Tracks
Also by Diane Arkenstone
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This is a favorite Diane Arkenstone album for me. One of two, actually, and ultimately probably the second-favorite (where the first is "This Sacred Land.") One thing I really appreciate about this album is that it's one of Diane's least-percussive works, at least of which I'm aware. Many of her (and ex-husband David's) albums are the kind of thing you have to be in a specific mood to enjoy. When I reach for my collection of New-Age music, what I'm usually looking for is "soothing" and "gentle," which makes the pounding drums the two often can't seem to resist a major turn-off for me. But this album is generally suitable for the "ambient" music label.
Here's a breakdown of my favorite tracks on this album.
2) "The Angel's Voice" - This is an instant classic. It's gentle and nurturing with zero drumming whatsoever. The combination of vocals and ambient synth are what really define this track. There's also some gentle choral and symphonic background going-on, but I have a feeling these are both also keyboard synth and not the genuine article. Still sounds good, though.
3) "A Gentle Touch" - Once again, Arkenstone strikes a harmonious chord with gentle, resonant synth and flute. The sound reminds me of a well-done therapeutic or relaxation massage. Later, some choral notes come-in to enrich the soundscape, and makes this track as full as it needs to be. Nothing extraneous.
5) "Transformation" - This is a nice track. Extra-commendable for the fact that the drumming is really subtle. If you're going to drum in a new-age album, this is how it should be - a matter of understatement. Actually the bass is a bit louder (or at least more forward in the mix) than the drums, which works nicely for my purposes.
7) "Ocean of Stars" - Now here is a great track. It's got a deep, strong but ambient bass that lends a supportive, secure sort of feeling while the chimes gently entertain. Once again, the name is really true to the sound. It's like a relaxed view of an expansive night sky, and the feeling of immensity that comes from contemplating the vastness of the universe. This is *definitely* music fit for the healing arts, whether therapeutic massage or magickal ritual, or just meditation. Gorgeous and serene.
8) "Sanctuary" - True to the name, this is a very safe and contemplative-feeling track. It has the energy of a temple or monastary. If this song were a place, I would very much like to live there.
That's about it. There are two tracks on this album that I find myself wanting to enjoy a lot more than I'm actually able-to, and those are "The Secret Garden," and "Dreamscape." I may find uses for them in my work, but they're too percussive to be very versatile, at least where I'm concerned.
Here's a breakdown of my favorite tracks on this album.
2) "The Angel's Voice" - This is an instant classic. It's gentle and nurturing with zero drumming whatsoever. The combination of vocals and ambient synth are what really define this track. There's also some gentle choral and symphonic background going-on, but I have a feeling these are both also keyboard synth and not the genuine article. Still sounds good, though.
3) "A Gentle Touch" - Once again, Arkenstone strikes a harmonious chord with gentle, resonant synth and flute. The sound reminds me of a well-done therapeutic or relaxation massage. Later, some choral notes come-in to enrich the soundscape, and makes this track as full as it needs to be. Nothing extraneous.
5) "Transformation" - This is a nice track. Extra-commendable for the fact that the drumming is really subtle. If you're going to drum in a new-age album, this is how it should be - a matter of understatement. Actually the bass is a bit louder (or at least more forward in the mix) than the drums, which works nicely for my purposes.
7) "Ocean of Stars" - Now here is a great track. It's got a deep, strong but ambient bass that lends a supportive, secure sort of feeling while the chimes gently entertain. Once again, the name is really true to the sound. It's like a relaxed view of an expansive night sky, and the feeling of immensity that comes from contemplating the vastness of the universe. This is *definitely* music fit for the healing arts, whether therapeutic massage or magickal ritual, or just meditation. Gorgeous and serene.
8) "Sanctuary" - True to the name, this is a very safe and contemplative-feeling track. It has the energy of a temple or monastary. If this song were a place, I would very much like to live there.
That's about it. There are two tracks on this album that I find myself wanting to enjoy a lot more than I'm actually able-to, and those are "The Secret Garden," and "Dreamscape." I may find uses for them in my work, but they're too percussive to be very versatile, at least where I'm concerned.