Customer Reviews

The Space Between Us

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I was drawn to this album after hearing Armstrong's work on Protection, as well as the inclusion of This Love on the oh-so-modern soundtrack to the hedonistic angst movie Cruel Intentions. Since I bought it, the album has become a bit of a guilty pleasure for me, since lately the idea of pop-classical music has become tightly associated with second-rate new age crap. However, I like to think that I know crap when I hear it, and this it ain't. A recent reviewer disliked this album because he found that Armstrong lacks the technical musical integrity of real classical composers, citing Chopin and Satie. Well what the hell do you expect? First of all, how can you expect the emphasis to be on that aspect of the music when you're listening to someone associated with Massive Attack? Remember the original version of Weather Storm? Secondly, just because it doesn't have those qualities doesn't make it suck. The point of the music here is the ambience. Every track here is like a melodramatically angst-ridden soundtrack to the kind of lazy, unbathed Sunday afternoon that doesn't happen in real life. It isn't sorrowful in the same straightforward sense as Portishead, but in its own way it's even more brooding. To paraphrase Marge Simpson, this album just screams subtlety.

I almost hate myself for giving this review such a cliched title, but the truth is that Armstrong's first solo album is one of those "night" albums, to be played with dim lights, perhaps, watching the rainfall out the window.

There are certain artists whose work touch you in ways that are difficult to relate, and Craig Armstrong falls in that category, alongside artists such as David Sylvian (check out his 'Secrets of the Beehive') and the extinct band The Blue Nile (don't miss their 'Hats for anything in the world), whose lead vocalist Paul Buchanan sings the most beautiful rendition of their classic "Let's Go Out Tonight" in this album.

Other sublime tracks to be found in the album, are the exquisite "Glasgow", the opening and closing tracks, "My Father" and Romeo and Juliet's "Balcony Scene", a song that will go down in history as a classic. The truth is, you will rejoice in this musical experience if you have a soul. Along with his follow-up 2002 album 'As If Nothing', 'Space Between Us' not only showcases the work of Craig Armstrong: it introduces us to one of this century's greatest scoring talents.

Like a lot of people, I was first introduced to Craig Armstrong with his collaboration with Massive Attack on "Weather Storm". I was absolutely taken by that particular song and his ability to seduce the listener with the use of stringed instruments. The first time I heard "This Love" was the Sarah Brightman version on her album "Eden". I didn't realize that Craig Armstrong was responsible for that song when I heard his version with Elizabeth Fraser on "The Classic Chillout Album" compilation released last year. Another breathtaking song. I love both Sarah and Craig's versions of the song. Craig Armstrong is an amazing composer and has recently became one of my favorite modern composers, alongside Ennio Morricone and Michael Nyman. "Sly II" is another great song. The momentum in the song really builds up. I could almost hear that particular song used in a film with the intense build up in the music. "After the Storm" is almost something that Philip Glass would have composed with its minimalist beats and almost lack of melodies and chaotic rhythm. I swear I have heard "Laura's Theme" somewhere but I just don't know where. It is a gorgeous song. The dark haunting melodies would definitely be a perfect song to add to any soundtrack. I get the chills just listening to this song. What I really like about Craig Armstrong so much is that none of his music comes off loud and bombastic like John Williams and Hans Zimmer's music does (as much as I enjoy Hans Zimmer's music). The emotions in the songs easily translates on to the big screen. I am eager to hear Craig's new music for the "Quiet American" film. He definitely has made me a big fan of his music.

Craig Armstrong's music has the tendency to set your mind drift and to think vast cinematic thoughts. which is probably why he does so many film scores. this album contains some renditions of his movie music along with some other pieces. the mood here is somber and reflective with quiet tones and some downtempo electronics added for effect. the vocal contributers are excellent (esp. Elizabeth Fraser's vocals on "This Love"...which is the main reason why i bought this cd). one of the things i like about his music is that it comes close to being overtly emotional...but retains the distance so that the listener can sort of fill in the blanks. does that make sense?

Unlike many people, I did not even know that Craig Armstrong was a collaborater on Massive Attack's Protection album (a group that I adore by the way). I instead heard of Craig Armstrong first on the Cruel Intentions soundtrack with the song "This Love". I had always liked the song "This Love" and I finally decided to go and get this album and see what Craig Armstrong was all about. Instead, I got something much more than I ever expected or dreamed of, an album of "classical" music in a new era and generation. I know some of the symphonic musicians and listeners of old don't see this as classical music but for the generation now growing up in the new millenium, this album marks a path for new classical music. The album opens with "Weather Storm" with light piano strumming and beautiful violins that just build as the song continues. "This Love", still one of my very favorite songs by him, starts out like you are flying (a feeling love can actually make you do!) and the vocals of Liz Fraser make this track a gem and I can honestly say there is NOTHING like this track out anywhere. "Sly" is a much more orchestral song but at the same time, it's twisted too with slow orchestral movement to the singing violins throughout the track as well. "After the Storm" seems to end off the first section of the CD, all tracks sort of heaven like, and it proves to be a good track. "Laura's Theme", my favorite composition by Armstrong, is a song with tons of emotion from the dark violins and the melancholy nature of the track..this track still brings tears to my eyes every single time I hear it because it's that emotive and beautiful (worth the price of the CD alone). "My Father" follows with a little dissonance at the beginning but it's a good track too, highlighting Armstrong's piano playing ability. "Balcony Scene" is a track many people have heard before but never knew where it came from in the recent remake, Romeo + Juliet...an amazingly emotive track as well that is beautifully constructed from beginning to end and another one of my favorite songs. "Rise" is an interesting twist coming off of three very dark tracks but I like the contrast this song provides along with the semi-industrial feel. "Glasglow" reminds me of the movie, The Bone Collector (a soundtrack Armstrong collaborated on as well) and is a very good track, though it's different too. "Let's Go Out Tonight" is a great track that begins with the light strumming of a guitar and it's a good track but not my favorite either. "Childhood" conjures up images of innocence with its symphonic elements and tickling of the ivories on the piano. "Hymn" ends off the album perfectly with piano from start to finish, making this CD end way before you think it should. The Space Between Us reveals many familar songs to the masses but no one ever really knew who did the compositions...this album is a landmark of classical and symphonic music to come and we can only expect it to get better with time.

Do you ever turn the radio on and hear a song which, at that very moment, sums up life. A song which evokes so much feeling that it instantly reduces you to tears? A song which haunts you days later as you walk down the street, leave work and travel home?

In 1998 I turned the radio on and heard Liz Fraser's haunting vocals on the amazing "This Love". The second I started to listen I broke down - and though I felt perfectly well moments before - I realised that this song had changed everything. Forever.

Now that may seem a little over the top to you, but I suggest that if it does you have a go at finding out for yourself.

It is widely acknowledged that Craig Armstrong is a musical genius, and who can deny that the man who created a timeless masterpiece with "Unfinished Sympathy" (as part of the Bristol based group Massive Attack)enabling Shara Nelson to gain a step on the ladder to musical success, the man that evokes such feeling with each musical score he dips his god like fingers into (Baz Lurhmanns Romeo & Juliet, The Bone Collector), the man that has people in tears at moments of high elation....who indeed can deny that this man is one of the very best musicians around.

If you've seen Romeo & Juliet, If you like Massive Attack, If you like Classical music, Hip Hop, Big Beat, Jazz, Soul or Funk... If you ever cry, or laugh... In fact, I do believe that most people will find something within Armstrong's music that appeals to them - even if it's only a single sound, or word - that will make this purchase worthwhile.

But be warned - if you do buy this album (which I think would be wise)- do not go to Our price in Huddersfield, England. It cost me nearly 17 quid!

Its great mood music... its not music I'd listen to whenever I'm driving, for example, but this is really dreamy, cinematic music with a contemporary sound. A great addition to my CD collection, I've never bought anything that sounded like this.

I have never believed in the various theories that seek to explain why it is that something was painted in the way that it was, or why music was written in the way it was. After listening to this album several times, I am as ever convinced that such theories do, in fact, ruin the beauty of what we experience. I am no musician, and I cannot discern what type or kind of music this is. What I know is what my ears and my soul tell me, that for some reason this album is something I identify with. I do not care about music critics -I never have- especially those who create rules to explain the inexplicable. Music is part of life, and should be taken for what it is. Just as there are no rules or explanation of why we exist, there are no rules for listening to this album. Just close your eyes and allow yourself to be taken far from your daily problems. Somewhere from where you will not want to return. Favourite tracks: "Weather Storm","This Love","Lauras Theme". Favourite listening place: driving in the winding roads of the Troodos mountains at sunset.

I'm not a big fan of instrumental music, but after hearing this album I might just change my mind! Playing this music, looking into a starry sky and drift away, that's my recomendation.

Very good string sections and rhythm parts. It's the best sound, especially for upcoming millennium (especially Track 2 and 7)...