Search - David Arkenstone :: Island

Adventuresome No More

Marc Ruby? | Warren, MI USA | 02/05/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"While I have a great deal of respect for David Arkenstone as a popularizer of electronic music, I'm not a complete fan of his efforts. Arkenstone rarely pushes the envelope, and is often content to choose to emulate acoustic grenre rather than explore possibilities. I'm not a complete fan of any of the extremes, but sometimes I fine Arkenstone 'extremely' mainstream.This isn't all bad. Arkenstone has achieved a level of success that is enviable, and has completely avoided the uneveness that is Kitaro's main flaw. But the trade off is that the price of all this listenability is a loss of inspiration. For me, Arkenstone sounds like movie music, where the compositions are meant to underline the films action rather than stand on their own.Andrew White, the 'other' lead on this CD, is well known for his Celtic guitar work, which is not all that evident on this album. In fact, were his name not on the front I would have never thought the little guitar work that I do hear (Along the Shore Line) was his work. Even Nancy Rumbel, who is barely mentioned in the credits gets more air time.On the positive side, this is a pleasant, easy listening album. The work isn't trite, it just borders occasionally on the cliche - happy music, if you will. I have to remind myself that musical tastes have advanced since Arkenstone first set out to make electronics an acceptible part of the modern musical repertoire. What was interesting and unusual yeaterday is today's commonplace."

Eminently listenable

V. Brown | the hinterlands of Idaho-ho-ho | 12/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The CD is pure joy from start to finish.
The music carries a sense of adventure
and possibility. Not really any dud cuts."