You could never accuse Damon Albarn of resting on his laurels. Whether it's forming supergroups (The Good, The Bad & The Queen), working with cult animators (The Gorillaz) or making music with musicians from Mali, the former Blur frontman has nurtured a restless, questing spirit not normally encountered in Britop stars. As if to underline his diverse interests, he now turns his attention to Chinese theatre. Monkey: Journey to the West is a theatrical collaboration between Albarn (music), Jamie Hewlett of Gorillaz fame (designs, costumes) and Chinese opera specialist Chen Shi-Zheng. The show itself is an explosive 90-minute circus featuring Chinese acrobats, martial arts experts and contortionists, though the album condenses the experience into 22 songs lasting an hour or so. Recorded in London and Beijing with a mix of European and Chinese musicians, Monkey ... is a genuine attempt at East-West fusion. Featuring a dizzying array of instrumentation--rock guitars, electronics, harps, mandolins, drum machines, strings, plinky-plonk keyboards, giggling girls, chants, even pigs--it's the sort of project that could so easily have gone awry. Yet Albarn, who allegedly mastered the Chinese pentatonic scale, seems to have made it work. Songs like the fluttery "Heavenly Peach Banquet" and the wistful "The Living Sea" are utterly beguiling, and stand in stark contrast to guitar-heavy behemoths like "Battle in Heaven" and the climactic "Monkey Bee." These longer songs are punctuated with incidental pieces such as "Iron Rod", "Into the Eastern Sea" and "Out of the Eastern Sea". While such interludes may distract from a 'normal' album experience, there's enough melodious charm and imaginative whimsy scattered throughout to satisfy even ardent skeptics. --Paul Sullivan

I Liked the idea....., 28 Aug 2008
When I first heard Albarn and Hewlett were doing this project I was looking forward to the end result so when the album was released got it straight away. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't any good, but what I will say is I don't think it works as an album. For me I think it would work better with the visuals, the show. Some nice pieces of music on there, with little interludes inbetween the tracks which in places I wished went on to become songs only to find it fade of into something else! A great Idea though.....now Jamie Hewlett should do nice long animated version, with this as a soundtrack.

Nice Idea, some nice music, doesn't work as an album.

STUNNING SHOW - AMAZING MUSIC. OPEN YOUR EARS AND YOUR MIND, 24 Aug 2008
I was very lucky to see the spectacle that is Monkey's Journey To The West when it was premiered in Manchester in 2007. It's simply stunning and the music is amazing. OK maybe not for those expecting a slightly chinese influenced "ParkLife" or "Dare" but it shows just what a talent Albarn is...and that's from someone with all Oasis' albums! Do yourself a favour - see the show if you can but definitely buy this for an amazing aural experience. Post Beijing games, this should fly!

Monkey magic all over again!, 24 Aug 2008
I loved the TV series Monkey! - The Complete Series, and because of this I have a good idea of what's going on in the music without having seen the stage opera it comes from. And I love this. The clash of traditional eastern and experimental western influences just has to be heard to be believed. Above anything else it is music for the imagination, and if you know what's going on then it really is a heavenly peach of a gift in both sound and the visuals you create around it.

However, there are evidently a few Gorillaz [Explicit Lyrics] [Bonus Tracks] fans out there who don't have a clue what it's about and were obviously expecting something more along those lines, hence a few one-star ratings. Their point is a good one (I'm a Gorillaz fan too, and I sympathise with them to some extent), but if you have a good imagination and you know the story or the TV series, it is a must and - for you - it will not disappoint.


Magical and mysterious, 22 Aug 2008
What a gem of an album this is!

I haven't seen the show so on the music and music alone, I have to say that there are some genuinely beautiful moments on this album.
As for the so-called 'difficult' pieces, I agree these will not be everyone's cup of tea but I think many people, myself included, see them as curious little moments that demand re-listening to get your head around.

I like music that isn't just ear candy and actually has some substance and Damon has really achieved something here. Something that is totally different (thank God!) from everything else out there at the moment.



Great Show Great Music, 22 Aug 2008
I was lucky enough to see Monkey at the Manchester festival. The music certainly isn't Blur or Gorillaz and if that's what you're after maybe this isn't for you. It is, however, a brilliant crossover between Chinese opera and Western music, a little reminiscent of serialist music like Philip Glass or John Adams, but wholly original, beautiful, thrilling and hypnotic. If you get a chance see the show grab it - it is just wonderful.

I Liked the idea....., 28 Aug 2008
When I first heard Albarn and Hewlett were doing this project I was looking forward to the end result so when the album was released got it straight away. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't any good, but what I will say is I don't think it works as an album. For me I think it would work better with the visuals, the show. Some nice pieces of music on there, with little interludes inbetween the tracks which in places I wished went on to become songs only to find it fade of into something else! A great Idea though.....now Jamie Hewlett should do nice long animated version, with this as a soundtrack.

Nice Idea, some nice music, doesn't work as an album.

STUNNING SHOW - AMAZING MUSIC. OPEN YOUR EARS AND YOUR MIND, 24 Aug 2008
I was very lucky to see the spectacle that is Monkey's Journey To The West when it was premiered in Manchester in 2007. It's simply stunning and the music is amazing. OK maybe not for those expecting a slightly chinese influenced "ParkLife" or "Dare" but it shows just what a talent Albarn is...and that's from someone with all Oasis' albums! Do yourself a favour - see the show if you can but definitely buy this for an amazing aural experience. Post Beijing games, this should fly!

Monkey magic all over again!, 24 Aug 2008
I loved the TV series Monkey! - The Complete Series, and because of this I have a good idea of what's going on in the music without having seen the stage opera it comes from. And I love this. The clash of traditional eastern and experimental western influences just has to be heard to be believed. Above anything else it is music for the imagination, and if you know what's going on then it really is a heavenly peach of a gift in both sound and the visuals you create around it.

However, there are evidently a few Gorillaz [Explicit Lyrics] [Bonus Tracks] fans out there who don't have a clue what it's about and were obviously expecting something more along those lines, hence a few one-star ratings. Their point is a good one (I'm a Gorillaz fan too, and I sympathise with them to some extent), but if you have a good imagination and you know the story or the TV series, it is a must and - for you - it will not disappoint.


Magical and mysterious, 22 Aug 2008
What a gem of an album this is!

I haven't seen the show so on the music and music alone, I have to say that there are some genuinely beautiful moments on this album.
As for the so-called 'difficult' pieces, I agree these will not be everyone's cup of tea but I think many people, myself included, see them as curious little moments that demand re-listening to get your head around.

I like music that isn't just ear candy and actually has some substance and Damon has really achieved something here. Something that is totally different (thank God!) from everything else out there at the moment.



Great Show Great Music, 22 Aug 2008
I was lucky enough to see Monkey at the Manchester festival. The music certainly isn't Blur or Gorillaz and if that's what you're after maybe this isn't for you. It is, however, a brilliant crossover between Chinese opera and Western music, a little reminiscent of serialist music like Philip Glass or John Adams, but wholly original, beautiful, thrilling and hypnotic. If you get a chance see the show grab it - it is just wonderful.

'Out of the Shadow', 28 Aug 2008
Having been an admirer of Teddy's parents work for a long time, I first came across Teddy's vocal talents on a duet with his Father. After hearing 'Persuasion' I went out and bought Teddy's debut album, and have also purchased his further releases as they appeared.
Previous reviewers of this 'new release' have made comments on it's 'over production'
I cannot agree! 'A Piece' is his best album to date, and will see Teddy finally 'Step out of the Shadow' and establish himself as the brilliant artist he is.
While he perhaps is not as well known here in the UK. as he is in his adopted USA. I think we will certainly be hearing more of 'Mr Thompson Jnr' in the future
This new release is devoid of any 'genre' catagory, his talents are far reaching, covering everything.....Rock, Soul, Folk, with as always, a little mock Country thrown into the mix.
Obviously many of his, and the production team's influences are to be heard on the album, and you can certainly hear many of them dotted through the album.
On first listen I found myself having a few Deja-vu moment's relating to the production sounds, ......thinking....... 'where have I heard that sound before?.
You then realise it is, in fact, in perhaps every 'classic' song that you could name spread over the years since you first listened to music!
It's a really clever trick that Mr Thompson has managed to pull off!
Finally! as alway's Teddy leaves us with a little suprise!......... Usually, I am not a fan of the 'Fashionably' hidden track.
I have never really seen the point of a 'bonus' track as they are sometimes called, 'put the track in the main body of the recording! but!.................. 'Fashionably Late' it appears, and is brilliant!
I won't reveal what the track is, but it closes the album on a real high,
ten minutes after the final 'Title track'
'A Piece Of What You Need' is aptly titled.....you definately need to get a piece of this album!....in fact....get the whole thing, you won't be disappointed!


A piece of what I needed, 18 Aug 2008
I'll start out by saying that I don't think this is as strong a work lyrically as "Separate Ways," yet I love it, have not tired of playing it yet. I disagree with Reader below for saying it's over-produced, that the emotions and meaning in Thompson's lyrics are over-shadowed. I find the contradiction between up-beat, splashy music and pained or painful lyrics gives the songs a wry poignancy or bite. Plus makes them fun to sing along with. This is a thumping, touching, odd, fun(ny) album that goes to your heart. Well, it did mine.

Unfortunately lost in suffocating over-production, 16 Jul 2008
It seems almost inevitable that even the most gifted and talented of musicians feel obliged to employ a producer who (despite the best of intentions of both producer and musician alike) has a complete lack of empathy for the sound, feel and emotion of their music. This has happened before to the very best - for example, Bruce Springsteen (Magic), Bob Dylan (his 1980s output) and Townes Van Zandt (almost all his recorded output). Teddy Thompson is therefore in very good company as he should be given his wonderful talent. His lyrics, so full of sadness, irony and feeling are, on this his fourth album, drowned in layers of musical over-accompaniment that completely detract from the depth and strength of his wonderful song-writing skills. At times his voice, lyrics and melodies rise above the suffocating production arrangements but, unfortunately, for most of the time the producer wins out. Hopefully, this will be a brief passing trend and Teddy Thompson will return to the pristine clear production values of his previous three superb albums (see my reviews), which all highlight the true worth of this marvellous song-writing talent. A friend described the album to me as "pleasant". Teddy Thompson deserves much more.

Fantastic album !, 14 Jul 2008
Teddy's last album was a standout disc for 2007 for me - this one is more upbeat and is such a good album. A great mix of material showcasing his fantastic voice and with superb production it just sounds so satisfying. My god, 'In My Arms' just makes me want to dance off into the sunset - what a track.

Seth Lakeman's fourth solo album, Poor Man's Heaven, moves him ever closer to the mainstream, his frantic fiddle playing backed with a small, tight band fully aware of the power they generate. But the Dartmoor-based folk singer still digs into local folklore for material. The pounding opener "The Hurlers" refers to an ancient stone formation in Cornwall, while "Solomon Browne" commemorates the more recent loss with all hands of the Penlee lifeboat - Lakeman knew some of the bereaved as a schoolboy. Clearly a larger recording budget--his breakthrough record, 2004's Mercury nominated Kitty Jay, was recorded in his kitchen for three hundred quid--hasn't mollified his Saturnine tendencies. Having emerged from the purist folk scene, rather than the more chilled folktronica side, Lakeman must now be wondering how far he can go. The jaunty "Race To Be King" features maybe the loudest Jew's harp ever recorded, while Kathryn Roberts' haunting backing vocals on "Cherry Red Girl" add depth (though he might be overdoing it on the old red though, included songs called "Crimson Dawn" and "Blood Red Sky"). The title track though is the giveaway, a blatant and undeniably effective reminder that Led Zeppelin defined the heavy folk-rock crossover decades ago. Lakeman yelps like a West Country Robert Plant, sounding like a man with stadia in his sights.--Steve Jelbert

I Liked the idea....., 28 Aug 2008
When I first heard Albarn and Hewlett were doing this project I was looking forward to the end result so when the album was released got it straight away. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't any good, but what I will say is I don't think it works as an album. For me I think it would work better with the visuals, the show. Some nice pieces of music on there, with little interludes inbetween the tracks which in places I wished went on to become songs only to find it fade of into something else! A great Idea though.....now Jamie Hewlett should do nice long animated version, with this as a soundtrack.

Nice Idea, some nice music, doesn't work as an album.

STUNNING SHOW - AMAZING MUSIC. OPEN YOUR EARS AND YOUR MIND, 24 Aug 2008
I was very lucky to see the spectacle that is Monkey's Journey To The West when it was premiered in Manchester in 2007. It's simply stunning and the music is amazing. OK maybe not for those expecting a slightly chinese influenced "ParkLife" or "Dare" but it shows just what a talent Albarn is...and that's from someone with all Oasis' albums! Do yourself a favour - see the show if you can but definitely buy this for an amazing aural experience. Post Beijing games, this should fly!

Monkey magic all over again!, 24 Aug 2008
I loved the TV series Monkey! - The Complete Series, and because of this I have a good idea of what's going on in the music without having seen the stage opera it comes from. And I love this. The clash of traditional eastern and experimental western influences just has to be heard to be believed. Above anything else it is music for the imagination, and if you know what's going on then it really is a heavenly peach of a gift in both sound and the visuals you create around it.

However, there are evidently a few Gorillaz [Explicit Lyrics] [Bonus Tracks] fans out there who don't have a clue what it's about and were obviously expecting something more along those lines, hence a few one-star ratings. Their point is a good one (I'm a Gorillaz fan too, and I sympathise with them to some extent), but if you have a good imagination and you know the story or the TV series, it is a must and - for you - it will not disappoint.


Magical and mysterious, 22 Aug 2008
What a gem of an album this is!

I haven't seen the show so on the music and music alone, I have to say that there are some genuinely beautiful moments on this album.
As for the so-called 'difficult' pieces, I agree these will not be everyone's cup of tea but I think many people, myself included, see them as curious little moments that demand re-listening to get your head around.

I like music that isn't just ear candy and actually has some substance and Damon has really achieved something here. Something that is totally different (thank God!) from everything else out there at the moment.



Great Show Great Music, 22 Aug 2008
I was lucky enough to see Monkey at the Manchester festival. The music certainly isn't Blur or Gorillaz and if that's what you're after maybe this isn't for you. It is, however, a brilliant crossover between Chinese opera and Western music, a little reminiscent of serialist music like Philip Glass or John Adams, but wholly original, beautiful, thrilling and hypnotic. If you get a chance see the show grab it - it is just wonderful.

'Out of the Shadow', 28 Aug 2008
Having been an admirer of Teddy's parents work for a long time, I first came across Teddy's vocal talents on a duet with his Father. After hearing 'Persuasion' I went out and bought Teddy's debut album, and have also purchased his further releases as they appeared.
Previous reviewers of this 'new release' have made comments on it's 'over production'
I cannot agree! 'A Piece' is his best album to date, and will see Teddy finally 'Step out of the Shadow' and establish himself as the brilliant artist he is.
While he perhaps is not as well known here in the UK. as he is in his adopted USA. I think we will certainly be hearing more of 'Mr Thompson Jnr' in the future
This new release is devoid of any 'genre' catagory, his talents are far reaching, covering everything.....Rock, Soul, Folk, with as always, a little mock Country thrown into the mix.
Obviously many of his, and the production team's influences are to be heard on the album, and you can certainly hear many of them dotted through the album.
On first listen I found myself having a few Deja-vu moment's relating to the production sounds, ......thinking....... 'where have I heard that sound before?.
You then realise it is, in fact, in perhaps every 'classic' song that you could name spread over the years since you first listened to music!
It's a really clever trick that Mr Thompson has managed to pull off!
Finally! as alway's Teddy leaves us with a little suprise!......... Usually, I am not a fan of the 'Fashionably' hidden track.
I have never really seen the point of a 'bonus' track as they are sometimes called, 'put the track in the main body of the recording! but!.................. 'Fashionably Late' it appears, and is brilliant!
I won't reveal what the track is, but it closes the album on a real high,
ten minutes after the final 'Title track'
'A Piece Of What You Need' is aptly titled.....you definately need to get a piece of this album!....in fact....get the whole thing, you won't be disappointed!


A piece of what I needed, 18 Aug 2008
I'll start out by saying that I don't think this is as strong a work lyrically as "Separate Ways," yet I love it, have not tired of playing it yet. I disagree with Reader below for saying it's over-produced, that the emotions and meaning in Thompson's lyrics are over-shadowed. I find the contradiction between up-beat, splashy music and pained or painful lyrics gives the songs a wry poignancy or bite. Plus makes them fun to sing along with. This is a thumping, touching, odd, fun(ny) album that goes to your heart. Well, it did mine.

Unfortunately lost in suffocating over-production, 16 Jul 2008
It seems almost inevitable that even the most gifted and talented of musicians feel obliged to employ a producer who (despite the best of intentions of both producer and musician alike) has a complete lack of empathy for the sound, feel and emotion of their music. This has happened before to the very best - for example, Bruce Springsteen (Magic), Bob Dylan (his 1980s output) and Townes Van Zandt (almost all his recorded output). Teddy Thompson is therefore in very good company as he should be given his wonderful talent. His lyrics, so full of sadness, irony and feeling are, on this his fourth album, drowned in layers of musical over-accompaniment that completely detract from the depth and strength of his wonderful song-writing skills. At times his voice, lyrics and melodies rise above the suffocating production arrangements but, unfortunately, for most of the time the producer wins out. Hopefully, this will be a brief passing trend and Teddy Thompson will return to the pristine clear production values of his previous three superb albums (see my reviews), which all highlight the true worth of this marvellous song-writing talent. A friend described the album to me as "pleasant". Teddy Thompson deserves much more.

Fantastic album !, 14 Jul 2008
Teddy's last album was a standout disc for 2007 for me - this one is more upbeat and is such a good album. A great mix of material showcasing his fantastic voice and with superb production it just sounds so satisfying. My god, 'In My Arms' just makes me want to dance off into the sunset - what a track.

Some thrilling moments, 25 Jul 2008
This is yet another uplifting and life-affirming effort from Seth Lakeman.

He seems to really divide opinion. I know a lot of people think he is overrated but I find it impossible to see him as anything other than one of the finest musicians currently working in this country! He is a superlative musician technically, able to play numerous instruments to a very high standard, a warm and inspiring singer and a first rate songwriter. The nay sayers need to seriously listen to him and not let some trad-folk prejudice against people who get things moving with a jaunty rhythm blind them. Listening to him is inspiring even when his songs aren't of the finest.

I am into all sorts of music but as far as folk goes I am definitely at Seth's end of the spectrum, upbeat, fast-moving, exciting folk. He is not a finger-in-the-ear folkie, get used to it. Don't do the man down for being motivated and exciting!

This album is not his best, but it is a fine record. As usual he covers many different musical approaches, from the drum driven Hurlers to more acoustic stuff. personally I think Crimson Dawn and Solomon Browne are the best songs on the album. The latter is a superb effort, really moving and beautifully played. The last three or four tracks are a bit dull but once again Seth has triumphed!

Another great album by the lord of Folk Music, 25 Jul 2008
Seth Lakeman is a VERY talented Folk Musician. His energy, his passion and his genius makes all of his albums breathtaking. His previous album, the Freedom Fields has attracted a large audience to his fantastic skills in music. Obviously when his new album comes out, after the success of the Freedom Fields, there are high expectations.

Now let's get this straight, Poor Man's Heaven is no Freedom Fields. It has a livelier tone to it in one way and unfortunately it doesn't reach the quality of the Freedom Fields either. Despite that, Seth Lakeman's passion towards Folk Music is shown here more than ever. It' takes a braver turn, and relies less on his trusty violin and uses more guitar like instruments (The Hurlers is an exception). But the songs are still much better than much other Folk musicians can conjure up.

His dream of folk music returning as popular music seems to be coming into a reality. Great job Seth Lakeman, keep up the good work, nay, great work.

poor, 24 Jul 2008
Dont get me wrong i like all sorts of music especially folk however, this album like all of his other albums are overated. I actually think this album is the poorest of all of them. For a start its the same tempo through out and like his other albums they tend to sound the same. The main problem for me is his voice i suppose you either love it or hate it i find is voice grating after a couple of tracks. If you want to hear a great folk artistic who does this much better check out the great Richard Thompson and dont waste your money on this.

gets better the louder you hear it, 16 Jul 2008
I'm not a folk music fan (Roy Harper excepted) but I bought this because I liked Freedom Fields. On first listening I thought 'yep, Freedom Fields with a bit of punch' but wasn't overwhelmed. I then happened to see SL live at a local music festival last week. It was loud, the upright bass hit you like a bass drum, and the overall performance was exceptional.
My advice is to play this CD loud to get the full benefit. I would now rate it 4 stars rather than 3, simply by playing it louder. (I know I could have played it loud in the first place but I'm a slave to my prejudices).

Folk-curious or in denial?, 12 Jul 2008
Ok ok, so I like folk music - there I said it. Nic Jones, Martin Simpson and now Seth Lakeman, it would appear that someone, somewhere is slowly indoctrinating me (Radio 2's Stuart Maconie I suspect). I wouldn't, however, declare myself a full-blown folkie; I do enjoy the more mainstream stuff and would never join the sandal wearing, beard touting, real-ale swigging, finger-in-the ear brigade.

Right, this album is absolutely fantastic. Having bought it ten days ago I have had it playing throughout the house, in the car and even at work at every opportunity. The tunes, whilst telling tales of traditional folk themes (why are there so many folk songs about whales?), are very well crafted and excellently delivered. They are even better played live; I saw him play in Frome last week and he had the whole place buzzing - there was even a trad folkie (early 60s, bald, beard, CAMRA member etc) head-banging to one of his songs! Try to get to one of Seth's gigs; you will not be disappointed.

If you are folk-curious and want to see what it is all about, buy this album. You will be pleasantly surprised and will have the tunes banging around your head for days. Come out of the closet and join the rest of us neo-folkies; you know you want to!

The two-disc retrospective The Essential Leonard Cohen traces the Canadian bard's musical maturity from poet and novelist who sang a little, to multidimensional artist whose oracular vocals and increasingly rich arrangements are every bit as compelling as his verse. Even when Cohen came to prominence through the 1960s songcraft of "Suzanne" and "Bird on a Wire", the "folksinger" tag never really fit. Later highlights ranging from the deadpan drollery of "Tower of Song" and "Everybody Knows" to the apocalyptic anthemry of "First We Take Manhattan" and "Democracy" suggest that other labels might be more appropriate: cabaret surrealist, spiritual gadfly, sensual prophet, agent provocateur.

Cohen chose the selections, drawing more than half of the 31 tracks from three landmark albums--his 1967 debut Songs of Leonard Cohen, 1988's I'm Your Man, and 1992's The Future--along with four from 2001's Ten New Songs. The collection justifies its title as deep as it goes, though it's a shame that Cohen's commercial profile couldn't justify the more elaborate box set his artistry warrants (one that would at least include lyrics and musician credits). Those who sample the consistently inspired music here might come to the conclusion that everything Cohen records is essential. --Don McLeese

I Liked the idea....., 28 Aug 2008
When I first heard Albarn and Hewlett were doing this project I was looking forward to the end result so when the album was released got it straight away. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't any good, but what I will say is I don't think it works as an album. For me I think it would work better with the visuals, the show. Some nice pieces of music on there, with little interludes inbetween the tracks which in places I wished went on to become songs only to find it fade of into something else! A great Idea though.....now Jamie Hewlett should do nice long animated version, with this as a soundtrack.

Nice Idea, some nice music, doesn't work as an album.

STUNNING SHOW - AMAZING MUSIC. OPEN YOUR EARS AND YOUR MIND, 24 Aug 2008
I was very lucky to see the spectacle that is Monkey's Journey To The West when it was premiered in Manchester in 2007. It's simply stunning and the music is amazing. OK maybe not for those expecting a slightly chinese influenced "ParkLife" or "Dare" but it shows just what a talent Albarn is...and that's from someone with all Oasis' albums! Do yourself a favour - see the show if you can but definitely buy this for an amazing aural experience. Post Beijing games, this should fly!

Monkey magic all over again!, 24 Aug 2008
I loved the TV series Monkey! - The Complete Series, and because of this I have a good idea of what's going on in the music without having seen the stage opera it comes from. And I love this. The clash of traditional eastern and experimental western influences just has to be heard to be believed. Above anything else it is music for the imagination, and if you know what's going on then it really is a heavenly peach of a gift in both sound and the visuals you create around it.

However, there are evidently a few Gorillaz [Explicit Lyrics] [Bonus Tracks] fans out there who don't have a clue what it's about and were obviously expecting something more along those lines, hence a few one-star ratings. Their point is a good one (I'm a Gorillaz fan too, and I sympathise with them to some extent), but if you have a good imagination and you know the story or the TV series, it is a must and - for you - it will not disappoint.


Magical and mysterious, 22 Aug 2008
What a gem of an album this is!

I haven't seen the show so on the music and music alone, I have to say that there are some genuinely beautiful moments on this album.
As for the so-called 'difficult' pieces, I agree these will not be everyone's cup of tea but I think many people, myself included, see them as curious little moments that demand re-listening to get your head around.

I like music that isn't just ear candy and actually has some substance and Damon has really achieved something here. Something that is totally different (thank God!) from everything else out there at the moment.



Great Show Great Music, 22 Aug 2008
I was lucky enough to see Monkey at the Manchester festival. The music certainly isn't Blur or Gorillaz and if that's what you're after maybe this isn't for you. It is, however, a brilliant crossover between Chinese opera and Western music, a little reminiscent of serialist music like Philip Glass or John Adams, but wholly original, beautiful, thrilling and hypnotic. If you get a chance see the show grab it - it is just wonderful.

'Out of the Shadow', 28 Aug 2008
Having been an admirer of Teddy's parents work for a long time, I first came across Teddy's vocal talents on a duet with his Father. After hearing 'Persuasion' I went out and bought Teddy's debut album, and have also purchased his further releases as they appeared.
Previous reviewers of this 'new release' have made comments on it's 'over production'
I cannot agree! 'A Piece' is his best album to date, and will see Teddy finally 'Step out of the Shadow' and establish himself as the brilliant artist he is.
While he perhaps is not as well known here in the UK. as he is in his adopted USA. I think we will certainly be hearing more of 'Mr Thompson Jnr' in the future
This new release is devoid of any 'genre' catagory, his talents are far reaching, covering everything.....Rock, Soul, Folk, with as always, a little mock Country thrown into the mix.
Obviously many of his, and the production team's influences are to be heard on the album, and you can certainly hear many of them dotted through the album.
On first listen I found myself having a few Deja-vu moment's relating to the production sounds, ......thinking....... 'where have I heard that sound before?.
You then realise it is, in fact, in perhaps every 'classic' song that you could name spread over the years since you first listened to music!
It's a really clever trick that Mr Thompson has managed to pull off!
Finally! as alway's Teddy leaves us with a little suprise!......... Usually, I am not a fan of the 'Fashionably' hidden track.
I have never really seen the point of a 'bonus' track as they are sometimes called, 'put the track in the main body of the recording! but!.................. 'Fashionably Late' it appears, and is brilliant!
I won't reveal what the track is, but it closes the album on a real high,
ten minutes after the final 'Title track'
'A Piece Of What You Need' is aptly titled.....you definately need to get a piece of this album!....in fact....get the whole thing, you won't be disappointed!


A piece of what I needed, 18 Aug 2008
I'll start out by saying that I don't think this is as strong a work lyrically as "Separate Ways," yet I love it, have not tired of playing it yet. I disagree with Reader below for saying it's over-produced, that the emotions and meaning in Thompson's lyrics are over-shadowed. I find the contradiction between up-beat, splashy music and pained or painful lyrics gives the songs a wry poignancy or bite. Plus makes them fun to sing along with. This is a thumping, touching, odd, fun(ny) album that goes to your heart. Well, it did mine.

Unfortunately lost in suffocating over-production, 16 Jul 2008
It seems almost inevitable that even the most gifted and talented of musicians feel obliged to employ a producer who (despite the best of intentions of both producer and musician alike) has a complete lack of empathy for the sound, feel and emotion of their music. This has happened before to the very best - for example, Bruce Springsteen (Magic), Bob Dylan (his 1980s output) and Townes Van Zandt (almost all his recorded output). Teddy Thompson is therefore in very good company as he should be given his wonderful talent. His lyrics, so full of sadness, irony and feeling are, on this his fourth album, drowned in layers of musical over-accompaniment that completely detract from the depth and strength of his wonderful song-writing skills. At times his voice, lyrics and melodies rise above the suffocating production arrangements but, unfortunately, for most of the time the producer wins out. Hopefully, this will be a brief passing trend and Teddy Thompson will return to the pristine clear production values of his previous three superb albums (see my reviews), which all highlight the true worth of this marvellous song-writing talent. A friend described the album to me as "pleasant". Teddy Thompson deserves much more.

Fantastic album !, 14 Jul 2008
Teddy's last album was a standout disc for 2007 for me - this one is more upbeat and is such a good album. A great mix of material showcasing his fantastic voice and with superb production it just sounds so satisfying. My god, 'In My Arms' just makes me want to dance off into the sunset - what a track.

Some thrilling moments, 25 Jul 2008
This is yet another uplifting and life-affirming effort from Seth Lakeman.

He seems to really divide opinion. I know a lot of people think he is overrated but I find it impossible to see him as anything other than one of the finest musicians currently working in this country! He is a superlative musician technically, able to play numerous instruments to a very high standard, a warm and inspiring singer and a first rate songwriter. The nay sayers need to seriously listen to him and not let some trad-folk prejudice against people who get things moving with a jaunty rhythm blind them. Listening to him is inspiring even when his songs aren't of the finest.

I am into all sorts of music but as far as folk goes I am definitely at Seth's end of the spectrum, upbeat, fast-moving, exciting folk. He is not a finger-in-the-ear folkie, get used to it. Don't do the man down for being motivated and exciting!

This album is not his best, but it is a fine record. As usual he covers many different musical approaches, from the drum driven Hurlers to more acoustic stuff. personally I think Crimson Dawn and Solomon Browne are the best songs on the album. The latter is a superb effort, really moving and beautifully played. The last three or four tracks are a bit dull but once again Seth has triumphed!

Another great album by the lord of Folk Music, 25 Jul 2008
Seth Lakeman is a VERY talented Folk Musician. His energy, his passion and his genius makes all of his albums breathtaking. His previous album, the Freedom Fields has attracted a large audience to his fantastic skills in music. Obviously when his new album comes out, after the success of the Freedom Fields, there are high expectations.

Now let's get this straight, Poor Man's Heaven is no Freedom Fields. It has a livelier tone to it in one way and unfortunately it doesn't reach the quality of the Freedom Fields either. Despite that, Seth Lakeman's passion towards Folk Music is shown here more than ever. It' takes a braver turn, and relies less on his trusty violin and uses more guitar like instruments (The Hurlers is an exception). But the songs are still much better than much other Folk musicians can conjure up.

His dream of folk music returning as popular music seems to be coming into a reality. Great job Seth Lakeman, keep up the good work, nay, great work.

poor, 24 Jul 2008
Dont get me wrong i like all sorts of music especially folk however, this album like all of his other albums are overated. I actually think this album is the poorest of all of them. For a start its the same tempo through out and like his other albums they tend to sound the same. The main problem for me is his voice i suppose you either love it or hate it i find is voice grating after a couple of tracks. If you want to hear a great folk artistic who does this much better check out the great Richard Thompson and dont waste your money on this.

gets better the louder you hear it, 16 Jul 2008
I'm not a folk music fan (Roy Harper excepted) but I bought this because I liked Freedom Fields. On first listening I thought 'yep, Freedom Fields with a bit of punch' but wasn't overwhelmed. I then happened to see SL live at a local music festival last week. It was loud, the upright bass hit you like a bass drum, and the overall performance was exceptional.
My advice is to play this CD loud to get the full benefit. I would now rate it 4 stars rather than 3, simply by playing it louder. (I know I could have played it loud in the first place but I'm a slave to my prejudices).

Folk-curious or in denial?, 12 Jul 2008
Ok ok, so I like folk music - there I said it. Nic Jones, Martin Simpson and now Seth Lakeman, it would appear that someone, somewhere is slowly indoctrinating me (Radio 2's Stuart Maconie I suspect). I wouldn't, however, declare myself a full-blown folkie; I do enjoy the more mainstream stuff and would never join the sandal wearing, beard touting, real-ale swigging, finger-in-the ear brigade.

Right, this album is absolutely fantastic. Having bought it ten days ago I have had it playing throughout the house, in the car and even at work at every opportunity. The tunes, whilst telling tales of traditional folk themes (why are there so many folk songs about whales?), are very well crafted and excellently delivered. They are even better played live; I saw him play in Frome last week and he had the whole place buzzing - there was even a trad folkie (early 60s, bald, beard, CAMRA member etc) head-banging to one of his songs! Try to get to one of Seth's gigs; you will not be disappointed.

If you are folk-curious and want to see what it is all about, buy this album. You will be pleasantly surprised and will have the tunes banging around your head for days. Come out of the closet and join the rest of us neo-folkies; you know you want to!

Soulfood Essential, 23 Aug 2008
This is as fine an introduction to the works of Leonard Cohen as could be imagined. The track list, selected by the man himself, covers almost every period of his recorded output (Cohen is not prolific in the way, say, Bob Dylan is, or Neil Young), but I do feel some truly great stuff has been overlooked, i.e. the hushed, but haunting version of 'Story Of Isaac' from 1973's LIVE SONGS, which is one of the most profound things that anyone has ever written, the great live recordings from FIELD COMMANDER COHEN: Tour Of 1979, which admittedly was not released until after THE ESSENTIAL LEONARD COHEN appeared. Of those songs, I feel the title track is as good and epic a song as any he's recorded, and the version from NEW SKIN FOR THE OLD CEREMONY would have sufficed over e.g 'Take This Longing' which already appears on his GREATEST HITS. As for the Passenger version of 'Lover Lover Lover', what can I say? It is blistering! Likewise (from that same album) versions of 'The Window', 'The Smokey Life', 'The Stranger Song', 'The Gypsy's Wife' (long since a staple of the live act) and an unforgettable reading of 'Memories' from the unfairly-maligned DEATH OF A LADIES' MAN, are all worthy of inclusion. In fact, it's true to say that all Cohen's output is essential, but I would also have included 'Ballad Of The Absent Mare' and 'Came So Far For Beauty' from RECENT SONGS, 'The Old Revolution' from SONGS FROM A ROOM (if only for discovering it had been a minor hit in the UK: hats off to Dale Winton for pointing that out to me!), the live 'Joan Of Arc', 'One Of Us Cannot Be Wrong' and 'Hallelujah' from 1993's COHEN LIVE, 'Coming Back To You' and 'The Captain' from 1984's VARIOUS POSITIONS, but the greatest omission surely has to be the Lorca-inspired 'Take This Waltz' from the brilliant I'M YOUR MAN. I could eulogise forever. Suffice to say, if your not familiar with the man's work, this is the perfect place to start. After that, buy THE SONGS OF LEONARD COHEN, his debut (perhaps, alongside Jeff Buckley's GRACE and THE VELVET UNDERGROUND AND NICO, the greatest debut of all time, for my money).

It's like sipping your best brandy whilst puffing on a quality cigar, 04 May 2007
The voice is the first thing you notice. The early poetic renditions on such classics as "Suzanne", "Sisters of Mercy" and "Famous Blue Raincoat" are presented in a voice that is deadpan but not as gruff as in later years. This was at a period when he was a well kept secret and with a style and presentation that not everyone took to. Move onto disc 2 and you notice how the voice deepens and the songs become bigger. One thing that Cohen has never failed to deliver is quality songs with curious stories to tell. He has an almost hymn-like or gospel touch on a lot of his work, usually enhanced by superb backing singers and wondrous musicians and arrangements.

I move between both of his periods with equal ease, but I find the latter stuff more appealing these days. Some people could sing the contents of the telephone directory given the right voice, he is one of them. "Democracy", "Tower of Song", "First we take Manhattan" and "Hallelujah" are stand out tracks but I defy anyone not to get lost in "Closing Time". This is by far my favourite. A fun song, with so many catchy hooks it just pulls you off your seat and invites you to dance with the nearest partner. You can almost smell the smoke and alcoholic fumes as if you are drinking in the bar with him. A tremendous talent......but what great assistance from his backing singers.

This is a great selection of his work. If you are a fan, you'll want it in your collection. If you are just curious, buy it.........it's a great introduction.


A lesson for what really music is, 02 Feb 2007
There's nothing missing from this collection. Not the quality, not the deep, truthful voice, not the fully poetic and inspirational lyrics, nothing. My boyfriend bought this CD and we can't get enough of it- especially DISC 2.
Cohen is and will remain unique in this industry, mainly because he has something solid yet so delicate to say, because he is a musician, because he possesses the gift to sing stories instead of 'telling a song'. Great music, great lyrics, great singer.

Simply Blown Away.....New Convert, 27 Nov 2006
Well I cannot believe I have lived for 42 years without listening to a Cohen Album.I tried this on spec seeing the reviews and having been a big Dylan/Springsteen fan for many years.For me this album has been like meeting a soulmate in a slightly run down but all too comfortable bar and wishing you had met them much earlier in your life!!!!!
Songs like "Democracy" and "I'm Your Man" cover the dark side of politics and personal relationships superbly and the former should be essential listening for the Neo-Cons of the White House.
I will not go over everything already written but this double disc set seems a top introduction to Cohen's development and style.I have already ordered 2 more albums from his back catalogue and I feel this discovery could hit my bsank balance hard in the near future.Totally recommended.

A wonderful cross section of Cohen's music, 18 May 2006
This album is superb value, two generous discs crammed with very special music. It spans the whole range of Cohen's output (up to "Ten new songs") and you can hear his voice becoming deeper and more melancholy as the tracks go by.

Whilst everyone will have his favourite Cohen track, it must be said that there is not a bad track in the collection. Whilst all are clearly "Cohen", there is within that heading a tremendous range of moods and styles from the driving rhythms of "Democracy" to the more reflective favourite "Suzanne". In the later songs Sharon Robinson (the co-writer) plays a big part, but I find these songs just as good as the "pure" Cohen: in any case one of Cohen's strengths is that he changes in style, but still remains distinctly himself.

As always the lyrics are superb and blend in perfectly with the music: really the two cannot be separated. For me the very ambiguity and different possible interpretations of the words of such songs as "Alexandra leaving" add to their universality and give them an appeal to so many people (and make them suitable for so many moods).

When I purchased this disc I had not listened to Cohen for some time and had forgotten just how much I liked him and just how unique he is. I regard it as one of the best discs in my collection

Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant and bluegrass crooner Alison Krauss may not be the likeliest of musical combinations. But on this welcome collaboration album, they work beautifully together, wringing a kind of magic from other people's songs. The key to the album is its versatility. Between them, Krauss and Plant can handle a vast repertoire on their own, and here they take on the lot, from folk laments and country soul to searing blues and upbeat rock & roll. Overseen by Elvis Costello producer T Bone Burnett and backed by high caliber musicians like guitarist Marc Ribot and multi-instrumentalist Mike Seeger, Raising Sand sees the duo create stellar covers of songs by Tom Waits, Townes Van Zandt, Mel Tillis and The Everly Brothers, among others. Highlights include a killer version of Roly Salley's "Killing the Blues", and a cover of the Plant-Page collaboration "Please Read the Letter," though in truth, it's difficult to find a weak spot on the whole album. --Danny McKenna

I Liked the idea....., 28 Aug 2008
When I first heard Albarn and Hewlett were doing this project I was looking forward to the end result so when the album was released got it straight away. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't any good, but what I will say is I don't think it works as an album. For me I think it would work better with the visuals, the show. Some nice pieces of music on there, with little interludes inbetween the tracks which in places I wished went on to become songs only to find it fade of into something else! A great Idea though.....now Jamie Hewlett should do nice long animated version, with this as a soundtrack.

Nice Idea, some nice music, doesn't work as an album.

STUNNING SHOW - AMAZING MUSIC. OPEN YOUR EARS AND YOUR MIND, 24 Aug 2008
I was very lucky to see the spectacle that is Monkey's Journey To The West when it was premiered in Manchester in 2007. It's simply stunning and the music is amazing. OK maybe not for those expecting a slightly chinese influenced "ParkLife" or "Dare" but it shows just what a talent Albarn is...and that's from someone with all Oasis' albums! Do yourself a favour - see the show if you can but definitely buy this for an amazing aural experience. Post Beijing games, this should fly!

Monkey magic all over again!, 24 Aug 2008
I loved the TV series Monkey! - The Complete Series, and because of this I have a good idea of what's going on in the music without having seen the stage opera it comes from. And I love this. The clash of traditional eastern and experimental western influences just has to be heard to be believed. Above anything else it is music for the imagination, and if you know what's going on then it really is a heavenly peach of a gift in both sound and the visuals you create around it.

However, there are evidently a few Gorillaz [Explicit Lyrics] [Bonus Tracks] fans out there who don't have a clue what it's about and were obviously expecting something more along those lines, hence a few one-star ratings. Their point is a good one (I'm a Gorillaz fan too, and I sympathise with them to some extent), but if you have a good imagination and you know the story or the TV series, it is a must and - for you - it will not disappoint.


Magical and mysterious, 22 Aug 2008
What a gem of an album this is!

I haven't seen the show so on the music and music alone, I have to say that there are some genuinely beautiful moments on this album.
As for the so-called 'difficult' pieces, I agree these will not be everyone's cup of tea but I think many people, myself included, see them as curious little moments that demand re-listening to get your head around.

I like music that isn't just ear candy and actually has some substance and Damon has really achieved something here. Something that is totally different (thank God!) from everything else out there at the moment.



Great Show Great Music, 22 Aug 2008
I was lucky enough to see Monkey at the Manchester festival. The music certainly isn't Blur or Gorillaz and if that's what you're after maybe this isn't for you. It is, however, a brilliant crossover between Chinese opera and Western music, a little reminiscent of serialist music like Philip Glass or John Adams, but wholly original, beautiful, thrilling and hypnotic. If you get a chance see the show grab it - it is just wonderful.

'Out of the Shadow', 28 Aug 2008
Having been an admirer of Teddy's parents work for a long time, I first came across Teddy's vocal talents on a duet with his Father. After hearing 'Persuasion' I went out and bought Teddy's debut album, and have also purchased his further releases as they appeared.
Previous reviewers of this 'new release' have made comments on it's 'over production'
I cannot agree! 'A Piece' is his best album to date, and will see Teddy finally 'Step out of the Shadow' and establish himself as the brilliant artist he is.
While he perhaps is not as well known here in the UK. as he is in his adopted USA. I think we will certainly be hearing more of 'Mr Thompson Jnr' in the future
This new release is devoid of any 'genre' catagory, his talents are far reaching, covering everything.....Rock, Soul, Folk, with as always, a little mock Country thrown into the mix.
Obviously many of his, and the production team's influences are to be heard on the album, and you can certainly hear many of them dotted through the album.
On first listen I found myself having a few Deja-vu moment's relating to the production sounds, ......thinking....... 'where have I heard that sound before?.
You then realise it is, in fact, in perhaps every 'classic' song that you could name spread over the years since you first listened to music!
It's a really clever trick that Mr Thompson has managed to pull off!
Finally! as alway's Teddy leaves us with a little suprise!......... Usually, I am not a fan of the 'Fashionably' hidden track.
I have never really seen the point of a 'bonus' track as they are sometimes called, 'put the track in the main body of the recording! but!.................. 'Fashionably Late' it appears, and is brilliant!
I won't reveal what the track is, but it closes the album on a real high,
ten minutes after the final 'Title track'
'A Piece Of What You Need' is aptly titled.....you definately need to get a piece of this album!....in fact....get the whole thing, you won't be disappointed!


A piece of what I needed, 18 Aug 2008
I'll start out by saying that I don't think this is as strong a work lyrically as "Separate Ways," yet I love it, have not tired of playing it yet. I disagree with Reader below for saying it's over-produced, that the emotions and meaning in Thompson's lyrics are over-shadowed. I find the contradiction between up-beat, splashy music and pained or painful lyrics gives the songs a wry poignancy or bite. Plus makes them fun to sing along with. This is a thumping, touching, odd, fun(ny) album that goes to your heart. Well, it did mine.

Unfortunately lost in suffocating over-production, 16 Jul 2008
It seems almost inevitable that even the most gifted and talented of musicians feel obliged to employ a producer who (despite the best of intentions of both producer and musician alike) has a complete lack of empathy for the sound, feel and emotion of their music. This has happened before to the very best - for example, Bruce Springsteen (Magic), Bob Dylan (his 1980s output) and Townes Van Zandt (almost all his recorded output). Teddy Thompson is therefore in very good company as he should be given his wonderful talent. His lyrics, so full of sadness, irony and feeling are, on this his fourth album, drowned in layers of musical over-accompaniment that completely detract from the depth and strength of his wonderful song-writing skills. At times his voice, lyrics and melodies rise above the suffocating production arrangements but, unfortunately, for most of the time the producer wins out. Hopefully, this will be a brief passing trend and Teddy Thompson will return to the pristine clear production values of his previous three superb albums (see my reviews), which all highlight the true worth of this marvellous song-writing talent. A friend described the album to me as "pleasant". Teddy Thompson deserves much more.

Fantastic album !, 14 Jul 2008
Teddy's last album was a standout disc for 2007 for me - this one is more upbeat and is such a good album. A great mix of material showcasing his fantastic voice and with superb production it just sounds so satisfying. My god, 'In My Arms' just makes me want to dance off into the sunset - what a track.

Some thrilling moments, 25 Jul 2008
This is yet another uplifting and life-affirming effort from Seth Lakeman.

He seems to really divide opinion. I know a lot of people think he is overrated but I find it impossible to see him as anything other than one of the finest musicians currently working in this country! He is a superlative musician technically, able to play numerous instruments to a very high standard, a warm and inspiring singer and a first rate songwriter. The nay sayers need to seriously listen to him and not let some trad-folk prejudice against people who get things moving with a jaunty rhythm blind them. Listening to him is inspiring even when his songs aren't of the finest.

I am into all sorts of music but as far as folk goes I am definitely at Seth's end of the spectrum, upbeat, fast-moving, exciting folk. He is not a finger-in-the-ear folkie, get used to it. Don't do the man down for being motivated and exciting!

This album is not his best, but it is a fine record. As usual he covers many different musical approaches, from the drum driven Hurlers to more acoustic stuff. personally I think Crimson Dawn and Solomon Browne are the best songs on the album. The latter is a superb effort, really moving and beautifully played. The last three or four tracks are a bit dull but once again Seth has triumphed!

Another great album by the lord of Folk Music, 25 Jul 2008
Seth Lakeman is a VERY talented Folk Musician. His energy, his passion and his genius makes all of his albums breathtaking. His previous album, the Freedom Fields has attracted a large audience to his fantastic skills in music. Obviously when his new album comes out, after the success of the Freedom Fields, there are high expectations.

Now let's get this straight, Poor Man's Heaven is no Freedom Fields. It has a livelier tone to it in one way and unfortunately it doesn't reach the quality of the Freedom Fields either. Despite that, Seth Lakeman's passion towards Folk Music is shown here more than ever. It' takes a braver turn, and relies less on his trusty violin and uses more guitar like instruments (The Hurlers is an exception). But the songs are still much better than much other Folk musicians can conjure up.

His dream of folk music returning as popular music seems to be coming into a reality. Great job Seth Lakeman, keep up the good work, nay, great work.

poor, 24 Jul 2008
Dont get me wrong i like all sorts of music especially folk however, this album like all of his other albums are overated. I actually think this album is the poorest of all of them. For a start its the same tempo through out and like his other albums they tend to sound the same. The main problem for me is his voice i suppose you either love it or hate it i find is voice grating after a couple of tracks. If you want to hear a great folk artistic who does this much better check out the great Richard Thompson and dont waste your money on this.

gets better the louder you hear it, 16 Jul 2008
I'm not a folk music fan (Roy Harper excepted) but I bought this because I liked Freedom Fields. On first listening I thought 'yep, Freedom Fields with a bit of punch' but wasn't overwhelmed. I then happened to see SL live at a local music festival last week. It was loud, the upright bass hit you like a bass drum, and the overall performance was exceptional.
My advice is to play this CD loud to get the full benefit. I would now rate it 4 stars rather than 3, simply by playing it louder. (I know I could have played it loud in the first place but I'm a slave to my prejudices).

Folk-curious or in denial?, 12 Jul 2008
Ok ok, so I like folk music - there I said it. Nic Jones, Martin Simpson and now Seth Lakeman, it would appear that someone, somewhere is slowly indoctrinating me (Radio 2's Stuart Maconie I suspect). I wouldn't, however, declare myself a full-blown folkie; I do enjoy the more mainstream stuff and would never join the sandal wearing, beard touting, real-ale swigging, finger-in-the ear brigade.

Right, this album is absolutely fantastic. Having bought it ten days ago I have had it playing throughout the house, in the car and even at work at every opportunity. The tunes, whilst telling tales of traditional folk themes (why are there so many folk songs about whales?), are very well crafted and excellently delivered. They are even better played live; I saw him play in Frome last week and he had the whole place buzzing - there was even a trad folkie (early 60s, bald, beard, CAMRA member etc) head-banging to one of his songs! Try to get to one of Seth's gigs; you will not be disappointed.

If you are folk-curious and want to see what it is all about, buy this album. You will be pleasantly surprised and will have the tunes banging around your head for days. Come out of the closet and join the rest of us neo-folkies; you know you want to!

Soulfood Essential, 23 Aug 2008
This is as fine an introduction to the works of Leonard Cohen as could be imagined. The track list, selected by the man himself, covers almost every period of his recorded output (Cohen is not prolific in the way, say, Bob Dylan is, or Neil Young), but I do feel some truly great stuff has been overlooked, i.e. the hushed, but haunting version of 'Story Of Isaac' from 1973's LIVE SONGS, which is one of the most profound things that anyone has ever written, the great live recordings from FIELD COMMANDER COHEN: Tour Of 1979, which admittedly was not released until after THE ESSENTIAL LEONARD COHEN appeared. Of those songs, I feel the title track is as good and epic a song as any he's recorded, and the version from NEW SKIN FOR THE OLD CEREMONY would have sufficed over e.g 'Take This Longing' which already appears on his GREATEST HITS. As for the Passenger version of 'Lover Lover Lover', what can I say? It is blistering! Likewise (from that same album) versions of 'The Window', 'The Smokey Life', 'The Stranger Song', 'The Gypsy's Wife' (long since a staple of the live act) and an unforgettable reading of 'Memories' from the unfairly-maligned DEATH OF A LADIES' MAN, are all worthy of inclusion. In fact, it's true to say that all Cohen's output is essential, but I would also have included 'Ballad Of The Absent Mare' and 'Came So Far For Beauty' from RECENT SONGS, 'The Old Revolution' from SONGS FROM A ROOM (if only for discovering it had been a minor hit in the UK: hats off to Dale Winton for pointing that out to me!), the live 'Joan Of Arc', 'One Of Us Cannot Be Wrong' and 'Hallelujah' from 1993's COHEN LIVE, 'Coming Back To You' and 'The Captain' from 1984's VARIOUS POSITIONS, but the greatest omission surely has to be the Lorca-inspired 'Take This Waltz' from the brilliant I'M YOUR MAN. I could eulogise forever. Suffice to say, if your not familiar with the man's work, this is the perfect place to start. After that, buy THE SONGS OF LEONARD COHEN, his debut (perhaps, alongside Jeff Buckley's GRACE and THE VELVET UNDERGROUND AND NICO, the greatest debut of all time, for my money).

It's like sipping your best brandy whilst puffing on a quality cigar, 04 May 2007
The voice is the first thing you notice. The early poetic renditions on such classics as "Suzanne", "Sisters of Mercy" and "Famous Blue Raincoat" are presented in a voice that is deadpan but not as gruff as in later years. This was at a period when he was a well kept secret and with a style and presentation that not everyone took to. Move onto disc 2 and you notice how the voice deepens and the songs become bigger. One thing that Cohen has never failed to deliver is quality songs with curious stories to tell. He has an almost hymn-like or gospel touch on a lot of his work, usually enhanced by superb backing singers and wondrous musicians and arrangements.

I move between both of his periods with equal ease, but I find the latter stuff more appealing these days. Some people could sing the contents of the telephone directory given the right voice, he is one of them. "Democracy", "Tower of Song", "First we take Manhattan" and "Hallelujah" are stand out tracks but I defy anyone not to get lost in "Closing Time". This is by far my favourite. A fun song, with so many catchy hooks it just pulls you off your seat and invites you to dance with the nearest partner. You can almost smell the smoke and alcoholic fumes as if you are drinking in the bar with him. A tremendous talent......but what great assistance from his backing singers.

This is a great selection of his work. If you are a fan, you'll want it in your collection. If you are just curious, buy it.........it's a great introduction.


A lesson for what really music is, 02 Feb 2007
There's nothing missing from this collection. Not the quality, not the deep, truthful voice, not the fully poetic and inspirational lyrics, nothing. My boyfriend bought this CD and we can't get enough of it- especially DISC 2.
Cohen is and will remain unique in this industry, mainly because he has something solid yet so delicate to say, because he is a musician, because he possesses the gift to sing stories instead of 'telling a song'. Great music, great lyrics, great singer.

Simply Blown Away.....New Convert, 27 Nov 2006
Well I cannot believe I have lived for 42 years without listening to a Cohen Album.I tried this on spec seeing the reviews and having been a big Dylan/Springsteen fan for many years.For me this album has been like meeting a soulmate in a slightly run down but all too comfortable bar and wishing you had met them much earlier in your life!!!!!
Songs like "Democracy" and "I'm Your Man" cover the dark side of politics and personal relationships superbly and the former should be essential listening for the Neo-Cons of the White House.
I will not go over everything already written but this double disc set seems a top introduction to Cohen's development and style.I have already ordered 2 more albums from his back catalogue and I feel this discovery could hit my bsank balance hard in the near future.Totally recommended.

A wonderful cross section of Cohen's music, 18 May 2006
This album is superb value, two generous discs crammed with very special music. It spans the whole range of Cohen's output (up to "Ten new songs") and you can hear his voice becoming deeper and more melancholy as the tracks go by.

Whilst everyone will have his favourite Cohen track, it must be said that there is not a bad track in the collection. Whilst all are clearly "Cohen", there is within that heading a tremendous range of moods and styles from the driving rhythms of "Democracy" to the more reflective favourite "Suzanne". In the later songs Sharon Robinson (the co-writer) plays a big part, but I find these songs just as good as the "pure" Cohen: in any case one of Cohen's strengths is that he changes in style, but still remains distinctly himself.

As always the lyrics are superb and blend in perfectly with the music: really the two cannot be separated. For me the very ambiguity and different possible interpretations of the words of such songs as "Alexandra leaving" add to their universality and give them an appeal to so many people (and make them suitable for so many moods).

When I purchased this disc I had not listened to Cohen for some time and had forgotten just how much I liked him and just how unique he is. I regard it as one of the best discs in my collection


A dreadful waste of talent - and music buyer's money!, 22 Jun 2008
Sadly someone obviously suggested to Robert Plant that this would be a good idea....recording a (mostly) countryesque album with Alison Krauss. They were wrong!! I have no problem with Plant (or anyone else for that matter) trying new things, but please..... this was a bad idea that should have stayed just that.... an idea!! Why on earth so many people feel the need to heap praise on this album is beyond me - it has no redeming qualities to my ears whatsoever - even if Robert Plant is involved.......come to think of it that old story of the Emporer's new clothes comes to mind!!

Dark, sexy Americana, 09 Jun 2008
When two of the most distinctive and transfixing voices came together, the result was always going to be interesting but the New Orleans genius T Bone Burnett has picked some fabulous and hypnotic songs which work perfectly. From the siren gypsy call of Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us to the raw power and pain of Nothin, to the bluesy Fortune Teller, this album gets under your skin and into your bloodstream. Absolutely bewitching. And if you can get to see Robert and Alison live, do whatever it takes to get tickets - they just glow onstage and the songs pack even more of a punch live.

musical candy!, 17 May 2008
Alison Krauss and Robert Plant get together for a unique album that just gets better as it goes on. Of worthy note is 'just read the letter' To my mind it was such an unlikely partnership but it really works and country/ rock never sounded so good together a worthy addition for any collection.

Disappointing, 08 May 2008
As a long time fan of both Alison Krauss and Led Zeppelin, I was delighted to receive this album as a present. However, despite the obvious musicianship of both singers and their fine accompanists, Robert and Alison sound like two soloists rather than a duet to me, turning what might have been quite interesting material into something rather boring.

Voices, 27 Apr 2008
Raising Sand by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss is a special recording. Here is a collection of a baker's dozen haunting and atmospheric slices of Americana, enhanced by sparse production and exquisitely understated musicianship. The Plant fellow is on restrained form and the numbers benefit from his tender and thoughtful interpretations. Krauss possesses a beautiful voice, its clarity reminding me a little of - don't mock - sixties song thrush Mary Hopkin. Both voices complement each other splendidly and some of the harmonies are ethereal, subtle and rather magical. Not one note is wasted; every second is exceptional. A pleasure.

I Liked the idea....., 28 Aug 2008
When I first heard Albarn and Hewlett were doing this project I was looking forward to the end result so when the album was released got it straight away. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't any good, but what I will say is I don't think it works as an album. For me I think it would work better with the visuals, the show. Some nice pieces of music on there, with little interludes inbetween the tracks which in places I wished went on to become songs only to find it fade of into something else! A great Idea though.....now Jamie Hewlett should do nice long animated version, with this as a soundtrack.

Nice Idea, some nice music, doesn't work as an album.

STUNNING SHOW - AMAZING MUSIC. OPEN YOUR EARS AND YOUR MIND, 24 Aug 2008
I was very lucky to see the spectacle that is Monkey's Journey To The West when it was premiered in Manchester in 2007. It's simply stunning and the music is amazing. OK maybe not for those expecting a slightly chinese influenced "ParkLife" or "Dare" but it shows just what a talent Albarn is...and that's from someone with all Oasis' albums! Do yourself a favour - see the show if you can but definitely buy this for an amazing aural experience. Post Beijing games, this should fly!

Monkey magic all over again!, 24 Aug 2008
I loved the TV series Monkey! - The Complete Series, and because of this I have a good idea of what's going on in the music without having seen the stage opera it comes from. And I love this. The clash of traditional eastern and experimental western influences just has to be heard to be believed. Above anything else it is music for the imagination, and if you know what's going on then it really is a heavenly peach of a gift in both sound and the visuals you create around it.

However, there are evidently a few Gorillaz [Explicit Lyrics] [Bonus Tracks] fans out there who don't have a clue what it's about and were obviously expecting something more along those lines, hence a few one-star ratings. Their point is a good one (I'm a Gorillaz fan too, and I sympathise with them to some extent), but if you have a good imagination and you know the story or the TV series, it is a must and - for you - it will not disappoint.


Magical and mysterious, 22 Aug 2008
What a gem of an album this is!

I haven't seen the show so on the music and music alone, I have to say that there are some genuinely beautiful moments on this album.
As for the so-called 'difficult' pieces, I agree these will not be everyone's cup of tea but I think many people, myself included, see them as curious little moments that demand re-listening to get your head around.

I like music that isn't just ear candy and actually has some substance and Damon has really achieved something here. Something that is totally different (thank God!) from everything else out there at the moment.



Great Show Great Music, 22 Aug 2008
I was lucky enough to see Monkey at the Manchester festival. The music certainly isn't Blur or Gorillaz and if that's what you're after maybe this isn't for you. It is, however, a brilliant crossover between Chinese opera and Western music, a little reminiscent of serialist music like Philip Glass or John Adams, but wholly original, beautiful, thrilling and hypnotic. If you get a chance see the show grab it - it is just wonderful.

'Out of the Shadow', 28 Aug 2008
Having been an admirer of Teddy's parents work for a long time, I first came across Teddy's vocal talents on a duet with his Father. After hearing 'Persuasion' I went out and bought Teddy's debut album, and have also purchased his further releases as they appeared.
Previous reviewers of this 'new release' have made comments on it's 'over production'
I cannot agree! 'A Piece' is his best album to date, and will see Teddy finally 'Step out of the Shadow' and establish himself as the brilliant artist he is.
While he perhaps is not as well known here in the UK. as he is in his adopted USA. I think we will certainly be hearing more of 'Mr Thompson Jnr' in the future
This new release is devoid of any 'genre' catagory, his talents are far reaching, covering everything.....Rock, Soul, Folk, with as always, a little mock Country thrown into the mix.
Obviously many of his, and the production team's influences are to be heard on the album, and you can certainly hear many of them dotted through the album.
On first listen I found myself having a few Deja-vu moment's relating to the production sounds, ......thinking....... 'where have I heard that sound before?.
You then realise it is, in fact, in perhaps every 'classic' song that you could name spread over the years since you first listened to music!
It's a really clever trick that Mr Thompson has managed to pull off!
Finally! as alway's Teddy leaves us with a little suprise!......... Usually, I am not a fan of the 'Fashionably' hidden track.
I have never really seen the point of a 'bonus' track as they are sometimes called, 'put the track in the main body of the recording! but!.................. 'Fashionably Late' it appears, and is brilliant!
I won't reveal what the track is, but it closes the album on a real high,
ten minutes after the final 'Title track'
'A Piece Of What You Need' is aptly titled.....you definately need to get a piece of this album!....in fact....get the whole thing, you won't be disappointed!


A piece of what I needed, 18 Aug 2008
I'll start out by saying that I don't think this is as strong a work lyrically as "Separate Ways," yet I love it, have not tired of playing it yet. I disagree with Reader below for saying it's over-produced, that the emotions and meaning in Thompson's lyrics are over-shadowed. I find the contradiction between up-beat, splashy music and pained or painful lyrics gives the songs a wry poignancy or bite. Plus makes them fun to sing along with. This is a thumping, touching, odd, fun(ny) album that goes to your heart. Well, it did mine.

Unfortunately lost in suffocating over-production, 16 Jul 2008
It seems almost inevitable that even the most gifted and talented of musicians feel obliged to employ a producer who (despite the best of intentions of both producer and musician alike) has a complete lack of empathy for the sound, feel and emotion of their music. This has happened before to the very best - for example, Bruce Springsteen (Magic), Bob Dylan (his 1980s output) and Townes Van Zandt (almost all his recorded output). Teddy Thompson is therefore in very good company as he should be given his wonderful talent. His lyrics, so full of sadness, irony and feeling are, on this his fourth album, drowned in layers of musical over-accompaniment that completely detract from the depth and strength of his wonderful song-writing skills. At times his voice, lyrics and melodies rise above the suffocating production arrangements but, unfortunately, for most of the time the producer wins out. Hopefully, this will be a brief passing trend and Teddy Thompson will return to the pristine clear production values of his previous three superb albums (see my reviews), which all highlight the true worth of this marvellous song-writing talent. A friend described the album to me as "pleasant". Teddy Thompson deserves much more.

Fantastic album !, 14 Jul 2008
Teddy's last album was a standout disc for 2007 for me - this one is more upbeat and is such a good album. A great mix of material showcasing his fantastic voice and with superb production it just sounds so satisfying. My god, 'In My Arms' just makes me want to dance off into the sunset - what a track.

Some thrilling moments, 25 Jul 2008
This is yet another uplifting and life-affirming effort from Seth Lakeman.

He seems to really divide opinion. I know a lot of people think he is overrated but I find it impossible to see him as anything other than one of the finest musicians currently working in this country! He is a superlative musician technically, able to play numerous instruments to a very high standard, a warm and inspiring singer and a first rate songwriter. The nay sayers need to seriously listen to him and not let some trad-folk prejudice against people who get things moving with a jaunty rhythm blind them. Listening to him is inspiring even when his songs aren't of the finest.

I am into all sorts of music but as far as folk goes I am definitely at Seth's end of the spectrum, upbeat, fast-moving, exciting folk. He is not a finger-in-the-ear folkie, get used to it. Don't do the man down for being motivated and exciting!

This album is not his best, but it is a fine record. As usual he covers many different musical approaches, from the drum driven Hurlers to more acoustic stuff. personally I think Crimson Dawn and Solomon Browne are the best songs on the album. The latter is a superb effort, really moving and beautifully played. The last three or four tracks are a bit dull but once again Seth has triumphed!

Another great album by the lord of Folk Music, 25 Jul 2008
Seth Lakeman is a VERY talented Folk Musician. His energy, his passion and his genius makes all of his albums breathtaking. His previous album, the Freedom Fields has attracted a large audience to his fantastic skills in music. Obviously when his new album comes out, after the success of the Freedom Fields, there are high expectations.

Now let's get this straight, Poor Man's Heaven is no Freedom Fields. It has a livelier tone to it in one way and unfortunately it doesn't reach the quality of the Freedom Fields either. Despite that, Seth Lakeman's passion towards Folk Music is shown here more than ever. It' takes a braver turn, and relies less on his trusty violin and uses more guitar like instruments (The Hurlers is an exception). But the songs are still much better than much other Folk musicians can conjure up.

His dream of folk music returning as popular music seems to be coming into a reality. Great job Seth Lakeman, keep up the good work, nay, great work.

poor, 24 Jul 2008
Dont get me wrong i like all sorts of music especially folk however, this album like all of his other albums are overated. I actually think this album is the poorest of all of them. For a start its the same tempo through out and like his other albums they tend to sound the same. The main problem for me is his voice i suppose you either love it or hate it i find is voice grating after a couple of tracks. If you want to hear a great folk artistic who does this much better check out the great Richard Thompson and dont waste your money on this.

gets better the louder you hear it, 16 Jul 2008
I'm not a folk music fan (Roy Harper excepted) but I bought this because I liked Freedom Fields. On first listening I thought 'yep, Freedom Fields with a bit of punch' but wasn't overwhelmed. I then happened to see SL live at a local music festival last week. It was loud, the upright bass hit you like a bass drum, and the overall performance was exceptional.
My advice is to play this CD loud to get the full benefit. I would now rate it 4 stars rather than 3, simply by playing it louder. (I know I could have played it loud in the first place but I'm a slave to my prejudices).

Folk-curious or in denial?, 12 Jul 2008
Ok ok, so I like folk music - there I said it. Nic Jones, Martin Simpson and now Seth Lakeman, it would appear that someone, somewhere is slowly indoctrinating me (Radio 2's Stuart Maconie I suspect). I wouldn't, however, declare myself a full-blown folkie; I do enjoy the more mainstream stuff and would never join the sandal wearing, beard touting, real-ale swigging, finger-in-the ear brigade.

Right, this album is absolutely fantastic. Having bought it ten days ago I have had it playing throughout the house, in the car and even at work at every opportunity. The tunes, whilst telling tales of traditional folk themes (why are there so many folk songs about whales?), are very well crafted and excellently delivered. They are even better played live; I saw him play in Frome last week and he had the whole place buzzing - there was even a trad folkie (early 60s, bald, beard, CAMRA member etc) head-banging to one of his songs! Try to get to one of Seth's gigs; you will not be disappointed.

If you are folk-curious and want to see what it is all about, buy this album. You will be pleasantly surprised and will have the tunes banging around your head for days. Come out of the closet and join the rest of us neo-folkies; you know you want to!

Soulfood Essential, 23 Aug 2008
This is as fine an introduction to the works of Leonard Cohen as could be imagined. The track list, selected by the man himself, covers almost every period of his recorded output (Cohen is not prolific in the way, say, Bob Dylan is, or Neil Young), but I do feel some truly great stuff has been overlooked, i.e. the hushed, but haunting version of 'Story Of Isaac' from 1973's LIVE SONGS, which is one of the most profound things that anyone has ever written, the great live recordings from FIELD COMMANDER COHEN: Tour Of 1979, which admittedly was not released until after THE ESSENTIAL LEONARD COHEN appeared. Of those songs, I feel the title track is as good and epic a song as any he's recorded, and the version from NEW SKIN FOR THE OLD CEREMONY would have sufficed over e.g 'Take This Longing' which already appears on his GREATEST HITS. As for the Passenger version of 'Lover Lover Lover', what can I say? It is blistering! Likewise (from that same album) versions of 'The Window', 'The Smokey Life', 'The Stranger Song', 'The Gypsy's Wife' (long since a staple of the live act) and an unforgettable reading of 'Memories' from the unfairly-maligned DEATH OF A LADIES' MAN, are all worthy of inclusion. In fact, it's true to say that all Cohen's output is essential, but I would also have included 'Ballad Of The Absent Mare' and 'Came So Far For Beauty' from RECENT SONGS, 'The Old Revolution' from SONGS FROM A ROOM (if only for discovering it had been a minor hit in the UK: hats off to Dale Winton for pointing that out to me!), the live 'Joan Of Arc', 'One Of Us Cannot Be Wrong' and 'Hallelujah' from 1993's COHEN LIVE, 'Coming Back To You' and 'The Captain' from 1984's VARIOUS POSITIONS, but the greatest omission surely has to be the Lorca-inspired 'Take This Waltz' from the brilliant I'M YOUR MAN. I could eulogise forever. Suffice to say, if your not familiar with the man's work, this is the perfect place to start. After that, buy THE SONGS OF LEONARD COHEN, his debut (perhaps, alongside Jeff Buckley's GRACE and THE VELVET UNDERGROUND AND NICO, the greatest debut of all time, for my money).

It's like sipping your best brandy whilst puffing on a quality cigar, 04 May 2007
The voice is the first thing you notice. The early poetic renditions on such classics as "Suzanne", "Sisters of Mercy" and "Famous Blue Raincoat" are presented in a voice that is deadpan but not as gruff as in later years. This was at a period when he was a well kept secret and with a style and presentation that not everyone took to. Move onto disc 2 and you notice how the voice deepens and the songs become bigger. One thing that Cohen has never failed to deliver is quality songs with curious stories to tell. He has an almost hymn-like or gospel touch on a lot of his work, usually enhanced by superb backing singers and wondrous musicians and arrangements.

I move between both of his periods with equal ease, but I find the latter stuff more appealing these days. Some people could sing the contents of the telephone directory given the right voice, he is one of them. "Democracy", "Tower of Song", "First we take Manhattan" and "Hallelujah" are stand out tracks but I defy anyone not to get lost in "Closing Time". This is by far my favourite. A fun song, with so many catchy hooks it just pulls you off your seat and invites you to dance with the nearest partner. You can almost smell the smoke and alcoholic fumes as if you are drinking in the bar with him. A tremendous talent......but what great assistance from his backing singers.

This is a great selection of his work. If you are a fan, you'll want it in your collection. If you are just curious, buy it.........it's a great introduction.


A lesson for what really music is, 02 Feb 2007
There's nothing missing from this collection. Not the quality, not the deep, truthful voice, not the fully poetic and inspirational lyrics, nothing. My boyfriend bought this CD and we can't get enough of it- especially DISC 2.
Cohen is and will remain unique in this industry, mainly because he has something solid yet so delicate to say, because he is a musician, because he possesses the gift to sing stories instead of 'telling a song'. Great music, great lyrics, great singer.

Simply Blown Away.....New Convert, 27 Nov 2006
Well I cannot believe I have lived for 42 years without listening to a Cohen Album.I tried this on spec seeing the reviews and having been a big Dylan/Springsteen fan for many years.For me this album has been like meeting a soulmate in a slightly run down but all too comfortable bar and wishing you had met them much earlier in your life!!!!!
Songs like "Democracy" and "I'm Your Man" cover the dark side of politics and personal relationships superbly and the former should be essential listening for the Neo-Cons of the White House.
I will not go over everything already written but this double disc set seems a top introduction to Cohen's development and style.I have already ordered 2 more albums from his back catalogue and I feel this discovery could hit my bsank balance hard in the near future.Totally recommended.

A wonderful cross section of Cohen's music, 18 May 2006
This album is superb value, two generous discs crammed with very special music. It spans the whole range of Cohen's output (up to "Ten new songs") and you can hear his voice becoming deeper and more melancholy as the tracks go by.

Whilst everyone will have his favourite Cohen track, it must be said that there is not a bad track in the collection. Whilst all are clearly "Cohen", there is within that heading a tremendous range of moods and styles from the driving rhythms of "Democracy" to the more reflective favourite "Suzanne". In the later songs Sharon Robinson (the co-writer) plays a big part, but I find these songs just as good as the "pure" Cohen: in any case one of Cohen's strengths is that he changes in style, but still remains distinctly himself.

As always the lyrics are superb and blend in perfectly with the music: really the two cannot be separated. For me the very ambiguity and different possible interpretations of the words of such songs as "Alexandra leaving" add to their universality and give them an appeal to so many people (and make them suitable for so many moods).

When I purchased this disc I had not listened to Cohen for some time and had forgotten just how much I liked him and just how unique he is. I regard it as one of the best discs in my collection


A dreadful waste of talent - and music buyer's money!, 22 Jun 2008
Sadly someone obviously suggested to Robert Plant that this would be a good idea....recording a (mostly) countryesque album with Alison Krauss. They were wrong!! I have no problem with Plant (or anyone else for that matter) trying new things, but please..... this was a bad idea that should have stayed just that.... an idea!! Why on earth so many people feel the need to heap praise on this album is beyond me - it has no redeming qualities to my ears whatsoever - even if Robert Plant is involved.......come to think of it that old story of the Emporer's new clothes comes to mind!!

Dark, sexy Americana, 09 Jun 2008
When two of the most distinctive and transfixing voices came together, the result was always going to be interesting but the New Orleans genius T Bone Burnett has picked some fabulous and hypnotic songs which work perfectly. From the siren gypsy call of Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us to the raw power and pain of Nothin, to the bluesy Fortune Teller, this album gets under your skin and into your bloodstream. Absolutely bewitching. And if you can get to see Robert and Alison live, do whatever it takes to get tickets - they just glow onstage and the songs pack even more of a punch live.

musical candy!, 17 May 2008
Alison Krauss and Robert Plant get together for a unique album that just gets better as it goes on. Of worthy note is 'just read the letter' To my mind it was such an unlikely partnership but it really works and country/ rock never sounded so good together a worthy addition for any collection.

Disappointing, 08 May 2008
As a long time fan of both Alison Krauss and Led Zeppelin, I was delighted to receive this album as a present. However, despite the obvious musicianship of both singers and their fine accompanists, Robert and Alison sound like two soloists rather than a duet to me, turning what might have been quite interesting material into something rather boring.

Voices, 27 Apr 2008
Raising Sand by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss is a special recording. Here is a collection of a baker's dozen haunting and atmospheric slices of Americana, enhanced by sparse production and exquisitely understated musicianship. The Plant fellow is on restrained form and the numbers benefit from his tender and thoughtful interpretations. Krauss possesses a beautiful voice, its clarity reminding me a little of - don't mock - sixties song thrush Mary Hopkin. Both voices complement each other splendidly and some of the harmonies are ethereal, subtle and rather magical. Not one note is wasted; every second is exceptional. A pleasure.

Great value for money - a super introductory album, 24 Aug 2008
Eliza Carthy, Karine Polwart, Luka Bloom (Christy Moore's brother Barry) - what's not to like? Anyone who has been in touch with the contemporary folk scene in recent years will find much to enjoy here. My own joy was finding a track by the wonderful Mary Gauthier - her "I Drink" was a festival highlight for me a few years ago. This CD is cheap enough for dedicated fans to give to friends who are convinced that folk is Fair Isle jumpers, beards and hands over ears.
This has to be the best value CD in my collection - not a duff track in the mix. There are several live versions as is common with albums of this type, but none that make you hastily skip a track. Buy it, you know it makes sense. If you want to do something "folky", it's cheaper than a pint of the black stuff... and it doesn't put weight on you, either.

Unbeatable value!, 18 Aug 2008
Whether or not the contents is strictly "folk" is rather academic as you get so much excellent music for a mere £2. It takes me back to the days of "Sampler" LPs, other record labels could learn a lot from this CD..

Some great stuff here - I'm sure I too am going to buy at least one album from the artists featured...
Quite frankly it's so cheap you have nothing to lose...

Thats really proper folk, 16 Aug 2008
Great,well worth the money. From a folk fan of many years standing.

superb sampler at a bargain price, 06 Aug 2008
The lovely people at Proper Music have done us proud. For just £1.99- less than the price of a cup of coffee- they have put together a 13-track sampler on which there is not a single duff track. In fact, there are a number of absolutely stunning moments here for anyone who loves quality songwriting.

As has been noted, this is a sampler, not a full-priced compilation, so there is a certain amount of mix and match involved. Personally, I don't think that's a problem. Not while we have the beauty of Cara Dillon's voice, a superbly-constructed song from Martin Simpson, a slightly 'experimental' moment from Eliza Carthy's new album, a great version of a traditional sea shanty... all this and the song from the Magner's ad too...

Yes, not all of it is what you'd call 'traditional' folk, but in case nobody's noticed, 'folk' has long since reached out to the mainstream and these days embraces a wide variety of artists. Who decides what folk is anyway? No one would say Eliza Carthy is not a folk artist, but her song here is certainly the least 'folky' on display.

Enough of the inverted commas. This is a truly fantastic selection of songs, close to five-star standard at any price, but at this price I can't believe everyone isn't buying it. Get it with a couple of other albums and you won't even have to pay postage.

Not proper folk, 19 Jul 2008
The title seems specific enough, but is a misnomer. This is a variable hotch-potch - covers multiple genres - a bad thing given the title! For example the first track is a trumpet based samba type track with most of the lyrics being talked over the backing rather than being sung ... didn't bode well. I love Martin Simpson and his live track is excellent...possibly better than the album track.... but I had this track already. Just don't expect too much fiddle, squeezebox etc. Interestingly it seems to get more like 'proper folk' as the CD progresses. The first time I played it I only got half way before I felt cheated and turned it off. I then played the second half in the car and replayed the earlier tracks. I don't dislike any of it ... just labelled incorrectly in my view.