Search - M.J. Harris, Martyn Baytes :: Murder Ballads: Complete Collection

Isolationist folk songs

sweetback | Adelaide, Australia | 06/06/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is no simple answer on this one. I can only say that people who are expecting folk songs, or even gothic renderings of these songs, should probably avoid this recording (open-minded goths though should give this a try), unless they appreciate isolationist ambient.
FANS OF LULL, on the other hand, SHOULD DEFINITELY PURCHASE THIS. Musically this is Harris at his most minimalist, and this is akin to Lull albums such as Cold Summer, Continue, and Moments (rather than Dreamt About Dreaming or Journey Through Underworlds). It DOES require a sound system with a decent bottom end to truly appreciate its power -- definitely one that you'll get value from the subwoofer. As far as the vocals go, they add an interesting texture over the top, that's about it. As a fan of Lull, I really like this. People who like Harris's other projects (Scorn, Quoit, Weakener, Painkiller, etc) but don't like his ambient work this won't be for you. There are no drums or beats. Personally I've liked all of Harris's work so far, it took me longest to get into Lull, but now I dig it."

Masterpiece of sinister ambient

aberration15 | Greensboro, NC | 07/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Echoing the comments of a previous reviewer, this record is for people into dark, droning ambiances rather than spooky folk music. The ambiances on these records are some of Harris's best, and are completely devoid of beats or other pestering distractions from the brooding sense of menace conveyed on these tracks. Truly disturbing!"

Listen with an open mind

aberration15 | 01/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I really enjoyed this set of songs, very creepy and atmospheric. Just don't expect traditional versions of these folk songs, these takes on murder ballads are unlike anything I have ever heard before while remaining remarkably true to their original source.Very Enjoyable"