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Ever wonder where all the good music has gone?

Dear Fellow Music-Lover,

Do you ever get the feeling that nothing in today's music scene will ever compare with your favourite artists? Have you given up expecting that any new band will ever really do it for you again? Read on if so ... you're not alone!

You may think all new acts sound the same, but have a look at what people are saying about Melbourne-based band The Merlin Bird:

These are real quotes from real people! You could find yourself saying the same!!! Just check out their new EP Reason and Rhyme, available through this website.

If your musical taste extends beyond what you hear on the top 40, you should really give yourself a chance to hear Reason and Rhyme.

We're so sure you'll agree, that we're offering it with an unconditional, 30-day money back guarantee! Just try getting that at your local music store!

What the professionals say

The following review appeared in the 11 Jan 2006 issue of Beat - Victoria's biggest CAB audited streetpaper.

The marriage of Celtic folk with rock has a long and illustrious history as it has embraced a wide spectrum of sound and attitude; everything from the folkie prog of Jethro Tull to the punky, foot-stompin', 'Guinness-and-a-pogo' vibe of The Pogues and Dropkick Murphey to the more mainstream, radio-friendly approach of Scottish superstars Runrig. Local outfit The Merlin Bird, with their haunting melodies and skilled instrumentation, fit neatly into the gentle prog-rock side of this vibrant genre and embrace eclecticism with much enthusiasm and skill.

A quick visit to the band's wittly scribed web site provides an insight into their philosophy. "The great thing about rock is that there really are no limits" says singer Geoff Dawes. "Where else could we put bits of Grand Opera and acoustica beside overdriven guitars and still have it work?" "We have a pretty diverse set of influences" says guitarist David O'Toole. "There are elements of Radiohead and George in there, but two of our singers are classically trained, and the other sings jazz. Actually, we don't sound like anyone else I know."

Too true. Comparisons are tricky to make, which has got to be a good thing in an age when too many bands sound uncannily like someone else. One of the highlights of The Merlin Bird's sparkling EP Reason and Rhyme is the gorgeous female vocals, which are often shivers-down-the-spine good! For instance, check out the Ofra Haza-style singing that ushers in the opening track Rhyme to Reason. A welcome Goth touch creeps occasionally into proceedings with The Father of Storms which comes across as suitably mythical and windswept. The Merlin Bird, sparkling with originality, will be a band worth watching.

What the people say

Here's what other music lovers have to say about Reason and Rhyme:

Order Now! Rhyme to Reason sells for just $9.95!!! (Australian dollars.) Click on the Buy Now button below to purchase using your Visa, Mastercard or PayPal account, or Click here for other payment options. Credit card payments are handled securely by PayPal. Please allow 2 - 3 weeks for delivery. This is one choice you don't want to get wrong. You owe it to yourself to see whether The Merlin Bird could be the start of your next big musical love affair. Remember, it's all about the music.

Happy listening!

PS. Remember that Reason and Rhyme comes with an unconditional, 30 day money-back guarantee! We're so confident you'll like it, that for a limited time we're also prepared to refund both sets of postage if you decide to send it back. Not only will you be refunded the price of the CD itself, but also the postage you originally paid to be sent the CD, and the postage you paid to return it. For buyers in America and the UK, this means we're prepared to refund around three times the cost of the CD!!! That's how sure we are that once you own Reason and Rhyme, you'll want to hang on to it!

PPS. This postal refund offer is strictly limited. There will never be a better time to order Reason and Rhyme. You can't lose! Click on the Buy Now button and rediscover the thrill of hearing a great, new band for the first time.

PPPS. Bottom line? No-one can say whether The Merlin Bird will ever be up there with your other favourite artists, but there are people out there who've told us they play the CD every day!!! You could end up liking it just as much! Of course, some people - and you'd be surprised just how many - will hesitate to take the plunge, even if they're kind of intrigued or curious. If you're not one of those that's prepared to walk away from good music, then congratulations - to the bold go the spoils.

Welcome to the journey!