Customer Reviews

Entwined & Entranced

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What a pleasant surprise this was - I bought this CD because I liked the cover and the titles of the songs, and I'm very glad that I did. Entwined and Entranced is a perfect disc for centering yourself and escaping the madness of the world. So often I hear electronica and feel that the music is too simple, too predictable. Few artists rise above that level, Enigma is one and now I add Govinda. Each song starts off simply, but then evolves into a richly-layered soundscape that takes on a life of its own.

The tracks on this disc never fail to combine a perfect balance between the electronic and the organic. Drum loops and keyboards merge seemlessly with clean-tone guitar work, tablas, and vocals that exist more for atmosphere than verbal communication. Also commendable is the wide variety of musical styles, which are blended perfectly. I never imagined I would hear a disc that could combine influences as diverse as Indian, Celtic, trance, and Middle Eastern, with lyrics in English, French and languages I'm not familiar with. Yet somehow Govinda takes all these influences and builds an album that flows smoothly from start to finish.

Entwined and Entranced is a CD that is great to listen to on roadtrips, or during meditation, or for massage, for escapism, or even to drift off to sleep. If the title of track 2 (erotic mystics) appeals to you, then I recommend you get this disc.

Now an avid fan of world music this was my glorified introduction to Govinda's work a.k.a. Shane O'Madden. And just as the title suggests I was entwined and entranced upon listening but once. It usually takes me at least two or three listens to get a feel to whether or not I really like something, but apparently this was not the case. I knew right off that this would soon become an all-time favorite in my CD collection, and it has. I have many world albums now which try to approach similar tastes as this, but none have compared or even come slightly close to reaching the majestic peak of this. And to think that Govinda is probably one of the most underrated world artists to come of age. It's sad to think that because this really is an amazing accomplishment in a century of repertoire soundscapes. I could listen to this day through night and love it every time!

It opens up with seductive Spanish guitar strings on "Quintessence Of Dust," washing into the intoxicating Egyptian sounds of "Erotic Mystics" to the compelling dance offering of "Compassion" that soon moves through to the ethereal "Le Zephyr," sung by Amy Atchley, into the maddening Celtic "Aspetta" which just might arguably be the highlight of this everlasting gem. Another to look forward to is the feverish piano-induced "Split Between Two Worlds" or the mournful callings of the closing song: "Celebratum" which features baby samples from his daughter. In a word this CD is absolutely Splendid.

I only heard short samples when I was at the music store. And instanltly, I knew I was going to have this cd, in my collection. The musical atmoshpere of this cd reminds me much of Delerium and Enigma. That alone will make me purchase a musical cd. The quality of this music is pure gold and silver melted together in oneness.

All the other reviewers have already expressed verbally how good this CD really is. I haven't been privy to enjoy any of their other CD's, but this CD is so perfect, that im almost afraid of listening to their other CD's. I can imagine that it would be very difficult even for them to out do what they have done on this CD.

Believe me, this CD is worth it.

I must admit that I didn't like the first Govinda album "O Earthly Gods" one bit. I thought the vocals were downright hideous and the rhythms clashed terribly with the music. But "Entwined & Entranced" is so many steps up the quality music latter for Govinda, that it can only be described as remarkable and I have a difficult time believing it is actually the same artist.

The style is a blend of gypsy, celtic and tribal but in a very sensual and classy way - it's the perfect album to listen to over a romantic dinner or a friendly get together in an "upper class" setting. The beats are dance-driven but not in a "poppy" way and the overall mood is intense but not overdone.

I guess a good way to describe the sound is it's like a cross between Mythos and Afro-Celt Sound System, and it would easily fit in the genre of Enigma and Deep Forest.

Highley reccomended!

Every song takes you somewhere different. Some are relaxing/meditative, some energizing (you want to get up and move to them), some though provoking, and some you just want to sit back and enjoy! It is hard to get a good impression from the samples listed above b/c each song will sweep you away into it's emotions, but try #1, 5, 8, and 9 above to hear the better samples.

Govinda, a.k.a. Shane O'Madden truely has a gift and I plan to explore other CDs for more great music.

'Entwined and Entranced' describes how you'll be after hearing this album. I had never heard of Govinda before, and made a spontaneous purchase while traveling between cities - I don't regret making that decision now! Each track is unique in mood - for the most part it is a musical journey filled with exotic tones and instruments... [Quintessence of Dust] Captures a mystical mood with a bright sitar and a steady, pulsing beat beneath. [Erotic Mystics] captures the essence of hidden passion , chants and powerfully subdued (!) instruments offering a taste of musical beauty. [Compassion] plays much more like modern dance music, with a driving beat guaranteed to touch your soul. [Le Zephyr] utilizes an airy female vocalist to add a sighing, relaxed elegance to a trance beat. [Aspetta], one of my favorites, features a celtic overtone (complete with harp and violin!) that mixes with an exotic chant to create something completely unique! [Temple of Spheres] is a mournful, slow lament accented by its use of bass and percussion. [Next to Godliness] is the only song I would criticize, in that it is mainly a wordless chant that does not mix terribly well with the music. It does possess a nice percussion line, though. [Floating on these Tears] is a wonderfully executed song - with a powerful message... Any listener can almost feel the singer's pain and sense of loss. [In Through Time] is perhaps one of the best trance songs to zone out on - a strong beat, mystical, ethereal notes... both tracks 9 and 10 are very good background music for late night contemplation - (though, meditation to this CD is very difficult!). [Celebratum] is a perfect wrapup to this jewel of an album - a deep, syncopated rhythm accents mystic chants, and it brings the music to a quiet, subdued but not energyless close. Definitely worth every cent you pay for it!

Laid back, wordless, exotic, ethereal. The songs on this album have enough structure that it doesn't run together like one amorphous musical blob, the way some similar music does. On the other hand (and I don't mean to belittle the music by saying this) it also makes a good soundtrack to your brain. But it also rewards real listening.

I found this CD next to such New Age artists as Yanni, Windham Hill, and John Tesh. I gave it a listen and wondered why! Yes, it's mostly instrumental and could be conducive to a relaxed state of mind. But the mood of the album is for the most part light, marrying sitar with hip hop beats; exotic sounds of the East come together with definite Western progressive overtones.

I like the way it sounds.

I have used this CD as a soundtrack to Reiki sessions (quiet, meditative, and restful) and used its upbeat tone to make me smile in the car on the way to work- both with equal success.

It's hard to describe this music with accuracy. Listen to samples on Amazon.com before you buy! If you like it, you will be happy.

Entranced is the right description for this CD,heavy middle eastern influence with a great beat!This is early Govinda style with less hip-hop style as in later CD's very simular in style like Worlds Within