| A collection of tracks taken from many of the best selling albums that featured pagan, Mayan, culturual, Native american, Celtic themes. A themed best of collection. |
| Customer Reviews | Write your own review |
By: Peter Alexander King
Location: Bristol, UK
Rating: 
Date: 29/10/2005
Be prepared for a trip back through the ages of Medwyns musical history when you choose to explore this album. This compilation was released in 1996 and like so much of the music Mr Goodall has produced it is as timeless now as it was then.
This release combines some of the best tracks from no less than 7 previous albums; each outstanding in their own right. The choicest picks from Medicine Woman, Moon Goddess, Kingdom Of The Sungod, Excalibur, Merlin, Earth Healer & Druid can all be found here.
All the chosen tracks envelope the mood and intent of the titles of the CD’s from which they have been selected. I have chosen 3 of my personal favourites just to wet your appetite.
Track 2 on the disk is from the Album Druid and entitled “Nine Maidens”. Gentle synth presents a subtle contrast to the wonderfully deep resounding and echoic drums that take up a steady and ritualistic beat mere seconds from the beginning of the composition. This is swiftly joined by light and airy plucked strings (or at least it sounds like that) which continue for about a minute and a half giving you plenty of time to settle into the deeply sombre and reverent tones that emanate from the music and the theme on which the track is based. The vocal accompaniment could have been easily overdone but in a stroke of genius (which only got better as time went on) Medwyn has kept the tone and rhythm set to traditional druidic chant and consequently set the stage for a truly inspiring song and an even more inspiring album.
Track 4 is and was an instant favourite with all fans of new age, pagan and Medwyns music. “Eyes Of Heaven” from the album Moon Goddess is 8 minutes and 21 seconds of pure bliss. Evocative percussion, wonderful use of wind instrumentation and deep rich melodies uplift the spirit from the start and refuse to let you back down until it’s finished. If you listen to no other tracks of Medwyn’s earlier work make sure you catch this one.
Finally explore the majesty of the Excalibur album with track 7. “Caliburn” is a slow gentle yet profound journey into true musical appreciation. Nothing here has been omitted and the deep bass melodies with the ghostly accompaniment of the keyboards and a whole host of other instruments combine to allow you to experience the majesty of one of the greatest Legends of this or any other time.
If you’re looking for an introduction to the New Age music scene and a range of variations within the genre then this is certainly the album to start with.
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By: Jason L Baker
Location: world
Rating:
Date: 28/01/2005
Where to begin? I find all of Medwyn's music to be absolutely fascinating. As for the Pagan Dawn compilation, it is fantastic. In chronological order I have 3 favorite tracks from this album. Track #2, #4 and my favorite song of all time track #6 "Realm of the Condors". I find #6 to be very relaxing, yet at the same time rhythmic and uplifting. I can listen to it to perk up, or to relax just before bedtime. IT is pure magic! Yet take the time to explore the entire album, as you will be glad you did.
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