Riddle the Sphinx
Fun House
© 2006 Christiane Cargill and Joy de Guzman (837101123587)
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Romantic bohemian music with a carnival twist. "Fun House" is a dreamy and intimate collection ranging from seductive ballads to ethereal pop to carnival waltzes, with bonus material included on the enhanced CD. A must-have.
tracks
- 1 Shepherd's Hill
- 2 Vagabond
- 3 Into Forever
- 4 Lullaby
- 5 The Fallen Ones
- 6 Fun House
- 7 Almost
- 8 Judgment Day
- 9 Sandman
- 10 Hunger
- 11 Romanza
- 12 Nickel a Drink
- 13 Lullaby Unplugged
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***COOL NEWS:
FUN HOUSE NOMINATED FOR "BREAKTHROUGH ALBUM OF 2006" BY THE LA MUSIC AWARDS
RTS MADE THE 2006 HOT 100 UNSIGNED ARTISTS LIST IN MUSIC CONNECTION MAGAZINE!
"Simply put, RTS is creating original art, and excelling at it."
~ Music Connection Magazine
ABOUT RIDDLE THE SPHINX
Touted "the band to see in Los Angeles" by the NoHo Arts District Music Column, Riddle the Sphinx is an innovative band, bringing to mind artists as diverse as Kate Bush, Loreena McKennitt and Danny Elfman, while at the same time, venturing into unchartered musical territory.
RTS has consistently received accolades from the press for its originality ("one of the most unique bands in Los Angeles," says NoHo Arts District Music Column) and its charm ("enchanted my socks off," says All Access Magazine). Their unique style even perplexed the LA Music Awards on what category to include them in for a nomination, before deciding on Best Adult Alternative Artist of the Year in 2005. Touching on elements of classical, celtic, rock, pop, world beat, jazz, and folk, RTS strives for one thing: to create great music.
Much of the band's innovative style can be traced back to its front woman, lead singer, pianist and songwriter Christiane Cargill. A fiery redhead and classically trained pianist since age 3, Christiane was recently featured in Glamour Magazines 2005 Woman of the Year issue, and honored with the Toyota Moving Forward Award for bringing music and art therapy to at-risk children, while driving her own inner passion for music. With a love for adventure (such as hang-gliding and firewalking), it's no surprise that her passion for life comes out in her music.
RTS's percussionist, Christo Pellani, has a mesmerizing quality on stage. Featured as one of ten Unsung Drumming Heroes of Los Angeles by BAM Magazine, he has toured the world playing concerts with Air Supply, Mary Wells, and The Shirrelles, and has studied music in Africa, Brazil, India, and Bali. The fusion of Christo's world music percussion and Christiane's classically-trained piano and vocals blend together seamlessly to create the band's distinctive sound. Rounding out the group are bass guitarist, Burgundy Morgan and guitarist, Donovan Raitt, both accomplished musicians who add tasteful textures to compliment the band's signature style.
Currently in the studio recording a Celtic album, RTS recently opened for the Young Dubliners, and have been sought out to contribute songs to numerous film soundtracks.
"Some of our teenage fans have told me that their RTS CDs have mysteriously disappeared, later reappearing in their parents cars," recalls Christiane, "and I'm so glad that our music has a broad appeal which reaches people of all ages." With a fan base from eight to eighty years old, RTS has captured the attention of music lovers across a spectrum of generations.
ABOUT "FUN HOUSE":
"loaded with vibe, tight musicianship, and great vocals. This is real music with real musicianship."
~Bobby Borg, Best-Selling Author, The Musicians Handbook
"A skilled, seasoned foursome from Los Angeles, RTSs full-length CD could please fans of Sarah McLachlan, Tori Amos, and Kate Bush. There is loads of talent and artistry in this band."
~Music Connection Magazine
"beautifully sculptured masterpieces of sound."
~Toni K., Warrior Girl Music / Songsalive!
"This is an excellent CD and my top pick so far for 2006."
~Nancy Nickle, Catz Go Round Records
"I'm reminded of Sarah McLachlan in her prime."
~Anna Maria Stjarnell, Collected Sounds
RTS's sophomore release, Fun House, is romantic bohemian music with a carnival twist, a dreamy and intimate collection of songs that range from seductive ballads to ethereal pop to carnival waltzes. Produced by Christiane Cargill, RTS assembled a stellar cast of guest musicians for Fun House, and worked with the legendary Michael Vail Blum (Madonna/The Who/Pink Floyd), who mixed and mastered the project. The artwork masterfully captures the bands playful spirit, while the enhanced CD features photographs, lyrics, and a five-minute Meet the Band documentary by award-winning filmmaker Sean Kinney.
reviews
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Mellow Tunes
author: Carlos ZeiselThis band out of LA is just killer. This CD captures the essence and idealism that is evident. They are on the verge of making it.
Loaded with Vibe and Great Musicianship
author: The Musician's Handbook: Bobby BorgLight a candle, pour a glass of vine, and chill to this CD. It's loaded with vibe, tight musicianship, and great vocals. Alt rock in the style of Kate Bush and Tori Amos. Though based on the first two tracks, I'm unsure how well this would impact radio and whether there is a "hit song," but I don't think that's what their going after anyway. Overall, bravo. This is real music with real musicianship. 5 stars.
- author: Brooke Wilkes
Romantic, dreamy, mischievous, intelligent, poetic, ethereal, timeless... just a few words that come to mind when I listen to RTS' second album. The songs are so unique and each track takes you on a new musical journey. I love the passionate emotion in Ms. Cargill's voice. And while each song is very different- they all seem to blend together effortlessly. This is an album that lovingly haunts you and just sticks with you. Each hook different and fresh! I simply love going to their Fun House!
This album is a lovely thing!
author: Anna Maria Stjärnell, Collected SoundsRiddle the Sphinx is fronted by singer/songwriter Christiane Cargill. The music they play is lovely and the lyrics by Joy de Guzman are intriguing. “Into Forever” is a sweet ballad that brings out the most sensuous qualities in Cargill’s siren vocal. I’m reminded of Sarah MacLachlan in her prime. “Lullaby” is a string-enhanced song that works as an actual lullaby. It’s got some nice eastern touches and a shade of Tori Amos dynamics. The title song is a fun, cabaret-ish spin with surreal lyrics. Cargill sings wonderfully. “Judgment Day” is a mid-paced song with intriguing lyrics of a wrongdoer. This album is a lovely thing.
Awesome album
author: Rand HubiakThose who own the limited edition CD of "The Fallen Ones" will already recognize a few familiar tracks that have been re-recorded for this wider release (among them the seething and yet melodious "Judgment Day" and the scintillating and erotic "Hunger"). However, the new disc offers a handful of genuine surprises as well. There is the juxtaposition of the whimsical and macabre found in the title track, as well as the raw heartbreak of "Romanza," and the so-hummable-it's-almost-top-40 opening tune, "Shepherd's Hill." While this album certain picks up where the previous one left off -- solid tunesmanship, a neo-classical bent to the piano arrangements, lyrics that recall the best of the Romantic period (we're talking Byron, Shelley & Keats here, not unicorns and rainbows!), and a vocal style that is simultaneously operatic and earthy -- it also explores a wider sound that is enhanced by a solid rhythm section and a more band-friendly approach, as opposed to the solo piano prodigy sound that dominated their first release. Clearly, these songs were recorded with the intention of being played live before a large audience, which is exactly what this follow-up should afford the band. Almost every track is underscored by the full band this time, an evolution made all the more enjoyable by the unpredictable and yet accessible approach to arrangement: none of the percussion sounds like standard Top 40 or rock'n'roll drum kits but is, rather, more a "world beat" sound, and yet it all remains sufficiently familiar to avoid the preciousness of an affected ecclecticism. At 13 tracks, the admission fee to "Fun House" is scarcely a buck or two more than it would cost to download the whole thing from iTunes, with the added bonus of having the CD artwork already professionally done for you -- do yourself a favor and splurge on the real thing!
A dreamscape of sounds and textures with ethereal vocals mesmerizing.
author: Toni K. Warrior Girl Music/Songsalive!Solid musicianship from the players and mesmerizing vocals by ethereal siren Christiane Cargill are staples for Riddle the Sphinx in live performance, but this new enhanced cd, FUN HOUSE, will bring more fans to RTS and more crowds to venues to hear these beautifully sculptured masterpieces of sound. Each track (13 + bonus material and enhanced features) delivers it's own story and floats magically into the next, a credit to the quality production and complimentary songwriting styles of Chris Cargill and Joy de Guzman. Worldbeat rhythms, smooth jazz flavors and avant garde lyrics add a special dimension to this cutting edge eclectic band. From the inviting percussive beginning of Shepherd's Hill to romantic Lullaby Unplugged at the end of the cd, each song breathes life on it's own. All tracks can become a favorite with standouts Hunger (piano driven moody sensuality), Into Forever, Fun House (laugh, dance and be in the circus), Romanza, Nickle a Drink, and Shepherd's Hill (exquisitely arranged textures of sound). Buy a copy for yourself and another for a friend to share on nights with fine wine and low lights.
Breathtaking!
author: Karene C.Fun House is an album filled with beautifully composed, provocative, ethereal music, with textures like a richly woven tapestry, inviting the listener to experience a vivid and deeply soulful journey. The lyrics are intelligent and deep, inspiring thought-provoking introspection, resulting in songs which cause one to reminisce on a variety of life experiences and emotions. But the title track, the playful and elf-ish Fun House, is an example of their versatility, showing that they also have a fun side (which is also evidenced on the video). The band is comprised of artists who are each extremely talented in their own right, but it is the lead singer/pianist/keyboardist/composer, Chris Cargill, whose classical training and musical genius enables her to create compositions which are unique and intricate, complex and melodious, separating their music from the majority of performers we hear today. This entire album is nothing if not brilliant and an experience which should not be missed.
Fantastic from the start of the musical journey to the end
author: EricaRTS's new album is wonderful! Lullaby is one that I play over and over, what a bonus that there is an unplugged version. Cargill is a wonderful lyrical muse!
It rocks - smooth world beat and modern vibe
author: SeanThe album has a cool vibe ... kinda like a Tori Amos, Evanescence or a Loreena McKennitt feel, but RTS definitely stands out on their own. The album has a lot of diversity, and you can definitely get a clear idea for their particular style. The piano parts are great, and the vocals are pleasing and sweet. There is a lot to hear, with all the different sounds and instruments. And the cool thing I found from my friends that have bought it as well, is everyone has a favorite, different song. Definitely worth the purchase!
If you only buy one CD, this is the one to buy!
author: Anita EricksonThis CD is so captivating that I find myself hearing it in my dreams. If you only buy one CD, this the the one to buy. You will be absolutely amazed.
About "Fun House" it is a place I want to enter and never leave!
author: Nancy Nickle, Pres & Founder, Catz Go Round Records, LLCThis is an excellent CD and my top pick so far for 2006. "Fun House" is a journey that takes you to the special places within yourself, which I don't want to leave. The writers Chris and Joy put down the music/story and then the entire family "Riddle The Sphnix" interpret with the wonderful talent that each member has. Frankly I didn't want the CD to end. There are at least two radio singles on this CD: "Into Forever" and "Judgement Day" (both brought tears to me). Other favorite tunes: "Vagabond", "Lullaby Unplugged. If you like Tori Amos or Laura Nyro (from another time) this is a CD that you will listen to many times! I was privilleged to hear "Riddle The Sphinx" at a Songsalive! gig. What an incredible experience where the music is brought to life by each of the players. Now stop reading and buy this wonderful treasure. If it was my choice, this band would be on our label. They have the special quailities that you don't find often...the songs, the players a wonderful experience!
A colourful and artistic package of fun and uplifting music!
author: Phil Knight (Cornwall, UK)This colourful and artistic package of vivacity and uplifting music has not only the ingredients of very strong melody, sensitive instrumentation and beautiful vocals, but goes a step further in providing the listener with a charming and informal portrait of the band as a unit via its video and slideshow. Indeed, Fun House is full of delightful surprises!
Most beautiful songs I've heard in a long time!
author: L. M. BrownThis CD had me from the first song! It is the only CD that has been in my player ever since I got a copy. This is new music that will become a whole new genre for songwriters and musicians. Music and lyrics are intricately woven to create a dynamic space for musical art. Enhancements on CD introduce this band who take their music very seriously, and themselves not at all! It is a must-have CD for anyone who loves music.
Wonderful, original mix of traditional Irish, Pop, and New Age.
author: JohnThis is one of the most original and refreshing CDs I have listened to in a long time. Cargill and De Guzman are the female Lennon and McCartney of the 21st century. Their music and lyrics are original and don't really fit into any mainstream category. Which, in my opinion, is a very good thing. It's nice to hear some originality once in a while. Chris' voice is haunting and beautiful. My wife describes it as "very soothing". The perfect CD to pop into your car's CD player to make that hellish commute home after a rough day at work bearable. Check out the video on the enhanced CD as well. It gives you a little insight into the bands playful personalities. I can't wait to see them live.
Thought provoking and beautifully rendered
author: JodiRiddle the Sphinx has it's own unique sound due to Chris Cargill's lead vocals and classical piano playing. Not to mention the entire band's ability to mesh together with instrument and voice to complete the enjoyment you'll feel while listening to this album. Each song has thought-provoking lyrics and I'm sure every person listening will find a song that 'speaks' to them. That song for me is "Into Forever". A beautiful tribute to love. Each song has it's own meaning, sound and feel...this is not *pop princess* material - it's better! Fun House will evoke many emotions from the listener...all of them good.
The fun starts long before they play “Fun House”
author: PaulHaving heard “Into Forever” and “Lullaby” in concert, I could not wait to have this CD and hear these beautiful songs any time I wanted. So I was shocked to find songs I loved even more, particularly “Almost,” which would have been my pick for song of the year had the CD come out last year. As much as I loved the first CD, this one is far better. In addition to the love ballads there are beautiful story songs, and the title track is a nifty little circus tune.
A beautiful work, lush and warm, a must hear!
author: Scott DochertyFrom the opening lines of Shepherd's Hill, this work unfolds a soundscape of yearning desire. It is a sensual journey though dreams, feelings, love and loss. Christiane Cargill beautifully and powerfully sings these songs over a rich production, remeniscent of early Elton John and later Alanis Morissette. Only hints, though, as this is a truly unique sounding album, which I'm sure will be held up as a comparison itself! My personal favorite tracks are Vagabond, Into Forever and Almost. But honestly, the whole album is satisfying. .................... Additionally, the CD is enhanced with wonderful extras: A cool interface, from which the listener can also be the viewer. There is a very cool slideshow and video featuring a behind-the-scenes view of the band. .................... Treat yourself to this lovely, eclectic album - you'll be thankful you didn't pass it up.