Customer Reviews

Bellydance Superstars 4

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Where have all the beautiful classical songs gone? This is seems to be representative of the over all dismissal of the original classical music--even going so far as to make Enta Omri a techno song! That appalled me, I have to say, as well as seeing Zaina get the same treatment (which now starts with a zombie-like drum line?). That song was originally part of a longer piece by Mohammed Abdul Wahab and should be labled as a remix so as to avoid confusion. Now I don't even know it except for the understated melody that is lingering there somewhere for the last half of the song.

The only track so far that has a real orchestral feel is track 5, while the old original orchestral pieces have been twisted around into these horrible techno mixes. The Enta Omri remix's opening even goes so far as to incorporate that horrible cliche techno beat that even people who like techno and electronica hate. Even as someone who enjoys techno and electronica I was simply horrified. How can they do this to the angel of Egypt? If you don't know what I mean by that and you're a belly dancer, you need to do some music history research on the classic music belly dance started out with. It shouldn't take modern, vamped up remixes for dancers to know and respect their history.

All that said, there are parts of this CD I did enjoy, all of the tracks are dancable and if I didn't know the history I'd think it was a great album. The modern tracks are all great, and it's interesting to see the change between volume four and one--we're seeing the evolution of modern belly dance music before our eyes. Turbo Tabla 4 was an improvement over 3 (which I felt was too repetitive), and was an example of good old/new sound blending as an example. I also think this CD has a better balance of medium and fast music, but I wish we could see a little more slow stuff since it's so hard to find on compilations.

All in all, this CD is okay, but it also shows us as a dance community how we need to get back to the roots of belly dance music as a balance to all the modernization of old pieces that is going on. Dancers who begin now won't even know who Oum Kalthoum is, and they'll think all this techno is the entirety of dance music.

I was somewhat disappointed that a heavy bass beat - not beledy - has been added to many of the songs, so the rock-n-roll/hip hop aspect was a bit much.

The BDSS CD's just keep getting better. Not only are there simple melodies for the beginner on top of subtle complex beats for the advanced dancer, but the music as a whole is great for listening. Just can't sit still for this one.

Most songs have a club beat to it and that is fine, if you are looking for music with a Middle Eastern flair to listen to.

For bellydancers, this CD will most likely be a disappointment. I am not opposed to more modern music for bellydancing, but I don't like this artificial club beat overlay on these songs. Besides, if you already own some bellydance music, chances are you already own the same or better versions of Bel Arabi, Enta Omri, Bitwannes Beek, Ala Meen and Zeina.

The ones I do like on this CD, and find usable are Turbo Tabla 4 and Isham Houshan's drum solo.

I use the Bellydance Superstar CDs 1, 2, 3 and 5 for my class, but this CD stays on the shelf.

I liked tracks 6 & 12. The original long version of Batawanees Beek makes the hair on my arms stand up! This one leaves me cold. I think most of this techno stuff is just too busy for me. Frantic, repetitive, and feels like an aerobic class. You can't interpret the rhythm/melody with that d!mn#d overpowering beat! What happened to the emotion? Isn't that the whole point behind art?

This CD is packed with songs, mostly quick-paced and energetic, that will get you in the mood to put on your hip scarf and dance! My absolute favorite is track number seven, Turbo Tabla 4, but there are so many others that really can help you work up a sweat!

this is great cd. There are a few songs that I need to listen to get the feel but I love track 3.

Ididn't like much this CD because the music is well known, a bit too much maybe, and even if it's new recording, there is no surprise at all except for the last drumming .

I loved number one: "Enta Omni Remix" and number 3: "Batwanni Beek REG Project". I wish I could get more of their music. I didn't care about all the songs where there was an actual singer singing a song.

The item was exactly as the seller described it. It arrived in excellent condition and quite quickly.