Customer Reviews

Pod (Bonus DVD)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

POD is one of the best remix albums you're ever likely to hear, in "world music" or any other category. Most projects of this nature tend to rely heavily on the input of guest DJs, the majority of whom, in an effort to make a name for themselves and put a unique spin on the songs, totally massacre the original tracks. It takes a disciplined and gifted remixer indeed to reinterpret another artist's song in a manner that is "different" and yet respectful.

The Afro Celts have solved this problem by skipping the middleman altogether and doing most of the remixing on POD themselves. This is an excellent decision, because their guitarist, Simon Emmerson, also happens to be an acclaimed DJ in his own right who has a great track record for remixing and reinventing other artist's songs without completely destroying them (check out his Outernationalists project, for example). Afro Celts members Mass (keyboard/drum programming), Martin Russell (keys, engineering) and James McNally (an astonishingly gifted multi-instrumentalist) also had a hand in many of the mixes on POD, giving the project a vibe that is both familiar and new.

Together, the Afro Celts take "Rise Above" (originally from SEED) and transform it into a funky, string-laden dancehall track, while the title track from FURTHER IN TIME becomes a trippy electronic journey into sound. "Lagan," also from FURTHER IN TIME, eliminates most of Iarla O'Lionaird's vocals and brings both drums and strings forward in the mix to create a majestic album closer. POD's crowning achievement, though, is the amazing "Whirly 3," which is not so much a remix as a complete re-recording, incorporating new melodies and new instruments, including a drum kit. Just try to sit still during this one!

While the "guest" mixes on POD are quite good, they can't help but pale in comparison to the band's own work. The Rollo/Sister Bliss mix of "Release" thankfully retains the basic structure of the original song, but the brass and other urban-sounding instrumentation will likely appeal more to fans of Faithless than of the Afro Celts. And the Wren and Morley mix of "When You're Falling" unfortunately masks the rich, layered acoustic guitar of the original track in favor of what sounds like a static-ridden Casio keyboard circa 1984. The best of the guest mixes is DJ Toshio's "Full Moon Low Tide," a radical amalgamation of several tracks from SOUND MAGIC.

POD is a real treat for long-time Afro Celts fans, and if there is any justice in the world, it will draw in a significant number of new fans as well. Rather than settling for a standard remix album or a "greatest hits" compilation, the Afro Celts have taken familiar material and presented it in an inventive and exciting new light. Just listen to the way the Rollo/Sister Bliss mix of "Release," a very electronic, club-oriented song, segues seamlessly and beautifully into "Whirly 3," an acoustic jam that has more in common with a live performance than it does a remix. It all flows together perfectly, reflecting the boundless creativity of a group of true musical geniuses at work. Long live the Afro Celts!

The ever-brilliant sonic innovators Afro-Celt Sound System (Afro-Celts or ACCS for short) have just released a brilliant new creation - POD. POD is a treat for Afro-Celt fans everywhere and a superb introduction to their music for curious newcomers. POD features two discs, PODCD, which is a CD full of mind-bending remixes of many of the Afro-Celts biggest hits, as well as some incredible new material, the best of which is undoubtedly Whirly 3, an explosive 'live sounding' re-exploration of Whirly Reel, which was featured on their first album 'Sound Magic', which breaks into new, uncharted territories with a fantastic new reel featuring pipes, whistle and fiddle. A few of the tracks can be found elsewhere on import discs featuring Afro-Celt remixes, but almost everything on this disc represents new, fresh and very creative takes on the Afro-Celts' brilliant creations. POD is well worth it for the CD alone.

The second part of the package is a bonus DVD, PODDVD. This DVD features four videos. The first is a new version of their Persistence of Memory video, remixed with the new Persistence of Memory mix found on the CD. It's a beautiful and interesting video with a good story and gorgeous camera work. The second is the very cool and strange video for When You're Falling, featuring vocals by Peter Gabriel. You may have seen these videos on TV, but now you have the opportunity to have them on DVD with top quality sound and video. The third feature is edited video footage from Womad USA 2001. The footage, though brief (8 minutes), is pretty awesome. Be aware, however, that it does not included live audio from the concerts but rather a dubbed in mix from the CDs. I would have preferred a real live version, but the Afro-Celts have assured me that a complete live DVD is in the works for the future. I can't wait. The last feature is the best - a mind-altering 5.1 surround sound remix of North (in both DTS and Dolby Digital) accompanied by a totally psychedelic music video trip into the Afro-Celts' world... prepare to be be blown away.
I have word that the Afro-Celts are not only working on a complete live DVD but also a new album. The Afro-Celts put themselves behind their music, concerts and fans 110% and I can hardly wait to hear/see/experience what they come up with next. In the meantime, POD will take Afro-Celt fans on a wild and wonderful trip through the Afro-Celt world... enjoy the ride!

Chris

After you've bought "Seed" get this evolved and polished remix album. The Mass remix of "Eireann" is one of the most beautiful performances available on record. I re-discovered the thrilling "Persistence of Memory," delicate yet powerful. Iarla O Lionaird's vocals on both those songs are gripping and project a sophisticated and assured maturity. The melodies are poetic and lyrical, yet muscular. The music CD is gloriously rich and there's the bonus DVD. I wish the DVD included the video for "Release:" it was as surreal and haunting (ha) and lovely as the music. This is a really generous package and a great introduction to a unique artistic sound and vision.

This set is a must have for all Afro Celt Sound System and world-music fans! This is an amazing album, giving even their oldest tunes a fresh futuristic feel. I defy you to remain still while listening to this CD. The DVD is a fantastic bonus, as Afro Celt are one of the most dynamic live acts you'll ever find anywhere. "Pod" is Must-Hear-Music!

Lets put the last reviewer straight. If I wanted new material I would not be buying a Remix album. Having said that this latest release from the greatest pioneering and Inovative world music band on the planet have included not one but two new tracks, namely Johnny at Sea and Whirly 3 not to mention an amazing DVD package. The list of world renouned remixers is very impressive and the tracks are designed to run seemlessly from start to finish. Its an amazing energising journey that only these guys can take you on if you let them. My favourite standouts are Rise Above,Further In Time and the brilliant Rae & Christian mix of Persistance of Memory.The Killer feature in this package is the DVD. Along with live footage and videos there is a 5:1surround mix of North 1/2 and all I can say is that I have not experienced such a mesmerising mindbender since I saw 2001 A Space Odyssey the first time. Buy this now, check it out and come and thank me.

If you really like the Afro Celts, as I do, it's pretty cool to hear so many of your favorite songs made so dramatically new. It's like hearing them fresh all over again. But if you are new to the band, go for Sound Magic, which is brilliant, or Seed.

This CD is just right for entertaining guests or having nice background music while at home. Loved the CD the first time I played it and like it more every time I listen.

Remixed versions of owned tracks is not a big deal...but the bonus DVD is why I bought this cd pack. The bonus DVD has little content but is nice as Peter Gabriel appear on one of the videos and the 5.1 remixed version is fine too. But nothing else.