GREETINGS OF SEPTEMBER, EVERYBODY!

For your listening pleasure in September, I am reviewing Ghosts by Siobhan Donaghy, Meditations on the 4 Elements by Wendy Rule and Gratitude Joy by Anand Anugrah & Paul Avgerinos. I hope you enjoy them!

Artist:   S I O B H A N   D O N A G H Y
Album:  G h o s t s

First, I have to say I have not heard a CD like this in a long time. Ghosts keeps creating and re-creating itself into a triumphant unexpected succession of ethereal, folk, space age songs that sound fresh and new at every listen. So many amazing instruments in the background you can get lost in the music. If I had to compare Siobhan Donaghy's voice to that of another female artist the closest I could come to would be Kate Bush. Siobhan Donaghy shines brightly with an artistic ability that is all her own.

My favorite songs on this disc are "Ghosts", "Medevac", "Sometimes" and "Don't Give It Up". The title track of the album, "Ghosts", is played backwards during portions of the song making for a dreamy and haunting effect.

Siobhan Donaghy was formerly in an English pop band called the Sugababes and since then it looks like she has matured and moved on into her own grown up unique style. She has found a real nitch in creating what really wants to be created. She does just that with this release of unforgettable songs of enchantment.

Without a doubt a five star release!

If you wish to listen to music samples, or purchase this music,
please click on the CD cover above.

Artist:   W E N D Y   R U L E
Album:  M e d i t a t i o n s   o n  
              t h e   4   E l e m e n t s

Wiccan witch and Singer/songwriter Wendy Rule from Melbourne, Australia, is back with her new disc Meditations on the 4 Elements.

Wendy's beautiful breathy voice is so magical and transformational it sends chills down my spine and transports me to another realm.

Wendy takes us through 6 enchanting steps starting with "Breathe", "Air", "Fire", "Water", "Earth" and lastly "Magic". When she speaks the elements it's like I could feel the elements running through my body - it was very magical. Wendy has a gift for this kind of work.

Wendy describes this CD as, "A slow, deep and soulful journey into the heart of Nature. A trance of poetry and song floating over a soft, dark soundscape.

"A resting place. A ritual.”

I really enjoyed taking this enchanted Meditation on the 4 Elements with Wendy Rule as my guide. Besides having the most captivating voice for this kind of album, she also can really speak to the soul.

A fantastic release!

I think I will listen to this over and over again.

If you wish to listen to music samples, or purchase this music,
please click on the CD cover above.

Artist:   A N A N D   A N U G R A H  
              &   P A U L   A V G E R I N O S
Album:  G r a t i t u d e   J o y

Paul Avgerinos was Grammy nominated in 1992 and 2004 for Best New Age Album. Paul's music is heard on DX & Sirius Satellite radio, Music Choice, Radio AOL, Echoes, Hearts of Space and many other broadcast systems around the world.

In discussing this release Anand Anugrah says "The lyrics of Gratitude Joy consist of only three words, 'OM, HARI OM and SHIVA OM'. They are sung from the heart of a devotee. Harmonic layers of mantras interweave gratitude, joy and, ultimately, a longing to merge into the Universal."

Born and raised in a small village in Rajasthan, India, Anugrah came to the US in 1969. After completing his MBA, he started and ran a successful business for fifteen years. Retiring at the age of 40, he has spent the last 20 years studying and practicing many spiritual paths including Yoga, Tao, Sufi and Bhakti. His favorite masters are Ramakrishna, Patanjali, Gurdjieff, Lao Tzu and Osho.

After listening to this CD I feel like it was created for healing work, spa/massage and or meditation/yoga.

All ten tracks kind of loop into the same song "hare Om" devotional chants with soothing musical soundscapes in the background. Overall a very nice release!

On the insert of this CD is a beautiful message:

Within each of us is a loving,
magical, powerful being...
a Real Self,
Music, friend that it is,
cocoons us from our worries,
enabling that hidden self
to emerge.

Gratitude Joy - If you manifest one, the other will follow.
- Paul Avgerinos

If you wish to listen to music samples, or purchase this music,
please click on the CD cover above. 

© Tony Tolin, 2007

Attention New Age Artists,  I would like to mention an excellent marketing tool that you can take advantage of at MySpace.com - www.myspace.com. It is a great way to get your name out there and it's free. Groups and musicians such as Twinflame , Blackmore's Night, Paul Avgerinos, Chris Conway, and even Kitaro have taken full advantage of this opportunity. So consider trying out this free exposure and make some great friends and fans along the way. Namaste'   - Tony

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tony Tolin was born and raised in Denver, Colorado where he currently resides. He considers himself a spiritualist, lightworker and all around metaphysical type of guy. He loves music and gravitates toward progressive styles from New Wave to New Age. In general, he tends to be attracted to music that has a positive message or that plays to your soul in an uplifting, healing manner. Tony believes music has a unique power to transform one's self.

Tony has an artistic background and expresses himself through the use of many mediums. He enjoys exploring the manifestation of his inner visions through external forms while gaining inspiration from the mystical realm, animal kingdom, and cosmic energies. Tony believes in animal and human rights and feels we should all do what we can to help create a better Earth.

If you have a CD that you would like to submit for possible review in his column please contact him by email here: cosmict2000@yahoo.com . He welcomes you and your correspondence.