Review
Every so often an artist exceeds expectations. They create a piece of work that is so exquisite, it s breathtaking. gilli moon has taken that quantum leap with her latest album, extraOrdinary life. It s an epic endeavor from an artist already well known for her independent and adventurous spirit. Indeed, this album covers a wide range of styles and emotions that touch every aspect of our lives. Though reviewers, as well as fans, will probably mention comparisons to Tori Amos, Sting and Radiohead, Moon has instilled this record with such a strong sense of self that one gets the impression she s letting us in on her secret life an extraordinary one at that. Starting with the title track, Moon takes listeners on a remarkable journey through exotic and unpredictable soundscapes. With songs such as Release Me, Evolution, Bye Is Such A Lonely Word, and the unforgettable Hollywood, she has stacked this album with enough hit material to get her plenty of attention. Though, at times, the scope of her vision is challenging, it's always compelling; and, Moon s vocals have never been better. What s most surprising, however, is her preternatural ability to make her lyrics intimate yet universal. In fact, this body of work reaches the ultimate level of craftsmanship with Enchanted Forest and My Extraordinary Life expanding the boundaries of songwriting as we know it. This is an album that is best heard in its entirety. Not because of any overall concept, but rather because it s a beautiful expedition of emotions and stories that comfort, excite and inspire. Indeed, after hearing the songs presented on this record, you wouldn t be faulted if you also wanted to lead - an extraordinary life. --Bernard Baur, Music Connection, July 2005
Product Description
An adventurous journey of autobiographical songs and stories, and intimate music conversations about gilli moon's inner truths, emotions and passions, anecdotes about falling in love, and out of it, about living in Hollywood, and about freedom, humour, simplicity and a life long journey of discovery. extraOrdinary life celebrates 13 brand new self-penned songs, a spoken word track and an Italian song. An ENHANCED CD, it features a 10 min making of video, and a 20 photo slide show embracing her album. " extraOrdinary life is about a global harmony that starts with the tiniest one-on-one interactions. If we are able to have a harmonious relationship with another person then we're able to understand that dynamic on a global scale" gilli moon says. After nearly 3 years on the road promoting the 2002 release, Woman, across the United States, Canada and Australia - gilli moon, submerged herself in Los Angeles for the latter half of 2004 and early 2005, and recorded her fourth album, entitled extraOrdinary Life. An adventurous journey of autobiographical songs and stories, and intimate music conversations about gilli moon s inner truths, emotions and passions, anecdotes about falling in love, and out of it, about living in Hollywood, and about freedom, humour, simplicity and a life long journey of discovery. extraOrdinary Life celebrates 13 brand new self-penned songs, a spoken word track and an Italian song. An ENHANCED CD, it features a 10 min making of video, and a 20 photo slide show embracing her album, photography which has come to visual life by Hollywood s celebrity photographer Jim Steinfeldt (Tina Turner, Madonna, Miles Davis, Willie Nelson). extraOrdinary Life is a groove oriented album, mixing sensuous basslines, emotional piano and gilli moon s lilting melodic voice, with songs making attention at AAA and alternative radio. With an emphasis on organic, raw musical textures, gilli s trademark edge is present, combining a cool rebelliousness of eclectic guitars, techno loops, live drums and world-beat percussion. It s only independent, alternative artists like gilli moon that are able to take music production risks, and can truly manage to challenge the current tired old musical norm on today s radio by creating an album that pushes the envelope. extraOrdinary life is audacious and fresh, a definitive departure from her prior 3 albums Woman (03), temperamental angel, (00) and Girl in the Moon (98). Recorded in 3 different locations including Los Angeles, Sydney, and New Orleans, the new ENHANCED CD sees gilli moon, artist and producer, collaborating with her favorite collection of alchemists and fellow mavericks, including programmer and engineer Matt Thorne (The Eels, Trapt, Kate Ceberano, Plastilina Mosh); engineer Evan Beigel (Badi Assad), 2 bass players Jeff Dean & Ken Moore; guitarists Gordie Germaine & Donovan Raitt, Aussie drummer Tim Davies, Jennifer J (Eric Idle) on backing vocals & a string of percussionists, horn players and mavericks from around the world. extraOrdinary Life offers standout tracks: the up-tempo Undone, (with matching music video now playing), the evocative and story compelling Hollywood, the sensuous The Kiss (co-produced with Evan Beigel), Circus of Life (already used as theme song for Australia's hit indie musical in Wollombi NSW), and the bittersweet love song Spaceship. gilli moon's productions have always taken much-needed production risks, and push the envelope sonically, yet still mainstream accessible to the hearts and ears of generations.
