"This cd, along with their previous "Mo-di", has to be among the most underrated albums ever produced. I was lucky enough to learn of this band when they performed live here back in 95 at the Detroit Art Fair, soon after the release of "Shorelife". I've owned this cd since then, and to this day, it is one of the very few albums I own that I absolutely cherish every single track, and have yet to tire of them. I am baffled as to how this project slipped under the public's radar as they sound extremely radio-friendly. I am certain that if they had made a few videos, it would have boosted their popularity."
A disappointment for some
Swimming Rabbit | 11/10/2004
(2 out of 5 stars)
"Obviously some fans have enjoyed this album, so I'm not trying to say it isn't good-- only that it is EXTREMELY different from Martin Swan's first Mouth Music project, which I found brilliant. In my humble opinion, I think that the vocals really hurt the songs-- they don't capture the spirit as Talitha McKenzie did. Also, with the exception of one or two songs, the music is a bit weak and underdeveloped.
For those who are wanting to check out Mouth Music for the first time, I'd suggest staying away from this album as it isn't a fair representation of Martin Swan's incredible talents. I'd recommend going for the very first album, Mouth Music, or the newest, Seafaring Man (which is very different than the first, but equally brilliant).
Please refrain from saying that my review is unhelpful if you merely disagree with me. Cheers."
Celtic-World Beat-Plus
Douglas J. Hultsman | Corinth, Texas United States | 08/14/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Simply stunning! Loved "mo-di" (previous release), love this one just as much. The addition of Jackie Joyce's voice and sometimes stinging("World is for All"), sometimes achingly beautiful("Time")lyrics to Martin Swan's musical force is a real blast. Her R&B'ish style adds yet another twist to this Celtic/World/Pop/Rock ensemble that at times still serves up some Gaelic lyrics. The simple elegance of the music on this release is a welcome relief from the recent glut of overdone, oversampled and overproduced music that parades under the banner of "World" music. Noticed that it has limited availability....Get it while ya' can!!"
A beautiful blend beyond "world music"
Swimming Rabbit | 07/27/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Rich, smooth, and spirtual, "Shorelife" draws from this Scottish group's traditional Celtic roots, and blends R&B, techno, and funk. To their synthesized rhythms, they add such instruments as the guitar, violin, tenor saxophone, bamboo & block flute, whistle, djembe, darabuka, cowbell, triangle, timbarim, baobab pod, tabla, conga, bongo, and rototom.The result is hypnotic.Close your eyes and listen to the beautiful "Time." Or turn out the lights and listen to "Make It Real":"Dream into my world, into my breathing / Dream into my life, into my dreaming / Shadows fall across your face / This carbon world fills up this space / A thousand lights of a million miles / Move your lips into a smile"While I never thought they could top their earlier album, "Mo-Di," this one has made me an even bigger fan."
Every track dragged me further in
Swimming Rabbit | 05/09/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I loved 8 of the 9 tracks. Pretty good batting average. First track hooked me and the rest just took me along for a wonderful lyrical ride."