Customer Reviews

Shushan the Palace: Hymns of Earth

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

 

 

This Jane Siberry "hymns" collection sounds nice, but I had a couple of problems with it. Primarily, her song arrangements are thick with harmony arrangements that tend to obscure the original melody in clouds of pillowy harmonies (with Jane singing all the parts). On songs such as "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth," the saturated harmonies and fuzzy chamber ensemble make it very difficult to follow the melody. The arrangement also has a curiously quaint feeling, like the music from some Disney animated movie of the 1940's. I half expected Jiminy Cricket to start talking about how Pinnochio could become a real boy.

When Jane sings a melody with minimal harmony, as on the lovely "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree" and "If God Be For Us," the effect is much more powerful and enhcanting.

Most of Jane's music in recent years has consisted of her versions of other people's songs. Her previous album Hush was a similar collection of traditional songs. Although I enjoyed Hush more than Shushan, I would still hope that next Jane will return to doing some new songs of her own!

I just saw Jane perform this collection of music here in Calgary Live at the UofC and it was truly a moving experience especially at this time of the year when everyone makes their seasonal homage to the Nutcracker. Anyway I bought the cd there and have been listening to it all morning mesmerized by the uplifting moments it creates that take you on a collaborative journey with Jane and the other players. Each track is so incredible thoughtful in honouring its inspirations, and sincerely thankful for the places the pieces have brought the artist.

The liner notes are extensive and provide the evolutionary flow through the ages of the pieces. There is a sense that in the midst of all the extraordinary loveliness Jane weaves around you musically, that she is having a really good time, at moments its simply playful.

Anyway the album is a really worthwhile collection, its a great gift for the holidays due to its inspirational qualities, and if you can manage -- it go see Jane on this tour because you'll come away from those 2 1/2 hours with her and her friends uplifted beyond your imagination.

I think that Ms. Siberry deserves the utmost respect and applause for this musical diversion Sushan the Palace: Hymns of Earth. I was not sure what to expect, based on other reviews, but being a Siberry fan for many, many years, I was not disappointed. I was afraid that she would try to fit her musical style to these imposing and timeless Hymns. Instead, she has created a wondrous blend of her own style with the more classical veins running through and around her amazing and at times childlike voice. What this evokes is the wonder of childhood upon its first consciousness of something greater than any of us. To me, it is a loving, musical enfoldment of the earth and her inhabitants. Though the hymns are in the main Christian, it makes no matter, because her haunting approach to them carries one far beyond any parochial meanings or history. BRAVO JANE!

There's no one like Jane Siberry...she's an artist's artists. She continues to chart new territory with every album... this one included. This album is simply sublime. Looking forward to the release of her next album.

Ms. Siberry's latest offering is a bit of a disappointment. Come to think of it, her last 4 CDs have been disappointing.
Firstly, she doesn't seem to be writing her own songs anymore. In addition to her voice it was her unique song lyrics that attracted me. Now I don't know what to expect next from her. A collection of Gershwin tunes? A melody of Helen Reddy's greatest hits?
Secondly, less than 40 minutes???? C'mon! When this CD was first advertized on Amazon.com it was going for $24.99. Even at the "reduced rate" of $20.99, I feel like I'm being robbed. Who out there is releasing CDs that are less than 40 minutes??? Jane, you mean to tell me that you can't find a few more ditties? (your oh-too-clever liner notes notwithstanding)
Thirdly, as a physician and a music lover I feel duty-bound to say this: Ms. Siberry, stop smoking! You can hear the effects in your voice (beyond the expected changes that go with age), & your photographs are downright scary! Yikes!

I've heard one cut of this CD on the radio -- I know that my Redeemer liveth -- and it is without a doubt the worst recording I have ever heard. Siberry's entire take on the piece is just plain wrong, and to make matters worse, her intonation is awful in places and she seems to have no idea what she is singing about, especially when she sings "and when worms destroy this body". I cringe when I think of her doing "How beautiful are the feet". Jane, leave the Messiah arias to those who can sing well, and in tune, and the world will be a better place.