CN's best album since Chapter III
Brad Torgersen | Seattle, WA, USA | 07/21/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I've been a Celestial Navigations fan since 1989. The huge delay between the release of Chapter IV and this album, had almost caused me to believe that Chapter V would never surface. Thankfully, that fear was unfounded, and I thought Chapter V to be the best CN release since Chapter III.
One thing that differentiates Chapter V from almost all the rest, is the backing music. Mr. Lewis's signature voice is in solid, if somewhat elderly form, but the music is largely cinematic in quality, with string orchestration and other additions which show how far CN's production ambitions have come since the synthesizer-laden classic, Chapter I.
Which is not to say that synth never appears on this album. "Arranger 5" is both amusing and classic, in that it features Mr. Lewis' quirky wit and nothing BUT synthesizer. But other tracks, such as "Sub and the Bull" and "Letters from the Revolution" feature backing music that seems to be pure orchestra; and much appreciated pure orchestra at that.
As with previous CN albums, Lewis is not pulling any punches, in terms of loving the American Experiment or infusing tracks like "Santa" with an honest adoration for Jesus Christ. Far from New Age, Chapter V is more like a return to the country age, when neighbors sat with neighbors on the front porch, communities pulled toghether for the good of the community, and one could place his hand over his heart and recite the Pledge without being accused of warmongerism, jingoism, nationalism, or any of the other tired -isms.
Touching, thought-provoking, Chapter V is thoroughly in the spirit of the previous four albums, and all I could say after hearing this one is, "I can't wait for Chapter VI!""
Review - Celestial Navigations
James E. Richwine | Va USA | 01/31/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Just as with their other albums, CN hits the spot with their newest offering. I know of no other spoken word albums with such vivid and descriptive passages."
Celestial navigations, Capter V, The Connection
J. Spillman | USA | 05/25/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Very enjoyable CD. Have all of the CDs from them and listen to them all the time. Waiting for more."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1