Customer Reviews

Merkin Dream

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I took a chance on this disc based on the reviews I found hear and was pleased to find they weren't off base. This music is hard to classify--it is complex enough that I find myself finding new things to enjoy with each listen, yet mellow enough to make great background music. This is definately a chillout CD, yet the songs are still upbeat. I don't give it 4 stars only because there are a few song that aren't up to the high standards of the rest, but the more I listen to it, the more I like it, so that may change soon. The standout tracks for me are 1,4,5,6,7,11,12,13. This is great music for just about any time, a nice soundtrack to your daily life, but it works best at night with a martini in one hand while you sit on a comfy couch, lights low. I will buy the next CD these guys put out.

I can't describe this cd, I keep typing things out and then deleting them because they don't do it justice. Its like the music playing while you dream. If you're dreaming of merkins, then even better (a merkin is a... ahem... special kind of wig). Every song is gently poured into your head. That's why when you first hear it you may be like "what's the big deal?" because its so low-key and smooth, but there is so much beautiful music there. Somehow its soothing without being boring or horribly repetitive. The songs are almost cute, each in their own individual way. If you're feeling tense, its like musical tea and a massage. I'm listening to it right now, and i keep closing my eyes and forgetting what I'm doing. Its an amazing, lovely cd.

I expected a lot out of this album after reading the other reviews posted. The album is definitely good, but nowhere near great. A lot of it, to me, sounds like Radiohead's "Kid A" release, with many tidbits of sound put together to form a "stream of conciousness"-type of recording. The journey the album tries to take you on is rather random, but the mixing of so many different styles and sounds is definitely worth a listen. Not my exact style of music, but a very talented duo nonetheless.

If this genre of music is what you're into, check out Four Tet's "Rounds". Musically similar, but with a bit more defintion (for lack of a better word) in where it's trying to go. To really blow your mind, pick up Nightmares on Wax "Carboot Soul". One of the truly great albums of the past few years. Second only to St. Germain's "Tourist", really, but what could possibly compete with that release??

This music grows in you. I can't really explain but this music gets better and better everytime you listen. I mean when i first bought this album i found it dissapointing and now i'm deeply addicted to it and the more i listen, the more i like it. Especially firebird is a great song and alone makes it worth to buy this album. It's a great buy for electronic dub/downtempo music lovers.

Um, well, tracks like "Long walks on the beach" smell of uncanny familiarity. Not so much derivative, though, as just plain old catchy. It makes your first listen feel like this is one of the CD's you've owned for a while. Say, like a song you keep loaded up in your home stereo or on your mp3 player at any give time. Think soundtrack, say to a hip commercial for a monolithic yet insanely progressive utility, or maybe pharmaceutical company. And you keep humming it, but you forgot which company, or even that you saw it on TV. That's Merkin Dream, and more. Buy this CD, and then forget that you just bought it -- just listen.

I'd love to know what the title of this song means (if it actually means anything). This is one of the best electronic-dub songs I've ever heard. (This probably isn't saying much since the prime examples of electronic-dub that I can think of right now are Pole and Andreas Tilliander, glitch music made by Nordic laptop nerds. Swedish electronic music always sounds like a nature walk through a hard drive on a cold and quiet night to me . . . uh, sparse and angular.) This song, by contrast, sounds full and smooth. All the elements of the song are synthesized but they aren't cold. It is repetitive, but there is always enough going on to really keep your interest moving throughout the song. Really funky but laid back. Sounds corny in words but actually cool to hear.

I read that the creators of this album worked on it while art/design students at Rhode Island School of Design. I am truly amazed. To me, the music is an audible translation of human emotion- A soundtrack to those things we only understand subconsciously. It is candid and honest. It speaks without words. Its beauty is mystifying. This is truly timeless electronic music.

I love this CD! it clears my restless mind from the daily grind of work and helps me sleep. For me, that is priceless. by the 5th song the only thing I am aware of is the subtle music. If $8.00 is to much for you to risk you can purchace 1 song from iTunes and check it out yourself. I like "swell", "ting is all right", and "softly" the best. I also like, "does my hardrive turn you on" its quirky and fun.

I'm gravitating towards relaxing CDs to ease the stress of these days of increasing traffic and road rage. This CD fits the bill perfectly. Sublime, lingering and hypnotic. Good for a summer day along that open stretch of road.

Hope for the electronic aisles is here: did God land this magical duo who call themselves the Merkin Dream? Alas, the music is a perfect synthesis of melodic beats, rhythmic complexity, and soothing vocals. It's sophisticated AND unpretentious. I can't seem to get it out of my cd player! even when the chilly nights set in, this CD lulls me back to the sun and sand and strolls. Thank you for this album. There is a heaven, and it plays Merkin Dream in the background.