the greater whole. Highlights include the blues slide guitar-driven title track, the wholly acoustic (which is a first!) and Irish jig-inspired "Ayob's Song/As You Were," and the Radiohead-influenced "All Remains." --Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews:

Music Should Rule the World.......2007-02-15

If music ruled the world...there wouldn't be any wars. This album is a perfect blend of two very diverse cultures, & yet the music works in perfect unison & harmony. The mystical style of celtic music, combined with the rhythmic style of traditional african music is truly unique!
I first heard Afrocelts in the soundtrack from Riding Giants(in Laird Hamilton's story - when he discovers a new way to surf giant waves)and it blew me away!It's one of those 'Serendipitous' things...
'Lucky Me' to have found this little treasure!

absolutely wonderful.......2006-09-21

I just got this three days ago.
I have been listening to it at work non-stop, ever since I first put it in.
So far, that's about 25 hours. Seriously.

The guest artists (22 according to the liner notes) on this disc are awesome. The energy.. mmmm... Somehow it's able to keep me going with a buzz all day, without forcing a frenetic burn-out as most of my other fast electro-ish albums inevitably do. Absolutely grateful. I have other albums by the Afrocelts, but at the moment, this is definitely my favorite. It's a gem.

A FABULOUS Blending Of Music!!!! 2 Thumbs WAY UP!.......2006-03-27

I maybe late in the game of knowing this group, but I am hooked now! My mother and I first saw them on tv, channel 35(wybe). We were just cruisin' thru the channels and heard this great music and just had to take a look! Glad we did! After I heard the song "Seed", that was all she wrote, LOL! I had to find out who this group was and I came down later that evening and looked them up on Amazon and orderd it! The blending of the different genres of music is pure genius!!! What a FANTASTIC find this CD is! Afro Celts' music will draw you in and keep you there! :0) All I have to say is ORDER IT!!!

4.5 stars - Just as good as Volume 3.......2004-12-30

"Seed" represents the fourth production of Afro Celt Sound System (here known as Afrocelts). This is one ensemble that only gets better with time. Their first and second albums I enjoyed, but nowhere as much as their third one. And this album, I find just as solid as their third production.

The album's balance between afro, celtic and new age music seems to favor the latter two, though there are plenty of african voice samples and drums. But the overall feel I get after listening to it, is that I've heard a very good new age album with touches of celtic music and a hint at african sounds. With the exception of "Cyberia" and the title track, in general I enjoyed more the shorter tracks. The best example of this is the introductory "Rise" and the 10+ minute-long piece "Rise Above It" that builds upon it. The intro is extremely powerful, yet the follow-up gets to a point where it cannot hold your attention much longer.

All in all, this is one solid production by this world music party. Don't miss it. Like most acts from Real World Music, it deserves a space in your music shelves.

Frightfully Disappointing.......2004-10-06

Let me start by saying I really love Afro Celt Sound System. My father introduced me to their first CD and now I'm more rapid about getting their new stuff than he is... Or anyway, I was.

The first two CD's were nothing short of relevatory for me, and the third seems to go in a different direction, but is still quite good.

Sadly, I feel like unlike Paul Mounsey (Nahoo, et al) Afro Celt doesn't seem to be aging well. I couldn't help but feel that Seed was very, very derivative and washed out compared to their other offerings. The same sort of over-produced sensation I get from Vanilla Pop rubbish on the radio.

I realize this is pretty harsh criticism of a group whose first 3 CDs retain an honored position in my CD case, but I just feel Seed isn't up to snuff. They can and have done much, much better.

Average customer rating:

An Antti Keisala Comment: New Tapestries of Sound
Real Good!!!
Much better than you expect...
A Little Too Mixed Up
An amazing cd & dvd set

Pod (Bonus DVD)
Afro Celt Sound System
Manufacturer: Real World
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

World Dance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Volume 5: Anatomic
Seed
Vol. 2, Release
Volume 1: Sound Magic
Volume 3: Further in Time

ASIN: B0001XAOWK
Release Date: 2004-05-04

Tracks:

Rise Above (remix by Simon Emmerson, James McNally and Mass)
Johnny at Sea (mix by Martin Russell and Mass)
Persistence of Memory (remix by Rae and Christian)
Further in Time (remix by Mass)
Full Moon Low Tide (remix by DJ Toshio)
Release (remix by Rollo and Sister Bliss)
Release It (Masters At Work segue/DJ edit)
Whirly 3 (remix by Simon Emmerson, James McNally and Mass)
Riding the Skies (remix by Mass and Simon Emmerson)
Eireann (remix by Mass)
Release (remix by BiPolar)
When You're Falling (remix by Wren and Morley)
Lagan (remix by Simon Emmerson, James McNally and Mass)

Tracks:

Persistence of Memory (DVD music video)
When You're Falling (DVD music video)
Highlights from WOMAD USA 2001 (DVD)
North (5.1 surround sound and stereo mix music video - DVD)

Amazon.com

Most remix collections are disappointing, as new snare beats and/or bass lines do not a revelation make. However, one might expect better from the Afro Celt Sound System, as their savagely exuberant, flawlessly produced African/Celtic/Eastern collisions in club-land have re-defined both world and dance music for all time. On Pod, the band has not only assembled a series of eminently collectible remixes but added fresh instrumentals to certain tracks, giving recent band members a workout while linking the band's various incarnations. Highlights include the ethereal "Johnny At Sea," which was previously available only as a byte on the band¹s website, and Toshiro Matsuura's "Fantasisita Re-Formation" remix of "Full Moon Low Tide," on which remote, forlorn-sounding bagpipes are enveloped in organically primal yet frigidly machine-like barrages of beats. The 2-disc package includes a DVD containing a pair of videos, plus strenuously edited highlights from the group's epochal 2001 performance at WOMAD USA. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

An Antti Keisala Comment: New Tapestries of Sound.......2007-03-01

I admit of not having been into this album until recently. I'm not generally fond of mixing songs that work in themselves and in the given context. But after "Anatomic", my stance towards this album changed. It's nice to listen to, the soundscapes are as rich as ever; I've come to think of this as the first cousin to "Anatomic" once removed, the needed chill-out between "Seed" and "Anatomic".

This is, above all, a fun album to listen to. Sort of like elevator music wrapped around itself times two. A new twist to the clichéd remix genre, much like how the band has been to the whole world music fusion phenomena. Just listen to the remixes of the song "Release", which is turned from a lament to celebration.

The distinction with "Pod" is that I can't find it drawing attention to itself nowadays I tend to listen to much of my music albums from start to finish while working, the music affecting in the background, and what stands out behind my wall of thoughts is not the difference of the remixed song when compared to the original but the overall looseness. This is a chill-out album if you're ever going to find one, at least according to my definition. That is, I think of that kind of music as such that channels your energy in ways that doesn't distract you from what you're doing yet is smooth and does work to change your perception of the surrounding environment. Profound musically yet not too marring; good-hearted; not too heavy-thinking and carelessly emotional. I prefer the original versions with only the Peter Gabriel song "When You're Falling" as an exception, but this album works so finely as a tapestry onto which you can hang your thoughts. It is decorated white space.

With best regards,
AK

Real Good!!!.......2007-01-19

I'm Spinning Instructor and I need music for push people to ride, Pod is perfect for that.....I'm very happy and I recomend other album from them, "ANATOMIC", fantastic too.

Much better than you expect..........2005-07-23

If you're put off by the idea of an album composed entirely of remixes of tracks that, in their own right, are more than good enough then think again... because this is really quite different. Conceived as an integrated whole, the Afro Celts take some of their best tracks and along with their guest producers come up with something that's closer to a superb live album than a series of "interesting" studio reworkings. Opening with a brilliantly ecstatic and very different version of "Rise Above" its trick is to sequence these harder, more club & afro beat dominated remixes pretty seamlessly into what becomes not only a genuinely exciting & cohesive record, but one that, if you know nothing about the Afro Celts, you'll be absolutely knocked out by.

The problem of course is that most people considering buying "POD" will already have many of its tracks and, as a result, comparisons become inevitable. But even on this pretty unfair basis it delivers some asbsolutely "must have" gems including, in addition to its quite stunning opener, versions of "Further in Time", "When You're Falling", "Persistence of Memory" & "Whirly 3", that are arguably better than the originals, two excellent "club" remixes of "Release", and the previously unavailable and ridiculously good "Johnny at Sea". Plus... you get a DVD which includes two ingenious and unforgettable music videos of "Persistence of Memory" & "When You're Falling", an excellent Dolby 5.1 remix of "North" with cleverly sequenced graphics, and a compilation of the group's WOMAD USA 2001 concert that really does capture how amazing they were when playing these tracks live.

Good enough then, from either perspective, to justify some of your hard-earned cash and much, much better than you may expect because it is, quite simply, this excellent group's best album to date. And that's saying something.

A Little Too Mixed Up.......2004-07-23

I am glad the Afro-Celt Sound System decided to revert to their original name after a brief stint (i.e. their last CD) as the Afro-Celts. I have been a big fan of theirs, and own all four previous releases. That is perhaps why I have mixed feelings (pun not intended) about this new CD, with "clubbed-up" versions of their original tunes. They have always been a band that, surprisingly and successfully, has melded Celtic and African song and instrumental traditions, with a techno update. And they know how to keep a groove going. Maybe it's because I appreciate their musicianship more than their dance-ability, but I don't quite understand the reason behind this disc, which sounds like a "greatest hits on Ecstasy". To me, the original tracks had plenty of movement and beat to them, and for the most part I still prefer the originals. This is not to say I dislike the disc; the source material itself makes it still a cut above the average remix compilation. But given the choice, almost without exception, I'd rather listen to the original versions. If you are just introducing yourself to this great band, I suggest that you start with any of their previous releases: Vols. 1 through 3, or "Seed", their fourth CD. (My personal favorite is Vol. 2.) The bonus DVD is interesting, particularly the concert montage video.

An amazing cd & dvd set.......2004-06-24

An excellent set of remixes with dvd extras from an absolutely superb group of musicians. Be sure to check into their albums -- Seed, Further in Time (aka Vol. 3), Release (2), & Sound Magic (1). You will not be disappointed.

Average customer rating:

Inspired by "kilroy was here'?
What to think?
This Must Be..
Different album from PETRA...and then again not!
Petra was an ecxellent introduction to CCM For me personally

Beat the System
Petra
Manufacturer: Starsong
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Not of This World
More Power to Ya
Never Say Die / Washes Whiter Than Snow
This Means War
Beyond Belief

ASIN: B00000E8FT
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Beat The System
Computer Brains
Clean
It Is Finished
Voice In The Wind
God Gave Rock And Roll To You
Witch Hunt
Hollow Eyes
Speak To The Sky
Adonai

Customer Reviews:

Inspired by "kilroy was here'?.......2007-06-01

First of all this record in my opinion is Petra's best! Too bad this was Grex Volz's last record with Petra. this record was also their first real "Christian hard rock" album.x's " I feel it sounds similar to Styx's Kilroy Was Here especially "Computer Brains" This record also featured the second cover of "God Gave rock in roll to you" which is an Argent Anthology: The Best of Argent cover.

What to think?.......2007-04-06

"Beat the System," "Adonai," and "It Is Finished" are some of Petra's best songs ever. Don't get me wrong--there are gems to be found in this CD. However, I think it stands among the low-points of Petra's Volz era. The sounds are eccentric, the songs are heavy-laden with tacky synthesizers and sound-effects, and there's not a whole lot to talk about here.

On the plus side, Greg X. Volz's vocals are fiercer than ever on the "It is Finished" track. For the first time, that guy really let it all come out.

This Must Be.........2006-12-30

Revered for the acknowledgement to rock and permission granted for devotion and music to co-exist..such as the music of Einherjer and AmOn Amarth.The Galina Krasskova's oF metal. Although perhaps she's not fond of warrior stories. ReliGious devotional metal and the power to go on. Yes the fates that be want us to live. (Far,FAr North..) Jewish peOple must revere "AdoNai" a song about their Lord as mass consumed. Mass market and gloss, but sentiment and Killer..A call to serve..And a child who became a keyboardist in a band called Petra who used to be an abandoned Orphan.Touching. I met The singer, and he asked if I was going through chemo, although he wouldn't sign an autograph. I don't know if he knew I said they were insincere at their show, as it was not too overt my mocking, really wanted to see if it could be picked out, the insincereity. Too good looking of fEllas.

Different album from PETRA...and then again not!.......2005-12-03

I recall that this album was way different than the PETRA albums I've used to listen to those days. PETRA had been a rock-group with great guitar-based albums like "More power to ya" and "Not of this world". Suddenly things had changed and the album I was listening to was a synthisizer-based album with electronic drums. It was different... but then again not!
Even though the sound had changed, the structure of the songs were very much the same.
The lyrics were good old PETRA and I remember listening to the song "It is finshed" and just wondering how greatly the words been laid:
"They searched his face for anger for vengeance in his stare
Instead of eyes that burned with hate a look of love was there
He prayed for their forgiveness and bowed his battered head
And no one knew the meaning of the final words he said:
It is finished"

First I didn't like the new PETRA. Later on the songs begun to grow in my mind until a few years back I found myself listening to this album, thinking that it's their greatest album EVER!
Of course, you can think that the sounds are a bit old and the computer-based lyrics a bit funny. But the message never grows old, in fact I think that it's more accurate than ever.
Just listen to the samples and find it's worth every penny!

Petra was an ecxellent introduction to CCM For me personally.......2004-09-13

Awe, 1985 was the year after graduating from High School and this band's concert that year was the first Rock and Roll concert of any type I have ever been to. These Boys can Rock for the Lord and they do it so well with a Biblically based testimony. I bought the Cassette and started listening to the tracks, now I only knew of before bands like: Styx, Journey, Reo Speedwagon, Van Halen and a few others. These gentlemen belt out a great song and have been noted to be the first CCM group formed in the early 1970's. Please give this talented group a heartfelt listen and enjoy.

Average customer rating:

DJ Micro does it again
ready to re-live 'That' feeling???????
Keep it up...
Lon Awaited Return
Tech Mix 5 Thumbs Up!

Tech-Mix 5
DJ Micro
Manufacturer: System Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Big Beat | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

House | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Presents: Micro-Tech-Mix Version 2.0
Out Through the Input
My Frequency
Lost World
Direct Konnect

ASIN: B0007ZJEUK
Release Date: 2005-06-28

Tracks:

Johan Gielan Flash
Second Sun The Spell (The Deutchmann Remix)
Sandler Chemistry
DJ Micro The World Around Me
M.I.K.E. Massive Motion
Lost Witness feat. Tiff Lacey Home (Michael Parsberg Remix)
Ferry Corsten & Shelley Harland Holding On
Menno De Jong pres. Sayla Second Thoughts
George Hales Isolation
Josh Gabriel Alive
Vadik Fate
Joshua Ryan Blueness
D:Fuse Everything With You (J Hazen + DJ^3 Remix)

Album Description

New York's own DJ Micro is one of electronic music's premiere DJ/producers. With his non-stop touring schedule and legion of devoted fans, DJ Micro has released some of the biggest selling mix CD compilations in America.

2005 sees the welcome return of DJ Micro's hugely successful Tech-Mix series with `Tech-Mix 5'. DJ Micro delivers a stunning 70 minute DJ mix packed with peak hour Trance anthems. `Tech-Mix 5' continues the legacy of this esteemed series and further cements DJ Micro's place in the pantheon of world class DJs.

Customer Reviews:

DJ Micro does it again.......2007-05-10

Wow. Tech Mix 5 finds its way into my CD player quite often, and its been nearly a year since I purchased. Highly recommended for anyone with even a luke-warm liking of electronica.

ready to re-live 'That' feeling???????.......2006-02-14

He He, pull out your whistle, grab your binkie and be prepared to reset your jaw. ;-))

Keep it up..........2005-10-10

and Micro might replace Van Dyk as my favorite DJ!!! CD is killer, lots of props to Micro!!!

Lon Awaited Return.......2005-10-09

I waited and waited for the local music store to get this CD in. I have been following Micro since 1996. This CD brings back some amazing memories of his other Tech Mix series. Micro simply puts on a great show on this CD. If you were the least bit disappointed by his last 3 releases get this CD it will not let you down. I put this right up there with DJ Micro DJMIXEd and right up there with all the other Tech Mix Cd's. It will be one of the few CD's that doesn't get removed off my Ipod because I can not get enough of listening to it.

Tech Mix 5 Thumbs Up!.......2005-08-05

Micro knows best. A perfect blend of house, techno and trance that just keeps you asking for more...I have most of Micro's CD Mixes and though i already have a fav: OUT THROUGH THE INPUT, Tech Mix 5 is a must have! Definitely a chill out kinda mix...Starting out deep with "Flash", uplifting the mood with "the spell" (hot track!) and on and on...

JUST GET IT!

Average customer rating:

Hydromajestik

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

Album Description

WICKED BEAT SOUND SYSTEM is back with a new album 'Hydromajestik' and its got drought breaker written all over it. Recorded and produced on a farm during Australia's worst drought in living memory, this album, full of optimism, searching and soulful lyricism may just be the thing to turn it all around. Clearly a joy to make, album number 5 for this pioneering electronica outfit marshals together a maturity etched with the unalterable deft touch of cool that will forever characterise Wicked Beat Sound System.

Average customer rating:

"The King of Breaks" does it again
A new direction for Icey?
Iced Out
Well rounded but not his best 3.5 stars
I've heard better from Icey...

For the Love of the Beat
DJ Icey
Manufacturer: System Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Y4K
Essential Mix
Different Day
Mixtress
A Little Louder

ASIN: B0001Z4906
Release Date: 2004-04-20

Tracks:

DJ- Icey- And Go!
Crystal Method - Comin' Back
Interflow feat. Anna Robinson - Storyreel (Satoshie Tomiie Remix)
Marlon feat. Rex Dog - One Foot Skank
Playgroup - Front 2 Back (Fatboy Slim Remix)
Soul Hooligin - Algebra (Mr. Breaker & the Technician Remix)
Aquasky vs. Masterblaster - Shadow Breaks
Plump DJs - Weighed Down
Two Lone Swordsmen - Neuflex
2nd Gen - And/Or (Si Begg's Buckfunk 3000 Remix)
Weekend Players - Into the Sun
Shakedown - At Night
Chemical Brothers - Get Yourself High
Raw Silk - Do it to the Music (accapella)
Club Deluxe - Funky Rhythm (Instrumental Mix)
DJ Icey - Camino Real

Customer Reviews:

"The King of Breaks" does it again.......2006-03-05

First of all, if you are not an avid Icey fan, you might not like this. When I first listened to this CD, there was only a couple of tracks that I liked, so that's why I say what I did to start with. But after hearing a few of these tracks when I saw Icey live for the 2nd time, and went back and listened to it again, and definately like it a lot more. If you're looking for your average FL breaks, or for that matter, just average breaks, I wouldn't recommend this cd, or (once again) for that matter, latter Icey period. But if you're ready for something over the edge and different that only Icey can provide, definately buy this. Also, check out his newest CD only available at hot topic stores and on the hot topic website rite now, "Twisted."

A new direction for Icey?.......2005-10-23

Track 6 seems to stick out me in the mere fact that Icey seems to be talking to the listener. "Don't drop to this, take a crack at this, not agebra or calculus, you'll try to 'dis, take a crack at this, not algebra or calculus." Like he knows that this release would not be well received by his core listeners. It isn't FL breaks, nor is it really breakbeats either.

This is not the Icey you are used to hearing in the clubs, but never-the-less, this is Icey in his "Big Beat" mode. Perhaps this is the direction he wants to take commercially, to fuse different sounds into "Florida Breaks". A crossover album per se. In this respect he does the job flawlessly. If you just want Florida Breaks, than you should look elsewhere.

It is interesting to note that a lot of reviewers equate DJ Icey to breakbeats. I guess people assume because he has breaks as a staple of his style, his style is break beats. This album is "Big Beats". I guess those who haven't seen his direction live and on CD over the years won't get this album.

Buy it if you are just getting into breakbeats, FL breaks, or want to hear something that fuses FL breaks/beats with crossover tunes. Do not buy this if you want break beats, FL breaks, or if you can't listen to a "cross-over" album objectively.

Iced Out .......2005-05-11

This is one album that I really didnt understand.The so called "king of breaks" can really come up with some strange stuff,thats a sho nuff.Let me recommend his "Essential Mix"to any dance fan,and unless you are a die hard Icey fan,I wouldnt buy this

Well rounded but not his best 3.5 stars.......2004-10-16

DJ Icey was one of the first DJs to get me into any techno. I own all of his CDs. I got a chance to see him live in Minneapolis about a month ago. He definetly tore it up and got the crowd going. This would be a good CD if you are a long time Icey fan, the funky Florida break elements are still found on this CD. Highlights would include the remix of Shakedown's "At Night" and Two Lone Swordsmen's "Neuflex". I have been a fan of Two Lone Swordsmen for years now and was kind of sad to find in the liner notes that Icey had just found out about them as of late. But back to the point, if you are a first time listener pick up his "Essential Mix" album. If you already have that pick up his "Essential Elements" album. If you are at that point and dig those albums you will dig on this album as well.

I've heard better from Icey..........2004-09-11

I've seen Icey rip it up live twice, great performance both times, had the crowd jumpin', but I've heard better than this from Icey. Pass this one up and grab one of his older releases. One Love, Peace.

Music Review:

Music Review

Music Review

1. Beat the System
2. Computer Brains
3. Clean
4. It Is Finished
5. Voice in the Wind
6. God Gave Rock and Roll to You
7. Witch Hunt
8. Hollow Eyes
9. Speak to the Sky
10. Adonai