Mandalay

I agree with the comments the remix CD was a nice addition but in no way compares to the original disc. The comparison to Massive Attack were fairly apt and you can hear hints of a "Teardrop" sound to several songs; it's far lighter, subtle, and ethereal than a Morcheeba, Portishead, Olive, or other groups which others compared this to.

This definitely isn't music for a vigorous exercise session or dancing, but is perfect for a day of quiet reflection. It would also be ideal if you were looking for something which would be agreeable to an extremely broad cross-section of listeners, it'd be a nice changeup from classical or similar during your dinner or cocktail party.

The core album of this set is awesome; the remixes are forgettable. But again, disc one is amazing!

I read many reviews of this CD that referred to the music as Trip-Hop. The phrase "Don't believe everything you read" comes to mind immediately. The music is anything but Trip-Hop. The second CD is a compliation of re-mixes that makes a faint attempt towards trip-hop, but falls extremely short. If you asked me what the music is like I would tell you that the first CD is "Sweet Music" (a nice female voice accompanied by simple instruments portraying a beautiful day at the local park...almost resembling a sad attempt at pop music. As a big fan of true trip-hop such as Massive Attack, I was somewhat excited when I began listening to the second CD. The first track quickly caught my attention and I began to think that my purchase wasn't a total loss. However, I was quickly dissapointed by the progressive fade of energy as each track drug on.

A really good CD, although it took a few spins to really appreciate it. This album is amazing. Mandalay is an artist who isn't well known enough, but I feel special just having stumbled across their music. They remind me of a mix of "Everything But The Girl" , "Spicehouse" and "Portishead". I have always wondered why some bands just never get as popular as others, and Mandalay should be more popular. There is so much to like in their music. I was actually listening to a techno set and one of the tracks incorportated was Beautiful and that just set me off. Mandalay blends different sounds into a brilliant piece of music that will get play time from any owner for a long time. Never a dull moment-- highly recommended.

this is one of my favorite albums. nicola has the most style and depth of any "trip-hop" singer out there. the production is great on this album too. this is like a "greatest hits" album, so all of the songs on here are superb. talk about most bang for the buck too, cuz the second cd contains a plethora of remixes. If you buy any mandalay album, you must buy this one. if you're a true fan pick up the other albums and be sure to visit http://nicolahitchcock.com

The voice of Mandalay sounds like Everything But The Girl, but with more vibrato, and it has tasty pop/chill/hip-hop arrangements, which makes this CD a total winner! Perfect for mellowing out, this is a deep and rich recording that will show off your system. If you'd like dreamy type, catchy music with beautiful vocals then this one's for you!

"You couldn't even bring yourself/ To stay, oh no/You had to go," Nicola Hitchcock sings accusingly in "Empathy," the fourth and final release by British trip-hop group Mandalay. Sounding a bit like a dreamier version of Portishead, "Empathy" is enchantingly smooth music coupled with Hitchcock's breathy vocals.

It starts off with the string-led ballad "This Life," before heading off into softer, dreamier territory, such as the trippy, sensuous "Flowers Bloom" ("Kisses my shoulder/Cradles his body/Behind mine/Shin to toe to thigh to mind..."), the airy piano ballad "Insensible," and the wistful "Beautiful." Only a few have sharper electronic sounds, like the bouncy trip-hop "Kissing the Day."

"Empathy" leans a bit more on the trip-hop than the pop edge, with a bit of symphonic grandeur mixed in with the horns and strings (or electronic approximations of them). This is definitely music to slow-dance to -- the sweet tone and abundance of love songs demands it.

Hitchcock's voice is the centerpiece of Mandalay. Her singing is a bit trembly and very sweet, like a lost child; the wispy vocals in "Insensible" add to the feel of frightened innocence. And her songs are well-suited -- they're a bit high-school-love-poetry in their simplicity, but they are quite pretty, especially when they stay simple. "Do you know you're beautiful?/You are, yes you are, you are," has an oddly touching resonance.

But if Hitchcock is the centerpiece, then Saul Freeman's electronic production is the flowers that cover the centerpiece. He manages a downtempo, almost jazzy sound, but switches over to soundscapes that stop just short of being epic, and the cascading electronica of "Kissing the Day." Samples of church bells are patched in, and what sounds like muted brass and violins.

Mandalay left on a high note in "Empathy" a truly beautiful album that seems all the more poignant because it was their last. Beautiful, mellow and sweet, this is a definite must-listen.

I thought I had heard every type of great music there was to hear until I heard this group. This group is amazing the have a unique blend of Pop, Trip Hop with a little dab Hip Hop. Saul is a production Guru /Genius! and you add Nicola's lyrics and shivering vocals, it was untouchable. Mandalay is by far most, my favorite Trip Hop Band. There isn't anything missing with this group. I have everything they have ever made including the B-sides. Once I heard "This Life" on "The Next Best Thing" Sountrack I was petrified ! I went and haunted everything they ever made and payed whatever the cost was. There B-side collection is off the chain! Not even the throw away (B-side) tracks lacked any production or lyrical value. "Instinct" is the second lp they composed before the amazing duo called it quits. Its was beautiful as well, abit different but equal in quality. "Instinct" showcases a more mature Mandalay a lot more laid back but creative. "It's enough Now" is the masterpiece on "Instinct". "Solace" is nothing more than a U.S greatest hits. Trust me, It doesn't fully illustrate "Mandalays" full talent. Everything this band put their hands on was magic and amazing. Don't Hesitate to purchase their material at all, Trust me you won't be disapointed. I was extremley hurt when Nicola e-mailed me and told me they had called it quits. She now works with DJ Teisto. You will find her on a song called "In My Memory" but the magic isn't the same. Saul, I believe now does movie scores and instrumentals of some sort. Boy, what a waste of great talent. I was hoping they stayed together forever because it could have only gotten better. If you are interested in a similiar group try "Airlock"-Drystar they are the closest I have heard to this. Also "Madonna's Bedtime stories Lp" is some what reminisent of their sound. I can go on and on about this group but until you experience it, you will not know what you have missed. I have played this band to all nationalities and everyone saw what I saw in it. Nicola hates when I call her music Trip Hop! She refers to it as sophisticated Pop! But trust me this music is miles ahead of POP in my opinion that would be an insult. The beats are futuristic and extremley unique and well put together. When you hear the Slamin' Hip Hop Drums with a touch of Drum N'Bass with the Computer effects? You will feel me on this... and understand the wrath of Saul Freeman.

1. Empathy *****
2. Instinct *****
3. Solace (U.S Greatest Hits) ****
4. And if you can find the singles with the B-sides definitley Do so!

Let's get this straight: this is a UK group that is the favorite of a lot of people outside of the US. Even Madonna loves this group and you really can't blame her. The trip-hop-lyrical prose of this group gets you reeling into a blissful earful of Empathy.

If you like Portishead, you probably have already heard some of these songs. There is a "bootleg" album, called "PEARL" which is actually Mandalay. The style is the same, but the artists are very different. And in my opinion, Mandalay is much better.

These songs are worth the price: they're impossible to find and they are incredible otherwise. Buy it, listen to it, spread the word. Mandalay the musical group is completely here to stay.

"You're not seventeen/To be missing him like/You do," murmurs Nicola Hitchcock. Mandalay's sophomore album "Instinct" sticks to that song's style -- wistful, trembling trip-hop. These are romantic ballads for the fragile romantic lurking in your heart.

It opens with "Not Seventeen," a wistful ballad that dwells on how a girl can miss her love, and tries to stem her feelings by saying that "I'm not innocent/ And I know that I could/I'm not seventeen/And I know that you're not/To blame." But it's made clear that her feelings won't be denied, as Hitchcock trembles her way to the end.

"Not Seventeen" followed by equally exquisite songs like "It's Enough Now," a breathily urgent pop song, the wounded fragility of "Like Her," and the soaring "Deep Love." Only the trippy, discordant "Don't Invent Me" sheds the vulnerability -- though the song is as lovelorn as ever, it sounds stronger and almost playful.

"Instinct" leans a bit more on the trip-hop than the pop edge, with a bit of symphonic grandeur mixed in with the horns and strings (or electronic approximations of them), paired with sparkling electronic waves. This is definitely music to slow-dance to -- the sweet tone and abundance of love songs demands it.

Hitchcock's voice is the heart of Mandalay. Her singing is a bit wobbly and very sweet, like a lost child; the trembling vocals in "Not Seventeen" add to the sense of frightened innocence. And her songs are quite pretty. They're a bit high-school-love-poetry in their simplicity, but they are pleasant, especially when they stay simple. It's strangely touching when she sings "The simple things/The time reveals/Will heal your mind/In simple things/The time reveals/You will be mine."

But if Hitchcock is the heart, then Saul Freeman's electronic production is the soul. He creates a downtempo, almost jazzy sound, but switches over to soundscapes that stop just short of being epic, and the cascading electronic waves. "Don't Invent Me" is particularly blessed, with its horns and shooting-star effects.

"Instinct" is a worthy second album for Mandalay, a group that sadly only made four. Exquisite, fragile and deeply romantic, this is Portishead as a vulnerable teenager.

I found a copy of the "Solace" compilation which includes tracks off "Instinct" in the used cd bins where I shop and less than two weeks before it was going to be officially released. Remembering how much I liked the song "This Life" from "The Next Best Thing" soundtrack, I immediately rescued this cd from the used bins. It didn't take me long to become infatuated with Mandalay and their intricate melodies. "Beautiful" just took my breath away and almost made me weep. I haven't heard anything as gorgeous as "Beautiful", and "Deep Love". Nicola Hitchcock's fragile voice reminded me of Saint Etienne's Sarah Cracknell and Solar Twins's Joanna Stevens at times. I hope to see more from this duo in the future.

For anyone who feels a void in their music with the demise of the Cocteau Twins, this would be the CD to own. Ethereal as anything Elizabeth Fraser would have done- plus on the import you get additional dance mixes.

Mandalay combines several styles, all of which revolve around moody, haughty, almost trance-like themes. Mandalay is the work of Nicola Hitchcock and Saul Freeman. Nicola's voice, in my opinion, is what sets Mandalay apart from the crowd. Both fragile and powerful, her singing evokes the sort of emotive response that reminds you why you listen to music in the first place. Nicola's vocal talents are perfectly complemented by Saul's music. To borrow a quote from their website, Mandalay's music is "...weathered yet pristine...set to complex instrumental hues, yet instantly accessible."

If you are the sort of music-lover that has moved beyond Top-40, this one is definitely worth your time. If it helps, here are some comparable artists (some are closer than others, I know)
Bel Canto
Delerium
Sarah MacLachlan
Claire Voyant
Love Spirals Downwards
Alpha
Baxter
Coldplay
Skunk Anansie
Abra Moore
Olive
Everything But The Girl
Waterlillies
Café Del Mar

Discography: Empathy (1998), Instinct (2000), Solace (compilation album, set for US release April 2001) ....

Tori Amos after a massive stroke backed by a toddler on a RadioShack keyboard! Well, not THAT bad, but close enough.

"You're not seventeen/To be missing him like/You do," murmurs Nicola Hitchcock. Mandalay's sophomore album "Instinct" sticks to that song's style -- wistful, trembling trip-hop. These are romantic ballads for the fragile romantic lurking in your heart.

It opens with "Not Seventeen," a wistful ballad that dwells on how a girl can miss her love, and tries to stem her feelings by saying that "I'm not innocent/ And I know that I could/I'm not seventeen/And I know that you're not/To blame." But it's made clear that her feelings won't be denied, as Hitchcock trembles her way to the end.

"Not Seventeen" followed by equally exquisite songs like "It's Enough Now," a breathily urgent pop song, the wounded fragility of "Like Her," and the soaring "Deep Love." Only the trippy, discordant "Don't Invent Me" sheds the vulnerability -- though the song is as lovelorn as ever, it sounds stronger and almost playful.

"Instinct" leans a bit more on the trip-hop than the pop edge, with a bit of symphonic grandeur mixed in with the horns and strings (or electronic approximations of them), paired with sparkling electronic waves. This is definitely music to slow-dance to -- the sweet tone and abundance of love songs demands it.

Hitchcock's voice is the heart of Mandalay. Her singing is a bit wobbly and very sweet, like a lost child; the trembling vocals in "Not Seventeen" add to the sense of frightened innocence. And her songs are quite pretty. They're a bit high-school-love-poetry in their simplicity, but they are pleasant, especially when they stay simple. It's strangely touching when she sings "The simple things/The time reveals/Will heal your mind/In simple things/The time reveals/You will be mine."

But if Hitchcock is the heart, then Saul Freeman's electronic production is the soul. He creates a downtempo, almost jazzy sound, but switches over to soundscapes that stop just short of being epic, and the cascading electronic waves. "Don't Invent Me" is particularly blessed, with its horns and shooting-star effects.

"Instinct" is a worthy second album for Mandalay, a group that sadly only made four. Exquisite, fragile and deeply romantic, this is Portishead as a vulnerable teenager.

This is the most beautiful CD. Just close your eyes and let this music take you away. Candles a must =).

Simply put mandalay are possibly one of the most emotional groups I've ever heard. They've broken up now which is a pity.
Nicola Hitchcocks vocals are really unmatched by anyone. Her voice is really imperfect and there are thoasands of better vocalists out there. But the way she sings is amazing. She has a very thin, floaty voice but with all this pent up emotion hiding behind it. Its easy to imagine that shes crying while singing every track on this album.

All the mandalay albums are amazing. I'd put off buying any EPs tho and simply purchase the Solace album with the remix CD attached. Solace has all the best tracks from the two albums but tells less of a story. Keep an eye out for the pearl bootleg.

Nicola Hitchcock's voice is amazing.Check out their website...for sample audio tracks and to view some music videos. Mandalay and Garbage are my favorite groups. Mandalay's music is La Femme Nikita-ish since it is a very classy fusion of electronia and trip-hop.

I heard one track ("Don't Invent Me") from this CD on a National Public Radio program and initially thought Mandalay was a great discovery. The music was atmospheric and transforming. The lyrics were unintelligible, perhaps intentionally, but it didn't seem to matter. As with many other recordings, I thought the stirring of one's imagination was more important, how it made you feel . . . probably stunning as part of a film soundtrack.

Then I received the CD in the mail. The other 13 tracks turned out to be tedious dreck. Perhaps with the volume turned down, it might work as elevator music, where you'd only hear a few moments at a time. What a waste of money! My CD goes free to the first elevator management company out there.

Glad this is finally been produced/made available here. After I saw Dogville I wished they produced a soundtrack of the music used from the film. Glad someone wised up. Also interested to see Mandalay and how Bryce Dallas Howard does, taking over for Nicole Kidman.

Mandalay's music has touched my life in a good way, I feel so relaxed and calm during and after listening to it. I loved this song "Deep Love" so much that I am using it as a theme for my masquerade ball next year. She has the most beautiful sad but uplifting voice I have ever heard. I am glad that my friend introduced it to me. I recommend this song and her cd, Instinct to buy and listen to over and over again.

This cd is one of my fave's. I worked to it through all of my exam revision, incidently I did very well. The cd is an eclectic mix of trip hop all centred roung the hauntingly eerie voice of the lead singer. Sliding synthesisers and extra instrumental suprises make this album a bittersweet triumph for Mandalay. Buy it and love it. It will chill you out, make you cry, almost cleanse you emotionally. Get it!!!!

The tracks are highlights of an album that you would be hard pressed to find in the United States, "Instinct", released in Europe mostly for this band stepping up. The rhythm is fresh, inventive, smart, and stylish. The sounds are molded with careful artistry supporting the harmony, edge, and accents of the heavenly voice of Nicola Hitchcock. The songs are deeply moving, guessing at an instinct that sits close to us, when we become still. Talent like this deserves an ear. I wish I could send these songs to everyone...