Search - Alexander Balanescu, David / Fernandez, Angel Byrne, Ralf / Schneider, Florian / Bartoff, Karl Huetter :: Possessed

Highly enjoyable

kamachai | 01/31/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I found this CD accidentally at the library, not knowing what it would sound like. I went home and was pleasantly surprised. The complexity of "Computer Love" was incredible to me, even before I learned the song was originally done with synthesizers. "The Model" is beautiful with the strings, and "Autobahn" and "Pocket Calculator" couldn't be more fun to listen to!I also enjoyed "No Time Before Time" (now one of my favorites on the CD), and "Want Me" -- which I found annoying at first, but eventually learned to love. This whole album is relaxing and pleasing to listen to when you want something different. (Please note; I had no idea about the band Kraftwerk before I found this CD; I had nothing to judge them by. In fact, this CD led me to Kraftwerk!)"

Out of the Ordinary

Kurt Harding | Boerne TX | 01/09/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"My encounter with the music of the Balanescu Quartet came via an amazon recommendation for Possessed I got after I reviewed a Glover Gill album. I was never into Kraftwerk, and was only somewhat into the Talking Heads, so I was unfamiliar with everything on the CD except for Kraftwerk's once-ubiquitous Autobahn.

It took a few listens to get into this CD. There were a couple of cuts I liked right off, but I admit to shelving it until recently. After listening several more times with new ears, I found more to like than originally. The music of the Balanescu Quartet reminds me somewhat of that of Darryl Way's old band Wolf, particularly on the hypnotic title cut.

Possessed, clocking in at nearly 17 minutes, is clearly the class of the album. I could listen to that time and again. But I also really enjoy Robots, Model, No Time Before Time, and the David Byrne song that closes out the CD, Hanging Upside Down.

If you are looking for something interesting and out of the ordinary, Possessed definitely qualifies on both counts. Do your ears a favor and check it out!"