Customer Reviews

New Age of the Earth

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

 

 

There are those who claim that after Manuel Gottsching went 'solo' as AshRa, the worth of that band went down to zippo. However, I disagree, and I think that "New Age of Earth" is a good argument to support that disagreement. This is a beautiful, lyrical release, with solo guitar against tapestries of electronics, which has a much more 'human' feel than other similar 'Berlin school' works of the same period. These pieces flow and swirl, instead of tick-tocking and ominousness, and are wonderful both as listening music as well as purely ambient sound. About the only thing I can consider in a similar vein would be Steve Hillage's "Rainbow Dome Music", from which System 7 would spring some years later. Unconditionally recommended!

This is great electronica released in 1977 by former Ash Ra Temple/Cosmic Jokers guitarist Manuel Gottsching. The four pieces on the album range from the 5'46 Deep Distance to the epic, 21'50 Nightdust and are stylistically very similar to works by electronica giants Tangerine Dream, German composer Klaus Schulze, and French composer Jean Michel Jarre. Instrumentation consists predominantly of layers of analog synthesizers in addition to soft, electric guitar (Manuel uses clean tones exclusively). Percussion is not used on this album at all. Although a listing of synthesizers used was not provided with the CD, I (think) I hear an ARP Pro Soloist, the VCS 3, and various Moog synthesizers, along with a string synthesizer. The music on New Age of Earth is generally very sedate and reflective, with subtle melodies and rhythms surfacing from time to time. The compositions are structured such that a larger, more complex ensemble is intimated, with a throbbing, sequenced bass part underlying melodies and harmonies played on synthesizers with widely varying "tone colors". This combination of timbre and rhythm provides a great deal of interest. Overall, this is a wonderful recording and is highly recommended to all electronica fans. Other albums that might prove enjoyable include Timewind (Klaus Schulze, 1975), Rubycon (Tangerine Dream, 1975), and Oxygene (Jean Michel Jarre, 1976).

This was Manuel Gottsching's first release on Virgin Records in 1977. Previously with Ashra Temple, this was one of the first truly 'ambient' records that used synthesiser sequencers to create a lush backdrop to the spacious guitars that Gottsching used to excellent effect.

This is truly chill out music - it's a seminal recording, many have tried to emulate this type of sound, and have failed.

Buy this album - you won't regret it.

These songs are almost entirely synth-based with some nice, mellow guitar. I'm pretty sure it was all done by Manuel Gottsching, formally of Ash Ra Temple. This album has also been released under the name Ash Ra Temple, but I don't really know the story behind that. The original German title is NEUZEIT DER ERDE. Tracks 1 and 3 have a bubbly, percolating sound running through them. I often program my player to play the more placid tracks 2 and 4 when I'm winding down for bed. In fact, when I worked a night shift, I religiously depended on these tracks to prepare for bed in the late morning. This is not to imply that this music is boring - not in the least. There are certainly many other ways to enjoy this music. That's just what works for me. This music is sophisticated and interesting enough to hear over and over. Unlike a certain reviewer below, I especially like the last track, particularly when the guitar finally makes an appearance toward the end.

An absolute necessity for those into the "synthetique" sounds of the Berlin School. Weaving a beautiful flow of synthesizer melodies with uneartly guitar riffs and electronic bird-like chirps, this recording was ground breaking when it was recorded back in 1976. Almost 30 years later, the music sounds just as fresh and innovative compared to the often less inspired, "plastic" key tinkling of current "new age" muzak. This recording is a musical journey wisking away the listener on a spectral tapestry of sounds. Excellent composition, arrangements, and production by Manuel Gottsching (aka ASHRA).

Originally put out in 1976, as I couldn't help but to notice this CD had a strong 'electronic minimalist vibe' - although I might get some debate on that. Maybe I'm using a wrong word here, but either way, I personally give this piece a five-star rating - it simply takes your mind and soul to another dimension {sort to speak}. Loved the potential sound track cut "Sunrain" as well as the twelve-minute "Ocean Of Tenderness" and "Deep Distance" - that reminds me of '80's space rock. Then to bring this dose of audio gold to a close on your deserving ears is the twenty-two minute epic "Nightdust" - very much like early Ash Ra Tempel. Highly recommended.

When this first appeared in 1976, it was a strange, two-faced album. And as a CD, it still is. Side one (the first three tracks) are delightful explorations of electronic music. The original side two (a 20 minute composition called Nightdust) is boring and completely unimportant, only meant to get stoned to and fall asleep. This is a great CD to play when you tidy up, close the curtains and turn off the lights - but push the 'off' button after the third track. Unless, of course, you suffer from insomnia.