Search - Govinda :: Echoes of Eden

Different... VERY different...

Clarissa | Ontario, California | 02/18/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"It pains me to give one of my absolute favorite groups an average rating such as this but even now I think I'm being generous. I simply feel that 'Echoes of Eden' sounds rushed and uninspired. Unlike the innovative and erotic works of 'Entwined & Entranced', 'Oh Earthly Gods' and even 'Erotic Rhythms From Earth' where you begin to hear the changes happening, 'Echoes Of Eden' seems bland in comparison and can even be boring because of repetitive rhythms. Shane O'Madden is a musical genius and I'll always respect whatever he does but since I had to buy two copies due to missing tracks on the independent release back in 2002, which makes this as aggravating as it is a let down, I'm very disappointed in his latest effort. I'm unclear on whether Shane left of his own accord or if Earthtone dropped him because he wanted to delve further into the electronic scene but, if that's the case, than I'm begging Govinda to reclaim their older, familiar style or to step back into the shadows for a while to practice on honing your skills. I'm guessing since they signed their name over to Water Music the "big guys" hurried him in creating new material, which is often the case when an artist switches record labels. But, then again, I do, however, appreciate the dreamy vocals of Chrysta Bell (Shane's wife) and Jennifer Folker whom I was thrilled to see on here because I loved her contribution to Banco de Gaia's "Obsidian". She only sings on "So Much To Give" while Chrysta appears on "From My Cocoon", "Like I Do" and the remix of "Tu M'Aimes" but they're undeniably the best songs featured, making this otherwise insipid album actually worth buying if your a die-hard fan like me. I do like the teasing hint of what we're used to hearing from Govinda on the haunting "Raga" and the washy wah guitars on "Hypnotic" but missing here is Shane's signature violin playing, which is replaced with funky dance beats, deep bass, Eastern dubs and Indian vocalizations. I admit, he finds the groove and is able to make it work sometimes but he mostly achieves a watered-down Karsh Kale rip-off. And trust me, it saddens me to do anything but praise this man's amazing talents. I suppose he's just lost in finding a new niche for himself. On the up side, this isn't a complete disaster... It could have been a lot worse."

It's all good :-)

gnatinthewind | Ohio | 06/11/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard of Govinda on a Six Degees sampler entiled Asian Travels 2 - the song titled "Slow Devotion". I thought "this track is the bomb! ( which it is ); who's Govinda?"
Soon thereafter, I ordered Echoes of Eden as was not disappointed. Every song is a good one, and I have since bought Govinda's three previous CDs as well - they're all good. My favorite thing to do is put them all in my CD player and hit the shuffle button, blending all four CDs together, in a random order. Yes, there are slight differences among Govinda's four CDs, but it's all Shane O'Malley, so it's all good.
I do notice there is less of his violin playing on Echoes of
Eden, and that is missed somewhat, but it's still him playing most of the other instruments as well. There does seem to be a little more violin in the earlier three CDs, a little more DJ/turntable flavor in the last two ( Govinda's third CD, which blends together all these elements, might be the best one of the four: "Erotic Mystics" ), but they are all very good.
But in general, it's Govinda - hip hop-trip hop beats with a wonderful world/middle eastern flavor that is both unique and never boring. In many of the songs, you'll find lovely vocals, and he rocks the sub woofer with the deep bass lines.
So, in short, I'd recommend buying them all (Echoes of Eden, Erotic Mystics, Entwined & Entranced, and O Earthly Gods ), put them in the CD changer, push the shuffle button, and enjoy :-)"

Worth every penny and then some!

Lindsay | FL | 05/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ever-evolving, Govinda's latest (which I purchased through CD BABY)is awesome. If one were to play his entire discography end to end, one would be able to see the growth and wonderful transitions an artist can go through. When purchasing a favorite artist's latest album, I always wait in trepidation. I feel I didn't waste a dime, I gained another part of the masterpiece that is Govinda. So take any review you see of this album with a grain of salt. But, I LOVED this album. I only wish I could have been in Austin to hear its premiere."