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Loreena McKennitt — Marco Polo
Album: the book of secrets
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3433









Released: 1997
Length: 4:59
Plays (last 30 days): 1
(Instrumental)
Comments (246)add comment
Love Loreena! Such a beautiful haunting voice.
 MLavender wrote:

This comment reminds me of someone saying that Chinese takeout from a restaurant in the US is not authentic Chinese food -- it's not intended to be. It's intended to appeal to a certain audience, and there's nothing wrong with that. 

Paul Simon's Graceland album wasn't authentic African music either. Did that make it bad?



Very well stated!  I  Agree completely!
 joko63808 wrote:

Sounds somehow cheesy. Pseudo-oriental muzak. 




Your comment is CHEESY!  Pseudo-intellectual opinion!  Learn how to use the "skip button".  ...problem solved!  ...and then you can spare us from your drivel!!  
Sounds somehow cheesy. Pseudo-oriental muzak. 
That's twice today LM has been played. Not one of the better days on RP
Definitely :        
Love this. Great piece to dance to 
 tinypriest wrote:

Then you'll love all of Loreena's albums! They all sound just like this one! The more things change, the more Loreena stays the same. 



Wrong!  There is a stylistic difference from album to album.  You should check out more of her music!   And, all of her music is great!! 
I can't explain why I like this track so much.  Maybe it just transports me somewhere else, to a different time.  Not at all my normal musical fare but that's what's great about RP :)
 Biscobret wrote:
Good thing that the PSD button is there -- or I would have to jam metal forks into my ears just to make it stop.

{#Frustrated}



Thank you for using metal instead of plastic. The metal can be cleaned and reused. A crappy plastic fork would probably break and have to be thrown out. Go green!
Thought I kinda agree with tiny priest I still love her music
A nice world music flow this morning. Good way to start the new year. Thanks, Bill
 ukrainian wrote:
I just love this album 
 
Then you'll love all of Loreena's albums! They all sound just like this one! The more things change, the more Loreena stays the same. 
 Jelani wrote:
 triskele wrote:
.......choreographed my first solo in belly dance, 1997... sigh.....
 Where's the video?

 I remember when I also only had a solo belly...

 saellig668552 wrote:
Back in the 90ies this sort of music was calles/filed under NEW age

today this is as inventive as a old unwashed dusty sock

boring


 
 
90ies? who says it like that? Ninetyies? Also, go pound sand.
 Kaw wrote:
This feels like when you buy Gouda Kaas (cheese) somewhere in the world expecting it to be excelent Dutch cheese and ending up chewing a sort of plastic with the smell of sweaty feet.
It's just not the real deal.
 
This comment reminds me of someone saying that Chinese takeout from a restaurant in the US is not authentic Chinese food -- it's not intended to be. It's intended to appeal to a certain audience, and there's nothing wrong with that. 

Paul Simon's Graceland album wasn't authentic African music either. Did that make it bad?
 triskele wrote:
.......choreographed my first solo in belly dance, 1997... sigh.....
 Where's the video?

Wonderful song
 Karakum wrote:
I don't enjoy Arabesque
 
It's not Arabesque

"A common theme in Arabesque songs is the highly embellished and agonizing depiction of love and yearning, along with unrequited love, grief and pain. This theme had undertones of class differences in early 1960-70s, during which most of the genre's followers — mostly working class to lower middle class — identified themselves with."  [Wikipedia]

That said, I quite like Arabesque with its heavy string background and stylized female voices even though I don't speak Turkish ... it's a bit of an acquired taste - part of the very rich tapestry of Turkish music

 MIKEESSEX wrote:


As well as spelling, apparently! 
 

 radioparadise9 wrote:

I think you know as much about cheese as you do about music

 

As well as spelling, apparently! 
 Proclivities wrote:

Why are you asking?  You spelled it correctly.  The word no longer has  "K" or "Q" as it did during the reign of Æthelred the Unready.
 
Æ! Good one!  Though shouldn't it maybe be spelled (spelt?) Æðelred? (I just learned about the letter "eth" and now I'm showing off.)
Loreena McKennitt stated on her website that, as of October 2019, she is taking an indefinite period of time away from her music
Stunning soundscape. Beautiful vision.
I hear typical for Eastern Europe motives, mixed with some pure Arab nuances. Or is it just my ear?!
 Stingray wrote:
Did anybody know that it was indeed Marco who

brought back the ballgame (Polo) to Italy. He first saw it

in the steppe of what is Kazachstan today!


 
Possibly  myth, but wasn't it played by  cavalry with the head of a defeated enemy...?

Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
 justin4kick wrote:

Maybe there is some footage you can upload?
 

I've also belly danced to this track. Not much of a choreographer though. It was free form. Perfect for a certain type of routine. 
 NickDanger wrote:
This reminds me of Jeff Beal's score for the HBO series Rome. Mesmerizing. 
 She's done quite a few film scores, from what I hear.  Good for her! 

I just love this album 
 triskele wrote:
Created my first solo belly dance choreography to this song.... 
 
Maybe there is some footage you can upload?
This was one of my favorite albums when it came out. Love LM!
Long Live                                                                                                                                      Radio Paradise
Rating only 7 to me but I  do not Skip because I like Loreena McKennitt 
Great tune!  Bill, a big thank you for all the Canadian content...
 pinto wrote:

I really doubt you'll go that far
 
Please do us all a favor. Go that far!
I don't enjoy Arabesque
 saellig668552 wrote:
Back in the 90ies this sort of music was calles/filed under NEW age

today this is as inventive as a old unwashed dusty sock

boring


 
 
It was released in 1997

It's timeless
 tinypriest wrote:
Has anyone noticed how this Loreena McKennitt song sounds...
... like every other Loreena McKennit song?
 

Have you ever noticed that every Ramones song sounds alike?
It's called a style

In Loreena's case it's also called class

 Kaw wrote:
This feels like when you buy Gouda Kaas (cheese) somewhere in the world expecting it to be excelent Dutch cheese and ending up chewing a sort of plastic with the smell of sweaty feet.
It's just not the real deal.
 
I think you know as much about cheese as you do about music

 Biscobret wrote:
time wasted that could be spent listening to Lisa Gerrard.
 
IMHO a lot of  the time spent listening to Lisa Gerrard IS wasted


Has anyone noticed how this Loreena McKennitt song sounds...
... like every other Loreena McKennit song?
Now lets play a game....Marco.........Polo{#Cheesygrin}
.......choreographed my first solo in belly dance, 1997... sigh.....
 saellig668552 wrote:
Back in the 90ies this sort of music was calles/filed under NEW age

today this is as inventive as a old unwashed dusty sock

boring


 

 
Well, I, for one, still like it.  In fact, I like it a lot, and I'm glad I can hear stuff like this on RP without having to dig out old LPs or CDs.
Back in the 90ies this sort of music was calles/filed under NEW age

today this is as inventive as a old unwashed dusty sock

boring


 
This reminds me of Jeff Beal's score for the HBO series Rome. Mesmerizing. 
 markybx wrote:
I disapprove of what you play, but I will defend to the death your right to play it.

 
I really doubt you'll go that far
Incredibly boring.
Stunning voice.
Enchanting
She was here in Eugene this year, and I have to say I LOVED the current show, what a smart, intelligent, talented woman! {#Bounce}
 1wolfy wrote:
 Lucky you...I want to see her  MargoMallen wrote:
Totally Godlike.  I have seen her 3 times and each time I feel like I am transported to another time!  I love it!  The percussion are phenomenal!!!

 

 
Completely agree. She and her band are incredible live. Go see them if you have a chance.
 below72 wrote:
Bill - you have excellent taste in music and you are a master at segues
{#Clap}{#Clap}
 

 
agreed! 
 markybx wrote:
I disapprove of what you play, but I will defend to the death your right to play it.

 
Do they allow flag burning on your planet?{#Tongue-out}
Bill - you have excellent taste in music and you are a master at segues
{#Clap}{#Clap}
 
 markybx wrote:
I disapprove of what you play, but I will defend to the death your right to play it.

  
...a righteous statement, and I approve of both you and RP.


I disapprove of what you play, but I will defend to the death your right to play it.
 Lucky you...I want to see her  MargoMallen wrote:
Totally Godlike.  I have seen her 3 times and each time I feel like I am transported to another time!  I love it!  The percussion are phenomenal!!!

 


Totally Godlike.  I have seen her 3 times and each time I feel like I am transported to another time!  I love it!  The percussion are phenomenal!!!
No need to go to such extremes.  There are numerous ways to lower the volume on your computer or device.  Hit mute.  Lower the volume on the link to 0.  Turn off your speakers.  Or leave the room.  Either way, no damage to your external auditory meatus. 

Biscobret wrote:
Good thing that the PSD button is there — or I would have to jam metal forks into my ears just to make it stop.

{#Frustrated}

 


 Biscobret wrote:
time wasted that could be spent listening to Lisa Gerrard.

 
Hmm, well I'm a big and long-time fan of Dead Can Dance and Lisa Gerrard, but her oeuvre can be pretty 'challenging' and a tough chew. There's room for a 'lite' version in Loreena McKennitt. For all that Loreena's celtic-inspired work is fairly lightweight, it's enjoyable and a nice introduction to celtic music for newbies, IMO.
This feels like when you buy Gouda Kaas (cheese) somewhere in the world expecting it to be excelent Dutch cheese and ending up chewing a sort of plastic with the smell of sweaty feet.
It's just not the real deal.
nought wrong with this, good production, fabulous instrument playing, a voice to die for, good sound i'll buy this album, great going home late at nite
i often feel very optimistic at the start of her songs, expecting that i'm about to like what i'll be hearing, but by the end of the song, whatev. i think i even bought this album long ago and listened to it 2-3x and that's it. 

 

misterio
{#Cheers}
 malcyc wrote:
nothing wrong with this, in fact it's damn good, now how do you spell eclectic again

 
Why are you asking?  You spelled it correctly.  The word no longer has  "K" or "Q" as it did during the reign of Æthelred the Unready.
LOVE this!    {#Bananajam}{#Drummer}{#Bananajam}
                            
Overdone
Created my first solo belly dance choreography to this song.... 
 kdarwish wrote:
voice and music dreamy, thank you Radio Paradise.

 
Agreed
voice and music dreamy, thank you Radio Paradise.
 Cynaera wrote:
POLO!!!!!  Sorry - I was in the bathroom...
 
We miss you so much, Cynaera...

everybody in my homeless camps loves this groovy song...  we be dancing among the thickets... 
 ScottN wrote:
Generally like LM's work.  This is a self-indulgent miss, imo.

 

Miss Self-Indulgent takes belly-dancing lessons...
Generally like LM's work.  This is a self-indulgent miss, imo.
i like this song!!
Screw this song and it's jaunty take on a classic song. 
aaaaahhhhhhhh, ! , !, {#Bounce} beauty and brains, love it.....{#Clap}...thank you B & R    {#Dance}....or should that be R & B ?  either way it's SOUL MUSIC
 Biscobret wrote:
time wasted that could be spent listening to Lisa Gerrard.
 
Excellent comment.
Lovely!
It's 9.20 AM AEST (AU) - I find myself wobbling my hips as I work the desktop.. Ha ha.. life is good!
time wasted that could be spent listening to Lisa Gerrard.
Good thing that the PSD button is there -- or I would have to jam metal forks into my ears just to make it stop.

{#Frustrated}
 hbs47 wrote:

If this is annoying , I'm prepared to be even more annoyed. {#Lol}{#Angel}

 
I said this song was annoying, Loreena that is.
I do like the exotic music, but at times she seems pretentious.
Just not my cup of tea, you know? 
Love this track and overall work...
and we are saddened with you.

so why do you come back when rp is only 95% amazing and not worthy of your support?



JanioV wrote:
Every time you play these world-music wailing songs, I switch away. Sometimes I'm gone for weeks at a time. If you would stick to the AAA stuff you're best at, I might send money. Mostly, though, I just end up wondering why I come back. You're 95% amazing and 5% infuriating. That's sad.

 





nothing wrong with this, in fact it's damn good, now how do you spell eclectic again

 JanioV wrote:
Every time you play these world-music wailing songs, I switch away. Sometimes I'm gone for weeks at a time. If you would stick to the AAA stuff you're best at, I might send money. Mostly, though, I just end up wondering why I come back. You're 95% amazing and 5% infuriating. That's sad.

JanioV, you sound a closed-minded bigot and more than a tad ridiculous!  It also spurred me on to make a small monthly donation to RP to make up for all the fabulous music RP has introduced me to!  Thank you RP!!!


 MirageRF wrote:
Loreena finds so many ways to be annoying.  {#Beat}
 
If this is annoying , I'm prepared to be even more annoyed. {#Lol}{#Angel}
Loreena finds so many ways to be annoying.  {#Beat}
 JanioV wrote:
Every time you play these world-music wailing songs, I switch away. Sometimes I'm gone for weeks at a time. If you would stick to the AAA stuff you're best at, I might send money. Mostly, though, I just end up wondering why I come back. You're 95% amazing and 5% infuriating. That's sad.
 
Seriously? If you want 100%, you'll have to start your own radio station and even then I bet you'd play something that you liked, say, 10 years ago that you no longer like. And then what would you do? I think a 95% amazing ratio is pretty outstanding and certainly more than worthy of a donation. Personally, I think you're just looking for a excuse not to support the station. 
 martinc wrote:
Got me tickets first week of Dec at Arts Centre here in Ottawa. Shoudl be sweet. Tonight it is the Boss at Scotai Bank Place - sold out!
 
Not to self - this was a great show. Her voice was in great form and Hugh Marsh of violin was superb. Good band and the Arts Centre was perfect venue. Canadian national treasure. Hugh Marsh played and tour with Bruce Cockburn many moons ago. He hasn't lost anything with age.
Wow, moving and eclectic, thank you!
 siskinbob wrote:

Just jacked my rating from a 7 to a 9 on the basis of your comment. {#Dancingbanana}
 
Excellent... you have just driven me to give it a 1
 Poacher wrote:

I'll tell you what's sad, the fact you need to have 100% amazing to consider contributing. 95% not enough? Shame on you.

edit: I just read your comments and you appear to be a racist because apparently any music created outside of the USA is not to be tolerated. Just a suggestion but you might want to pull you head out of your arse.
 



👍
 JanioV wrote:
Every time you play these world-music wailing songs, I switch away. Sometimes I'm gone for weeks at a time. If you would stick to the AAA stuff you're best at, I might send money. Mostly, though, I just end up wondering why I come back. You're 95% amazing and 5% infuriating. That's sad.
 
Just jacked my rating from a 7 to a 9 on the basis of your comment. {#Dancingbanana}
 JanioV wrote:
Every time you play these world-music wailing songs, I switch away. Sometimes I'm gone for weeks at a time. If you would stick to the AAA stuff you're best at, I might send money. Mostly, though, I just end up wondering why I come back. You're 95% amazing and 5% infuriating. That's sad.
 
I'll tell you what's sad, the fact you need to have 100% amazing to consider contributing. 95% not enough? Shame on you.

edit: I just read your comments and you appear to be a racist because apparently any music created outside of the USA is not to be tolerated. Just a suggestion but you might want to pull you head out of your arse.
 JanioV wrote:
Every time you play these world-music wailing songs, I switch away. Sometimes I'm gone for weeks at a time. If you would stick to the AAA stuff you're best at, I might send money. Mostly, though, I just end up wondering why I come back. You're 95% amazing and 5% infuriating. That's sad.
 



Hm. Kinda sad.

Every time Bill puts up a world track like this, or, say something from Mali, I take the opportunity to discover something I'd never get to enjoy anywhere else.

And then get back to Pearl Jam or The Allman Bros or Neko Case or Duke Ellington or ... Come back more often dude!
 unclehud wrote:

You got a belly?  Dance away ...
 

Oh that's good!
 fuzzy wrote:
Middle east music. Not my cup o' tea. Unless there's some belly dancing.
 
You got a belly?  Dance away ...
Every time you play these world-music wailing songs, I switch away. Sometimes I'm gone for weeks at a time. If you would stick to the AAA stuff you're best at, I might send money. Mostly, though, I just end up wondering why I come back. You're 95% amazing and 5% infuriating. That's sad.

Did anybody know that it was indeed Marco who

brought back the ballgame (Polo) to Italy. He first saw it

in the steppe of what is Kazachstan today!


Saw her in Providence a couple of years ago. Phenomenal show! {#Dancingbanana_2}
 erjobitt wrote:
spent it dancin with the five year old love it!!
 
Sweet!
I bought this album the day it came out.  I can't believe it's been 15 years ago.  Shit.
Got me tickets first week of Dec at Arts Centre here in Ottawa. Shoudl be sweet. Tonight it is the Boss at Scotai Bank Place - sold out!
spent it dancin with the five year old love it!!
this is a very very very old tune - been played in the middle east for more than centuries.. 
thnx to Loreena McKennitt for revising it - surely would have been nice of her if she was sharing her references for this music :)
 TerryS wrote:
Much better than faux Celtic.
 

? Are you referring to her 'faux Celtic' or are you having a go at Celtic music in general? That comment's so concise it's gnomic.
Much better than faux Celtic.
I'm in heaven.....she is a genius, combining celtic and middle-eastern.....if you like this, check out her albums Book of Secrets
and The Mask and the Mirror! 
 shakitten wrote:
Can't stop my hips...got me moving! Love this!
 

Same here!
haven't heard this for a year or two..........sounds all the better for it.
Can't stop my hips...got me moving! Love this!
Is it over yet. Such a 6.5
 ianmoff wrote:

And I'm cooking a curry - Bill are you telepathic?
 
 

Curry, you say?  I'll be right over.