More rock than renaissance-but still good
L. A. Jensis-Carlson | New York, New York, USA | 02/14/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
""Village Lanterne" the newest album from Blackmore's Night is another fine demonstration of their unique blend of pop/rock and renaissance music. Though I will admit, I find this album to be a bit darker than their earlier recordings. And when I say dark I do not mean shockingly so. But this album contains less carefree, uplifting music such as "Under a Violet Moon" and "Home Again" with the exception of a few tracks. It seems as though they have taken a more serious turn with their lyrics and music. The tracks are as follows:
25 Years: Blend of renaissance and rock as usual with a slight middle-eastern twist. The percussion on this song is lighter and reminds me almost of a Celtic bodhran sound.
Olde Village Lanterne: Similar to "March the Heroes Home" on "Under a Violet Moon" both in lyrics and in sound. Candice's voice is soft and lovely throughout the song, leading up to a renaissance fanfare near the end.
I Guess It Doesn't Matter Anymore: More rock than renaissance on this track. The lyrics are a bit darker and ethereal speaking of a late night encounter between a driver and a mysterious woman, could be describing a run of the mill urban legend in which a ghostly hitchhiker is picked up then vanishes into thin air. But a very good song all around.
The Messenger: I really can't give a fair critique on this song since I am not a fan of instrumentals of any kind. I know that is almost sacrilegious for a Blackmore's Night fan to say, though I am sure most will be pleased with Ritchie's masterful guitar work on this track.
World of Stone: Renaissance music mostly on this one. This song has a courageous feel to it and the chanting reminds me of "Ivory Tower" on "Ghost of a Rose". Again this track is a bit darker as Candice sings of "angels falling" and preparing for a fight though it is decidedly hopeful.
Faerie Queen: This track could be a sister track to "Queen for a Day Parts One and Two" on "Ghost of a Rose". The first part of the song is demure, Candice sings softly and gently of the Faerie Queen. As the track slows Ritchie picks up with a fast paced, danceable instrumental that sounds like a jig played in a medieval tavern. One of my favorites on this album.
St. Teresa: Good old rock song. Not much more to say.
Village Dance: Again an instrumental though fan's of "Minstrel Hall" and other Blackmore instrumentals will surely find this one pleasing.
Mond Tanz/Child in Time: Those of us who have seen Blackmore's Night in concert are no strangers to this song. They took "Mond Tanz" an upbeat renaissance instrumental (one that I enjoyed) from their first album "Shadow of the Moon" and gave it a face lift, throwing in another one of Ritchie's earlier songs "Child in Time". The Sisters of the Moon, Ladies Nancy and Madeline give a beautiful, operatic performance on this song.
Streets of London: I also heard this track live at a concert as a preview to their upcoming album and I didn't care for it. Slow, sad and reminiscent.
Just Call My Name (I'll Be There): Pop/Rock song from a single released earlier this year. Even though I prefer the more renaissance side of their music I enjoyed this song.
Olde Mill Inn: This song was also on the "Just Call My Name" single. A renaissance drinking song that is similar in some ways to "Home Again" but a bit more discordant as though the patrons of a tavern were bellowing along with it.
Windmills: A soft, gentle song. Not the best on this album in my opinion.
Street of Dreams: Another rock song which moves completely away from their unique take on renaissance music, though still enjoyable.
Once in a Garden: A completely Candice song. She wrote both the music and the lyrics on this one. And though I really do enjoy her voice and music, I found this song to be just too sweet. She sings of childhood memories and dreams, days spent at the beach and of course "in a garden".
Street of Dreams Bonus Track: Exact same as its predecessor with the exception of Joe Lynn Turner singing along with Candice. I prefer the duet version to the original track on the album.
Overall, a very good album. Blackmore's Night moved away a bit from the light renaissance music but still kept their trademark style on most tracks thus making it another lovely addition to any music collection.
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Track Listings (15) - Disc #1