Search - Various Artists :: Hearts of Space 1: Universe Sampler 90

A sampler that's out of this world!

Veggiechiliqueen | 03/16/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Universe Sampler 90 was my gentle introduction into the fascinating world of spacemusic. Hearts of Space features many talented spacemusic artists such as Constance Demby, Steve Roach, Al Gromer Khan and Nik Tyndall. Different moods and atmospheres are presented here. Nik Tyndall offers the listener a glimpse of a floating mysterious paradise with Moments, Shiho reworks the Japanese folksong song Sakura into a shimmering cascade of notes on her electric koto, Al Gromer Khan blends the sounds of India (sitar, tabla) with modern technology for a breathtaking effect. A number of the CD's that are featured on this sampler such as Lagoon by Nik Tyndall and Shiho's album have gone out of print, their only available songs being on Universe Sampler 90. Although this CD dates from the early 1990's, there is still a great deal of memorable music available here. Images are conjured out of the depths of the imagination. This album still remains my favourite after eight or so years for its groundbreaking approach to New Age music."

Still the best

kim*designer | Pittsburgh, PA area | 07/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was originally given to me on a cassette tape as a gift from a friend who listened to PBS's Hearts of Space. It's 14 years later, I've worn out the tape, and I NEEDED this CD in my life! It's worth the purchase price for Raphael's Disappearing into You, which is the most deeply moving composition I've ever experienced. Every song is incredible. My four children, who are ages 15 - 23, love it when I play Star Dreams in the car and turn up the volume as the starship takes off. What a winner! If you don't buy any other CD this year, buy this one; it will feed your soul and take you places that you never dreamed you'd go."

Excellent sampler and a great introduction to the genre

John D. Obrien | Old Bridge, NJ United States | 10/21/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An absolutely gorgeous collection of tracks from various New Age/Spacemusic artists on the Hearts of Space label, circa 1990. I first owned this on cassette back when it was released and wore the tape out :) but the dynamic range of digital audio is what this kind of music was waiting for. These pieces of music are just as beautiful today as they were back then; they have hardly dated at all.



My suggestions? The best tracks are "Highland" by Bill Douglas, the deeply moving "Disappearing into You" by Raphael, and the awesomely powerful "Arcturian Sunbird" by Steve McDonald (you can hear hints here of the celtic influence which would later become the main focus of his music) which, though slightly shortened from the album version, is still a stunning piece of music. The final track on the CD, which evokes the departure of an alien ship from earth after making contact with the human race, is also strangely moving if listened to in a certain context.

All in all you can't go wrong with this album. Even if you aren't necessarily a fan of New Age per se, give this one a shot."