Customer Reviews

Burning Times

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an unusual CD but I really like it. The majority of the album conveys an environmental or clean living message with original songwriting and good music - kind of a mixture of pop/jazz. "Green World" is especially good - " We may be dancing on the only green world". It would be a five star album but there are two songs that keep me from putting the CD into a constant rotation.

I heard "Burning Times" on Public Radio and the song was so unique I had to order the CD because I figured it would be a very long time before I ever heard it again. "Burning Times" is written from the point of view of the Wiccans and is a rather melodramatic piece about the persecution of the 'witches' in Europe. It is very unique and the musical arrangement is very good but it is a little over the top to hear over and over again after the initial novelty wears off.

The only real strike against it is that in "Nightmare", the song starts off with the sound of a civil defense siren. Good effect for the message of the song but annoying if you like to leave a CD in a constant rotation.

Still, high points (four stars) for good originality and overall sound.

I ADORE this album and am SO glad to see it available again! "Burning Times" is a classic, and "I Choose Life" is my favourite of all -- it was written to address the AIDS epidemic, but it applies to so many things. "Needle Full of Dreams" is really poinant, and rocking and puts you right inside the head of a junkie and lets you feel sorry for him while you learn why he does this. "Echo of a Scream" is amazingly timeless, and particularly appropriate in these trouble politcal times. I dearly wish this group had produced more, but even without, this album has been on my top 5 favorites for over 10 years and I don't see it going away. I'm on my third album (having played the previous cassette and CD literally to death) and absolutely recommend it to anyone who likes the feel and flow of 1988-2008 rock with a slightly folkish, slightly eclectic, slightly political twist. I haven't met anyone who DIDN'T like this music, and I've shared it with a LOT of people over 10 years.

This collection of songs (one of two Charlie Murphy cassettes I had in the early 80's) is top notch. Original songwriting. Political message of hope and dedication despite the devastating condition of our world. Excellent musicianship. Jamie Seiber is a world class cellist. Charlie Murphy's vocals are pleasant, in key, and energetic. There is a full band backing them and the excellent production quality shows. (Produced by a drummer from Santana).
This is a "Must Have" album for any Pagan, any Activist, anyone who has been touched by loss (I choose life is in response to the devastation of AIDS). See also "Canticles of Light" for songs and chants that are useful in protest or ritual settings.
What are you waiting for? Buy this CD!

I got this CD after seeing the band play at a bar in Des Moines, IA many years ago. I've found it will well-worth pulling out and listening to from time to time.

The music is good and the lyrics are meaningful...
The Pagan song 'Burning Times' is beautifully done. There are also songs that address a variety of 'current issues' and can be enjoyed by people of any faith.

The synergistic energy in the combined musical talents of these members of this project are hard to surpass, by even the magic in lifelong band members who've played for decades. The messages of the songs, some as harsh as reality, carried on the wings of a dream... like the yin & yang of reality we face, , or rather, choose to face, & our escape into dreams...

It's a dichotomy, you love it or hate it, or intermittenlty love & then hate it (as you are drawn into it so deply you may temporarily wear it out - but rest assurred you always return!) Some have managed to love yet hate it simultaneously, but I've not been so vexed.

The title track is a lesson & would be a classic in pagan sages. YOu should listen to this, & then you should BE DANCING, in the OLNY GREEN WORLD, that's turning...around the sun...

There's fun to be shared here, and to make some aware nearly something for everyone with an open mind...

The only real disappointment, is that Charlie has disappearred, but I guess he's doing his own thing. I guess some magical moments just can't be repeated. So grateful for this blessing, but ...of course I wish there were more...

It is a verey good album all the music is well done