Customer Reviews

Memories of Middle Earth

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I cannot think of any group who could do what the Brobdingnagian Bards do-that is, to capture the spirit of such a classic and record it. This album is a great addition to any Tolkien fan's library. If you are new to Tolkien, or spent hours a day travelling through Middle Earth again and again, you'll love this CD. I know I do! :)

What can I say. This is a fantastic CD! The last reviewer obviously did not listen to the album since it is largely instrumental and features some amazing music that's almost spiritual in nature.

"Hobbit's Dance" is my personal favorite, followed by "The Ring of Hope" which is a beautiful folk ballad from the perspective of Sam Gamgee.

True, there are a couple week songs, like "Legolas", and while I love the "idea" behind "The Psychopathic Chronic Schizophrenic Gollum Blues", I don't think it's quite as funny as it could be. But I have heard it live and they change up the lyrics which makes it even better than ever. "Shadofax" and "Moria" both do a beautiful job at subtlely capturing the magic of their namesakes. And, of course, "Tolkien (The Hobbit & Lord of the Rings)" is absolutely brilliant!

I can't say this album is for everyone though. It's not, but considering you can listen to the album on their webpage or download "Tolkien" for free, there's no reason why anyone should come away disappoineted with buying this CD.

Give it a try. I'm certain you'll love it as much as I do!

this song is by-far one of the best instrumentals I have ever heard..it is a very calming song that lifts you up and makes you smile...on a scale from 1 to 10,I rate it around 17...it has one of the sweetest recorders you'll ever hear being played...it would be an excellent song to play at a wedding...

A 'must have' for all Tolkien fans!

I didn't know about the existance of The Bards until I attened the 'North Georgia Celtic Festival'. They were there and I heard them play several songs on this CD and several of their others. When I saw this CD being sold indoors, I immeadiately wanted it, being the LotR fanatic that I am. Bought the CD and had them sign it also... Probably the best thing I've done with my money in months...

Personal favorites include: The Psychopathic, Chronic, Schizophrenic Gollum Blues, Weathertop, The Heart of Fangorn, and Now It's Time To Go (Bilbo's Farewell Song). The instrumental pieces are awesome also... I feel like I **was** in Fangorn, Lothlorien, Moria... everywhere they covered in their lovely music.

I'll have to admit that the first time i listened to this CD i thought it was a bit strange. But the songs grew on me, and i love it as much as anything else the Bards have done. (Which is a lot!) Legolas is a bit silly, but other than that one track the album is great fun to listen to, and you can really get the feeling that this is an album the Bards did out of their love for the books, and defenitely not something they just did to make money or jump on the bandwagon.

I will grant the nay-sayer that this album is not for everyone, but having all of the Bards albums, I would give this one a well-earned "Huzzah" any day. The sheer scope of the album, the fact that it is entirely original music/lyrics, and the growth it represents make it a winner.

But that's all academic stuff. From a listener's viewpoint, this album is magic. The sheer lyrical beauty of songs like "Ring of Hope" and "Heart of Fangorn"...the joyous abandon of "Hobbit's Dance"...the musicality of "Moria"....

My advice is buy it and see for yourself--I have four. :)

This CD is the Bard's best yet. This time the guys are playing it straight, no jokes, goof offs, or silliness. The songs are heart felt and wonderful. My favorite is the song of the Ents.
This CD is where you really get to hear the lads as MUSICIANS.
They were/are always great entertainers, but this is where their real musical talent comes to the fore. Great harmony, great folk art, and melody. Buy This!!

This cd is a lovely piece of art. It does well to encompass the feelings behind/inpsired by the books. It is soothing, light-hearted, spirited, deep, lonely, and beautiful.

I have a particular love of the celtic music genre, so this is a good fit for my collection; however, it also appeals to people who don't regularly listen to the genre. I do have to agree with the reviewer who commented on the Gollum song--it's ok, not fabulous. But that is a minor, minor spot on an otherwise great work of art.

I was very disappointed. The one star I gave it is for the instrumental with the recorder, it was good. I thought the rest was a very poor tribute to LOTR.