Customer Reviews

Pure Moods, Vol. IV

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I've been a fan of the Pure Moods series since a friend played the first album for me in 1997, and Pure Moods IV is at least as good as the three that came before it.

If you haven't listened to any of the other "Pure Moods" CDs, be warned that the emphasis is on "moods" in the plural--if your favorite artist contributed to Pure Moods IV, you'll be disappointed if you expect the rest of the CD to sound like that artist's work. Instead, the "moods" are very eclectic, ranging from pure New Age to classical piano pieces to hits like Sarah McLachlan's "Angel."

Although I enjoyed almost everything on this CD, my favorite piece so far is the late Eva Cassidy's performance of Sting's "Fields of Gold." Her beautiful voice and the song's striking imagery combine to produce a truly haunting piece of music, made all the more poignant by her untimely death--"you'll remember me/When the west wind moves/among the fields of barley . . . ." (If you love "Fields of Gold" as much as I do, Mary Black's marvelous "Speaking With the Angel" features yet another elegant version.)

The Pure Moods series has proved to be a wonderful "sampler"--it's introduced me to many new artists whose work I admire, thus leading me to spend even more money at Amazon.com. My guess is that this is what Virgin Records had in mind when it put these collections together.

Speaking of which, if you like this series, you might not want to limit yourself to Pure Moods I-IV. Amazon.com sells an import version called "New Pure Moods"--it's a two disc set that includes several of the pieces from Pure Moods I, but adds numerous works that are not a part of the original collection. There is also a "Celtic Moods" that is quite enjoyable, as well as an "Instrumental Moods."

I hope you enjoy listening to these CDs as much as I have!

Pure Moods Vol. 1 was so good all the way through. The selection seemed carefully made to create an atmosphere, in short, a mood.

But the last two in this series remind me more of the NOW series of current and past pop tunes. Just a hodgepodge, no theme or through line, just a collection of songs that can loosely be described as relaxing.

Some songs stand out, Mythos "November" ( though personally if you want November Music you will buy George Winston's FOREST which about the Montana November period). B-Tribe, AfroCelt, Enigma, Eva Cassidy's sweet rendition of "Fields of Gold", George Winston's "Sea" which is so tranquil....truly a pure mood.

But why is there ambient techno? It's good but shouldn't that be put on a CHILLED SPIRIT CD? And Sarah McLaughlin's "Angel" is pretty and sweet but really....that song has been out a long time now. And Sarah's music is so wonderful to hear as a whole album anyway!

In whole the music isn't all bad but you might catch yourself skipping through tracks instead of letting it play all the way.

I am not knocking this album or this series after it does introduce a lot of people to jazz, new age and other fascinating genres of music.

If it is new age instrumental peace you want check out:

NARADA: "WILDERNESS COLLECTION"
GEORGE WINSTON: "FOREST" or "AUTUMN"
DAVID ARKENSTONE: "IN THE WAKE OF THE WIND"
WINDHAM HILL: "PASSAGES"

These albums truly evoke tranquility without boring the mind or overpowering the senses!

And for the Ambient Techno listener try these:

CHILLED SPIRIT (Various artists)
ULTRA CHILL (Various artists)

These great compilations are an example of the new movement to use ambient to stir up the senses!

I am a big fan of the "Pure Moods" series. I have been eagerly anticipating the release of the fourth volume. Although I was irritated to see Delerium's "Silence" listed on the new "Pure Moods" cd, it wasn't enough for me to not buy the cd. Let begin with the obvious flaws, I could have done without songs like "Silence" and "When You're Falling". I like those two songs a lot but those two songs needs to be put to rest. I am tired of hearing them on a countless basis either on the radio or on one of my many chill out compilations. I like "Angel" but that song was also played to death on the radio, still it doesn't bother me nearly as much as "Silence" or "When You're Falling". The rest of the cd is amazing. The songs that I am not tired of listening to are simply gorgeous. I literally almost had to stop typing when I heard Mythos' "November" and Rachel Portman's track from the movie "Choclat". The songs were absolutely amazing. The intricate melodies were breathtaking to listen to. I'm not a fan of Jim Brickman or Yanni (both of whose music I consider extremely cheesy in the worst possible way) but I really enjoyed their songs on this cd. I absolutely loved B-Tribe's "She Moves Through the Fair" and Moby's "God Moving Over the Face of the Waters". Overall I love this album, flaws and all. I have yet to hear one cd from the "Pure Moods" series that I did not like.

I have been a fan of the pure moods albums since the first Pure Moods came out. I like Pure moods 2 and 3, but not as much as the first, and now that the fourth one is out and I listened to it, I would have to say that the fourth addidion is ranked right along with the first. The music on this album is very mellow, There are maybe 3 songs that could be considered "techno" or something along the lines of what the second and third album had on it. This one is smooth, relaxing, and defintly sensual. some of the songs are deep, and some are uplifting. If you are a fan of the other Pure Moods albums, then you should definatly buy this one.

GREAT artists on this CD....Mythos, Enigma, Delerium, Sarah McLachlan, Eva Cassidy, Moby, George Winston, B-Tribe, Afro Celt Sound System (w/ Peter Gabriel)....heavenly. Admittedly, I was mainly hooked to buy this CD by the inclusion of the Delerium/Sarah McLachlan classic, "Silence," and the wonderful collaboration by Afro Celt Sound System & Peter Gabriel, "When You're Falling," but all the way around, "Pure Moods IV" is a terrific collection of some truly dreamy music, combining new age, ambient, and some easy listening. All of these excellent tracks blend together so seamlessly, it's as if they were made to be featured together on one disc. Together, they form a soothing, atmospheric platter of music guaranteed to literally bring you "peace of mind." Not a bad track among them---even Yanni's contribution is pleasant (and that's really saying something). Probably the biggest surprise of all is the song "Purify" by a group named Balligomingo. This song is so amazingly sensual that I am now looking into getting the group's album. "Pure Moods IV" is an outstanding collection that will have you floating away in no time.

My husband & I love new age/instrumental/meditation music. When we got the first Pure Moods CD, we were floored. We loved it so much we bought a second copy so we could have one in the car all the time. We went on to buy music from many of the artists on the CD.

Well, this CD is nice - it's a welcome addition to our collection - but it's not one of my favorites and it's certainly no where near as good as the first. I'm not sorry I bought it but it's not one I'd rush out to recommend to others.

There is some very, very excellent music on this. Unfortunatly, it's all predictable music.

Virgin has fallen into a bit of a rut with the Pure Moods series. When they first came out, the music was all edgy-world beat and soothing instrumentals. Pure Moods 1 was my (and many other's) introduction to groups such as Enigma, Deep Forest, and Adiemus. I was hooked on these bands, and continued to collect everything I could find of them. The same went for Pure Moods 2 (where I found Delerium and Massive Attack, and through them Dead Can Dance and the Cocteau Twins. Such is the power of the six degrees of musical separation). By the time I got to Pure Moods 3, I was a little annoyed to find the same Old Crowd on there...music from Enya, Enigma, and Yanni, with occasional surprises.

When I picked up Pure Moods 4, I was officially dissappointed in the series. The music was all rather mainstream and pop-ish. A serious audiophile who loves world beat and mood music would, in all probability, already have ACSS's Further in Time, Delerium's Karma, Songs From A Secret Garden...What the heck is "Angel" doing on here?

Come on, guys. Give us some NEW mood music. This is basically a compilation disc of slightly eccentric beats from slightly eccentric artists.

When I bought this CD,I had hoped it would have been more like
the other Pure Moods albums. I must admit that I was a bit
disappointed. The first few songs were really great, but
the other music was a bit dull and uninspiring.I'm glad I
purchased this CD,however.Those first few song were worth the
money.

After listening to this three times, I finally feel ready to review this amazing CD. To fully appreciate each intricacy, you almost need to listen at least three times.

Listening in the middle of the night with candles burning seems appropriate. Just relax and let this music seduce you, because once you start listening there is no turning back. This is the correct list of the tracks on this CD.

Mythos November - Nice introduction with just an edge of winter approaching. There seems to be a chill in the air as the crisp words and notes almost seem to fall like ice shattering on a stone path.

Balligomingo Purify - Paints a image of words flowing like a river, rain splashing against a window pane, standing still out in the rain soaking wet. I want the entire Beneath the Surface album. I will more than likely ruin my hearing playing this as loud as I can.

Enigma Shadows in Silence - Sounds like whales crying to one another in a deep ocean of otherworldly New Age-like sounds. Takes you to a higher plane of thought.

Delerium featuring Sarah McLachlan Silence - Exhilarating, clear, connected. Sarah's voice is seductively placed in between chants and an ethereal landscape of sound. "Heaven holds a sense of wonder......I get colder when the rage in me subsides."
Mesmorizing.

Secret Garden Song From A Secret Garden - One of the most beautiful sweet melodies wrapped around sorrow. Pure longing for the unattainable. Violin seduction. Hauntingly familiar. Memories from Somewhere in Time.

Yanni One Man's Dream - Seems to end before you can really start dreaming. Nice delicate selection.

Jim Brickman Devotion - Expressive Piano solo that borders on being sentimental.

Eva Cassidy Fields of Gold - This was rather interesting. Being a fan of Sting, I was suddenly awakened to the voice of Eva Cassidy. At times her very clear voice is a bit too loud for headphones and you have to reduce the volume to continue on in your peaceful mood. Sharp notes, like sunlight glinting off an piece of metal.

Govi Garden of Eden - I hear Scarborough Fair and then turns into a flamenco-tinged instrumental.

Yann Tiersen La Valse d'Amelie (Theme from Amelie) - Otherworldly Secrets blended with child-like joy and the heart of a gypsy.

Geroge Winston Sea - Solo Piano from the solo recording Autumn. If you close your eyes you can almost see leaves falling off the trees and the earth slowly changing to a deep orange bliss. Crisp notes echo fall breezes, rolling in fresh snow and melting ice.

Moby God Moving Over the Face of the Waters - How sad to have included this. It could drive one mad. Quickly fast forward to Chocolat.

Rachel Portman Main Titles from Chocolat - Mysterious pastoral piece that seems to entice you into listening to each note. Wistful. Loved the movie, chocolate heaven!

Sarah McLachlan Angel - Familiar Favorite. "I need some distraction....memories seep through my veins."

B-Tribe She Moves Through The Fair - New take on an Irish song with ethereal female vocals. The song them breaks from Irish to Spanish guitar and back again to an ambient beat. Prepares you for the next song.

Craig Armstrong Featuring Elizabeth Fraser This Love - Mystical. Mournful. Subtle. Breaks into more expression and more contemplation of regret.

Paul Schwartz River of Stars - Imagine looking out into the night sky and seeing a falling star. Then imagine you get to walk along a star pathway into the night. Lush and dreamy.

Afro-Celt Soundsystem When You're Falling - The beat of Africa with poetic lyrics you will wonder about for a few days at least. Voices mingle in Ecstasy.

Relaxing and Inspirational.

~The Rebecca Review

You got to hand it to Virgin Records. The PURE MOODS sreies of discs has been extremely sucsessful. They have been able to allow mood music gain a very wide audience without being too Way Out New Age or too commercial. This is the fourth disc in the series and it scores big like the others ( although #2 is my favourite). This disc has eighteen tracks, and a lot of them are under four minutes in length. But that does not mean they are filler.

A lot of reviewers gripe that the series is losing its edge and is catering to public appeal. Any compilation will never satisfy everybody. Criticisms range from "heard these songs before" to "too much piano" to "the same old artists". Remember this is music to put you in a certain mood of relaxation or peace or whatever. It is not to be taken too seriously. I for one enjoy having this music playing whether I am resting, working or enjoying company with friends.

There are some stunning tracks. I love the first four songs which set a great mood. I know SILENCE by Delerium and Sarah McLachlan is on many chillout albums but it is still an amazing performance and her vocal is overwhelming! If I do have a mild criticism of the album, it is that from Track 5 onwards the music does seem stripped down apart from one or two exceptions. Maybe a different playing order would have helped. Tracks 5-9 are pleasant to listen to but do tend to be similar in arrangement and tempo. Track 10 livens things up with Yann Tiersen's LA VALSE d'AMELIE but it is a short track. The Moby track on the other hand is too long and monotonous and sems very out of place here. The next track, however is a gem. Rachel Portman's theme from Chocolat is very beautiful and delicate. This and SILENCE are the two tracks I listen to the most. The album does sag until near the end. McLachlan's ANGEL is a little dull. Seems like it has been on the radio a lot but I do not listen to radio so it is new to me. B-Tribe's version of SHE MOVED THROUGH THE FAIR is just wrong. Coming from Ireland, I have heard so many wonderful versions of this song that could have been included. This track has a vocal that seems to drag the whole song down and the music seems to merge different musical elements without sucsess. THIS LOVE and RIVER OF STARS could be the same song. However the former is too long. Thankfully the last track lifts the spirits. WHEN YOU'RE FALLING has the Afro-Celt Soundsystem perfoming with guest vocalist Peter Gabriel and it adds a much needed oomph to close the album. This great song had the worst possible luck in succeeding because the very original video had to be pulled soon after it was released in August 2001 on account of the horrific events on 9/11. I will not go into any detail but you will find the video on You Tube and you will understand why it is rarely shown after watching it.

Hope to review the other mood albums soon. Times are listed below with song title listed first:

1. November - Mythos 4.58
2. Purify - Balligomingo 4.14
3. Shadows in silence - Enigma 4.19
4. Silence - Delerium feat. Sarah McLachlan 6.34
5. Song from a secret garden - secret Garden 3.31
6. One man's dream - Yanni 2.45
7. Devotion - Jim Brickman 3.36
8. Fields of gold - Eva Cassidy 4.42
9. Garden of eden - Govi 2.54
10. La valse d,Amelie - Yann Tiersen 2.00
11. Sea - George winston 2.41
12. God moving over the face of the waters - Moby 5.45
13. Main titles from Chocolat - Rachel Portman 3.08
14. Angel - Sarah McLachlan 4.28
15. She moved through the fair - B-tribe 5.00
16. This love - Craig Armstrong feat. Elizabeth Fraser 6.18
17. River of stars - Paul schwartz 4.03
18. When you're falling- Afro-celt soundsystem feat. Peter Gabriel 5.14

P.S. Check out some British Chillout compilattion albums if you can. There are some amazing artists that you do not hear about in the USA like The Beloved, Kinobe, Groove Armada, The Chemical Brothers, Royksapp, Everything But The Girl, Goldfrapp, Zero 7 and many others.