“Crow Goddess” by Crow Women
Crow Goddess is the first cd released by a new group called Crow Women. It is your basic pagan chat music, in this case used by these women in their circles. There are 19 songs on it and a few of those seem to have been recorded in circle. These songs give an overall earthy natural feel and you can clearly hear the sincerity of the women singing. In addition to the girls’ voices, most of the songs are accompanied by very simple instruments. Rattles, drums and clapping are common, and one beautiful tune, Healing Circle Song, is sung to the sound of a singing bowl. Such inventiveness works in the girls favour and increases the appeal of the music.
Most of the melodies are the same types of songs and chants you’ll see on almost any pagan chant site. In that, there is very little that is new. However, the harmony between the women is what makes this CD pass the bar from quaint to listenable. The girls definitely know how to sing, although I noticed every once in a while the timing would seem to be off and one girl would start a moment before she was supposed to. As well, the girls sometimes cut each other off instead of harmonizing with the others which can be distracting at times.
Even so, this is a good album, especially for the girls first. I found this music quite enjoyable and while great to listen to, worked best to help me while delving into trance. It gives your mind the words to concentrate on and you can find yourself flowing onto the ancient paths. In that, the delivery is superb and I think that this album would quickly make itself welcome in almost any healing room for its aid in concentration on the mantras. In contrast, the girls don’t seem to take themselves intensely seriously, a very delightful change and one of the songs “We won’t Sleep Tonight” sung a capella to the beat of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”. The mix of fun and seriousness is definitely part of the albums appeal, although some might say that the girls might have been better served taking some of the faster, funnier songs and making two cds with solid easily definable intent.
One complaint that I had, which may or may not be an issue for the average listener is that this song is almost entirely focused on the Goddess with the only overt mention of the God being in the song “Chalice to Blade”. Personally I felt that the omission was too noticeable and relegated the male powers to nothing more than “consort” for the women. I do understand that in some women’s circles this is done deliberately, but it should be noted for those who follow a more duality based faith, you may find yourself wishing for more mention and veneration of the male divinity.
All in all, while I think this cd could have been more professionally done, it is an excellent album. It produces a calming, joyous and earthy feel in the listener and would be great to work into our circles as well. I’ll leave this album with a three out of five pentagrams and end off by saying that it is worth a listen, especially the first song, Born of the Elements.
One of the singers has a blog that you may wish to follow if you enjoy the music as well.
Overall Rating: Three out of Five Pentagrams
Here is a link to their holding on CD Baby, where you can listen to half minute or so of their songs.
I’d love to hear your comments, so please follow the link!
** This review was first posted @ the Pagan Radio Network on March 7, 2010. **