Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Franz Bardon's Work On The Magic Mirror
This topic is an interesting one although i don't profess to have made a mirror before ( i use a crystal ball for divination ) only because (1) I haven't reached step eight yet in my self development and (2) I have a few reservations mainly how stable is mercury and quicksilver , Its not safe in fluorescent lights or dental fillings. So of the two formulas use the one without the mercury if possible , another thing also to consider carefully is Magic Mirrors are a gateway or portal that can let just as much in as well as out for anything on the astral sphere. I know it sounds overboard and i am giving you the worse case scenarios to weigh up , only because a cautious approach should be taken into the unexplored/unknown. Magic Mirrors are not a game and Bardon does not explain the mirror in his book till step eight which pretty much tells you how much development needs to be spent on the individuals being before trying to attempt using these devices . I remember Poke Runyon once talking about the dangers of Magic Mirrors but for those of you that wish to know more here is the exact text from Initiation Into Hermetics by the great man himself which also can be found online here
Preparation of a Solid Fluid Condenser ~
Since in the next step I am going to describe the genuine mirror magic, the practical handling
of the magic mirror, I shall teach the magician how to construct a magic mirror by himself.
To manage this, he needs a sold fluid condenser that consists of seven metals. These are:
Lead ~ 1 part
Tin ~ 1 part
Iron ~ 1 part
Gold ~ 1 part
Copper ~ 1 part
Brass ~ 1 part
Silver ~ 1 part
Aloe Resin ~ 1 part
Animal Charcoal ~ 3 parts
Mineral Coal ~ 3 parts
The different parts are by volume, not weight. All ingredients must be pulverized. The metals
can be filed. Put all the ingredients together and mix well to obtain a real solid fluid
condenser.
The Electrum Magicum of the old alchemists is a superb fluid condenser composed of:
30 grams of gold
30 grams of silver
15 grams of copper
6 grams of tine
5 grams of lead
3 grams of iron
15 grams of mercury
As one can see, it contains all the planetary metals, and from this alloy magic mirrors, bells
and similar object have been made.
Preparation of Magic Mirrors ~
Two kinds of magic mirrors exist: the concave mirror and the flat mirror. Normal mirrors are
suitable for both kinds, which must be spread with silver-amalgam or black lacquer, or
covered with a liquid or a solid fluid condenser. For our magic purpose the ones mentioned
before are of special value, and I will describe the production of these mirrors on the basis of
some examples.
1. For the magic mirrors produced in the simplest way, with the help of a condenser, the
surface of any mirror or of a glass bowl will be suitable. It must only be spread with a liquid
or a solid fluid condenser.
2. Cut a circular disk from a pasteboard 8-20 inches in diameter, the size depending on how
big you want the mirror to be. Now cut the same disk from a piece of blotting or filter paper,
moisten or spread it evenly several times with a painting brush or a swab of cotton wool until
it is saturated with the fluid condenser and let it dry. Glue the blotting paper onto the
pasteboard disk, wait until dry, and the mirror is ready to use. Everybody will certainly be
able to construct a mirror like this. Supposing somebody does not like the circular form, he
may choose an oval or angular shape. You can put the mirror into a frame if you like. The
fluid condenser that is required here can be the simple one, but the compound condenser is
more recommended.
3. The procedure of the third method is exactly the same, but here you have to cover the
surface of the impregnated blotting paper with a very thin layer of colorless lacquer and strew
the entire surface with the pulverized solid fluid condenser. You can use a fine sieve. A mirror
that is ready for use immediately after drying is the best because it contains both of the fluid
condensers and is therefore especially useful for practice.
4. The preparation of a parabolic or concave mirror is not complicated. Procure a curved glass
such as is used for large clocks. An evaporation bowl will serve the purpose too. Spread the
outside several times with black lacquer that contains acetone; it dries very fast. If you want
the mirror for optical clairvoyance, it will be sufficient to put it in a black wooden frame and
the mirror is ready. But if you want to cover it with a fluid condenser you have to paint the
inside with a thin layer of colorless lacquer and spread the solid fluid condenser on top of it
and let it dry.
5. If you would like to produce a magic concave glass mirror and you cannot obtain the
concave glass, take instead carved wood or a piece of pasteboard that is easy to work with
after moistening it, or use plaster. The plaster must be mixed with a liquid fluid condenser to
render the mass pliant. Now form the mirror and allow it to dry slowly so that no cracks
appear. If they do, smear them over and let the shape dry again. Polish the completed shape of
the mirror with fine sandpaper to remove rough spots, and spread the surface of the mirror
with colorless lacquer, sprinkle the condenser through a sieve on top of the varnish, and let it
dry. You can cover the edge and back with black lacquer. The mirror is now completed.
As a matter of fact, such a homemade mirror happens to be more effective magically than the
one made from glass because it contains two very efficacious fluid condensers, the solid and
the liquid one. The only disadvantage is that such a mirror is heavy and breaks easily.
So now that has been done there is only one more book that i recommend for this subject which is called How To Make And Use Magic Mirrors by Nigel.R.Clough to which the digital version link can be found here and please if these books help you out consider giving a donation to the author or buy their works. Now you may ask your self what can i possibly add to Bardons formula nothing much but what you can do is apply his charging techniques to your magic mirror. When i was reading a book on crystal balls to which it explains how to purify , consecrate and treat your crystal ball , instantly i thought about the process which could be applied successfully to your Magic Mirror to protect , strengthen the already sound advice from Bardon. That book is called Crystal Vision Through Crystal Gazing by FRATER ACHAD to which the online link can be found here and once again if these books help you out please help out the author by obtaining a physical copy. the technique is as follows
PURIFICATION
First place the crystal on a slender cup-like stand. (One may usually be obtained
with the crystal in the first instance.) This stand should be placed on the surface of a
small table, which has previously been carefully cleansed, and from which all other
objects have been removed.
We may either stand or sit before this table, within easy reach of the crystal
while we perform the first step towards the purification of our material basis. NextCrystal Vision Through Crystal Gazing
4
place the tips of the fingers of both hands together, the thumbs being also joined, so as
to form a circle -- symbol of infinity but also of a limitation or boundary -- then
concentrate the attention on this circle until you clearly imagine, or actually feel, a film
of fine astral matter, like the film of a soap-bubble, formed of the fine substance of your
own astral and etheric bodies, spreading over the hollow space between your hands. As
in the former instance, when your whole attention was turned within, this film should
represent to you the highest and purest of which you are capable. A film of such purity
that it will have the effect of dispelling or banishing every lower influence it contacts.
Having concentrated your mind in this way for a few moments -- and the ease
with which this is accomplished is a good test of your powers as a crystal-gazer -- you
must now slowly move your hands until they are directly above the crystal on the table,
and still keeping your mind firmly fixed on the idea of this pure film of astral matter,
pass your hands down over the crystal, thus causing it, in its turn, to pass clear through
the magnetized circle of your hands.
When your hands reach the table at the base of the stand, they should be drawn
apart, thus breaking the "film" and leaving the crystal above demagnetized of all that is
of a lower vibration than your own highest ideal. It is then like a blank talisman, or a
thing without life. If this first step has been successfully accomplished, the crystal will
now give an impression of perfect ’cleanliness,’ or that is the best description one can
give of the proper result obtained by the process of purification. It must on no account
be touched at this stage of the work.
The next process is to charge it with your own magnetism, thus consecrating it
to the Work you wish to accomplish.
CONSECRATION
If the best results are to be obtained the crystal must now be consecrated or
dedicated to the special mission for which it is destined. This mission is a very
important one, much greater than we at first imagined perhaps, for it is no less than that
of representing to the seer his own Soul in the pure condition to which he aspires to
bring it. For that reason, his material basis, the crystal, must never be used for any but
the highest purposes. It is no longer an ornament that may be placed on the
mantel-shelf, but something he is about to endow with his own life, to charge with his
own highest Will. Thus it becomes something most sacred to him, no longer an object to
be idly handled by the profane any more than he would allow his own innermost
feelings and ideals to be thus roughly used by every passing stranger. This explains the
attitude of the true Seer of the past; it is not so much that the Crystals they used became
objects of superstitious mystery to the ignorant, as this sacred value to the Seer himself,
which caused them to be so carefully preserved. Once we understand this, we shall
adopt the right attitude towards our studies from the very start.
How then must we accomplish the Consecration of our Small Crystalline
Sphere?The Lesser Crystalline Sphere
5
Leaving it just where it stands on the table before us we must next place the tips
of our fingers and thumbs together, very much as before, but this time allowing them to
form a perfect equilateral triangle. Our hands should be held in this position over the
crystal, while we strongly concentrate our minds on the idea that a positive current is
flowing from them down into the crystal. This current must again represent our highest
aspiration in its purest form, but directed this time by our True Will. When we fairly
feel this current flowing from our hands, they should be passed gently over the crystal --
still forming the triangle as before but gradually allowing the palms to encircle the
globe, without actually touching it; then, when we feel impressed to do so as by an
unseen force, we should gently but firmly grasp the crystal itself, lifting it from its
stand, and allowing our hands to pass all over its surface. All this while the mind must
be kept in the highest possible condition of pure aspiration, as if we were giving our
very life to this object, as indeed we are, for it now becomes more than a mere symbol
of dead matter, it lives, and we have brought it to birth as a child of our Will.
Henceforth it must be treated as such, as a sacred instrument, dedicated and consecrated
to the service of the Highest.
And here a warning is necessary, though it will not be needed by the aspirant to
this Art who has followed the directions hitherto given in the right spirit. This warning
was also given by an earlier writer on this subject, John Melville, he writes:
"A sure and certain law exists, viz: - That if the seer’s purpose be evil when he or
she uses the crystal or mirror, it will react upon the seer sooner or later with terrible
effect; wherefore all are strictly cautioned to be good and do good only."
This may sound rather like Sunday-school talk, but when explained in the light
of the principles I have set forth above, it becomes clear, for we thereby charge the body
of our "child" -- the crystal -- with a force which must inevitably return to us as its
creator, quite apart from any question of outside influence from "beings" on other
planes.
But he again reminds us that "The aerial spaces are thronged with countless
intelligences -- celestial, good, pure, true, and the reverse. The latter have force: the
former possess power. To reach the good ones, the heart of the gazer must correspond,
and they should be invoked with prayerful feelings. There are innumerable multitudes
of the bad on the confines of Matter and Spirit. These malign forces are many and
terrible; but they can never reach the soul that relies on God in perfect faith, and which
only Invokes the Good, the Beautiful, and True for noble purposes."
Here we have many fresh ideas that need to be dealt with more fully in their
proper place, but the advice is good, and the warning necessary to those who, with the
best intentions, may through ignorance of their own nature, and that of the Universe in
which they live and move and have their being, imprudently attract to themselves forces
of evil too great for them to withstand, thus bringing about obsession, madness or even
worse, through use of wrong methods.
INITIATION
This stage in the process of the preparation Of our crystal has been partially
accomplished in the previous section of the work. We have really CONSECRATED the
object by determining to use it only for the one work before us and for no other purpose,
and we have at least partially INITIATED it by charging it with our own Will and Life.
Initiation means a beginning and we shall have made a good beginning If the above
instructions have been carefully and faithfully followed. An elaborate ceremony might
have been adopted, but since we are ourselves only making a beginning of the Work,
such a Ceremony, even if described would have appeared cumbersome and unwieldy.
As it is the merest novice has no excuse for neglecting the few simple rules laid down,
which in the end, will be seen to have a far greater importance than is at first imagined.
If we start rightly we shall continue rightly, but a false start practically ruins our
chances of success.
Enough has been accomplished for the moment, and the next step is to leave the
crystal alone for a short time, not to start to use it immediately. This will be a test of
patience, for one thing, and we shall need all our patience in order to succeed fully.
But, as with a new born babe, we must not leave our crystal unprotected. It
should be carefully wrapped in a piece of silk obtained for the purpose and likewise
dedicated to that end. Rose-pink is perhaps the best, as if to suggest our pure love of this
"object" we have so carefully prepared. Outside that we might well place "grey" and
finally "black" silk wrappings.
Thank you for reading this post i am really keen to hear your comments and feedback , If you have made a magic mirror before , How did it work out for you? , Was your solid condenser mixture altered? Was there any bad experiences?, How has it changed your life? Please feel free to share you experiences with the community
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Kanye West : My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy Album Review
Kanye West's new album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was released three weeks ago and i must admit I nearly died when i heard that Pitchfork had given this album a 10 out of 10 to say i wasn't curious to hear it was an understatement. Its a solid album there's an absolute stack load of featuring artists and with a chunky production bill of three million dollars it ought to. The album is a 13 song (well 11 two songs are under 2 mins ) Hip Hop fest with each track being unique there's no 2 same sounding songs , There is no doubt in my mind that this guy has genuine talent and with his bad boy rapper persona and public spotlight forays it just draws more people to his music so here i will try to dissect this latest offering from Kanye West
1- Dark Fantasy : The album starts off with a Nicki Minaj’s elocution of Roald Dahls’ rework of “Cinderella”using a fake british accent The track features production from Wu Tangs RZA , it also has a tasty sampling of Mike Oldfield's "In High Places." . The piano work and background sounds are awesome This is the track that introduces the tone of the album to the listener. Kayne sounds energetic and passionate as ever. Musically, one of my favorite tracks on the album. this track sets the tone for the album in the sense that it is manic, ingenious, and incredibly creative.
2-Gorgeous : This song is pretty damm special also Gorgeous features Kid Cudi & Raekwon as guest spots. Kid Cudi handles the vocal duties well on the hook while Kanye and Raekwon share the fourth verse duties. This track is a great hip-hop track in the traditional way. I think Kid Cudi and Kanye West duo well together i really enjoyed Erase Me on Kid Cudi's album
3-Power : Kanye is truly back to rapping and all three verses prove even though his ego may be big, he has earned every right to be the way he is. This track is truly amazing. featuring a sample from King Crimsons mind blowing song "21st Century Schizoid Man" as well as soulful backdrop from Dwele This is easily West's best rap performance in sometime and the track proves to be an exceptional choice for a first single by all means. West keeps "Power" from sounding predictable by changing the pace slightly on the third verse and adding strings and piano . Powerful
4-All The Lights Interlude : Piano and string instrumental that lasts about a minute
5-All Of The Lights : I shudder to think what this cost him is certainly the biggest track with no less than eleven musicians credited this track features Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Fergie, The-Dream, Ryan Leslie, Elton John, Charlie Wilson, Kid Cudi, John Legend, Tony Williams & Elly Jackson The hook is well handled by Rihanna , Kid Cudi does a short interlude, Fergie drops a breif verse, Alicia Keys and Elton John combine at the end (most audibly) . This track is a prime example of how great Kanye is as a producer being able to combine different vocals being used as instruments to create one radio friendly track.
6 -Monster : Feat. Bon Iver, Rick Ross, Jay-Z & Nicki Minaj - This track is another that seems to have been pushed for a single Each artist provides a great verse, Kanye West explains how much effect his presence has, Jay-Z tells how powerful he is in the rap and Rick Ross gets us ready for whats to come. The listener will either hate or love Nicky Minaj's verse, which is more animated than any other artist on the entire album.. Bon Iver does a great job doing a haunting intro and outro.. . The beat is infectious and "big.. All of the verses are exceptional and the expletive laden hook is - well - addictive.
7- So Appalled : With another star studded cast including Jay-Z, Pusha T, Prynce Cy Hi, Swizz Beatz & The RZA give the track an extra edge that is much appreciated. When it comes to pure hip-hop in its most traditional sense (no bridges, over done choruses or beats). Each verse from the MCs come off as if they brought their best effort to their words and flows.
8-Devil In A New Dress : Devil In a New Dress trims down the guest list to only Rick Ross, and turns out to be another good performance. The production work is exceptionally put together here, anchored by an excellent sampling of "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" (Smokey Robinson). What I like most about "Devil In a New Dress" is the `stream of consciousness' approach taken by Mr. West; it is a hookless performance This is probably my least favorite track on the album but it is still an above average track
9- Runaway : This song is the longest track on the album reaching about 9 minutes in length with the last 3 and a half minutes being instrumental. it features Pusha T . This song is the most personal on this album and is a straight message to everybody that has hated on Kanye. . If you think Kanye was done with auto-tune, you are dead wrong. However, he uses the auto tune effect not for singing but like another instrument he also uses a simple piano beat behind the Pete Rock sample .KanyePusha T adds some much needed flow. Kanye's flow is not the greatest and his lyrics and lines seem to be very amateur
10-Hell Of A Life : Wow sings a song by himself for a change samples "She's My Baby," proving to be another solid performance. Here Kanye talks about marrying a porn star living the life he thought he would ever want to live. " The chorus is great. However, the music is what comes across to me the most. It makes the song. . Come with him and live a hell of a life. It's a fantasy, but could very well be lived out by any star Here we take a step back from the reality of Kanye and back into the fantasy life. This track has the most grittiest with distorted sounds and a great hook by Kanye. It's really an interesting song that seperates itself from the rest of the album
11-Blame Game : I am a sucker for this song it was one of the songs that i really enjoyed goes for about 8 mins the piano is good once again. It is a confessional track where Kanye admits the wrongs he has done during his past relationship (possibly with Amber Rose). The first John Legend verse is heartfelt while the second verse Kanye confesses. The third verse is a combination of Kanye's voice in different pitches. Amongst all the seriousness of the song, the track ends with humorous skit from Chris Rock.
12-Lost In The World : The most auto tuned track on the album it's a great track.features Bon Iver once more on perhaps the most experimental cut on the album.The song starts off with a slow excerpt from Bon Iver's song "Woods" and builds up from there. A very fitting way to end off a great album. Full of loud African drums and great singing from both artists I love the premise of the song and the overall message. Kanye is just a lost soul trying to find his rightful place in the world and an overall understanding with life.
13-Who Will Survive In America : Continues where the production work of "Lost in the World" left off with a spoken word interlude painting atop it.
Conclusion : Enjoyed about 6 songs off the album (tracks 1,2,3,5,10,11) and there wasn't anything there that made me want to skip tracks , I still fell that Pitchfork needs to reconsider their rating system this album promoted to instant classic is premature I'm not sure it will stand the test of time yet (10 is adventurous ) but i will say that the man himself Kanye West does have incredible talent and judging by the samples he uses in his tracks has some good music taste . But with a all star line up that's used to piggy back each others careers you seriously start to ask yourself how many minutes of this album is Kanye actually singing ,its filled with guests its nearly a compilation album ,I prefer Kid Cudi's Man On The Moon II for this year , at least he sings most songs and probably had one tenth of the budget I'm going to receive hostile opinions on this I guess to those people all I have to say is sorry in advance Nether the less a solid listen 7.8 / 10
1-Dark Fantasy | 4:40 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2-Gorgeous | 5:57 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3-Power | 4:52 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4-All Of The Lights (Interlude) | 1:02 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5-All Of The Lights | 4:59 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
6-Monster | 6:18 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
7-So Appalled | 6:38 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
8-Devil In A New Dress | 5:52 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
9-Runaway | 9:08 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10-Hell Of A Life | 5:27 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11-Blame Game | 7:49 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12-Lost In The World | 4:16 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
13-Who Will Survive In America | 1:38 |
1- Dark Fantasy : The album starts off with a Nicki Minaj’s elocution of Roald Dahls’ rework of “Cinderella”using a fake british accent The track features production from Wu Tangs RZA , it also has a tasty sampling of Mike Oldfield's "In High Places." . The piano work and background sounds are awesome This is the track that introduces the tone of the album to the listener. Kayne sounds energetic and passionate as ever. Musically, one of my favorite tracks on the album. this track sets the tone for the album in the sense that it is manic, ingenious, and incredibly creative.
2-Gorgeous : This song is pretty damm special also Gorgeous features Kid Cudi & Raekwon as guest spots. Kid Cudi handles the vocal duties well on the hook while Kanye and Raekwon share the fourth verse duties. This track is a great hip-hop track in the traditional way. I think Kid Cudi and Kanye West duo well together i really enjoyed Erase Me on Kid Cudi's album
3-Power : Kanye is truly back to rapping and all three verses prove even though his ego may be big, he has earned every right to be the way he is. This track is truly amazing. featuring a sample from King Crimsons mind blowing song "21st Century Schizoid Man" as well as soulful backdrop from Dwele This is easily West's best rap performance in sometime and the track proves to be an exceptional choice for a first single by all means. West keeps "Power" from sounding predictable by changing the pace slightly on the third verse and adding strings and piano . Powerful
4-All The Lights Interlude : Piano and string instrumental that lasts about a minute
5-All Of The Lights : I shudder to think what this cost him is certainly the biggest track with no less than eleven musicians credited this track features Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Fergie, The-Dream, Ryan Leslie, Elton John, Charlie Wilson, Kid Cudi, John Legend, Tony Williams & Elly Jackson The hook is well handled by Rihanna , Kid Cudi does a short interlude, Fergie drops a breif verse, Alicia Keys and Elton John combine at the end (most audibly) . This track is a prime example of how great Kanye is as a producer being able to combine different vocals being used as instruments to create one radio friendly track.
6 -Monster : Feat. Bon Iver, Rick Ross, Jay-Z & Nicki Minaj - This track is another that seems to have been pushed for a single Each artist provides a great verse, Kanye West explains how much effect his presence has, Jay-Z tells how powerful he is in the rap and Rick Ross gets us ready for whats to come. The listener will either hate or love Nicky Minaj's verse, which is more animated than any other artist on the entire album.. Bon Iver does a great job doing a haunting intro and outro.. . The beat is infectious and "big.. All of the verses are exceptional and the expletive laden hook is - well - addictive.
7- So Appalled : With another star studded cast including Jay-Z, Pusha T, Prynce Cy Hi, Swizz Beatz & The RZA give the track an extra edge that is much appreciated. When it comes to pure hip-hop in its most traditional sense (no bridges, over done choruses or beats). Each verse from the MCs come off as if they brought their best effort to their words and flows.
8-Devil In A New Dress : Devil In a New Dress trims down the guest list to only Rick Ross, and turns out to be another good performance. The production work is exceptionally put together here, anchored by an excellent sampling of "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" (Smokey Robinson). What I like most about "Devil In a New Dress" is the `stream of consciousness' approach taken by Mr. West; it is a hookless performance This is probably my least favorite track on the album but it is still an above average track
9- Runaway : This song is the longest track on the album reaching about 9 minutes in length with the last 3 and a half minutes being instrumental. it features Pusha T . This song is the most personal on this album and is a straight message to everybody that has hated on Kanye. . If you think Kanye was done with auto-tune, you are dead wrong. However, he uses the auto tune effect not for singing but like another instrument he also uses a simple piano beat behind the Pete Rock sample .KanyePusha T adds some much needed flow. Kanye's flow is not the greatest and his lyrics and lines seem to be very amateur
11-Blame Game : I am a sucker for this song it was one of the songs that i really enjoyed goes for about 8 mins the piano is good once again. It is a confessional track where Kanye admits the wrongs he has done during his past relationship (possibly with Amber Rose). The first John Legend verse is heartfelt while the second verse Kanye confesses. The third verse is a combination of Kanye's voice in different pitches. Amongst all the seriousness of the song, the track ends with humorous skit from Chris Rock.
12-Lost In The World : The most auto tuned track on the album it's a great track.features Bon Iver once more on perhaps the most experimental cut on the album.The song starts off with a slow excerpt from Bon Iver's song "Woods" and builds up from there. A very fitting way to end off a great album. Full of loud African drums and great singing from both artists I love the premise of the song and the overall message. Kanye is just a lost soul trying to find his rightful place in the world and an overall understanding with life.
13-Who Will Survive In America : Continues where the production work of "Lost in the World" left off with a spoken word interlude painting atop it.
Conclusion : Enjoyed about 6 songs off the album (tracks 1,2,3,5,10,11) and there wasn't anything there that made me want to skip tracks , I still fell that Pitchfork needs to reconsider their rating system this album promoted to instant classic is premature I'm not sure it will stand the test of time yet (10 is adventurous ) but i will say that the man himself Kanye West does have incredible talent and judging by the samples he uses in his tracks has some good music taste . But with a all star line up that's used to piggy back each others careers you seriously start to ask yourself how many minutes of this album is Kanye actually singing ,its filled with guests its nearly a compilation album ,I prefer Kid Cudi's Man On The Moon II for this year , at least he sings most songs and probably had one tenth of the budget I'm going to receive hostile opinions on this I guess to those people all I have to say is sorry in advance Nether the less a solid listen 7.8 / 10
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Portishead : Dummy Album Review
In 1994 an English three piece band by the name of Portishead ( appropriately named after the North Somerset seaside town where the band originated from ) released a stunning debut album that went on to win the 1995 Mercury prize the U.K's finest music award , that album was Dummy. Dummy has been known to be the primal source of creating the sub genre Trip Hop ( a mixture of hip-hop, soul, R&B and alternative ) along with Massive Attack's 1991 album Blue Lines . The atmosphere in this album is memorable its a rather interesting musical backdrop with superb-thick, lumbering beats with deep, dark bass and sparse scratching with samples not to mention the ghostly echoing vocals , Beth Gibbons can transfer the negative emotion into a beat like i have never heard before, So it is with great honor that i get to review a genre changing album in Dummy
- "Mysterons" – 5:02
- "Sour Times" – 4:11
- "Strangers" – 3:55
- "It Could Be Sweet" – 4:16
- "Wandering Star" – 4:51
- "Numb" – 3:54
- "Roads" – 5:02
- "Pedestal" – 3:39
- "Biscuit" – 5:01
- "Glory Box" – 5:06
2- Sour Times : How could anyone not like this song it has this James bond bass sound to it , the vocals are intense and the chorus is riveting you can feel her pain when Beth wails Nobody loves meeeeeee, it's true. One of the big hits from the album commercially, a good one to play during a break up or after one.
3- Strangers : Nice beat almost a hand clapping sound with sax at the start you would swear her voice is coming out a megaphone then the style changes and her voice becomes clear with a driving beat and synth tones
4- It Could Be Sweet : A rather unforgettable song, "You don't get something for nothing ".Piano can be heard in this track i think its probably her most upbeat song lyrically she doesn't sound so depressed the song feels jazzy and soulful in some parts nice down tempo song
5- Wandering Star : Some more awesome samples going on in the background Gibbons Voice seems to be semi depressed again the singing is sublime there's a few well timed record scratches and pops which just adds to the atmosphere and beauty. The mixing is incredible
6- It's A Fire : Nice organ sound intro It's really gospel and bluesy sounding ,I swear the sadder the song is the more Beth sings better
7- Numb : "Still feeling lonely, feeling so unholy" more good scratching and chunky bass Gibbons has a bratty kind of voice and a strangely Jamacian sound to its beat and tempo.Its another well sampled track ,the song is so dark and cool sounding, and Beth's voice is so great
8- Roads : Is probably the most emotionally simple and sincere song I've heard in a long time, with a muted beginning building up to a steady beat and lush orchestration, as Gibbon's reflects on alienation, loss, and passion. Towards the end as the song nears breaking emotionally, a gentle bass line brings everything back to earth. Simply awesome Beth's vocals are heartbreaking and beautiful
9- Pedestal : This song grew on me and now i rate it highly, starts out with fat beats and record scratches it's so jazzy and subdue good relaxing song lounge around sip your drink toke your smoke music. The trumpet part in the middle is a nice little addition
10- Biscuit : I am a sucker for this song the fat beats once again the record popping and scratching is awesome it just adds to the atmosphere gives it a darker feel there's some sample voice in this also , God i get the impression that Beth didn't let out a smile through the whole recording process
11- Glory Box : I think Neneh Cherry has a lot to answer for there is no shadow of a doubt that "Woman" was inspired by this song .This song makes you think that Gibbons is disgruntled as she pleas to her nameless lover "give me a reason to be a woman," over a bluesy beat, strings, and bass, As the beat deconstructs the song, Gibbons wails "This is the beginning of forever and ever," , but somehow you know that it's the end. Soul destroying.. the guitar solo in the middle and the Issac Hayes sample all sound so right together a fitting end
Conclusion : I rate this album very highly probably within my best three Trip Hop albums its brilliant, unique, innovative, and haunting with beautiful sound effects from Geoff Barrow and Adrian Utley , Add Beth Gibbon's gloomy brooding vocals and it makes a sombre sounding masterpiece. I actually don't have a complaint with this album the way Gibbon's sings is just awesome in a depressing achingly beautiful way . This album pretty much took the spotlight off the grunge movement and is possibly the epitome of it's genre 8.7 / 10
Friday, December 10, 2010
Kreator : Coma of Souls Album Review
In 1990 i was given a cassette tape by a friend at school it was by a German thrash band Kreator , My only perception of metal was Guns and Roses - Appetite For Destruction and boy was i in for a shock when i pressed play my ears stood on their ends ,It was a sonic assault that invaded my virgin eardrums and after a few listens i was transfixed with awe at the full on bombardment of speed not to mention the songwriting . Kreator won a fan that day and 20 years later sitting here writing this nothing has changed except my respect which keeps growing .It is an honor to write a review for this album it opened my eyes to the world of non commercial music it is with utmost honor i present Coma of Souls
1 | When The Sun Burns Red | 5:31 | ||
2 | Coma Of Souls | 4:18 | ||
3 | People Of The Lie | 3:15 | ||
4 | World Beyond | 2:03 | ||
5 | Terror Zone | 5:57 | ||
6 | Agents Of Brutality | 5:17 | ||
7 | Material World Paranoia | 5:01 | ||
8 | Twisted Urges | 2:46 | ||
9 | Hidden Dictator | 4:50 | ||
10 | Mental Slavery | 5:43 |
1-When The Sun Burns Red : Slow acoustic intro that lasts for about a minute then it breaks into a thrash metal free for all and Mille's hallowing scream comes into existence a great song about the suns eventual demise which is something you don't consider too often in a lifetime Fast Rhythm and drum work., Mille's voice is unique he has airy and aggressive vocals. .An awesome opener this track. is very heavy and intensive,
2-Coma Of Souls : The track starts out with a flutter of drum high hat hits that invites the guitars into the song which produce a great riff the song is packed with heaps of guitar riffs and solos ,Ventors drum work is pretty solid also there are a few tempo changes which is used for vocal statements this song will have you rocking in no time the vocals are once again energetic .Great song Mille's songwriting is top notch he has a sincere way of bringing a metaphysical perspective to a thrash song
3-People Of The Lie : Catchy the content as a collective is brilliant they pull of yet another awesome song the guitar solo work is probably the best on the whole album it is very technical, catchy and melodic Mille reaches some great heights vocally again and Ventor does some incredible double kicking work late in the song also
4-World Beyond : Comes into existence at a furious pace when the drum kicks in all hell breaks loose Mille delivers a good singing performance here this song is short and sweet its just pure thrash great solos intense speed a catchy song with balls, this is what Kreator do best this song rapes
5-Terror Zone : Best song on the album for me it's just incredible. It starts off with a slow, but sweet melodic harmony , and it continues on with a great heavy mid-tempo part, and Then around the 4 minute mark a fast insane solo war is played by Mille and Frank. . The guitar work is tight, precise a onslaught of wild dualing solos and riffs over merciless and punishing drum beats, and the song ends with the opening melodic riff from the beginning.this song really shows you that this band can play quality music at any pace its a beautiful song
7- Material World Paranoia : Enters with some complex drum work and power chords, this is also followed by a solo section. Once again the thrashing is in high-speed, Great song good drums great guitars the band just are in the zone picking off great solos and riffs lyrically this song is about the destruction that man has placed on itself corporations dominate earth its slavery begins at birth here's bad ass songs about bold confronting facts and this was in the start of the 90s
8- Twisted Urges : Has a awesome intro just really different sounding from the rest of the album the mid song riff is just insane the guitar work is second to none once again it just blows me away i start doing slow head nods mid song what a thrash fest . I think Liz Fritzel would find this song disturbing its a thrash song about rape and sodomy a fathers twisted urges that he uses on his daughter and the downward spiral that follows and the ultimate destruction the inner torment leads to , Her father's twisted urges drove her to the end
9- Hidden Dictator : Another song that has the band all putting in a great performance the song for me is probably the filler track a little bit weak compared to the rest of the album though i do like the songwriting i think Mille is talking about the mind as the hidden dictator or could it be god that's why i like his lyrics it always gets me thinking
10 -Mental Slavery : The metaphysical songwriting continues and the beat and riffs in this are really catchy once again it leaves you wondering about the plight of our fellow brothers and sisters
Just one of a million slaves
An expendable commodity
This song's for those who serve
The system of terror
That rules the earth
The outro is awesome and it closes the album off nicely you know that its the last track.
Conclusion : Coma of Souls left its mark on me its a powerful grab your balls album that takes no prisoners but can also be in parts melodic and beautiful and not to mention thought provoking .The highlight of the album is the song writing and the kick ass guitar solos that are prevalent in every song. For me this is a solid listen the only gripe i have with the album is the production there is no bass whatsoever but having said that the sound is very sharp. This album is a must for any thrash metal fan these guys are the best thrash band to come out of Europe period. What Kreator have left is a huge wall for other bands to scale their legacy will forever live on 7.5 / 10
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Devin Townsend : Terria Album Review
In 2001 a Canadian musician by the name of Devin Townsend in my opinion reached the pinnacle of his creative powers when he released his Fourth studio album in Terria . Its a cohesive mash of craziness , diverse sounds and track layering with sublime guitar playing that begs you to ask the question how did this all come together and be one of my most favoured full length album listens. Apparently Townsend was inspired one morning while driving across Canada with his band, and looked to write an "introspective" album dedicated to his homeland. He produced and recorded Terria, a "highly illustrated stream-of-consciousness" album, with Gene Hoglan on drums, Craig McFarland on bass and Jamie Meyer on keyboards. It is my utmost pleasure to introduce you to Terria
Track List 1- Olives 3:21 2- Mountain 6:32 3- Earth Day 9:35 4- Deep Peace 7:34 5- Canada 6:53 6- Down And Under 3:43 7- The Fluke 7:16 8- Nobody's Here 6:54 9- Tiny Tears 9:12 10- Stagnant 5:25 11- Untitled 5:29 | ||
1- Olives :The opening track opens with some music coming from a record player like you are in a foyer Devin invites you to come in and take a seat offers you a drink i think the opening track sums up the album its something that you need to listen to in a relaxed environment its like a good bottle of wine don't drink it fast sip it enjoy the flavour. Terria has plenty of surprises installed and loads of reflection and pleasant memories that linger for a long time after the last track is played 2- Mountain : Fast paced tempo wise with eerie sounding howl at the start there is a stop start kind of a beat in the beginning Mountain has plenty of layers and sound diversity Devin's vocals are really good , and the band is near faultless they even the tempo out for a while then lift it a notch or two towards the end a really enjoyable song with dog howls and some other weird Foreign talking also going on towards the finish its heavily layered track with loads of samples 3- Earth day : This song is awesome its a fast tempo dire predicting post apocalyptic orgy of sounds great guitar work from all involved the band play really well together Devin's songwriting skills are diverse and you can hear the immense effort put into the vocal delivery the song sounds very angry in some patches and like an interstellar joy ride in other areas the song weighs in at a epic 9 .35 Min's but the song is worth every second 4-Deep Peace : My god after the angry, dire warning, global recycling epic Earth Day comes the polar opposite a beautiful song about the acceptance of crying its as if Devin is trying to console his inner child there is a mid song guitar solo that will blow your socks off its so beautiful and harmonious it flows naturally and makes you wonder what your speakers would feel if they had senses delivering the sublime melody, i think this song would of left a huge smile on the inner child whatever the reason its a moment in music i will never forget | ||
5-Canada : Sweeping riffs once again the guitar gets plenty of time to shine in this track a nice little song about his native country he sings it with great passion , It has some strange muffled vocals in some parts also has more weird foreign language at the end of the track all in all this track is awesome 6-Down and Under : Comes in like Canada never finished , the song starts out with a briskly played acoustic guitar till the booming base drum comes into existence it gets your feet tapping a beautiful instrumental track with just a hint of vocals at the end its a harmonious track that shows this band play well together 7 -The Fluke : Another great song nicely paced , Devin sings with less ferocity the band go in all directions in some areas of the song and you can hear them all doing their own thing but not in a colliding kind of a way . The song is beautiful it captivates you especially the mid section of the song it hits a beautiful flowing patch 8 -Nobody's Here : When someone asks me about depression i would like to play this song and say depression brought this beautiful song into existence a mind probing journey into the troubled mind of Devin . Boy his music is sublime when he is expressing his deep emotions he seems to tap into a well of pure talent and i feel the anguish in him as he searches to find himself and feels like there's nobody there 9- Tiny Tears : I would love to know what was on his mind when he was writing this its one song that amazes me he opens right up to who or whatever he wrote this for pleading his age saying sorry for making you cry and admitting to being a jealous guy there is no doubt that Devin has no problem expressing emotions that's why he is such a joy to listen to. The song is a low tempo beautiful sing along that still leaves you shaking your head at the mans talents 10 - Stagnant : This song sounds like Devin is saying that hes found the middle of the road hes travelled and wont stray anymore perhaps inclining the straying is a psychological and emotional disaster , The guitar solo in this song is beautiful and as always the band manage to pull off another song that shakes your head at the beauty and grandness of this album 11- Universal : this song finishes the album off like it started weirdly and you cant help thinking that Devin deliberately put this track in to compliment olives its as if he is using them like bookends to hold the majestic diversity and craziness that is Terria into place . This track its just a strange half ass guitar jam with weird vocals that fade in and out with a few water drips also but funnily enough as much as i am not a big fan of this track it wouldn't be Terria without it Conclusion : A very moving album defiantly worth a listen i think i would describe it as semi progressive rock with samples ,and a touch of metal The music is incredibly diverse it takes you on a roller coaster emotional ride that leaves you feeling that this man is plagued by inner torment ,during some of the songs i also question his sanity but there is no denying he has a stack of talent .Devon and the band pour their hearts into the music and i am not sure i have heard so much emotion poured into songs like this for a long while ,they have left a beautiful legacy in Terria 8.1 / 10 | ||
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