The ever-brilliant sonic innovators Afro-Celt Sound System (Afro-Celts or ACCS for short) have just released a brilliant new creation - POD. POD is a treat for Afro-Celt fans everywhere and a superb introduction to their music for curious newcomers. POD features two discs, PODCD, which is a CD full of mind-bending remixes of many of the Afro-Celts biggest hits, as well as some incredible new material, the best of which is undoubtedly Whirly 3, an explosive ‘live sounding’ re-exploration of Whirly Reel, which was featured on their first album ‘Sound Magic’, which breaks into new, uncharted territories with a fantastic new reel featuring pipes, whistle and fiddle. A few of the tracks can be found elsewhere on import discs featuring Afro-Celt remixes, but almost everything on this disc represents new, fresh and very creative takes on the Afro-Celts’ brilliant creations. POD is well worth it for the CD alone.
The second part of the package is a bonus DVD, PODDVD. This DVD features four videos. The first is a new version of their Persistence of Memory video, remixed with the new Persistence of Memory mix found on the CD. It’s a beautiful and interesting video with a good story and gorgeous camera work. The second is the very cool and strange video for When You’re Falling, featuring vocals by Peter Gabriel. You may have seen these videos on TV, but now you have the opportunity to have them on DVD with top quality sound and video. The third feature is edited video footage from Womad USA 2001. The footage, though brief (8 minutes), is pretty awesome. Be aware, however, that it does not included live audio from the concerts but rather a dubbed in mix from the CDs. I would have preferred a real live version, but the Afro-Celts have assured me that a complete live DVD is in the works for the future. I can’t wait. The last feature is the best - a mind-altering 5.1 surround sound remix of North (in both DTS and Dolby Digital) accompanied by a totally psychedelic music video trip into the Afro-Celts’ world… prepare to be be blown away.
I have word that the Afro-Celts are not only working on a complete live DVD but also a new album. The Afro-Celts put themselves behind their music, concerts and fans 110% and I can hardly wait to hear/see/experience what they come up with next. In the meantime, POD will take Afro-Celt fans on a wild and wonderful trip through the Afro-Celt world… enjoy the ride!
You can buy the album here
Also, be sure to check out the Afro-Celts fanpage and messageboard here.
Best,
Chris
