Lisa Gerrard: Lisa Gerrard (4AD)

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Lisa Gerrard: Sanvean (by Dead Can Dance)
Lisa Gerrard: Lisa Gerrard (4AD)

This evocative 15-track collection draws on Gerrard's extensive soundtrack work (material from Gladiator, Whale Rider and Ali are included here), her solo albums, and those with Dead Can Dance.

Given that range, what is apparent from these tracks is how singular her musical vision has been: wordless and ethereal vocals imbued with a spiritual -- and even holy -- quality.

Hints of Middle Eastern melodies shine through the ambient electronica backdrops, there are invocations of Celtic melodies in other places, and the touch of medievalism add extra depth too. Gerrard probably needed -- and deserves -- some kind of triple album box set to do justice to her vision, but this single disc will do nicely until then.

Turn of your mind, relax and float downstream . . .

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