 |  | Spare, unearthly recreations of medieval tunes and lyrics |  |
The Mediaeval Baebes, a group of twelve female vocalists led by Katherine Blake, croon and sigh their way through a variety of Latin, Middle English and medieval French songs in a manner all their own. Usually in unison, and often unaccompanied, the straightforward sound of their voices is simple yet striking. All of the music of "Salva Nos" has a fairy tale quality about it, whether that be in the form of innocent lilts graced by dulcimer and recorders, or primal chants belted out heartily to the deep beat of hand drums. Another world, another time, another aesthetic--this is music that calms and transports you. It may not be entirely authentic in its presentation, but its spirit shines through. "Salva Nos" is by far the most laid back of the Mediaeval Baebes' releases--they keep getting livelier after this one, with more drums, more attitude, and eventually some electronica. But this is where it all started. The Baebes' roster for this recording is: Nicole Frobusch, Carmen Schneider, Katharine Blake, Nichole Sleet, Karen Lupton, Teresa Casella, Marie Findley, Audrey Evans, Clare Ravel, Ruth Galloway, Rachel Van Asch and Cylindra Sapphire, with instrumentalist Dorothy Carter on hurdy gurdy and dulcimer. The next of the Mediaeval Baebes' albums is "Worldes Bliss." Try also the work of the German neo-Medieval group Estampie and the duo Dead Can Dance. And if you'd like to hear early English music performed by authentic period ensembles, here are some suggestions: "Miri It Is" by The Dufay Collective, "English Songs of the Middle Ages" by Sequentia, "An English Ladymass," "On Yoolis Night," "Legends of Nicholas," and "Wolcum Yule" by Anonymous 4, and "A Waverly Consort Christmas."
October 1, 2006| | | Stop bad-mouthing the Baebes!!!! | |
While I do agree that Mediaeval Baebes' Salva Nos is not myfavorite of their trio of Album I still have to say that it is a .. good CD and well worth the price! These girls have guts that not very many other artists I know have. They are not afraid to try new things as anyone with ears can hear if they listen to all three albums. They are, simply put, talented.
March 4, 2001I certainly wouldn't recommend anyone to buy this as their first Mediaeval Baebes CD. It's nowhere near as accessible as, say, Undrentide. The majority of tracks are religious (Christian, that is) in content, from Christmas carols ("Coventry Carol" or an ethereal version of "Veni, Veni" - better known as "Oh come, oh come, Immanuel") to funeral dirges ("This Ay Nicht", also known as the "Lyke Wake Dirge") and frankly the album doesn't display the range or sheer pagan fun of their later offerings. I wouldn't describe "Salva Nos" as "risible" but certainly would suggest listening to some of the Baebes' later recordings rather than Salva Nos before making a decision on whether to buy any more of their material. Some of the tracks on this album are definitely an acquired taste. Once you've acquired the taste, you'll want to hear them again, though!
June 28, 2000 | | 0 Stars really , but they wouldn't let me. Save your money. | |
The Mediaeval Babes is the confection of some bright spark who thought that the girlie-group formula could be joined with the music of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries to... well, to make a lot of money. I suspect that they failed: they certainly deserved to.
The Babes themselves are a washed-out bunch of hopeless wanabees. Some can sing a little, none does anything well. Their music is a crude blend, tasteless, talentless pastiches of mediaeval standards alternating with phoney pretend stuff.
I can't go on - The Mediaeval Babes and their CDs are truly awful. At 33c it's a rip-off, and the quoted $33.99 is criminal. Go away and get the real thing - The Spice Girls or Hildegard of Bingen, not a cheap and risible imitation of both. April 12, 2000
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