From: ksm@abb-sc.abb-sc.com (Ashley)
Subject: The Pagan Music List
Date: 11 Feb 93 05:16:34 GMT

			THE PAGAN MUSIC LIST

Ain Soph - 
This band appears to be French, lots of atmospheric electronic stuff,
some traditional instruments, some spoken word. Similar in sound to
Ordo Equitum Solis, perhaps more atmospheric. There are magical
symbols on the covers and the titles are suggestive of pagan
themes. Possible use for ritual, but I am basing this from reviews I
recieved, I have not heard the group myself.  This band appears to be
available only through mail order, so check with your local special
order music store.


Allerseelen - 
According to a review in "The Fifth Path", their fist album
"Autdaruta" is named after "an Eskimo shaman of the black sun, called
Autdaruta who worked with the atavistic strength of the ravens and
wolves of the Golden Dark." TFP also notes that they use ravens,
wolves, chorol flute, bones, violin, bass, drums, syth, and flames to
create their music. Second album is called "Requiem". This one also
appears to be a special mail order direct from Austria, and again I
have not heard the music myself, so I cannot vouch for it's usefulness
in ritual.


And Also The Trees - 
I am not sure if they are pagan, but a friend who worked with them in
the studio tells me some members of the band most definitely are. No
obvious pagan themes in the music, but possible hints in some
songs. Some songs possible for use in ritual.


Bathory - 
This is a "death metal" band that reportedly started out as
"Scandinavia's answer to Venom", but in its 3 latest albums has
explicitly embraced norse paganism, and has introduced classical and
folk elements into the music. Bathory's lyrics, esp. on "Hammerheart"
and "Twilight of the Gods" leave no doubt about their paganism. CDs by
this group are available in the regular pop/rock/metal sections of
large record stores. I would suspect that they would not be suitable
for ritual.


Candlemass - 
At the very least this band is knowledgeable about ritual magic and
pagan mythology. This is a "speed metal" band and if the lyrics where
not included, you'd never know what they where saying. Definitely not
for ritual use. You'll find them in the Pop/Rock/Metal section of your
music store, but look for them in a used CD store, they are rather
common there and you'll save a few bucks.


Cocteau Twins - 
Recently this band's entire catalog has been released by Capitol
records in the US and is no longer hard to come by. The earliest
recordings contain chants and invocations with heavy guitars, later
recordings become very etherial with lots of electronic effects,
choruses and reverbs.  Elizabeth Frasier does the vocals and her voice
is very beautiful and expressive. Much of their music could be easily
incorporated into ritual.  I often use the "Stars in my eyes, stars at
my feet/womb in the belly, capital place - the then shallow she, the
earth as we know it/the then hallow'd she, a sky for the sacred" chant
from the first album in ritual.


Current 93 - 
I am unsure of the exact leanings of this band, earlier albums are
almost noise-music, sometimes epic pieces for over 20 minutes. In any
case there is a very heavy Aleister Crowley influnece on the lyrics
and serious pagan/wiccan/earth magick leanings. The musical style
varies from harps and fiddles to grungy guitars. For most pagans I
recommend "As The World Dissappears", a live recording that covers
some of the most pagan themed work.  It is also one of the most
accessable pieces of their work as it is not noise music but very much
influenced by traditional rythms and folk themes. If you like this
band, look for other bands on the "World Serpent" label. David Tibet,
the lead of this group, often guests with other bands. In the
import/independant section of your larger music store. Some of their
pieces would be great for ritual use, but not all.


Dead Can Dance - 
Usually found in the import/independant section of larger music
stores, this group is fronted by Brandon Perry and Lisa Gerrard. Lisa
is naturally multi-phonic and has an utterly incerdible voice. Any
opportunity to see one of their rare recitals (*not* concerts) is well
worth the time and money spent. They utilize a variety of instruments
and musical styles, ranging from the atmospheric rock of their early
recordings to the recreations of 12th century dance music on their
later recordings. The nature of Brandon Perry's religious beliefs are
uncertain, but from a friend at 4AD (their label), I have learned that
although she feels that religion is a private matter, Lisa is indeed
Pagan. All their music could easily be incorporated into ritual. Look
for them in the import/independant section and in the pop/rock section
of your music store.


Death In June - 
I seldom know what to make of this band, they go from a
Judeao-Christian gnostic perspective to earth centered magickal
perspective. Early works are heavier with guitars and grunge and
infinitly repeating samlping. Later works seem to be more guitar,
synth, harps and violins. David Tibet of Current 93 often guests with
this band, and in their earlier incarnations Patrick O'Kill of Sixth
Comm and Tony Wakeford of Sol Invictus where members of the band. In
the indepentant/import section of your larger music store. Possibly
useful for ritual, but borderline.


Diana Elaina -
This is a woman who sings with an Irish accent, plays Celtic harp, but
apparently is entranced by Native American folklore. It's a very
interesting juxtaposition. Quality on the recording "Red Inside"
varies, some good music, some not so interesting. I have not heard
this myself, so I do not know how useful it might be for ritual. Look
for her in the New Age section of your larger music stores or special
order in your occult shop.

Fields Of The Nephilim - 
Recently this band broke up, but the members are all continuing in
different incarnations. A very ceremonial magickal influence is in the
lyrics, some Crowley influence. Rock music with an etherial edge in
their later recordings, much heavier in their earlier ones. The close
of their last album (Elizium) was a song about two lovers in the
Summerlands, one soul begging the other not to leave them to seek
reincarnation. Lots of effect laden guitars, if the Sisters Of Mercy
wheren't suicidally depressed, they might sound like this. This is
rock music and not easily used in ritual.

Gypsy - 
Gypsy appears to be a Gardenerian; there are lots of Gardenerian
elements in her lyrics. Again, some of this is not great stuff, but
there are a couple of songs ("Bring Back The Light," "New Age
Lullaby,") which are definitely worth what you'll pay to get this
tape. "Enchantress" is a very witchy offering! I have not heard the
music of this artist, so I cannot gage it's usefullness in ritual. You
may find them in the New Age section of your larger music stores or
try special order at a larger occult shop.

Ian Corrigan - 
This is a Pagan bard who has tapes which are only available in occult
shops; you have to look really hard for them, too. The tape of his
lecture "Once Around the Wheel" which includes some great pagan songs
and old English folksongs. I have not heard this bard myself and
cannot say how useful his music would be in ritual. Special order in
well connected occult stores.

Kenny & Tzipora -
The most commonly mentioned group in all the reviews I recieved was
this one. Apparently they are quite good and much loved. Thier lyrics
are wonderful and they are most definitely Pagan, wiccan
tradition. You can get their tapes from Circle, Box 219, Mt. Horeb, WI
53572. Probably cheaper in your occult store or in the New Age section
of larger record stores, although I sadly could not find them in my
local Tower Records.

Lashtal - 
Similar to Ain Soph in tone, but darker. Magical symbols and themes in
the song titles give them their inclusion here. Again, I have no
personal knowledge of the band or their music, but it sounds like it
may be useful for ritual or meditation. Look to special order it at
your specialty music store.

Liabana - 
May or may not be pagan themselves, they none the less have put out
some pagan music. All women, many accoustic instruments, (I don't
think there are any electric, but I'm not sure), kinda
folkie. Difficult to find, try special order or the import/indepentant
sections. I found them in Tower Records under a little cardboard sign
that said "Wiccan" in the New Age section. Possible for ritual use.


Stevie Nicks/Fleetwood Mac - 
Although some think that she is only a "show-pagan", Stevie really is
one of us and her music occasionally shows it. No need to describe it
as if you have not heard Fleetwood Mac, one can only wonder what stone
you have been hiding under for the past few deacdes.


Ordo Equium Solis - 
I was completely embarassed to have forgotten this band the first time
I posted the list! OES is from Italy, and many of the songs are sung
in Italian and/or Latin. The subject matter and the imagery and the
mail order tailismans (!) leave no doubt as to their religious
path. The music is a combination of modern and medieval rythms, lots
of harps, lutes, synth, and drums. Tony Wakeford of Sol Invictus
assists and may be considered a member of the band. Much of the music
would be very useful in ritual, I have used "Our Lady of the Wild
Fowers" in spring rituals myself. Look for them in the
import/independant section of your larger music store.


6th Comm/Mother Destruction - 
The most violently anti-Christian pagan band I have ever heard, a lot
of sacrificial themes and murder on their early recordings. If this
bithers you stay away from "Mothogenesis", the song "Sonflette" is
about genocide against the christians. However if you want to blow off
steam..... In recent years Patrick O'Kill has been working heavily
with Freya Aswin (know I spelled her name wrong) and the music has
become much less angry and very Norse mythology and rune centered. The
best album for this is "Fruits Of Ygddrsil" (with Freya). Also of note
is the recording "Seething" with Amodali. This one explores the
women's Norse traditions and is extraordinarily powerful. It is *not*
background music by any stretch of the imagination, and is very much
worth the high price for the limited pressing vinyl with booklet. It
is also available on CD, but I don't know if the CD comes with the
booklet. Sixth Comm is available in the import/independant section of
larger or specialty music stores but you'll have better luck with
special order. Some of the later works would be very appropriate for
Norse or women's ritual.


Sky Cries Mary - 
Their EP includes a cover of "The River Is Flowing" and the band's
pagan leanings is one of the worst kept secrets of the Seattle music
scene. Etherial modern rock pop tunes, aside from "The River..." not
particularly applicable to ritual use.

Somewhere in Europe -
According to a review in The Fifth Path, Douglas P. of Death In June
guests on their album "Liturgy of Anguish". Considering the name of
the band is an old Death In June song, I suspect that this is another
one of his projects.  I have not heard the music and I have no
idea where to find it. My special order person is stumped.

Sol Invictus - 
This is Tony Wakeford's band and writing can be rather morose and
gloom-laden, but is well worth it. Early work has rough production
work and the songs are much angrier. He occasionsally covers old
English folk tunes like "The Raven/Michael" quite well. Latest release
"King and Queen" would be quite popular with most pagans. For an
overview of the material, "Let Us Prey" is a live recording that
features a overview of much of the band's music. Very God oriented,
but probably listening music, not ritual. This band is only found in
larger music stores import/independant sections and special order.


This Mortal Coil - 
This band actually exists only in the studio and features guest
appearences from any number of other bands on the English 4AD
label. The songs range from popish to noise, but always have an
undercurrent of beauty and sadness. Lots of synth and effect laden
pianos. I include them here because of the strong influnece of Lisa
Gerrard and Elizabeth Frasier on the band. Memebers of Dead Can Dance
and Cocteau Twins are frequent guests and their pagan influences can
be felt in the music. The band's music is easily useful in ritual and
again, available in the import/independant section of your larger
music stores. Last Samhain I used their version of "I Come And Knock
At Every Door" to invoke death and it is a perfect piece for this
purpose.

Unleashed - 
Unleased is a "death metal" band with a Norse bent. "The Fifth Path"
will be interviewing the lead singer, Johnny Hedlund, on the subject
of paganism, in its next issue. I have not heard this band but I would
suspect that it would not be suitable for ritual. Available in the
Pop/Rock/Metal section of your music store.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other bands of intrest.....

Kate Bush - 
Allright, she may or may not be Pagan, she refuses to discuss her
religion at all, so I guess we'll never know. Anyway, she is at the
very least knowledgeable and songs like "Jig Of Life" lend themselves
easily to circle dancing, so I'm including her here. Available in any
music store.

Ceoltoiri - 
This is an American trio which plays Celtic music. Lots of harps, good
vocals, hammered dulcimer. One especially good song is Connie
McKenna's setting to music of "The Song of Wandering Aengus," a poem
by WB Yeats.  That's where the title of the CD "Silver Apples Of The
Moon" comes from.  I have not heard this band so I cannot gage how
useful they would be for ritual. Look for this band in the New Age
section of larger music stores or visit your local occult shop and
check the music rack there.

Ensamble Alcatraz - 
Fans of the Dead Can Dance recording "Aion" will love this. This band
plays music from the 12th through 14th century on original instruments
or aproximations there of. None of it is in english, although there is
some latin and in some of their releases they include
translations. Don't be turned off by the Christain themes on "Visions
and Miracles"; the stories about Mary betray her origins as a
Goddess. Very useful for circle dancing! Lots of instrumental music
too. Look for them in the classical section of your larger music
store.

His Name Is Alive - 
Although the name of the band would make most pagans run for the
hills, they are not at all bad and if they are christian, they don't
show it.  Atmospehric rock/pop music with some noise thrown in and
good lyrics. Heavy synth. Very similar to This Mortal Coil and it's no
wonder as John Fryer and Ivo of This Mortal Coil produced them! Look
for them in the import/independant and the mainstream rock sections of
your larger music stores. Possible use in ritual.

In The Nursury - 
Dead Can Dance and This Mortal Coil fans will be happy to find this
gem. Their music swings the spectrum from electric sampling noise
music to very dramatic and heavily orchestrated instrumentals. The CD
"Koda" would be quite useful in ritual. Look for them in the
import/independant section of larger music store.

Loreena McKennitt - 
The debate in my mail box over this woman's religious leanings was
amazing. I still have no idea, so I'm including her here with other
maybe pagans or pagan friendly music. You probably won't find anything
of hers except "The Visit" in a regular record store; the rest have to
be ordered.  "Parallel Dreams" and "Elemental" both have
pagan-oriented material on them, but "To Drive The Cold Winter Away"
is mostly Christmas carols (albeit old, pagan-derived ones). I have
not heard her music, so I do not know if it is useful for ritual or
not.

From: HCROSS@kentvm.kent.edu (Heather Cross)
Subject: PAGAN MUSIC REVISITED
Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1993 02:18:50 GMT

Bright Blessings, all!
 
  I just wanted to add a group to the Pagan music list, (who also
happen to be one of my favorites):

The Waterboys.  They are from the UK, and they have several albums
out.  They are kind of folky rockish (a horrible description, sorry ),
using instruments such as guitars (both electric and acoustic), bass,
sax, keyboards, piano, violin, etc.,etc.. My favorite album is called,
"This is the Sea".  It was released in '85.  (Gods, this sounds like a
really cheesy book report or someting):-).  Anywho, another good album
of theirs is entitled, "A Pagan Place".  Very nice stuff.  Check out
one of those two, cos their lead singer, Mike Scott, left the band and
they seem to have lost that Pagan influence with his departure.  Track
listings for This is the Sea:

   Don't Bang the Drum -
   "Here we are in a special place/ 
   what are you going to do here?/ 
   now we stand in a special place/ 
   what will you do here?/ 
   what show of soul/ 
   are we going to get from you?....this is sacred ground/ 
   with a power flowing through...."

   The Whole of the Moon- 
   "I pictured a rainbow/ 
   you held it in your hands/ 
   I had flashes/ 
   but you saw the plan/
   I wandered out in the world for years/
   while you just stayed in your room/ 
   I saw the crescent/ 
   you saw the whole of the moon..... I was grounded/ 
   while you filled the skies...."

   The Pan Within- 
   "Come with me/ 
   on a journey beneath the skin/
   ...we will look together for the Pan within/ 
   Close your eyes/
   breathe slow and we'll begin ..."
Medicine Bow
Old England
Be My Enemy
Trumpets
This is the Sea
 
Now I must admit, I've never actually heard Mike Scott come out and
say "Hi, I' m Mike Scott of the Waterboys, and I'm a Pagan".  But
check out the album and see what you think.  Oh, and by the way, some
of the photos inside include a woodcut of the Green God (and Goddess?)
and a beautiful photo of a unicorn running along a beach edge, with
waves crashing all around.  Sorry to babble on so long, but they are
definitely worth it.  The album is on Chrysalis.  I hope there already
hasn't been a huge discussion that I missed on them, but if so, please
be gentle in your admonishing.  And if anyone else has heard them ,
what did you think?  Okay, I've taken up enough space--
===

 
From: ksm@abb-sc.abb-sc.com (Ashley)
Date: 12 Feb 93 18:26:15 GMT

Heather Cross writes:
> I just wanted to add a group to the Pagan music list, (who also
> happen to be one of my favorites): The Waterboys.

	Wait-a-minnit, wait-a-minnit, Hooooolld on here! Horned God
woodcuts on the inner bag? Well, Hmmm. My favorite celt tells me
they're good Irish Catholics, the only Irish bands she thinks may be
pagan are:

	Enya
		- give her a listen and you can see why. Lots of songs
about fairies and such.

	Blacks 47
		- she knows the band, hasn't asked yet, but a few
things they have said make her suspect.

	House Of Pain
		- out of nowhere on one of their raps one of them
blurts out some lines about "I live in the country and you know I'm a
pagan, not like the catholic Fagans" or something like that.
Investigation continues, but we're skeptical. I think it's just
something that rymes with "Fagan".
===

From: darsie@eecs.ucdavis.edu (Richard Darsie)
Subject: Pagan Music (Was Re: New Thread: Pagan Fiction)
Date: 17 Aug 92 21:13:19 GMT

Tuneweaver has to weigh in on *this* thread!
> canders@isr.harvard.edu (Carl E. Anderson) writes:
> 	Morris On - A. Hutchings, R. Thompson et al. do folk-rock versions
> 		of _real_ pagan (well, OK, pagan-derived) music: morris
> 		dances!
Yes this is pretty interesting stuff. I couldn't listen to it on a
regular basis, tho...

> 	The Tain - Horslips - Irish folk-rock outfit from the '70s musical
> 		version of the Irish literary masterpiece.  They're
> 		whacked, but it's kinda neat.
YES, YES!  These guys were great!  They did another rock opera besides
the Tain, one called "The Book of Invasions". Great stuff and
informative liner notes about the mythology.

   [others deleted]

Clannad has some good stuff. Before they got all electrified they were
one of the best of the true Celtic folk groups - very tight vocal
arrangements with incredible harmonies. Check out their older albums
"Dulaman", "Clannad 2" and "In Concert". They also did the soundtrack
for the "Robin of Sherwood" TV series which figured in the Pagan Movie
thread...

One of my favorite "pagan" songs (don't know if it was overtly
intended so) is "Circle of the Sun" by Sally Rogers (I think)... It's
sung in a very chantlike manner:

   Babies are born in a Circle of the Sun,
   Circle of the Sun on their birthing day.
   Clouds to the north, clouds to the south,
   Wind and rain to the east and the west.
   Babies are born in a Circle of the Sun,
   Circle of the Sun on their birthing day.

   [rest of song deleted]

Please let's have more on this thread. Tuneweaver sends blessings in
advance!