Valley in the Clouds
Released in 1987,Valley in the Cloudsby multi- instrumentalist David Arkenstone still stands as one of the most exquisite electronic new age recordings ever produced. Lofty praise, but nearly every track of this meticulously designed musical voyage validates the claim. Imbued with a star-traveler's adventurous spirit, Arkenstone's work conveys a sense of interstellar majesty that invites a listener's imagination to operate on an IMAX scale. Luminous at times, gently percussive at others, the nine pieces succeed at fulfilling Arkenstone's stated composing ambition: "I kept asking myself: What would Indiana Jones enjoy listening to?" he said whimsically at the time. If Indy was transformed into Rocket Man, Arkenstone would immerse him in such expansive sonic delights as "Ancient Legend" and "Stepping Stars," a classic pair of album-openers that grandly establish the mystical-travel theme. "Princess" is worthy of royalty in any galaxy, and "Night Wind" can introduce you to auroras that only your mind's eye knew existed. An audio excursion not to be missed.--Terry Wood