Customer Reviews

Koonyum Sun

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

 

 

I'll admit, I have never heard of this artist before and took a gamble after listening to the Amazon previews. I've been looking for some new music...and I'm a big big fan of Ben Harper and Jack Johnson. The little 30 second previews from Amazon caused my ears to prick up. I'm a HUGE reggae/ ska/ dub fan....(I'm from Jamaica)and this album is great.
Deep rhythmic bass.... characteristic 'one-drop' reggae beat....tracks 1 and 3 are so far my favorite. Track 4 is like a Paul Simon/ Graceland when he linked up with Ladysmith Black Mamboza
I did a simple wiki on Xavier Rudd and amazed to see that he PLAYS ALL THESE INSTRUMENTS HIMSELF. WOW.
I watch his YouTube of Redemption Song....I can honestly say Marley would be proud.
The album itself is more reminiscent of Ben Harper than Jack Johnson....but this is a perfect album to jam to on your patio or deck during the summer. I'm at work and bought it from my phone...but I can't wait to get home and crank this up on my stereo system. This album is well worth it....though I don't know any of his previous work, he's got a new fan. I apologize in advance for not being able to compare it to his previous records...but I'm sure some of his current fans will give a favorable review.
Thanks Amazon!!

Koonyum-Sun is alot differnt than last cd Darker shades of blue but Kooyum- sun is summer music * time to smile * I recommend both cd's

Good news is that Koonyum Sun is a return to form for Xavier with sunny vibes, great melodys and positive socially conscious songs about life and the world. Bad news is that if you're a fan solely for Xavier's digeradoo playing and amped up rockin' weissenborn licks then there won't be much offered here for you on this release. But HAVE NO FEAR! This album is unique from any of Rudd's previous releases and there is much to love here. Whereas Rudd's previous album "Dark Shades of Blue" was uncharacteristically a dark sludgy turn and despite being his most electrified and hardest rocking album, it largely lacked the great melodies and positive vibe that is most endearing about Xavier's music. Koonyum Sun definitely brings back the bright melodies, good vibes and earthy tone of the old Xavier similar to Solace, Food in the Belly and White Moth but with a new twist. For one, this is definitely more of a group effort with Izintaba, two renouned African musicians on bass and drums. Naturally, this album has a very strong African vibe with reggae undertones to it. Most fans know Rudd's love and influence of Paul Simon's Graceland and it certainly has that feel to it without coming off as a copycat version. The album has a lot of african style beats and back up singing that is beautiful and uplifting in conjunction with Xavier's vocals. The focus on this album seems to be less on Xavier's guitar and didgeradoo abilities and more on his vocals and messages. Which is good because Rudd's vocals and melodies on this album are among his strongest and the songwriting is his most heartfelt and personal yet. Rudd has endured some rough seas lately in his personal life (divorce) and truly bares his soul reflecting on love and loss in a universal way. No doubt,there is much sorrow, regret and soul searching here. However, Rudd maintains that overwhelming "look on the brightside" view he's best at and the music is a warm and breezy mix of upbeat and chillout tunes that would all sound good on a summer patio. Favorite songs so far include "Time to Smile","Sweet Green Freedom" and "Sky to Ground." Yes, the Didj is largely absent except on "Badimo." Sure I miss it, but Rudd has so much other talent and we have to come to expect that he doesn't want to be pigeonholed as a one trick pony. There's also not a lot of weissenborn, but there's alot of other innovative guitar playing that is very unique in the way it subtley marries african polyrhythmic and reggae styles.
Overall, if you're only interested in hearing Rudd jam out on the didgeradoo or fire up the weissenborn you'll be disappointed. However, if you realize Xavier is more than that and you like music with a mix of rock, folk and world music along the lines of Ben Harper, Jack Johnson or even Dave Matthews then you should definitely check this out.

This is a new album for Xavier Rudd. It is a passionate offering of original music. Sophisticated recording style with songs that speak to our contemporary life. Variety of style.A must have for all Xavier Rudd fans.

Been a huge fan of Xavier for about 4 years now and have all his music. I can count on 1 finger how many other artists where I have their entire collection of music. I own over 600 CD's and have well over 7000 songs on my computer, but Xavier is HIGH on my rotation. I was lucky enough to see him here in Florida too!! Love this CD. Time to smile, Sky to ground, Set me free, Love comes and goes, hell, every song is awesome and I LOVE this man and his music!! Just get it! Get all of his music!!! NOW!

there are some really good songs on this album but his others felt much better. its also has a lion king feel to it - not complaining though; it works quite well.

When I first saw Xav perform with his new band, I didn't know what to expect. Change is not always a good thing...

But when I listened to this album, I was so excited! What i love about Xav is that his musical style changes from album to album, but you always know it's him. Even though Koonyum Sun is a departure from his style in the past, it still has elements that identify it as a Xav album.

A simply wonderful album from Xavier Rudd and in my opinion his best to date. This album has a very different feel to it than his previous works but is still undeniably recognizable. Uplifting and inspiring, with his collaboration with Izintaba, there will be obvious comparisons to some of Paul Simon's works. The music is very much a mix of reggae and folk, and draws from indigenous Australian ties.
Get the album or see him live (he's touring right now), you won't be disappointed.
My favorites on the album include:
Breeze
Time to Smile
Sky to Ground
Set Me Free
Soften the Blow

I'm a huge fan of Xavier Rudd. I've seen him in concert twice and will see him again every chance I get. So I've been eagerly awaiting this album, and it does not disappoint.

Melodically, these songs are inspired. They would be beautiful with just Xavier and his guitar. But the real magic of this album is the mix of Xavier's unique instrumentation and style with his new band Inzitaba. The grooves are spot on. I would be happy just listening to the drummer by himself, his playing is so musical. The bass player fills it out with African pop-influenced bass grooves. Then they both drop in at unexpected moments with gorgeous, South African-style backing vocals (ladysmith black mambazo being the most well-known example) that fit beautifully. The icing on the cake is Xavier's often upbeat reggae vibe. But as we saw on his previous effort, "Dark Shades of Blue," Xavier has a melancholy streak as well, and this adds depth to the album with songs like "Koonyum Sun."

This is the first full album I've bought since the advent of Itunes, and I don't regret buying the whole thing. This is one of those rare albums without a single "filler" song. It gets my highest recommendation.

I've seen Xavier Rudd live twice. The first time was his Shades of Blue tour which resulted in some of the best live music I've ever seen. The energy this guy has the capability to bring and deliver from his instruments is unreal. But this album will expose you to Xavier's more regge-esq chilled out vibe. I like his harder rocking sound with slide guitar, wicked didgeridoo, and haunting vocals, thus this album rates OK with me. Personally, I think Xavier is better playing solo, or with just a percussionist. Albeit, these musicians with Xavier on this album are highly talented. That being said, I still say his best album with out a doubt, is Live at the Grid. Which you won't find on Amazon...