Testimony

Track Listings

1. Psalm 1

2. Refuge

3. Faithful

4. Secret Place

5. Testimony

6. Snake in the Grass

7. Charm Is Deceitful

8. Satisfied

9. Mysterious Ways

10. Unspoken Love

Tracks:

Intro: Loving
These Eyes
Heart of the Matter
Good Mourning
Private Party
There's Hope
Living (Interlude)
India' Song
Wings of Forgiveness
Summer - India.Arie, , , Victor Wooten
I Am Not My Hair
Great Grandmother
Better People
Outro: Learning
I Choose

Amazon.com

Log onto an India.Arie lyrics page and you won't come away expecting an easy-breezy listen--here's an artist, remember, who made a name for herself by declaring her disdain for silicone and Cristal on her 2001 debut. What's consistently a revelation for new recruits to the Arie camp, then, is how good the music makes you feel. No matter how heavy the subject matter (and it still gets heavy--God surfaces in the first verse of "Intro," the prayerful opening song), she delivers it in such a way that it ends up feeling like homespun wisdom--accessible, cloudless, and heartening. Testimony, no minor R&B/soul achievement, is full of such earth-mother moments: "The Heart of the Matter," a cover of the Don Henley song, is what a hug might sound like if it were music; "There's Hope" reminds tunefully that you don't have to pay to smile ("You better thank God for that"); "Private Party" points up the benefits of getting naked before a mirror and liking what you see (impossible as that sounds, it'll seem less so after listening); and "I Am Not My Hair," a sexy thumper featuring Akon, celebrates not the hair, not the skin, but "the soul that lives within." Musically, "Testament" is a testament to the benefits of branching out; in addition to gospel and hip-hop, you'll also find country and pure pop forays here. All of it works, and works wondrously. Arie may be the Oprah of the music world: she's spiritual, she's got her head screwed on straight, and whatever she touches turns to gold. Or at least it ought to. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

All Time Favorite Album Right Now!.......2007-07-17

India's lyrics really speak from her soul without any sugar coating or whining. On top of that she is rhythmically and melodically talented. She keeps it real and I love her for that. Very inspirational! I recommend this album to anyone who loves r & b and has been craving some r & b with inspirational, moving lyrics that you can identify with.

OUTSTANDING !!!!.......2007-07-16

I saw this product on Oprah and I took a chance and purchased it. I was not disappointed. Has a great sound and wonderful message for all.

Inspiring.......2007-07-13

This is an awesome CD. Every song is inspirational and uplifting. Whenever I need a lift in spirits, I put it on and it puts me in a good mood.

Great CD.......2007-07-03

Love this CD. It is fun,happy,energizing. Her voice is beautiful. I'm tired of all the new artists sounding alike so it's great to hear some diversity in style and sound. Buy this CD.

Classic. Wow........2007-06-14

From the second I heard her debut single, "Video," in 2001, I knew that I would be a fan for life. I didn't completely love either of her first CDs. Her debut was nice, but a few songs were iffy for me. Her second album felt a little rushed and seemed like a handful of great tracks tossed in with a bunch of filler material. And I could never stand her interludes, sorry to say. By no means did I not enjoy the CDs. I would probably give both four stars, but the point is... I had never been able to listen to one of her albums straight through, even though I love her. Until now, that is.

This album was so unexpected. It was one of the most pleasant surprises of the year for me. The whole thing is amazing. I listen to it straight through all the time, interludes and all! Her voice has improved so much; it has gained a new purity and is now smooth as butter. It glides over the tracks. The production is flawless. She has added a lot of other influences in the mix, including country and gospel. Her re-make of "Heart of the Matter" made me love the song, a small miracle in itself. I listen to "Wings of Forgiveness" every morning, as well as "I Choose" and "Better People."

To the many people claiming this is a "sell-out," I don't know what to tell you, but it's not. It's just not.

In short, this album is absolutely amazing. It is one of my favorites of all time! Each song is excellent, has a catchy melody, and delivers a great message. I demand that you buy this album. I cannot wait until Volume 2, Life & Politics. It's supposed to come out sometime this summer!

Average customer rating:

An empowering gift
Groove on Sister!
She does it again
Stunning!
Love Love Love This Album

Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship
India.Arie
Manufacturer: Motown
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Acoustic Soul
Voyage to India
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Once Again

ASIN: B000FII33I
Release Date: 2006-06-27

Tracks:

Intro: Loving (interlude)
These Eyes
The Heart Of The Matter
Good Morning
Private Party
Theres Hope
Interlude: Living (interlude)
IndiaSong
Wings Of Forgiveness
Summer
I Am Not My Hair f/ Akon
Great Grandmother (interlude)
Better People
Outro: Learning (interlude)
I Choose

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

An empowering gift.......2007-06-01

I've bought this for a friend and she loved it. This CD is a very good listen for women to look at themselves, discover what's inside of them and empowers them with song to build on their strengths.

Groove on Sister!.......2007-05-28

Don't you love smooth, real, natural sounds that mellow your state of mind after a wicked day ... buy India ... such a breath of fresh "air" after all the other sounds out there.

She does it again.......2007-05-18

For me her best cd is Voyage To Inda, plus this cd is more for women but, you don't have to relate to appreciate... when the music is good its good... so I had to give this one 5 stars for songs like, Good Mourning and Wings Of Forgiveness. Also I bought this cd in the uk and got a great bonus track, the cherry on top of a good cd.
If you like India, check out Raul Midon's State Of Mind and Donnie's The Colored Section.

Stunning!.......2007-04-14

From the second I heard her debut single, "Video," in 2001, I knew that I would be a fan for life. I didn't completely love either of her first CDs. Her debut was nice, but a few songs were iffy for me. Her second album felt a little rushed and seemed like a handful of great tracks tossed in with a bunch of filler material. And I could never stand her interludes, sorry to say. By no means did I not enjoy the CDs. I would probably give both four stars, but the point is... I had never been able to listen to one of her albums straight through, even though I love her. Until now, that is.

This album was so unexpected. It was one of the most pleasant surprises of the year for me. The whole thing is amazing. I listen to it straight through all the time, interludes and all! Her voice has improved so much; it has gained a new purity and it is now smooth as butter. It glides over the tracks. The production is flawless. She has added a lot of other influences in the mix, including country and gospel. Her re-make of "Heart of the Matter" made me love the song, a small miracle in itself. I listen to "Wings of Forgiveness" every morning, as well as "I Choose" and "Better People."

In short, this album is absolutely amazing. It is one of my favorites of all time! Each song is excellent, has a catchy melody, and delivers a great message. I demand that you buy this album. I cannot wait until Volume 2, Life & Politics. She has supposedly begun recording and it's supposed to come out later this year.

Love Love Love This Album.......2007-03-27

Oh my God! This one is India's best work yet. I was jumping around my apartment like a fool. Especially when I heard "I Choose" which I have adopted as my new life's anthem. Awesome lyrics too; I recently went through a horrible breakup and those words really helped me in my healing. Thank God for India and tell everyone you know to buy this album.

Average customer rating:

Good Gospel!!
Virtue Get the Darkchild Treatment on Testimony
Testimony is the sixth release for Virtue
Virtue's Best Album, and I thought the last one was good!
Contemporary Praise and Worship

Testimony
Virtue
Manufacturer: Integrity Music/Gospel
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000FVGMJ2
Release Date: 2006-06-20

Tracks:

Follow Me
Testimony
The Sky Is The Limit
123 Praise!
Give Him The Praises
Thank You Jesus
Fall Again
Nothing Ever Mattered
Get Up
Praises To You
Praises To You (Reprise)
Holy Holy
Down With It

Product Description

Since their formation in the 90s, this vocal group of sisters has released four projects and received multiple nominations for Grammy, Stellar and Dove Awards. Their latest project, Testimony, was produced by and features the irresistible songwriting of Fred Jerkins III (Destinys Child, Toni Braxton and Whitney Houston) and LaShawn Daniels (Destinys Child, Brandy, Michael Jackson).These infectious songs transcend musical boundaries with masterful segues from R&B to pop to contemporary Gospel. Testimony showcases Virtues signature harmonies and worshipful emotive style with club-savvy, groove-driven songs. Their authentic message is evident as they set out to seize the music scene and move into the greatness of their calling.

Customer Reviews:

Good Gospel!!.......2007-01-20

I see that Virtue has been around for quite some time but I'm new to their music and must say that by far I really enjoy it. It really has the R&B and at the same time good Godly praise to it. I truely recommend it for a first time buyer of Virtue.

Virtue Get the Darkchild Treatment on Testimony.......2006-12-13

I'm not sure how to characterize this new Virtue album. They certainly got the Darkchild treatment on this outing, for better or for worse.

Darkchild is okay, but their songs always have an over-produced, tin can, electronic, synth sound, which can get old fast. One song here and there on an artist's album is okay, but for a whole album to sound this way is just over-the-top. I love Virtue, but often times on this album they sound like they are beating the music back with a stick. Other times they sound a bit shrill as they sing over the synthetic bleeps and claps. Jerkins's music (either Rodney's or Freddie's) can deluge the vocalist who is trying to sing over such overbearing arrangements.

Overall, I don't think there are enough tight harmonies on this album, which were the trademarks of Virtue's first two albums. Even if their material was not that good, their harmonies always made up for it. The Trotter sisters, Ebony, Karima, and Heather, have beautiful and powerful voices to start with, so why mess it up by computerizing their vocals only to make them sound like those new-school R&B chicks that can't carry a tune in a bucket?

The crunk-n-b flavored "123 Praise" f/T-Bone just missed being a favorite, because the song goes on a little too long and languishes at the end with Karima's attempts to find various ways of singing "1-2-3 Praise!" She starts out with "1-2-that's-2, 2-2-that's-3," tries "3-2-1 Praise!" and then finally gives us a Spanish lesson and calls it a day.

Compared to their previous efforts, I rank this album behind Free, which to me was their breakthrough album as far as vocal maturity and expression. Testimony is contemporary to be sure. It's not as worshipful as their other work, but it certainly may catapult them into the forefront of the ever progressing contemporary gospel music industry.

***And on a side note, I'm just not feeling the cover art either. The stained glass look and the unsmiling faces are not working for me...

Favorite Picks:
"Testimony" Ebony sings the chorus with a light airy vocal quality. Very nice.
"The Sky Is The Limit" Contains the same chorus lyrics as Kiki's "Have What You Want"
"Thank You Jesus" Reminds me of an R. Kelly joint.
"Fall Again" Beautiful lead piano.
"Nothing Ever Mattered" A clumsy love song, but kind of cute.

Testimony is the sixth release for Virtue.......2006-10-06

Testimony is the sixth release for Virtue, following a maternity break for two of the three sisters. Having been around since 1994, this outfit has moved a long way on from their New Jill Swing beginnings. And, rest assured, Testimony exudes the sonic and spiritual strength and maturity that such longevity should bring.

It all kicks off pleasantly enough with the pacy shuffle of `Follow Me'. The title track, `The Sky is the Limit' and `Thank You Jesus' is a la Destiny's Child (though musically heavier/busier and vocally they are no Destiny's Child!). Generally Testimony's production is sound, an up-to date vibe skillfully executed by musicians (keyboard/piano work is excellent) though I wish the vocals could have stood out a little more in some tracks.

The outstanding `Give Him The Praises', `Praises To You' and the perfectly spacious `Fall Again' are doubtlessly the ones that will make it into your mp3 favourites folder - and stay there for a while. Here the sisters show this is the sound they are comfortable with. Also the worship tracks are genuine, easy to sing while retaining the modern gospel touch.

Unfortunately Testimony includes a couple of questionable album-fillers; `123-Praise!' comes across as a genre too far beyond their comfort zone and the trad-gospel studio-contrived `Get Up' is an unnecessary obstruction to the flow of the album. But those niggles aside Testimony is solid enough to merit a space on your CD tower (remember those!).

Virtue's Best Album, and I thought the last one was good!.......2006-09-09

Excellent album! This is just the kind of album I like. It clearly speaks about Jesus, but the musical arrangements are modern and lean more towards R & B. I'm listening to it right now. I actually got fixated on Tack # 1. I had to put it on repeat. I would strongly recommend investing in this album. As for me, Virtue is now officially my favorite Female Gospel Group. Fortitude wins out for Best Male Gospel Group.

Contemporary Praise and Worship.......2006-09-06

Well, let me first start off by saying that I think this is Virtue's best CD. It's like a contempory praise and worship album. It has something for the young and mature in Christ and for the young and old in age.

I love the song "123 Praise!" that exhorts you to praise the Lord. I love the beat for the song. Then I like "Thank You Jesus" because of the creativity when it starts off with the phone conversation. I loved the way they mixed the conversation into the music.

I even like the song "Get Up". It's an old school type of song, but it's good. It gets you clapping and wanting to "get up" to praise the Lord. I can tell they had some fun with this song, especially when the lead singer told the other singer to hold a long high note until she tells her to stop. Then the other singer started singing but when she stopped, the lead singer said "...I didn't say let it go!" I thought that was funny.

Then on the next track, which is called "Praises to You", flows into a genuine worship song with Martha Munizzi with a reprise to follow it. This was the song that made this a perfect album for me, because I love true worship music. I'm sure a lot of Christians that are maturing would probably like this one. Then they do another nice worship song called "Holy Holy" to keep it going.

All the songs on the albums are good, I like the song "Down With It". It's a fun song to play in the car and to keep me going and focused on Christ at work.

The new Dark Child Gospel label along with Integrity Gospel did a good job on this album. I'm glad Virtue decided to keep working with Uncle Freddy, because this album is truly wonderful for contemporary gospel.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful artist
Addictive
NEW TALENT ON THE BLOCK
Wonderful Listen
Dana Glover delivers

Testimony
Dana Glover
Manufacturer: Dreamworks
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00006LLPN
Release Date: 2002-10-15

Tracks:

Rain
Thinking Over
Almost Had It All
Cherish
A Reason
Maybe
Make It Real
River Of Love
Falling Into Love
The Way (Radio Song)
Testimony

Amazon.com

Testimony may be Dana Glover's debut album, but the former model has been around a while, playing sax on five Pete Cetera albums before her rough-and-tumble contralto came to the attention of former Band member turned A&R maven Robbie Robertson, who signed her to Dreamworks. Glover has packed away her unwieldy sax, instead accompanying herself with soulful, theatrical piano on the 11 mostly original songs on the disc. Recalling Laura Nyro, Glover relies heavily on her Southern Baptist upbringing; a specter of religion pervades the songs. She wrestles with loss of faith on the bleak and spare "Rain," but petitions God to help her make up her mind on "Thinking Over," her ponderous retelling of Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken." In addition, Glover employs the able services of a gospel choir on three songs, stopping just this side of being a contemporary Christian artist. What prevents her from ascending that thorny road to glory is her taste for pop and her fascination with dissecting failed relationships in song. But when she turns her attention to such earthbound topics, she loses some of her fire. Glover is better served letting her Southern gothic side surface. --Jaan Uhelszki

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful artist.......2007-05-07

If you want a taste of Bonnie Raite, but with a Christian slant, then this artist is for you. Great voice, and meaningful lyrics.

Addictive.......2007-03-09

On first listen it was good but not exciting....however after playing 2 or 3 times and particularly with headphones on I am now completely addicted to its wondeerful blues/soul like sounds. Fantastic album

NEW TALENT ON THE BLOCK.......2006-11-03

The girl is:
1. Talented
2. Vocally superb
3. A fairly good composer.
For a debut album, I have to give her 5 stars. I will be looking forward for her next work.

Wonderful Listen.......2006-09-21

After having this cd for 4 years, I still listen to it all the time, she sings from the heart, I only hope there will be more to come from this very talented performer!

Dana Glover delivers.......2006-03-11

Dana Glover is a special artist. Her songs are piano-driven sophisticated rock and showcase her rough-but-impressive singing style, superb composition skills and her ear for knockout perfection. Each track on Testimony, her official debut album, is a testament to this--the unbelievably delicious "Thinking Over" is the record's standout track, of course, and as such received the most acclaim and promotion by her record label. Still, "Rain" and "Falling Into Love," as every one on the CD, are equally impressive songs.

Average customer rating:

Neal's first post-Beard solo album is amazing
Why did I wait?
Essential Neal Morse solo music
conversion to christianity
Not merely for the ears...

Testimony
Neal Morse
Manufacturer: Metal Blade
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000C7PRY
Release Date: 2003-09-23

Tracks:

The Land Of Beginning Again
Overture No.1
California Nights
Colder in the Sun
Sleeping Jesus
Interlude
The Prince of the Power of the Air
The Promise
Wasted Life
Overture No. 2
Break of Day
Power in the Air
Somber Days
Long Story
It's All I Can Do

Tracks:

Transformation
Ready to Try
Sing it High
Moving in my Heart
I Am Willing
In the Middle
The Storm Before the Calm
Oh, to Feel Him
God's Theme
Overture No. 3
Rejoice
Oh Lord My Lord
God's Theme 2
The Land of Beginning

Album Description

2 Disc Box set including a booklet of "Testimony notes" with Neal's reflections on each track. . ARTIST BIO:: When NEAL MORSE left SPOCK'S BEARD, the band he founded with his brother in Los Angeles in 1992, legions of SB fans around the world were left wondering if they would hear from Neal ever again. To many fans, SPOCK'S BEARD was Neal, or at least Neal's musical vision. As the band's primary songwriter and lead vocalist, the only apparent reason to leave the highly acclaimed musical juggernaut at the height of their global popularity, would be to set away from music all together...

History...

Neal grew up in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles throughout the 60's and 70's. His father was a choral director and his influence on Neal was quite significant, teaching him to harmonize at an early age and exposing him to many different styles of music. Neal began taking piano lessons at the age of five, sang lead in the opera "Amahl and the Night Visitors" at the tender age of nine, and picked up the guitar soon afterwards. Throughout his twenties, Neal wrote about a million songs and played all over Los Angeles trying to get a deal as a singer/songwriter. In between writing two full-scale musicals, Neal also played sessions for Al Stewart, Peter White and Skipper Wise amongst others.

In his early thirties, Morse grew restless with the LA scene and packed up his things to go travel around Europe, busking in the streets and playing in small clubs. Neal found the experience to be quite valuable and after having played all over Hamburg, Berlin and Paris, he returned to the US and decided to form the band Spock's Beard with his brother Alan. Recruiting a line up of top session musicians, the band recorded it's debut album, "The Light" in 1994, an album which critics have called one of the best progressive albums of the last ten years. The band (with Neal) has recorded five studio albums and one live album ("Beware Of Darkness", "The Kindness Of Strangers", "Day For Night", "V", "Snow" and "The Beard Is Out There - Live") and have been hailed as one of the best progressive bands on the scene.

In 2002, after the release of Spock's Beard's epic 2 CD concept album "Snow", Neal inexplicably left the group. The timing could not have been stranger, as "Snow" received unanimous beaming reviews from writers around the world.

Well, fortunately for his audience and seemingly overnight, Neal is far from done, and is more likely just getting started. In similar step with his SPOCK'S BEARD swansong "Snow", Neal has fashioned yet another double disc of stunning music. "Testimony" is a new beginning for Neal, and a glorious musical beginning it is. Neal's musical output is, for lack of a better word, staggering. 21 tracks include all the elements Neal has become famous for, a cappella multi-harmonic vocal sections, thought provoking lyrics and the top shelf musicianship lacking in most popular music today. Neal has broadened his musical breadth on "Testimony" including, for the first time, members of the NASHVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. Neal even has even gone so far as to reach out to one of his own musical influences, KERRY LIVGREN (KANSAS), who graciously contributed to "Testimony". Long time friend and TRANSATLANTIC collaborator, MIKE PORTNOY (Dream Theater) also refused to be left behind, and can be heard behind the drum kit on the entire album. You can hear Neal's newfound enthusiasm on "Testimony", it's the sound of a modern musical master, and quite a testimony it is.

Customer Reviews:

Neal's first post-Beard solo album is amazing.......2007-03-10

I think the title of my review says it all. Testimony was released a year after Neal quit Spock's Beard and its 2 CDs are basically his autobiography as told through music. There was genuine concern among fans whether we'd ever hear from Neal musicall again. As an artistic achievement as well as a musical work, it is quite simply stunning. Neal plays guitars, bass, and keyboards and handles all the lead vocals. He's joined (as he is on all of his post-Beard solo discs) by the superb Mike Portnoy on drums as well as a cast of musicians on strings and backing vocals.

The double disc set starts with Neal singing about the "Land of Beginning Again" before busting into a killer Overture, No.1 to be exact. I'm not going to go into detail here as this album is long and has so many high spots (2 hours!). However, some of my favorites that stick out are the 3 overtures, Ready to Try, Break of Day, California Nights, The Prince of the Power of the Air, Sleeping Jesus, and the suite containing Oh Lord My God.

As far as story goes, the album chronicles Neal's attempts in his 20s to make it in the California singer/songwriter scene, where he played loads of long gigs for little pay. Getting depressed and bitter and dumped by his girlfriend, he hits his lowest ebb as he enters his early 30s. However, he begins to pary and go to church. He moves to Nashville, meets his future wife, gets married, starts having kids, Spock's Beard begins to take off, and he's finally a huge success. But something inside him is restless, and through his spiritual quest, he embraces his Christian faith, leaves the Beard after 8 years and 6 KILLER albums (culminating in his opus with SB, Snow), and begins anew with this disc. Obviously I wish Neal hadn't quit the Beard, but they and he have both done fine since the split.

Even though I am a devout Christian, I usually run the other direction screaming from Christian music. However, Neal's lyrics can be positive and uplifting even if you don't agree with his Christian message, and the musicianship and passion with which all of his work comes across is certainly worth the price of admission alone.

In short, this is a stunning achievement and well worth your time!

Why did I wait?.......2007-02-26

You know, it's almost impossible to not address this as a Christian work - but don't jump down my throat until you read the next paragraph:

I truly feel like an IDIOT because I let my Agnosticism keep me from purchasing any of Neal's Christian albums. Truthfully, that was absolutely THE DUMBEST REASON ON EARTH not to buy this. (And I not only bought this disc, I bought "?" and "One," which I also love.)

As a fan of Neal-era Spock's Beard, and Transatlantic, I should have gotten this MUCH sooner than I did. If one is to look at religion as an intellectual topic rather than a spiritual one, then you really should have no problem with this album. Consider also that Mr. Portnoy is Jewish, and apparently could put his own religious beliefs aside to play on Neal's Christian works. So, really, if he can get over it, why can't you?

Now that we've gotten that out of the way ... this is perhaps Neal's masterwork, and one that should be in any progressive rock fan's library. This isn't too far off of the Spock's Beard path, nor the Transatlantic path - it's just more epic in scope. The orchestrations and arrangements are nothing sort of brilliant. Neal's sense of melody and thematic development have always been what drew me to all of his work - that, and the amount of sonic diversity that you get, both within an album as a whole, and very often within the context of a single track. If this is what you like about Neal's work, then you will not be disappointed in the least. The playing here is top notch as well - when have you heard Mike Portnoy not turn in a jaw dropping performance on the drums? - and lyrically, I don't suppose you can get much more personal than this; Whether or not you care about Jesus or God or any of that, this is Neal's story. And if you respect the man and his work, you can put your personal hangups aside to listen to him.

My only regret is that I didn't get over mine sooner. And while this album has not affected my views on Christianity, it certainly made me consider the amount of cynicism and hypocrisy in my life had reached ridiculous levels when I let something like religious beliefs (or lack thereof) get in the way of listening to something that is so compositionally brilliant and truly a work of genius.

Essential Neal Morse solo music.......2007-02-06

This CD tells the story of a musician struggling both professionaly and spiritually. The songs are well crafted and full of excellent musicianship with some high caliber guest musicians including Kerry Livgren and Mike Portnoy (who is still Neal's studio drummer).

The second disc has some pretty powerful musical/spiritual moments that will really move anyone who is not closed off to Christianity.

conversion to christianity.......2006-06-14

insofar as music expresses and conveys human emotions and experience, neal got music. neal got tune. neal got soul. if anyone knows of a better musical representation of the human experience of conversion to christianity (tumoil/conflict -> inspiration/revelation -> peace) than the four tracks on the 2nd cd: In the Middle, The Storm Before the Calm, Oh, to Feel Him, God's Theme, please tell me. beyond these four tracks, there are many other memorable high points on this work. the totality of neal's contribution to christian music in a few short years (testimony / one / ?) is mind-boggling. hard to believe he's not a "cradle-christian". wow. i'm a fan.

Not merely for the ears..........2006-06-01

This is amazing stuff. Music for the heart, not only for the ears. Morse met Jesus and found LIFE. This music is incredibly alive!

Consuming Impulse/Testimony of the Ancients

Average customer rating:

Killer 2-Disc Reissue!!
It will make you wish for a quick and painless death ;-).
Slab of Evolution
WOW...too bad they didn't last
Death Metal Has A New Name

Consuming Impulse/Testimony of the Ancients
Pestilence
Manufacturer: Roadrunner Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000C0FIL
Release Date: 2003-09-09

Tracks:

Dehydrated
Process of Suffocation
Suspended Animation
Trauma
Chronic Infection
Out of the Body
Echoes of Death
Deify Thy Master
Proliferous Souls
Reduced to Ashes

Tracks:

Secrecies of Horror
Bitterness
Twisted Truth
Darkening
Lost Souls
Blood
Land of Tears
Free Us from Temptation
Prophetic Revelations
Impure
Testimony
Souless
Presence of the Dead
Mind Wrap
Stigmatized
In Sorrow

Album Description

UK twofer combines the Dutch death metaller's 1989 albums, 'Consuming Impulse' & 'Testimony Of The Ancients', both are unavailable domestically. Roadrunner. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Killer 2-Disc Reissue!!.......2007-04-03

Consuming Impulse- A pinnacle in death and thrash, this 1989 release, however dated it may be, is one of the strongest efforts by any band in the genre. Every track is killer and will tear the heads from the unsuspected. My personal favorites are "The Process Of Suffocation", "The Trauma", "Chronic Infection", "Defy Thy Master", and "Reduced To Ashes".

Testimony Of The Ancients- A solid, albeit dissimilar in many ways, follow-up to 1989's Consuming Impulse. This album is very similar to Atheist's Unquestionable Presence. The instrumental intros to each song are somewhat unnecessary but those can easily be skipped. A very different album than most in the genre and a true case of Pestilence's constant ability to push the envelope and redefine what metal is and can sound. Not for everybody but those with the right kind of ears will be pleasantly surprised with what they hear. Out of print for too long, this along with its predecessor, was reissued in a two-disc set by Roadrunner in 2003.

It will make you wish for a quick and painless death ;-)........2007-01-24

I honestly didn't know what to review for this since the reviewer below already did a better job and couldn't have said it any better but I'll try my best. Both these albums from Pestilence as you may know are classics and are true death metal masterpieces, Pestilence's music is a combination of death and faster speed and thrash style riffs. It was released during the time period of the early 90's when more influential death metal bands started arriving, I'm glad that roadrunner dicided to release these two awesome cds from their vaults and its like getting two albums for the price of one so its a bargain. Inside the cover you'll find some liner notes telling you about the history of this prolific band from Holland (O.k. I wouldn't exactely say prolific since they only had a few albums released!).

The first album Consuming Impulse is my favorite of the two mainly because it sounds more raw and aggressive it's as if each track is trying to prove something and its unrelentless brutality creates an amazing wall of sound. The whole album is flawless and to me it seems difficult to choose a favorite track but I have to say that Suspended Animation was great and they incorporated a synthesizer during the middle to make it sound more wierd and evil as if it was a gothic horror film, it doesn't sound cheesy infact it helps the song sound better as the riff later uses the same sound as the synth to make an awesome headbanging track. Another highlight would be Chronic Infection and Out of the body which flow together very well and is very atmospheric. The singers vocals sound very twisted like a tortured soul and he sounds almost like John Tardy from Obituary so he sounds inhuman as he starts growling DEIFY THY MASTEEEERRRRRRR!!!!! yeah this is an album that has definitely stood out among the rest of the death metal groups and you will hear this immediately upon first listen that it was ahead of it's time so its very essential and heavy as hell.

Testimony Of The Ancients was slightly different as it has a more clear production, the band couldn't move into a more brutal level so they searched to gain in intensity rather than in brutality. They came up with the lyrical contents that include H.P. Lovecraft and a sci/fi concept which was very clever instead of the usual death and gore type lyrics that death metal is usualy known for. Each track cuts with an interlude this is usaualy a wierd sound effect, the songs have a classical and jazz influence to them but still sound as brutal as the first album, for me the highlight of the album was Prophetic Revelations with its slow and sludgier sounding riff in the beginning of the song which sounds like a grinding machine I loved it infact this whole album is pure brilliance with lots of wailing guitar solos, the other great songs are Stigmatized (which will make your neck snap from all that headbanging), Twisted truth, Lost souls, Land of tears and Testimony. What else can I say YOU NEED TO GET THESE TWO ALBUMS FROM PESTILENCE NOW! STOP READING THIS REVIEW!.

Slab of Evolution.......2006-02-03

Feeling nostalgic, I recently ordered this set, the jewel of Roadrunner Records' "Two from the Vault" series of two-for-one reissues, and now I can't seem to get it out of the CD player.
The package collects 1989's "Consuming Impulse" and 1991's "Testimony of the Ancients" by Pestilence, Holland's superb answer to the first wave of real death metal. The forerunners of the genre were spawning in Florida and England but "Impulse" was regarded as something of a landmark at the time, in large part due to the tortured vocals of Martin Van Drunen, who was also posing as the group's bass player at the time. By his own admission, Van Drunen had been hired as the lead vocalist, but as Pestilence had no bassist at the time, they handed him an instrument and told him to play. His inexperience resulted in guitarist Patrick Mameli playing all the bass lines on "Impulse" and its rawer predecessor, "Maleus Malefecarum." By the time of the release of "Consuming Impulse", Van Drunen had become a true vocal maniac, somewhere between Jeff Beccera of Possessed and John Tardy of Obituary, comparisons I certainly don't take lightly. He screams like his shorts are on fire throughout the album, giving distinctive character to the violent riffery of Mameli and newly recruited second guitarist Patrick Uterwijk.
The musical backdrop combines thrash-metal aggression with a burgeoning technicality that would come to full fruition on later releases. In a few spots on the CD, Mameli and Uterwijk step out of typical death metal confines by blending seperate rhythm guitar parts for a deeper web of sound, most notably on the fan favorite "Out of the Body." They also suggest their later prog tendencies with the quirkily timed opening riffs of "Echoes of Death." A personal favorite, lyrically and musically, is the eerie, keyboard-tinged "Suspended Animation", probably the most interesting sci-fi scenario on the disc. Van Drunen and murderous drummer Marco Foddis trade off writing lyrics for the album, touching on many standard themes of horror, religion, pollution, etc., and while neither was an ace with the English language yet, "Suspended Animation" could be the synopsis for a Twighlight Zone episode.
Van Drunen hits a vocal peak toward the end of the album with "Deify Thy Master", a shrieking fit that seemingly had him puking blood on the studio walls. Throughout the CD, producer Harris Johns is able to use what is obviously a low budget to its fullest, with every sound pounding from the speakers like it has something to prove.
Fast forward two years, and one lineup change has morphed Pestilence into an almost completely different band: Van Drunen, shockingly, has exited from the band, joining Asphyx, and with no way to properly replace him, Mameli steps into the role of guitarist/vocalist with admirable gusto. "Testimony of the Ancients" sees a stylistic shift beyond just the difference between the voices of Mameli and Van Drunen: the CD feels almost like a concept album, with 30-second interludes of samples, melodic guitars, and keyboards courtesy of Kent Smith (who provided similar creepy moments on Obituary's "Cause of Death" album)in between each song. The lyrics, now almost exclusively penned by Foddis, have improved substantially and tell tales of conjuring demons from pits of lost souls amidst revelations of Lovecraftian alternate universes and such. Mameli's diction is clear and concise; it's possible to understand most of what he says without consulting the lyric sheet. Overall, his sound is most easily compared to "Leprosy"/"Spiritual Healing"-era Chick Schuldiner.
The production is squeaky-clean Scott Burns all the way, with the drums settling back into the mix rather than pummeling your face off, and a nice, pleasant studio crunch in the guitars not heard on the earlier albums. The biggest step forward musically is the selection of the riffs themselves. Each riff on the disc is memorable and easy to follow, even in the most technical sections. Pestilence had truly learned how to write good songs by this point in their career. Foddis' English is tremendously improved, and his lyrics (as well as those of Mameli's sole lyrical contribution on the title track) are actually RHYTHMIC, falling in catchy, tribal cadences, particularly on "Twisted Truth". There is a stony, bendy hook riff on "Prophetic Revelations" which acts as a super satisfying intro and outro, melting through a moaning porn sample into Mameli's "Testimony", which is direct, simple, and absolutely superb. The band goes full-on prog metal for sections of the closer, "Stigmatized", which paves the way for Pestilence's final studio record, "The Sphere", a CD that pushed them to another level of technicality before the group disbanded at a creative impasse. Finally, a noteworthy contribution is made to the CD by then-Cynic bassist Tony Choy, who frankly isn't given much of a chance to spread his wings except on the bass solo "Soulless." Choy would miss out on the chance to play on Cynic's sole offering, "Focus", but would later become a full-time member of Atheist after guesting on this disc.
I can't say enough good things about this set. If you don't own it or plan to own it, you suck.

WOW...too bad they didn't last.......2005-02-07

These guys are unbelievable. I picked this up with the Gorguts "Considered Dead/The Erosion of Sanity" double cd and I must say, they are both worth the 18.99 price tag. Roadrunner is trying to resurrect what made them the label they were before 2000. With the "Two from the Vault" releases, they are releasing two cds for the price of one, mainly old school death metal that made them successful. The thing that gets me is they let some 20 bands go and signed all Nu-Metal when the movement was big. Now that it's dying, they realize no real extreme metal bands (Cradle of Filth doesn't count, if black metal or supposed black metal as they are got any more mainstream it would be sick) want to sign to their label because of the crappy treatment.

Anyway, the music is great, the production is top notch, and listening to Martin van Drunen pre-Asphyx is a blast. Get them.

Death Metal Has A New Name.......2004-11-07

Pestilence is not just any death metal or prog metal band. They're a mixture of both, and I am super lucky that Roadrunner records was able to combine the group's finest albums, "Consuming Impulse" and "Testimony Of The Ancients", together in one package. Both albums are great, especially "Consuming Impulse", which has headbanging classics like "Out Of The Body" and "Dehydrated". "Testimony Of The Ancients" is as good, since "Twisted Truth" and "The Secrecies Of Horror" are some of my favorites. This is a true classic, and if you don't have both albums already, buy this. No penny will be wasted.

Average customer rating:

John Mooney is Amazing

Testimony
John Mooney
Manufacturer: Domino
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Ragtime | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music
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Dealing with the Devil
Travelin' On
All I Want
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Late Last Night

ASIN: B000008ILE
Release Date: 2007-03-19

Tracks:

I Plead Guilty
One Thing
Lil' Queen of Spades
Push and Shove
In the Night
Take Time to Know Her
I Wish I Was in Heaven Sitting Down
Cryin' Out Loud
Maybe Baby
Levee Camp Moan
Common Ground
Married Woman Blues
Man's Gotta Do
Hey Now Baby

Album Details

This CD Captures the Driving Intensity of John Mooney's Live Shows, with Johnny Vidcovich, Meters' Bassist George Porter, Dr John and Ivan Neville.

Customer Reviews:

John Mooney is Amazing.......2007-05-13

On this album, recorded in 1992, one hears the beginning of the elements of mastery which make John Mooney the best at what he does. John Mooney has two styles: the delta blues, just him and his slide guitar sound, and the full band, New Orleans combination of Cajun, rythm and blues, blend. I'm partial to his solo slide guitar, Delta blues sound. He's the absolute best I've every heard and has kept the tradition alive.

Average customer rating:

Poetic Beauty and Changing Perspectives

Testimony, Vol. 1, Life & Relationship
India.Arie
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
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Voyage to India
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Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship
Reflections - A Retrospective
Not Too Late

ASIN: B000G03RPE
Release Date: 2006-06-27

Album Description

UK edition of her 2006 album featuring two bonus tracks: 'I Am Not My Hair' (Urban A/C Mix) and 'This Too Shall Pass' (Hidden Track). Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship is India.Arie's third album and the first in a series. Testimony celebrates the strength gained from learning one's life lessons. Again, India.Arie deftly handles complex subjects with beautiful lyrics filled with simple wisdom. The new disc was produced by longtime collaborators Shannon Sanders (Heather Headley, Joss Stone) and Mark Batson (Seal, Beyonce) among others. Motown.

Customer Reviews:

Poetic Beauty and Changing Perspectives.......2006-10-22

Even as the first notes melt into your consciousness you may feel yourself taking a deep breath and relaxing into the mood. What a stunning start to a poetic album. "I want to love with an open heart," gives me shivers. The honesty of the lyrics and the beauty of India Aire's voice continues into the second song. I like her attitude and how she puts her foot down on conflict and stands up for herself. There is sadness but a sense of renewal.

Good Mourning sounds like a sleepy morning with a record playing in the background. It takes a while to take off and then gets downright sensual. She is working through feelings and you can feel her releasing the pain. "good morning independence or is it loneliness."

Like a dark night of the soul, her music explores a relationship that is falling apart. Did destiny get in the way or is she following her heart? Does she need pain as a muse to create her music? Like any true artist she seems to be creating even when in conflict.

In Wings of Forgiveness she admits she is still in love. Whatever will happen next? She seems to be awakening to her own inner knowledge. "You are only human..." She reaches such a beautiful poetic moment on the album. I like how she "makes peace with her complexity."

One of the most intellectual and emotionally satisfying poetic explorations within sound I've heard lately. She seems wise beyond her years and is open to learning from life's mistakes. Not only does this album have moments of soul stirring beauty, it is fun to listen to for the surprises and story that seems to flow through the songs.

~The Rebecca Review

Average customer rating:

Laswell is Phatness Personified

ROIR Dub Sessions
Bill Laswell
Manufacturer: ROIR
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Trip-Hop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

Dub | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Reggae | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Dance & DJ | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 International | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 New Age | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
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A Navel City/No One Is There
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Radioaxiom: A Dub Transmission
Sacred System, Chapter One: Book of Entrance
Trojan Dub Massive: Chapter One

ASIN: B0000X1K3I
Release Date: 2003-11-18

Tracks:

Dread Iternal
Thunupa
Cybotron
Ethiopia/ The Lower Ground

Album Description

ROIR, in conjunction with Bill Laswell, has put together an excellent collection from our four wide-ranging Laswell releases- not necessarily a best of Laswell as that's far too subjective, but an authoritative look into his work with ROIR. Laswell has created four albums for ROIR with our eclectic musical taste in mind. The bass is heavy and the accompanying musicians world-renowned. Laswell's ROIR Dub Sessions offers the listener a superb occasion to immerse oneself in the Laswell sound! Economically Priced!!! Over 45 Minutes!!!

Customer Reviews:

Laswell is Phatness Personified.......2005-01-05

The first thing I heard from Bill Laswell was his work with Buckethead on the album Colma. I just really liked the ambient bass guitar sound that he creates. The mixture of dub reggae with awesome soundscape-creating vocals and horns on this album is well worth a listen for anyone who likes music. If you listen to anything from Bob Marley to Pink Floyd, or if you just like to chill out to some really tight grooves, this is the album for you.

Average customer rating:

Testimony
LP
Manufacturer: Birmingham Ent
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
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V2... The J Moss Project

ASIN: B000LPR5NE
Release Date: 2007-04-17

Music Review:

Music Review

Music Review

1. Psalm 1
2. Refuge
3. Faithful
4. Secret Place
5. Testimony
6. Snake in the Grass
7. Charm Is Deceitful
8. Satisfied
9. Mysterious Ways
10. Unspoken Love