When it comes to digital music, my general rule of thumb is "the less synthy the better". That doesn't mean the music MUST come from a piano or guitar, but if the sound created from a digital audio workstation is very close to a real instrument (in other words, fairly subtle and "natural-sounding"), then it has a greater chance of being liked by the likes of me. ^^
The exception is dreamsynth, synth with great rhythm or any kind of synth that's intentionally humorous or nostalgic (e.g., disco!!), but aside from these I have to disclaim that I may be a little too harsh when it comes to judging synthesized sounds. ^^'
With that little background established, here's how I feel about each track:
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A LO LARGO: The early dreamsynth combined with the delicate piano play forms a soothing and mesmerizing background, while the bass and cymbals reinforces this up with an addictive, head-banging beat. Married together, and you get a beginning that's both beautiful and cool, and up there as candidate for favorite track in this album. ^^
The reason it doesn't make the cut for me, however, begins with the "wahah" synth starting at 2:01. It's not only very obvious synth that seems to break a little of the smoothness of the intro, but it also lasts for 1.5 minutes. I've definitely gotten used to it after subsequent listens, but I think if it were replaced with something more acoustic (or at least some more dreamsynth), then the piece would be picture perfect for me. ^^
MI CHANGA: This makes for some interesting Rave-like music, but I can't say it's really my thing. ^^'
MISA DE GALLINAS: LOL at the title. ^^
It is a bit synthy at first, but it's not unpleasant given the suspenseful, almost villainous atmosphere. For some reason it reminds me a little of Final Fantasy VII, and indeed it could fit right at home in a game. :)
MY HERMANO: Ah! Another piece that soothes the tired soul after a long day's work! Also a wonderful piece to reflect on friendship, collaboration,... or basically everything that you stand for. ^^
As I mentioned before, even though the instruments do have a distinctive synth sound, its barely noticeable. The clarinet sounds like one, and it can definitely lead me around effortlessly like the Wonderland rabbit. Only the saxophone at 2:15 seems a little harsher than the rest of the synth insruments, but it manages to blend in a little nicely with the rest of the piece. In this way, the "interruption" is not as noticeable as in A Lo Largo-- although I wonder how it might sound if that particular sax sound were softened a bit.
NOCTAVIA: a very cool, ominous, brooding piece with some very gorgeous dreamsyth embedded in it starting at 1:26. It does tug at the heartstrings, but the end affect is rather bittersweet -- it is very sad, but ironically there's just a hint of hope in it for a better tomorrow.
ONCE: Well this one's almost like a funk-rock Mi Changa, and the rhythm is definitely more fun and addictive to listen to (the little back-and-forth channel works at 1:50 is a cool effect!). Also, love the brief cameo by the A Lo Largo dreamsynth towards the last 30 seconds But this piece is definitely best enjoyed by fans of the genre. ^^b
OUR JOURNEY: After our seeming rollercoaster ride of synth and dreamsynth during the last 6 pieces, this one presents itself as a very simple and pleasant break from the norm. And WHAT a break it is, because the piano work is simply astounding!! Despite the fact that it is a little on the simple side (and short), it is actually one of my favorites in the album). ^__^
PALADIN: jeje, another game worthy piece, although judging by the name I think you meant for it. :D
*queue obligatory airship-flying-over-game-map scene*
Again, the flute shows another example of synth-done-right, as it's a very elegant and beautiful-sounding guide as it leads us through all the pomp and glory of the harp, drums and trumpets playing in the background. ^-^
ROLA Z: There is a reason why I wanted this on the Main Menu of @CameliaGirls (the FOSS visual novel I'm working on). This is, IMHO, NUMBER ONE in your album! :D
Like with the beginning of A Lo Largo, it marries elegant piano work, majestic dreamsynth, and a drum/cymbal beat that keeps the entire piece moving later on without overpowering it. But unlike A Lo Largo, this grandeur continues on for the remainder of the piece -- and in fact, just like with Johann Pachelbel's "Canon in D major", it incrementally gets better and better until you end the piece breathless with joy and appreciation that such beautiful, well-balanced music exists in the world! Without a doubt one of the crowning jewels of Jamendo! :D
TO BE HAPPY: This one is just plain c-u-t-e, and just like with Our Journey the simplicity and change-of-pace makes this a much adored piece by me. It's also the most acoustic piece of all and extremely fun to listen to.
TO BE FREE: Remember I said I can like a good synth if it has a good rhythm. The "whiz-whiz" and "wahwahwah" synth sounds throughout the entire piece take a little getting used to, but they are pleasant (more so the "wahwahah" one) so the piece has definitely grown on me. I do feel the whiz-whiz sounds overpower the gorgeous background music, though -- overall, I'd also love to see how an all-acoustic version of this piece would sound like.
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