Customer Reviews

Planetary Chronicles Volume 1

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

 

 

In general terms, ambient music tends to fall into two distinct categories: "hip" ambient, composed by the likes of Pete Namlook, Terre Thaemlitz, Bill Laswell and the like and then the not so hip; Jarre, TD(these days)and others whose music tends to appeal to an older age group.

Serrie is lumped in there as someone for the 30/40 something crystal-type new-agers and I think this lack of respect from today's ambient music fans stems from a rather poor piece of imagemaking on behalf of Miramar. The packaging for Serrie's albums are dated in the extreme and the "friendly maestro" photos on the back do no justice. HOWEVER; the music is absolutely top-notch.

I'm continually in search of drifting atmospherics (early TD is my music of preference) and while I was initially put off Serrie for all the above reasons, once I heard his music I was hooked.

The music here isn't as dark as say, "Rubycon" or "Phaedra" nor as minimalist as Laswell's "Web", but if you took those two albums, threw in a healthy dose of Vangelis, you'll get an idea of what I'm talking about.

There are no surprises here. "Mystery Road" is a beauiful piece, drifting spacially through the mind, gently falling into the brassy intro to "Dawn Trader"... from there the track names cease to matter and the silence between them is barely noticeable. I like albums that flow from piece to piece and Serrie does it beautifully.

It may seem like old hippy space music (and it is)! but it stands the test of time never becoming twee or trite, but retains minor key mystery throughout.

I have 4 of Mr. Serrie's albums, and this one, because of one song, is absolutely the favorite in my collection...
...Starmoods. I'm listening to it right now, and every time I hear it it conjures up images of endless skies, drifting clouds, and an impending sunset. It is a song of great beauty, or one of sadness, depending on your mood and experience.
It is serene and dream-inspiring-and what Mr. Serrie said in the liner notes for this album is something I discovered myself-there are subtle nuances in this piece that aren't obvious on first listen. I have owned this CD for a couple of years and I am always discovering a new gem hidden in the lush potpourri of sound...listen carefully and you'll hear it. I am constantly amazed at how much emotion electronic music can inspire-I am consistently moved to tears by this piece simply because of the intense feelings it evokes.
If you are looking for an album with up-front melodies and obvious tonal patterns, you will not find them here.

But, if you're looking for the perfect soundtrack to your dreams, music to inspire your own creativity, or sounds to merely relax by, this cd is a winner. (It's also perfect to listen to on airplane trips...this kind of music lends itself to being listened to amongst the clouds)

But, if you're crying at the end of track four, don't say I didn't warn you!

This cd delivers you to the edge of the universe and back! Finally I found true ET music! I play this cd at night and drift off to sleep. Very soothing. I'm one of those intense people who has a hard time unwinding and getting to sleep. This cd is definately worth adding to your collection.I can't wait to order some of john's Serrie's other cd's!

Do yourself a favor and look at the DATES of which these scores were made. You will be surprised as to how old this music is - yet it still is awesome planetarium music. Don't listen to the nay-sayer who complains that they don't feel like they are in 'outerspace.' It's only music for pete's sake.

Feel tense before, during and after your commute? Put this album in your car's cd player and relax. Better still, wait 'til you get home, get into comfortable clothing and just enjoy. This is the most beautiful "space music" ever! and if you're into meditation -- this is definitely your album.

Just sit back and relax whenever you listen to this CD. You could imagine that you are experiencing a journey accross the universe. A must get for space music. I would also recomend Volume 2.

A terrific work that is worthy of the very best of the "deep space probes" of radio programs such as "Hearts of Space". Mr. Serrie delivers exactly what those who sit in their deck hammock on a cool night desire; a rich audio companion to the lights of the firmament. Might as well save on shipping and get both vols. 1 and 2 at the same time. You'll be getting them both anyway. Enjoy.

This disc is worth adding to your collection if you are a Serrie fan. The track 'Starmoods' is worth the price of the disc alone, space music at it's best.

Listening to this CD certianly does not make one feel as if they are in outerspace. Try a new age shop with crystals and warm fuzzies. Simply put, this music has no Power. Very whimpy garabage.