Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
some of the best trip music in the world, March 13, 2008
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!
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A new sound for Shpongle while keeping the same elements that worked before, November 30, 2007
The latest Shpongle album, about 2 years old, is excellent.
Here is what I like about it: It is one continuous album; one song blends into the next, the idea being that it is a sequence of dreams. The songs are all pretty different, yet they work well together. This album has a very natural flow to it, making it perfect for listening from the very beginning to the end. Take note that every 2 to 4 tracks on the cd makes one song; there are not 20+ distinctive songs. The same Shpongle sound is there, with the various tweaks in rhythms and the sonics. Lots of acoustic tracks within each song, whether that be a string instrument or horn; in this sense, it builds on the world music feel of the previous album, however this one feels more electronic despite the mix of instruments because of the increased use of chopping the sounds up and the addition of unmistakably artificial noises. It works and gives the album a sound of its own.
Two things of note: the production, though incredibly sharp, precise and deliberate, still left me feeling like the dynamics have suffered a bit on this album; the dynamic range isn't top notch, but still better than the vast majority of most recordings out today. Other than that, it sounds great. My other gripe is that I felt like this album was a little too "dancey:" too much of a emphasis on a steady, big beat at times. Definitely the least downbeat-type offering from the group. I do like that the Shpongle album isn't a repeat of an old one, so I appreciate the variation.
If you are new to Shpongle:
I would have to recommend listening to the Shpongle catalog in chronological order (Are You Shpongled, Tales, then this one, Nothing Lost). Also, the general sound of the music is very psychedelic with lots of live instruments mashed with electronic production in varied time signatures. I would characterize the music as weird and fun, filled with great energy, creativity and an overall quality that comes when an artist puts great effort and pride into their work. I won't compare Shpongle to anything else because I haven't heard anything that really resembles their sound. Without question, this group is a large, clean breath of fresh air.
Finally, if you haven't heard, the Shpongle box set has been canceled...because an unexpected 4th album is coming out. Can't wait.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Much more than a mix, September 5, 2007
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.
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