Customer Reviews

Moondog 1 & 2

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

 

 

To tell the truth, the only reason I even listened to this disc in the store is because I spotted the cover, and wondered what the hell a guy who looked like that could sound like. I had a gushing smile on my face as I realized there was real talent and expression behind Moondog's odd facade.

The first album on this disc (there are two herein) is made up of more "orchestral" material like none you've ever heard before (one of these tracks "Stamping Grounds" is in "The Big Lebowski"). The second album is made up of a series of short rounds; cyclical songs with naturally repetitive compositions (think row row row your boat, or three blind mice). Due to the familiar nature of such song forms, and the unique compositions employed by Moondog, the second album is quite buoyant and joyful.

After acquiring a number of other Moondog discs, I would still say that this is the strongest I've heard, and a great place to start. This is an all around great and very familiar listening experience, and quite a timeless set of albums. Get it while you still can!

Every music lover needs to hear Moondog as much as he or she needs to hear Charles Ives and Aaron Copeland. I'm currently reading Robert Scotto's biography of Moondog, but it's not necessary to know anything about his life to enjoy his music (although it's kind of fun to know that Moondog once sued Alan Freed and Arturo Toscanini was brought in as a character witness). The first Columbia album is your best introduction to the music, which is like nothing else you've ever heard. I'm not much of a fan of the second album: there's not enough variety among the madrigals, and the singers sound amateurish. Scotto's book comes with a CD that has performances of some madrigals by Moondog, Philip Glass, Steve Reich and Jon Gibson that are much better. Nevertheless, since these come as a double album, you'll get both, and you won't really mind.

I have been listening to Louis Hardin since 1974 when I was simultaneously introduced to MOONDOG and ALL GOOD MEN by Beaver & Krause - I think I must have used up all of my musical luck because nothing (including The Beatles, who are right up there next to God) has since resonated in me the way these two albums have. Hardin's unabashed musical honesty can be found but in two places, children and geniuses, and I think there must be a lot of both in Hardin. Each composition takes you on a different journey, if the listener has the courage to jump aboard; I always close my eyes, to be closer to the way the music was composed. I am particularly fond of his first album MOONDOG for a lot of reasons, but mostly I think because it was my introduction to a composer who has yet to meet his match, even within himself. As times change (and they inevitably will), other of his works will come to the fore and take their rightful place among the few that will always rise above all the rest.

I can't believe I never even heard of Moondog until this week. I heard this double CD at a friend's house and immediately purchased it. I love it! The range of styles and moods, the sheer beauty of the compositions: breathtaking. This has become a favorite very quickly.

The tracks from Moondog 1 I thought were excellent and well worth buying the disc. However Moondog 2 was all the same: drum machine and lots "pom" "pom" "pom" vocals. I couldn't listen to it for long.

Moodog is a realy composer of all time. Is create a new conception of street music and universal sound
Paris, 27/12/02 France