Customer Reviews

City of Light

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

 

 

First, I would not call this a "dub" album. Laswell's work seems to be associated with that label, but I think his work rises well above the level of most of the boring dreck that goes by the name "dub." The haunting, spacey electronic elegance of the "Outland" series, for example is more reminiscent of the sophisticated work of Brian Eno than it is of the reggae-based basement tape feel of of most "dub." Dub often has an underlying rhythmic component I associate with that genre, which much of Laswell's work does as well, but which this one does not. In any event, this cd is different from all the other Laswell work I have heard.

The title refers to the holy city of Benares, on the banks of the Ganges, the most holy of rivers to the vast and rich complex of religions in India we Westerners refer to as Hinduism. Benares--city of funeral ghats, where the faithful set the remains of loved ones afloat, as their spirits return to the great river of life; city of Shiva; city of continual change and of eternal timelessness; city of cremation grounds; city of light.

This cd is a sound painting of Benares, an exquisite dream you had, a recollection of a holy pilgrimmage made there in a prior life, at once exotic and intimately familiar. The sounds of the river, the voices of people in the streets, recitations of sacred poetry read with a Laurie Anderson-like quality of mystical dreaminess, a woman reciting her sacred devotions, the timeless sound of a holy man chanting his mantra--yes that sound that awakens you from the slumber of a thousand lifetimes to remember--remember! To remember our true nature, never gone for an instant, yet somehow seemingly forgotten.

The first time I listened to this cd, I was working on the computer and playing it as background. The whole thing sets a wonderful state of mind, but when the sound of that fellow chanting the ancient sound of that mantra came on, I literally froze at its familiarity, my eyes filled with tears, I forgot where I was. For weeks afterward, I heard that sound, felt the vibration of it in my own meditations.

I like all of Bill Laswell's work I have heard. This cd is different.

Bill Laswell is the most important musician of this decade that no one knows about. "City of Light" is a masterpiece and should be a must have in anyone's collection. From the beginning to the end, "City of Light" magically transcends your spirit to India and to the banks of the Ganges. This album has been my traveling companion at home and all over India.

This is a beautiful CD to dream to...as are most CD's that Bill Laswell has had anything to do with. I feel very lucky that a friend turned me on to Mr. Laswell's Material project with "Hallucination Engine" (another fabulous record), because Bill Laswell has a little something out there for everyone, and it's always done well. Remember the awesome bassline from Public Image Ltd.'s "Rise"? Bill Laswell. Looking for ambient? Bill Laswell. Jazz? Bill Laswell. Celtic? Bill Laswell. Rap/hip-hop? Bill Laswell. Always done with class and style. But, being partial to Eastern styled music, I rank City of Light as one of his best.

A journey...rythmic...beautiful...tabulas beating...mind releasing...peace...

Enjoy

My media studies teacher gave me this album at the end of my final year. It took me a while to listen to but ever since I have been captivated by it. A beautiful and richly layered soundscape with some spoken word. I often listen to it at work or at home to help me relax. For Laswell to create something that actually makes you feel like you have transcended to India is amazing, suprised I hadn't heard of him earlier...brilliant!

Relaxing Meditative Expanding One of my favorite CD's.

for those hardcore laswell fans the music will astound by the music, but bewair this album features losie carson doing what i thing she calles as (spoken word) although its usually before a long long song. now im not against spoken work its just that she sceemes to make absolutelly no scence. but all in all i loke the album but the album is all subphrazes as the india project it shouldnt the first song should the rest of the album is just kinda atmospheric no real drums or persussion i give this album a 4out of 5