Customer Reviews

Nordic Roots: Northside Sampler

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

...and that's a relief. No, this is something better -- a truly unique compilation of equally unique artistes blending pre-Medieval tradition with post-modern flourishes.
I had heard of Garmarna and Hedningarna before buying this disc, but my knowledge of them was scant at best. As for the rest, I knew not a thing. But I took a chance and what a surprise. This disc touches on music that covers both ends of the spectrum: from quaint, straight ahead renditions from groups such as Chateau Neuf, Den Fule, and the instrumentally exciting Väsen, to the experimental stylings of fiddler Hege Rimestad, riff rockers Hoven Droven and the aforementioned Hedningarna.
The thing that will surprise most about this style of music is how immediate it all sounds, both foriegn and familiar at the same time. Hints of jazz and classical seem to pepper certain aspects of the arrangements of some, but the most obvious is the connection it bares to Irish folk music.
If you want a new musical experience and like what you've read here, I say take a chance on this and the other Nordic Roots compilations. From there, buy individual albums by the artists themselves, especially Hedningarna and Garmarna. (The Garmarna track here is not really representative of their newer material by the way, but still worth checking out!)

This is the CD that started my love affair with Scandinavian music! There is not a clunker in the bunch. This will appeal to people of myriad musical tastes--traditional, folk, pop, ethnic and beyond. If you already like the genre, there will undoubtedly be new discoveries here; if you're new to the world of Scandinavian music...this is the perfect place to start!! This disc, and its follow-up CD "Nordic Roots 2" are full-length complilations with incredible sound quality and an even more incredible low price!! Don't hesitate...try them today! And if you like what you hear, here's a "Shameless Plug," ... :o) Enjoy this music!!

"20 tracks, 78 minutes, Cheaper than Food!" proclaimed the sticker on this CD, peeking out at me from a store's disorganized rows of miscellaneous world music discs. `Cheaper than food?!' I thought, bewildered. `What sort of thing is that to say about a recording? If that's the best praise anyone can offer, it doesn't bode well for the quality of the content ...' But economy and curiosity won out and I bought it anyway. What a surprise--it was great! A caption from the back of the package sums up my reaction perfectly: "An ideal introduction to the vibrant traditional music scene developing across the Nordic lands: incredible playing, catchy tunes, brilliant arrangements and strange instruments playing pre-medieval as well as modern compositions. All this music at a very special price." Neo-traditional would probably be a better description of most of the selections, as they combine the quaintness of traditional tunes and folk instruments with elements of rock, technopop, jazz, world fusion music and new age. Swedish and Sami, Finnish and Norweigan, the groups featured on "Nordic Roots" display verve and virtousity, inviting the listener to delve deeper into this fascinating genre--obviously the reason for such an inexpensive sampler. Featured artists include Vasen, Hedningarna, Garmarna, Groupa, Hoven Droven and Wimme. Despite the fact that I actually have Scandinavian roots, I'd never had any exposure to the music of that region. So this album was well worth the price I originally paid--a totally new musical experience. Happily, NorthSide has continued this intriguing series, further introducing and promoting their artisits in "Nordic Roots 2" and "Nordic Roots 3", both of which are also "cheaper than food". Give one a try!

This is the first of (so far) three samplers of Scandinavian bands on the NorthSide label. NorthSide has used the catchphrase "cheaper than food" for the low(!)-priced series. All of the musicians here play traditional Scandinavian music, with varying amounts of modern influences added. Much of it sounds like a variation on Celtic music, with fiddles and accordians a-plenty. One band, Swåp, is a purposeful blend of Scandinavian and Celtic sounds, with two Swedish fiddlers and a British guitarist and accordianist. Hoven Droven is the only band here that uses anything you could call a rock setting for its music. Garmarna's "One Day He'll Cry", Loituma's radiant blend of vocals and kantele harps, Chateau Neuf's tribute to an especially tasty blueberry pie, and Groupa's "Imeland" are all excellent. There are a few tastes I don't care to acquire, such as Tapani Varis' jaw harp and Wimme's combination of Lapp chanting and ambient music (on both of his cuts, there is a processed vocal that sounds like Donald Duck using a vocoder). But these are exceptions on a disc that is overall very entertaining. You are not going to find better value for your musical dollar anywhere.

I bought this CD when I knew little about Scandinavian music at all. This was the perfect introduction to what is out there, and North Side really showcased the best contemporary nordic talents. You get everything on this CD from happy little choirs to the folkish rock sounds of Hedningarna. Since buying this anthology I have bought recordings by many of the artists featured on it. North Side should applaud themselves for creating such a wonderful marketting scheme: sample for a very low price and then buy the artist's full CDs at normal price. I just ordered Nordic Roots 2 and cannot wait for it to arrive!

When I bought the CD, I was a little sceptical about what it was all about, as I had not listened to anything like this before. After listening to it, I was and still am very glad that I bought it. The accoustic experience is out of this world. This is a great collection of the the music of Scandinavia. As an introduction to this music, it is very good. I am hooked to it. I will reccomend it to anyone who still have any doubts about the CD.

I had no idea that modern Nordic music was so wonderful! A fantastic mix of the traditional and cutting-edge new music. If you are a world music fan, this one is a must. We've held Nordic Roots festivals here in the Twin Cities that include many of the bands represented in this CD, but I never went because of ignorance, I hope never to miss one in the future. From what I understand, all generations listen to this music in Scandinavia, and I can now understand why it's been welcomed with such open arms.

Great collection!The variety and quality of music makes it one of my favorite cd's even though I can't understand a word the're saying.The vocals are so good you don't have to understand the languages to enjoy them, especially the women(Emma Hardelin of " Garmarna",Sanna Kurki-Suonio and Anita Lehtola of "Hedningarna" just to name a few.)Wow! Makes me proud to be half Finn! My next purchases will definitely be "Garmarna",Loituma,Triakel(Emma's in there too!) Hedningarna,Boot,and probably some more Garmarna(can't get enough Emma!).Try them, you won't be disapointed, and you can't beat the price(cheaper than food!)

Are you a few bucks short... for super saver shipping... Add one of these Northside compilations to your purchase - when you think of what you would've paid for shipping, it's like getting this already cheap cd for like [very little] Seriously, this one is a lot of fun to listen to. I've had it for over two years, and still pop it in. I've put several of the songs on mix tapes for friends...#1 rocks, and what can you say about #13, the coolest-ever-titled "Sea Duck's Waltz?" Olov Johansson you're my man!...Give it a try and if you like interesting folky-type music you wont' be disappointed/

I thoroughly enjoy listening to this CD. I bought it on a whim, and through it I discovered a bunch of Nordic musicians that I had never heard of. Garmarna, Wimme, Tapani Varis, and Hoven Droven are all stand-out artists on the CD for me. Anyone looking for something vibrant and refreshing, with a traditional music flavor, will delight in this CD compilation.