Customer Reviews

Slow Music for Fast Times

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

 

 

It is not, and was not intended, as an 'introduction to what HOS is doing now.' In fact no other compilation on the label has ever drawn from such a wide range of material spanning most of its history, which was appropriate to the very broad theme of 'slow music.'

Finally, it is not true that there is no new material here. Specifically, it includes two tracks by the esteemed cellist David Darling that will not be released until late August 2001, and a beautiful new choral track by Bill Douglas that was not out at the time this compilation was released.

But the most important reason SLOW MUSIC FOR FAST TIMES should be of interest to buyers is the value proposition built into it, which is a DOUBLE album with over 140 minutes of high quality, carefully selected and sequenced (the opposite of "scattershot") material for the price of SINGLE CD. We think it represents an excellent value and stand behind the quality of both the compilation and each and every piece included.

Websites offers 30 second samples of every piece, and I urge prospective buyers to judge for themselves rather than believing a highly biased 'reviewer.'

Stephen Hill, Producer :: Hearts of Space

After reading other reviews, I decided to judge for myself. Indeed, this is an excellent value and a fine compilation. Anyone who has enjoyed the weekly Hearts of Space programs will find these 2 CDs thoroughly engaging. While there is a very broad range of music included, it's obvious that the various artists were thoughtfully selected. HOS fans and others will appreciate this addition to their collections.

It's not very often you come across A CD in which you like almost if not everything on it. This is a rare exception. What is especially attractive about this is that it is a compilation of various artists so that your not stuck in one particular style. I find it good for relaxing,meditating or anytime you feel the need to be at ease.

"Slow Music for Fast Times is exactly that. Taken from the NPR program 'Hearts of Space,' it calls itself a 'long drink from an oasis.' It certainly has a soothing, contemplative feel to it. The music is slow and nicely varied, ranging from choral pieces ('Choral Masterworks: Alleluia') to chanting ('La Buddha') to a guitar-based sound ('The Lamentation of Turlough O'Carolan'). David Darling's 'Children' is one of the most outstanding pieces in the project. It is particularly affecting, with a haunting, bittersweet sound to it. John Boswell's '4 a.m' is another outstanding piece; it's evocative and moody, somehow capturing exactly what 4 a.m. sounds like. Bill Douglas' 'Lake Isle of Innisfree' has an a cappella opening and a woodsy, open feel to it. Slow Music for Fast Times is background music; quiet and atmospheric, it's music to read, relax, or go to sleep to."--by Melinda Hill

If you are an enthusiast of ambient music and/or a Hearts of Space fan you'll love this two-disc set!

This is wonderfully, beautifully combined into a mind melting state of bliss.
Relax and enjoy. Highly Recommend !

Thank YOU!

This appears to be an attempt by the label to make some extra money by culling cuts from their catalog, pure and simple. The songs on this CD are neither well-suited to the stated theme (just because a song is "slow" doesn't make it relaxing; it depends on the melodic structure and emotional content, as well) nor are they even the best songs from the individual artist's CDs. Since many fans of the HOS label probably have many of these CDs already and since there is no new material here, this album is for completists or naive newbies only. As an introduction to what HOS is doing now, it's fine. It's unfocused and contains both good and average music. But if you want a good compilation of relaxing and/or ambient music, there are much better choices out there, e.g. Dreams and Shadows on the Spotted Peccary label.