Sleeping on the Edge of the World

David Helpling

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 14, 1999)
• Original Release Date: September 14, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Spotted Peccary
• ASIN: B00001QGKT
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #33,263 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
David Helpling's sophomore effort fulfills the promise of his first CD, Between Green and Blue. The guitarist is still influenced by Patrick O'Hearn, sharing the same penchant for smoldering, sensual rhythms and simple yet highly evocative melodies. He arranges it all on guitar and synthesizers, although it's often difficult to tell which is which. Helpling sends his guitar through a stream of effects and delays, using volume swells to mask its attack, turning his stringed instrument into an ambient orchestra. Across sequencer rhythm loops that sound like a pan-ethno drum troupe floating in space, Helpling layers surging synth pads draped with simple melodies that create a moody, cinematic expanse. Because he's a guitarist, Helpling has a natural sense of phrasing that eludes many keyboardists in this area of melodic electronics. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Energizing Journey, December 15, 1999

By	Adam (Long Beach, CA USA) - See all my reviews

The title, Sleeping on the Edge of the World, sets the mood and the first track, "Rain Falls," begins floating, but soon carries the melody through the energizing piece. The whole album sifts between floating and racing as the pieces carry the listener into the wonderment of melodies and rhythms. It's a powerful album that is more energetic than ambient space music, but defines an atmosphere of power and rest. The wonderful tracks such as "Deepest Days" define the energy of movement while the tracks such as "Shadows of Far Night" expand into a powerful energy which iminates glory. I have listened to this album five times in one week and still find new sounds. Helpling has offered a strong and uplifting album.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!, December 12, 2000

By	Lyle W. Gray (Cedarburg, Wisconsin USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought this CD after hearing one of the cuts at a local store along with other new age artists. It took me a few weeks to get to it, to really listen and then "bang", I was hooked. I then ordered David's first CD "Between Blue and Green" and like it just as much. I have multiple copies of both for car and home. Great music for meditation, thinking, reading, etc.

I was so taken by his music that I emailed David and asked for more. He responded the same day, and indicated that he is currently working on a 3rd. Can't wait!

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exquisite, Exciting, Innovative, July 22, 2001

By	K. N. Nelson "Psychologist" (California, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Here is an awesome CD filled from start to finish with music that is simply stunning. One can feel as well as hear a variety of intricate sound vibrations as they manifest through the soul and hands of a masterful musician who deeply understands the complexities of New Age music and embraces them with a synergy that is truly unique.

David punctuates his musical vision with various types of percussive accents in these glossy, ethereal, soul enveloping songs that invite you to create a private space where you can totally relax and open up to a pastiche of dreamlike experiences and imaginary adventures that are truly magical.

I loved all of the percussive accents with the single exception of Song #3 "Deepest Days". Here, he uses a euro techno 4/4 punch that evokes a feeling akin to having someone bash one on the head non stop with a heavy iron hammer, and to me it is intolerable. Fortunately he uses it VERY sparingly on this otherwise really beautiful and deeply moving song with a wonderful melody. David has that rarest of all gifts in a musician - the ability to make his music actually visual. Also, like that brilliant Norwegian musician Oystein Sevag, he can create the spatial sense of quiet which further accents the depth and textures of his sonic environment.

Among all these gorgeous songs, I feel that #8 "All Things End" is the most stunning, heartfelt and exquisite of them all. As I listen to this shimmering, magical song, chills race through me and "inner visualizations" appear like wisps of dreams. #10 "Shadows of Far Night" is an uplifting song that inspires feelings of joy and hopefulness. It is very powerful. #11 "Promise" is a final statement of beauty and an invitation to return to this experience again and again. This song, more than any other on this CD remains in memory long after the last note. Exquisite.