2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Retrospective Tells Quite a Story, December 3, 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: Memory & Imagination (Audio CD)
Many of these pieces haven't been available for a number of years and the fidelity is better than ever. I'm pretty sure that the "Stones of Precious Water" tracks never appeared on CD before and they sound great.
The combination of blazing electric guitar, synthesizer, and lyricon on "Abrasax" is as arresting as ever. "Aeon" is a delicate piece of introspection; it's just about the pinacle of mid-1980s electronica. The pieces from the "Voluntary Dreaming" CD (and just about the whole album is here) are still strong enough for National Public Radio to continue using for program segues. The upbeat tracks have great hooks and the "mood pieces" possess an edginess. Sometimes surging, inquisitive, or harmonious energy grabs you by the lapels; sometimes it lurks in the shadows. Robert Powell's steel guitar -- beautiful waves of tone that weave in and out of the intricate rhythms -- is reminiscent of Jerry Garcia's playing, circa 1970.
The newer pieces mingle dark and serene imagery that challenge the listener. The title track contains more ideas than most musicians put onto entire albums. Although there's consistency amid the shfting themes, Cleveland never lets you get too comfortable.
There's just a whole lot to like about virtually every piece.
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