CD REVIEW - From the Mists

[Mike]

From the Mists A Retrospective CD by Spiral Dance © 2010 14
Tracks Total Running Time: 1:14:27 (74:27) $26.89 (U.S.)
MP3 Download $8.99 (U.S.)

Woman of the Earth 5:29 The Quickening 5:31
The Goddess and the Weaver 4:35 Holly Lord 6:22
Magick 3:32 Tarry Trousers 5:12
Pan 3:50 Song for a Selkie/The Butterfly 6:09
Black Anni/Jardin de Lumiere 5:34 Voodoo Bayou 3:54
The Dewy Dells of Yarrow 3:57 Burning Times 8:38
Boys of Bedlam 4:06 Rise Up 7:48

The retrospective on this disc covers a number of years and styles.
They were gathered from a number of previously released works covering
the years from 1996 to 2007, as well as one previously unreleased
track. I thoroughly enjoyed every song, although I must admit a
preference for the cover of “Burning Times” by Charlie Murphy. Some
of the lyrics took me back to my early days of involvement with the
Pagan movement – not because the songs were familiar (except for
“Burning Times” I don't remember hearing any of them before), but
because of the feelings they invoked.

I've commented before that I've spent far too long NOT paying
attention to the Pagan music scene, and that I regret that
inattention. It has never been brought home more poignantly than when
I heard the music this fantastic group has been producing for more
than 15 years! I really need start catching up. For that reason I am
anticipating the release of their latest album shortly.

The songs on this album reflect the influence of the folk movement on
the Pagan music gen.re. I know there are other influences as well,
and I know that folk doesn't suit everyone's tastes, but it sure gets
me fired up.

There is a little bit of everything on this album. There is mythology
(“The Goddess and the Weaver”); stories of the Horned God (“Pan”);
songs appropriate for setting the tone for rituals (“Holly Lord”), as
well as others just for fun.

I suppose that at some point I will actually break down and buy an MP3
player so I can carry my music with me easily. When that happens, you
can be sure that this CD is going to be loaded onto it.

The vocals mix well with the instruments (and be honest, how often do
you hear a button accordion nowadays?), and the feeling comes across
that you would enjoy sitting down and getting to know these folks. It
almost makes me regret living in the U.S., since it is unlikely that I
will get that opportunity any time soon. Since I can't sit down with
these talented folks, I'll make due by settling back and enjoying
their music on a regular basis.