Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 231-235 of 236
 Not as exciting as previous but still great. November 22, 2006
Maurisabel Petersen (Minneapolis, MN)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I like it, even though it doesn't have the excitement of previous Loreena's CDs. It's been a long time for something from Loreena McKennitt, and I was hoping for something that would jump at me like most of the songs in the Mask and Mirror. Still, I absolutely believe this CD is worth buying and buying on release day. It is quite enjoyable, though I can see why some would think something is missing. I'm giving it 5 stars because even though not as dynamic as previous offerings, it is still very good music and not a bad song in it.
As Beautiful & Enchanting As Ever... November 22, 2006
Joseph A. Kleist (Provo, UT USA)
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
Ever since my first time listening to BOOK of SECRETS five years ago, I've been mesmorized by Loreena's beautiful voice and her creative style for poetic classics like Lady of Shalott and The Highwayman. Now after an almost ten year pause, Loreena delivers her angelic vocal and music talent vibrantly in AN ANCIENT MUSE with everything I've come to expect and hope for.
Listening to these pieces feels exactly as Loreena describes making them; like being on a journey through distant lands and ancient times. Among my favorites are CARAVANSERAI, THE ENGLISH LADYE AND THE KNIGHT (a brilliant recreation of Sir Walter Scott's poem of love and war through the Crusades), BENEATH A PHRYGIAN SKY, and NEVER-ENDING ROAD, a beautiful finishing piece that leaves you yearning for more as did DANTE'S PRAYER
in BOOK OF SECRETS.
Thanks again Loreena for sharing your beautiful talent with the world. I highly recommend this to anyone with an appreciation for great quality music.
Every Bit As Perfect As Loreena's Previous Works November 22, 2006
S.D. (New York)
7 out of 8 found this review helpful
Despite the almost ten year hiatus, Loreena returns- shining as always- in her latest release, "An Ancient Muse."
It has been almost ten years since Loreena bridged the gap between what we perceive to be New Age, World and an inflection of rock sensibilities. She fused music together in a truly innovative way that reflected beautifully in her releases "The Book of Secrets and "The Mask And The Mirror." In "An Ancient Muse" this past glory is not only reflected, but built upon.
Beginning with "Invocation," (A song reminiscent of "Prologue" in her "Book of Secrets" album) Loreena cleverly weaves a magical style of rhthym and melody that is all her own. Throughout the tracks on this album that specific, wondrous style shines through clearly. For instance, during the ritually methodic "The Gates of Istanbul," she builds upon a single rhythm to deliver a song that's breathtaking. One can clearly see the journey she speaks of, not only in her lyrics, but in the music itself.
Whether you have long been a fan of Loreena's, or have never listened to her music, "An Ancient Muse" delivers perfectly. I can not recommend this album highly enough!
 Something's kind of missing.... November 22, 2006
Mark Krendel (Philadelphia)
21 out of 24 found this review helpful
I don't like to be that guy who gives a less-than-stellar review to a recording from an artist who hasn't released something in a while. Usually those sort of people are just the ones who aren't going to be satisfied no matter how great the new release.
However I do feel this recording is a little on the weaker end of things. Even the packaging is sparse - it lacks that beautiful illuminated feel of her previous releases, with their myriad of artworks and deep, thought provoking liner notes. With this disc all we get is a simple cover that looks no better than a greeting card, and a small short booklet with lyrics and a few thoughts. It's so very utilitarian. I don't feel like I'm being taken away into a misty, romanticized ancient world. I feel very much here and now. Which is not what I want or expect from a Loreena McKennitt record. Compared to the packaging and presentation of The Visit or The Mask and Mirror, An Ancient Muse feels like an EP release.
The music is good. Not great. Just good. It's very standard Loreena, albeit with a few twists such as the use of a more electric guitars and rock drums. But in the end that only serves to give it a somewhat pop feel. It kills the misty, dreamy world of atmosphere that used to seperate Loreena's music from other artists. Now she just ends up sounding a bit too polished and mainstream. She's almost heading in a somewhat (dare I say it) "easy listening" direction.
I never support the idea of an artist having to stay with a certain formula. I deeply appreciation mutation and innovation. But I don't sense either on this record. It's just the same old stuff with a few new twists here and there. And it doesn't measure up. Maybe, hopefully, she won't make us wait more than a year or two for her next recording...and that one will present a more compelling example of her great talents.
So beautiful! November 21, 2006
Alex Tseng (Taiwan)
7 out of 9 found this review helpful
An Ancient Muse is another masterpiece. I am wating for a long time, but it is worthy. It is beautiful, elegant, mysterious, soft, spiritual. You will never forget her particular voice.
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