Best Of Corvus Corax [Enhanced]

Corvus Corax | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 16, 2007)
• Original Release Date: July 16, 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Dancing Ferret
• ASIN: B0007ZEOWI
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #39,279 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #85 in Music > World Music > Europe > Continental Europe > Germany

Track Listings

1. Neva Cengi Harbi

2. Avanti

3. In Taberna

4. Suam Elle Ires

5. Cheiron

6. Filii Neidhardi

7. Ballade De Mercy

8. La Douce

9. Palaestinalied

10. Douce Dame Joliet

11. Mille Anni Passi Sunt

12. Saltarello (live)

13. Platerspiel (live)

14. Chou Chou Sheng (video track - live)

15. Lasse, Grant Doucor

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Perfect Sampling of Corvus Corax, June 1, 2006

By 

John R. Harford (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Best Of Corvus Corax (Audio CD)

Having followed this band's European success for more than a decade, I am thrilled that we finally have access to the music in the United States via Noir Records.

The essence: Corvus Corax are an example of the 'other side' of Medieval Music. These musicians are not concerned with courtly or noble odes to romanticized and faux Chivalry. They are bawdy, loud, and raw. Their live antics and energy surpasses most heavy metal acts without the contrivances associated with that genre.

They make their own costumes, design their own instruments, and have played with such reknown orchestras as the Berlin Philharmonic. They are not simply a "Faire" band but in fact are complex and professional musicians. Not the tired piping ballads and frame drum repetition of so many bands claiming an ancient lineage - Corvus Corax is also keenly aware of the Hellenistic and Middle Eastern influences which helped form not only European music, but also touched European culture.

This CD is a perfect way to get a broad sampling of their diverse style. You will also hear many tracks on this disc which are popular at the live shows of Corvus Corax.

Even if you are like me, and own most of their discography, I recommend this CD. It is helpful to play for folks who see my T-Shirt or hear me mention the band, and ask, "What do they sound like?"

They sound like the markets, woods and hills of a time long past. They are testimony to the complexity and importance of music, arts, and the live venue not only today but also in misty antiquity.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars =) Stomp Along With These Medieval Minstrels!, May 22, 2006

By 

M. Mierzwa (Davis, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Best Of Corvus Corax (Audio CD)

About the Band:
Corvus Corax, whos name means raven, is a German medieval band formed in the late 1980s that is best known for their reliance on traditional instruments and interestingly enough appearance! Most of their songs feature extensive bagpipe and drums. Considering themselves street minstrels of old, Corvus Corax are known to make secret unannounced appearances at European music festivals such as Germany's annual Wave-Gotik-Treffen, where they have always been a fan favorite.

About the Album:
This is a best of album, and as such it really is the best way to introduce people not only to Corvus Corax, but also the medieval genre of music. Though popular in gothic and industrial music scenes in which electronic music is usually a staple, this album focuses on traditional instruments and vox. Fans of folk and medieval (think Renaissance Faire) music or general fantasy atmospheres will love this album.

Recommended Tracks:
- Avanti
- Ballade de Mercy
- Douce Dame Joliet
- Mille Anni Passi Sunt
- Filii Neidhardi

One note on the Ballade de Mercy ... though the song is "work-safe" in the United States due to language barrier issues, the old French lyrics are not only silly, but a bit risqué (in an extremely good way, I assure you - I can't help but laugh and sing along).

I've bought this album twice from amazon! The first time for myself, and the second time for a friend of mine who tends to listen to 80s pop music and Spanish music. She loved this album, and normally she finds my taste in music to be too "dark". Corvus Corax are not dark, but just pure fun. I honestly think anybody who enjoys the "feel-good" that accompanies fast paced festival music will instantly fall in love with Corvus Corax.

For years they were a European secret, but within a year of performing in Pennsylvania (2005), more of their albums are starting to make their way to North America. Similarly, they are now being talked about more at clubs. This album will illustrate the growing interest in this bad. I honestly have a hard time not wanting to smile, stomp, and dance any time I hear these crazy minstrels.

Similar Artists:
- Estampie
- In Extremo
- Qntal

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great One Of A Kind Music, October 20, 2005

By 

Lake Ober "muffin man" (Mechanicsburg, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Best Of Corvus Corax (Audio CD)

I live in Pennsylvania and I recently saw Corvus Corax play at the PA Ren. Fair. I was quickly in love with this bands music. I bought this cd at their show and it has quickly become one of my favorites. I love rare and uncommon music and this one sure pleased me. It amazes me how dedicated this band is and how each song sounds a bit differnt then the last. This is a great cd for anyone who likes music that is a bit differnt then everything else.