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This could be one of the most untraditional,
and yet totally traditional, Christmas Albums you will ever own.
Don't let calling it "A Dark Noel" fool you. The sixteen
PROJEKT Artists who contributed to this wonderful CD, have by-passed
the Commercial part of the Holiday, and brought the Holy sound
of it back.
From "Love Spirals Downwards" beautiful and light rendition
of "Welcome Christmas," to "Area's" minor
key track of "O Come Emmanuel," to the stentorian voices
of "Thanatos" singing "The First Noel," I
found myself fascinated with this CD. I usually buy one new Christmas
record each year, and this is a welcome addition to my collection.
There are a few unusual interpretations of traditional Christmas
Carols, such as "Sorrow's" version of "The Little
Drummer Boy," "Jingle Bells" by "Lovesliescrashing,"
"O Holy Night" by "Eva O," "We Three
Kings" by "Lycia/The Unquiet Void" and "Attrition's"
"Silent Night," but they're all interesting and entertaining
in their own way.
Of course you will find very recognizable songs done in a very
traditional way on this CD as well. "Arcanta" delivers
a beautiful, slow, a capella harmonizing of "Carol of the
Bells," while "This Ascension" does a much more
traditional version of the same song with a medieval flavor.
"FuchiKachis Ethu's" acoustical rendition of "Oh
Come All Ye Faithful" is a perfect companion to the symphony
sound of "Balderas and Osborn's" "What Child Is
This?"
Yiddish Chants, and Middle Eastern type instrumentals in the
background, showcase "Channukkah, Oh Channukkah" performed
by "Black Tape For A Blue Girl," and the ever popular
"A Winter Wassail," done with expert medieval instrumentals
and the lovely voices of "Faith And The Muse," are
also excellent tracks. One final song, "Stille Nacht"
by "Autopsia" is truly awe inspiring.
I suppose it's unusual to rave about a Christmas Album that only
gets played for a few weeks once a year, but this CD is the first
one since Manheim Steamroller's first Christmas Album came out
to really catch my attention. Normally I would find it difficult
to review Christmas music before Halloween (I'm one of those
Scrooge's who doesn't believe in getting into the "Christmas
Spirit" until at least the second week of December.), but
I didn't mind listening to this CD at all. Besides, in order
to give you an opportunity to get it for yourself in time for
the Christmas season, you'll need to know how and where now.
Unfortunately, the only major chain currently carrying the PROJEKT
label is Border's Books and Music, and not all stores stock this
label's releases. It's really a shame, because everyone is missing
a lot of great music. However, I am going to include all the
ways you can order from PROJEKT so you won't have to miss out
on "Excelsis." There is also a 28" x 40"
Poster, and a size XL Sweatshirt available with the "Excelsis"
cover art.
To order by credit card (VISA-MC-DISCOVER), call 1-800-CD-LASER,
or visit Projekt's site on the Internet at http://www.projekt.com.
To order by mail, write to:
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Dark Wave |
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P.O. Box 166155 |
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Chicago, IL 60616 |
Make sure to include the following, and request a catalog if
you're interested in these artists:
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Format: |
CD or Cassette |
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Quantity: |
However many you want |
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Title: |
Excelsis-A Dark Noel |
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Price Per Item: |
$14 CD, $8 Cassette, $8 Poster, $17 Sweatshirt |
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Shipping Charges: |
Priority Mail $3, UPS Ground $4 |
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Total: |
Illinois Residents include 8.75% Sales Tax |
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Method of Payment: |
Credit Card, Money Order, Personal Check |
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Personal Checks over $100 are held 3 weeks because of an abundance
of bounced checks, so consider a Money Order. The catalog says
to allow 3-6 weeks for delivery from the time you place your
order, but I imagine if you order early it may take less time.
(This is strictly my opinion, so don't hold me or PROJEKT to
that statement!)
If you buy only one Christmas Album this year, consider Excelsis-A Dark Noel
seriously. You'll be glad you did!
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