I know I’m seriously late on this, but I’ve been meaning to review this for a while now. I’d started to listen to it soon after you sent it to me, but just couldn’t get into it for some reason. Plus…how can anyone really do it justice after 4zzz’s review, which was brilliant in itself?
The first track starts off interesting in word and delivery and definitely caught my attention, but unfortunately couldn’t hold it as the song kept going, and so I never could seem to get past the first bit. It wasn’t until much, much later that I decided to sit down a give this a good listen (I'm listening to it again now). Usually songs with strong Christian and/or religious overtones really turn me off, and I think that is part of the reason it took me as long as it did to get into this also.
It wasn’t until “Falling from Cloud 9” started that I really began to feel the music and get into it. But once “With Crippled Wings” started, I was no longer regretting the decision to listen all the way through. I just thought it was a beautifully executed song, vocally haunting and musically captivating. Probably my favorite song on the entire album. And the instrumental at the end of the song kept my attention and had me eager to hear what was around the next corner, and blended right into the intro of the next song, “Waiting to Hit”. This is where I really began to realize the care with which this album was made. The way the music lulls and climaxes really helps portray the deep emotions behind it and made me feel connected to and engrossed in it. But we had a setback when the next song started. I have to admit I became a tad uninterested with the beginning of “The Ground So Soft”, but the harmonies that come in later on more than make up for it. Simply amazing, in my humble opinion.
After that I lost it again until “These Are the Days”…and from there to the last track “To Guard and to Guide You” it was all good. I especially liked that last track…it was very much like a church hymn with some heavy guitar accompaniment. Strange, but it worked so very well.
In short, I liked the album for the most part. It’s not good for a casual listening experience, but something to put on when you’re feeling pensive. It can give the right person something to really think about and meditate on. I completely understand and agree with its standing as a critically acclaimed cult classic, because it’s obvious that a lot of heart, emotion, and spirituality went into the making of this album, creating something special that certain people will be able to seriously relate to.
Thanks for sending it!
I also meant to post something on the Lovage album, which I also listened to much later after I’d received it. I’ll try to get that up in the next few days if you'll still take it!