Nothing Lasts... But Nothing Is Lost (27 May 2005)

Shpongle | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Label: Twisted Records
• ASIN: B000E15JZG
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #784,201 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If it was possible to literally capture dreams on tape..., January 23, 2006

By 

spiral_mind (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nothing Lasts... But Nothing Is Lost (27 May 2005) (Audio CD)

...the result would sound something like Shpongle.

This wondrous (mostly) instrumental work is allegedly meant to simulate a series of dreams - if there is a theme, it's the random stream of ebbs and flows between one segment and the next, culminating in the gently peaceful guitar that carries "Falling Awake" at the end. But beyond that theme, the music itself actually *feels* like a dream. It's wild. It's vivid. It's colorful. It's trippy. It can probably be good for mind-altering experiences since there's a definite stoner vibe (the samples of Terrence McKenna give that away), but there's so much more. Shpongle is one of the most original musical projects I've ever heard. It would be cheapening to even call it electronic; even if you think you've heard it all in the techno world, you haven't heard anything like this.

I don't even know where to begin. Nothing Lasts... has got elements of ambient, techno/trance, world-beat, dub, Latin music, jazz, prog and psychedelia, but it's much more than any and all of those. It's earthy and immediate enough to love immediately. It's trippy and far-fetched enough to suggest a hyperspace warp through the cosmos. It's got some of the best production/engineering I've EVER heard. It's heady and a touch cerebral, but connects with the emotions (and yes, the soul) in an immediate way that few pieces of music are capable of. Simon Posford puts as much impeccable care into the recording & sound mix as a virtuoso does into their instrument, while Raja Ram adds earthy tones and textures that span the globe.. or maybe the universe.

In other words it's utterly unclassifiable. If you've got a good stereo you'll be astounded at the breadth and depth of sounds coming out of this little piece of plastic. When people talk about music being not just sound but an overall experience, this is the kind of thing they mean. "Botanical Dimensions" is the sound of an alien bio-dome garden coming to life. "Schnitzled in the Negev" is the music of the deep subconscious. "Molecular Superstructure" goes from spacey radio waves to shaman techno drums. Basically, the disc is pure imagination brought to life.

If you like any or all of those genres - if you seriously like music at all and enjoy expanding some horizons - you'll enjoy Shpongle. Your ears will never be the same.

40 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars some of the best trip music in the world, March 13, 2008

By 

Melissa C. Monk - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nothing Lasts But Nothing Is Lost (Audio CD)

Okay, first of all, before you can understand Shpongle, you have to understand what they represent. They are one of the greatest psychedelic bands in the world. They tour extensively in Asia and Europe, where they have a much stronger following than they could ever develop in America. They are strong proponents of the DMT movement, expansion of consciousness, and psychedelia in general. If you aren't into tripping, you will probably find something ignorantly to complain about when listening to them. This music was written by psychonauts, for psychonauts. It is NOT for everyone. They create vast and complex soundscapes that will only fully make sense to someone who's experienced what they have. Every song is an esoteric masterpiece, and in my opinion they are the very best at what they do. There is not another band in the world that sounds even close to Shpongle. They are one of the few electronic bands that incorporates piano and guitar so often and so beautifully into their music. So if you are into electronic music, and the psychedelic movement at all, you need to hear this album ASAP! It will give you so many ear-gasms you'll be dripping wet and loving it. Listen to this album first, before you hear their others. It is the most diverse and beautiful. HAVE FUN GETTING SHPONGLED!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Much more than a mix, September 5, 2007

By 

Eclectic Electric (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nothing Lasts But Nothing Is Lost (Audio CD)

Mind-boggling and delicious, myraid stylistic forms, beauty, grace, smooth transitions. Beyond most anything currently on the electronica market. Listen again and again, you will not get bored. Unrivaled genius with a taste for the unfathomable.