Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simply ethereal!, June 16, 2001
This Cd shows Iona at their best! The production is flawless, and the choice of songs for this CD shows the wide range of artistry that Iona embraces, from haunting ballads to rocking anthems. All of the musicians play multiple instruments and their skills are amazing. Their flawless and masterful playing ,recorded live, puts most band's studio works, with all the editing, to shame. In my opinion the highlight of the album is "I Will Give My Love an Apple". This traditional Irish ballad begins with Joanne singing acappella, which really gives you an appreciation for one of the finest voices in Celtic music. As the song progresses the music builds until, in traditional Iona fashion, it breaks forth into passionate abandonment. The song closes with Joann's voice solo once again. The only complaint I have with this CD is that it gave me an incredible desire to see this band in concert, which is improbable as they don't come to the US very often. Final word -- HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Almost missed this jewel, January 2, 2001
If you view it from the traditional pop/rock point of view, this is very interesting. You hear instruments, you don't here too often. You hear them played in way you don't hear them too often. You hear a female lead singer with a good voice (gives me the same feeling like Anneke from The Gathering). There is solid pop/rock combined with some irish/folk/celtic influences, which are finely integrated, never disturbing but adding to the more introperspective, mellow feeling. You might think "no thanks, I don't like folk songs, I don't like irish traditional songs, etc.", but don't be afraid! First, those influences are not overwhelming, they are nicely interwoven during the whole Live Set in this 2 CD work, fit the feeling, and are presented with that fine voice! So, I think, in contrast of dislike, you will come up to really admire those influences. Second, Iona plays live here. They really make music, the use their instruments, they work with their instruments, you feel the fun, the joy and the power they feel while playing. So, especially on this Live, there is hardly any risk, that you will not be captured by their great performance. From that on, you recognize their interesting lyrics, which adds even more depth. So, if you think, you don't like their style, do yourself a favour and give this Live 2CD a try. There are good chances, you really discover a new jewel here. Same happend to me.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Kept Secret in Modern Music, December 20, 2000
Iona is SUPER [see my review of 'Beyond These Shores'] BUT this LIVE album is SUPER-DUPER good! They are the finest live performers EVER. Listen to the live version of 'Treasure' on this double CD...then listen to the original on 'Beyond These Shores.' You'll see what I mean! Highlights on this CD: The performances of these songs: Chi-Rho, Today, the irish reels and the acapella song 'I Gave My Love An Apple' and the extended set called Triology. And to add another feather to their cap they have a new CD [Fall 2000] called 'Woven Cord' with a full orchestra that is amazing. Iona: music with meaning superbly done for the glory of the 3-in-one!! Get it--you'll be glad you did!
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