Metaphor

Patrick O'Hearn | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 24, 1997)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Deep Cave Records
• ASIN: B000005EM4
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #59,140 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Bassist and synthesist Patrick O'Hearn began his career backing up music wizard Frank Zappa in the 1970s before forming the new-wave band Missing Persons in the early '80s and later striking out on his own. Somewhere along the way his music has morphed into electronic New Age, sometimes resembling ambient masters Tangerine Dream, sometimes Yanni. Metaphor is a fine testament to O'Hearn's talent for songwriting. He deftly layers his ambient pieces with blankets of lulling rhythm or washes before tucking a soft melody into the cotton of airy synth and chiming sequences. "The Women of Lachaise" builds on this technique beautifully, creating an urban landscape smooth around the edges with whiffs of smokey synth and competing with "Let Truth Prevail" for an electronic soundtrack reminiscent of Bladerunner. If you've checked out Tangerine Dream, if you've checked out Steve Roach, and are now wondering where to go from here, give Patrick O'Hearn a listen; he may be your next favorite electronic artist. --Karen Karleski

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wishing for more, December 30, 1999

By	Steve Bonario (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Metaphor (Audio CD)

I keep scouring the net and music stores for signs of O'Hearn's next album, just wishing for more. Metaphor continues what has been, for me, an aural love affair with O'Hearn's music. Each track stands on its own, but I prefer to listen to it in its entirety -- each piece connects with and through the others, creating something that covers the darker side of emotional terrain compared to the sunny romps of River's Gonna Rise. If you enjoyed Trust or Indigo, you will enjoy Metaphor.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The BEST New Age music there is!, July 17, 2000

By	Bruce Ewing (Eugene, OR USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Metaphor (Audio CD)

Patrick O'Hearns best. When you first get a Patrick album, the songs sound nice, but you don't love them immediately. You have to listen to each album every day for 2 weeks to fall in love with a few of the songs. I would call the style "Experimental Jazz-based New Age." Similar to Tangerine Dream, but the sounds here are not so exotic. The whole album is great; the tracks "Faith and Endurance," "Let Truth Prevail," and "Crossing the Divide" are masterpieces. Each exhibits his unique genius at playing the melodic line of a song super-slowly. (Taking many measures per note.) The second also has a wonderful experiment in playing the melodic line on a piano with one finger. I can't imagine how he made it so great! His 2 other great albums are Indigo, and Eldorado. If you love this album, try some Tangerine Dream! (I can't imagine why people call this music "dark"? -- It's very peaceful!)

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A journey that has no end..., December 13, 1998

By	Shawn E. Redwood (Madrid, Spain) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Metaphor (Audio CD)

This CD is by far the best of Patrick O'Hearn. It is exquisite and filled with emotions and stories from the days of old. I feel that each song touches me in a very personal way.

When I listen to this CD, I like to sit in the dark and burn a candle and let the moods become a part of me.

It is well worth the listen.