Govinda, a.k.a. Shane O'Madden, has a magic touch when blending diverse elements such as guitar, programming, violin, and sarod to create an enticing electronic music with hints of the Middle East, India, and British Isles... more ». "Erotic Mystics" is such an example, with its heavy hip-hop beat below the crying of the sarod and Clarita Sanchez's delicate spoken word. "Aspetta" wraps sounds of Celtica around O'Madden's unadorned vocal callings, while "Next to Godliness" recalls the elevated, vocal praising of Sufi qawwali and ragas. Spanish guitar dominates the album early on with "Quintessence of Dust" and the intriguing "Compassion," a trip-hoppy dance endeavor that's laced with treated voice and electronic programming. "Le Zephyr" somehow manages to make a tinkly piano à la George Winston work with the ethereal soul of Amy Atchley's vocals--again manifesting Govinda's alchemist talents. --Karen K. Hugg« less
Govinda, a.k.a. Shane O'Madden, has a magic touch when blending diverse elements such as guitar, programming, violin, and sarod to create an enticing electronic music with hints of the Middle East, India, and British Isles. "Erotic Mystics" is such an example, with its heavy hip-hop beat below the crying of the sarod and Clarita Sanchez's delicate spoken word. "Aspetta" wraps sounds of Celtica around O'Madden's unadorned vocal callings, while "Next to Godliness" recalls the elevated, vocal praising of Sufi qawwali and ragas. Spanish guitar dominates the album early on with "Quintessence of Dust" and the intriguing "Compassion," a trip-hoppy dance endeavor that's laced with treated voice and electronic programming. "Le Zephyr" somehow manages to make a tinkly piano à la George Winston work with the ethereal soul of Amy Atchley's vocals--again manifesting Govinda's alchemist talents. --Karen K. Hugg
"Now an avid fan of world music this was my glorified introduction to Govinda's work a.k.a. Shane O'Madden. And just as the title suggests I was entwined and entranced upon listening but once. It usually takes me at least two or three listens to get a feel to whether or not I really like something, but apparently this was not the case. I knew right off that this would soon become an all-time favorite in my CD collection, and it has. I have many world albums now which try to approach similar tastes as this, but none have compared or even come slightly close to reaching the majestic peak of this. And to think that Govinda is probably one of the most underrated world artists to come of age. It's sad to think that because this really is an amazing accomplishment in a century of repertoire soundscapes. I could listen to this day through night and love it every time! It opens up with seductive Spanish guitar strings on "Quintessence Of Dust," washing into the intoxicating Egyptian sounds of "Erotic Mystics" to the compelling dance offering of "Compassion" that soon moves through to the ethereal "Le Zephyr," sung by Amy Atchley, into the maddening Celtic "Aspetta" which just might arguably be the highlight of this everlasting gem. Another to look forward to is the feverish piano-induced "Split Between Two Worlds" or the mournful callings of the closing song: "Celebratum" which features baby samples from his daughter. In a word this CD is absolutely Splendid."
Enchanting
M. Molina | Sanfrancisco, CA United States | 02/15/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I only heard short samples when I was at the music store. And instanltly, I knew I was going to have this cd, in my collection. The musical atmoshpere of this cd reminds me much of Delerium and Enigma. That alone will make me purchase a musical cd. The quality of this music is pure gold and silver melted together in oneness."
One in a million
Ron Gonzalez | Boston | 08/10/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"All the other reviewers have already expressed verbally how good this CD really is. I haven't been privy to enjoy any of their other CD's, but this CD is so perfect, that im almost afraid of listening to their other CD's. I can imagine that it would be very difficult even for them to out do what they have done on this CD.Believe me, this CD is worth it."
An astonishing improvement for Govida!
Ron Gonzalez | 04/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I must admit that I didn't like the first Govinda album "O Earthly Gods" one bit. I thought the vocals were downright hideous and the rhythms clashed terribly with the music. But "Entwined & Entranced" is so many steps up the quality music latter for Govinda, that it can only be described as remarkable and I have a difficult time believing it is actually the same artist. The style is a blend of gypsy, celtic and tribal but in a very sensual and classy way - it's the perfect album to listen to over a romantic dinner or a friendly get together in an "upper class" setting. The beats are dance-driven but not in a "poppy" way and the overall mood is intense but not overdone.I guess a good way to describe the sound is it's like a cross between Mythos and Afro-Celt Sound System, and it would easily fit in the genre of Enigma and Deep Forest.Highley reccomended!"