Sinead OConnor, Karl Wallinger, Various Artists Peter Gabriel - Big Blue Ball

Big Blue Ball is the long-awaited, much-anticipated collection of stand-out tracks culled from the all-star, pan-global collaborations that took place over three years of Peter Gabriel s legendary Recording Week gatherings at his state-of-the-art Real World Studios in the English countryside.

Produced by Peter Gabriel, Karl Wallinger (of World Party, Waterboys) and Stephen Hague (Pet Shop Boys, OMD), it s a nonstop stream of poignant, sterling performances by a truly stellar lineup of artists-- including Gabriel, Wallinger, Sinead O Connor, Natacha Atlas, Iarla O Lionaird and James McNally (both of Afro Celt Sound System), Papa Wemba, Joseph Arthur, Tanzania s late music legend Hukwe Zawose, Hungary s Marta Sebestyen, Tim Finn, Cameroonian starFrancis Bebey, Vernon Reid, Justin Adams, Jah Wobble, Billy Cobham, Rupert Hine, gospel group the Holmes Brothers, flamenco guitarist Juan Canizares, Japanese percussionist Joji Hirota, and many more...in all totaling 75 artists from over 20 countries.

It s like a wall of sound coming at you, listening to the planet from outer space, says Karl Wallinger of the final mix. It s a real world-view of music, a snapshot of the music-making continents at that time. It s a more apt time to release it now than ever before. I think it s actually gathered weight with time, because it s people from all over the world playing together, just getting on together. There s an iconic aspect about that which is probably more important now. Things have become more partisan. It s a timely reminder of how you can cooperate.

Big Blue Ball s songs were created and recorded between 1991 and 1995, but the album has been an active work-in-progress at Real World ever since, a labor of love with ace producer Stephen Hague working closely with Peter Gabriel and Karl Wallinger. Holding the disparate elements in place is the powerful backbone of big drum tracks underpinning many of the songs. Wallinger says, Everyone was in orbit around this groove, and there is a universal language of dance, of dance grooves. That groove is the one bit that s non-denominational on the album.

Says Peter Gabriel, It s a fine wine ready to be drunk. It was the most fun music making I ve ever had. I d love to do it again. Product Description

Excellent blend of world music with the Peter Gabriel flair!

This album is an excellent blend of both world music and classic Peter Gabriel sounds. You'll hear his sounds blended all through the album. Altus Silva is a beautiful melody with gaelic charm. This will not disappoint those looking for a different flavor. August 25, 2008

Around the World in 11 Songs

"Big Blue Ball" is the fruitful, fascinating fusion of three amazing Recording Weeks at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studio in Wiltshire, England. Gabriel united musicians from around the world in an electrifying open mike session. There's something for everyone. It's a natural compilation, right down to the tracks "Forest" and "Rivers."

"Big Blue Ball" opens with the electrifying "Whole Thing" that deftly blends Pygmy flute with contemporary dance. In the sensual "Habibe", Egyptian diva Natacha Atlas sings a love song with the Hossam Ramzy Egyptian Ensemble. "Shadow" magically blends African music with Spanish flamenco. "Altus Silva" blends Celtic stylings with Papa Wemba's congas. "Everything Comes From You" is a plea for peace. It has an unusually serene Sinead O'Connor singing with a Japanese percussionist and Chinese flautists. "Forest" evokes the African jungle, while "Rivers" has the Hungarian singer Marta Sebestyen with a Turkmen ensemble, flowing like water. The closing title track is a touching plea for universal unity, following in the theme of the opening song. It's musical alchemy blending a Celtic-sounding accordion with African drums.

"Big Blue Ball" is an amazing,psychedelic world fusion album. (I got the alternate cover shown because it looks like the sort of art the Grateful Dead would go for!) It's a delightful rainbow of vocals and instrumentals. Enjoy the Real World! July 2, 2008

The *Other* Album Cover Is Better, Don't Ya Think?

Okay, so this isn't a review of "Big Blue Ball" (other than to say that it's an outstanding album, hence my 5-star rating). It looks to me like the only difference between this "Big Blue Ball" and the *other* "Big Blue Ball" is the album cover. The tracks are exactly the same. The other album cover is better, don't ya think? Go on, look at it. I mean, it's just total "big blue ball"....it's much more striking & representative. Looks good in the music stores, too. You see that big blue ball on the cover, and you know exactly what album it is! *This* album cover....it's very pretty, but that's about it. So, Uncle Alan says go buy the other "Big Blue Ball" instead of this one. (P.S. My proper review of the album is over there too!) June 28, 2008

Your Guess is as good as mine

Any ideas what the differences are between the 2 versions available: ASIN: B0018RKENW and ASIN: B00195FU9Q - aside from price and cover art?
Both are listed as being CDs with the same track and editorial descriptions. Amazon eve offers them as a package deal. And what a deal that is!!

Don't bother asking Amazon, as they are clueless and that's where they leave it - after repeatedly witnessing the clerk mentality raised to an art form - instead of trying to get answer.

Any reliable help, as opposed to simply more speculation in which we are buried,would be welcomed.

Thanks. June 27, 2008

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