The Alpha Music of John Levine

Listen to some tracks here.

The music was tested by a number of people but in most instances they only had access to one CD out of a whole range. Levine the composer and player of the music stresses that not all the music suits everyone and that many people hate one CD but love another, it is a question of matching the music to the person.

I have listened to the alpha music (Orange Grove) now. my first thoughts were it doesn't sound that bad and it's even proper music! I think I expected a series of weird sounds, and then, ooh it sounds like there's an african flavour going on here, it really can't be too bad. and then my eventual thoughts were this is just ordinary music no different from any other sort, except it really wasn't to my taste, I'd rather listen to Paul Simon and LadySmith Black Mambazo. So overall I wasn't impressed that there was anything special about this music and there was plenty of other music that would make me feel a whole heap better.
Kate

I set aside a block of time before bed to listen to 'Orange Grove'. Within in seconds I felt irritated by the mix of what seemed to me disjointed sounds. I felt like I was in the waiting room of an alternative medicine practitioner who was trying to create a relaxing atmosphere but it actually sets me on edge. For people who like new age sounds and whale music I am sure that the CD would have great appeal and as with all music it is very personal but for me it was just a background noise that I wanted to shut up.
Adam 17

I find these CDs annoying because you think it's going to get into some kind of tune or something, but it's very unco-ordinated, which makes me think he's just playing about - it can't be scripted music can it? But then there are strange voices you can just about make out in the background. Are they supposed to be there? Is it live music, and that's the audience making noises? They're very annoying anyway. And if they're supposed to be there, then why can't you make out what they're saying, or is it just to add to the mysticism-schmysticism. I find them most unrelaxing because they're totally unstructured. There's no rhythm, there's no beat. It's not music, just noises. It actually sounds better if you speed it up! I've done 45 mins of it. That's enough drivel. That was Silence of Peace Vol 1. Hmm. Not peaceful at all.

My Little Sea Shell - which seems the same sort of crap. Not sure how it would work for sleepless babies. but don't think I'd recommend it. Best thing is a vacuum cleaner, washing machine etc...
William

The CD, Amber...I love it! Put it on over teatime on Wednesday, and M didn't rush to turn it off, which is a sign he liked it. So perhaps it does work on the male subconscious, you never know. Anyway, we played it all the way through and he quietly ate his food. I will certainly use this for reiki sessions. it has just the right amount of music quality: tone, instrumental, it is voice-like without being too melodious and/or too 'busy' for relaxation and contemplation.
Jill

If you've also had experience of these products, or similar, we'd love to know what you think! Email us here with your views.

Anna van der Post
January 2010