December 20, 2008.

A Unique Sonic Experiance.

Rating: 5
I cannot escape the beauty of this album. Every time I listen to it I cannot help but be carried away with it. While I'm a fan of Jero's more popular classical works It's not a fair comparison though because they are completely different categories - like saying Beethoven's Ode to Joy blows away the Rolling Stones Sticky Fingers.

The way to paradise would be more accurately classified as a New Age composition than one of electronica (although of late that line is beginning to become increasingly blurry). Its pacing is measured and mood epic and intense much like Patrick O'Hearn's Beautiful World (2003). Like Beautiful, Paradise requires a modicum of patience that allows each composition to roll across the audioscape like an approaching storm. Other works that come to mind are the score to American Beauty by Thomas Newman and the Passengers CD (the result of collaboration between Roxy Music's Brian Eno and U2). The breaks serve much like the water sipped during wine tasting; cleansing the auditory pallet to allow an unadulterated experience of each piece of music. Each track has been given its own flavor even if they all share some of the common Jero ingredients. Just as a particular musical theme becomes realized it is changed again (often times seamlessly) into something other. Paradise, in the true New Age fashion, is a journey over a diverse and dramatic musical landscape. It is a heavily layered performance designed to reveal itself over the course of many playbacks. At times lullingly pretty,at times jarring with layers of bleeps and glitches and at times epic and thrilling this isn't easy listening new age music. Jero's constant manipulation of sound keeps you off guard and maintains your interest throughout never becoming dull like many electronic instrumental albums. If you have the slightest interest in electronica you cannot go without this innovative work.

The visuals are also stunning. Each is unique to the music and the artist. I have 5.1 sound system but going to find a high-end 7.1 set-up somewhere to play this Disc. I simply must hear this in the surround format as it was composed in and intended to be listened to. For anyone who appreciates music, surround sound and/or visual art, this is a must see.

December 03, 2008.

This Disc deserves the special treatment.

Rating: 5
This is the first music title I've bought in the Alexander Jero series, but after hearing this one, I'll buy more. I am no audiophile, but in Jero case, this Disc deserves the special treatment. If you go back to stereo you will miss a LOT of what he is including in his music if you listen with all 8 speakers. It lulls you into a peaceful state of relaxation, letting your mind drift away from the cares of the day. It makes me think of floating on a cloud. This is an experience that fills your entire body with relaxation and harmony. Turned up on a high or sometimes low volume it works as a stress healer and turns your body into a peaceful and harmonic state that makes it easier to meet your everyday life with a new and refreshing energy. The Images is also fantastic. But Surround Mix makes all the difference. I wish that artists spanning all genres would take note of how much more you can convey to the listener when the music is mixed in 7.1.

December 30, 2008.

Not quite there yet..

Rating: 3
Brought this BR disc hoping to be spun out in real 5.1 surround sound.
As far as the multi dimensional sound aspect went, I felt that it lacks "oomph".
There is a couple of drop-outs (30 seconds each or so) on the disc that considering the cost etc to get it delivered to this part of the world is disappointing.
I will try one more of this BR disc application (an established classical piece) to see if that turns on the juices.