Category: Classical, Electronica, & New Age

SUMMARY:                                  RUNNING TIME: 4:09 Min.

Despite its actual name, it’s the title tune (Track # 2) off Enya’s 1988 Watermark album.  The Latin phrase translates to “watermark,” or, specifically, the end of one’s journey (from a first person point-of-view).    

REVIEW:

Unlike other tracks on Watermark, “Cursum Perficio” isn’t likely to inspire a meditative or relaxing mood.  Its initial gentleness evolves into a seemingly ominous narrative, per the song’s extensive choral chanting.  Enya’s fans can best appreciate this track’s sophistication, but the noticeably dramatic “Cursum Perficio” doesn’t apply towards practical use (i.e. yoga and massage therapy).

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                5 Stars

SUMMARY:                                  RUNNING TIME: 2:36 Min.

This instrumental track appears on Disc 3 of Vanessa-Mae’s 2000 Classical Collection, Part 1 album.

REVIEW:

“Chinese Folk Tune” has a wonderful sound, courtesy of this orchestral interpretation and Vanessa-Mae’s serene violin work.  As one of many low-key gems on this three-disc album, this track is recommended. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             8 Stars

SUMMARY:                          RUNNING TIME: 3:59 Min.

It’s the second track off Enya’s 1992 Shepherd Moons album. 

REVIEW:

Working off a beautiful New Age melody, Enya sounds at the top of her game.  This luxurious tune strikes an ideal balance between her voice and the melody.  While this song isn’t necessarily among her all-time best, it’s still a high-caliber performance.  For any home and work playlists, the subdued charm of “Caribbean Blue” is a worthwhile experience.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       8½ Stars

SUMMARY:                                RUNNING TIME: 6:19 Min.

For his 1996 dance-electronica album, Dreamland, composer-musician Robert Cocina (aka Robert Miles) performs this instrumental (Track # 10) in an expansion of its radio form.  The track’s intro combines electronica with what faintly sounds like chirping seagulls. 

Notes: The four-minute radio version of “Children” appears on the compilation album, Ultimate Dance Party 1997, Volume 1.  Yet, the closest approximation on Dreamland to the radio version is Track # 1’s expanded ‘dream’ variant (running time of 7:04).   

REVIEW:

Building up slower to a consistent beat, this interpretation of “Children” has a completely different tone.  By the album’s high-energy standards, it’s actually one of Dreamland’s few subdued tunes.  The melody is fine … but, with a six-plus minute running time, this track may grow tiresome.  Specifically, Miles just repeats the same beats over and over, with occasional sound effects thrown in for good measure.  Though it’s longer, Track # 1’s ‘dream’ variant, which is straight-up electronica/dance, is a far better bet for an adrenaline-pumping workout playlist.  The unimaginative “Children (Original Version)” could be used for aerobic workouts, too, but it’s probably best-utilized for a winding-down stretch.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             5½ Stars

SUMMARY:                            RUNNING TIME: 2:56 Min.

It is Enya’s seventh track off her 1992 Shepherd Moons album.  The song appears as the primary theme for Ron Howard’s Far & Away historical romance (starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman) released that same year.

REVIEW:

It’s vintage Enya.  Bolstered by a compelling melody, Enya’s poignant vocals prove ideal for an epic journey.  Clearly, Ron Howard’s production team made an insightful decision choosing “Book of Days” as Far & Away’s timeless and mood-setting theme.  Either as a single download, or as a centerpiece for Shepherd Moons, this track is highly recommended.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 9 Stars