A Tonic for Your Ears
345304
If you have not encountered Webern's music before, then I would suggest that you start with Boulez Conducts Webern II. But if you have already purchased that disk, or encountered Webern via another route, then you might want to give this disk a listen. What can make this disk a tough one for the first-time listener is what Webern does with voices--it is one thing to hear brass or strings jumping around from note to note, but to hear the human voice do so can be a bit of a shock. But if you can get past that initial shock and listen to these pieces a few times, you might begin to find them quite bracing and refreshing, a real tonic for your ears. Boulez is an old hand at conducting this kind of stuff, and the DG "4D" sound is quite good. No, I am not recommending this CD to everyone, but for the musically adventurous, I am recommending it in light of the caveats I outlined above.
4271455
Nothing but great sounds in this collection of music. A wonderfully refreshing mix of some very exciting music. Pure enjoyment to the senses.
136444
There are times when words are incapable of describing something adequately.  Secret Garden's White Stones is really something that needs to be heard in order to be understood.  Even the small sound clips on Amazon cannot convey the perfect harmony of instrumental music that is contained on this disc.  Be forewarned there are no lyrics, not a single spoken word or voice.  This is definiately one of the most tempting lures to the group's body of work.  The music, lacking lyrics, really allows for the listener to create their own meaning for a given song.  The tracks vary in mood from the serene to "Celebration" pun intended.  The songs are intelligently composed, most with a contemplative aura.
Personally, I am yet to find a more satisfying compact disc than White Stones, even above this groups other work which is also exceptional.  Still, over two years after I initially purchased this CD, I still find it the most often played CD in my fairly large collection.  The songs are perfect for the drive after a long day at work to calm down, or just in the background when doing something else.
If you are just looking for something a little different from what is played on the radio, I think that you will find great joy in having discovered Secret Garden.
4669523
Every time a new Secret Garden album comes along, it sounds just that bit more special than the last, and I expect the bubble to break and everyone will be talking about them. However, to date they still seem to be low key and little heard of. Maybe this wonderful album will be the one to turn that around!

The mix of Norwegian classical orchestration with the most beautiful and evocative in Celtic music, makes for a sublimely uplifting and relaxing experience. This is not just chill out music, but music to inspire.

The collaborators, particularly Brian Kennedy and Karen Matheson add a wonderful extra element which lets the music really breathe, and means the listener will never get bored with the CD - you'll be able to listen to this over and over and over again, making this the best value CD you will buy this year.
3793755
If you're looking for songs in 4/4 time or 12/8 (like their later output) don't buy it.  This is Current 93 of the "Live at Bar Maldoror" era - atmospheric in a dark way, less mesmerising and coherent than Maldoror and less effective for dark meditations.  It is nonetheless listenable for afficionados of the genre - and very useable when this mood is needed.
Track 1: The construction is around voices, children's especially, and a blend of 16th Century polyphony (William Byrd-styled) and Berio at his best, passed through filters and loops.  At moments it is the whispering of voices from another world into the very darkest of night; it fleets though a cathedral on the edge of the abyss, without light, in which you stand alone.  As with all their music of this time, hair-raising moments spring out of the roiling quietude.  Of the 3 tracks this is the most surreal.
Track 2 is underpinned by 12/8 drumming unvarying in pattern for long stretches.  It seems to try to impose time and rhythm on material drawn from tracks 1 & 2.  There are occasions when this music would be atmospherically useful but it's too earthbound to get off on some inner journey into the tunnels of the dark side.
If your intention is to disturb - as legitimate a use of this music as any - this track is fine.
Track 3 reverts almost to the mood of track 1 except that phrases and voices rise clearly out of the mists, at one point breaking into a rhythmic chant.  Their emergence narrows its potential use but as a background to other ativities or pure listening, it's fine.  An artist working along a parallel to Giger, for instance, may find this track highly conducive.
All tracks are long enough to "get into".  If I had to choose between this or Bar Maldoror, I'd go for the latter, but given I can have both I'm perfectly happy.  They are different but fairly obviously from the same composers/musicians.
A final word, "In Menstrual Night" is very different from "Little Menstrual Night Music", reported as a "remix". Re-composition might better describe the latter.  I recommend an enthusiast of the genre checks both out while they are about.
459496
Want the flavor of the islands?  Want to drift off on the soft sounds of paradise?  Try this one and happy listening.
221991
Rich and esoteric, yet really listenable, this is a great record.
4452751
This has become one of my favorite albums when I want to listen to something soft and lovely.  It complements a relaxed mood or creates one.  I agree with the New York Times reviewer who called this album "luminous."
3911198
This music is amazing at getting you to feel relaxed.  The minute you start to listen it takes you on an escape journey.  The sounds are cool with a great groove.  A lot of the music is different so you ear perks up a bit as you listen.  I love albums that take us to knew places.  Highly recommend!
14430
A beautiful, easy-listening set of songs that are recognizable for those who already know them, and soothing to those who don't.  It's music that takes you to a place of relaxation and serenity.  Each note is inspirational and makes you think of sunsets, love, ultimate peace, and joy for the gift of music.  With music like this, one is never alone.

Well done, Rosie.
3003933
When I first heard Adiemus, I was very enchanted and somehow all my thoughts just went away, making me feel very relaxed. I believe that Karl Jenkins and Miriam Stockley did a great job with all their music. It's something that I can listen to while I do my homework.

I would also like to add that for those of you who feel that this has no music in it, maybe it's because you're interests in music lies in other styles other than Karl Jenkins'. The music isn't exactly "world music", but it's supposed to give that idea with some Celtic and European influences. Also, the words are all made up, so if you don't understand it, don't worry about it too much. The idea of using the human voice in these songs is to feel relaxed. And for those of you who claim that she is crying at an unbearable pitch, apparently you have not heard people that think they are sopranos when they're not. Stockley is a great singer . Her voice sounds amazing in all these songs. But if you still don't like it, fine, it's your opinion. After all, people's tastes in music differ person to person. I happen to enjoy new age music as well as classical, pop, some rock, and anything that I feel fits for lyrical or modern dances. And some people who like other music in this genre may not like what they hear on this album just because of our different tastes. So I do recommend listening to the samples first before you make your decision of buying this CD.
1010070
Paired with a quality amp and DAC, music is holographic with a very individuated soundstage. You will find yourself rediscovering and getting lost in music you've known for decades. Well worth the price.
3538527
If you like various nature sounds you will apreciate this cd.
3210744
If you're looking for some music to feed your spirit, then this is a great choice!
327315
I've owned this album for a number of years, yet I've probably only listened to it about 20 times.  The music on this album is so powerful that repeated listenings can diminish the effect of the music, relegating it to mere background music.  This is by no means background music.  This is music to listen to when your soul needs refreshing.  I'm very careful about when I choose to listen to this album.  By listening to it only when I need it, the music becomes more beautiful, more serene, more replenishing with each listening.  Buy it and listen to it as soon as you can, without distractions.  Then put it away.  Listen to it only when you need to.  And you'll know when that is.
1316586
These guys have an affinity for all that's good about music. I enjoy this cd tremendously. Even if I'm not dancing on the outside, I'm dancing on the inside, or maybe I'm contemplating a situation or an event. Perhaps the event of life as it unfolds. I don't know how they do it, but the electronics, the voices, the sax, the flute all combine for a superb heady mix that will make you want to move.<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Influences/dp/B001H5GK1K/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Influences</a>
660048
You don't have to be into natural, organic products to appreciate the excellence of the sound these are capable of putting out.  The bass has the resonance of a large wooden cabinet in a component high fidelity system--the depth, the bottomless yet palpable richness of the sound, if not due in great measure to the wood, is at the very least testimony to the suggestive powers of wood to the mind, which in turn telegraphs the message to the human ear.  The high end--especially the crisp brushwork and lingering ring of the ride cymbal--is suggestive of catching a jazz combo or chamber music ensemble in a coffee house made of maple.  The warmth and richness of the human voice is suddenly all the dearer because of the closeness and centeredness of the sound.  Since it's bass that preoccupies so many users and reviewers of earphones, let me assure you that the bass of the Woodees is not artificially-enhanced, "boomy" bass in the lower mid-range.  It's the genuine article, a thrilling and revealing, "complex" sound practically guaranteed to shatter preconceptions of the limitations of earphones compared to full-sized headphones.

I compared these to some top-selling headphones in the $20 range, and the Woodees are easily good enough to convince any careful listener to spend the extra twenty.  I haven't quite worked up the nerve to compare them to my personal standard of reference, the Sony MDR-EX700LP's, because I'm almost fearful of having to swallow some earlier superlatives.  Whether you're attracted to these phones because of the wood or coming upon them accidentally, you've arrived at the right place.  I have a pair of Sleek Audio wood phones, and the Woodees easily surpass them.  To be fair, the Sleek Audio's, which allow for numerous adjustments that I haven't experimented with, including the insertion of metal pieces for "tuning" them to the individual's tastes.  But unlike the Sleek Audio's, the Woodees were a perfect seal right out of the box and with a welcome comfort that simply made you want to keep them where they seemed to belong--in your ears.  The silicone cover has a slightly airy, cushiony feel that makes you forget them and concentrate on the music, which yields heretofore unsuspected details and nuances--almost like Cole Porter listening to his house in the still of the night and becoming inspired--by the faucet, the clock, the rain--to write "Night and Day."

If there's a caveat, it certainly can't be about the audio quality of these miniature concert halls.  I see that some reviewers have questioned the durability of the phones, which are noticeably larger than most earphones.  To be safe, it might not be a bad idea to pick up a pair of single-digit phones for rough and tumble action (including sleeping in bed).  But for serious listening, it's highly unlikely any careful listener will do any better at under a hundred, and perhaps even more.  As for the "bulky" appearance, don't be misled.  The wood isn't heavy.  Put these on, and you'll feel less like you're entering the world of technology than returning to a world of nature.

[As a member of the Amazon Vine program I'm eligible to receive without charge items such as the Woodees.  Unfortunately, the pricey, most-desired stuff always goes to the members with the hawk eyes, perfect timing and quick fingers.  They end up with the treadmills and Woodees; I settle for more books (I only wish a few jazz CDs would be offered).  Nevertheless, I'm indebted to the Vine program for making me aware of these earphones, which subsequently became a Valentine's Day gift.  So my positive review is in no way related to a desire to "pay back" Amazon or Woodees for their generosity.  The phones have clearly earned the five-star rating.]