An Aquired Taste...
Twisted Fortunes | Seattle, WA | 11/13/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I purchased this CD on recommendation of an acquaintence that runs the record shop by my house.
I am a music fanatic of all genres (besides "country" which I can't stand), and when I first bring a CD home, I scan through 30 seconds of each track to sample the flavor and mood of a CD. I can usually tell immediately whether I will keep the CD forever, pawn it off on a friend, or stick it in the microwave.
This one, however, was tricky. When "scanning" it, I was appalled at the disjointed noises and lack of melodic structure which emanated from my speakers. That probably has a lot to do with my limited exposure to music of this sort, as well as my traning as a classical musician (I'm still slowly recovering from that).
It sat in my CD case for a few days, and on a whim I decided to give it another spin...actually listen to it all the way through (imagine that).
And now I play this CD at least 3 times a week! It is on my top ten of current overall favorites. I listen to it while writing ad copy for my online store, and it actually improves my marketing skills. (I *should* be listening to it while writing this review, and perhaps I would sound a bit more articulate, but oh well.)
The CD is ambient in nature, very smooth (not disjointed as I first thought). Electronic pulses and rhythms interweave with babbling children, fragmented melodies, and ethereal noise. Each track appears to be a variation of a central theme. There's no lyrics in any language I can understand (although there are voices at times), and none of the tracks make me think of food in the slightest, although the cover art and even the CD are covered with pictures of random digestibles.
The sound and "feel" of this album is difficult to describe other than to say it's mood music for folks with ADHD. It feels quite organic, despite seeming "random" on the surface.
I suppose I should leave the reviewing up to people who know the lingo for electronic and ambient music. If you are one of those people, buy this CD. Then listen to it. Twice. You'll be glad you did.
-- Twisted Fortunes
"
Other side of the sky
William Clark | the catskills,cali | 11/29/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This album is really beautiful, blended seamlessly with electronics and an organic sensibility. It is pastural and soothing like a Monet, with cryptic undertones. It's a shame most people will never hear it, it's such an obscure release. I found it on a whim at my local record store. The cover was so striking, with it's close up's of food, that I knew the music inside would be special. Luchbox is unlikely combination that created unlikely music. Very artsy and full of style, it's almost timeless. Peanut Butter and Jelly, Swordfish and Macoronie are the standout tracks in my opinion. It's eclectic style reminds me of a Mr. Bungle album, but more subdued and finely crafted. Another reviewer called this "mood music for folks with ADHD", and having ADD I can heartly attest to this observation. The closeset likeness to Luchbox might be Mum, their is something extremely nostolgic and playfull laced within all the songs.It souns like a dream. It runs great as a whole album and should be played that way. The textures are so intricate and intriguing, you could give undivided attention to this album. At the same time you can let it play as background music and not be offended or distracted by any part. I recommened this record highly, any fan of jazz, IDM, ambient, electronic will worship it, any other person will think it's pretty good too."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1