Astounding
Peter Kubaska | Burlington VT USA | 09/23/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD seems to capture Anna at the height of her expressive career, with a perfect blend of music and lyrics. Later albums don't quite capture the bold experimental sounds and passion of this album, so I'd recommend it as a first (with Travma) for anyone not familiar with Anna Vissi's music. Personally, I prefer modern treatments of traditional Greek musical idioms, and to me this does just that, but has an emotional and soulful content that almost explodes from the CD. Antidoto is stunning and a bit chilling in its intense sensibilities and expression, Denomai is incredibly gripping, the light-hearted Tilefonaki has one of the most amazing clarinet solos on CD, Mou Anikes is so pathetic it drives in the significance and impact ancient tragedy must have had, the favorite S'exo Epithimisei is multilayered thrilling and vivifying and makes you want to dance, listening to the thoughts in Methismeni Mou Kardia makes me feel like I may need a visit to the ER if it lasts too long, and Na Ton Agapas is a beautifully mature ballad and soulful rendition of resigned love. Seeing Anna in Boston, I was sure I was in the incarnate presence of Venus of Cyprus (the lighting helped a bit). But to hear her belt out incredibly complex vocal ornamentations at the same time she was greeting her fans from the stage was a revelation. If only American contemporary music could really hear what her artistry has to say and offer..."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1