Eshanti Brahman

So I am a bit late with my review,or in fact, I didnt plan to review it at all. Well, that was until I saw the comments given here which imho are a bit on the harsh side. I will not go so far as saying this release is superior to the original Shpongle-album. But when I first listened to it, I felt it was a fresh breath of air and the remixes could might as well been original songs. Too keep it short: It is a very good album,with a wholesome mix of: (i) Ok tracks (ii) Good tracks (iii) Great tracks 1.The first track by WRA is a great intro-song,very fast-phased and at the same time, soft drum'n'bassish beats & great melodies. A great daytime track,oozing sunshine ! Ok,I just realized something; which Shpongle-tune is this rmx from? Crystal skulls!?! Hehe,now I understand why it seemed so fresh and new to me then.-->Good/Great 2. Now here is the mindfucker of them all (ehm of the album that is). The original song is maybe one of the greatest Posford-tunes ever,but Eat Static completely rapes it and ends up with a hyperactive and mean twist'n'twurl track that radiates with energy. This is my favorite from the album. An incredible build-up to the merciless beats; the whole song is in fact a rollercoaster,with its changes in phase-->Great 3. Ok,in the beginning I hatet the Broomstates remix. My initial reacton was: wtf? Noisy beats iwith no purpose! Today I still say wtf when I listen to it cause it is great. The pumping drive in this track is priceless,it seem all messy in the beginning but tas the main rythm becomes gradually more distinct,with a great simple bass and the with Shpongle-vocals on top: Smile! A great electro track,it is monotonous yes;but that's what supplies with fuel for this engine! -->Great 4. This track is good,but with usual Promotheus/Younger Brother vibe incorporated. A rather funky joy-infected tune (the bass,the bass,the bass). The tune doesnt evolve that much and stays quite close to its original brother-->Good 5. I havent got a single clue about Delusions Of Grandeu. And maybe it's not my biggest loss... If I heard it without knowing that it was a remix,i'd asssume i was drunk,stoned or that Posford had just done a bit DIY-tweaking in his sparetime. Dont take it the wrong way; The song is good,but the original is better and almost identical,so it gets abit annoying-->Ok 6. This was the first track I heard of the record as it featured on the Unusual Suspect release (or was it the other way around?). A song easy to love on the first spin, It has all the rights bits without ever reaching climax. Love the base,the melody but it goes on with no purpose. Oh and vibe at 1:50 gives me the goosebumps,but immediately after the vibe is shattered by the guitar at 1:56. Its something about that delay which sounds flat and incredible "right out of the box sample" if you know what I mean. The guitar elsewhere in the track is sublime,si why this misfortunate deviation? Nonetheless; Total Eclipse (almost) never disapponts us-->Good 7.O.t.t is truly a audiovisual engineer and he never let's us down. Thus,his take on Shpongle is no exception: The remix has that dramatic all-encompassing sound,increadible nice slow,build-up to vocals and heavy beats. Ott builds upon his dub-credentials and a deep,underlying bass which seems to be everywhere,yet distinct. In other words,no suprises to write home about-->Great 8. The finisher of this release is a nice and cloudy song, beautifully incorporating the vocals from the original. Some strings here too which take me back to Celtic Cross(why?). A relaxing and harmonix end of the journey-->Good So this album is strong in its electronica diversity,some aboslute killers (not in that full-on style or very ambient style tho'). A "thumbs-up" approach to an, let us be frank, unapproachable Shpongle album. Verdict: 9/10

Shpongled in a far away gaellic/celtic dreamland or simply in Ireland? Well then Celtic Cross is the right thing for you. It`s been years that I haven't listened to "Celtic Cross" and I really dont understand why because it is a gem. The album has such a strong,single concept and the concept is carried out in a great manner...It is rather psychedelic and interlaced with some melodies that I find Posford has a natural craving for.... This piece of celtic psyambient proves for the umptheenth time that Posford (+Youth)? can be so diverse in concept while still based on the solid now-immortal Shpongled fundamentals. Best tracks: 1,6 and 7. Track 5 is a small psychedelic treasure....soaked with emotions. Rating: 8,5/10

I cant believe that no one mentioned Mystery of the Yeti 1&2. Especially the second one is all about the Himalayan beast (he also contributes with some noise)