Customer Reviews

Sister Drum

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you're looking for something to really stand out in your music collection, this has got to be it. It's different - I'll warn you of that right off the bat. But if you're ready to branch out and try something really superb and take your collection to a whole new level of quality, then open your mind and give this one a shot.

A lot of work went into the making of this album - you can read about it on the cover notes. This is a Chinese artist singing her own interpretation of Tibetan music. The result is like nothing you've ever heard before.

Some of the songs are strangely quiet, then suddenly become powerhouses of sound, complete with a thunderous chorus of male background voices and pounding drums. Some of the songs have catchy rhythms, but many are more understated, like someone singing a capella in the mountains.

The overall effect of the album is a mystical one. It has the feel of strange music flowing from a temple.

The voice may the hardest for some of us westerners to get used to. Not only is there no English, but she uses her voice in a distinctly Asian manner of singing that has less strength and melodiousness than what some people like. There are moments when it sounds like a high, shaky whine.

But the instrumentation is brilliant, as is the song composition. And the singing is brilliant as well. You just have to train your ears.

Be brave. Challenge yourself to add something this rare and this good to your music collection.

I honestly do not understand people who complain that Dadawa merely exploits the cultural heritage of Tibet in her albums "Sister Drum" and "Voices from the Sky" (i.e. cultural colonialism of sorts) and that her works are not "true" Tibetan music. Well, hello! She never claimed that her works are "true" Tibetan music, she was merely influenced by Tibetan culture during her travels in Tibet. Read the inserts, people. Her works are influenced in equal measure by both Tibetan music and traditional Chinese music, and her fusion of both into something sublime is to be commended. Accusing her and her producers of "exploiting" Tibetan culture is like accusing Deep Forest of "exploiting" native cultures around the world by incorporating native music into their worldwide hits such as "Sweet Lullaby". And saying that buying her CDs is like hanging a beautiful Tibetan knife on one's wall i.e. doing something that does nothing to further one's understanding of Tibetan culture - well that's just plain silly. One has to start somewhere, and if loving Dadawa's music leads someone to explore more authentic Tibetan musical works, or to read up on Tibetan culture, or even to book a flight to Tibet, well that's a start. Yes, I do feel that the Chinese occupation of Tibet is reprehensible, but that is not enough excuse to accuse Dadawa of profiteering from Tibetan culture. Her love for Tibetan music is apparent to anyone who genuinely listens to her works without political bias, and I for one think Dadawa's CDs are a must in any serious music lover's collection. Do yourself a favour and buy both "Sister Drum" and "Voices from the Sky". You'll find yourself chanting "Om Mani Padme Hum" along with her songs in no time.

I only give five stars because that is the maximum rating that you can give, but I believe Dadawa deserves much more! This CD is one of the greatest CDs I have ever heard in my life and as I listen to the title track right now, I know I will never regret getting this CD. There is no singer who creates a greater ethereal atmosphere and expresses the spirit of her heritage. All of these songs have many layers of exorbitant sounds and creates some incredible touching feelings. The combination of the music from the computers and the Chinese music creates music that is not like any music on earth. ALL of these songs, each and every one of them, are examples of quintessential music. In fact, I don't have a favorite. I LOVE each and every one of these songs. Dadawa also has an excellent voice and her producer/composer He Xuntian is the music crafting genius. The spirit of the Chinese touches the soul of the listener. If you like the way Enya and Loreena McKennitt express the Celtic spirit, you will LOVE the way Dadawa expresses the Chinese spirit. You will miss out on so much if you don't hear this CD!

So why doesn't it get 5 stars? I only reserve 5 star ratings for the discs I absolutely can't live without. But that said, this is great. My kids love it (elementary school age). My wife loves is (she's Chinese from Taiwan). I love it (a regular white guy from the Western US).

As other reviewers have mentioned, this isn't a CD of Tibettan music. It's a CD of music inspired by Tibet. There are traditional Chinese themes in it and the lyrics are in Mandarin. There are western-inspired new age/ambiant themes in it. And there are some more modern Chinese themes, that I hesitate to call "pop", but verge on that label.

I've never been to Tibet, but have long been fascinated with that region of the world. I lived in East Asia for several years, and this music takes me back there.

I can fully recommend this CD, but as others have mentioned, you definately need a nice sound system in an accoustically-appropriate room to fully enjoy this.

Sister Drum captivated me from the first listen! An excellent, surrealistic journey into the heart. The dynamic range of this album is fantastic. One minute you will be straining to hear low, chanting whispers, and the next your walls will be shaking with the deep drumbeats. The dynamics ARE captured well, not leveled out boringly for elevator music as many find popular. The vocals are unmatched and inspiring, and this is one album which touches the mind and heart and doesn't let go!

You don't need to know the language to understand the sentiment that the voice expresses. The drums play in each song are powerful. Just listen to the examples and think that the CD is much better.

Having listened to this cd for some years now I can only begin to understand what is being performed or meant for a simple human such as myself by the creators and chanellers of such music that is encompassed on "Sister Drum". I spend many nights out in the Australian countryside camping and bushwalking, yet at night when I have somehow actually been able to cook some pitifull meal on my stove and enjoyed it because I have been starving.....I will lie on my back looking up to the stars and get out the old cd player. "Sister Drum" have is one of the cd's I have taken with me on many occassions. And on comes the sound quiet and transporting. The begining of this composistion is so seducing, without understanding a word of cantonese/mandarin I am lulled into a complete sense of being in a foreign country yet a wellcome and hospitality are at the forefront....you want to walk into this creation and feel it unfold. All the peice's in this cd are a different story heavily influenced by the Tibetan culture but also very strong in Chinese music and history. It release's sounds that many westerner's would not experience yet would appriciate and react to. Forget the anti-ism surrounding this magical creation and let yourself be warmed by the sounds and voice of the He brothers and the intoxicating Dadawa. Just an after thought but Dadawa may be Bjork or it could be Bjork is Dadawa.

I don't think Dadawa has label herself to be a traditional Tibetan musicians. This is what we call the new music. One merge from the old and find a new style of their own. With this kind of music is either you hate it or just simply love it.. of course I love her music very much.. you also need to understand what she is singing about.. even the music itself was beautiful enough. I agree with one of the reviewer.. you need a "very" good system to play her music or you might just blow out your speakers or simply can't enjoy the way this music was made to be. If you think you are in the mood for some different type music.. give this one a try..

she ahs an uncanny presence when you listen to the songs, and reflects the culture of tibet, and the people. the photography is excellent and show her essence. of an young upcoming lady in to the music scene.. highly recommended...

I love eastern music, but this is one of my favorites. Play it almost every day and never tire of it's ability to both relax and invigorate me.