Customer Reviews

Spirit Nation

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

International folkish electronic new age at its best. This really is an incredible find, so if you've come to read this review then don't hesitate to buy this CD. Every song on this CD is just as good as the next, and all are great. I could listen to this CD over and over and never get tired of hearing it. That's the hallmark of a great CD! I'm actually visiting this page because I must find out what other works the artist has done.

Spirit Rain reminds me so much of Enigma and that is why I love their music. Very similar. I also am fond (understatement of the year) of Most Native American music/musicians so I feel I have a good ear for special music.

This is a rather good, if sometimes predictable, groove-laden blend of native american shamanism and new-age mysticism, infused with a dose of high-tech electronica. At the heart of Spirit Nation is the duo of guitar wizard Steve Rosen and keyboard maestro Jimmy Waldo. The album's strengths -- native american culture and spirituality, and rock-solid muscianship -- are frequently sabotaged by the bland new-age gloss of the arrangements, and a tendancy towards robotic drumming / drum-machine programming. Oh for some Bonham-esque thunder or Bruford-ish off-time jazz-rock flash to grab the compositions by the scruff of the neck! Still, the spiritual vibe at the heart of the project, and the moments of shining brilliance make this worth repeat listenings, since "Spirit Nation" shows enormous potential. When the project steps away from new-age cliches into the embrace of its native american heritage, or strives for something imaginative by exploring ideas found in modern progressive electronica, the album comes alive. This makes up for the fact that the composers tred dangerously close to lazily recycling the same formulaic set of ideas. Peripherally of interest to fans of progressive rock because of the strong keyboards, and Waldo's obvious understanding of the emotional impact in the retro sound of mellotron strings and choir.

From the producers of ambitious projects such as Waterbone, comes Spirit Nation. Inspired by the chants and traditions of the Lakota people, this recording follows the path set by the band Sacred Spirits a few years ago into a more mature and experimental style. Anyone interested in Native-American folklore and electronica should try Spirit Nation: so far the best attempt made in mixing both elements.

I found this CD while visiting a national park October 2010. The melodies are hauntingly beautiful. I use this CD while teaching yoga sun salutation and warrior vinyasas. My students have expressed how much they like this CD. It is difficult to find music for yoga that isn't too aerobic nor too comatose. This CD is perfect for the more active yoga asanas (poses).

I found this CD in a search at my local library - I don't even remember what I was looking for now, but I put a hold on it and recently checked it out - I would recommend buying it to anyone who likes Native American music. It was listed in the library catalog as "rock" music - I don't see that - but I do see the New Age music style influence, which is okay with me. The drums beat, the flute floats throughout, and soft voices whisper and sing in the background, creating an awesome sound effect! I really like this CD! It would be good for relaxing, even meditating, and definitely has a mellowing affect on the listener. It is calming and good background (if the cadence of the drums doesn't bother you). Some Native American music can get a little nerve-wracking if it is too fast or loud. If you use this for meditation or relaxation, I can see how it could possibly give you visions. I can't wait to try it and see what happens!

I definitely give this Spirit Nation CD a big THUMB'S UP!

I just love this CD. Strong melodies and very well produced. The way she sings and and sound of the instruments creats such a great atmosphere.

I've not bought new age CDs in a while, so I decided to try something different. I found out about this album by listening to internet radio (www.sky.fm) all day at the office. To me, this album doesn't have one "bad" song in it. All of them are good, but of course my favorite is "Celebration". That track is definitely "feel good" music. I mean, feel REALLY good :) Also worth mentioning: the last track, "Spirit Nation" is unexpectedly "upbeat", funky, and some parts sound like they're quasi-rapping in their native-American tongue. It's almost funny, but also pretty damn good once you get into it.

I've been listening to this CD almost non-stop for 2 days now... you gotta check it out.

Absolutely terrific!! I bought it at the Navajo Tribal Museum in Window Rock AZ. Previously heard it on Hearts of Space. If you like Enigma, B-Tribe, Deep Forest, you'll love this, too.

I bought this CD in Grand Teton National Park - you know those nature gift shop displays that advertise "promoting Native American welfare." The listening previews sounded cool so I took a risk. I wasn't dissapointed; is some really great music. Most of the songs do sound very similar, but when they're all good, you can't complain, right? I'm into a lot of contemporary new age (Enigma, Delerium, Enya) and this fits into my collection perfectly. I wanted to review it so you guys would help me bring it out of obscurity! My favorites are "She Sleeps Beside the Moon" and "Wankatakiya."