August 28, 2009

Flashback Friday: "Snow On The Sahara".

The nineties brought, I would say, a void into my musical world. A decade defined by alternative compositions, when "grunge" prevailed and other very progressive and angry styles ruled the music scene. They did nothing for me.
I was suffering.

Therefore, I turned to explorations of music separated from the mainstream styles and I developed a deeper liking for Country, Jazz, New Age and Bossa Nova.

It was during this time that I made my acquaintance with Anggun, a beautiful artist from Indonesia. When I heard the captivating, almost spiritual "Snow On The Sahara" for the first time, it felt indeed as if finding an oasis in the desert.
Unusual in lyrics and harmony and visually stunning, it still sounds so very unique ten years on.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can't beleive its already friday!!!

Donna said...

Very nice.

Have a great weekend!

Hugs,
Donna

Betsy Brock said...

I never heard of her! She has a beautiful, strong voice! (and beautiful hair!)

Mahmud Yussop said...

Such captivating, beautiful and uniquely 'Anggun' voice. In Malay 'anggun' means beauty + sophistication. Thanks for posting the song. What more could I ask?

Kat Mortensen said...

She's beautiful, isn't she? I like the sound. I have a recommendation for you, Protege. There's a Canadian group called Delerium that has very asian-influenced, atmospheric music. I'm sure you can find them on YouTube.

Have a lovely day!

Kat

Claus said...

What a wonderful voice! Deep and strong. I like her hand movements in the video. Nice song.
Have a great Friday!

Blogaire said...

She certainly has a great voice, but again this is the first time I have heard her. But it's great to explore music that is not mainstream and is different from what we hear everyday. I am also having great fun with music from Russia, Cape Verde and Espana among other places - there is so much beautiful music all over the world.

Sumandebray said...

Thanks for introducing to Anggun. I could not find any trace of Indonesian influence in her music. He got a nice husky voice.
After listening to her I remembered Shania Twain, don't know why.

have a great weekend.

Baron's Life said...

Totally wonderful, thanks for sharing

Holly said...

I can see why you were so drawn to her thick, rich sound. Then again I am sure that her style was really appealing to you as well with her long flowing hair and her incredibly graceful Balinisian way of dancing.

I really enjoyed this song!

Bhushavali said...

Hi Protege,
Came across your blog via Phivos. Nice blog u have. Commented on your previous post. :)
My Travelogue

Zuzana said...

=MelRoXx,
I agree, time flies too fast.;)) Hope your weekend is great.;))

=Donna,
thank you and likewise!;)) xoxo

=Betsy,
I agree on both accounts; hope you are having a lovely weekend.;) xo

=Mahmud,
what a great comment; glad you enjoyed the song and thank you for clarifying the meaning of her name! Finally it make sense after more than a decade.;))

=Kat,
thank you so much for the recommendations! I am always on a look out for new music. I will check them out for sue.;)) xo

=Claudia,
thank you, glad you enjoyed this clip - I agree; she knows how to move with a sensual grace.;)) Always love your comments.;)) xo

=Blogaire,
I agree with you completely! I too love to listen to foreign music; there is so much of beautiful compositions that we never get exposed to. Thanks to the internet, a lot of exploration is possible and easier these days.;))
Have a lovely weekend!;)

=Sumandebray,
I agree on the sound of her voice; it is very unique.;) She is very sultry and sensual; perhaps that is why the association with Shania.;)
Always enjoy when you stop by; have a great weekend.;))

=Baron's Life,
I am happy you enjoyed the clip.;) Thank you.;)

=Holly,
so right you are on every account.;)) Ah, you know me so well.;) I agree - I too love the way she dances, the moves are very sensual.;)
Have a great weekend dear friend.;) xo

=Mitr...,
thank you so much for stopping by and for your kind words.;))

Keera Ann Fox said...

The music of the 90's was lost on me, too. Anggun I have never heard before but now I've played the song you've linked to several times. It's so rare to hear such a lovely contralto (remember Jennifer Rush?). I think you've found me a new favorite! Thanks, Protege!

Reading Tea Leaves said...

Thank you for sharing this Protege - she has such a wonderful rich voice. There is so much good music from around the world and more accessible than ever before.

Jeanne
x

Zuzana said...

=Keera,
so very glad you liked Anggun and her unique style and voice!! Isn't this song just one of these that make the hair on the back of your neck rise?

Yes indeed, Jennifer Rush was one of my very favorites, her "Power of Love" was unforgettable and I dislike what Celine Dion did to such a great song.

I hope you are having a lovely Sunday..;))xo

=Jeanne,
it is my pleasure; thank you very much for always taking the time to listen to the music of my past;)) Glad you enjoyed it.;) xo

Keera Ann Fox said...

Jennifer Rush's version is the best, definitely. And yes, Anggun's song does do something to the body. It weaves its way under the skin. Not many songs can do that. I'm now downloading Anggun's debut album from iTunes. (She ought to pay you a percentage! :-) )