Customer Reviews

Pilgrim Heart

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I originally heard this CD at a conference at Findhorn in Scotland, and the melody of the first song, "Om Namah Shivaya" echoed in my head for--literally--7 months, until I was able to lay my hands on a copy of it. The first two songs are my favorites, the second being "Govinda Hare." While the rest of the songs are also good (especially the two versions of the mahamantra, the first with Sting that flawlessly becomes "Amazing Grace," the second a 16+ minute ride through progressively more energetic cycles and variations), these two really stick out as exceptional and highly soul-touching. I've found these songs to be good for certain kinds of dancing, for meditating, for any ritual usage (though I am not specifically Hindu), and for general listening in the background. Nearly everyone for whom I've played this CD has fallen in love with it. It begs to be sung along with, and I'm sure you'll find that you will do this naturally (perhaps with some help from the liner notes) as you listen to it. I can not recommend this CD highly enough for those who are interested in this kind of music or are of a spiritual bent and just might be looking for something new and different.

This man's voice is the sound of sweet melted chocolate. It was "Namah Shivaya" from Robbie Gass' "Chant" album that first lured me in; but I'm also in love with "Jaya Jagatambe" and the "Devi Rave" and "Mountain Hare Krishna" which has (amazingly enough) "Amazing Grace" embedded in it. A fabulous disc. I'm in love.

Spiritual music at its best. Krishna Das performs Sanskrit chants for the American soul and spirit. Easy to listen to and have in your head for days afterward. The kirtan uplifts your spirit and it will stay there long after the CD has ended. What more could you want from music?

There are many chant albums out there--this is the best! The fusion of western and eastern words, melodies and drums is absolutely delightful. I wake each morning with a different track running through my head! Gets me going better than a cup of Joe! What more could one want from a spiritual album? As an Indian dancer, I grew up hearing all the stories of the Ramayana--"The Ring Song" has given me a new appreciation for Sita! I loved it! In fact, if Krishna Das would put the entire Ramayana in this format for a musical/dance drama I would be ecstatic!

A beautiful album. Particularly noteworthy are "Om Namah Shivaya" and the "Hare Krishna Mantra". Krishna Das' voice is a beautiful deep baritone, which is accentiated by his "Kirtan Posse", a group of ladies who do backups. This album will show you how beautiful Hindoo Kirtans can really be. The last song is a pretty African-style rag about the Ramayana, which rather took me by surprise, but it just seems to fit in perfectly with all the other tracks. I wish that all music sounded like this. Ram Dass would be so proud!

This is not your typical relaxation music. These spiritual rhythms do an excellent job of redirecting an anxious racing mind and will help you refocus mental energies in the most healing and energetic way.

I totally disagree with the earlier reviewer that felt these selections will leave you strengthless and depressed. I found quite the opposite to be true! If you don't find yourself singing along, you WILL find yourself humming these rhythms long after you listen to them. Although a bit perseverative, the Kirtan Posse female chorus adds a soul touching devotional to the selections.

Mountain Hare Krishna, which incorporates the song "Amazing Grace" and features articulate harmonies from Sting (Sting-ji) is simply beautiful and very uplifting.

Although the Ring Song sounds like something that would be played on a Hindu cruise ship, it adds an element of whimsy to this spiritual collection and ends this musical spiritual journey on a most energetic note.

Start your morning off with this CD. It will invigorate your spirit.

I am not one who listens to "this kind" of music in general (whatever that means!), but I was in a store shopping and this CD was being played on their stereo. The music so entranced me that I asked what it was and bought it one the spot. It's wonderful--so rich and full of life, so fun and also meaningful. I hear the music in my head even when I'm not listening to it. I highly recommend this CD to all music lovers.

I never imagined that I would be so drawn to this kind of chanting. My mental image of people chanting "Hare Krishna" was not very positive. Too many of my encounters were with people in saffron robes trying to sell me incense and wanting me to come to some feast. When someone suggested that we use some cuts from this CD at a party after a retreat, I was a little reluctant. Boy was I wrong! This is some of the most joyous wonderful chanting/music I have encountered. This music is clearly able to affect out consciousness. The cut "Devi Rave" with its joyous chanting of "Jaya Jagatambe. . ." is an expression of what is called "Living Daylight" in some traditions. It is hard to sit still when listening to it. My wife and I usually start chanting along; sometimes we start dancing. Wild and wonderful!

The last cut, "The Ring Song" is cute and playful, but doesn't stand up to repeated playing the way the other cuts do. I listen to it about every tenth playing of the CD. Still, it doesn't distract from this wonderful CD.

This is very heart opening music

...At the last minute, I decided to check what is new and found Krisna Das. So surprised and what a joy. I first heard this CD in a workshop and a few of us did yoga there. Then the chants just didn't leave me. Luckily, I found one in Santa Monica, and could never find another one from the same store. When some copies hit the store, they just vanished. That's why when I got a second copy in SF, I made some copies for friends and myself just in case I lose it.
Not all songs are super nice, but most songs are and very powerful. It is probably by far the most moving CD for me. It can reach your soul and deepening yourself. Best is to have a long drive with this, it will stir your inner well. I like the CD so much that I had an impulse to buy one when I saw it in London last month. So get it, if not, there is a long waiting list anyway if you don't like it.

Krishna Das is free in his "throat Chakra" this is a great attribute in an authentic compassionate, heart based singer. His songs with the harmonious vibrations encourage the listener to sing and flow with the sacred. Grown up with devotional songs, I feel his music brings us back to the sacredness and the source within each of us. May his voice continue to lead us to that divine source.