Search - Imogen Heap :: Ellipse (Bonus Track Version)

Wonderful!

GarionOrb | Houston, Texas United States | 08/25/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Imogen Heap finally returns with her third solo album, Ellipse. Ms. Heap certainly does not disappoint! This album is truly extraordinary. Upon listening, you can hear how meticulously this album was crafted. Not one song sounds rushed. Layers upon layers of electro-soundscapes pop and swirl around Heap's wonderful vocals. The lyrics are insightful and quirky, as only she can write. What's most pleasant to me is that this album doesn't try to be like any of her previous releases. It takes its own risk, and thus has its own identity within Imogen Heap's catalog.



"First Train Home" starts the album and also serves as the first single. This song is the closest you'll get to the material she's released before. After that, the tracks get more experimental. Gone are the familiar hooks that were heard throughout her last album, Speak For Yourself, and this isn't a bad thing. The instrumentation here is wonderous (hence why she decided to include a separate disc of instrumental versions of all the songs)! My picks for standout tracks include: "Earth", "Little Bird", "Bad Body Double", "Canvas" and "Half Life".



I simply cannot wait to see how the songs on Ellipse will be interpreted live on stage! There simply isn't another album out there like this. Another triumph for Imogen Heap!"

The Deluxe Edition Really Is the One to Get

Thomas M. Croft | Fort Collins, CO USA | 09/08/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love this new album by Imogen Heap (see my review of the standard edition). My mistake on release day was hastily dismissing the deluxe edition as something for completists only and buying the standard edition instead. After I listened to a few of the instrumental tracks on-line on Rhapsody, though, I quickly realized that I really was missing something by not getting the deluxe edition. Think of it this way: The vocal and instrumental versions of the songs are like pictures of a beautiful scene taken from two different angles. You hear details--interesting little touches and nuances--in the instrumental versions that you just don't pick up in the vocal versions. You get a clearer view of the arranging/orchestration side of Imogen's talents, and the instrumental versions are surprisingly fun to listen to as an alternative album that sets a mood of its own. Imogen's backing tracks are amazingly clever, varied, and rich with interesting sounds, both natural and synthesized. I ended up getting the deluxe edition, and I'm very glad I did. Imogen had good reason to release the separate disc of instrumental tracks, as you'll discover if you pick up this excellent set. One really fun way to listen to "Ellipse" is to listen to the instrumental versions first and then the vocal versions (separated by perhaps a few hours or a day or two). The effect is amazing!



One possible disadvantage of the deluxe edition is that the discs slide into fairly tight-fitting envelopes attached to the inside front and back covers of the little hardcover book containing the liner notes. If that kind of packaging bothers you (it bothers me because it tends to scratch up the discs if you take them out very often), you might want to consider storing the discs in a 2-CD jewel case instead."

A New Release from a Poetic Goddess

Rebecca Johnson | Washington State | 09/05/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It seems there is no limit to Imogen Heap's creativity. She has again created a magical world of musical ecstasy. Each song has a subtle intimacy and creative melody that dance together to produce stunning results.



"Between Sheets" is intoxicating while "Earth" is a good example of how Imogen uses her voice like a musical instrument. Her timing is impeccable throughout the album, setting a high standard for other musicians to follow. She bares her soul but remains in command of her emotions.



I loved the unrelenting urgency in "Train" and the beautiful vulnerability in "Little Bird." I've rarely heard anything as creative as "Bad Body Double" and loved the Bansuri flute in "Half Life." Basically I love everything on this album.



If you are trying to decide between the regular CD and this two CD edition go with the two CDs. You really get your money's worth and the pictures with poetic lyrics are all beautiful and very imaginative.



~The Rebecca Review

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