Customer Reviews

Salty Heaven

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

And that is certainly not a title I give albums very frequently, implying as it does that everyone should have it, rather than just those who like (in this case) folk music.

I was put onto Luka in general and this album in specific by an inspirational teacher and friend of mine who had the guts to play the entire 8-minute opus that is "Forgiveness" in front of some 500 students last year. While most of my friends were busy talking about other things, I was spellbound by Luka's guitar technique and the no-holds-barred, leave-it-all-on-the-stage nature of his imagery. Then and there I was converted to the work of this incredible man.

The album itself is simply amazing. "Blackberry Time", the opener, gives the merest hint of what is to come: Luka's baritone overlaid over gloriously catchy guitar strumming, all the while singing some of the most heartfelt lyrics ever committed to CD. The other 10 tracks offer more of the same, Luka's lyrical brush paints many pictures of life and love in which the one common denominator is his lived-in voice, making his stories all that more believable.

The coup de grace is saved for the final track, "Forgiveness". Here, Bloom leaves the 20th Century behind as he tells the heartbreaking tale of a young man and his wife fleeing the Irish Potato Famine. All pretences of sugar-coating (which does appear on this album every so often) are left behind as Luka travels with this couple to Canada and beyond.

Every song on the album has its own high points and barely any have low points, so picking favourites is almost impossible. The first three tracks "Blackberry Time", "The Hungry Ghost" and "Don't Be So Hard On Yourself" are utter gems just dying to be heard by many more people than will ever do so. The first and third of those songs I've heard live and am still in awe of, while the second should have been played as well. The other songs are also, as I have said, classics - although I recommend "The Shape of Love To Come", "Ciara", "Rainbow Warrior" and "Holy Ground" as well worthwhile. "Ciara", interestingly enough, is even better live as well. In fact, at the concert I saw it played at, it was requested from the audience as Luka tuned up for his next song - upon hearing it he responded "OK" and performed it, while keeping the audience completely silent.

There are always reasons that people have to hate artists. Luka is sometimes accused of predictability in guitar technique or vocal range, however this simply accentuates his lyrics - and certainly makes "Rainbow Warrior" a spellbinding listen. Certainly his lyrics do venture a little close to the sappy side of things on occasion, but the complete package of the performance salvages them.

Overall, as I said above, this album is important to own regardless of your musical tastes. Folk-lovers will, of course, derive the most utility out of it, but all bar hardcore rappers and metalheads will certainly enjoy it.

Luke Bloom's "Salty Heaven" is a soulful march into passion and it begins to bud in your ear with "Hungry Ghost" and blooms with eye shattering beauty with "Forgiveness" Check this artist out. I guarantee that if you like other genuine Irish musicians you'll enjoy this CD.

This is actually the first Luka Bloom CD I owned. The compositions on this CD truely represent a beautiful compilation of passionate music. Bloom has found a way to paint a portrait of his soul through the music on this disc. Songs such as Hungry Ghost exemplify this through the haunting vocals and delicate chord choices. Blackberry Time, the first track, starts off the CD with an upbeat rythmic tone. Perhaps the strongest piece is the last, Forgivness, the story of the pilgramage of his people inmto Canada. If I could meet this man I would gladly tell him how much I appricate this CD being created! Other honorable tracks are, Rainbow Warrior, Holy Ground, and Water Ballerina. Whether you're a fan of Folk or a fan of extraordinary music you must buy this CD! You will not be disappointed!

An absolutely beautiful CD, filled with a sense of wonder. Though many songs are about serious subjects--"Hungry Ghost" (alcoholism), "Forgiveness" (The Famine)--there's an underlying joy to the tunes. You get the feeling that the artist is a man who is truly happy at this stage of his life. "The Shape of Love to Come"--a celebration of Irish nature spirituality is a particularly beautiful song.

Luka's first release in 5 years marks the return of smooth, chilling Irish rock and roll. His guitar is phenomenal and his voice is extremely refreshing. This is a fantastic album.

I am a huge Luka Bloom fan. I would rate ALL of his other works as must haves (if you need to choose just one get Riverside). This album just does not have the power and intensity of his previous works. That being said, if you ever get a chance to see him live don't miss it! You will be blown away.

again a wonderful offering from a truly great irish singer/songwriter.salty heaven sees luka using other instruments to compliment the voice and guitar.i would say peter van hooke and rod argent have contributed greatly to the outcome of this album. lovely fluent bass playing and nice snare hits and rolls especially on blackberry time draw the listener into the songs.many people say he is limited as a guitar player with the same strumming technique but i think this becomes less obvious when mixed with different instruments and the bigger production effort that has gone into this record.highly recommended

Recently saw Luka at The Troubadour in Hollywood and he was brilliant. One of the most enjoyable gigs I've ever attended. He did a few covers during the show and his rendition of Bad (U2) was immense. Ciara and Forgiveness are great tracks. Is there a better Irish artist/band?

Regards,

Richard.

This is an amazing record. Don't understand why it is out of print. A must for anyone's collection.

...at the Barns at Wolf Trap near Reston VA. A good friend turned me on to LB, and I got this CD at the show. Played it all the way home and have got it on the computer here at work...I'll have to give it a more thorough listening to give more than a first blush review, but it's as good as what I heard last night and more. Easily merits the 5 stars and kudos to my good bud Craig for getting the tix. Excellent live show, by the way...make a point of seeing him in your area.