Drawing Down The Moon

Azure Ray | Format: MP3 Download

Product Details

• Original Release Date: September 14, 2010
• Label: Saddle Creek
• Copyright: 2010 Saddle Creek
• Total Length: 43:09
• Genres:
• ASIN: B0040I95WC
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,104 Paid in MP3 Albums (See Top 100 Paid in MP3 Albums)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well done, August 14, 2011

By 

Tim "Timmy C" (Baltimore, MD, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Drawing Down The Moon (MP3 Download)

I feel the need to come to the defense of this album after having read so many negative reviews on other sites (not here).

I follow both Maria's and Orenda's careers closely, as I'm a huge fan of everything they've ever released. When Azure Ray split, I read negative reviews saying their new directions were too radical, like Orenda was delving too deeply into the pseudo-voodoo Haitian motif, whereas Maria kept trying to be a singer-songwriter but sounding too close to Azure Ray. (Personally I loved everything that happened between Azure Ray.) Then Azure Ray reformed, and I noticed that most "critical" reviews claimed the new Azure Ray album sounded too much like Azure Ray. Wait, what?

Some people cannot be pleased. I hope these ladies aren't affected by such criticism, because this record is fantastic.

And also, to those who think there's not enough "newness" here: No Azure Ray album has opened with a short prelude (track 1), or used a harp (track 1), or a heavy tribal rhythm (track 6), or a chant rather than a lyrical piece (track 6), or a guest vocalist (track 7), or...you get the idea.

There are only two things I would change about this album. First, the album begins on such a sunny note (track 2) and then ends so sadly (track 12). The previous albums all had a warm/sweet closing track; not this one. Also, the staccato percussion in track 7 sounds too thin. However, neither issue is enough to merit less than a 5-star rating.

Well done, ladies! Looking forward to what's next, and I won't complain if the next Azure Ray album sounds too much like Azure Ray.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best yet?, November 26, 2010

By 

apaleblue - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Drawing Down The Moon (MP3 Download)

To begin, I must state that I own and have listened to all of Azure Ray's albums consistently. I also enjoy Orenda's and Maria's solo work, but nothing that they do alone compares to their work together. This album is no exception.

It is absolutely stunning and possibly the best Azure Ray album to date. The themes of songs remain somber and relatable but still hold that feeling of being poppy. Everything is also kept very simple, an effect that only enhances the attractiveness of the songs.

I recommend this album if you are new to Azure Ray and enjoy any of the samples (you will warm up to the rest), and I highly recommend it if you like anything Azure Ray has done. It's great!

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, haunting, and pop, February 22, 2011

By 

Les S (New Orleans, LA United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Drawing Down The Moon (MP3 Download)

Unlike the other reviewers, this was the first time I'd heard Azure Ray & now I love them! I took a chance on this cd after receiving some Amazon offer for $5 albums. And I have to say, it's the best $5 I've spent in a long time. I highly recommend it.

The voices of Orenda Fink and Maria Taylor sound exquisite together. I can listen to this cd over and over again. The songs range from the lullaby-like "Wake Up, Sleepyhead" to the acoustic guitar heavy "Larraine" to the harmony-filled "Make Your Heart." All of the songs are a nice blend of acoustic & electronic sounds.

While the songs on this album express loneliness and longing, there's something so beautiful, uplifting and just "pop" about their lovely singing that somehow makes me happier after listening to them. Personal favorites include "Don't Leave My Mind," "Silver Sorrow," and "Shouldn't Have Loved." Then again, I'll probably have a new set of favorites on my next listen.