It's a wonderful world, an ethereal world, a small world...
Eclectically Inclined | 04/13/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"...Having waited until I was willing to pay the neccessary money required to acquire this more than essential release by the unique David Sylvian and company(ok I am a procrastinator to be truthful...lol), today I was thrilled to finally have it's ethereal sounds penetrate me.
But first I must back track...
...a few weeks ago I discovered Stina Nordenstam by sheer accident. Picked up a CD of hers and fell in love with her simple child like voice and sometimes cryptic lyrics. Did a web search on her. One such search had a pic of the Nine Horses cover of it. What? Why was Davids release here? It stated there that she contributed vocals to the opening track "Wonderful World". A magical moment for me. Somehow artists I like end up connected at times. Had a similar experience when I discovered Virginia Astley, another wonderful female vocalist and musician. Her wonderful "Hope In A Darkened Heart" has an incredible duet with David. Anyway this experience of the connection with Stina made me decide it was time to get Snow Borne Sorrow but I only wanted the Japanese CD since being the obsessive fan I am of David I must have everything. You understand I am sure...lol
Finally I located one at a reasonable price and it arrived today just at nap time! Ugggg...lol Put it in the player and laid on the living room floor. I liked what I heard. I won't go into any real review but will share something that occured after I closed my eyes for a little semi-slumber. But first I will say that in my opinion this is not only an amazing release but one only surpassed by "Secrets Of The Beehives". A smile occured as I listened in mellow slumber. Decided to let myself float away into the music and perhaps sleep(which I didn't). At some point in a restful state a track began with a sort of ragged beginning. I've only listened once and I was somewhat out so I am not sure if it was electronics or guitar but it was "ragged". I visualized descending down a rough terrain, perhaps a large rocky hill. It fit the music. I was into it. Suddenly it turned and became smooth and beautiful as a trumpet played softly and I found myself skating around on a frozen icy lake in pleasure. I imagined looking back from where I descended and saw snowy mountains. Continuing in glide and slide I heard the lyrics reference "Snow Borne" which truly was serendipitous. Wow, the title track.
Further tracks forward found me fighting sleep as I went in and out(not due to the music, mere sleep deprivation) but I remained slightly awake. At some point I heard Stina's voice again. Wait a minute. I thought she was only on the opening track? Huh? Not only that but she was singing alone with Davids voice not to be heard at all. This raised me up to get the CD insert(s) and look at what track was playing.
The BONUS track was playing and Stina finished out this beautiful release by Sylvian with her beauty. Stina bookends this great Japanese edition and she is worth the extra dough. Of course the artwork, the inserts, the usual Japanese quality that go into their CDs all make it worth it. David makes it worth it. If you are an eclectic music lover and particularly a lover of David you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy of this.
You might just float away into it..."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1