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38 of 40 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
sumptuous, beautiful and essential, 14 Oct 2004
This is an album to dissolve into, a bit like the best hot bath you've ever had. As I have got to know it I have fallen deeply in love with it. Craig Armstrong is a talented guy. As well as his classical and film works (including scores for The Bone Collector and Baz Luhman's Romeo and Juliet), he has worked with artists such as Massive Attack, Madonna, U2, The Future Sound of London, and Björk; he also orchestrated the themes to GoldenEye, Batman Forever, and Mission Impossible. This is a much smaller scale album: simply Armostrong and a piano. The instrument is wonderfully recorded - I don't think I have ever heard so much richness of tone from an instrument that was never my favourite on its own. Several of the tracks use studio technology (loops, delays, envelope editing, reversing) and unconventional playing methods (plucking or stumming strings) to create a wider sound palette, though as he says, all the sounds originate from the piano. The mood is intimate, reflective, inclusive. The 19 pieces are roughly song length, and most leave you wishing they were longer. Goregeous melodies, intelligent developments and brilliant arrangements combine to create an album that elevates the listener and gently leads you to a state of serenity, celebration and quiet joy. Fantastic for careful listening, meditation, driving or any situation where you want to be calmed and feel good about humanity.
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