Chrisb ([info]suddenlynaked) wrote,
@ 2007-12-14 14:24:00
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I have to brag
Ok - we haven't gotten tons of reviews for Vitus Dance yet. Several of the publications that reviewed us in the past aren't in business anymore and the ones that are still working don't *owe* us anything. I'm happy to get reviewed pretty much anywhere... I think it';s the first time someone has called anything we've done a "masterpeice"

So, I have to admit I feel pretty good...

From http://www.dailyvault.com/toc.php5?review=5197

Gaia Consort is one of my favorite Pagan bands -- this despite the fact that they steadfastly refuse to be called Pagan. They believe in the interconnectedness of all things and create, in their words, “visionary music for the Freethinking Mystic in all of us, building culture that celebrates the Living Earth. Psychedelic rock with a string trio and a Pagan twist in the tradition of Jethro Tull, Moody Blues and other hallucinogenic masters.”

Admittedly, that’s pretty wordy. In practical terms, Gaia Consort is the pairing of Christopher Bingham and Sue Tinney along with a collection of friends, lovers, co-conspirators and associates. They perform edgy, well-written folk-rock -- but unlike most folk-rock, it kicks ass. There is nothing namby-pamby or wimpy here; Gaia Consort is pissed off at the state of the world, and they’ll be glad to tell you why in no uncertain terms. They’ll also be glad to tell you stories about fairies, mysterious oracles and dancing all night, and they’ll even throw in some humor free of charge. Their latest release, Vitus Dance, is a joy and a delight.

For starters, Vitus Dance just sounds good. The production is impeccable and the band’s trademark harmonies shine and sparkle, especially on tracks like “Oracle.” Gaia Consort is one of the few bands who know how to use a string section; the cello thrums like blood in the temple, the violin wails and cries and the whole thing makes chills run down your spine.

Bingham is a consummate songwriter. “Dirty Little Secret” is a passionate paean to forbidden and hidden love, “All We’ve Got” is a guitar-laced anthem to changing the world from the ground up and “Vitus Dance” challenges you not to dance. I have special fondness for the funkiness of “Heather In The Mead” and the desperately, agonizingly funny “Perils Of Poly” -- which still has a thoughtful barb hidden in its frenzied lyrical tribute to juggling lovers.

Gaia Consort represents the best of the 21st Century record-your-own-CD music renaissance; music that can say what it wants without worrying what the executives think. Vitus Dance is a masterpiece.


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[info]singingnettle
2007-12-14 10:48 pm UTC (link)
Woot!

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[info]damiana_swan
2007-12-14 11:03 pm UTC (link)
Woohoo, what a great review!

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[info]enchantedpagan
2007-12-15 12:05 am UTC (link)
Yes, it rocks!!!!

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[info]valeri0n
2007-12-15 12:48 am UTC (link)
Coolness!

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[info]ferlonda
2007-12-15 03:02 am UTC (link)
What a fabulous review! I am sooooo pleased for you and the lovely Sue- you guys rock! And, yay! I'm a tiny part of someone's masterpiece!

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[info]siouxiequeue
2007-12-17 01:52 am UTC (link)
not so tiny! your part in this project, though small, was mighty!

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[info]filigree_shadow
2007-12-15 07:19 am UTC (link)
Lovely review! And well-deserved!

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[info]nascar24_48
2007-12-16 02:42 am UTC (link)
I totally agree, I've listened to every disk many times over and Vitus Dance tops them all. Congradulations on a fabulous review. We will see you again on the 22nd.

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[info]mysanal
2007-12-18 08:14 pm UTC (link)
Woohoo! I look forward to listening to my copy when it comes to me as a surprise gift at Yule. ;-)

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[info]radven
2008-02-03 03:18 am UTC (link)
I had Vitus Dance on my Christmas list...

My parents decided that they didn't feel comfortable giving anything "pagan" for a Christmas gift, but fortunately my partner Cherie stepped in and made sure the CD was ordered.

Vitus Dance has been on pretty steady rotation for us all month, and it is growing on me nicely. You are an amazing songwriter.

In fact - I just completed the iTunes meme that is going around (my results are posted here), and "Taste It All" is the most played song out of all 11,025 tracks in my library. "Just Because" also made it into the top ten.

Thank you for giving your gifts.

Now if only I could manage to catch you performing live...

- Chris

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