Artist: CelestiumAlbum: Sanctuary
Year: 1984
Song of Note: Sanctuary, Children of the Stars
Most of the records I purchased in the lot I am currently reviewing appear to be in unused condition. I am guessing that they came from a radio station, as most have "for promotional use only" stamped on their sleeves. Interestingly, most of the records in this lot have not found their way to CD yet either and may never make it to digital form. I am guessing it is because they are not popular. What becomes of these artists? Someone paid to record this music, did someone go bankrupt?
Thus far I have found it difficult to find information on a number of the artists I have reviewed as well. My preferred site is allmusic.com but that has been sparse on such acts as Munson and Celestium. Wikipedia was more helpful in rounding out the background for Celestium. Gary Usher was the driving force behind this record. If you are not familiar with Gary, he got his start in the California Surf Music scene of the early 60's and co-wrote some of the Beach Boys hits, "409" and "In My Room". Sanctuary does not have the surf music sound but the vocalization is very reminiscent of Carl Wilson from the Beach Boys. Usher does not sing but does play most of the instruments. The liner notes, written by Gary, outline how important these songs are to him and what their meaning is. Unfortunately for him, I have a feeling very few people bought this or listened to it.
Most of the music on this album has a very new age feeling. The theme of love and searching inside oneself is very prominent. Listening to "Children of the Stars" I couldn't help but think of a dude in a long pony tail in a billowing white robe dancing around a fire on a beach. Don't drink the Kool-Aid. The leadoff track of the album, "Sanctuary", is one of the stronger tracks and features some Bryan Ferry "Avalon" era vocal flourishes and very 80's synths.
An interesting listen for sure but not something I can see myself listening to again. I would check this out if you are a fan of 80's synth driven music.
Most of the records I purchased in the lot I am currently reviewing appear to be in unused condition. I am guessing that they came from a radio station, as most have "for promotional use only" stamped on their sleeves. Interestingly, most of the records in this lot have not found their way to CD yet either and may never make it to digital form. I am guessing it is because they are not popular. What becomes of these artists? Someone paid to record this music, did someone go bankrupt?
Thus far I have found it difficult to find information on a number of the artists I have reviewed as well. My preferred site is allmusic.com but that has been sparse on such acts as Munson and Celestium. Wikipedia was more helpful in rounding out the background for Celestium. Gary Usher was the driving force behind this record. If you are not familiar with Gary, he got his start in the California Surf Music scene of the early 60's and co-wrote some of the Beach Boys hits, "409" and "In My Room". Sanctuary does not have the surf music sound but the vocalization is very reminiscent of Carl Wilson from the Beach Boys. Usher does not sing but does play most of the instruments. The liner notes, written by Gary, outline how important these songs are to him and what their meaning is. Unfortunately for him, I have a feeling very few people bought this or listened to it.
Most of the music on this album has a very new age feeling. The theme of love and searching inside oneself is very prominent. Listening to "Children of the Stars" I couldn't help but think of a dude in a long pony tail in a billowing white robe dancing around a fire on a beach. Don't drink the Kool-Aid. The leadoff track of the album, "Sanctuary", is one of the stronger tracks and features some Bryan Ferry "Avalon" era vocal flourishes and very 80's synths.
An interesting listen for sure but not something I can see myself listening to again. I would check this out if you are a fan of 80's synth driven music.
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