The Nature of the Universe

Charly McLion's The Nature of the Universe sort of seems like what muzak might have sounded like in the 21st century if new age hadn't taken over as the instrumental music of choice and if muzak hadn't decided to use the original hits, rather than their watered-down and muzakized counterparts. The allusion to muzak is very necessary, because Charly McLion's The Nature of the Universe reminds one of the watered-down sounds that the Living Strings, 101 Strings, and Montovani all shared; don't be mistaken, though, this reviewer isn't trying to say that these sounds are bad, as muzak and much of the music that comprised what used to be known as beautiful music is a fine art unto itself and should be judged accordingly; all that's being proposed is that Charly McLion's The Nature of the Universe consists of the same kind of aesthetic. There are elements of new age in Charly McLion's The Nature of the Universe, but it's too good to be given that catchall title; the work on this disc is actually quite nice and very relaxing. There are parts of this recording that sound like a cross between early-'80s Windham Hill Records new age and Berlin-school electronic music along the lines of Klaus Schulze, Tangerine Dream, and Ashera. Charly McLion's The Nature of the Universe is a fine disc and one that certainly relaxes and puts the mind at ease. Those who are looking for a contemplative disc that is substantial but unobtrusive should know that this is certainly the disc for them.