Customer Reviews

Cathedral Oceans

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

 

 

Don't judge this CD by John Foxx's background in the pop/rock business. This is totally different, an ambient album, the same genre as Brian Eno, Harold Budd and Steve Roach. Foxx gives a special thanks to Mr Harold Budd, so it seems like he's been involved in some way (the text doesn't explain how). The album has similarities with Eno, Budd and Roach, but at the same time Foxx creates his own sound using his unique voice, often processed by large hall/cathedral reverbs. They're sometimes played backwards, which creates a haunting mood. This is an excellent album for people who like ambient. If you enjoy the works of Eno and Budd, then get this album. You won't regret it.

Ignore the "What the critics say" stuff above - that's referring to Foxx's other album from 1997, _Shifting City_, which wasn't released in the US. _Cathedral Oceans_ is a very different beast, drifting yet grandiose "architectural music", composed from layers of lush synths, natural sounds (birds, etc) and Foxx's own voice heavily layered in a manner reminiscent of Gregorian chant. Closest thing in his past work is the title track of "The Garden", although this doesn't have regular vocals. In the right setting, this album is very impressive indeed.

This album is amazing, its nothing like the 'normal' music John Foxx plays and produces. When I met him on the 21st of Jan, 2003 he said that this was his proudest moment in his musical career, becayse it was very personal. I saw pictures slowly moving on a glass screen with this album playing = amazing.

Like most of us, I was numbed out by the events of 9/11. I couldn't listen to music at all for days. Everything that I tried to listen to irritated me. Then I put this on. This soothing ambient work by John Foxx brought me back, so to speak from that situation. I have since given my copy to a good friend, as I opted to purchase the double cd reissue Cathedral Oceans 1 and 2. Tranquility when you'll want it most. Highly recommended. Very spiritual. An absolutely beautiful listening experience.

The melodies are smooth and Foxx takes his time placing his voice at the right moments to have his voice accompany the melodies and, at other times, have the melodies accompany his voice. The music escapes space and time and it feels as if all tracks flow as one starting the listener in the forest, then up to the sky and clouds in a medatative state then back to the forest. Such a good solid work I wish it was longer.

First you have to get this album in perspective. It's by John Foxx - but he's totally reinvented himself. All rock pretensions have gone and he's now a new age guy. In fact, he's trying real hard to be Harold Budd, so if you know who he is, you're right on track.

I bought it because I'm a fan of John's other music. Given the nature of the recording I must confess to being disapointed. I'd die to hear him put out another "The Garden" or "Systems of Romance."

That aside I guess I should talk about the alubm in the correct context. I also am a fan of Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schultz, Andreas Vollenweider, Brian Eno - and yes, the aforementioned Harold Budd. So how does Foxx stack up? Well - frankly he doesn't bring anything new to the table. This type of music can be emotive, no doubt about that. But it has nothing to do with the prson making the music - it's the timbre, the instrumentation. After more than ten years break - John has totally lost his way. I can't recommend this. Buy some Eno and get the real deal.

ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE JOHN FOXX GOES NEW AG