Abbess Hildegard von Bingen- A Feather on the Breath of God (1993)

http://www.mediafire.com/?s1e9eno35w5a51m

Let me introduce you to another CD that i purchased based on visual interest: Abbess Hildegard of Bingen.

Hildegard von Bingen was a self-taught Christian mystic who created music, poems, visual art (iconography), and religious texts during the 12th century. Her music is amazing--serene, surreal, haunting, evocative, and blissful. The title of this collection, A Feather on the Breath of God, is meant to convey the role of mankind in the earth-- floating at the whim of the supernatural. It's also a perfect description of this music.

Her artwork/iconography is also unbelievable. I hate to add to the piles of internet knowledge, so i'll refrain and just say how incredible the music is. I think of cds like this when i think of Michael Stipe's quote that "Music is proof that god exists."

Please just download it and listen to it.

Some of Bingen's sensational--and academically neglected-- visual artwork. 

A beautiful self-commissioned holy icon.

Petra Haden Sings: The Who Sell Out

http://www.mediafire.com/?lk1raxo7q9du9w7

Best known for playing in The Rentals and That Dog., singer/violinist Petra Haden recorded an acapella version of The Who Sells Out on an eight track recorded (borrowed from Mike Watt). ...Um... I don't know if i really need to describe any further.

I love how she removes a lot of the Who's theatrics to reveal this tender counterpoint to the original version. It's definitely goofy, but also really pretty in parts. I recommend alternating listens of this version with the original just to get an idea of her sense of humor.

The best part might be her interpretations of all the commercials, though i still prefer her version of "Tattoo You," which makes it sound eternal and gorgeous. I love that shift in thought from "How gorgeous" to "How ridiculous!" Bravo, Petra.

Watch Petra (plus nine other women) sing "I Can See For Miles:"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNFoNBz9Dbs