SHEILA CHANDRA
Moonsung A Real World Retrospective (Real World)
Reviewed by Rusty Pipes

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This tour of Sheila Chandra's mystical music is drawn from her nine original albums, but to call Moonsung a greatest hits album is to imply Chandra is just another pop singer. She did have something of a hit with the group Monsoon several years ago that's found here, Ever So Lonely, but it is unlike any pop I can think of. Pop is like candy; this album nourishes the soul.

To enchant means to create a spell with a chant. Chandra's music is quite literally enchanting. First and foremost, she has one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard, only Lisa Gerrard's (Dead Can Dance) comes close. Moreover, Chandra uses the most spare arrangements possible. Usually only a drone accompanies her, a half step up from acapella singing. Lyrics are also spare, often just meaningless stepping stones in performing a range of lovely, transfixing notes. You can hear influences from Celtic to Hindu traditions in her singing; other times she's like a female mullah calling the faithful to prayer. At her call listeners naturally enter a peaceful, tranquil state, especially in the quiet of late night.

To label Sheila Chandra's work New Age would lower it to the level of Enya or a host of other wanna-bes. Instead Sheila is able to weave her musical spells without sounding trite or pretentious. She may be one for all new ages to come.

Track List:

Ever So Lonely/Eyes/Ocean, Dhyana and Dialogue, Shehnai Song, The Enchantment, Speaking in Tongues III, ABoneCroneDrone 3, Nana, Waiting, Sacred Stones, AboneCroneDrone 1, Lagan Love/Nada Brahma, Blacksmith

© 1999 - Rusty Pipes