Lisa Gerrard: Best Of

lisa gerrardThe layout really says it all - cracked earth, photoshopped steps into infinity, fractal seashells, brain waves, doves and abstracted nature forms. Lisa Gerrard was in Dead Can Dance, which should fill in the rest of the story. Several of these songs were on movie soundtracks such as Gladiator and Whale Rider, and so rightfully sound just like that epic faux-world-music new-ageiness that haunts all major motion pictures during a slow-motion battle scene or a tender goodbye between lovers before the blood-shed. Though the trademarked unforgivable abuse of reverb and layered synth strings attributed to New Age music abound on this album and the vocals also fit the mold, landing somewhere in that almost operatic, almost "ethnic" sound (though I'm not sure what culture the generic "world music" genre adapted this style from) her music is really not as corny as it could be though it could easily fit-in on the famed "Pure Moods" compilations geared toward middle-aged people looking for something new and exotic, but also soothing and safe. Or some sort of collection of Classical Relaxation with nature sounds. The sound of Best Of is pleasant and her voice is strong and versatile, but she is too representative of this awful world-fusion/new age phenomenon that is contemporary music's version of Western Globalism, taking what is convenient from other cultures, stripping it of its context, meaning, rawness and relevance, making it "beautiful" enough for adult contemporary ears and turning that reverb gate up to 11 so it really resonates with all of the African masks and Asian tapestries you have around your living room. Perfect for sending the kids to your mother-in-law's and finally using up those bath salts you've been saving. Relax. Instead I would go straight to the source and look into Oum Kalthoum, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan or another truly raw and amazing singer who isn't hiding behind studio effects with Universal Pictures in mind. :: Lisa Gerrard: Best Of - 4AD/Beggars/Indigo