tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21063474627309435982024-03-13T16:55:16.171+00:00Beautiful Life as I know itGemmadragon1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02946790552515956577noreply@blogger.comBlogger1014125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106347462730943598.post-24763179176948929002023-10-31T17:00:00.007+00:002023-10-31T20:07:26.936+00:00Thriller/ Michael Jackson (1982): Albums of my Life: an A-Z<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluJXi9osZzt9R3RxO6-WB0Xjn0vtOcLRQbCTWocrK5KbQmSvCgNseK-RUBgV99Rh58tLJptH2MUHxZhfYWV5LvHwtLwWn23hmUZom_BAVED73UKzf0co6ZSKaoG6JDLvCC1ukGaRIwGs3adm0OKUUOHUYDeEulP3QdfG9uHVeMci-ZbGnix14DYSS62g/s3246/Thriller%20album%20cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3206" data-original-width="3246" height="891" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluJXi9osZzt9R3RxO6-WB0Xjn0vtOcLRQbCTWocrK5KbQmSvCgNseK-RUBgV99Rh58tLJptH2MUHxZhfYWV5LvHwtLwWn23hmUZom_BAVED73UKzf0co6ZSKaoG6JDLvCC1ukGaRIwGs3adm0OKUUOHUYDeEulP3QdfG9uHVeMci-ZbGnix14DYSS62g/w902-h891/Thriller%20album%20cover.jpg" width="902" /></a></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s950/I+can+remember1.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s320/I+can+remember1.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">being excited by Michael Jackson's music from such a young age. I remember cassette tapes being excavated at car boot sales and I imagine that <i><b>Thriller</b></i> was among some of the early Jackson tapes I got my hands on. I was probably nine or ten when I first heard this album and the impact of it has never really left me. I listen to 'Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' now (the opening track) and that iconic 80s snare sound is seared into my soul; I could recognise it within a split second. Back in the early 90s, I was too young to have any awareness of the 80s hallmarks that this album so delightfully showcases (the Synclavier synths and Linn machine drums), however, my love for the sound and feel has never left me. In fact, in my 30s it has resurfaced in a deep, insatiable thirst for nostalgic 80s tunes.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/s950/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/w400-h43/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" width="400" /></a></p><div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Thriller </i>is one of those albums I have put off and dreaded writing about! Its status as the best-selling album of all time (at an estimated 70 million+ copies) means everyone knows it and there is so much about it that could be covered. Despite its epicness, I'd like to treat it with the tenderness I have the other, less well-known albums I have written about. If only I could hear this album for the first time again, but alas, it is as familiar to many of us as hearing our own voice. In that sense, I can only approach it by giving the songs my full attention as I listen and write. Hopefully I can do it some justice.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">'Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' is such a great opener, isn't it?! The horn section, the percussion, the backing vocals-- it's a mesmerising intro to an album that feels diverse in its blend of tracks. And it's all about the rhythm. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The fascinating thing about MJ lyrics for me is that they are either ingrained in my memory, never to be forgotten, or they are completely unknown! Sometimes when I've come across the actual lyrics, I've been dumbstruck as they're so far removed from what I thought they were! This track is a good example of that. Misinterpreted lyrics (or 'mondegreens') are a common phenomenon, but it seems crazy that it happens with the artist I've listened to the most across my life! </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">'It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)</span><br aria-hidden="true" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)</span><br aria-hidden="true" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)</span><br aria-hidden="true" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)'</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;">The pain is...'thunder'?!! My brain always heard it as 'the pain is <i>slow'</i>'! Anybody else...? No? Just me then.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Coming off the back of </span><i style="font-family: arial;"><b>Off the Wall</b> </i><span style="font-family: arial;">with its feet rooted in disco, </span><i style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Thriller </i><span style="font-family: arial;">is far more pop with RnB, soul, rock and funk woven in. The way we transition from the '... Startin' Somethin's African-influenced backing vocals into the unmistakable drum intro to 'Baby Be Mine' works so well. It takes us to a tighter groove with its warm, sensual synths (perhaps an unsual thing to say about synths, but its something in their mellowness on this song that creates this for me). The bridge ('won't you stay with me until the morning sun...') elevates the romance of 'Baby Be Mine' which I felt even when I was a youngster. It strikes me that Jackson and Quincy Jones wanted </span><b style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">Thriller </b><span style="font-family: arial;">to be an album of contrast: tough vs. smooth; light vs. heavy. The album is known for its record-breaking hit singles and their incredible music videos though the quieter moments make their biggest mark on me-- more on that in a moment.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qqTQN-WsCqmZrS4_HASAocK0eSJGCGTmisMEXNSQSwoVGDH2BhWKnoQGA90tvc4sJ2KgGLOM9LmwPfwd7zYK3-sCd3nBQs3sFtxBbGZGYvDGc93YYpa3IGA81z2MJsUetgJVFKHkK8u4ozhg7Ncj_wsHDwCujeVnqqmg5IB8WerkS9yA3iYa1H3nSWo/s3195/Thriller%20TGIM%20artwork.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2794" data-original-width="3195" height="806" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qqTQN-WsCqmZrS4_HASAocK0eSJGCGTmisMEXNSQSwoVGDH2BhWKnoQGA90tvc4sJ2KgGLOM9LmwPfwd7zYK3-sCd3nBQs3sFtxBbGZGYvDGc93YYpa3IGA81z2MJsUetgJVFKHkK8u4ozhg7Ncj_wsHDwCujeVnqqmg5IB8WerkS9yA3iYa1H3nSWo/w920-h806/Thriller%20TGIM%20artwork.jpg" width="920" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">'The Girl is Mine' in which Michael duets with Paul McCartney always felt like a novelty record to me. As a kid, I always rooted for Michael, almost feeling resentful of McCartney's taunting in the lyrics! Of course I'd been aware of The Beatles, having been brought up watching 'Yellow Submarine', however I never made the connection that McCartney was in fact, a legend in his own right! Such the fan was I that Paul might as well have been a man who walked in off the street into the recording studio who happened to be able to sing! When I listen to the song now, it's hard to not smirk at the 'I'm a lover not a fighter' line, which has been parodied so much! 'The Girl is Mine' makes the album nicely varied, preceding 'Thriller' and acting like a bookend to the '<i>big three</i>' of the album ('Beat It' and 'Billie Jean' being the other two most known tracks)-- the second bookend being the mellow masterpiece, 'Human Nature'.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Moving onto those 'big three', it's hard to talk about the song, 'Thriller' without thinking of the short film. Most of us who were Jackson fans in our youth probably heard of the 'Thriller' video before we plucked up the courage or were allowed to see it. It had a fearsome reputation as being <i>really</i> scary-- and it would have been back in the day with its incredible effects and horror tropes fulfilled beautifully by John Landis. I watched the 'Thriller' transformation before seeing </span><span style="font-family: arial;">'American Werewolf in London' </span><span style="font-family: arial;">and therefore the effect was new to me, really hitting the target in terms of fear factor. The closest thing I'd seen to Jackson's metamorphosis was Michael J Fox's in 'Teenwolf' (which I found equally terrifying when I was young!) Having watched the 'Thriller' film recently, it still holds up as a horror moment to be applauded and enjoyed. In addition, the iconic 'Thriller' dance (just like the 'Smooth Criminal' set piece in </span><b style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">Moonwalker</b><span style="font-family: arial;">) has to be the highlight of the 'Thriller' film; it's so ingrained in popular culture, we've all seen it so many times, yet manages to mesmerise me every time I watch it. This is Jackson's unbreakable legacy. He really was a true master of his craft.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The song is strangely not a favourite of mine from the album (nor are 'Billie Jean' and 'Beat It', the first of which I will respectfully tip my hat at for its storytelling and iconic music video). I realise that many may view this as sacrilege, however I'm a sucker for the slow, soulful and sensual side of the album. It would be remiss of me not to mention a few things about 'Thriller' before politely moving on: Vincent Price's spoken word part alone makes the song a theatrical masterpiece. Then there's the wolf sound effects created by none other than Jackson himself. It tickled me to learn that Bruce Swedien, recording engineer, had attempted to get the sound effect from his own dog, but as that proved fruitless, Jackson offered up his own vocal talents! With a talent for accents and imitation, it was no real surprise that he stepped up to the plate on this occasion. The child-like love of improvisation always strikes me as one of Jackson's endearing traits.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYFj61DEzJLIH8S8dfyJXVRt_XVNniDDL1Zc7WWwUuKmcI2Ukk7JBteF8GR_V-cyljoDGdtDKdXK8HgZpPZoWlbfyofGfWQRSGU9ZT_7v6-TG4FX5ST3ByRi1_IOMQkdlNGk41OuvdnrhULwQ89bIh6Tmb8eyGy-BqTfk7VJahkNvEtMTKIk7yz-xE_0/s3234/Thriller%20artwork.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2871" data-original-width="3234" height="816" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYFj61DEzJLIH8S8dfyJXVRt_XVNniDDL1Zc7WWwUuKmcI2Ukk7JBteF8GR_V-cyljoDGdtDKdXK8HgZpPZoWlbfyofGfWQRSGU9ZT_7v6-TG4FX5ST3ByRi1_IOMQkdlNGk41OuvdnrhULwQ89bIh6Tmb8eyGy-BqTfk7VJahkNvEtMTKIk7yz-xE_0/w919-h816/Thriller%20artwork.jpg" width="919" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Listening to 'Beat It', many may be drawn to Eddie Van Halen's guitar solo, a high point of the song and certainly fulfilling Quincy's brief for <i style="font-weight: bold;">Thriller </i>to feel more like a rock than an RnB or funk album. Learning about Toto band members' work on this album as studio musicians has been a great source of interest to me of late. Guitarist, Steve Lukather, and drummer, Jeff Porcaro, were tasked with working on this song when errors were made in recording, essentially leaving Porcaro to invent a drum part with Jackson's crude drum case beatings as a guide. After cranking up Jackson's vocal on the headphones, Porcaro created the iconic drum track within a couple of takes. Lukather played the rest of the guitar parts, having to tone down the rockiness on instruction from Quincy. What they created in the studio is the DNA of this track and all because the tape was cut in error, leaving it unable to be synced back together without the magic of these studio-wizards.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And talking of wizards, another member of Toto, keyboardist and synth-god, Steve Porcaro, composed stand out album track, 'Human Nature'! The thrill of <i style="font-weight: bold;">Thriller </i>for me lies in the fact that Toto band members are all over the album, at its heart. That insatiable desire for 80s sound that I mentioned earlier was quenched by Toto a couple of years ago on hearing 'Rosanna' and properly hearing the musicianship of it. I essentially fell in love. To learn that Toto were so involved in this album and also played on other Jackson tracks that I have held dear over the years felt like kismet. With lyrics re-written by John Bettis, 'Human Nature' feels like one of the more profound tracks on the album. Perhaps it's the reflective nature of Bettis' words; perhaps it's Lukather's gentle, flowing guitar, or Steve Porcaro's sweet synth composition. Jackson's vocal certainly showcases itself beautifully in this song: producing smooth runs, effortless falsetto parts and dream-like softness in other moments. It's a fantastic track that remains a favourite.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As we move through the album, 'PYT' cranks up the tempo one last time. Quincy pushed for this song to be more energetic and even to have an arrogant edge to it in terms of the vibe and lyrics. He felt it was more in keeping with what fans wanted from the young singer, despite Jackson's shy real-life persona. The vocal effects on this song give it a sound that is cutting edge 80s synth-tech and yet feels so original even in 2023. With Janet and La Toya Jackson's backing vocals (along with Becky Lopez and Bunny Hull), the track feels such a mishmash, but in the most fun way possible! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Finally... my fire track, 'The Lady in my Life'. Joined by David Paich, Steve and Jeff Porcaro, of Toto, I swoon at this song! It's not just a beautiful love song-- and it really is that, focusing on trust, passion and longevity: a holy trinity of perfect love; it's also a sensual vocal performance that feels so...real. On reading up about this track, apparently Jackson, under direction of Quincy Jones and Rod Temperton in the studio, had to do many takes. Something wasn't coming across, the emotion wasn't there. When told to sing as if begging his lover, Jackson insisted on having the lights out in the studio to get into the zone (and hide his embarrassment). What came out of that final take is a stunning vocal improvisation as the song progresses-- a soul-feel that rivals other Michael Jackson songs in terms of its genuineness. I understand that that is rather ironic as it's a performance that had to be coaxed out of the singer, but what it provokes is a feeling of being <i>in </i>the song, riding the emotion of being in love. 'The Lady in my Life' feels like it could be a sickly sweet ballad in its opening phase, but ends up bubbling with intensity by the end. I'd always choose this over 'She's Out of my Life' from <i style="font-weight: bold;">Off the Wall </i>which some may draw parallels with. In both you hear emotion come through in the vocal, but 'Lady in my Life' is more subtly achieved in my view. In case it wasn't obvious, this final track alone makes <i><b>Thriller</b></i> a special album for me.</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/s950/Favourite+tracks.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/w400-h43/Favourite+tracks.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="342" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cJLH5yXoqi8" width="412" youtube-src-id="cJLH5yXoqi8"></iframe></div><br /><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>1. Lady in my Life</i>-- As aforementioned, one of my favourite Michael Jackson songs, this track radiates a sensual and intense emotion. It is underrated and beautiful.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><i style="font-family: arial;">2. Human Nature-- Steve Porcaro's beautiful melody </i></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div><i style="font-family: arial;">3. Baby Be Mine--</i><span style="font-family: arial;"> I love the sweetness of this song and the arrangement of the vocal</span></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/s950/I+listen+to+this+when.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/w400-h43/I+listen+to+this+when.png" width="400" /></a><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... I want the <span>feeling of 80s glory</span> and to be in the safe, capable hands of a masterpiece. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNh6BSQ5gJlwf5yu1A8bjxy49G6V1XUWX4cig65ydiWjEKMjWMbJBHto251eI5Hhg8aoRHROf_ewjyULDQI6W5vp255dMqcb6g8QpRrFprHxtWieov5O6ADU5lIprImv-0MfmNQ-xBRMC4RnhZObJlOCIFDXdyvRgWGMaFXPK94YUK9vEjdVElt-ciRM/s4455/Vinyl%20Thriller.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3188" data-original-width="4455" height="658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNh6BSQ5gJlwf5yu1A8bjxy49G6V1XUWX4cig65ydiWjEKMjWMbJBHto251eI5Hhg8aoRHROf_ewjyULDQI6W5vp255dMqcb6g8QpRrFprHxtWieov5O6ADU5lIprImv-0MfmNQ-xBRMC4RnhZObJlOCIFDXdyvRgWGMaFXPK94YUK9vEjdVElt-ciRM/w919-h658/Vinyl%20Thriller.jpg" width="919" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/s950/Most+memorable+lyric.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/w400-h43/Most+memorable+lyric.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">'</span> <span style="font-family: georgia;">If this town is just an apple</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Then let me take a bite </span></span></span></i></span><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">' </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></i></span><span style="font-family: arial;">(<i>Human Nature</i>)</span></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/s950/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/w400-h43/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... <b>midnight black</b><b style="color: #bf9000;"> </b><span>with a subtle dispersing of silver glitter</span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWhCHNsmu76geiWeZmsWk_bgDMXm-pMubHidSeDyZSE_Z_Lzo8xxQJWg2NY4djKpNYu8-pgCHfgX1vWVicMdyg4cprpik8OBpp8_NzRby963HeFdFfPLhGyC5owR_IM8N57y_407z2Lb9ajbX80wLGmHCeJCmCPBUGwpclFFUJ6BntmTAAsTWMOm7lSo/s4013/Thriller%20inner.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1959" data-original-width="4013" height="449" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWhCHNsmu76geiWeZmsWk_bgDMXm-pMubHidSeDyZSE_Z_Lzo8xxQJWg2NY4djKpNYu8-pgCHfgX1vWVicMdyg4cprpik8OBpp8_NzRby963HeFdFfPLhGyC5owR_IM8N57y_407z2Lb9ajbX80wLGmHCeJCmCPBUGwpclFFUJ6BntmTAAsTWMOm7lSo/w921-h449/Thriller%20inner.jpg" width="921" /></a></div><br /><span><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/s950/Runner+ups.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/w400-h43/Runner+ups.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">'Talking Book'/ Stevie Woner (1972)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">'That's the Way of the World'/ Earth, Wind & Fire (1975)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">'Turn Back'/ Toto (1981)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">'Testimony: Vol. 1 Life & Relationships'/ India Arie (2006)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">'Two Ribbons'/ Let's Eat Grandma (2022)</span></div></div><div><br /></div><h3><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i>What is your favourite album beginning with T?</i></span></h3></div>Gemmadragon1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02946790552515956577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106347462730943598.post-191410424579672832023-07-23T16:13:00.010+01:002023-07-24T05:18:36.538+01:00A Short Album About Love/ The Divine Comedy (1997): Albums of my Life: an A-Z<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_P5_lNPJfk4JnQXakvmgpA8-IXvBtkWJUYjvqC7KZQjdkSpSWncryf4CSsi3aXxVHaHOAo08nJ3ShqIUMm-BZb73NWGEKz-UXbKTr5E09OyFOyKpRnXFJvJwxv-gvIuBjV7O8PdVD-5rFpXnNnHGexTnIODxGlN-AADTpFVCtpw8ZYJ6ZSpMqd9ow23U/s3237/ASAAL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3237" data-original-width="3224" height="923" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_P5_lNPJfk4JnQXakvmgpA8-IXvBtkWJUYjvqC7KZQjdkSpSWncryf4CSsi3aXxVHaHOAo08nJ3ShqIUMm-BZb73NWGEKz-UXbKTr5E09OyFOyKpRnXFJvJwxv-gvIuBjV7O8PdVD-5rFpXnNnHGexTnIODxGlN-AADTpFVCtpw8ZYJ6ZSpMqd9ow23U/w921-h923/ASAAL.jpg" width="921" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s950/I+can+remember1.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s320/I+can+remember1.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"> ...being aware of The Divine Comedy back in the 90s, in particular <i>Everybody Knows (Except You) and National Express </i>which felt like little more than novelty records at the time. Because there is something of the novelty and the theatre about Neil Hannon. He's quirky and feels like a throwback to 60s balladists, yet obviously plays to this and doesn't take himself too seriously. He's so much more than the frontman of a band that skirted the Britpop era-- he's a composer, a storyteller and an absolute legend of the industry. Of course, being a youngster at the time with a penchant for the likes of chart pop and then R 'n B, I was not ready to recognise this until years later.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It was only when I was in my early 30s that I started to delve into The Divine Comedy's extensive back catalogue. My first dabble was a compilation album where I was introduced to such 90s wonders as <i>The Frog Princess </i>and <i>Something for the Weekend</i>. On finding the album 'Absent Friends' from 2004, it became increasingly clear that a love affair was developing; the song <i>Our Mutual Friend </i>is a good example of Hannon's genius in the respect that he conveys such narrative and emotion with his lyrics. The use of strings on that track add such a stomach-twisting journey through the sweetness and excitement of falling for someone...only to face the inevitable stab to the guts in the climax of the song. I can remember listening to the album with my dad on a journey back to Kent and I remember how that song affected him. We listened to the album loud and without speaking; in the gap between <i>Our Mutual Friend</i> and <i>The Happy Goth </i>he uttered something like: "that's an incredible song". He had tears in his eyes. I think I have inherited his hypersensitivity to music because I so often react in the same way. The power of music.</span></p><p><i><span></span></i></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm62oZMKxiGS910UwoW4uC_magh0zpPMKFS7ELY7w-5lm6vxjhzfwg7yJynyHtzCLN14SAepSTQuRxiXntP8ujo9tq9aZoPl1at5kzPpqtKa14bo3OLISg8AHoPXMlpMJT4qYmN87kksdw0aApQ3_QGTiQMd1jqZ2RBo2dICoAET99vled0Xy06bFYF4Y/s4188/vinyl%20ASAAL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3351" data-original-width="4188" height="738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm62oZMKxiGS910UwoW4uC_magh0zpPMKFS7ELY7w-5lm6vxjhzfwg7yJynyHtzCLN14SAepSTQuRxiXntP8ujo9tq9aZoPl1at5kzPpqtKa14bo3OLISg8AHoPXMlpMJT4qYmN87kksdw0aApQ3_QGTiQMd1jqZ2RBo2dICoAET99vled0Xy06bFYF4Y/w922-h738/vinyl%20ASAAL.jpg" width="922" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/s950/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/w400-h43/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" width="400" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7UEkGmVqhYa5d8ZvbzfgwrRcgehUO_utTfWiGOfXuGxuojp9FHjMC4RU1cQdAUz58ECzSRvyQJoOClPcVehRVneChvVoATxi385-gZz56LmweVVsmD2i4N-BJmgy7Pl0j47VufWVtJIHE_rKp4DVJUraDxs5QTTJL1B39ozxIWdktsgwEU6XkFOLSH4/s5062/ASAAL%20inner.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3420" data-original-width="5062" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7UEkGmVqhYa5d8ZvbzfgwrRcgehUO_utTfWiGOfXuGxuojp9FHjMC4RU1cQdAUz58ECzSRvyQJoOClPcVehRVneChvVoATxi385-gZz56LmweVVsmD2i4N-BJmgy7Pl0j47VufWVtJIHE_rKp4DVJUraDxs5QTTJL1B39ozxIWdktsgwEU6XkFOLSH4/w922-h622/ASAAL%20inner.jpg" width="922" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">It's taken me to stand back and think carefully about why '<b>A Short Album About Love</b>' is my Divine Comedy record of choice. In truth, I could have chosen any one of about seven or eight of their albums because they all contain a majority of fire-tracks. This sweet, yet mighty little album has only seven songs which all pack a punch in one way or another. A huge appeal is the full orchestra used on this album elevating its intensity and emotional impact. This is felt from the very first track <i><b>In Pursuit of Happiness</b> </i>with its dynamic brass section and soaring strings<i>. </i>In fact, some parts of this song remind me of a death-defying illusionist's trick, the feeling of jeopardy at the climax (which is amusingly juxtaposed by the final lyric: <span style="color: #800180;"><i>'</i></span></span><i><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #800180;">Hey, don't be surprised, if millions die in plague and murder/ </span><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #800180;">True happiness lies beyond your fries and happy burger'</span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #800180;"> </span>.</span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Everbody Knows (Except You) </b>took on a new feel for me as an adult. It focuses on the potency of a crush and the crushing pain of that crush when you can't pluck up the courage to tell the recipient. Hannon's skill of injecting a real feeling of heartache into such a daft pop song is something to respect, and he manages to achieve this at various points on this album. For me, the beauty of this is that this is what real life is actually like: being in love is both the most intense and serious thing in the world and simultaneously absolutely ridiculous-- the things we do and the people we become. We then move to track 3, <span style="font-style: italic;"><b>Someone</b>, </span><span>which I </span>find to be<i> </i>one of the most stirring and affecting songs on this album. Even as a cynical person in many regards, it manages to do something to me; it gives me a childlike renenewal of faith in love and happiness. Hannon's vocal feels so believable, as if he craves to be someone's somebody so deeply that it hurts. Coupling the vocal with the mind-blowing orchestra (oh, the strings, those strings), this is just...it's a masterpiece. Having seen The Divine Comedy live quite a few times now (the last being the 'Absent Friends'/ 'Victory for the Comic Muse' live album concert in Sepetmber 2022 at The Barbican), my only regret is not having got to see this album played live.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">There's a return to the tongue-in-cheek lyrics on the next song, <i style="font-weight: bold;">If... </i>, but the sweetness is such a lovely counterbalance. The song is about doing anything for your loved one, and Neil means <i>anything</i>! The lyrics are silly and odd which, as mentioned earlier, addresses the side of relationships that aren't neat and perfect-- something that feels so charming and real. The end is rather dark though! It tickles me everything I hear it!</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CRojJb_ZqQHiB-Zim-4QQr_WvZP1UrWW-uUnkU6zQKE4ir2dxv31nxg7Ghaj4Jyd4nHnK7Rfe5pl80vrySOQX3U7S8c1gkqv-Gm03i42ACe8b8tQtGs1WurWddeNjyj3J8qPebGP2_5kTC0cCCjzE0VIANYKuYVsYv340Jivdvw2rfipy1Ox_WT3MRQ/s4984/ASAAL%20inner2.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4984" height="646" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CRojJb_ZqQHiB-Zim-4QQr_WvZP1UrWW-uUnkU6zQKE4ir2dxv31nxg7Ghaj4Jyd4nHnK7Rfe5pl80vrySOQX3U7S8c1gkqv-Gm03i42ACe8b8tQtGs1WurWddeNjyj3J8qPebGP2_5kTC0cCCjzE0VIANYKuYVsYv340Jivdvw2rfipy1Ox_WT3MRQ/w927-h646/ASAAL%20inner2.jpg" width="927" /></a></div><div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Another beautifully orchestral song is <b style="font-style: italic;">If I Were You (I'd Be Through With Me)</b>. Hannon's voice is deep, resonant and witty, both in his lyrics and vocal. The way the song flirts along in its Scott Walkeresque charm only to culminate in such a dynamic, theatrical instrumental is magical. Hannon suggests that if he were his lover he would run away to live in a field with sheep, grazing on 'the grass so succulent and sweet'. That feeling of not being enough surely resonates with most of us. And it's good to be able to laugh at that through Hannon's songwriting!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><b>Timewatching </b></i>is the penultimate song on the album and provides a sobre contrast to the tone of <i style="font-weight: bold;">If I Were You</i>. The solemn reminder that nothing lasts forever in this world serves to ground the album's exploration of love. The relatability of closing off to protect yourself from being hurt, denying yourself love and happiness is bittersweet to reflect on. But as the song reaches its conclusion, the resisting heart admits defeat, and falling in love- with all its vulnerabilities- is accepted.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Though <b style="font-style: italic;">Timewatching </b>is an incredibly powerful and beautiful song, I'm glad that we get <i><b>I'm All You Need</b></i> as the album's final track. This poppy, upbeat finale reprises the duality that we all know and love when it comes to Neil Hannon's work. There's a reference to being a dog again, this time one who is being dragged around by an impatient 'owner'-- one which Hannon encourages the dog to leave in favour of his own love! The funniest thing about this song is the cheesy, spoken word section towards the end! It's a fantastic lean into the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: arial;">clichéd trope in love songs from bygone decades and yet feels right for the song. Interestingly, we move away from the pessimism or self doubt and end the album with a promise that Hannon's feelings for his lover will go 'on and on and on'. This choice makes me happy because deep down, like most people, I want to believe in love triumphing over it all.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">To top off the intoxicating contradiction of this album, the funniest revelation for me was to be found in the liner notes of the 2020 vinyl re-release:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8mSo9-n1A74Dw13vhK5rmkrknfst_lufHXJssQQJFgrbi7yqB_nJ1VghLcU64WFBjEQhkQjZROjsLF2-d7jT5-a2MxXN65CL6H94zWBI_jary9Wg2lOFP486MXXsZZKTQJA0AK_6sJ3gek5B46gqz9fxkqeEl-nno4ubKW7q1MD_x0PIxR8T-lUhynM/s4622/liner%20note%20ASAAL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1864" data-original-width="4622" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8mSo9-n1A74Dw13vhK5rmkrknfst_lufHXJssQQJFgrbi7yqB_nJ1VghLcU64WFBjEQhkQjZROjsLF2-d7jT5-a2MxXN65CL6H94zWBI_jary9Wg2lOFP486MXXsZZKTQJA0AK_6sJ3gek5B46gqz9fxkqeEl-nno4ubKW7q1MD_x0PIxR8T-lUhynM/w608-h245/liner%20note%20ASAAL.jpg" width="608" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">So there we go, he really is a brilliant storyteller!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/s950/Favourite+tracks.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/w400-h43/Favourite+tracks.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="405" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fg02CZuv2EY" width="488" youtube-src-id="fg02CZuv2EY"></iframe></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: arial;">1. </span><i style="font-family: arial;">Someone</i><span style="font-family: arial;">-- the swelling orchestra, the earnestness of the lyrics and vocal, this is a beautiful love song</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><i style="font-family: arial;">2. I'm All You Need-- </i><span style="font-family: arial;">the lyrics make me smile</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><i style="font-family: arial;">3. If I Were You (I'd be Through With Me)--</i><span style="font-family: arial;"> great instrumentation and vocal</span><div><div><div><i style="font-family: arial;"><br /></i></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/s950/I+listen+to+this+when.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/w400-h43/I+listen+to+this+when.png" width="400" /></a><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... I need some faith</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/s950/Most+memorable+lyric.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/w400-h43/Most+memorable+lyric.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">'</span> <span style="font-family: georgia;">If you were a dog</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I'd feed you scraps from off the table</span></span></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Though my wife complains</span></span></span></i></span><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">' </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></i></span><span style="font-family: arial;">(<i>If...)</i></span></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/s950/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/w400-h43/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... <b><span style="color: #990000;">dark red</span></b><b style="color: #800180;"> </b><span style="color: #800180;">like wine, blood and a beating heart</span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/s950/Runner+ups.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/w400-h43/Runner+ups.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">'Songs in the Key of Life'/ Stevie Wonder (1976)</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Silk Degrees'/ Boz Scaggs (1976)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial;">'Steam'/ East 17 (1994)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial;">'Share My World'/ Mary J Blige (1996)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: arial;">'Silence is Easy'/ Starsailor (2003)</span></div></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i>What is your favourite album beginning with S?</i></span></h3></div></div>Gemmadragon1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02946790552515956577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106347462730943598.post-78817421983387594342023-07-07T14:05:00.002+01:002023-07-08T10:27:05.810+01:00Revival/ Bellowhead (2014): Albums of my Life: an A-Z<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGTEAdVFaJ7YGgSuFzrfOTL5GZAmHGLJ-x9-Rk1no73nj0xS4tb167x7pQdYZ7C3ItksT8kqTiEM8ErZTC3Twutis8VoSbSAjAWVMVHvMD21GpOmZz5WBV4s_9bwxpaFEEs5GQqFFqPg5ukiDaAHi08mW2H6bXPPU_WHGMk5AkAw2BoEZM__ka3eKMkg/s600/Revival.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="915" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGTEAdVFaJ7YGgSuFzrfOTL5GZAmHGLJ-x9-Rk1no73nj0xS4tb167x7pQdYZ7C3ItksT8kqTiEM8ErZTC3Twutis8VoSbSAjAWVMVHvMD21GpOmZz5WBV4s_9bwxpaFEEs5GQqFFqPg5ukiDaAHi08mW2H6bXPPU_WHGMk5AkAw2BoEZM__ka3eKMkg/w915-h915/Revival.jpg" width="915" /></a></div><br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s950/I+can+remember1.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s320/I+can+remember1.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">having recently discovered Bellowhead and trying to get into jogging. Like some miracle, I was able to run so much further fuelled by <i>New York Girls</i> and various other Bellohead jigs; it was then that I knew they were something special.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Bellowhead were a folk supergroup with eleven members playing all sorts of instruments from fiddles, melodeon, bagpipes, tuba, saxophone and trumpet. They split in 2016 and reformed for a tour in 2022 despite the sudden death of beloved band member, Paul Sartin, in September 2022.</span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/s950/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/w400-h43/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" width="400" /></a></p><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"> 'The palette has expanded', said Jon Boden of this album. And from the moment the drums kick in on <i>Let Her Run</i>, it feels like you're in for such a ride! There's a real sense of energy and power to the sea shanties on this album with Boden at the helm. There's also a fair bit of a foray into other genres-- such as the amazingly cinematic, sci-fi extravagansa that is <i>Moon Kittens</i> (based on an obscure and absurdist nursery rhyme). The song feels dark and stirring and magnificent. It feels like the beautiful melody of one who has finally seen the light and it has sent them mad.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Gosport Ladies</i> is a pleasing contrast to the aforementioned, with its tongue-in-cheek lyrics and classic Bellowhead shanty feel. Hearing this song live was always a joy and at Wickham festival, I'm sure there were some of those ladies in the audience swinging their skirts about!</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCe3WSOWRwIjWYWnxbJBbILwQBcMhdki1oRBKmcZ8CA0Eut1GQ5Xy8-P-UP4ntm_KitbzfDjh_J7V766bd3dzggzSpJW3ScOZ7pa96SN-_ZY2kz4WpF5ek2mAzzDDOidcIdg5hhuH5XYZFe35xcHVUXN8D83PkRVs8dDrdTya_xMPDq82DZ0ol5-VL8Ec/s3122/Bellowhead1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2244" data-original-width="3122" height="658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCe3WSOWRwIjWYWnxbJBbILwQBcMhdki1oRBKmcZ8CA0Eut1GQ5Xy8-P-UP4ntm_KitbzfDjh_J7V766bd3dzggzSpJW3ScOZ7pa96SN-_ZY2kz4WpF5ek2mAzzDDOidcIdg5hhuH5XYZFe35xcHVUXN8D83PkRVs8dDrdTya_xMPDq82DZ0ol5-VL8Ec/w915-h658/Bellowhead1.jpg" width="915" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /> As<i> I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight</i> begins, the album's palette is again refreshed with a delicious shade of encore after a West End show and the key changes bring the joy to an epidemic level. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">It occurred to me mid post-writing that I've already included a Bellowhead album ('<a href="https://www.beautifullifeasiknowit.com/2021/04/hedonism-bellowhead-2010-albums-of-my.html" target="_blank">Hedonism</a>') in this series. Call it bad planning, or call it love. It feels poignant to celebrate this album as a dedication to the band and to Paul. This was their final album together that wasn't a hits or live album and it is a beautiful tapestry indeed.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/s950/Favourite+tracks.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/w400-h43/Favourite+tracks.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="337" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9ExeNW5W_s8" width="405" youtube-src-id="9ExeNW5W_s8"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">1. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Moon Kittens</span><span style="font-family: arial;">-- it has to be really! This is an other-worldy offering that provokes a lot of feelings of 'bigness', even if you're not sure why, or what the lyrics mean, you feel it. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><i style="font-family: arial;">2. Jack Lintel-- </i><span style="font-family: arial;">an instrumental that builds into a wall of masterful sound at the three quarters mark. Pete Flood's drumming brings the whole piece together to mesmerising finale.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div><i style="font-family: arial;">3. Greenwood Side--</i><span style="font-family: arial;"> a dark folk tale with a wonderful climax.</span><div><div><div><i style="font-family: arial;"><br /></i></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/s950/I+listen+to+this+when.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/w400-h43/I+listen+to+this+when.png" width="400" /></a><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm playing car DJ on a longer journey. The album is a magnificent, joyful journey.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/s950/Most+memorable+lyric.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/w400-h43/Most+memorable+lyric.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">'</span> </i></span><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><i><span style="color: #800180;">And the moon is our love in her boudoir above</span></i></span></div><i><span style="color: #800180;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">And the owl and the nightjar our band</span><br aria-hidden="true" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="arial, sans-serif" jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">And we've sent all the stars to fight in our wars</span><br aria-hidden="true" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="arial, sans-serif" jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">While here in the wreckage we stand, my boys</span><br aria-hidden="true" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /></span></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #800180;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><i>While here in the wreckage we stand</i></span></span><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">' </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></i></span><span style="font-family: arial;">(<i>Moon Kittens</i>)</span></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/s950/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/w400-h43/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... <span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-weight: bold;">Turquoise blue </span><span style="color: #800180; font-weight: bold;">with </span><span style="color: #073763; font-weight: bold;">navy</span><span style="color: #800180;"><b> flecks: </b>the colour of a beautiful and potentially tempestuous sea</span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;">What is your favourite album beginning with R?</i></div></div></div></div></div>Gemmadragon1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02946790552515956577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106347462730943598.post-40606602307150654722022-12-29T17:38:00.012+00:002023-02-03T09:57:11.064+00:0022 Quick Picks for 2022: Albums of my Life: an A-Z<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCc5iEBJR2LVa_vf8InKs8IWPujGbopc0QmIGyzIrVo65jtNYymG8c6wDGCgFsBaLYdFzjIXm8gN2ErHYx1mFRJGmAJFtSn-lStIwHw1rlCdCrTWasfhogfVspUY85d6Xafk6Llf5i_MXpaW51MOokOZVad1zU2ECAuUSpeLiwzwYbFSQpcB6iVWl/s2000/quick%20pics%20overview%201%20(1).png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1331" data-original-width="2000" height="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCc5iEBJR2LVa_vf8InKs8IWPujGbopc0QmIGyzIrVo65jtNYymG8c6wDGCgFsBaLYdFzjIXm8gN2ErHYx1mFRJGmAJFtSn-lStIwHw1rlCdCrTWasfhogfVspUY85d6Xafk6Llf5i_MXpaW51MOokOZVad1zU2ECAuUSpeLiwzwYbFSQpcB6iVWl/w917-h610/quick%20pics%20overview%201%20(1).png" width="917" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">2022 has been another year of discovery in terms of music and also of revelation. Many of the artists I enjoyed in 2021 have released new music which has been really exciting. MUNA and The Big Moon have released albums and I was lucky enough to see the latter in a record shop just a few months ago. My love for 80s music has grown and the realisation that the band, Toto, have been involved in music that I have loved for years of my life has ignited a deep love for these incredible musicians. I've walked miles to these tracks, endorphins have been overflowing in the gym and I've also shed the odd tear. I've procrastinated, dreamed, reveled, despaired, lusted and mused over these songs, listening again and again-- such is my obsession with music. I wanted to document twenty-two of my loved tracks for 2022.</span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsZTk_CAFNqkK_W75bz_qLlxv2z7WUF5D8zv_LLeMtX4xpwFvehpfGk4oW2BNit40YVbBPkB82bVJCmOkuJETBUEFxge67yswIs6A3kslr6D8fn6AbzTPXWleeAyf2SUd8EU9WrAPtjGwB1JOGCrV8tlE4DkRE-BrB-mm6lVpStnfXjkh6QWAfFmI/s558/All%20Night.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="558" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsZTk_CAFNqkK_W75bz_qLlxv2z7WUF5D8zv_LLeMtX4xpwFvehpfGk4oW2BNit40YVbBPkB82bVJCmOkuJETBUEFxge67yswIs6A3kslr6D8fn6AbzTPXWleeAyf2SUd8EU9WrAPtjGwB1JOGCrV8tlE4DkRE-BrB-mm6lVpStnfXjkh6QWAfFmI/s320/All%20Night.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs2VjbW4Lng" target="_blank"><b>All Night</b>/ Marika Hackman</a></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I've written about Hackman's 2017 album,<a href="https://www.beautifullifeasiknowit.com/2021/04/im-not-your-man-marika-hackman-albums.html" target="_blank"> <i>I'm Not Your Man</i></a>, in which I alluded to this later release. <b><i>All Night</i> </b>is one of the tracks from <i>Any Human Friend </i>that has been in my most played list for 2022 and it comes as no surprise. It's brooding, sensual, explicit and hot. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I can remember getting into Marika Hackman's music during the lockdowns after having heard a few tracks. Once I was in, I was in. She allowed me to engage with myself in a way that I hadn't for a long while. She's a fantastic songwriter with a voice that is at once soft, sensitive and strong. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I can't wait to hear more from her in 2023.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSz8HOBNL4s-fgr3EFGiaYttNVh-KWmdm8VOVsYg9IVhnE_O3elsEVLWkwSgyVScWTKuFrBO6gweF_kPbG9-dyPY66iikvBhq0KE7X8SEhGasNT86BJUS9ccvhL4FgkU4vsprnuVgdLki2j224gEtcTCKQ9N3N4prIxGB5zRdjlB0tYd4oGL4CMt4z/s553/Be%20Ever%20Wonderful.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="553" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSz8HOBNL4s-fgr3EFGiaYttNVh-KWmdm8VOVsYg9IVhnE_O3elsEVLWkwSgyVScWTKuFrBO6gweF_kPbG9-dyPY66iikvBhq0KE7X8SEhGasNT86BJUS9ccvhL4FgkU4vsprnuVgdLki2j224gEtcTCKQ9N3N4prIxGB5zRdjlB0tYd4oGL4CMt4z/s320/Be%20Ever%20Wonderful.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLsnFQvxw3I" target="_blank"><b>Be Ever Wonderful</b>/ Earth Wind & Fire </a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Who doesn't like Earth Wind & Fire?! It's incredible to see some of the founding members still playing together, going strong. I adore them. This ballad is so sweet and powerful, radiating positivity and love. It swings.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Maurice White is an absolute hero and will never be forgotten. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">RIP Fred White (passed January 2023).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGmzlriMVWm5nltTiVN4vzHn8O96E1r2b_ngWVr7lC-8UvrB6yjbfg1XJ0f6nMLYvahqUCAWoSjgHl_j_d4qfKhVHvyl4IejrrHIy87RBxq8xMXrBdwi04A0q4Yiy4YrZplB60a2XVD-ic6aIh8LUvrtsNFC7VcWmJN9C0G3wyZWdrWHOoen-wxWz/s564/Bodies.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGmzlriMVWm5nltTiVN4vzHn8O96E1r2b_ngWVr7lC-8UvrB6yjbfg1XJ0f6nMLYvahqUCAWoSjgHl_j_d4qfKhVHvyl4IejrrHIy87RBxq8xMXrBdwi04A0q4Yiy4YrZplB60a2XVD-ic6aIh8LUvrtsNFC7VcWmJN9C0G3wyZWdrWHOoen-wxWz/s320/Bodies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVJAvsvhIxI" target="_blank"><b><i>Bodies</i></b>/ The Knocks & MUNA</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This came up as a recommendation for me, being a MUNA fan, and wow! Years ago, I thought I couldn't really connect with modern music anymore. I'd hit a roadblock. It's a beautiful thing to say that I'm once again excited about new music. The production on this song really excites me and, in combination with Katie Gavin's skating in the music video, it's euphoric.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This is a gym playlist fave.</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOd2iaCpPcgoNZF4rCr8viaLZb6L73HMXJ5VqPJj7ZG6jqGLSTR0Uj3Ku0yOwzXDsh5wdp9mdjw3s06W4AUdNdDjMTDc4YlKA2ym0tsuLI5LDFbtHybvZm-kptADEI0rpxY5992V5weeI7ifTRIRJ2jAcxx2AB_vSRoyo3KuKYVAnUcD6PN_4P9nD/s555/Buttercup.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="555" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOd2iaCpPcgoNZF4rCr8viaLZb6L73HMXJ5VqPJj7ZG6jqGLSTR0Uj3Ku0yOwzXDsh5wdp9mdjw3s06W4AUdNdDjMTDc4YlKA2ym0tsuLI5LDFbtHybvZm-kptADEI0rpxY5992V5weeI7ifTRIRJ2jAcxx2AB_vSRoyo3KuKYVAnUcD6PN_4P9nD/s320/Buttercup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-adgKAoLRL4" target="_blank"><b><i>Buttercup</i></b>/ Jackson 5</a></span></div><div><br /></div></div><div><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">So I was hoovering and listening to music on my headphones. I'd been listening to some Motown and Youtube music started playing random recommended songs after I'd finished an album. This voice came through which was so soulful and familiar. Oddly, it took me a second to place it. It sounded mature and sweet as honey. I almost teared up when I realised it was Michael Jackson, partly because I have been such a massive fan of his music since I was nine years old and pretty much know all of his back catalogue right through to the early Jackson 5 deep cuts. To find this album of unreleased tracks was so wonderful.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeNkZz95wHKBz4_O4tlHGyvNUtBBRatEB0IyHnFKud7mnOz-PsshvqgWTUg4ToA6Dx93w8z3dLOz_zwr5FlP36cJqvrbmXl9uUE9S25mpVUd3EKKK_uBsfKFDvwhAB9Xv4eE6IUxlSbsoySG85K_nxRV_r_GyaE7bgItYbKxMFF1fXEJ9X0bLYXDr/s561/Can't%20Let%20Go.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeNkZz95wHKBz4_O4tlHGyvNUtBBRatEB0IyHnFKud7mnOz-PsshvqgWTUg4ToA6Dx93w8z3dLOz_zwr5FlP36cJqvrbmXl9uUE9S25mpVUd3EKKK_uBsfKFDvwhAB9Xv4eE6IUxlSbsoySG85K_nxRV_r_GyaE7bgItYbKxMFF1fXEJ9X0bLYXDr/s561/Can't%20Let%20Go.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="561" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeNkZz95wHKBz4_O4tlHGyvNUtBBRatEB0IyHnFKud7mnOz-PsshvqgWTUg4ToA6Dx93w8z3dLOz_zwr5FlP36cJqvrbmXl9uUE9S25mpVUd3EKKK_uBsfKFDvwhAB9Xv4eE6IUxlSbsoySG85K_nxRV_r_GyaE7bgItYbKxMFF1fXEJ9X0bLYXDr/s320/Can't%20Let%20Go.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>No surprises that Stevie Wonder wrote and produced this. It's just gorgeous.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owk9KNH0Qdg" target="_blank"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Can't Let Go</i>/ I Am</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">A different vibe to my other pick from Earth Wind & Fire, but equally as wonderful and uplifting. I love the synths on this track, particularly at around the 1.40 mark, there's something special happening. When I read up and found out that Steve Porcaro of Toto fame was involved in the synth programming, I smiled.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">There's not a lot that comes close to White and Bailey's vocals, the way they compliment each other, the effortless, spiritual feel. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMaeY9otp6yuesVpaGSJK8BvrmvSN6TtAgnC1oXe131Zx3sK4-1Oderx3vRdbZQUqab0e_9rG0Dq5DEcFDHqs_0rXuKyy1-sqrObCxF1dThco3D0avA-kUWozgEIomFXIjFxwLZnx6aJy23HK9wkT3SM8sbImfW-_QQh6hVpPSJWESbtFRKnbbRnJ/s548/Change%20of%20Heart.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="548" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMaeY9otp6yuesVpaGSJK8BvrmvSN6TtAgnC1oXe131Zx3sK4-1Oderx3vRdbZQUqab0e_9rG0Dq5DEcFDHqs_0rXuKyy1-sqrObCxF1dThco3D0avA-kUWozgEIomFXIjFxwLZnx6aJy23HK9wkT3SM8sbImfW-_QQh6hVpPSJWESbtFRKnbbRnJ/s320/Change%20of%20Heart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0b_CBfZi48" target="_blank"><b><i>Change of Heart</i></b>/ Toto</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">My quest into Toto's discography has been in full force this year. My first love was <i>Rosanna</i> and then I discovered their pre Toto IV albums which ensnared me with their prog feel. At the moment I'm listening to <b><i>Isolation </i></b>a lot. It took me a while to get on board with the sound of this album with Ferguson's vocal; now I love his sound and what he brought for this one album. I'd go as far as to say this is all killer, no filler for me.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Change of Heart </i>gets a lot of replays. It's the soaring vocal, the proggy keys, the legendary drumming. Love it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0ZThYNov6OXiqhLzKAmC34eJ-QVRNj7rQKC50wfuPXtCYg4ZCWl56gdesW7HOmB_ACPL_26uNmsyWNjPzDzpqwXgyazuenxy1gGm50XmVGo-UWvuPwlqzzGfGXPSBBztScpjeMGhHV5JmZGNetfGVj84xj7QwQVQNdcqrwEMxFLFe7Fu-o8StTqA/s562/Deacon%20Blue.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="556" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0ZThYNov6OXiqhLzKAmC34eJ-QVRNj7rQKC50wfuPXtCYg4ZCWl56gdesW7HOmB_ACPL_26uNmsyWNjPzDzpqwXgyazuenxy1gGm50XmVGo-UWvuPwlqzzGfGXPSBBztScpjeMGhHV5JmZGNetfGVj84xj7QwQVQNdcqrwEMxFLFe7Fu-o8StTqA/s320/Deacon%20Blue.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICK6e9WK2A8" target="_blank"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Deacon Blues</i>/ Steely Dan</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">My mum liked <b>Steely Dan</b> and played some of the first album, <i>Can't Buy a Thrill</i>, as well as <i>Pretzel Logic</i> when I was younger. I assumed she was into them in quite a big way, but she told me recently that she first bought their music because they were what the trendy older teens were listening to when she worked in a record shop back in the 70s! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm a big fan of the jazz fusion on <i><b>Deacon Blues</b></i>. It's so pleasing to listen to and the lyrics mesmerise me in their comforting theme of otherness. Bernard Purdie's drumming is impeccable; I've become a bit addicted to watching drummers do covers of this and other Steely tracks.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOSXmLYolU3PN5avKPfXBwZtWXf_n5TxRyhXUgTYi4SjnldVjfWHDMw-qpjXqInHCdJRNvuQcTkNf3muECqX2uiSOb_sZLvv2joqjCQXq8Ff4tS8TGUQocCEWyIpJe_xrRqUDR8mHi8HwfefqAZFN4DjFSW4sMsd82koylutEG6TJKCNHI-tpzJcM/s552/Goodbye%20Eleanor.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="552" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOSXmLYolU3PN5avKPfXBwZtWXf_n5TxRyhXUgTYi4SjnldVjfWHDMw-qpjXqInHCdJRNvuQcTkNf3muECqX2uiSOb_sZLvv2joqjCQXq8Ff4tS8TGUQocCEWyIpJe_xrRqUDR8mHi8HwfefqAZFN4DjFSW4sMsd82koylutEG6TJKCNHI-tpzJcM/s320/Goodbye%20Eleanor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6-2jpl0qZs" target="_blank"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Goodbye Elenore</i>/ Toto</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Ok, watch the video above.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">These guys are just phenomenal. I love Bobby Kimball's vocal and love to see him here really letting loose. These days of Toto with Paich and Steve Porcaro playing together makes me so happy and this particular performance is so electric. The star of the show is, of course, Jeff Porcaro on the drums. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Jeff's drumming and presence is something so special and it has been a privilege to discover his incredible influence on the music industry this year. The music that I have listened to for years of my life has had Jeff (and other Toto members) on, to the point where all these links have been made. For example, <b style="font-style: italic;">Wait</b>, a track on The Jacksons' <b>Victory </b>album that has been a mainstay in my playlists was co-written with David Paich and features Jeff and Steve Porcaro as well as Steve Lukather. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I was so sad to hear of Jeff's passing at such a young age. It seems that I was destined to </span><span style="font-family: arial;">be properly acquainted with</span><i style="font-family: arial;"> </i><span style="font-family: arial;">Toto sooner or later and they are now firmly in my most loved bands of all time. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-4Ge0flswQRn392_XRi3RzqrBcRAxMqtNF0L5OloZ54yJVG7un6yV4ORXpgJz77sYFi7nT2GJkIetviT-hU0HJFQbJc_uNeZpd-j6g1PwQU1beAFeXsVaj1jpIwAbYCrhl-j8__rixiWcU2G_NBw3qN1qYHUMEu0Ob3SU94tA8ANSoDqzqZcBBL3/s541/Insect%20Loop.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="541" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-4Ge0flswQRn392_XRi3RzqrBcRAxMqtNF0L5OloZ54yJVG7un6yV4ORXpgJz77sYFi7nT2GJkIetviT-hU0HJFQbJc_uNeZpd-j6g1PwQU1beAFeXsVaj1jpIwAbYCrhl-j8__rixiWcU2G_NBw3qN1qYHUMEu0Ob3SU94tA8ANSoDqzqZcBBL3/s320/Insect%20Loop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAYN--y5n8g" target="_blank"><b><i>Insect Loop</i></b>/ Let's Eat Grandma</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This duo were an amazing discovery a year or so ago. Composed of Rosa Walton and Jenny Hollingworth, these British multi-instrumentalists' unique whimsy drew me to them as soon as I saw them perform. Some of their earlier performances are fascinating examples of how there is still room, if not a gaping hole in the industry for theatrical musicianship, just as there was for the likes of Kate Bush in the late 70s and 80s. Like Bush, these two have been known to combine movement with their singing and instrumentation-- but never as gimmick. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Two Ribbons </b>comes after time apart and time for Hollingworth to deal with the death of her partner. Some tracks on this album are hugely emotive. There has always been some sadness amongst the jubilance of Let's Eat Grandma, but it's more vivid on their third album and for good reason. <i style="font-weight: bold;">Insect Loop </i>is upbeat and powerful (with a delicious, distinctive guitar riff), yet fragile and delicate in places. Their vocals have only got better as they've matured. Highly recommend their music.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-MvAGxSNyyvLkJk8p69OrnOk56rRXGdTUgLiG8lA-N4s5kTcd2a8Yhvg_39V3NcCdUSsox3bamjnZXG2lthG8_LAkAukBLsiFH4u7Rm-6vgZ9MkC6kZmLcMA0w-ctjHZCy4-HW8TVKzeuVJ3g83T8OaoVHPga5drKy8llGEXGomJUlGwIcXB5Wyx/s562/Lady%20Love%20Me%20(One%20More%20Time).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="558" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-MvAGxSNyyvLkJk8p69OrnOk56rRXGdTUgLiG8lA-N4s5kTcd2a8Yhvg_39V3NcCdUSsox3bamjnZXG2lthG8_LAkAukBLsiFH4u7Rm-6vgZ9MkC6kZmLcMA0w-ctjHZCy4-HW8TVKzeuVJ3g83T8OaoVHPga5drKy8llGEXGomJUlGwIcXB5Wyx/s320/Lady%20Love%20Me%20(One%20More%20Time).jpg" width="318" /></span></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYOBwCz5vvo" target="_blank"><b><i>Lady Love Me (One More Time)</i></b>/ George Benson</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">80s soul at its finest! This is another example of a song that is only made sweeter by Jeff Porcaro's playing. David Paich also played keyboard and co-wrote!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The key change as a phenomena in modern music is almost obsolete nowadays which makes it such a nostalgic element of this tune. Benson's soulful voice is so easy on the ear and Porcaro's drum fills effortlessly compliment. I've played this to the point where if it were a cassette tape it might have been eaten by now.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZErqABQVBgcvfi9MTJfwEFuxq96N37A43ocnh3LndXFESmjC2E42uO3lVg1MCL70WXKfisxKzv9FRwiBTZECgObUDlUxQgrOEH0zpmryBhuuj6VHOf0RwDHrthezy0cfGPenw5qk4n-nKiCSd0_uYIwGtaKJRWBIswvwFbNxDaY1-CGdWXz8g5b8C/s548/Le%20Freak.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="548" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZErqABQVBgcvfi9MTJfwEFuxq96N37A43ocnh3LndXFESmjC2E42uO3lVg1MCL70WXKfisxKzv9FRwiBTZECgObUDlUxQgrOEH0zpmryBhuuj6VHOf0RwDHrthezy0cfGPenw5qk4n-nKiCSd0_uYIwGtaKJRWBIswvwFbNxDaY1-CGdWXz8g5b8C/s320/Le%20Freak.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXgSHL7efKg" target="_blank"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Le Freak</i>/ Chic</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Again, watch the video!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The groove is sublime. The strings, the bassline, the drums. I've always loved funk and disco music, but this year I've gravitated to this song, especially on darker days.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcEv1toyxeE0aqCHceIC5UyWKOgvqtYdUhPd0t3VAH9mWWjHYYhiCQr8KPS2yQR7DIhnrzLWNnuFC0lHJc0m3THxHNaVU98B3HCDihr3lLLK2zGzKSvJ6K02q4r5zBw2_n3PptNNHEGCZH6mpk5_TV_kWdPiwCqnXcelpMqRI2J_kyfH1heSYfqNt/s556/Leave%20the%20Door%20Open.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="556" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcEv1toyxeE0aqCHceIC5UyWKOgvqtYdUhPd0t3VAH9mWWjHYYhiCQr8KPS2yQR7DIhnrzLWNnuFC0lHJc0m3THxHNaVU98B3HCDihr3lLLK2zGzKSvJ6K02q4r5zBw2_n3PptNNHEGCZH6mpk5_TV_kWdPiwCqnXcelpMqRI2J_kyfH1heSYfqNt/s320/Leave%20the%20Door%20Open.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adLGHcj_fmA" target="_blank"><b style="font-style: italic;">Leave the Door Open</b>/ Silk Sonic</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I was introduced to Anderson Paak a few years ago, whereas Bruno Mars was always a name I associated with music aimed at a certain (younger, hip-happening) audience. When I gave this album a listen I fell in love. It was one of those listening experiences where every turn of a song makes you beam. I can remember being on the treadmill in the gym and pressing the incline button to the soaring harmonies of this song, probably with mouth agape in awe.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The concept album feels pastiche by way of its more humourous 90s R'nB satirising lyrics, yet is equally so authentic in its use of funk, soul and Motown musical tropes. I need this on vinyl!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3-Sfd6EQ9TY6i0IlixXSB4BvXoedJkyKxYf9fpOqPw0NSAqOaALSTZh2a6B8JfpYfeW03PlLNQrrDujanC2j0jVim9btt30hS-vSbWKhOIFBoqLWncB0Px0JyddmYrXqq3ysqkwDK9LivzVYkgYkivNI_8W3uGwNuDpuNfqeiAFRJYYST2GgJa5c/s556/Locket.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="556" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3-Sfd6EQ9TY6i0IlixXSB4BvXoedJkyKxYf9fpOqPw0NSAqOaALSTZh2a6B8JfpYfeW03PlLNQrrDujanC2j0jVim9btt30hS-vSbWKhOIFBoqLWncB0Px0JyddmYrXqq3ysqkwDK9LivzVYkgYkivNI_8W3uGwNuDpuNfqeiAFRJYYST2GgJa5c/s320/Locket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqnG_Ei35JE" target="_blank"><b><i>Locket</i></b>/ Crumb</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This song is probably one of my favourite songs ever. I stumbled across the psychedelic wonder of Crumb a couple of years ago and this was my gateway drug. Lila Ramani's vocal is mesmeric and the vintage feel of this song is even somewhat creepy. I love the production of it too with its distortion effects and the way the vocal switches from lo-fi only in the second verse. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This band is so, so talented and would be incredible to see live. They're EP with this song on it has some other masterpieces on it, such as the jazz-fusion of <b style="font-style: italic;">Bones </b>with a great sax solo at the end and <i style="font-weight: bold;">Vinta </i>where the drums and bass are exhilerating.</span></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEil4KQlhA-65zlO08z0MwoYmwv7B6qtXaCn8YTKWk0A4PVH0LFROC0Ip3Xx3aZfm_4X3lvn6i6KlTdYnqpXmlvdUJp9kKibbCfkUAXpe0fp7GMqB-r8IsR4ixMolCffqtt7m9gRiYwij8JuXblmMlZ9HolP1uWzSw3ZQMr4OyiU7cVJTIoyZkV49t/s555/Loretta.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="555" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEil4KQlhA-65zlO08z0MwoYmwv7B6qtXaCn8YTKWk0A4PVH0LFROC0Ip3Xx3aZfm_4X3lvn6i6KlTdYnqpXmlvdUJp9kKibbCfkUAXpe0fp7GMqB-r8IsR4ixMolCffqtt7m9gRiYwij8JuXblmMlZ9HolP1uWzSw3ZQMr4OyiU7cVJTIoyZkV49t/s320/Loretta.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-WTfP3WJc4" target="_blank"><i><b>Loretta</b></i>/ Ginger Root</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Another great discovery this year was multi-instrumentalist Cameron Lew AKA Ginger Root. The vibe of Loretta and other offerings from Ginger Root is 80s pop/ funk, which embraces the cheesiness and shameless optimism of this era. It's no wonder that in these darker times, many of us crave this kind of music. The videos are really tongue in cheek and fun to watch.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Loretta </b>is one of those songs that gets in your head and you find yourself singing 'Lor-ret-ahhh!' when you're going about your daily business, often out loud and often to the bemusement of anyone in earshot. Listen, and I dare you not to do the same.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbCvmVtdJb5OWF3plweMtiHSzM6PDSyCFfvUHW0QN6-kA6m27UBIUTuf5v6nx3h6WfExODiyKrv1PT0d3yNmmvrPQDQsuqPzNAnJbxkqTTFguUHf15mxfCyAMwXhm0Dq1zQYBxszx2S_XtvEMrGps5_tXsSiPnHGdUfBV5P50iKNJeru3LlvrAk93/s550/Low%20Beam.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbCvmVtdJb5OWF3plweMtiHSzM6PDSyCFfvUHW0QN6-kA6m27UBIUTuf5v6nx3h6WfExODiyKrv1PT0d3yNmmvrPQDQsuqPzNAnJbxkqTTFguUHf15mxfCyAMwXhm0Dq1zQYBxszx2S_XtvEMrGps5_tXsSiPnHGdUfBV5P50iKNJeru3LlvrAk93/s320/Low%20Beam.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSC83nzS94E" target="_blank"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Low Beam</i>/ Her's</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Her's were two young musicians from Liverpool (</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Stephen Fitzpatrick and Audun Laading</span></span><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">) </span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">who tragically passed way too early in 2019 in a road accident. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #202122;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #202122;">I discovered them through recommendations and loved their throwback sound, Fitzpatrick's unique vocal range and the dreamy, underdog feel of their lyrics. <b style="font-style: italic;">Low Beam </b>is a favourite of mine as well as <b><i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mKX21of0sM" target="_blank">What Once Was</a>.</i></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #202122;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #202122;">It makes me so sad to think of what success they would have gone on to have. RIP.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #202122;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #202122;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xljXIgE3wA" target="_blank"><i><b>Mushanga</b></i>/ Toto</a></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyW0tX97G8r1-It7ejd7qcz8k8xoyZgST9-OS-AHFbm7tkG5tbIRWQJez5AQyAh6j9Sys9t6byJ_pYJUXWqPOUmdHTGmCj_as-JS8mLhgglnejDAK8mKP5c1J0XvjyDczl0kLKpCJnUea8-poC6duxE8GBtMj_7FsSQnWUJmhnahn22kZBe4239O3/s559/Mushanga.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="559" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyW0tX97G8r1-It7ejd7qcz8k8xoyZgST9-OS-AHFbm7tkG5tbIRWQJez5AQyAh6j9Sys9t6byJ_pYJUXWqPOUmdHTGmCj_as-JS8mLhgglnejDAK8mKP5c1J0XvjyDczl0kLKpCJnUea8-poC6duxE8GBtMj_7FsSQnWUJmhnahn22kZBe4239O3/s320/Mushanga.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I wanted to mention </span><b style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">Mushanga </b><span style="font-family: arial;">because it is a gorgeous sounding song which showcases Jeff's creativity on the drums. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">His agility and dynamics are so stunning to me. This is one of the standout tracks from <i>The Seventh One</i>, which takes you to another place through the feel and lyrics.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">It also features Joseph Williams on vocals which is a different era for Toto and an equally pleasing one in my view. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">What impresses me about this band is how they had so many singers, even back in the days of Kimball, Paich, Lukather and Steve Porcaro took lead vocals on different tracks. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_ihbQNCx78-dTu7PEVypl6N2ZCkpJbgXFGSxYC8Xb3WsUTaRRM3_SW6VZwooxuPFH6mGkwFR97YC_ZaKelp4qTjPGWZJgGkXh1uwFnGDQF0fwGy2rKrgO5w2Wz6CPDEH7pncKkCC2EIKz-0MGvnI85xdOdIlqaT5P4-x0Z8ALFVDrdmi_CHsiIfZ/s564/Necessary%20Evil.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_ihbQNCx78-dTu7PEVypl6N2ZCkpJbgXFGSxYC8Xb3WsUTaRRM3_SW6VZwooxuPFH6mGkwFR97YC_ZaKelp4qTjPGWZJgGkXh1uwFnGDQF0fwGy2rKrgO5w2Wz6CPDEH7pncKkCC2EIKz-0MGvnI85xdOdIlqaT5P4-x0Z8ALFVDrdmi_CHsiIfZ/s320/Necessary%20Evil.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqjWidsMhvM" target="_blank"><b><i>Necessary Evil </i></b>/ Unknown Mortal Orchestra</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I like the sultriness of this song and the chord progression that helps to lift that until it becomes reminiscent of something 70s feeling and optimistic.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm going to see this band in 2023 which will be exciting because they're very talented and unique.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJrKlSkxRHA">Hunnybee</a></i> from Sex & Food is also a funky tune to check out.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuhUpKb6DMg"><i><b></b></i></a><i><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuhUpKb6DMg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHHuPRfE6A47ORiktn52ryGYcpDRkMGt9Pyz-iUKQO-DH7PqnnTpr3UvttmOKHTxTjjZAXql9fuOzKbkYiJtWnmtElVbkAyl7Jm4BUu8wk3UfRHBYwaRvOED6GV4KLH1M2q-BEA0O-_TyGmVMXynnfzmlsCk9rhN_jzaD21cW6hmxpctRjD-RINEGu/s559/Slow%20Song.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="559" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHHuPRfE6A47ORiktn52ryGYcpDRkMGt9Pyz-iUKQO-DH7PqnnTpr3UvttmOKHTxTjjZAXql9fuOzKbkYiJtWnmtElVbkAyl7Jm4BUu8wk3UfRHBYwaRvOED6GV4KLH1M2q-BEA0O-_TyGmVMXynnfzmlsCk9rhN_jzaD21cW6hmxpctRjD-RINEGu/s320/Slow%20Song.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Slow Song</b></i>/ The Knocks with Dragonette</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I really enjoyed this song in the Summer of 2022. Unsurprisingly (for me), it has a retro sound (think Kylie Minogue in the later 90s), a funky bassline, synths, soaring strings-- all the things I like! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I played this on repeat when in need of a pick-me-up (which was a lot) and it never failed to hit the spot. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Whilst my heart lies with the authentic beauty of live playing and real instrumentation, I have a penchant for the likes of The Knocks' production skills and the way they fuse old and new sounds.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQM8j9Ny3lsiUUPFiozAmX5jR64Nxrxb22kTOUBEH7aYBrTU98M9F5_getFVehPS195XfqQrQyPT_jzAc8HtYe610fBI6SiZMKKfWJE7KmFmnw5xIan1lDBdBIBULiEoODhFNhsblTg7jYfygGHCDNB67by0CircCyqFM2J4CIZ2dzqnYHB3TW7zGr/s555/Solid.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="555" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQM8j9Ny3lsiUUPFiozAmX5jR64Nxrxb22kTOUBEH7aYBrTU98M9F5_getFVehPS195XfqQrQyPT_jzAc8HtYe610fBI6SiZMKKfWJE7KmFmnw5xIan1lDBdBIBULiEoODhFNhsblTg7jYfygGHCDNB67by0CircCyqFM2J4CIZ2dzqnYHB3TW7zGr/s320/Solid.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMusdCCvfGo" target="_blank"><i><b>Solid</b></i>/ MUNA</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">And on the subject of great production, we have MUNA. This new album is really great, an example of how musicianship can be elevated with modern tech. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I liked this track, <i><b>Solid</b></i>, from the first listen. It has an 80s sound, an ode of sorts which in turn empowers the listener if you make-believe Katie Gavin is singing to you! I swear my walk gets sassier when I'm plugged into this treasure. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">MUNA's previous albums are far more angsty compared to this one, so its nice to see the progression (however, there's room for angsty, sad- girl music any day of the week as far as I'm concerned). I was tempted to include <i><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdCSmdJYKGY" target="_blank">Stayawa</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdCSmdJYKGY">y</a> </b></i>from <i>Saves the World </i>in this list because I've played that song like an obsessive this year as well as last. I think the two actually pair really well as a kind of yin yang to relationships; whilst <i>Stayaway </i>is the raw end of a dysfunctional love, <i>Solid </i>is the beginning of a better situation. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxdzObZdjZ07YiohpSlSL-GT7E4DDJKBsamWrDFIyx74AzYgehP6OLdwLFh_Pbi43H5A4zcdfxU0ozlufKRsHn7Lsya6RuL7yDODYGIqZVZbYiiVovpCQ3iOLVkUwVD09hVcOPDo53nvGtxru1CHmu_dAarEBTyUERkPyCck-u5kJPB2Kg699ZIhJ/s556/Something%20Has%20to%20Change.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="556" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxdzObZdjZ07YiohpSlSL-GT7E4DDJKBsamWrDFIyx74AzYgehP6OLdwLFh_Pbi43H5A4zcdfxU0ozlufKRsHn7Lsya6RuL7yDODYGIqZVZbYiiVovpCQ3iOLVkUwVD09hVcOPDo53nvGtxru1CHmu_dAarEBTyUERkPyCck-u5kJPB2Kg699ZIhJ/s320/Something%20Has%20to%20Change.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoLwyWi7Z4c" target="_blank"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Something Has to Change</i>/ The Japanese House</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This was one of my most-played songs this year according to Youtube. Perhaps it's rather telling that it was last year too.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I've written about The Japanese House's 2019 album, <i>Good at Falling</i>, <a href="https://www.beautifullifeasiknowit.com/2021/03/good-at-falling-japanese-house-2019.html" target="_blank">here</a>. In that post I talk about the </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial;">acclimatisation I went through to the sound of Amber Bain's music. This song was what made me double take and see past some of the over-production of the vocals. It is a catchy song, sure, but it's far more than that for me with this artist. Her vulnerability and sensitivity somehow gives us permission to feel as listeners. In <i><b>Something Has to Change</b></i>, there's a desperation and sadness which is only realised more vividly in the repetition. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The music video's pretty cool too!<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaUpOlUaaWqqa0bvTXIQHHSqqjdo3zgckas6h54Q2rvWSs-9gbOmDGHJV1052NYoV4RAhlJOhokoG1SjjuB8oDdoqP204qpAiKIlwt4fILSA5nRk4wq86Tf-NFpOUHoPYhfbJnv3GrjNXqN9koXTjpBhjYuW4TW4Gyc1DvfJ27ss8DifCvCkQ7Bkf/s550/Think%20of%20Me%20As%20Your%20Soldier.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaUpOlUaaWqqa0bvTXIQHHSqqjdo3zgckas6h54Q2rvWSs-9gbOmDGHJV1052NYoV4RAhlJOhokoG1SjjuB8oDdoqP204qpAiKIlwt4fILSA5nRk4wq86Tf-NFpOUHoPYhfbJnv3GrjNXqN9koXTjpBhjYuW4TW4Gyc1DvfJ27ss8DifCvCkQ7Bkf/s320/Think%20of%20Me%20As%20Your%20Soldier.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lU_Bzp_t8yY" target="_blank"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Think Of Me As Your Soldier</i>/ Stevie Wonder</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I really rate this album from 1971. I discovered it this year and really fell for <b><i>Think Of Me...</i></b> It's simple, sweet and intensely romantic. I love the pairing of the guitar with Stevie's vocal (how they mirror each other) and the minor chords Stevie uses.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Some other honourable mentions from the album are <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuBC2xzBe6E&list=PLvxWibFr0wiLsMOZFF6J6ND657gGMgx-G&index=4" target="_blank">Something Out of the Blue</a> </i>which has some sweet instrumentation on it, and <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltwVFCo_h4c&list=PLvxWibFr0wiLsMOZFF6J6ND657gGMgx-G&index=8">Sunshine In Their Eyes</a>: </i>the bittersweet hymn-like song which transitions into <i>Everything is Happenin'</i> with its upbeat call for hope. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This album is underrated and one I would like to add to my physical record collection someday.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9PqAUylSTFi1RZufIsCOmFi-RJlZvFtvwPcf_xDHhwqjq_EmIHVMoG1taI-gcsQl6vMzaKCuy2TaqEPQAvc9N57YZauDeyT0MlxIzix_-grNS2w456hPHYn47BAqRbT9Ossf9NPn5GkjFkXcxtf77AOUOnQWzkKxWY7LLb7cxuPiBKnj6cErNUFW/s564/Wide%20Eyes.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="559" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9PqAUylSTFi1RZufIsCOmFi-RJlZvFtvwPcf_xDHhwqjq_EmIHVMoG1taI-gcsQl6vMzaKCuy2TaqEPQAvc9N57YZauDeyT0MlxIzix_-grNS2w456hPHYn47BAqRbT9Ossf9NPn5GkjFkXcxtf77AOUOnQWzkKxWY7LLb7cxuPiBKnj6cErNUFW/s320/Wide%20Eyes.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EY2RaPeI18A" target="_blank"><i><b>Wide Eyes</b></i>/ The Big Moon</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">A great song to end on, <b style="font-style: italic;">Wide Eyes </b>is the first single to be released from The Big Moon's 2022 album, <i>Here Is Everything. </i>The album focuses on the lead singer's experience of becoming a parent for the first time with unflinching honesty. When I saw the music video to this song I welled up with joy. The sound of this track is big and beautiful (think a driving bassline, euphoric keys, swelling harmonies). </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The way the song develops and the band members gradually join in, perfectly matches the music video (which is a must watch). Friendship is a thing to cherish and this song encapsulates the experience that </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Jules had becoming a mother for the first time and the support she had from her bandmates during that time. It was really great to see The Big Moon play an acoustic set this year with tracks from this album and I hope to see them again next year live.</span></div><div><br /></div></div></div><h3><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i>Do you have a favourite album beginning with Q?</i></span></h3></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I couldn't authentically name any as favourites, hence this end of year post!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm looking to continue my A-Z next year and maybe do a photography challenge... we'll see!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>Gemmadragon1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02946790552515956577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106347462730943598.post-25398429249061692492022-10-29T15:53:00.004+01:002022-10-29T15:53:31.967+01:00Prodigal Sista/ Beverley Knight (1998): Albums of my Life: an A-Z<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUAwG-YwN1h_L25J-_amC-JLeAiycASIL3JpcKlLUVaRrmdBG8oi1QeSp_bl6t7HzG0U-QgkvN0RZ1z_YGMMAbNa1S1Xbo9Lvo5EQmZEWdcuCAPBAj6KPLtVtX5I1AwsDYpsNP0no8B0yqhs22jQwGRPYd-Y93LIS7vEIoG2eFTNNpJ7k2z0d5qGV/s2302/DSC06197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2087" data-original-width="2302" height="831" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUAwG-YwN1h_L25J-_amC-JLeAiycASIL3JpcKlLUVaRrmdBG8oi1QeSp_bl6t7HzG0U-QgkvN0RZ1z_YGMMAbNa1S1Xbo9Lvo5EQmZEWdcuCAPBAj6KPLtVtX5I1AwsDYpsNP0no8B0yqhs22jQwGRPYd-Y93LIS7vEIoG2eFTNNpJ7k2z0d5qGV/w918-h831/DSC06197.jpg" width="918" /></a><br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s950/I+can+remember1.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s320/I+can+remember1.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">the cover of this album. Its shade of blue has adhered to my memory with Beverley's iconic presence looking you right in the eyes as you slide the CD out of its cardboard cover. <i>Prodigal Sista </i>came into my awareness as a teen when the single 'Greatest day' was released. Her voice, her positivity and her vibe had me captured within one listen of that song. I'm talking about the 'classic mix' of course, with its upbeat keys,brass and strings.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This was one of the earlier CD albums that I can remember purchasing with my own money and listening to a lot. Though it won 'Best Album' and 'Best R&B Act' at the 1999 Mobo Awards, it's always felt relatively lowkey to me-- none of my friends had it and, to this day, it's one of those albums that I've never spoken to anyone about. Until now!</span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/s950/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/w400-h43/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" width="400" /></a></p><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Beverley Knight has such vocal agility and authenticity that listening to her is pure joy. Having said that, this album has a duplicity about it, being both upbeat and sultry smooth. I always listen to the album in question whilst creating these posts, and right now as I type, I'm on the track 'Damn'. It's one of the "fire tracks" for me and one that I have loved singing along to over the years! You could describe trying to sing alongside Beverley's vocals an Olympic sport; you might get better, but you'll never win gold. And we all know, she's 'Gold'. 'Damn' is a lesson in soul. It's slow, brooding and swings. Returning to a love that you know is no good for you is the focus of the song. No matter how hard you try, that person is always stuck in your head, and you always want that feeling again. We can all relate, I'm sure. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI242ooZC5YstizdmZC7l4b4XmTFMoAxdmc2ku9pZaLkexzQtugEmAwiA1sAmNgCnRBXzpxMiZzT8hh9PVqlPSir54DrgPLtUaYJ4AFe9uvrSidIK9F4Cd9r_PlFAzLaH0GXEYF9QdrIV-Q1M7K_GDB4-7U28q4oHgSEArPXbFKch1QGI_K_fIpu9z/s4209/DSC06202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2094" data-original-width="4209" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI242ooZC5YstizdmZC7l4b4XmTFMoAxdmc2ku9pZaLkexzQtugEmAwiA1sAmNgCnRBXzpxMiZzT8hh9PVqlPSir54DrgPLtUaYJ4AFe9uvrSidIK9F4Cd9r_PlFAzLaH0GXEYF9QdrIV-Q1M7K_GDB4-7U28q4oHgSEArPXbFKch1QGI_K_fIpu9z/w921-h458/DSC06202.jpg" width="921" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Sista Sista' is another stand out, and another sad-feeling, reflective mood from Knight. What strikes me now is the simplicity of the instrumentals (keyboard and guitar with a drum track); it was always about the soul voices for me at this time, and the vocal on this song is solid. Its weaving sweetness in the verses gives way to more intensity in the chorus-- and that is what sells the pain of abandonment in this song. Loss is something Knight has clearly experienced.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">As the album progresses, it reflects a time within the genre in terms of its production. Even though this is only her second album (coming after Knight's 1995, <i>The B-Funk</i>), it has such a different feel to her debut. It is late 90s cool, where <i>The B-Funk </i>feels much more late 80s/ early 90s in its vibe. The vocal effects on 'Tomorrow' (at around the 2:50 mark), for example, feel very much of a time. There's something of<i> Blackstreet</i>'s 'Don't Leave Me' in there--which is another much loved R&B staple. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">As we move onto 'Send Me Move Me Love Me' we see Beverley Knight at her sexiest. There's the sweetness again, but when she sings 'gives me thoughts I shouldn't say' and 'rude boy love is heavenly', we know... I love how pared back this song is and how the background vocal sets the mood. It's a song that would have grown on me and has certainly stuck with me as I've got older. Indeed, 'The Need of You', which follows, is much in the same vein-- in one word: hot. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPzX1EoRLlOn_SfbGRUOKC8O5cGnd-ZdHhvjkThQ1SxkQs0E8bVmMX8wFLvm9EhvmMqyAXKbJ_lFGbEuL3dPbX4IAn8VemFKjXAwxbFJEkKV6uG8Vj8tcPEFBpF0jljIVz-4eQ7IcOIopAPCehH8z1zbcwJx06h0QccIyu-aFxRpK3_LSHMnkK6_R/s4565/DSC06201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2297" data-original-width="4565" height="463" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPzX1EoRLlOn_SfbGRUOKC8O5cGnd-ZdHhvjkThQ1SxkQs0E8bVmMX8wFLvm9EhvmMqyAXKbJ_lFGbEuL3dPbX4IAn8VemFKjXAwxbFJEkKV6uG8Vj8tcPEFBpF0jljIVz-4eQ7IcOIopAPCehH8z1zbcwJx06h0QccIyu-aFxRpK3_LSHMnkK6_R/w920-h463/DSC06201.jpg" width="920" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This album is not one that I listen to a lot nowadays, but it holds a special place in my heart. Over the years, I've watched and read things about Beverley Knight and I've always had a lot of respect for her humility. She grew up singing in the church in Wolverhampton and speaks fondly of her heritage. Her work in musical theatre has also been a big part of her career and I regret not having yet seen her live. She's most definitely on my bucket list of singers to see.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Her albums following this one, <i>Who I Am </i>and <i>Affirmation,</i> are also favourites, with tracks like 'Gold' on the former and 'Straight Jacket', 'Below my Radar', and an <b style="font-style: italic;">incredible </b>hidden track called 'Fatal Factor'! I'd also recommend her collaboration with Chaka Khan on her <i>100%</i> album, '<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jr7cg17lOq4">Soul Survivor</a>' which is on my running playlist!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/s950/Favourite+tracks.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/w400-h43/Favourite+tracks.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="425" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EpC2GHd46HE" width="510" youtube-src-id="EpC2GHd46HE"></iframe></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: arial;">1. </span><i style="font-family: arial;">Damn-- </i><span style="font-family: arial;">the swing, the vocal, the ability to put you right back in that lovesick trance.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><i style="font-family: arial;">2. Send Me Move Me Love Me-- </i><span style="font-family: arial;">the key changes, the vocal gymnastics, gorgeous. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div><i style="font-family: arial;">3. Greatest day-</i><span style="font-family: arial;"> the classic mix, of course!</span><div><div><div><i style="font-family: arial;"><br /></i></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/s950/I+listen+to+this+when.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/w400-h43/I+listen+to+this+when.png" width="400" /></a><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... I want to remember how great Beverley Knight is and has always been (and what a national treasure she is).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/s950/Most+memorable+lyric.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/w400-h43/Most+memorable+lyric.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">'</span> You're an opiate, baby-- send me on a high, but in the end you'll kill me</i></span><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">' </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></i></span><span style="font-family: arial;">(<i>Damn</i>)</span></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/s950/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/w400-h43/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... <b style="color: #800180;"> </b><span>that <span style="color: #9fc5e8;"><b>light blue</b></span>, I guess. But maybe with some <span style="color: #800180;"><b>dark purple</b> </span>at the edges.</span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh47q5nrohwfYVCPcTbGuIvsFLb_pS9b6gjkUoO2YHm01VXcrzN4iDqVjxd0kpR9tboxTHskZWNfBlhFzt_x8-3rmQZScdGjwlYpPpFuHDgxrJrTV_digsmDp0DSa6bCgTvqpyxcRHst1WCNbpHHZBgR-XO5vOQIT8dwbEDAsbuDVOAb0zdOiUH64h/s4411/DSC06199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2027" data-original-width="4411" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh47q5nrohwfYVCPcTbGuIvsFLb_pS9b6gjkUoO2YHm01VXcrzN4iDqVjxd0kpR9tboxTHskZWNfBlhFzt_x8-3rmQZScdGjwlYpPpFuHDgxrJrTV_digsmDp0DSa6bCgTvqpyxcRHst1WCNbpHHZBgR-XO5vOQIT8dwbEDAsbuDVOAb0zdOiUH64h/w917-h421/DSC06199.jpg" width="917" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/s950/Runner+ups.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/w400-h43/Runner+ups.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">'Purple Rain'/ Prince and the Revolution (1984)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">'Pools To Bathe In'/ The Japanese House (2015)</span></div></div><div><br /></div><h3><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i>What is your favourite album beginning with P?</i></span></h3></div></div></div><div><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>Gemmadragon1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02946790552515956577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106347462730943598.post-34221267962305685292022-08-16T08:52:00.001+01:002022-08-16T08:55:37.356+01:00One Touch/ Sugababes (2000): Albums of my Life: an A-Z<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBDKiKGBzzERkYxdJ1p1IRiGw3Mn5g04YhTyAIxe_8AmFbpZ8rLy1C2wnJQ0XOXFN0yfzMUVFoI2AhSN6OqX5QBeurCeXxVpRRuWSEKGoqf3unUD9ODmObLuEJNW8It4vPYuPMl3PFDB_MUBwba9ZGzT8Kd1Jj-69DdTsZIR40a_mT06awsb9k8gg/s4004/DSC06124.JPG" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3521" data-original-width="4004" height="804" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBDKiKGBzzERkYxdJ1p1IRiGw3Mn5g04YhTyAIxe_8AmFbpZ8rLy1C2wnJQ0XOXFN0yfzMUVFoI2AhSN6OqX5QBeurCeXxVpRRuWSEKGoqf3unUD9ODmObLuEJNW8It4vPYuPMl3PFDB_MUBwba9ZGzT8Kd1Jj-69DdTsZIR40a_mT06awsb9k8gg/w914-h804/DSC06124.JPG" width="914" /></a><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s950/I+can+remember1.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s320/I+can+remember1.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">being aware of the single 'Overload' and not immediately loving it, but knowing that it felt a bit different to other girl groups. I'm imagining that I saw the music video because it is definitely a factor that set the tone of who these young girls were (and they were <i>young</i>, only 15 and 16 years old). The video is shot on a plain white background and pans across to reveal the girls in mid and close-up shots, and they just look so fresh, natural and 'normal'. It doesn't surprise me to read that they were formed in 1998 by the same manager as the group, <i>All Saints, </i>because they had this cool edge and their lack of frills and girliness appealed to me at that age. Also, the fact that they were about the same age as me at the time made them feel relatable.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm not sure about when I took the plunge and purchased the CD, but I did and I got it on vinyl last year-- testament to what a great album it is. When we were teenagers my dad would let us load up a CD into the car's player and in hindsight, it strikes me how much of a champion he was for us being into music because he always took an interest in what we listened to. Even though his music taste lay in the 70s for the most part, he (and my mum) have always been open to new music providing it had substance and musicianship to it. I recall him liking some of what he heard with this album, only a brief comment, but it was clear that he recognised the groups' skilful harmonies, something that I think makes the Sugababes a standout group.</span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQS2KKy4RMNPDMxrhZaGfAfNhZELnTSm-aefRV8iWK5_5jqNACh4zT0A79Vy5dWsZcHcMTm_7oqCEULez2s74Yfqd99uRFeGKHS0mIv3t6GcamumDMAsG7bm3_UgsKItaC8OSE-zX8mLtEV4yCCerieSunWGLuipkWaI5JGMvkhjeMgJVuMfKQR2Ug/s3304/DSC06156%20(1).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3193" data-original-width="3304" height="882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQS2KKy4RMNPDMxrhZaGfAfNhZELnTSm-aefRV8iWK5_5jqNACh4zT0A79Vy5dWsZcHcMTm_7oqCEULez2s74Yfqd99uRFeGKHS0mIv3t6GcamumDMAsG7bm3_UgsKItaC8OSE-zX8mLtEV4yCCerieSunWGLuipkWaI5JGMvkhjeMgJVuMfKQR2Ug/w913-h882/DSC06156%20(1).jpg" width="913" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/s950/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/w400-h43/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" width="400" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">'</span><b style="font-family: arial;">Overload</b><span style="font-family: arial;">' is a showcase of three talented young singers in their purest form. Some people associate the group, Sugababes, with an ever-changing line-up and rumours of falling-outs between band members. I liked some of the follow up albums (and even some of the songs when the line up changed), but this is the classic Sugababes sound for me: tight, soulful harmonies and clever arrangements. Mutya Buena's lower tones work so magically with Keisha Buchanan's sweet voice. As a three-piece, Siobhan Donaghy is the perfect middle between these two and as well as incredible sounding lead vocals on songs like 'Soul Sound' she allows for a the harmonies to sound feel full and polished.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The song, 'Soul Sound', is such a smooth, feel-good track and the vocals are let to shine from it with the simple guitar and percussion. The other two tracks where I feel the vocals are at their most impressive are 'Promises' and 'Run for Cover' at the end of the album. 'Promises' is like a lesson in how to harmonise with its simplicity building to a sound which is so unique to this trio, so captivating and slick. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5Hbl13Pa4ZhLhx94Wwb7maJl6p-uVpHI1kz8k9jYwRqkHfwNCcooIZUYDuwQiVdjOfnQEaZbyIU8frEfiVyYxcpCM-dErBpiY7YjR0LEusGZ3v9vqoocThuoAv5-dPoZBII65-O4WfWyFLqG_3u-fQoYejGtpZsBSamOB2ZJWeMPKll7vQrB_Y88/s2646/Sugababes%20collage.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2610" data-original-width="2646" height="903" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5Hbl13Pa4ZhLhx94Wwb7maJl6p-uVpHI1kz8k9jYwRqkHfwNCcooIZUYDuwQiVdjOfnQEaZbyIU8frEfiVyYxcpCM-dErBpiY7YjR0LEusGZ3v9vqoocThuoAv5-dPoZBII65-O4WfWyFLqG_3u-fQoYejGtpZsBSamOB2ZJWeMPKll7vQrB_Y88/w915-h903/Sugababes%20collage.png" width="915" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">'Run for Cover' includes a drum track over piano which could be fairly generic for the time, but the vocals, yet again, make it an emotive and stirring song. Considering that Mutya and Siobhan were discovered at only 13 years of age, it tells you something about how practised these girls were. Keisha was friends with Mutya from a young age and this also makes sense when you hear how tuned in to each other they are vocally. Keisha's intense vocal runs jump out from this song and hark back to 90s R n B singers who were far from bubblegum pop and sung with soul. Mutya's voice is one I have admired for a long time and its gravelly edge makes it really special. Just look at them perform 'Run for Cover' in 2013, thirteen years after its release, and incredible live.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="424" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7dHo1g5OEds" width="510" youtube-src-id="7dHo1g5OEds"></iframe></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">For its poppiness, 'Real Thing' is also a track I enjoy. There's some melancholy, some angst and pain in other parts of the album, whereas this song is good fun. It's interesting to read how co-producer and writer, Cameron McVey, worked with the girls on some of the tracks. For 'Overload', he seemed to have a magic touch according to Siobhan who was interviewed describing how he would have organic conversations with the girls about their teenage lives and they would take lyrics from those experiences; he also helped them by recording a take of them singing, claiming it was not the final take, all because he wanted to capture something real and unpolished. I think this comes through on many tracks where the voices of these talented singers sounds both emotive and raw. What has always been so cool about this original line up is that they didn't feel 'stage school'.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7b6cvYw1eVSDiTPe4rc6O_GB_rh7znalwFeZqATPVTCoKnwnSnBAUoatIRucwRq7btHPBGZd3wKtV07m6qPUIG2iOWBN63z2zfZFIjFe2WmzLFDzcGMGtJQo-NjK1a8uZbFP-rM4l6TagX261TT3M6eGwKyreTrUFO3PUBcU0LQcSfc635wGfoeN/s3727/DSC06145%20(1).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3356" data-original-width="3727" height="823" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7b6cvYw1eVSDiTPe4rc6O_GB_rh7znalwFeZqATPVTCoKnwnSnBAUoatIRucwRq7btHPBGZd3wKtV07m6qPUIG2iOWBN63z2zfZFIjFe2WmzLFDzcGMGtJQo-NjK1a8uZbFP-rM4l6TagX261TT3M6eGwKyreTrUFO3PUBcU0LQcSfc635wGfoeN/w914-h823/DSC06145%20(1).jpg" width="914" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/s950/Favourite+tracks.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/w400-h43/Favourite+tracks.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="372" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t08p6-0YTgM" width="447" youtube-src-id="t08p6-0YTgM"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>1. Soul Sound</i>-- those harmonies showcased perfectly</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><i style="font-family: arial;">2. Promises-- some interesting things going on here</i></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div><i style="font-family: arial;">3. One Touch--</i><span style="font-family: arial;"> I love the cute lyrics that take you back to being that age and falling in love for the first time</span><div><div><div><i style="font-family: arial;"><br /></i></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/s950/I+listen+to+this+when.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/w400-h43/I+listen+to+this+when.png" width="400" /></a><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">... I need some soul and nostalgia.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVYwGH1vAz3IkZFRQXncmCMjgK403i5O8ILcSZmTTxxEoEkCurusIQ6fKPi2Hz0eH89u7M1VV1lDahdX2Gv79hCy6GsPeFH8B0B2eZ0lSHNq2-aQaiRL-GfREsfxjnqXRoflUzBhLuW2rCuOjOCcT71T-OJl_qgUCRRSKJd37rr6KdB6Oh4KZ8NyG/s3068/DSC06147%20(1).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3068" data-original-width="3024" height="925" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVYwGH1vAz3IkZFRQXncmCMjgK403i5O8ILcSZmTTxxEoEkCurusIQ6fKPi2Hz0eH89u7M1VV1lDahdX2Gv79hCy6GsPeFH8B0B2eZ0lSHNq2-aQaiRL-GfREsfxjnqXRoflUzBhLuW2rCuOjOCcT71T-OJl_qgUCRRSKJd37rr6KdB6Oh4KZ8NyG/w912-h925/DSC06147%20(1).jpg" width="912" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/s950/Most+memorable+lyric.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/w400-h43/Most+memorable+lyric.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">'</span> </i></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><i>It doesn't really matter</i></span></span></div><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><i><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Sometimes we run for cover</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /></i></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><i>I'm always on the outside</i></span></span><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></span></i></span><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">' </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></i></span><span style="font-family: arial;">(<i>Run for Cover</i>)</span></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I remember using this song for a video project at university because the lyrics perfectly conveyed something about isolation that comes from loneliness.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/s950/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/w400-h43/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... <span><span style="color: #bf00ff; font-weight: bold;">electric purple</span><span>: the colour of powerful, angsty, yet wonderful youth</span></span>. It's not a bubblegum pink, but something with greater intensity, spirit, and palatable sweetness.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/s950/Runner+ups.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/w400-h43/Runner+ups.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">'Off the Wall'/ Michael Jackson (1979)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">'On the Outside/ Starsailor (2005)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">'Office Politics'/ The Divine Comedy (2019)</span></div></div><div><i style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;">What is your favourite album beginning with O?</i></div></div></div></div><div><i style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;"><br /></i></div>Gemmadragon1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02946790552515956577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106347462730943598.post-88270948188332063712022-08-01T15:04:00.002+01:002022-12-21T10:30:04.004+00:00Northern Star/ Melanie C (1999): Albums of my Life: an A-Z<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPRRFxng5yKJG7PGvnCh77pmzlEQsBMWci5qxK2ov5Ot0qZImmRHWbAz0Xdd7DFB1_3qgMgZxhUseWAi_ADyrLFEYienLbfx0OyttesO2VSmP1yDjtvipUMx_7-sj6qzfk4hlmycSJmnixNWJUtCUACwU4pE8VyNsMllXPYK2vybXw7cWWs-cQgrc/s3881/DSC06062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3460" data-original-width="3881" height="819" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPRRFxng5yKJG7PGvnCh77pmzlEQsBMWci5qxK2ov5Ot0qZImmRHWbAz0Xdd7DFB1_3qgMgZxhUseWAi_ADyrLFEYienLbfx0OyttesO2VSmP1yDjtvipUMx_7-sj6qzfk4hlmycSJmnixNWJUtCUACwU4pE8VyNsMllXPYK2vybXw7cWWs-cQgrc/w920-h819/DSC06062.JPG" width="920" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s950/I+can+remember1.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s320/I+can+remember1.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">being part of the wave of excitement over the Spice Girls. I was the age for it, about twelve, I guess. The fun, the cameraderie, the outfits and colour-- I loved it. I think I went to see <i>Spiceworld </i>at the cinema twice! Watching that film as an adult was a real disappointment; the acting and cheesiness is cringe-worthy, but the album <i>Spiceworld</i> is still as wonderful as ever. <i>Never Give Up on the Good Times</i>, for example, is such a feel-good, innocent pop record. When I listen to it I still visualise their accompanying dance move and it brings a smile to my face.</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs57LIvp_nmBNoKG13xEWYyL-2t149DWko7LMEW1K-JGDOYEEmnj7VFbjqjiEkal-HB-28QORCUzaBlzmu_ol6y9tyV4xyorhTZddTNpkCB9qDT1bvBD8hDT2lwyitZ0JmRu4Ys44rnlaA3fgF0mzjgiGtE4StFzeSzdzyQ2sKXB2wb6JD-KGzJNwK/s640/Never%20Give%20Up%20Spice.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs57LIvp_nmBNoKG13xEWYyL-2t149DWko7LMEW1K-JGDOYEEmnj7VFbjqjiEkal-HB-28QORCUzaBlzmu_ol6y9tyV4xyorhTZddTNpkCB9qDT1bvBD8hDT2lwyitZ0JmRu4Ys44rnlaA3fgF0mzjgiGtE4StFzeSzdzyQ2sKXB2wb6JD-KGzJNwK/w919-h518/Never%20Give%20Up%20Spice.gif" width="919" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I had the platform trainers, the Ginger Spice-inspired red hair with a yellow-blonde 'money-piece' (self- dyed of course) and some questionable bright and flamboyant clothing items, and I loved it!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Then I got a bit older and too cool for all that pizazz! And the Spice Girls went their separate ways with solo projects, and I was curious. I remember either owning or borrowing from the library (and recording) Emma, Geri, Mel B and Mel C's albums. I enjoyed parts of all of them at the time, but it is Melanie Chisholm's <i>Northern Star</i> that stood out the most, both then and now.</span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/w400-h43/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" width="400" /></p><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'<b>Northern Star</b>' is the debut album from Melanie Chisholm of the Spice Girls. It is a fusion of indie, rock, electronica and pop. At the age I was in 1999, this had some appeal despite my R n B biased taste. It was interesting to see what image the individual Spice Girls took on after going solo. Geri was pure gimmicky-pop, Emma more melodic pop, Mel B found her R n B groove and Victoria did her thing with Dane Bowers of <i>Another Level </i>fame! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Mel C, on the other hand, brought some rawness and indie influences to her debut which felt the most authentic to me over the decades following its release. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">It seems that reception of the album was somewhat mixed initially due to the variation of genres it covers, though it was recognised with a number 4 chart position back in 2000 (and two number one singles).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">For me, the stand out feature of this album is its experimentation with genres. I'm here for Mel's distorted vocals on 'Goin' Down' as much as her poppy sound on 'Suddenly Monday' and her sweetness on 'Closer'. I'm on board for the more-played chart-toppers 'Never Be the Same Again (featuring Lisa 'Left-Eye' Lopez) and of course, the beautiful 'Northern Star'. Why is it that some criticise artists for experimenting and showing off their repetoire of musical loves and styles? This album showcases what Mel was unable to in the Spice Girls, vocally, and in terms of her songwriting. The production is also very pleasing and this feels like a timeless album to me.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLi6xF8hhui9tAhiLu4DHQv8sVohbSvVfIkCiWJV-zckP1_XNsXX_YvLv8QkjJEBxC9422wF35HsMvQw18uJ-zxVUFkQut56EanMPaniwO3gnBHGyraBSVkoiv8vkY4w-f4V3AwHMEBJEIV9YLm2hlxiobXNWuZ8G2HzbvuSBihrfdBg-lr7-0iuaZ/s3647/DSC06064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3114" data-original-width="3647" height="783" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLi6xF8hhui9tAhiLu4DHQv8sVohbSvVfIkCiWJV-zckP1_XNsXX_YvLv8QkjJEBxC9422wF35HsMvQw18uJ-zxVUFkQut56EanMPaniwO3gnBHGyraBSVkoiv8vkY4w-f4V3AwHMEBJEIV9YLm2hlxiobXNWuZ8G2HzbvuSBihrfdBg-lr7-0iuaZ/w917-h783/DSC06064.JPG" width="917" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">The opening track, 'Go!' with its drum beat and percussion intro and then the staccato guitar riff exclaims: this is not <i>Sporty Spice</i>, but Melanie C: indie-pop queen. The overlay of her backing vocal is a flowing contrast to the guitar and drums. The song shimmers.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Northern Star' is timeless and a beautiful pop record. Its title speaks to her Merseyside upbringing and the sentiment of the lyrics is made all the more emotive by the sweeping strings on this track. It really is a gorgeous song.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">One of the most well-known and popular tracks from this album is 'I Turn to You' which is a club classic of the time. It has a techno production to it and a music video shot in Ibiza which showcases its vibe perfectly. It's not a favourite of mine now, but I can appreciate the song and why it is so well-liked; it certainly encapsulates a feeling of the time and would make the cut for my gym playlist, for sure.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNpYyQ37rwcbugtt-BOFfAzWtNJVHRonv3Zm89YPJMOKPkfGME7nRF-sj3hW30Cf3wFlk40_rAkBNxeGJvPyVF5vgKDMCCOSEeK1WVK9nJu3j823hXAzH5RgjPUkECs_wRyumot7MDvD2wemkEviMK5M_cRLv7sXSannDE96E73OAn2diPtWdXoTR/s5403/DSC06073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2688" data-original-width="5403" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNpYyQ37rwcbugtt-BOFfAzWtNJVHRonv3Zm89YPJMOKPkfGME7nRF-sj3hW30Cf3wFlk40_rAkBNxeGJvPyVF5vgKDMCCOSEeK1WVK9nJu3j823hXAzH5RgjPUkECs_wRyumot7MDvD2wemkEviMK5M_cRLv7sXSannDE96E73OAn2diPtWdXoTR/w917-h456/DSC06073.JPG" width="917" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">'<span style="font-family: arial;">If That Were Me' appealed to my sensibilities as a teen with its theme of holding out a hand to the downtrodden, specifically the homeless. This is still a cause close to my heart, but the songwriting on the track feels a little trite now being older and more cynical. I think it's the rhyming on lines like 'I couldn't live without my phone/ but you don't even have a home' that does it. Still, it brings some variety and gravity to the album after the rambunctiousness of the previous tracks.</span></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Suddenly Monday' is a fun, sing-along with an indie-pop feel, complete with a big band later on the track. I loved it then, and love it now. 'Ga Ga' follows with its rockier vibe and sassier vocal. This feels similar to the opening track, 'Go!' in its genre and it really suits Mel's voice. You almost forget that she was 'Sporty' in this track and it makes you wonder if she had got into the charts as a solo artist back in the earlier 90s, whether she would have pursued a career as a lead singer of an indie band. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4IRUMbR_nRalFR_N4k65LWSCapvJNqo_DA263G-e-3Q9EAJxLpnyAjILA0S18OwNkGkLzD-RWw6-agt0bjdOREBtjDcCh8ZroXDx32tpoRHDGjkDpdO4FOGz89wpqyN-J4jxcNl9JeaaO0WQ0ux48nqlNPWIhB5eugtQDZ7_PqYIqp-yxCl_T70o/s3542/DSC06078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2961" data-original-width="3542" height="770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4IRUMbR_nRalFR_N4k65LWSCapvJNqo_DA263G-e-3Q9EAJxLpnyAjILA0S18OwNkGkLzD-RWw6-agt0bjdOREBtjDcCh8ZroXDx32tpoRHDGjkDpdO4FOGz89wpqyN-J4jxcNl9JeaaO0WQ0ux48nqlNPWIhB5eugtQDZ7_PqYIqp-yxCl_T70o/w921-h770/DSC06078.JPG" width="921" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The versatility of Chisholm's voice can be appreciated on the dream-like 'Closer', which, in my opinion, is another standout track. The penultimate song on the album, this soft and emotive beauty extends to nearly six minutes and has an extended instrumental which fades out to reveal the final track, 'Feel the Sun'. The tone of tranquility and resolve in this song is a perfect conclusion to an album with so much sonic diversity. It calms the spirit and takes you into a place of satisfaction. The emotional crescendo that comes just after the 3 minute mark is just perfect and consolidates the point that Melanie C's voice was the best of all of the Spice Girls'. In fact, I would go as far as to say it is an iconic voice in the pop canon.</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/s950/Favourite+tracks.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/w400-h43/Favourite+tracks.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="397" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B4lGyT7QIeo" width="477" youtube-src-id="B4lGyT7QIeo"></iframe></div><span style="font-family: arial;">What's really telling here is that I thought it would be easy to choose, but I could select five or six songs from the album that are my favourites, and I think it changes a lot depending on my mood.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">1. </span><i style="font-family: arial;">Feel the Sun</i><span style="font-family: arial;">- Just listening to it as I wrote about it above has made me fall in love again.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><i style="font-family: arial;">2. Northern Star-- </i><span style="font-family: arial;">It has to be up there. Just a great song.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div><i style="font-family: arial;">3. Go!--</i><span style="font-family: arial;"> It's that drum intro and the reverb and staccato, love it!</span><div><div><div><i style="font-family: arial;"><br /></i></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/s950/I+listen+to+this+when.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/w400-h43/I+listen+to+this+when.png" width="400" /></a><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... I need a hit of indie pop music, a flash from the past that never disappoints and fully holds up. Mel's voice is so unique and honest; the variety of styles on this album is fresh and varied, plus some great tracks for singing along to.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/s950/Most+memorable+lyric.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/w400-h43/Most+memorable+lyric.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">'</span> </i></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><i>Live your life without regret</i></span></span></div><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="background-color: white;">Don't be someone who they forget</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="background-color: white;">When you're lost reach out for me</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="background-color: white;">And you'll see she's not far</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;" /></i></span><div style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #800180;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Northern Star</i></span></span></span><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></span></i></span><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">' </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></i></span><span style="font-family: arial;">(<i>Northern Star</i>)</span></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/s950/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/w400-h43/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... <span><span style="color: #f1c232; font-weight: bold;">Ocre</span><span><span style="color: #f1c232;">.</span> It's organic and sun-tinged and feels of the earth, just a good dependable, solid album to listen to again and again.</span></span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/s950/Runner+ups.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/w400-h43/Runner+ups.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">'Never Say Never'/ Brandy (1998)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">'Nathan Michael Shawn Wanya'/ Boyz II Men (2000)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><h3><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i>What is your favourite album beginning with N?</i></span></h3></div></div></div>Gemmadragon1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02946790552515956577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106347462730943598.post-86136400324069184072021-08-03T15:41:00.004+01:002021-08-03T16:42:43.955+01:00Mary/ Mary J. Blige (1999): Albums of my Life: an A-Z<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kaUkaPSrSl7IXnHRR37IBpOihzIH_o2TS_EwQgwwChfnVjI9B14LG0Z6ghyphenhyphenbLfPVVB81G1cw4QpyQXoqRDY2vVZLrHTyOH2M_av8jzE7wDxYPdkvYE7bhK4SHZwG2vMdRjj10d-NvXc/s2048/Mary+cover.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1775" data-original-width="2048" height="793" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kaUkaPSrSl7IXnHRR37IBpOihzIH_o2TS_EwQgwwChfnVjI9B14LG0Z6ghyphenhyphenbLfPVVB81G1cw4QpyQXoqRDY2vVZLrHTyOH2M_av8jzE7wDxYPdkvYE7bhK4SHZwG2vMdRjj10d-NvXc/w915-h793/Mary+cover.jpg" width="915" /></a><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s950/I+can+remember1.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s320/I+can+remember1.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">spending hours of my time, in my room listening to albums like this one. At age 15, I was on an R n B/ soul train, browsing the comparatively small, devoted section in HMV like my life depended on it. It's not like we had Google, so I would get to see some music videos on MTV Base and then I would go from there just following artists through artists. If someone collaborated on a track of a singer or band I liked, I'd hunt that artist out. Or if I heard a snippet of something somewhere that caught my ear, I'd try and investigate, often taking a gamble on an album just based on hearing part of a song or the reputation of a singer or group. Some R n B and soul was brought to me through the mainstream charts-- but, more than many of my friends-- I sought out music of black origin in a big way. There was nothing that came close for me in terms of the romance, the sweetness of the harmonies and the sexiness! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">From a young age, I listened to Michael Jackson's back catalogue with an affinity for the way it dove in and out of pop, soul, disco and funk. Of course, as a pre-teen, I'd never have given my passion for music a second thought, in fact, it's only as an adult that I realised that music obsession (listening to albums from start to finish, lying on your back on your bed, eyes closed; skipping back to a certain riff over and over to mentally assimilate the beautiful vocal acrobatism of it) is not something everyone does. But this is what music of black origin does for me. I say 'music of black origin' deliberately because as I've got older, I realise the importance of that. The far-reaching influences of R n B (from jazz, gospel, swing and blues) tell part of the history of its foundings; however, the context of racial segregation and discrimination can never be overlooked. From oppression comes solidarity within communities, creative power and a powerful sense of ownership.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Whilst Mary J. Blige's 'Mary' was part of a soundtrack to my own youth, it is my understanding that Mary J. Blige and other black female artists like her are not only iconic, but imperative role models within the African-American communities and beyond. </span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2IRc3RcKPRjJZxEKiHn4Ai0McRju0xFVKDsKC7dsvFuDsUEmubdqocURNf5qSF_TcGG3iO_-BnjrDhIuVB65P-fSCI_QhPkSHqlC13Y5UmdglLhDZpKimuhr1kcn6nd2c9UP-S6MTGw/s2048/Mary+back.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1742" data-original-width="2048" height="779" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2IRc3RcKPRjJZxEKiHn4Ai0McRju0xFVKDsKC7dsvFuDsUEmubdqocURNf5qSF_TcGG3iO_-BnjrDhIuVB65P-fSCI_QhPkSHqlC13Y5UmdglLhDZpKimuhr1kcn6nd2c9UP-S6MTGw/w916-h779/Mary+back.jpg" width="916" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Listening to this album as a youth meant I was given a blissfully ignorant experience of it. By that I mean I listened to it within my own context as a white girl in Southern England having no real idea of growing up within a different place or skin. This blissful ignorance also meant an open heart to interpreting the album and finding a connection with it. What's apparent, is that Mary's music can be universal when it comes to speaking to fragile, tender hearts. I'm sat here now over twenty years later, listening to the track 'Memories' and her vocal: 'How can men nowadays bring you show much joy and so much pain? Can anybody help me? I think I'm going insane.' is a prime example of that! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Whilst I now have more of a context for the importance of Mary J. Blige as an artist, at its heart, her music's relevance is like a perennial flower stretching across continents and people.</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/s950/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/w400-h43/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" width="400" /></a></p><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'<b>Mary</b>' is the fourth album by Mary J. Blige and my favourite of all of the releases that I know well. Looking over the list of contributing artists, writers and producers, it is really no surprise that this is a masterpiece of an album. The album kicks off with 'All That I Can' say written by and featuring the incredible Lauren Hill; Stevie Wonder appears on several of the writing credits, including 'Sexy' (which features the chorus of his song--Michael Jackson's 'I Can't Help It'</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> from 'Off the Wall'). Elton John also plays on 'Deep Inside', which samples his 1974 song 'Bennie and the Jets'. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZY07xNyuhyphenhyphenDG1U-TFBRxBIpozFObUhsgl_7RhJgRUIRbHNar7wmYXxQHx14H3oRvkWhQxI9mgmpCYBGwMiQA0M2Ucy4awy2ZcJS204oVQYgV2Az14-_lN-ywHouQKsZRy1raqrlZx2rs/s2048/Mary+inner+1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="2048" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZY07xNyuhyphenhyphenDG1U-TFBRxBIpozFObUhsgl_7RhJgRUIRbHNar7wmYXxQHx14H3oRvkWhQxI9mgmpCYBGwMiQA0M2Ucy4awy2ZcJS204oVQYgV2Az14-_lN-ywHouQKsZRy1raqrlZx2rs/w916-h464/Mary+inner+1.jpg" width="916" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The opening track, 'All That I Can Say' set the tone for me when I first discovered this album. It's just so cool sounding. There's some great production on it with a clever fusion of more 70s era soul (the keyboards and the backing vocals) with more modern beats and vocal effects at the opening. Lauren Hill of The Fugees had released her solo album 'The Miseducation of Lauren Hill' a year before, proving herself to be a creative genius as well as a phenomenal rapper and vocalist. This song shows how talented she is and the two work together perfectly on this track</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The song 'Beautiful Ones' is a real stand out on the album. It opens with an acoustic guitar sample from 'The April Fools' by Earl Klugh. It has a bit of vinyl crackle on it which, especially when the beat kicks in, makes for a somewhat classic sounding piece-- like the opening track aforementioned, it sounds of another era, yet this is contradicted by the contemporary R n B rhythm. Mary's vocal is staccato in places and in others it is rich and soulful, painfully sweet as the track goes on. And, the chorus: wow. It's gospel-sounding and there's a layering of tones which are so beautiful to the ear; they sound so sombre, yet so hopeful-- there's a somehow discordant quality that works to absolute perfection and feels ethereal. If you listen to one song from this album, let it be this one.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">But don't stop there. Listen to 'I'm in Love'. It has an easy, breezy tempo with jazz elements (yes, a brief sax solo) and leads to a vocal in the chorus that epitomises new love and the rushing, giddy feeling of it. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzUF7DK94sDeq0C-A-nuAbVj7jOiAA72mpkhj66hCkWAHKNkCxUOIwDdkpFO55c8J6eaPz-Ytb-Y59HDC9zCA8QEov5LIWGWH6_JildVxGJOabMQlowm7_9P2cJ3i1_09rRTMjsGI0SU/s2048/Mary+inner+2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1249" data-original-width="2048" height="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzUF7DK94sDeq0C-A-nuAbVj7jOiAA72mpkhj66hCkWAHKNkCxUOIwDdkpFO55c8J6eaPz-Ytb-Y59HDC9zCA8QEov5LIWGWH6_JildVxGJOabMQlowm7_9P2cJ3i1_09rRTMjsGI0SU/w918-h559/Mary+inner+2.jpg" width="918" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">There's a duet with Aretha Franklin, 'Don't Waste Your Time' a few tracks later which moves the album onto another facet of the theme of love and relationships: the breakdown of trust. And this is where the relatatability of the album may come into play for many listeners. On 'Not Lookin' Mary duets with K-Ci (Jodeci/ K-Ci and Jo Jo) who was her long-term partner at the time. The relationship was famously tumultuous (even said to be abusive) and you can hear it in the vocal, there's a strained quality beyond just the lyrics. You really can feel it. Mary J. Blige had already experienced a hellish time growing up, and you get the sense in this portion of the album that she's bearing some of herself in terms of her focus on rejection, heartbreak and let down. It's not pretty, but it's real and reassuring. We all know that love can send you to all kinds of brinks.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'No Happy Holidays' definitely leans on the 'B' in R n B as Mary sings from the heart. I was a mere child listening to this and I felt her pain (I didn't understand it at the time, but it gave me an insight into the darker side of relationships-- good training, I guess). The way Blige ad libs in the song makes it genuine and heartfelt. Then her spoken intro on 'The Love I Never Had' saying "<i>wake up</i>" and "<i>stop living in a dream because it's over now. You gotta think about you</i>": it's like you're being looked out for by your big sister. Some women never get to have that big sister fighting their corner and this is where albums like this are more than just late 90s R n B throwaways. They're a kind of spiritual intervention and solace for many.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The catharsis (?) of the album comes with Mary's cover of 'Let No Man Put Asunder' (originally First Choice's 1977 song, written by Bruce Gray and Bruce Hawes). This upbeat track does leave us on a high note, but I think many of us might have preferred to see Mary's narrative release her from the torment of her love life (autobiographical or otherwise). Nevertheless, we may take from this final track that things are never so simple in the real world.</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/s950/Favourite+tracks.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/w400-h43/Favourite+tracks.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="446" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SfALzcUqDOE" width="537" youtube-src-id="SfALzcUqDOE"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">1. <i>Beautiful Ones</i>- heavenly, just--</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><i style="font-family: arial;">2. No Happy Holidays-- </i><span style="font-family: arial;">Mary is no-one's 'other woman', let it be known</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div><i style="font-family: arial;">3. All That I Can Say--</i><span style="font-family: arial;"> such a good opening to an album</span><div><div><div><i style="font-family: arial;"><br /></i></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/s950/I+listen+to+this+when.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/w400-h43/I+listen+to+this+when.png" width="400" /></a><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... I need cocooning in feminine energy, strength and power.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/s950/Most+memorable+lyric.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/w400-h43/Most+memorable+lyric.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">'</span> <span style="font-family: georgia;">You are my soul<br /></span></i></span><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">When there's no music to play<br /></span></span></span></i></span><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Oh I wanna marry someone like you some day. </span></span></span></i></span><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">' </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></i></span><span style="font-family: arial;">(<i>Beautiful Ones</i>)</span></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/s950/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/w400-h43/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... <span><span style="color: #d31951; font-weight: bold;">magenta</span><span>. I love the yellow colour on the CD case of this album, but magenta feels right. This album is like bright, oxygenated blood pumping through your veins after receiving a bouquet of beautiful pink roses...then watching the petals drop as the days pass.</span></span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuPsMlf-A0jha_YGpsZPw3fusUMe10cWF94hpIGW7rlvqOxW9_-P_xce6e2ha-YZSl4KNoYUjFcC5ttJ4FuW78Gpa9ocfUbYZMiYrWeImDgW8CIYxbBOw6sIlPFijpaeNEI7ECAMOtyE/s2048/Mary+inner+3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="2048" height="597" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuPsMlf-A0jha_YGpsZPw3fusUMe10cWF94hpIGW7rlvqOxW9_-P_xce6e2ha-YZSl4KNoYUjFcC5ttJ4FuW78Gpa9ocfUbYZMiYrWeImDgW8CIYxbBOw6sIlPFijpaeNEI7ECAMOtyE/w918-h597/Mary+inner+3.jpg" width="918" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/s950/Runner+ups.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/w400-h43/Runner+ups.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">'Music of my Mind'/ Stevie Wonder (1972)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">'Music and Me'/ Jackson 5 (1973)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">'Moving Violation'/ Jackson 5 (1975)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">'Middle of Nowhere/ Hanson (1997)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><h3><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i>What is your favourite album beginning with M?</i></span></h3></div></div></div><div><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>Gemmadragon1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02946790552515956577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106347462730943598.post-12086413705660115152021-07-29T14:24:00.008+01:002021-07-29T14:49:47.050+01:00Love is Here/ Starsailor (2001): Albums of my Life: an A-Z<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RYgdEKyZh9NAeaRgdPXACKvTX5JYoLKj1BcFEy2N-D20U4wmuNgHPqBAxAvVwH5Lb4Xo4LgxlVd1o8B19hJWgltcbL2H2jszI5Gi_OreGZCx-tnNYibI4IYRPa58Tglpoxa2H1rSWUQ/s2048/Love+is+Here+front.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1771" data-original-width="2048" height="797" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RYgdEKyZh9NAeaRgdPXACKvTX5JYoLKj1BcFEy2N-D20U4wmuNgHPqBAxAvVwH5Lb4Xo4LgxlVd1o8B19hJWgltcbL2H2jszI5Gi_OreGZCx-tnNYibI4IYRPa58Tglpoxa2H1rSWUQ/w921-h797/Love+is+Here+front.jpg" width="921" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s950/I+can+remember1.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s320/I+can+remember1.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">being 16 or 17 and this album just becoming part of my world. I owned it on CD and was starting to branch out a little from my beloved R n B/ Soul music interests into an indie direction. This album was suitably moody for my young sensibilities and James Walsh's voice stood out to me-- it still does, in fact.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The single 'Alcoholic' immediately drew me in with its piano accompaniment and dismal lyrics (fodder for inward-looking folk); the harmonies and arrangements spoke to me too and made <i>Starsailor </i>stand out from other groups of a similar ilk. As the years passed, I loved their others earlier albums such as 'Silence is Easy' and 'On the Outside', possibly enjoying some of the tracks on them even more than their debut. Despite that, 'Love is Here' is where it started and there's a vibe about it that takes me right back to 2001 and all of the mixed emotions of that time for me.</span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Fast forward to 2019 Victorious Festival and my youthful dream of seeing <i>Starsailor </i>live was finally realised! They were incredible of course. They played all the classics and some newer songs. The crowd loved them and there was much love for James in particular who clearly has a big fan base. Funnily enough, the following April (on my birthday, during lockdown), James Walsh did a live acoustic set online. It was such a treat to get to see him at a time of uncertainty pandemic-wise and he comes across as such a nice, down to earth guy too.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbjNDjiawomrwaUb0JJJI8NDX1e69ZfVmtGlQlcBjtS0CEc4BAoG0rzN4DT7KE0rxDXVuSzILeyoVbcOozgAjq338y25SJWW-j8k1fjBzN6lJ6HSYSftrYcjvdgl7vuNX9Y-13SpxrVM/s2000/Starsailor+live.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="2000" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbjNDjiawomrwaUb0JJJI8NDX1e69ZfVmtGlQlcBjtS0CEc4BAoG0rzN4DT7KE0rxDXVuSzILeyoVbcOozgAjq338y25SJWW-j8k1fjBzN6lJ6HSYSftrYcjvdgl7vuNX9Y-13SpxrVM/w924-h462/Starsailor+live.png" width="924" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/s950/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/w400-h43/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" width="400" /></a></p><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'<b>Love is Here</b>' is not one of those albums that I know huge amounts about in terms of its creation; neither have I delved into the lyrics in the intense way that I have done with other albums that I love. But I do love this album. As aforementioned, it sets a tone and allows you to sit in your sadness and hurt in a way which feels cathartic-- something much needed in a time when mental health awareness was not really championed as it is today. The lyrics are not cryptic enough to isolate you-- on the contrary, you feel held by them as you listen to tracks like 'She Just Wept' which focuses on a theme of loving someone who is going through dark times. However, I never really delved into the song lyrics back in the day as the melodies and Walsh's emotive vocals manage to convey something which is enriching enough as a stand alone.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Now, as an adult, I listen with a bit more intensity and knowing. One of my favourite tracks 'Love is Here', the title track, is painfully beautiful. It seems to speak about appreciating the love that someone has for you ('hold on to what you've got'). But there's also a level of devotion in there that could be read as unbalanced: 'if you could see the aching in me, I'd change my name in case you lost me'. Regardless of the actual meanings of the lyrics, there's some complex study of what it means to love someone in this album. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TgMYwV7za2JDuAwuGGRqru8Zodr8j2EIzSlkdGSj4IwImnyGrdSbSIC5NXxsayHGOf0TlWAzf9ZPDgGihkg8TXN1QJjjDTKt-Y3T1UX_JOlzzdHR2sEgk4ZmAu3_XLrM8ICqPPyiDPg/s2048/Love+is+Here+back.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1766" data-original-width="2048" height="789" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TgMYwV7za2JDuAwuGGRqru8Zodr8j2EIzSlkdGSj4IwImnyGrdSbSIC5NXxsayHGOf0TlWAzf9ZPDgGihkg8TXN1QJjjDTKt-Y3T1UX_JOlzzdHR2sEgk4ZmAu3_XLrM8ICqPPyiDPg/w915-h789/Love+is+Here+back.jpg" width="915" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Then there's 'Good Souls'. It felt like this was a track for the times when seeing Starsailor live over the past years. This was reflected in the comments of the live online gig where blue hearts rained down for the NHS when Walsh played this song. This more upbeat, optimistic track gives the album some much-appreciated buoyancy, I think. It holds a strong message of hope and inspiration that there are always good people out there lifting us up.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Starsailor </i>know how to play with dynamics in their music. A good example is the track, 'Fever', where the verses give way to more intensity with Ben Byrne picking up tempo on drums and Walsh's vocal becoming louder and more passionate. This contrasts the mellow vibe of much of the song which seems to reflect the nature of letting the 'fever' of love cloud your vision. It's only when you're spurned by a lover that you see it for what it was. We've all been there.</span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">It would be a missed opportunity not to give a shout out to a track from another album ('Silence is Easy'): 'Born Again'. On reflection, I think this is my favourite <i>Starsailor </i>song-- a hard call as there are many I could mention.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Born Again' is six minutes of bliss. It takes it's time. It develops and builds to tell a narrative of someone finding peace and redemption. The strings on it are beautiful and the crescendo is a tear-jerker because you feel what it might be like to feel 'born again' and cleansed of past hurts and regrets (sins even). It makes you feel like change is possible in a sometimes hopeless world. Whilst the lyrics are laden with religious meaning, whatever your theological standpoint, it is a song for the heart.</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/s950/Favourite+tracks.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/w400-h43/Favourite+tracks.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="397" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iyCWuGQmE5w" width="478" youtube-src-id="iyCWuGQmE5w"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-style: italic;">1. Love is Here-- </i><span>sweet and melancholic: the perfect combo</span><span> </span></div></span></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><i style="font-family: arial;">2. Way to Fall-- </i><span style="font-family: arial;">I used to try and play the chords to this on my guitar</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div><i style="font-family: arial;">3. Poor Misguided Fool--</i><span style="font-family: arial;"> a classic</span><div><div><div><i style="font-family: arial;"><br /></i></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/s950/I+listen+to+this+when.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/w400-h43/I+listen+to+this+when.png" width="400" /></a><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... I am feeling rotten and I need to bask in the feeling! It's ok though because 'Good Souls' softens the mood!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jV5xscPOmi9ZfZUBoKNTwqXA8W-jXBmHV6ORXipp7cb664d-d_BRtRDCVmZ_Q7NA28MCYxY9Bd58fGscJhmoY2Scjpf4eMWPeCs0oAIx-Nt4VFMUPVDsqu3vGP2IwYDOZ77yo48LCoA/s2535/Love+is+Here+inner.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="2535" height="449" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jV5xscPOmi9ZfZUBoKNTwqXA8W-jXBmHV6ORXipp7cb664d-d_BRtRDCVmZ_Q7NA28MCYxY9Bd58fGscJhmoY2Scjpf4eMWPeCs0oAIx-Nt4VFMUPVDsqu3vGP2IwYDOZ77yo48LCoA/w915-h449/Love+is+Here+inner.jpg" width="915" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/s950/Most+memorable+lyric.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/w400-h43/Most+memorable+lyric.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">'</span> <span style="font-family: georgia;">If you could see the aching in me</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I'd change my name in case you lost me </span></span></span></i></span><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">' </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></i></span><span style="font-family: arial;">(<i>Love is Here</i>)</span></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/s950/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/w400-h43/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... <b style="color: #800180;">deep purple </b>fading into <b style="color: #bf9000;">ochre </b>(the colour of a healing bruise).</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyEvwKnKzer5gwIMHui41vva7pFwASH_0XlsnWvCdtzFKbIvn0UIv4m6f70j-EZnO8qtO3SAEWh-heBz0om4rf5DWodM2JVZHtEtwT5KMY8HKyr_vQsCBLalh-QSEhFtsAhV2JQXKQUk/s2048/Love+is+Here+inner+2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="915" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyEvwKnKzer5gwIMHui41vva7pFwASH_0XlsnWvCdtzFKbIvn0UIv4m6f70j-EZnO8qtO3SAEWh-heBz0om4rf5DWodM2JVZHtEtwT5KMY8HKyr_vQsCBLalh-QSEhFtsAhV2JQXKQUk/w915-h915/Love+is+Here+inner+2.jpg" width="915" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/s950/Runner+ups.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/w400-h43/Runner+ups.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">'Labyrinth' OST/ David Bowie, Trevor Jones (1986)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">'Lucy Pearl'/ Lucy Pearl (2000)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">'Let Go'/ Avril Lavigne (2002)</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Love Angel Music Baby'/ Gwen Stefani (2004)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Look Up'/ Mark Morriss (2019)</span></div><div><br /></div><h3><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i>What is your favourite album beginning with L?</i></span></h3></div></div></div><div><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>Gemmadragon1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02946790552515956577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106347462730943598.post-16965252239180573552021-07-04T11:34:00.005+01:002021-07-04T11:34:57.642+01:00Kill the Wolf/ Matt Berry (2013): Albums of my Life: an A-Z<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KJZXNkFlXXxHezbFX-NjSCWvjh0y6w6XQhKLq80i1JxEgdGDga6eQ8926ECMgMFSjnsEvDmKbl2BCM6zwHaiI6g5oRuLJSwU1XWKIz1lQi6ucLqDLrWsCCZTOKB4yl-hKQPdhMPLWcA/s2048/Kill+the+Wolf+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2044" data-original-width="2048" height="921" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KJZXNkFlXXxHezbFX-NjSCWvjh0y6w6XQhKLq80i1JxEgdGDga6eQ8926ECMgMFSjnsEvDmKbl2BCM6zwHaiI6g5oRuLJSwU1XWKIz1lQi6ucLqDLrWsCCZTOKB4yl-hKQPdhMPLWcA/w924-h921/Kill+the+Wolf+front.jpg" width="924" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s950/I+can+remember1.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s320/I+can+remember1.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">having a family barbecue back home one Summer. It must have been 2008, a truly significant year for me. I was due to start my new job, beginning the career I had trained for; a few months before I had experienced a tough break up; I was living alone back in Hampshire and getting to grips with it all. At the barbecue, my brother put on this unusual prog album complete with a rich-voiced narrator overlaying some of the tracks. That voice belonged to comic actor, Matt Berry, and the album was '<b>Opium</b>'.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I had loved the IT Crowd and it really tickled me that the hilarious 'Reynholm' would suddenly manifest himself onto an experimental prog album in our garden in Kent! The music was oddly infectious and I found myself wanting to hear more when I was back in Hampshire, so I hastily bought a copy of the album on CD. As my interest and love of this album grew, my fascination with Matt did too. I sought out more of his more obscure comedy work, from 'Garth Marenghi's Darkplace' (a parody 80s style hospital drama/ horror series) to 'AD/BC: A Rock Opera' (a comedy musical written by Berry and Richard Ayoade). In addition, I was charmed by his real life, low key and humble persona in interviews-- a far cry from his larger than life characters. </span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">At a time when I was dealing with a lot of change and solitude, Matt Berry, his music and his comedy was such a welcome comfort. Over the last thirteen years he has been prolific and so has my love for him. He is a self-taught, multi-instrumentalist with a deep affinity for the shadowy side of life, including elements of folk horror. This is an artist who echoes the sounds of the great eras of prog (something that I was introduced to through osmosis growing up). For me, Matt is a constant who never disappoints (a rare thing to find, in any context!) I could easily have picked any of his ten albums for my A-Z (all released with Acid Jazz, including 'Opium' on re-release). Before we begin, may I sing high praises for his latest concept album: '<b>The Blue Elephant</b>'. I can see myself writing about this one in the future as it is something very special.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_Em1_MxU_We3XD9OyKxsuwf66n_urc6c1m8dmUdDbSkd1XJd6dlVmdkoWty5wpHonCf9tT894L8UbNScm75xVis-edudPUEWUWakoSUk_q6cZCqMR4mU5YQbkNRKRR2g2NgYPARat10/s2048/Kill+the+Wolf+inner2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2044" data-original-width="2048" height="918" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_Em1_MxU_We3XD9OyKxsuwf66n_urc6c1m8dmUdDbSkd1XJd6dlVmdkoWty5wpHonCf9tT894L8UbNScm75xVis-edudPUEWUWakoSUk_q6cZCqMR4mU5YQbkNRKRR2g2NgYPARat10/w921-h918/Kill+the+Wolf+inner2.jpg" width="921" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/s950/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/w400-h43/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'<b>Kill the Wolf</b>' is the third album by Matt Berry (not counting 'Jackpot from 1995 which was self-released and not easy to find). It is an album I have seen played live when Matt Berry has played with his previous band <i>The Maypoles</i>. I have posted about some of my experiences watching Matt play live <a href="https://www.beautifullifeasiknowit.com/2015/02/matt-berry-and-maypoles-at-forum.html">here </a>and <a href="https://www.beautifullifeasiknowit.com/2014/04/matt-berry-and-maypoles-tunbridge-wells.html?m=1">here</a> (where I somehow got added as a link on his Wikipedia page years back!)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">As you can see from the album artwork above, the theme and feel of this album is pastoral folk with a creepy edge. Think <i>The Wicker Man</i> with a slightly less horrific ending and you'll get a sense of this fantastic album. In fact, <i>Gather Up</i>, the opening track, has a definite echo of <i>Corn Riggs</i> about it in its harvest-themed lyrics. Cecilia Fage on vocals and recorder also lend this album a witchy feeling that sounds incredible. The recorder is an instrument (pretty much the only one) that I can play a few notes on by ear; how many of us felt the accomplishment of Primary school recorder playing, only to learn before long that the instrument was universally dismissed as an ear-sore? Well, no more! I take great pleasure as a juvenile player, hearing the great recorder in folk music and other experimental genres. When in the hands of a talented musician like Cecilia, it sounds perfect-- simultaneously rustic and haunting. The layering of vocals and chanting on this track sound like an incantation (perhaps to raise something sinister?)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Nevertheless, to break this intensity, we evolve into the merry-making of <i>Devil Inside Me</i> which shows off more of a full band (including a fiddle player to keep with the folky feel of the album). This upbeat track is typical of Berry, lyrically. In moments the lyrics and coolly obscure, open for any number of interpretations; occasionally, it feels like there is a critique being made about the human condition; then other times, you're installed neatly into the fictional world of an isolated village with its goose fair and maypole dancing. Either way, Berry distances himself just enough in his lyrics so that you can make of them what you wish. For me, there's an ongoing exploration of 'otherness' in his songwriting that I take great solace in.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Witchazel', the album before this one, brought us the prog masterpiece <i>The Pheasant; </i>'Kill the Wolf' brings us <i>Solstice</i>: nearly ten minutes of instrumental on electric guitar, (James Sedge) on drums, synths, church organ and trombone. And yes, there is an extended guitar solo in case you were wondering.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Though not everyone's cup of mead, it is a joyfully experimental and fitting piece that is composed in a cyclical way. The vocals at the start and end (including Thomas Walsh and Tosh Flood of <i>The Duckworth Lewis Method</i>) ground the track in the world of the album. Mesmerically, we are drawn further into the feeling of being part of a folkloric world.</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMyz4u446IEGSOEvk86KSXR271liOVjFmmpCBagFqydpjg7HtbSxYsGa-wT4JO8Kt2C-pAFvu8K0tAR2MKvvTvn20Bor73CZSKnDjF14Cw-MWWHbNDbqsI22iIH1COjIJdsfecwKlJT8/s2048/Kill+the+Wolf+inner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2032" data-original-width="2048" height="916" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMyz4u446IEGSOEvk86KSXR271liOVjFmmpCBagFqydpjg7HtbSxYsGa-wT4JO8Kt2C-pAFvu8K0tAR2MKvvTvn20Bor73CZSKnDjF14Cw-MWWHbNDbqsI22iIH1COjIJdsfecwKlJT8/w922-h916/Kill+the+Wolf+inner.jpg" width="922" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">And then there's <i>October Sun</i>. So simple a melody, yet so utterly spell-binding. There's Berry on the ukulele, mandolin, glockenspiel, vocals and guitars (to name only some) in tandem with a stunning fiddle and violin backdrop, Sedge on drums and Cecilia backing up the vocals. I know that Matt used some of his tunes in 'Toast of London', this being one that appeared a few times with different lyrics. <i>October Sun </i>also plays out in the form of the instrumental, <i>Village Dance </i>a few tracks later, so it was clearly something Berry was happy with. There's something about its melody, alongside the lyrics that feels so melancholic. It's odd though, because this feeling is juxtaposed with something else, more resilient and wonderful. I think this is founded in the drums, the strings and the angelic chorals. As a whole, this song is one that deserves a lot of attention and though in some ways it is the simplest song on the album, there is a lot of beauty in its composition. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Though other tracks continue the journey through the album's pastoral tapestry and further immerse us in its world, the final track is a stand out that skillfully closes the door on the album. <i>Farewell Summer Sun </i>is that perfect accompaniment to the late sunny days of the year where we are gripping onto the time before we are plunged into the colder, darker season. Cecilia's vocals on this track are stunning as she perfectly captures the yearning for Summer to come to us once again next year as we mourn its passing.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Kill the Wolf' takes you out of your world and puts you into one that isn't any less perilous, but allows you to breathe in the fear in a rather delicious way.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/s950/Favourite+tracks.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/w400-h43/Favourite+tracks.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="390" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zSjjsJzKlzE" width="469" youtube-src-id="zSjjsJzKlzE"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-style: italic; text-align: left;">1. October Sun-- </i><span style="text-align: left;">for all the reasons mentioned above, this one is<i> the</i> standout track for me. </span></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><i style="font-family: arial;">2. Solstice-- </i><span style="font-family: arial;">I love the confidence of an extended guitar solo on an album released in 2013! This is a great prog instrumental.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div><i style="font-family: arial;">3. Farewell Summer Sun--</i><span style="font-family: arial;"> this song manages to capture a feeling familiar to all of us as we reach those final sunny days of the year.</span><div><div><div><i style="font-family: arial;"><br /></i></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/s950/I+listen+to+this+when.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/w400-h43/I+listen+to+this+when.png" width="400" /></a><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... I am wanting to escape the present or spark off some creativity. Listening to Matt Berry on the train as I used to travel to Kent and back, through the expanses of countryside, used to be the perfect partner for this album. At the moment, I'm settling for walks through the town or local fields.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAVAVIOrrKaKz001cKAb_r0NH47nF1LJtYpLVFBnlGaSonTHI6odboof1YQBL5-pRUtrEmKgNcHSjFiJCIlcJQuRx6LmN3mSKE9Z_Cp49bTliRNRzJfpN7zLB-71JHefOuK1pDc-ohP4/s2048/Kill+the+Wolf+vinyl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1598" data-original-width="2048" height="723" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAVAVIOrrKaKz001cKAb_r0NH47nF1LJtYpLVFBnlGaSonTHI6odboof1YQBL5-pRUtrEmKgNcHSjFiJCIlcJQuRx6LmN3mSKE9Z_Cp49bTliRNRzJfpN7zLB-71JHefOuK1pDc-ohP4/w925-h723/Kill+the+Wolf+vinyl.jpg" width="925" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/s950/Most+memorable+lyric.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/w400-h43/Most+memorable+lyric.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">'</span> </i></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #800180;"><i>Michael, Peter, Mark and John</i></span></span></div><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Please forgive me for I have done you wrong</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I sense evil, I fear it here today</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /></i></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #800180;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>Like a bad dream that never goes away</i></span></span><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><i><span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></i></span><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">' </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></i></span><span style="font-family: arial;">(<i>October Sun</i>)</span></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/s950/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/w400-h43/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... it would be ochre. The album encapsulates the harvest time and changing of season, so I imagine leaves starting to change colour and the sun hitting the trees in its final hurrah of the year. Saying that, the re-release LP is a light green colour, so clearly not all would agree with me!</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPpgIKQ5ggSm-qzhb0JMv_Jr5O9AB-D0dKSNbWLpNbQmgspYUpxFobRP9tOAA-0iVzWv4OyHaJmSZwoLMFk3rKGFbHJnOzOAt8oA60FQyBA6Pz91KeoyneoMrJVj24a_GW8zeLLM0mew/s2048/Kill+the+Wolf+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPpgIKQ5ggSm-qzhb0JMv_Jr5O9AB-D0dKSNbWLpNbQmgspYUpxFobRP9tOAA-0iVzWv4OyHaJmSZwoLMFk3rKGFbHJnOzOAt8oA60FQyBA6Pz91KeoyneoMrJVj24a_GW8zeLLM0mew/w922-h922/Kill+the+Wolf+back.jpg" width="922" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/s950/Runner+ups.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/w400-h43/Runner+ups.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Kaleidoscope'/ Kelis (1999)</span></div><div><br /></div><h3><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i>What is your favourite album beginning with K?</i></span></h3></div></div></div><div><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>Gemmadragon1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02946790552515956577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106347462730943598.post-22376327563942486872021-06-20T20:18:00.000+01:002021-06-20T20:18:42.106+01:00Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants/ Stevie Wonder (1979): Albums of my Life: an A-Z<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqb4tEpRR8oCT3g8xZlGoo_fM9VbiBWIMiek2EDrhjGwrS18tNSeNsLi08NsV0_3FiBGOcOZpN5LHixDPwI_VHt92bTZuorJsAoNp-DOabeWqCDKngpEESa_AswF8uH16KcNhq6toKywM/s2048/JTTSLOP+Outer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1981" data-original-width="2048" height="907" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqb4tEpRR8oCT3g8xZlGoo_fM9VbiBWIMiek2EDrhjGwrS18tNSeNsLi08NsV0_3FiBGOcOZpN5LHixDPwI_VHt92bTZuorJsAoNp-DOabeWqCDKngpEESa_AswF8uH16KcNhq6toKywM/w936-h907/JTTSLOP+Outer.jpg" width="936" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s950/I+can+remember1.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s320/I+can+remember1.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">hearing this album for the first time and finding it very different to the Stevie Wonder music I had previously been listening to. I found Stevie as an older teen and purchased a CD of some of his love songs. Interestingly, that gateway into Stevie's music had me hear slightly more obscure tracks than his chart hits, with 'Golden Lady', 'Ribbon in the Sky' and 'You and I' featuring as some of my faves. With this album, years ago I may have skipped through my CD copy to mine the tracks with Stevie's wonderful vocals (as opposed to the instrumentals which punctuate this album), but with hindsight, I needed to hear it as a whole piece of work. The joy of vinyl is that we do just that.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">On original listenings, one of the tracks that always enchanted me was </span><i style="font-family: arial;">Come Back as a Flower </i><span style="font-family: arial;">featuring Stevie Wonder's ex partner, Syreeta Wright on vocals. Following this introduction to Syreeta, I went on to find more of her solo work. Her voice is exquisite-- the definition of sweet and effortless.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I was lucky enough to happen across a second hand vinyl of this wonderful concept album a few years ago, and its one of those LPs that I feel is a jewel in my collection. I also believe that its perhaps less well-known than some of Wonder's albums such as 'Songs in the Key of Life', 'Talking Book' and 'Innervisions' (I own these too-- and more-- of course!)</span></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9ndBnpTJux8dVzKMuzzn47DnTK9pnlg1Z7kNoG4MVcgPuwLbpdrRSj8mnHjflqayTxPmROG7P6rlBeoAfhVrFmZCne_CqThCQ8zWlj4OYFWyXce2NSdfyYF6J9mquggiiomp1105bSg/s2048/JTTSLOP+inner2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="2048" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9ndBnpTJux8dVzKMuzzn47DnTK9pnlg1Z7kNoG4MVcgPuwLbpdrRSj8mnHjflqayTxPmROG7P6rlBeoAfhVrFmZCne_CqThCQ8zWlj4OYFWyXce2NSdfyYF6J9mquggiiomp1105bSg/w933-h562/JTTSLOP+inner2.jpg" width="933" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/s950/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/w400-h43/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This experimental album is the soundtrack to 'The Secret Life of Plants' documentary by Walon Green (which, as I write, you can watch <a href="https://topdocumentaryfilms.com/the-secret-life-of-plants/">here</a>). I actually only watched it this year and enjoyed it, especially the recognition of the scientists such as </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Jagadish Chandra Bose from Calcutta who presented his pioneering findings about plants in England and was rejected; and George Washington Carver, a black American scientist, again rejected based on racist attitudes of the time. The track <i>Same Old Story </i>is a fitting tribute to those brilliant minds who were never recognised in their own lifetimes.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The album was the second to be recorded digitally and made use of computer synthesizers, including the Computer Music Melodian. That, in itself, makes this an important album-- but also showcases Wonder's desire to break boundaries, experiment and have fun with his music. This is even more impressive to me when you think that he had a brief to fulfil with this album and knew that what he produced was being used on someone else's work.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FWdTFxK6LjhSO0XfHsMnOAJ7bI05xNSq1sTl5T-BD5kOejLgJeyZm9OMUBdb8K4Ee_oUWUuH0gXOkdCprLZRIBi0HDYYJboo1dojXQJ8ZV69FWyYg3pT2om1wHYpXDLbVO3-t-7xeBs/s2048/JTTSLOP+VINYL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="2048" height="623" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FWdTFxK6LjhSO0XfHsMnOAJ7bI05xNSq1sTl5T-BD5kOejLgJeyZm9OMUBdb8K4Ee_oUWUuH0gXOkdCprLZRIBi0HDYYJboo1dojXQJ8ZV69FWyYg3pT2om1wHYpXDLbVO3-t-7xeBs/w937-h623/JTTSLOP+VINYL.jpg" width="937" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The album does indeed take you on a <i>journey </i>with the song <i>The Secret Life of Plants </i>featuring in an instrumental early on in the album (as with <i>Send One Your Love)</i>; moments of intense synth with perilous-sounding undertones; and then soulful moments such as the chilled out <i>Power Flower</i> and beautiful reverence of <i>Black Orchid. </i><i>Finale </i>brings the album together so cutely. We get instrumentals of the tracks from the recording and it feels like being in a musical where you get the final number before the curtains come down and you have little tears in your eyes as you're hit with the spectacle of it all. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjnON6XEQ1Osx2uEoH0DYXbvihCoVgy-FOAThpNjL4NAf065WIpuQZ9FEX_UpoX-sRN7xG9r5mHF8ttuo_n4eOrP6dtpbNNmAlXnuWGG7X7dM03IkIA_7Jfd5EHh2KOn9HzRzFXlp25c/s2048/JTTSLOP+inner1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1349" data-original-width="2048" height="617" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjnON6XEQ1Osx2uEoH0DYXbvihCoVgy-FOAThpNjL4NAf065WIpuQZ9FEX_UpoX-sRN7xG9r5mHF8ttuo_n4eOrP6dtpbNNmAlXnuWGG7X7dM03IkIA_7Jfd5EHh2KOn9HzRzFXlp25c/w935-h617/JTTSLOP+inner1.jpg" width="935" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">On every listen I am struck by the absolute variety this album delivers in terms of sound. You could listen to the first track, <i>Earth's Creation</i>, and believe yourself to be entering some kind of sci-fi dystopia; then you might dip into later tracks like <i>Send One Your Love </i>and be greeted with Stevie's trademark romance and harmonica interlude.As a whole piece, it is only once you watch the documentary that you see some through line, and that, is perhaps what has baffled some critics. Others see this (rightly, in my opinion) as a richly diverse album with a sense of joy about it in its adventurous production.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/s950/Favourite+tracks.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/w400-h43/Favourite+tracks.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="444" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZMjE8jJGJ0A" width="535" youtube-src-id="ZMjE8jJGJ0A"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></i></span></div><i style="font-family: arial;">1. Come Back as a Flower-- </i><span style="font-family: arial;">simply beautiful (another song featuring Stevie and Syreeta I recommend is <i>Cause We've Ended as Lovers</i>)</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><i style="font-family: arial;">2. A Seed's a Star-- </i><span style="font-family: arial;">funky bass, Stevie clearly enjoying himself on vocals and some robot voice! What more could you want? The synths on this sound great.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div><i style="font-family: arial;">3. The Secret Life of Plants--</i><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">how this is alluded to earlier on and then we hear the full 'hymn' near the end gives this eponymous track even more clout. "I can't conceive the nucleus of all begins inside a tiny seed": the way Stevie sings this radiates absolute praise and awe. Here we get to the heart of this album as we are faced with the Sublime of nature. </span><div><div><div><i style="font-family: arial;"><br /></i></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/s950/I+listen+to+this+when.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/w400-h43/I+listen+to+this+when.png" width="400" /></a><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... I want to zone out into another world and another time. It has a wonderful ability to shrink you down to size.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHBSasoydu-3D_HVMw-YjmePxHtk1iaV6cptpyBSiQtGT5Lwpn66Jfes1K_Dvm0rw3tscAzvCSglZd5HwE6_WzfM9DaiiGd57WzjoVSlgCm3a-LWsfaksbNsftya3kDvvm5on36s-3CE/s2048/braille+stevie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="2048" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHBSasoydu-3D_HVMw-YjmePxHtk1iaV6cptpyBSiQtGT5Lwpn66Jfes1K_Dvm0rw3tscAzvCSglZd5HwE6_WzfM9DaiiGd57WzjoVSlgCm3a-LWsfaksbNsftya3kDvvm5on36s-3CE/w932-h620/braille+stevie.jpg" width="932" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/s950/Most+memorable+lyric.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/w400-h43/Most+memorable+lyric.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">'</span> For these are but a few discoveries we find inside the secret life of plants</i></span><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><i><span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></i></span><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">' </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></i></span><span style="font-family: arial;">('The Secret Life of Plants')</span></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/s950/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/w400-h43/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... obviously green. A lush, <b><span style="color: #2fff00;">tropical green</span></b> with neon veins.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/s950/Runner+ups.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/w400-h43/Runner+ups.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Janet'/ Janet Jackson (1993)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Juslisen'/ Musiq Soulchild (2002)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Jinx'/Crumb (2019)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i>What is your favourite album beginning with J?</i></span></h3></div></div><div><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div></div>Gemmadragon1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02946790552515956577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106347462730943598.post-10889359040373975022021-04-16T00:15:00.008+01:002022-10-29T16:09:33.379+01:00I'm Not Your Man/ Marika Hackman (2017): Albums of my Life: an A-Z<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOonYkojvS7wT9QdUovPXr9Af1DPfmvV7g9-vjw6JMpArnnBgR0N1CI9tvBkxHoKfItjP8qQ7fOe_gNFd6WDjwh-QeEXd0DHYZG399Odhon9UWr9YyVtPadSnmMDTRmGiYDU4r79lH3Oc/s2048/I%2527m+not+Your+Man+cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2036" data-original-width="2048" height="918" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOonYkojvS7wT9QdUovPXr9Af1DPfmvV7g9-vjw6JMpArnnBgR0N1CI9tvBkxHoKfItjP8qQ7fOe_gNFd6WDjwh-QeEXd0DHYZG399Odhon9UWr9YyVtPadSnmMDTRmGiYDU4r79lH3Oc/w924-h918/I%2527m+not+Your+Man+cover.jpg" width="924" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s950/I+can+remember1.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s320/I+can+remember1.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">...finding Marika Hackman on Google Music (as it was then) on my phone and apathetically browsing through the new releases thinking: 'I wonder what the kids today are listening to at the moment...' I'm not even <i>that</i> old, but that's the way it had gotten! I saw the cover of <i>Any Human Friend,</i> her latest release at the time (so Summer, 2019), and that album cover grabbed my attention immediately. There was something uncanny about it. Then later I realised that it had been inspired by a photographer called Rineke Dijkstra whose work has always fascinated me. Subconsciously, I must have sensed that this would be something cerebrally worthwhile listening to, something off the beaten track perhaps. It took me a year before I was hooked. A month or so of liking and then loving one song, 'Come Undone'; then more months of walking and digesting and finding that Marika was speaking to me in a way that no female artist had done for some time (and certainly not quite in the same way!) <i>Any Human Friend </i>is an album, for me, about coming to terms with yourself and allowing yourself to accept taboos about the human condition, specifically those attached to being a woman.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMgHG-2YXpGoihzBXD2DTf0SEhe2kRog0GxjgCqIu3kmQEy_5AQEhFGixNqt1w0ySf9_WuaDqnKkrCfocPi3wYBvOF9ZW6eISErnII1neSJEQ5P4ySUX0V1ow5CEtpTrmiJ2dsrTUDPY/s1200/Hackman+vs+Dikjstra.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMgHG-2YXpGoihzBXD2DTf0SEhe2kRog0GxjgCqIu3kmQEy_5AQEhFGixNqt1w0ySf9_WuaDqnKkrCfocPi3wYBvOF9ZW6eISErnII1neSJEQ5P4ySUX0V1ow5CEtpTrmiJ2dsrTUDPY/w640-h334/Hackman+vs+Dikjstra.png" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">The album before this, 'I'm Not Your </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Man', also explores issues to do with gender and sexuality. I can remember falling in love (again piece by piece, deliciously drip-fed) with this wonderful creation. The track that got me addicted was 'My Lover Cindy' which deserves some focus later in this post.</span><p></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: arial;">I've walked many a mile and spent many an hour in the gym with this album in my ears, making me feel strong and empowered. It's not that this is about cliched 'Girl Power' sentiment, it really isn't. This is a young female artist with years of experience in the industry behind her, finding a variation of her sound. Marika's previous releases had been 'softer' sounding and what the industry would label 'folkier'; <i>I'm not Your Man </i>is indie rock with a 90s feel in places. It is self-confident and unafraid of exploring uncomfortable truths whilst also showcasing a jewel of a talent in the industry who should be more well-known, but also sparkles more because she isn't tarred as 'mainstream'.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I truly engaged with 'I'm Not Your Man' during the pandemic which cannot be overlooked. There has been more time for soul-searching, life has been distilled and slowed and I will forever be thankful that Marika's music exists, and existed for me at a time when it has been of immense comfort.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VkSbhIBZrGuGSjGyh8oSaFJ2rhg-r4jChsM1Ne7SCoF21gLJIjxayancQlcObh0sksexhRaJ2B-_HU96GV6SV83KJZUdmRMVWJsXkS_Ovjo1R7CwNLGYmplhM9d2hz1IXirBDiag1FE/s2048/I%2527m+not+Your+Man+VINYL+A.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="2048" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VkSbhIBZrGuGSjGyh8oSaFJ2rhg-r4jChsM1Ne7SCoF21gLJIjxayancQlcObh0sksexhRaJ2B-_HU96GV6SV83KJZUdmRMVWJsXkS_Ovjo1R7CwNLGYmplhM9d2hz1IXirBDiag1FE/w923-h614/I%2527m+not+Your+Man+VINYL+A.jpg" width="923" /></a></div><br /><p></p><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/s950/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/w400-h43/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The feel of <i>I'm Not Your Man </i>is rather nostalgic of 90s indie as mentioned above. Marika played with The Big Moon (another great band) on this album and there's a fun, pop element to some songs like 'Boyfriend' and 'My Lover Cindy'. There's also a darker aspect with songs like 'Violet' which provide a sultry vibe, and the final track 'I'd Rather Be With Them' which is intensely sad. 'Apple Tree' is a lovely song more in the vein of Marika's previous soft, acoustic sound. Her voice is unique and also she is somewhat of a chameleon with it: there's an ethereal softness at times which can then turn deeper and more tough-- listen to 'Violet', for example. There's a vocal contrast there between the sweet harmonies and then the very dark and delicious lyrics, the combined effect is sensual to say the least!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Time's Been Reckless' is another grower from this album and the backing vocals from The Big Moon add something special to it. Despite the pop-indie chorus, this song is full of shadows, nuance and depth. 'Eastbound Train' is also a stand out for me, perhaps due to watching videos of it live with the chemistry between Marika and The Big Moon making it a joy to watch. The fantastic album artwork, by Tristan Pigott, shows the members of The Big Moon.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRiIT5E8h6rBmRyrLkzzN_ZXZ_OwG0DRAjLLIz8kZ6gxixiFG7q-4ZzXzI97LIwdGBNRhFfw4UrqxjyYTX1RNBryCd25US_sLvaz63RKKHuOI0omuzLhkaCiBZ4g6j5KeYBeUd6Bwad8/s2048/I%2527m+not+Your+Man+back.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2033" height="926" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRiIT5E8h6rBmRyrLkzzN_ZXZ_OwG0DRAjLLIz8kZ6gxixiFG7q-4ZzXzI97LIwdGBNRhFfw4UrqxjyYTX1RNBryCd25US_sLvaz63RKKHuOI0omuzLhkaCiBZ4g6j5KeYBeUd6Bwad8/w920-h926/I%2527m+not+Your+Man+back.jpg" width="920" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The sass of 'Boyfriend' opens the album and there's a persona created there that we see again in parts of 'Any Human Friend' (specifically songs like 'Come Undone'.) The lyric: <i>'</i></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">It's fine 'cause I am just a girl/ </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">"It doesn't count"/ </span></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><i>He knows a woman needs a man to make her shout</i>'</span><span style="background-color: white;"> is simultaneously funny and exposing-- exposing of the double standard existent in society that a woman cheating on a man with another woman is fine because some guys think of it as a turn on (ultimately undermining same sex relations.) Then there's the hypocrisy of the whole thing, the idea of a song turning the 'boyfriend' into the villain of the piece? It's a song that makes you smile and think. Marika's songs often feel cryptic; other times they're told through the voice of a character-- not always a likeable one, but a real one.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;">'My Lover Cindy' is still (and always has been) my absolute favourite track from the album. Similar to 'Boyfriend' the lyrics are not self-complimentary: '<i><span style="color: #444444;">I'm a greedy pig/ I'm gonna get my fill/ I'm gonna keep my eyes on the prize/and I'll suck you dry, I will'</span></i>, but they are what we may have all felt or thought at some point in our lives. What interests me is not always hearing the narrative of love that we're sold as the ideal, but hearing someone sing about what is often the undesirable truth: we are often creatures of selfishness and lust whether we like to admit it or not. But whether you listen for the lyrics or not, the guitar melody on this song tasty.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBr2bS7iCuTCWnTiWKBMdl5SXqKKlV_6NfrT-JtYWg95NaKwj1PM2MNyvL-u2Kp_QrQG26e3TX4C6hpTe7XmvPZq2vhVj7SNAwyd2CHL5ws-nZG7XOfR6VzcGWDSJI9mot3D6tDNciyq0/s2048/I%2527m+not+Your+Man+VINYL+B.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="2048" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBr2bS7iCuTCWnTiWKBMdl5SXqKKlV_6NfrT-JtYWg95NaKwj1PM2MNyvL-u2Kp_QrQG26e3TX4C6hpTe7XmvPZq2vhVj7SNAwyd2CHL5ws-nZG7XOfR6VzcGWDSJI9mot3D6tDNciyq0/w920-h612/I%2527m+not+Your+Man+VINYL+B.jpg" width="920" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;">And then there's 'Gina's World'. Weirdly, this wasn't a stand out for me at the beginning, maybe because of its melancholic intensity; now, that's what draws me to it so ferociously. The guitar on the chorus is very beautiful and then the climax of the song with the storytelling perfectly encapsulates that feeling of loss of control that can be so dangerous. The nature of the song-writing make these songs the gift that keeps on giving. '<i><span style="color: #444444;">We just murdered the sun</span></i>' is the culmination of a song that begins with '<i><span style="color: #444444;">Gina had a gun</span></i>' and ends with '<i><span style="color: #444444;">Gina's on the news/ How did she get there? I'm so confused.</span></i>' You recognise it as the plot of a thriller, almost like <i>Thelma and Louise</i> (which makes sense when you know that Gina is Marika's best friend), but then it feels like this song is saying a whole lot more. Either way, you feel this song hard. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;">So the appeal of the album comes from its coolness and realness. There are times when it is dark, gritty, maybe a little dirty. There are times when the sun shines through it and Marika's harmonies and vocals are angelic. Marika Hackman is a talented lady indeed and her masterful songwriting and guitar playing are just as impressive as her vocals. I am a bit in love!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/s950/Favourite+tracks.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/w400-h43/Favourite+tracks.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="485" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZesYePqjTR0" width="584" youtube-src-id="ZesYePqjTR0"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;"><br /></i></div></i></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>1. My Lover Cindy-- </i>simultaneously dark and light </span><br /><i style="font-family: arial;">2. Gina's World-- </i><span style="font-family: arial;">a real piece of storytelling</span><div><i style="font-family: arial;">3. Eastbound Train--</i><span style="font-family: arial;"> listened to a lot</span><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/s950/I+listen+to+this+when.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/w400-h43/I+listen+to+this+when.png" width="400" /></a><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... I'm out on a walk and maybe feeling a bit out of sorts. It reflects your inner thoughts and mood and feels therapeutic. It's also oddly feel good despite some of the darker vibes to it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/s950/Most+memorable+lyric.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/w400-h43/Most+memorable+lyric.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">'</span></i></span><span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;">I’m a lousy lover/ Even if I try/ I can go for a couple of weeks and the feelings calcify.</span></i></span><span style="color: #800180;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 14px;">'</span></span><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></i></span><span style="font-family: arial;">('My Lover Cindy')</span></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/s950/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/w400-h43/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... it would be <b><span style="color: #afe81e;">chartreuse</span>. </b>Not far off the colour of the walls in the album artwork. I thought of green because it is an album about organic thoughts and embracing the innate feelings we have. There's a lot of darkness there, but ultimately a playful side shines through these songs. Chartreuse has yellow to it, so the vividness of this particular colour felt a good fit!</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/s950/Runner+ups.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/w400-h43/Runner+ups.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Innervisions'/ Stevie Wonder (1973)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'I'm Not Dead'/ Pink (2006)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Is Your Love Big Enough?'/ Lianne La Havas (2012)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'I, Gemini'/Let's Eat Grandma (2016)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'I'm All Ears'/ Let's Eat Grandma (2018)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i>What is your favourite album beginning with I?</i></span></h3></div><div><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div></div>Gemmadragon1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02946790552515956577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106347462730943598.post-85518925955061983132021-04-10T15:59:00.004+01:002021-04-12T19:17:03.893+01:00Hedonism/ Bellowhead (2010): Albums of my Life: an A-Z<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DvcxdOrA1ul09IvIAYHNiGU3brITD5nRs84Bwgo9mkbQIrH_tZslm7Re4wnPS39Rq59XAgxvIYthF7Me_bxTrQwBe29gFK7QjwXuSalXjnJdWNYv3Qafy-8gVTzDd_aRg-Yd4EM8dWc/s2048/Hedonism+cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2018" data-original-width="2048" height="901" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DvcxdOrA1ul09IvIAYHNiGU3brITD5nRs84Bwgo9mkbQIrH_tZslm7Re4wnPS39Rq59XAgxvIYthF7Me_bxTrQwBe29gFK7QjwXuSalXjnJdWNYv3Qafy-8gVTzDd_aRg-Yd4EM8dWc/w916-h901/Hedonism+cover.jpg" width="916" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s950/I+can+remember1.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s320/I+can+remember1.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">...happier times before this pandemic. Times when we weren't faced with restrictions and would think nothing of travelling across the country or being part of a crowd of people. Some of the most joyous pre-Covid moments were seeing live music, something I never did enough of as a youngster and sought to rectify some years ago. I guess part of why I didn't see as much live music in my 20s was due to my taste being more R n B based and not having the means to see the artists I loved live. As my interests broadened, my desire to seek out live music grew.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Seeing Bellowhead at Wickham Festival in 2014 and then in Poole in 2015 gives me a yearning to return to life where these sorts of opportunities were taken for granted. Wickham, where they headlined, was marvellous-- there's something about being in amongst a crowd of middle-aged folkies that feels like home! There's a real connection with the music and a lack of inhibition that emanates from such crowds. In contrast, the gig at Poole's Lighthouse was a sit down affair, but despite the enforced seating, the crowd were up on their feet before long, leaping and frolicking, shaking the living daylights out of the rather flimsy auditorium seating.</span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I tried to remember the exact moment of finding Bellowhead's music, as it wasn't much earlier than 2014 (10 years after they formed), but I couldn't seem to recall it. What I do know is that this 11 piece folk supergroup have had a lasting effect on me. They make me smile more, run faster and love the genre more deeply. What this group of multi-talented musicians have managed to achieve in terms of re-imagining traditional folk tunes and bringing them to a modern generation is beyond impressive. If you've not listened to the album, <i>Hedonism</i>, it is a good place to start (as is <i>Broadside</i>) I challenge anyone to listen to 'New York Girls' (this album's first track) and not (at the very least) tap their feet.. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiD21P0wqI59OxrGzBBmFOLEtQ1Qs8b6cT2yLLjSgMb4BIMRQTW8thSA68M38S9npRzv91P-a0IFUBpnFYZLtZe6kFxr4PFqdL8e2rzx_MxqeuSoGADk2cug4S3RJ-CiqV12_Grmm3uXw/s2048/Hedonism+inner1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2013" height="929" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiD21P0wqI59OxrGzBBmFOLEtQ1Qs8b6cT2yLLjSgMb4BIMRQTW8thSA68M38S9npRzv91P-a0IFUBpnFYZLtZe6kFxr4PFqdL8e2rzx_MxqeuSoGADk2cug4S3RJ-CiqV12_Grmm3uXw/w914-h929/Hedonism+inner1.jpg" width="914" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_P5IiYPiJsiJiJuyQs9YBJZHrNOEJLk2jJJVEKJQYg3bfgFKSJ3w92n6wXf5Ly2GoVIIRlUMq840H5x0rMZDzFkhlYinwd64-ITQLvQ76kfL8cvbUyZphlRLBJQmVYV6QM6jbtgliK2k/s2048/Hedonism+inner2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2028" height="924" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_P5IiYPiJsiJiJuyQs9YBJZHrNOEJLk2jJJVEKJQYg3bfgFKSJ3w92n6wXf5Ly2GoVIIRlUMq840H5x0rMZDzFkhlYinwd64-ITQLvQ76kfL8cvbUyZphlRLBJQmVYV6QM6jbtgliK2k/w915-h924/Hedonism+inner2.jpg" width="915" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiD21P0wqI59OxrGzBBmFOLEtQ1Qs8b6cT2yLLjSgMb4BIMRQTW8thSA68M38S9npRzv91P-a0IFUBpnFYZLtZe6kFxr4PFqdL8e2rzx_MxqeuSoGADk2cug4S3RJ-CiqV12_Grmm3uXw/s2048/Hedonism+inner1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiD21P0wqI59OxrGzBBmFOLEtQ1Qs8b6cT2yLLjSgMb4BIMRQTW8thSA68M38S9npRzv91P-a0IFUBpnFYZLtZe6kFxr4PFqdL8e2rzx_MxqeuSoGADk2cug4S3RJ-CiqV12_Grmm3uXw/s2048/Hedonism+inner1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiD21P0wqI59OxrGzBBmFOLEtQ1Qs8b6cT2yLLjSgMb4BIMRQTW8thSA68M38S9npRzv91P-a0IFUBpnFYZLtZe6kFxr4PFqdL8e2rzx_MxqeuSoGADk2cug4S3RJ-CiqV12_Grmm3uXw/s2048/Hedonism+inner1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/s950/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/w400-h43/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">This was the first of Bellowhead's albums that I discovered and for that reason it is special to me. The first three tracks are a jump headfirst into upbeat, fun folk. Jon Boden, the lead singer and fiddle player, has such a warm, agile folk voice. Boden effortlessly adds humour, character and stage presence in shed loads to the group. When you then combine the energy and chemistry between the band members, you have something very powerful, emotionally stirring even.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">There's some pleasing diversity of tone in this album. After an uptempo and fun-fuelled opening, once you hit track six, 'Captain Wedderburn' brings some contrast. This is a personal favourite of mine. As a lover of literary traditions, it has a dark appeal within its narrative. The lyrics are taken from a Scottish ballad dating from the 1780s and they focus on a courtship in which a suitor is challenged to solve riddles so that he can marry a young maiden. The whole song builds to a powerful climax in which Captain Wedderburn correctly answers the maiden's riddles (including: 'what is worse than a woman's voice?' Answer: the Devil!) The darkness of 'we'll both lie in one bed, and you'll lie next to the wall' makes this a rather foreboding song to listen to and the arrangement with Rachel McShane's harmonising with Boden is very melancholic. Despite the lyric 'they're the happiest pair of all', there's the suggestion of the claw of the patriarchy in the tone of the arrangement-- very sinister indeed. I love this kind of subtlety in modern re-telling that Bellowhead do so well.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">On 'Cold Blows the Wind' we get some more dark lyrics, but what is exhibited on this track is the amazing brass section: Ed Neuhauser on tuba, Brendan Kelly on sax, Justin Thurgur on trombone and Andy Mellon on trumpet. These guys don't only play, but they <i>move</i>. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">On 'Parson's Farewell', an instrumental, Paul Sartin on the oboe, Sam Sweeney and Boden on the fiddle and Benji Kirkpatrick on the mandolin bring life to this already upbeat traditional dance tune. Watching John Spiers on the melodeon shows him in his element, especially in this track live.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">It would also be remiss not to mention Pete Flood, Bellowhead's drummer. He is the heart of the band and elevates the music to have an underscore of rock. Listen to his playing on 'Little Sally Racket', for example.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Hedonism</i> is just that: music to get swept away by. I truly believe Bellowhead need to be seen live to be fully appreciated and I feel privileged that I have been able to do that. It brings a tear to my eye to read about the effect of the pandemic on musicians in the UK. In Summer 2020, they posted the video below of them performing 'New York Girls' during lockdown from their respective homes; in December 2020 they did a one off reunion gig by live stream (which was incredible, despite fan favourite, Andy Mellon not being able to make it.) Since then, Pete Flood has retired from music and other members, including John Spiers have been vocal online about how gigging musicians have been castrated by Brexit, unable to tour in the EU without significant cost. Who knows what the future holds for the industry, but it will be up to fans to get behind the acts that they enjoy in whatever form that will be.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="484" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M764hJDFvjM" width="582" youtube-src-id="M764hJDFvjM"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Hedonism</i> came out at a mid point in Bellowhead's career and represents the joy and power of folk music. To have so many consistent members and each and every time look like they're having an absolute ball performing together is no mean feat. Bellowhead will always be <i>the</i> folk supergroup for the modern generation.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/s950/Favourite+tracks.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/w400-h43/Favourite+tracks.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="465" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bn0Ff83spQw" width="559" youtube-src-id="bn0Ff83spQw"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;"><br /></i></div></i></span></div><i style="font-family: arial;">1. New York Girls-- always </i><span style="font-family: arial;">jig-worthy</span><br /><i style="font-family: arial;">2. Broomfield Hill-- </i><span style="font-family: arial;">folk storytelling and majesty</span><div><i style="font-family: arial;">3. Captain Wedderburn--</i><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Rachel McShane and Jon Boden's harmonies on this track are glorious</span><div><div><div><i style="font-family: arial;"><br /></i></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/s950/I+listen+to+this+when.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/w400-h43/I+listen+to+this+when.png" width="400" /></a><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... I want to feel energised. Did you know that Bellowhead make the perfect running companion?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/s950/Most+memorable+lyric.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/w400-h43/Most+memorable+lyric.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">'</span>You'll have to be up early to be smarter than a whore!</i></span><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><i><span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></i></span><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">' </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></i></span><span style="font-family: arial;">('New York Girls')</span></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/s950/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/w400-h43/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... <b>black</b> flecked <span style="color: red;"><b>red</b></span>. The 2020 release vinyl is this colour so it didn't require much imagination, but it is perfectly suited. As aforementioned, this is a razzmatazz of fun folk and dark traditional ballads with a modern twist.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktroQfkgJz7LMUtKU6s-rm2EfirxQ7KRBS3aJUW9RDvMtLoslnAZ3bD_Vbbo-0eJTlJtyVxACKJ1pgWWN0Tj52sbcHbmkf0pLU7K7hMfc8H2rdA4TkingubzUjHUBgjrIyt9-Xm88TSE/s2048/Hedonism+vinyl.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="2048" height="607" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktroQfkgJz7LMUtKU6s-rm2EfirxQ7KRBS3aJUW9RDvMtLoslnAZ3bD_Vbbo-0eJTlJtyVxACKJ1pgWWN0Tj52sbcHbmkf0pLU7K7hMfc8H2rdA4TkingubzUjHUBgjrIyt9-Xm88TSE/w913-h607/Hedonism+vinyl.jpg" width="913" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/s950/Runner+ups.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/w400-h43/Runner+ups.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Hotter Than July'/Stevie Wonder (1980)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i>What is your favourite album beginning with H?</i></span></h3></div></div><div><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>Gemmadragon1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02946790552515956577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106347462730943598.post-79583123469737915082021-03-27T12:40:00.007+00:002021-03-27T19:21:00.618+00:00Good at Falling/ The Japanese House (2019): Albums of my Life: An A-Z<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEPGTTshhjvDy4jaqRyu0qake_p1hkx3CFmk3Ir3rNFIwPo9KjyXEHgpQD2qFAafrKFqLcjaHjWC6uq-SicDYYU8CvjghRyZ0T2Xico2tW-ms91Bfxj2LdASy4kEJCcdZr95uq8UTxcs/s828/TJH+Good+at+Falling+cover.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="828" height="916" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEPGTTshhjvDy4jaqRyu0qake_p1hkx3CFmk3Ir3rNFIwPo9KjyXEHgpQD2qFAafrKFqLcjaHjWC6uq-SicDYYU8CvjghRyZ0T2Xico2tW-ms91Bfxj2LdASy4kEJCcdZr95uq8UTxcs/w916-h916/TJH+Good+at+Falling+cover.jpg" width="916" /></a></p><br /><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s950/I+can+remember1.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s320/I+can+remember1.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">...a time, maybe a year or two ago when I had more or less given up on finding new artists that I could get on board with. I'm from an era where there was Top of the Pops on TV and you'd go into <i>Woolworths</i> or <i>Our Price</i> to browse the chart music on a big wall and maybe pick up a single on cassette tape, or later a CD. That's not the world today, technology has changed the music industry inevitably and indefinitely. For years, I sourly declared myself out of the loop when it came to modern music because it was 'too generic', 'too auto-tuned', 'boring'. And in a sense, some of the mainstream chart music <i>is</i> that, but the very technology I berated for ruining the fun has over this last year or so opened my eyes to some incredible artists, those that sit on the periphery due to the lack of diversity in the charts. But then, within their genres, they are making massive waves and have huge fan bases.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I found Marika Hackman through Google Play after a fascination with the cover of <i>Any Human Friend </i>and like most long-lasting relationships, it took a while to fall in love. Once in, I was in. I was aware that that album was influenced by her split with Amber Bain from The Japanese House, and I dabbled in listening to a few songs, but, if I'm honest, my aversion to vocal effects (due to a saturation of them in chart music) made me less inclined to give my time to<i> really </i>listen.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Of course, it was an error of judgement on my part because The Japanese House, whilst having voice alteration as a trademark in her production, is far, far more than that. In fact, I would say that after much listening, Amber Bain is a trailblazer.</span></p><div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The EP 'Chewing Cotton Wool' came out last Summer and after a few listens of <i>Something Has to Change</i>, (a poppier number than some of the back catalogue), I was wanting more. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Over this past year of lockdowns and uncertainty as well as emotional vulnerabilities, I have taken to savouring the healing power of a substantial walk. I have my routes in and around my local area and love nothing more than to use the time to listen to a full album. Amongst Hackman and Bain, I have fallen for Crumb, Arlo Parks, Let's Eat Grandma and Hers. I know that I will continue to discover more with time. It has been an musical awakening-- perhaps due to lockdown and a year or so of provoked introspection.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The irony is not lost on me that the very technology that I scorned, rather than destroying my deep passion for music, has opened my eyes to a whole world of new talent. It has introduced me to The Japanese House, an innovative indie musician whose songs have touched me deeply and made me feel slightly less alone in a world of restriction and stagnation.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOKddqhjFNLXQT9ZniwYivY_c-4kTK3rh8YdAqisXZwU28mGqGzwaURP5jgP5tVKQMuFqRGZfiN88jnMDjLttvBGVbalwxmAug456fA6ZaF3ev0HbgCoNcxamnVyHkmecV0xAAZdwdWU/s2048/Fly+or+Die+inner.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/s950/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/w400-h43/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">The Japanese House are said to fit best within the genres of indie pop, dream pop and electro pop. The tracks are heavily produced with the aforementioned use of vocal effects applied to Bain's voice (lending to the androgynous quality on many of her tracks.) Bain plays the guitar (upside down as she is a left-hander who learned on her brother's traditional right-handed guitar as a child). She also plays synthesizer and keyboard on her tracks and is adept at producing her own music at home from her laptop. For me, this separates musicians from those that are skilled to multi-talented (and therefore worth sitting up and paying particular attention to.)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Good at Falling' is the debut album after four EPs (which I recently own three of, plus 'Chewing Cotton Wool'-- released after the album.) Unusually for this series of music-related posts, I actually don't yet own a hard copy of this album. I was planning to write about another album until a few weeks ago when I was finding myself so influenced and moved by this one that I had to write about it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">What's so special about 'Good at Falling' then? A lot of it was written in the stages that eventually led to a breakup between Amber and her long-term girlfriend, Marika Hackman. I saw the video to<i> Lilo</i> in which Marika appears (after they had broken up) and it moved me to tears how they had so much respect for each other that they could come back together to act out their past relationship for the purpose of their art. The song is about the feelings and process surrounding moving on from a relationship. It is a beautiful, tender and heart-breaking song. Once you let yourself listen to it intensely, properly taking in the lyrics, it sticks with you. I can visualise where I was walking when I had this experience with it. It made me teary walking along, empathising with the sad acceptance of loss in the words of the song. It's such a haunting and pretty song, yet Bain's vocal range-- including her ability to hit those lower notes-- makes it also strong and comforting. Though relatively young, there is a humble worldliness to her writing.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">There are some tracks like 'Maybe You're the Reason' and 'F a r a w a y', that hit the feel-good factor when it comes to their upbeat vibe; however, if you really listen there's a deep melancholy to them. As the tempo and poppy feel make you feel happy, it's quite disorientating to hear some of the content of the lyrics. Maybe the contradiction in the music is what has fuelled such an affinity with it; after all, many of us are contradictory by nature.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A real grower of a track for me has been 'i saw you in a dream', which is an acoustic version of a more accompanied version on the EP with the same title. I read that Bain had been most proud of this song when interviewed about the album, professing it to be the track that she felt was the best she had written. The song is a bittersweet end to an album essentially about heartbreak and self-repair. It reminds us that it is natural to dwell on the loss of love and that if someone meant that much to us (whether a lover, friend or family member), the grieving for them will understandably last and take on many forms.</div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/s950/Favourite+tracks.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/w400-h43/Favourite+tracks.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="384" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dEzYD4ZielY" width="463" youtube-src-id="dEzYD4ZielY"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;"><br /></i></div></i></span></div></div><i style="font-family: arial;">1. Maybe You're the Reason-- </i><span style="font-family: arial;">that sweet contradiction I mentioned...</span><br /><i style="font-family: arial;">2. Lilo-- </i><span style="font-family: arial;">so beautiful</span><br /><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>3. You Seemed so Happy--</i> another grower, but up there in my top tracks</span></div><div><div><div><i style="font-family: arial;"><br /></i></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/s950/I+listen+to+this+when.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/w400-h43/I+listen+to+this+when.png" width="400" /></a><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... I feel like I need a friend to tell me it's ok to be sad. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Also, I know I need to stop listening to this as much as I do at the moment because I want to keep it new and special. But then again keeping things new and special implies that you'll fall out of love with them and that is somewhat meta considering this album's themes! So, inevitably it'll be played and loved and enjoyed right now with the gut feeling that I'll cherish it forever, and that's all any of us can hope for.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/s950/Most+memorable+lyric.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/w400-h43/Most+memorable+lyric.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><i><span>'</span></i></span><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="color: #800180;">And I think I'm dying</span></i></span></div><i><span style="color: #800180;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white;">'Cause this can't be living</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span face="arial, sans-serif" jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white;">Should I be searching for some kind of meaning?</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /></span></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><i>Apathy's a funny feeling.</i></span><i><span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></i></span><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">' </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></i></span><span style="font-family: arial;">('Maybe You're the Reason')</span></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/s950/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/w400-h43/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... blue. It wouldn't be a pale blue though, or a grey-blue, it'd be a<span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b> azure</b></span>. The order of the tracks on this album tell a story. In the song <i>Worms</i>, the penultimate track, there is a sense of re-birth and hope. Poignantly, it is followed by <i>Saw You in a Dream: </i>that bittersweet reminder of reality (in life, we are forever influenced by our pain)-- and there's that contradiction again. What might feel like just a dream, is a manifestation of the agony of missing someone. Despite the pain that permeates this album, Bain's lyrics reveal a spirit and strength that azure blue speaks of. We don't forget, but we move forward.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/s950/Runner+ups.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/w400-h43/Runner+ups.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road'/ Elton John (1973)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Get it Together'/ The Jackson 5 (1973)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Goin' Places'/ The Jacksons (1977)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Glitter/ Mariah Carey (2001)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i>What is your favourite album beginning with G?</i></span></h3></div><div><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>Gemmadragon1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02946790552515956577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106347462730943598.post-57888600807703707232021-03-20T13:00:00.003+00:002021-03-27T12:41:33.899+00:00Fly or Die/ N.E.R.D. (2004): Albums of my Life: An A-Z<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLTx4NxMd7Yp08EaUrunZ3_A_f1HJqfoWUXLkz0TpGx7FGRlS298cQ0YeBu-PqyhLHNMdcfRmLrvcA_RIrF0OZrBIh1DacIBT6D-TjIgBYowOtfh_gD0Jv8Vfb94vlqE8Q25Bp9u3D08/s950/Fly+or+Die+CD+outer+and+inner.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="950" height="437" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLTx4NxMd7Yp08EaUrunZ3_A_f1HJqfoWUXLkz0TpGx7FGRlS298cQ0YeBu-PqyhLHNMdcfRmLrvcA_RIrF0OZrBIh1DacIBT6D-TjIgBYowOtfh_gD0Jv8Vfb94vlqE8Q25Bp9u3D08/w923-h437/Fly+or+Die+CD+outer+and+inner.png" width="923" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s950/I+can+remember1.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s320/I+can+remember1.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">...listening to this album for the first time with a boyfriend at university in his tiny room in the halls of residence. I liked what I heard immediately and then bought this a year or two later after we had broke up. You know a person's made a mark on your life in some way if they brought you music.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In the early days of owning this CD, I would dance around the flat that I lived in alone to 'She Wants to Move' and 'The Way She Dances' with reckless abandon.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I think what struck me initially about the album was the fusion of sounds, the contrast of high production value and effects and the unpolished, raw feel of the vocals and guitar at times. I'm no expert, but I know what I sounded like as a teen on my electric guitar and tiny amp; this is obviously way better, but there's a quality to it that sounds humble and young. I saw that Chad Hugo had only been playing the guitar for a year before recording this album as they wanted to play instruments live (including Pharrell on drums), so I felt quite smug with my instincts that this was the case.</span></p><div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">N.E.R.D. is a three piece composed of Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo and Shay Haley. The genre is usually noted as rap/hip hop/ rock, which I guess is true because they play guitar/ drums/ keys, but there's some funk and R n B in there. What's so captivating about N.E.R.D. is their experimentation with genre and form. You can go from a melodic, soulful verse to a chorus which becomes a syncopated chant like a battle cry of a generation ('Jump', for example).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Interestingly, I've seen a mix of reviews on this album, with a particularly biting one by Brent DiCrescenzo on <i>Pitchfork</i> who claimed that it was 'stupid and boring' and that '</span><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7;"><span style="font-family: arial;">N.E.R.D. are the hip-hop Toto.' </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I love a bit of 'Africa', so I guess that's why this is right up my alley!</span></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOKddqhjFNLXQT9ZniwYivY_c-4kTK3rh8YdAqisXZwU28mGqGzwaURP5jgP5tVKQMuFqRGZfiN88jnMDjLttvBGVbalwxmAug456fA6ZaF3ev0HbgCoNcxamnVyHkmecV0xAAZdwdWU/s2048/Fly+or+Die+inner.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1233" data-original-width="2048" height="561" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOKddqhjFNLXQT9ZniwYivY_c-4kTK3rh8YdAqisXZwU28mGqGzwaURP5jgP5tVKQMuFqRGZfiN88jnMDjLttvBGVbalwxmAug456fA6ZaF3ev0HbgCoNcxamnVyHkmecV0xAAZdwdWU/w930-h561/Fly+or+Die+inner.jpg" width="930" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/s950/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/w400-h43/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Whether you like Pharrell or not, he has had an enduring career and among many talents he has a killer falsetto! I don't know huge amounts about the band members, Pharrell included because I've never been fanatic about them as individuals. In terms of the more recent Pharrell and N.E.R.D. releases, I haven't listened to a huge amount, maybe because 'Happy' was so overplayed and I moved away from the genre a little as I worked my way through my twenties. However, I have replayed some of the earlier N.E.R.D. albums in recent years and they always give me listening pleasure. I also like 'Deep Down Body Thurst' from 2017's 'No One Ever Really Dies' album (yes, that's what N.E.R.D. stands for.)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The title track, 'Fly or Die' is a tongue in cheek anthem from the perspective of youth. At the age I first heard it, I could relate to the angst of wanting to stand on my own two feet away from hypocrisy and judgement. Now, I just like it for the youthful chaos of it (and I can now smile as I listen a little bit more.)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">In addition to the diverse range of songs on the album, there are some hidden tracks which always takes me back to the early days of buying CDs and wondering why there was a minute's gap on the album! At the end of track 7, 'Wonderful Place' is a treasure of interlude called '<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ahg47yEb4Wk">Waiting for You</a>'. It tells a story about a lost child on a fishing trip in a simple, beautiful way, like a piece of poetry. Similarly, the final (hidden) track on the album follows another favourite, the psychedelically-lyric-ed 'Chariot of Fire'. '<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jp_hTRcvoQ">Find My Way</a>' is haunting and uncanny. Like all art, the beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and this, to me is beautiful. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The motif of space is used throughout Williams and Hugo's previous work with their two-piece, The Neptunes. In their production of Kelis' 'Kaleidoscope', I first got a taste of their sound and quirks. The way that this motif is stamped across this album interests me-- from the vulgar: 'her ass is a spaceship I want to ride', on the ultimately infectious, 'She Wants to Move' to the desperate call of 'I'm lost in space' on the aforementioned final track.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">And then there's the album artwork, including the red dog which we see referenced in the music video of 'She Wants to Move'.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdVcsco8b-PiuXzNgjKmz4vityDLm5vS4jlumN5tvEVoWr8s5LZ975_AIcjWkvG11cuNIYG8dX1idQ2FH4AHag7RQH6cOQw4W38NOxLcwkhBrsu6kJoMsEouc7RbwPbPlZt99VLFN7Ck/s2048/Fly+or+Die+inner2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="2048" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdVcsco8b-PiuXzNgjKmz4vityDLm5vS4jlumN5tvEVoWr8s5LZ975_AIcjWkvG11cuNIYG8dX1idQ2FH4AHag7RQH6cOQw4W38NOxLcwkhBrsu6kJoMsEouc7RbwPbPlZt99VLFN7Ck/w927-h526/Fly+or+Die+inner2.jpg" width="927" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The themes of the freedom and anarchy of youth tie this album together which makes the hidden elements rather clever when you think about it. These pared back songs about the potential for pain once you commit yourself to a relationship are hidden for a reason. 'Fly or Die' is an escape from the shackles of parents, society's rules and restrictions; how ironic that as young people we often aim for freedom, only to quickly find ourselves tied down once again.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/s950/Favourite+tracks.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/w400-h43/Favourite+tracks.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="333" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mXC3h95PtDY" width="401" youtube-src-id="mXC3h95PtDY"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;"><br /></i></div></i></span></div></div><i style="font-family: arial;">1. Fly or Die-- the first track I heard off the album</i><br /><i style="font-family: arial;">2. Chariot of Fire/ Find my Way-- mesmeric</i><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>3. She Wants to Move-- check out the video!</i></span></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><i style="font-family: arial;"><br /></i></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/s950/I+listen+to+this+when.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/w400-h43/I+listen+to+this+when.png" width="400" /></a><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... wanting energy and fun. I listen in the gym quote a lot.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/s950/Most+memorable+lyric.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/w400-h43/Most+memorable+lyric.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><i><span>'</span><span style="background-color: white;">It won't be long, till you see me on the news!</span></i></span></div><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="background-color: white;">Another soul lost at sea - while taking a cruise!</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Gasping for air makes the righteous path - harder to choose</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="background-color: white;">What if he'd fly or die, sink or swim!</span></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #800180;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">Which one shall I choose?' </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></i></span><span style="font-family: arial;">('Fly or Die')</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">These lyrics must be relatable to most people. The song begins with 'This is only for the kids' which is a great sentiment for the kids who feel they own nothing, and the grown 'kids' who still want to feel like they're kids in some way.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/s950/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/w400-h43/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... it'd have to be red, surely? But maybe a slightly darkened red, like blood.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/s950/Runner+ups.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/w400-h43/Runner+ups.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">'Fulfillingness' First Finale'/ Stevie Wonder (1974)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Farewell my Summer Love'/ Michael Jackson (1984)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Fore!'/ Huey Lewis and the News (1986)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Fanmail'/ TLC (1999)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Fleshtone'/ Kelis (2010)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i>What is your favourite album beginning with F?</i></span></h3></div><div><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>Gemmadragon1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02946790552515956577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106347462730943598.post-52795942617570972732021-03-13T11:14:00.005+00:002023-08-08T17:24:40.562+01:00Enter the Dru/ Dru Hill (1998): Albums of my Life: An A-Z<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWI8DvHSiRZwdGbMAhiZH8eeDMCSnAhKnd8PsJAWN8g2NGfDCM73or-4Z0VlF_SOv-67u1G2drQdTrWLv4DdQqr8tPPEDLGxOgWQI3bPBGOoBIvYqQsA7AzPNgppGjwx830KaAa-ObIfU/s950/Dru+Hill+CD+collage.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="950" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWI8DvHSiRZwdGbMAhiZH8eeDMCSnAhKnd8PsJAWN8g2NGfDCM73or-4Z0VlF_SOv-67u1G2drQdTrWLv4DdQqr8tPPEDLGxOgWQI3bPBGOoBIvYqQsA7AzPNgppGjwx830KaAa-ObIfU/w914-h433/Dru+Hill+CD+collage.png" width="914" /></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s950/I+can+remember1.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s320/I+can+remember1.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">...getting into Dru Hill at about 14 or 15. I sadly can't remember the moment I first listened to them, but once I got my hands on a CD copy of 'Enter the Dru', I was invested. As a teenager you like what you like. You don't overthink it and if you </span><i style="font-family: arial;">really</i><span style="font-family: arial;"> like music, you won't let anyone tell you which bands or singers to follow. The chart singles were merely a starting point for me which meant that albums like this were played on repeat, inhabited and treasured.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Dru Hill were an American four piece R n B group who were at their peak with this album. The lead singer, Sisqo, is the most well-known member who had solo success with the likes of 'Thong Song'. There is potentially (due to the popularity of this song and the gimmicky nature of it), the tendency to view Sisqo as a rather amusing persona. He always seemed to love the limelight and this was no more evident to me than when he appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in the UK and went into the house only after performing one of his solo hits to the crowd (<i>not </i>standard CBB etiquette, but clearly part of his management's deal with the production company!), who lapped it up. Then there was his bleached white hair, statement chains and bold (yet highly accomplished) dance skills! He is such a showman and I love him for it!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Dru Hill, the group, begin, but don't end with Sisqo. Jazz, Woody and Nokio are the aliases of the other members from the original lineup and the vocal talent of these men is incredible. Not only that, but they have all written tracks on the album and take their time to step forward with solos. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The name 'Dru Hill' comes from Druid Hill Park in Baltimore-- a place near where they all lived growing up. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Together, the Dru Hill sound is harmonic, rich and highly emotive at times. There seems to be a bond between the members, who went to high school and also worked together in a fudgery in Baltimore in which they would sing the music of their gospel, soul roots.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>Sadly, relations crumbled soon after the release of this album with </span><span style="background-color: white;">James "Woody Rock" Green leaving. There has been re-incarnations of the group with some other members, but the first two albums, 'Dru Hill' and 'Enter the Dru' were their heyday in terms of commercial success.</span></span></p><div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8F1B9zf-P9sREkrrtVM2jJJS8cX2KiXqPWKKbCU_w4VuQhWXp34iA-3NGt6mtoQfYx0vikRi8IjWxmpeZ1hBG7t4yZyJhffbaNd7t0m0Rj4C5qfppEGx6UMhANsgVWswJ48qwQTjs_A/s950/Dru+Hill+inner+collage.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="950" height="919" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8F1B9zf-P9sREkrrtVM2jJJS8cX2KiXqPWKKbCU_w4VuQhWXp34iA-3NGt6mtoQfYx0vikRi8IjWxmpeZ1hBG7t4yZyJhffbaNd7t0m0Rj4C5qfppEGx6UMhANsgVWswJ48qwQTjs_A/w919-h919/Dru+Hill+inner+collage.png" width="919" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/s950/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/w400-h43/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This album is one of two halves. I can be more objective about 'Enter the Dru' now that I am distanced from it as an adult. At 15, I was a prime age for their highly romanticised and dramatic love songs. Every teenager goes through relationship woes (even if it is the aching in the absence of a relationship!) I was arguably a little young for the highly sexual early tracks of the album, but that's only through the lens of someone old enough to have teenage children! It's easy to forget that most young people don't know that much about sex, not really. Those raunchy, sexed-up lyrics have no context when you're inexperienced (it's when you get older that you realise how steamy they really are!) </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">But whilst 'Real Freak' sets a lust-fuelled tone to the album. My interest was always peaked as the album progressed into its second half. The delightful filth of 'How Deep is Your Love' (complete with a breathy, Spanish-speaking woman) and 'Real Freak', compared to 'These Are the Times' (we can make love, or not at all"), is an irony not lost on me as an adult! But perhaps it's also paradoxical-- many relationships do start with pure lust, or we go into relationships thinking it is all about finding someone who gets our pulse racing. Then, like Sisqo and the boys, we may well find something more significant along the way.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The album is of its time: both in sound production and lyrically. The 90s RnB era never felt like it would end when you were in it as a teenager; you didn't know any different than the harmonies and tropes of the genre. Then you grew up and it changed, obvious autotune became a mainstay; sexualisation of performers and their song lyrics overruled the equally popular focus on songs about 'love' and romance. Boys ii Men and the like let young people see that men could sing about heartache, forgiveness and sacrifice; some female performers may have inevitably gone down the route of provocative stage costumes, but there were those that made it in the industry with a more wholesome approach, lyrically and image-wise (think Brandy, for example).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">To see a boy band or 'vocal harmony group' in the charts now is rare. It is not a la mode apparently-- which seems odd in a time of wokeness and embracing the spectrum of gender experience. Sisqo's heartfelt lyric: 'I cry late at night...inside my heart, I was all alone' is desperately sung in the final track. Who would have thought a band like Dru Hill would be simultaneously 'dated', yet before their time! Would teenagers today take to a group of young men singing about their emotions? </span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMZ-q9LFcqGw8D7iiYJ4-cxPOaZm3TgkmpfaYa-G7i6FapSZjNgtBBpWv3BZtbcJbGnD02oajumS9GDiMKcKNeIJklptD8Rodv0L1peW16BQ9meZp8T5icn1v1cJeoXvDFjw7rqSeprg/s2629/Dru+Hill+inner+CD.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="2629" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMZ-q9LFcqGw8D7iiYJ4-cxPOaZm3TgkmpfaYa-G7i6FapSZjNgtBBpWv3BZtbcJbGnD02oajumS9GDiMKcKNeIJklptD8Rodv0L1peW16BQ9meZp8T5icn1v1cJeoXvDFjw7rqSeprg/w916-h417/Dru+Hill+inner+CD.jpg" width="916" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The joy of opening up a CD case after many years...a self-made 'mix tape' </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Enter the Dru's second half begins, in my mind, at track 7 'You are Everything' (which is actually not at the halfway point, so perhaps it is fair to say there is more romance than raunch on offer in this album). It begins with an acoustic guitar, a crackly vinyl effect and Sisqo instructing his bandmates 'Woody, help me out', 'Jazz, you chill for a minute', 'Nokio come on'! It seems cheesy now, but there's something I really love about the way, in many Dru Hill tracks, the members bring each other in, by name; it's like a 'tag team' system which makes me see them as a unit. This is used in 'What Are We Gonna Do' (the final track) where, let me tell you, tears used to roll back in the day. When Sisqo sings 'Woody, Woody, Woody' it's like he can't keep himself together to sing the song and needs back up. And Woody's voice is just...smooth as butter. You don't get high-emotion like this in R n B these days!</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Another stand out song I need to talk about is 'Beauty', written by Tamir 'Nokio the N-Tity' Ruffin. It's about the attraction to someone before speaking to them. It has the 'cool' 90s R n B, clicky, drum machine beat, pared down and simple to keep the vocals the focus; the solo performances shine so gorgeously and the harmonies are amazing as ever. As aforementioned, Sisqo is seen as a caricature by some due to his iconic image and solo single, 'Thong Song', but my goodness, his voice is so distinctive and strong. With the group, his lead vocals weave in and out of the chorus so effortlessly and, quite frankly, make this song the triumph that it is.. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/s950/Favourite+tracks.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/w400-h43/Favourite+tracks.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="349" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VE-8sl9-pwE" width="420" youtube-src-id="VE-8sl9-pwE"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>1. What Are We Gonna Do-- the times I cried to this...</i></div></i></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>2. Beauty-- such a gorgeous ode.</i></span><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>3. You Are Everything-- I used to play this one a lot</i></span></div><div><i style="font-family: arial;"><br /></i></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/s950/I+listen+to+this+when.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/w400-h43/I+listen+to+this+when.png" width="400" /></a><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... I'm wanting a blast from the past. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/s950/Most+memorable+lyric.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/w400-h43/Most+memorable+lyric.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: medium;">'Misery loves company<br />By now you should know<br />People always have advice about being together<br />When they're all alone' </span><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><i style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #202124;"> </span></i></span><span style="color: #202124; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;">('What Are We Gonna Do')</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I might have quoted some more risque lyrics here, but this is my favourite song on the album, so I had to reference it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/s950/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/w400-h43/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... it'd be red, bright, dragon red: fiery, passionate and strong.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/s950/Runner+ups.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/w400-h43/Runner+ups.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Evolution'/ Boys ii Men (1997)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Experience: Jill Scott 826+'/ Jill Scott (2001)</span></div><div><br /></div><h3><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i>What is your favourite album beginning with E?</i></span></h3></div></div><div><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>Gemmadragon1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02946790552515956577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106347462730943598.post-74469658647446898982021-02-20T14:36:00.001+00:002021-02-20T17:20:27.753+00:00Dancing Machine/ The Jackson 5 (1974): Albums of my Life: An A-Z<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhip1WsKLbZCCl1eMBbZqjmkMmgvlB5iUhg4djtK2sB53i6FE84OzfjrcCcviRliuwCITyWI3cmCTnyLAsPRAbG1uva4q3n-KrjQw9QH-EEF8sAcRY_1VwTODCN16a6nYIJHWT_5jVLLPM/s950/Dancing+Machine+cover+collage.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="950" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhip1WsKLbZCCl1eMBbZqjmkMmgvlB5iUhg4djtK2sB53i6FE84OzfjrcCcviRliuwCITyWI3cmCTnyLAsPRAbG1uva4q3n-KrjQw9QH-EEF8sAcRY_1VwTODCN16a6nYIJHWT_5jVLLPM/w912-h432/Dancing+Machine+cover+collage.png" width="912" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s950/I+can+remember1.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s320/I+can+remember1.png" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">...watching 'Moonwalker' as a kid. I was a Michael Jackson fan from a young age and soon got to liking the Jackson 5 too. The first CD I ever owned was Michael Jackson's 'Ben' at 9 years of age. I had cassettes of some Michael Jackson albums and some Jackson 5 ones too from Boot fairs that we would visit on a Sunday as a family. My dad would always like to find bargains and any time we would see a Michael Jackson tape he would get it for me because he knew I loved his music. I realise that not only do kids today miss out on the thrill of physically owning an album and playing it over and over because what they own is the limit of what they can listen to; but also that not every parent is as nurturing of their child's interests as mine were.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Back to 'Moonwalker'-- there was a brief part of a montage of Michael's earlier music which featured him dancing with a robot. The small clip featured a section of 'Dancing Machine' and it always stayed in my mind, but I didn't recognise the song. Later in life I heard the song and, of course, loved it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">'Dancing Machine, the album, came to my consciousness most probably in one of my returns to Jackson's earlier music after one of my many hiatuses. I found him at 7 or 8 years old when 'Dangerous' was out. I then returned to him in my late teens and early 20s, finding a few new Jackson 5/ Jacksons tracks due to the internet opening up a few more avenues for music exploration. A friend from Primary school who had complimented my MJ T Shirt at a school disco became a good buddy to me at this age. He was probably the only person who I've been able to muse with about about my devotion to Michael Jackson's back catalogue and feel like there was a shared degree of enthusiasm. I re-kindled a love of MJ materiaI at this point; I'd love to reconnect on our shared love of music one day.</span></p><div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">At some point in my 20s I heard 'If I Don't Love You This Way' and it must have stuck with me because when I came back to Michael Jackson (this time in my 30s and in a big way), I felt the love come back for this song immediately. I have read that when Michael Jackson was interviewed about this album he said that this was one of his favourites too.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKYc4qfmeHhQMUoRE7bLcG0lSQqhJFu1IhKy60qAmamIyZSpuXkIgoNFEE7hK8id-_byumX28RCIu2Fipm2cOIqjClbLQ4rlBKvrjRlyG9oiE_X4h6JJfT5MFTK7Pdo-5ASycfQPwLaQ/s2048/Dancing+Machine+Vinyl.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="2048" height="605" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKYc4qfmeHhQMUoRE7bLcG0lSQqhJFu1IhKy60qAmamIyZSpuXkIgoNFEE7hK8id-_byumX28RCIu2Fipm2cOIqjClbLQ4rlBKvrjRlyG9oiE_X4h6JJfT5MFTK7Pdo-5ASycfQPwLaQ/w908-h605/Dancing+Machine+Vinyl.jpg" width="908" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/s950/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/w400-h43/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Full disclosure: I own this album twice-- a second hand 1970s pressing and a limited pressing coloured vinyl version (pictured above). The older version has the name 'Caroline' on the front and some notes inside (which is always really interesting to me-- who is Caroline and is she still about today?)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Out of all of the many Jackson albums I own, why <i>Dancing Machine</i> as a top pick? Why not <i>Dangerous </i>or <i>Destiny</i>, for example? Firstly, there is a purity about the Jackson 5 that is sacred to me. My love of music pretty much started with their songs, their talent at such a young age is incredible and there is a joy and passion that you hear within their music that cannot be replicated. <i>Dancing Machine</i> has tracks to make you dance balanced perfectly with love songs. It also has that 70s vibe with its psychedelic synths and drums on 'I Am Love', the opening track (and a seven and a half minute masterpiece).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The title track, 'Dancing Machine', 'Life of the Party' and 'She's a Rhythm Child' are disco tracks guaranteed to make you want to move; whilst Michael's vocals are so accomplished and flawless (he was 16 years old when this album came out). As I listen to this album--and though it came out before I was born-- I feel like I am transported to a 70s dancefloor. The sleeve of the vinyl (including the re-pressing) have some adorable Jackson 5 fan merchandise offers which makes me wish I was a 70s teen; I would be ordering those stickers and joining the fan club as quick as you could say '</span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #5f6368;">Shoo-Be-Doo-Be</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5156;">-Doo-Da-Day</span>!'</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iXpQdoc0v0t1YkEn_f7WBh5yvmdvRf5DtZtQrJhYEO-1hHBokIZCZntvMyuHhhgjVV0HruYmA3BJwHmICY5dV0eyBebH12BNadkAE8ElBIjeRQCKgPju1c1-ehXW_C9dBtdMMwTk1WE/s2048/Dancing+Machine+Inner+sleeve+1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1391" data-original-width="2048" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iXpQdoc0v0t1YkEn_f7WBh5yvmdvRf5DtZtQrJhYEO-1hHBokIZCZntvMyuHhhgjVV0HruYmA3BJwHmICY5dV0eyBebH12BNadkAE8ElBIjeRQCKgPju1c1-ehXW_C9dBtdMMwTk1WE/w912-h618/Dancing+Machine+Inner+sleeve+1.jpg" width="912" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz83tFYK851lnzDU5iGb2dFl4PVR6vmkglKejzDJYdyGbd1Zrj4mRCe2B-0p9yy4EoJMZaoB3D9vwRG4NhN_8d3mkKYX3pY6TivEXC-c28gM5YAU29jLSRLoB5t5VBCt9qWe992WPHIS8/s2048/Corinne+Bailey+Rae+live+Tabernacle.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'What You Don't Know' is also a track Michael stated as a favourite and I can see why. It is grittier in tone with its themes of betrayal, secrets and lies, yet still features some funky drums, guitar and synths, tying it into the previous tracks. When 'If I Don't Love You This Way' follows, Michael's heartfelt vocals shine. This song, with its harmonic backing vocals from the Jackson 5, manages to be poppy, harking back to their earlier commercial sounds, yet deeply soulful and emotionally stirring. When Michael sings: '<span style="color: #444444;">If I don't love you this way, why do I say what I say, I<span style="background-color: white;">f I don't need you this much, </span><span style="background-color: white;">Why do I ache for your touch, yeah.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">'...you can feel the deep longing and devotion that is felt when in love. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">I really like Michael's voice at this age. It is similar to on one of the earliest albums that I owned on cassette: 'Farewell My Summer Love' which is a compilation album with songs from 1973 which were released in 1984 with some 80s sounding overdubbing (it's a great collection of songs.) There's a maturity and ease to Jackson's vocal, yet a youthful, earnest edge that, for me, really peaks in this period. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibv9mX_XQWjA0CGpcgUM3B0t3q4udyAn8OtD6VD8Oy3sy4eIlKPPeBhrkyQML9_oeQqnFkmEwmreHQ6HnN9cPePK2hUSeqUC3gAeGR1UcHPR_EDDb2ryr4t8jcNPIPam4cWr6lY91H6tY/s2048/Dancing+Machine+Inner+sleeve+2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" height="603" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibv9mX_XQWjA0CGpcgUM3B0t3q4udyAn8OtD6VD8Oy3sy4eIlKPPeBhrkyQML9_oeQqnFkmEwmreHQ6HnN9cPePK2hUSeqUC3gAeGR1UcHPR_EDDb2ryr4t8jcNPIPam4cWr6lY91H6tY/w905-h603/Dancing+Machine+Inner+sleeve+2.jpg" width="905" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">Though Michael has always been the focus for me, it has to be said that Jermaine's voice is gorgeous. In 'It All Begins and Ends With Love', a ballad, showcases the individual voices of the Jackson 5 beautifully. It's so nice to hear Tito, Jackie, Michael, Marlon and then Jermaine all take parts-- and they sing so earnestly here. I know that if I had had this album when I was younger, I'd have overlooked this track, but as an adult who has more of an interest in musicality, this is a stand out.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Dancing Machine </i>was the penultimate album to be released with Motown and before Jermaine left to go solo. After this came <i>Moving Violation </i>which is also one of my favourite J5 albums. This era of their music is fun, funky, yet polished and rather sexy (these were now young men, not children appearing for on the Ed Sullivan show.)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/s950/Favourite+tracks.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/w400-h43/Favourite+tracks.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="412" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xKT1Kgric_M" width="496" youtube-src-id="xKT1Kgric_M"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>1. If I Don't Love You This Way</i></div></i></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>2. I Am Love</i></span><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>3. Dancing Machine</i></span></div><div><i style="font-family: arial;"><br /></i></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/s950/I+listen+to+this+when.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/w400-h43/I+listen+to+this+when.png" width="400" /></a><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... I'm in the gym or it's Saturday morning and I want to jig around the bedroom (the disco tracks), sunbathing in the garden or walking in the Summer ('If I Don't Love You This Way'), or on a Jackson 5 binge.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/s950/Most+memorable+lyric.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/w400-h43/Most+memorable+lyric.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><i>'She’s a dance, dance, dance, dance, dancing machine</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><i>Watch her get down, watch her get down<br />As she do, do, do her thing<br />Right on the scene' </i></span><span style="font-family: arial;">('Dancing Machine')</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This song was written by </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Hal David, Don Fletcher and Dean Parks. It's not that the lyrics to 'Dancing Machine' are mind-blowing or deep, but they syncopate and perfectly convey the mood of the song. They make you feel like the queen of your own private disco. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/s950/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/w400-h43/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... well the brown vinyl does fit perfectly with the cover artwork, but... I envisage a mirrorball reflecting onto a dimmed disco dancefloor, so I would say it is a <b><span style="color: #134f5c;">hol</span><span style="color: #666666;">ogra</span><span style="color: #999999;">phic</span> <span style="color: #b6d7a8;">sil</span><span style="color: #fce5cd;">v</span><span style="color: #d0e0e3;">e</span><span style="color: #999999;">r</span></b>. You could actually play this whole album and it would emulate an entire disco experience in just over half an hour with its upbeat early tracks filling the floor, some slower, smoochy numbers, then an upper at the end.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/s950/Runner+ups.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/w400-h43/Runner+ups.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Destiny'/ The Jacksons (1978)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Dangerous'/ Michael Jackson (1991)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Dru Hill'/ Dru Hill (2002)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i>What is your favourite album beginning with D?</i></span></h3></div></div><div><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>Gemmadragon1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02946790552515956577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106347462730943598.post-87878750579366785572021-02-14T12:45:00.005+00:002021-02-14T12:46:04.912+00:00Corinne Bailey Rae (2006): Albums of my Life: An A-Z<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTmAaNllOaQOYIOq4ShRsA6Fc3ji-TVQgeKtsF9tPjSS6u444u7ubZ_ZiPW9VoQLimtAl5jY3vdn8-Y_isVb3-hqkxMGnoWqLnUI5htKtHVRQYHKFLGerqoQtivgEiU7IsBqrKwPdbhM/s2048/Corinne+Bailey+Rae.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1726" data-original-width="2048" height="776" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTmAaNllOaQOYIOq4ShRsA6Fc3ji-TVQgeKtsF9tPjSS6u444u7ubZ_ZiPW9VoQLimtAl5jY3vdn8-Y_isVb3-hqkxMGnoWqLnUI5htKtHVRQYHKFLGerqoQtivgEiU7IsBqrKwPdbhM/w921-h776/Corinne+Bailey+Rae.jpg" width="921" /></a></div><br /><br /> <span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s950/I+can+remember1.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpvIKEb_YwbbbY6g4jgMPf0sfKEhNTJDS10PAJv00jcx6UQs4YMxdggEVTn4bz4380_zcbVxvHRT2K_tIHjGy8il3hEijCD-TFYEtCMHvnDMHOiXClu2RzhUPS_lDngP9BQrkhjJCM4/s320/I+can+remember1.png" width="320" /></a></div>...liking Corinne Bailey Rae's music immediately, in particular her most well-known singles 'Like a Star and 'Put Your Records On'. Her vibe was carefree and fresh; her voice sweet and open-- what wasn't to like? Her first, self-titled album debuted at number 1 in the UK charts which I never really took note of at the time, but speaks for the power of the album. For context, the chart that week also featured Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs and Gorillaz. Corinne Bailey Rae's music would fit the genre of modern soul/ R 'n B music, but this was a time where we might see more 'real' voices in the charts (as opposed to over-produced, auto-tuned sounding vocals that are popular right now). Now it feels like you have to seek out the Corinne Bailey Rae's of the music industry because chart music is of a particular 'sound' (with a few exceptions). I was in my early twenties when this came out and it was a joy to me then and now.</span><div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This was also a time when WAP meant 'wireless application protocol' and you could get ringtones of your favourite album tracks on your phone! I can even remember composing my own ringtones on my Nokia phone (Ginuwine's '2Way' more specifically!)</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBN3VjwOe41fRFB24ZGIXvpLj0AuwpezCOM4bX8UA1t6KZwjFUt5i1I7Z2bQp9aQucic5dvQwezeuU4TO22c9_ifGrMFqTiEhFp4kpOaWDyScmg-2URLYNmWFE-cOQty69s7OmPhjv0TE/s2612/Corinne+Bailey+Rae+Inner.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="2612" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBN3VjwOe41fRFB24ZGIXvpLj0AuwpezCOM4bX8UA1t6KZwjFUt5i1I7Z2bQp9aQucic5dvQwezeuU4TO22c9_ifGrMFqTiEhFp4kpOaWDyScmg-2URLYNmWFE-cOQty69s7OmPhjv0TE/w922-h424/Corinne+Bailey+Rae+Inner.jpg" width="922" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/s950/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/w400-h43/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Corinne Bailey Rae' is a UK artist from Leeds. She brings both sunshine and rain with this album. It tells a story of new love, self love and lost love; love that is painful and tragic; love that makes your heart sing. 'Like a Star' opens the album which begins with Corinne's voice acapella for the first two words then acoustic guitar joining her. It is a delicate ode to a loved one which feels like the lyric 'oil on my hands' personified in a vocal-- smooth, calming and tender. What I love about this song is its simplicity, purity and disparity from the brash attitude to love we might see in some modern artists' work. I've heard India Arie speak about this before, but I don't think it has been easy to be a female artist who doesn't go down the 'sex sells' route with their image, dance moves or lyrics, particularly as black artists. There is, of course, a place for female sexual empowerment, but not at the expense of artists who wish to take a less overt approach to the themes of sex and love in their music.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Despite, slightly less mainstream chart success at the top end, Corinne Bailey Rae's following albums have received critical acclaim and she is a well-respected musician with her work featuring in film soundtracks, however if you mentioned her name to some, particularly a younger generation, they may look at you blankly. They would do well to become familiar with her music if they appreciate the genre.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Put Yours Records On' is an anthem for the free-spirited of any age. Upbeat, nostalgic and celebratory of self, this track has always been a fan favourite. As a younger person, she speaks to you directly: "You're gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow." (however, we're all learning, even if we're 'grown'). You'll spot a trope with my record collection: I love a female role model who encourages personal growth, self-respect and inner strength. I sometimes wonder whether this is lacking in modern culture when I see how many young girls and boys struggle with mental health issues-- not that we didn't too-- but perhaps a bit of soul music would go a long way to help them feel less alone. It helped me.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Call Me When You Get This' is also a great track from this album. Its bass-line is sweet-hot and the strings give it a nostalgic edge; Corinne's voice is effortless and swells to the crescendo of the chorus so gorgeously. Watch her sing it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lz0PZuyDBPg">live </a>to get a sense of how flawless her voice is. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Breathless' feels intimate, like reading Corinne's secret diary and tells the tale of new, exciting love, the type where you don't know whether it will be reciprocated. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">What strikes me about Corinne Bailey Rae's music is that it is meant to be experienced live. Seeing her at The Tabanacle in 2016 with my brother was incredible. The venue is relatively small and we were sat close to the stage. As years had passed since her first release, her original fans had grown up with her and would probably have been aware of her first husband tragically passing in 2008-- something she reflected on briefly live when playing some of her more recent material. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">To be part of a crowd of long-time fans of her music and singing along to 'Put Your Records On' and 'Like a Star' was emotional for me because my enjoyment of soul and R n B music has been an introspective love, not generally shared with others. Not everyone has explored this genre beyond the 90s and early 2000s chart offerings. I'm one of those people who will devour every lyric, harmony and riff of a song until it becomes part of my internal jukebox. I felt that I was shoulder to shoulder with others like me at this amazing gig.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz83tFYK851lnzDU5iGb2dFl4PVR6vmkglKejzDJYdyGbd1Zrj4mRCe2B-0p9yy4EoJMZaoB3D9vwRG4NhN_8d3mkKYX3pY6TivEXC-c28gM5YAU29jLSRLoB5t5VBCt9qWe992WPHIS8/s2048/Corinne+Bailey+Rae+live+Tabernacle.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1726" data-original-width="2048" height="774" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz83tFYK851lnzDU5iGb2dFl4PVR6vmkglKejzDJYdyGbd1Zrj4mRCe2B-0p9yy4EoJMZaoB3D9vwRG4NhN_8d3mkKYX3pY6TivEXC-c28gM5YAU29jLSRLoB5t5VBCt9qWe992WPHIS8/w919-h774/Corinne+Bailey+Rae+live+Tabernacle.png" title="Corinne Bailey Rae live at The Tabanacle" width="919" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/s950/Favourite+tracks.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/w400-h43/Favourite+tracks.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="340" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gvH9Ccqk5qc" width="409" youtube-src-id="gvH9Ccqk5qc"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>1. Just Like a Star</i></div></i></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>2. Put Your Records On</i></span><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>3. Call Me When You Get This</i></span></div><div><i style="font-family: arial;"><br /></i></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/s950/I+listen+to+this+when.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/w400-h43/I+listen+to+this+when.png" width="400" /></a><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... I want to feel soothed and calm, or perhaps reflective.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/s950/Most+memorable+lyric.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/w400-h43/Most+memorable+lyric.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><span style="color: #741b47;">'</span><span style="color: #800180;"><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white;">Three little birds sat on my window</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white;">And they told me I don't need to worry</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white;">Summer came like cinnamon, so sweet</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white;">Little girls, double-dutch on the concrete</span></span></i></span><i><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">'</span></i><i style="color: #741b47; font-family: arial;"> </i><span style="font-family: arial;">('Put Your Records On')</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The song feels so summery and hopeful. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/s950/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/w400-h43/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">Chesnut brown</span></i></b>. I'm probably influenced by the tans and sepias of the album artwork, but it reflects the earthy feel of the album and the warmth of Corinne's beautiful, soulful voice.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamjCgUVu29a2cwVJ0jJkperZZ-U3QjQb0ThiChYFmCrWQSRbfCAYkR_LnX0Idp2ZmXO4UqTx5cfopr8_5fB6DAfxdicZEVhEU1okRnBGyxFkrDoI3u2ipQDozWbbo5CCNwjgCrCp91u8/s2048/Corinne+Bailey+Rae+Inner2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="2048" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamjCgUVu29a2cwVJ0jJkperZZ-U3QjQb0ThiChYFmCrWQSRbfCAYkR_LnX0Idp2ZmXO4UqTx5cfopr8_5fB6DAfxdicZEVhEU1okRnBGyxFkrDoI3u2ipQDozWbbo5CCNwjgCrCp91u8/w919-h576/Corinne+Bailey+Rae+Inner2.jpg" width="919" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/s950/Runner+ups.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/w400-h43/Runner+ups.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Come to My Garden'/ Minnie Riperton (1970)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'CrazySexy Cool'/ TLC (1994)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Can't Take Me Home'/ Pink (2000)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i>What is your favourite album beginning with C?</i></span></h3></div></div><div><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>Gemmadragon1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02946790552515956577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106347462730943598.post-71876075793786842642021-02-07T11:47:00.002+00:002021-02-07T12:55:39.504+00:00Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds Vol. 2/ Jill Scott (2004): Albums of my Life: An A-Z <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguMF0jYkNnzjR_E_eV__mFJtv99TyNX5S4pyFJdRhlt_hS57pjNddjAQmY6X6eyaYVOWJqm1QX6-0iCOhD6ZQh7EfXUv6BsHdLULJ9uyzfj28xzEz6hifxp7rgR78gcfVjtzV6b-XziA/s950/Jill+Scott+Beautifully+Human.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguMF0jYkNnzjR_E_eV__mFJtv99TyNX5S4pyFJdRhlt_hS57pjNddjAQmY6X6eyaYVOWJqm1QX6-0iCOhD6ZQh7EfXUv6BsHdLULJ9uyzfj28xzEz6hifxp7rgR78gcfVjtzV6b-XziA/s16000/Jill+Scott+Beautifully+Human.png" title="Beautifully Human Jill Scott" /></a><br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTK4DeL4SBKLSH8iX_X13pb0hrQUlit9-Wg1ohcOnjWb1iNFl6fM_rMsIVH0P8zxEkDtrezaXv5k79gB32LmOEp6K7cQAxGpefZ0t9kXOyo5cWGFaBTa2ZFe4rAKp7P3HY4MSne_hlkk4/s950/I+can+remember1.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="42" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTK4DeL4SBKLSH8iX_X13pb0hrQUlit9-Wg1ohcOnjWb1iNFl6fM_rMsIVH0P8zxEkDtrezaXv5k79gB32LmOEp6K7cQAxGpefZ0t9kXOyo5cWGFaBTa2ZFe4rAKp7P3HY4MSne_hlkk4/w400-h42/I+can+remember1.png" width="400" /></a> <span style="font-family: arial;">...Jill Scott was such an exciting artist to find back in 2000. I think I came across her on a music channel (probably taking off her earrings in the '<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiR6sU1igKM" target="_blank">Gettin' In The Way</a>' video) and thinking 'who is this amazing, sassy woman?' That video was so iconic and her spoken word style was effortless and just so cool to me, different to the more poppy chart R n' B I was accustomed to. </span><div><div><span><a name='more'></a></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Another Jill Scott memory came later. In 2008, I was lucky enough to get to see her at The Brixton Academy for her 'The Real Thing' Tour. I never really had any friends who were into the more niche soul music as much as me, and I was now living away from home, so I got my music-loving dad to meet me in London, we saw the gig together, then I traveled back on the last train to Portsmouth alone! I'm so glad I booked the tickets and I would have gone alone if necessary (such is my love for Ms. Scott). My dad's music taste is not really rooted in this genre, but I think he actually loved it and could appreciate the musicality and pure talent in Jill's voice and her accompanying band. She is also such a warm and fun personality to see live. It made me love her that bit more to see how she performed and interacted with her audience. I'd love to see her again, and I know she was due to play the O2 last year, but canceled due to Covid. At the time, tickets were too expensive to seriously consider, but if she re-schedules in the future, maybe I'll dig deep and see if my dad fancies a 'Family Reunion' (tee hee!)</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShC4MreReGxoFhPucTRRT4TJ9F50Fe1sVC18abXZAPBwfyOSuAtqLSaUbleG6AHKh4MpW4VVnLQ31ArrTQyEkrLPBOuNdxp6VOXyJEf8vPlHIXgiI8fNpZEi4481Zj6x5W7wXT0ixydA/s2596/Beautifully+Human+Inner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1211" data-original-width="2596" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShC4MreReGxoFhPucTRRT4TJ9F50Fe1sVC18abXZAPBwfyOSuAtqLSaUbleG6AHKh4MpW4VVnLQ31ArrTQyEkrLPBOuNdxp6VOXyJEf8vPlHIXgiI8fNpZEi4481Zj6x5W7wXT0ixydA/w640-h298/Beautifully+Human+Inner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/s950/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/w400-h43/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Beautifully Human' is the follow up to Jill's first album, 'Who is Jill Scott?' which came out in 2000 and was a favourite at the time (and one I am still fond of). Her music is often put under the umbrella of neo soul and I suppose that's the genre I was mostly drawn to around my mid to later teenage years and early twenties. These are years where you think a lot about love and try to navigate early relationships; female role models are crucial to a young girl at this time. It's no coincidence that I was listening to the likes of Jill, India Arie and Pink whose empowering messages gave me comfort and inspiration. These women spoke to me (and still do) in a way that no-one else was able to. Their lyrics tell young women to hold their heads up and be unafraid to be themselves; to take a moral stance instead of being what society may suggest a young woman should be, or do, or look like; to celebrate being a woman in all facets. Unashamedly.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Jill Scott started as a spoken-word poet and has also acted. Her albums feature jazz sections, such as in 'Talk to Me' on this album, spoken word ('Cross My Mind'), R n' B and opera. For me as a young white girl, neo soul was a dip into a culture and genre different to what was immediately around me. It has always felt like the purest and most articulate portrayal of romantic love. The way that Jill and her peers sing about the high of being in love, or the deep pain of lost or unrequited love, it's like the work of a photo-realistic painter-- and I say this knowing it sounds daft, but that's the point. I'm from a world where no-one expresses or articulates any of that!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/s950/Favourite+tracks.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/w400-h43/Favourite+tracks.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vZq35f2KUjk" width="320" youtube-src-id="vZq35f2KUjk"></iframe> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>1. I Need You- </i><span style="color: #666666;">simple, true, strong, beautiful.</span></div></i></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>2. Cross My Mind- </i><span style="color: #666666;"><i>reminiscing about a someone when you know you shouldn't, but...</i></span></span><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>3. Talk to Me- </i><span style="color: #666666;"><i>a jazzy number- we've all been in a relationship like this one...</i></span></span></div><div><i style="font-family: arial;"><br /></i></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/s950/I+listen+to+this+when.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/w400-h43/I+listen+to+this+when.png" width="400" /></a><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... I want to go back to feeling like I'm young in the safety of knowing I am not quite so young anymore. There are also quite a few tracks that are fun vocal exercises to *try* to sing along to if you fancy a vocal workout!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/s950/Most+memorable+lyric.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/w400-h43/Most+memorable+lyric.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i style="color: #741b47;">'I can kill the spider above my bed</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="color: #741b47; font-family: arial;">Although it's hard because I'm scared.' </i><span style="font-family: arial;">('I Need You')</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I love the sentiment of this song-- knowing you are self-sufficient in every way, but needing someone in your life. So humble and true.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Or this...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmTAnrVk9IhEhTx6LYlOFZqzK58csXZ2o-STYymqOr3xRAsa5wnG6dZT5pTuDM1eAAlaP8S_p8wcfV6_AF7LTyQnwA-Wer3hyphenhyphenFlf5GFTHWD5Bp1UBHqUdNIsuviKdzuDb0KjPZKaGZRs/s2048/Bedda+at+Home+Lyrcis+Jill+Scott.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1708" data-original-width="2048" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmTAnrVk9IhEhTx6LYlOFZqzK58csXZ2o-STYymqOr3xRAsa5wnG6dZT5pTuDM1eAAlaP8S_p8wcfV6_AF7LTyQnwA-Wer3hyphenhyphenFlf5GFTHWD5Bp1UBHqUdNIsuviKdzuDb0KjPZKaGZRs/w640-h534/Bedda+at+Home+Lyrcis+Jill+Scott.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">To hear a woman express and reflect on feelings of lust in an album is very refreshing. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/s950/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/w400-h43/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... <i><b><span style="color: #f1c232;">Golden</span></b></i>, obviously (track 3, for reference).</span></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/s950/Runner+ups.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/w400-h43/Runner+ups.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Ben'/ Michael Jackson (1972)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Broadside' Bellowhead (2012)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i>What is your favourite album beginning with B?</i></span></h3></div>Gemmadragon1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02946790552515956577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106347462730943598.post-37406098870308748142021-01-31T13:59:00.001+00:002021-01-31T14:40:07.006+00:00Anywhere/ New Musik (1981): Albums of my Life: An A-Z <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOuAZsUjNCkRA-xSVEe4fEBEW07wydfgAOlsHD5nbis1xVMl-C0MyihGOijR5vANvGoZ-LEKb15oMB9WJPprGrTeab0hKowt9ZwEnB-IceoUjIMWumLLzTqFF92o8NtYygx-JZ95_UQk/s950/Anywhere+collage.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOuAZsUjNCkRA-xSVEe4fEBEW07wydfgAOlsHD5nbis1xVMl-C0MyihGOijR5vANvGoZ-LEKb15oMB9WJPprGrTeab0hKowt9ZwEnB-IceoUjIMWumLLzTqFF92o8NtYygx-JZ95_UQk/s16000/Anywhere+collage.png" /></a></div><br /> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTK4DeL4SBKLSH8iX_X13pb0hrQUlit9-Wg1ohcOnjWb1iNFl6fM_rMsIVH0P8zxEkDtrezaXv5k79gB32LmOEp6K7cQAxGpefZ0t9kXOyo5cWGFaBTa2ZFe4rAKp7P3HY4MSne_hlkk4/s950/I+can+remember1.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="42" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTK4DeL4SBKLSH8iX_X13pb0hrQUlit9-Wg1ohcOnjWb1iNFl6fM_rMsIVH0P8zxEkDtrezaXv5k79gB32LmOEp6K7cQAxGpefZ0t9kXOyo5cWGFaBTa2ZFe4rAKp7P3HY4MSne_hlkk4/w400-h42/I+can+remember1.png" width="400" /></a> <span style="font-family: arial;">...being young, six or seven maybe, and my parents always played music loud. Mum would play music whilst ironing, or just to let off steam herself-- having two small children around the house and all the chaos we entailed was probably no picnic at times! My mum played New Musik quite a bit and I although at that age it was just backdrop, it was the type of music that made me want to spin around in the middle of the carpet until I was dizzy and had to crash land on the sofa (Lionel Ritchie's 'Dancing on the Ceiling' had, heck, still </span><i style="font-family: arial;">has</i><span style="font-family: arial;">, the same effect-- in a good way!) It is music like this that laid dormant in my psyche for years, only for a craving for it to emerge years later as an adult. It's only as time passes that you reflect on the music your parents listened to and how it has impacted your own taste. My parents' choices, that were once, at best, catchy, and at worst, 'annoying', are in hindsight, pretty damn cool. Not least because they span a few genres and niches. I'm grateful for the passion for music they instilled in us by osmosis.</span><div><div><span><a name='more'></a></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I am a fan of New Musik's first album 'From A to B' too ('Straight Lines' and 'Sanctuary' were faves in our house), but this one might just edge it for me. It has been played in abundance over the last couple of years, especially after acquiring it on second hand vinyl from my local record shop-- kismet really.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwGU6bPF_75qwe8d2DLy2DLRICXBJbzRcDqblcTQwlySTz9GcjPQcLmtBFYIHREaIlxRl5Y5nLG0LX7Ol-eI3IW2tgaR8sTJfMXd8BAtXev7Cmg6birgPbXJF5jsbDlYV96H0dp6fRrQ/s2543/Anywhere+inner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="2543" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwGU6bPF_75qwe8d2DLy2DLRICXBJbzRcDqblcTQwlySTz9GcjPQcLmtBFYIHREaIlxRl5Y5nLG0LX7Ol-eI3IW2tgaR8sTJfMXd8BAtXev7Cmg6birgPbXJF5jsbDlYV96H0dp6fRrQ/w821-h400/Anywhere+inner.jpg" width="821" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/s950/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigy-_AjkvpF0h88C0a92WL-JAY0uLbYV5m-tbgq1IreM-XDJwCNw1b_a3usjCqzuFvy7IwjWF_rme4wr2t3kCMIq4-thbszIJHTiQ10o81uwMqpwZsRAoC3ZgmtohX1Ay-xoCxoSRia_w/w400-h43/The+appeal+of+the+album.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Anywhere' is a synthpop masterpiece in my opinion. From 1979-1982, New Musik, a group of South London school friends, came together to make three albums. This is the second offering and is upbeat, motivating and entrancing. The lead singer, Tony Mansfield's London accent can be heard which, for me, gives this band a homely and comforting feel. Mansfield is a songwriter and producer who has also worked with 80s groups such as a-ha.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The mark of a great album is where you can listen to the whole thing without wanting to flick to another track, and this is an example of one of those. The vocal effects that we seem to be expected to be oblivious to in modern chart music are exploited and experimented with authentically here. They are part and parcel of the genre and feel of the band's music- 'new' Musik for the early 80s.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/s950/Favourite+tracks.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DUExXe3CYzanHgpD0zCBU4wpBGZkPzqPpXsEEZ4sbaGQgC7C8AL7wN4-Yc6ycYEporYXO3IpSAC6_zZjY0aFeh5d6J9XfB2BrLwweYbk1hCLKut9o-DnHGNHaxSpnbm16w2JD04INto/w400-h43/Favourite+tracks.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QXz8GLhHW3E" width="320" youtube-src-id="QXz8GLhHW3E"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>1. While you Wait- </i><span style="color: #666666;">mesmeric: I feel like I'm in some kind of trance when I listen to it.</span></div></i></span><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>2. They All Run After the Carving Knife- </i><span style="color: #666666;">makes running easier!</span></span><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>3. Churches- </i><span style="color: #666666;">nostalgic as hell- my mum played this one a lot!</span></span></div><div><i style="font-family: arial;"><br /></i></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/s950/I+listen+to+this+when.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7A3JywJ0PzIZ9sj7nXV7ID0d8NcOL0DcJDLmk6cLuk2OhNS1aqEOPCehDw5a4aNEo2FF75RV9ZXrEF8gRMKLPBcqZ0JiKgBbLu3ELKH314hyqyY42vqgN7or4WXLc93qOJavRbUK1KY/w400-h43/I+listen+to+this+when.png" width="400" /></a><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... when running (it's incredible gym music); when alone in bed trying to forget the world (listen loud on good headphones); or when I'm walking (again, this is an escapist's dream).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/s950/Most+memorable+lyric.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozuXunVNzwmovivZMWMbRUfxWn6p3rxNy2ctYmar18rWwjIK01kYVgndgdQjfKguwsBvJ4yRvkcFyBQu7_BYMla9paGskof83rbKPnNzuaZ00YJoK7fhekfCB86WHlK1Q4_NYMpQo8ks/w400-h43/Most+memorable+lyric.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i style="color: #741b47;">'We've come too far. We can't turn back. We must go all the way.' </i>('While You Wait')</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Funnily enough, this is one of the few groups where I don't listen with intensity to the lyrics. Because the composition of the synths, percussion and guitar is so mesmerising, the lyrics are secondary to me. I remember these lyrics because they are so repetitive in 'While You Wait' and so commanding, like an anthem inciting action.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/s950/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEyeqYWMJYRu0hpW-QQsKrCRNYuvNyUjSp36nLzNAyix6zqxYxkc1-gmN6kWTHNqkNJECrGzUi1UU3TQN6Ej_j_AX17rgzk9CSBNSHe4UTkpf4_aNHktMYbxbfi7fkzCo_9oAQgQEc_w/w400-h43/If+this+album+was+a+colour.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... well the main colour on the album cover is sky blue, but if I was to re-release this on coloured vinyl I would make it a <span style="color: #af3be4;"><b>pearlescent amethyst purple</b></span> to celebrate its whimsy and new-age electronica vibes.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/s950/Runner+ups.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="950" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYntrQftAzFzBD2Q6_KwN-yHPxIShpyLdTxL_CfjR_KNO6zmlcNBgvLNyVJHCKJNBm76ry4ROwwy9Pt-tPnfkkxyUJH7F-t-VK0Ib3_YdCvyOCsgqekKsF0VmJwfT-3MVT7mpkvQWzIc0/w400-h43/Runner+ups.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">'Acoustic Soul'/ India Arie (2001)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">'Any Human Friend' Marika Hackman (2019)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i>What is your favourite album beginning with A?</i></span></h3><div><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="color: #800180; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div></div>Gemmadragon1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02946790552515956577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106347462730943598.post-63850455020357992572021-01-02T15:25:00.003+00:002021-01-02T15:25:26.738+00:00December: A Roundup<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGzD7csIzl6H3nfRmbdqYMA9vg0M5z3IZBUNn_cxy4BIgJgttzZklTDMCbxke59XA9sk0eHPXsTV61PyJBgIkdFVTJtN8thnoVYyG8XThzoD7lpr0sOUpQKHJB1CPB01udDAKH2CmbjM/s950/December+2020+collage.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGzD7csIzl6H3nfRmbdqYMA9vg0M5z3IZBUNn_cxy4BIgJgttzZklTDMCbxke59XA9sk0eHPXsTV61PyJBgIkdFVTJtN8thnoVYyG8XThzoD7lpr0sOUpQKHJB1CPB01udDAKH2CmbjM/s16000/December+2020+collage.png" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">2020 is over and for some it's as if we're purging ourselves of some devious foe who's been loitering around for far too long. 2020 was just another year, but instead of potentially being filled with personal grievances, it was (and still is) a shared grievance. Granted, I have been extremely fortunate personally, so I can talk about it from the point of view of being relatively unscathed, but unless Covid has touched our lives in the form of death, extreme ill health or job loss, we've done ok. People metaphorically high-fiving each other for surviving 2020 is, to my taste, rather nauseating if they have actually just not been able to go to the pub for a few months of the year.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">December was dark and wet and bleak. There was no family celebration, drinks or food with friends or other festivities. There was not a Christmas tree at home. But that was ok. It needed to be that way, and Christmas is what you make it. We had lovely food and presents and company within our little unit, some didn't have that.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm not ready to reflect on the year because it feels that until we find out what is happening with work and vaccines and tier systems, it is just a continuation of 2020's situation. We must buckle up and just get on with it. Mentally, shutting down and watching Netflix is a good option. Twitter, less so. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">December brought illness (again, probably not Covid related-- miraculously seeing as I've been in a room with coughing and sneezing teenagers all day); exercise (then not, due to gym closures); and eating, lots of eating. Now it's just more of that maybe (trying to get out for walks and maybe runs if it's not too slippery). Who knows.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But the 'Photo a Day' challenge is completed once again. It has been a pain to say the least, but a constant-- and with constancy comes comfort. So maybe for the new year, something else will come to fill its place. We'll see.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>Gemmadragon1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02946790552515956577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106347462730943598.post-78531168751858278782020-12-31T18:14:00.004+00:002020-12-31T18:14:53.653+00:00A Photo a Day 2020 #366<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7szAt6smLeF2zlDlts8G8b3_mS051mCDY4m4pbERmEEWnqyudC2xwsgwn19asGyl3qS2M0loKwcWY2pVj446kR0n_df00EDxmSbCdD6BVoJbzOP1Ha5fQGG0iWeYAfX2cyGLcnjFncg/s2048/44963573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7szAt6smLeF2zlDlts8G8b3_mS051mCDY4m4pbERmEEWnqyudC2xwsgwn19asGyl3qS2M0loKwcWY2pVj446kR0n_df00EDxmSbCdD6BVoJbzOP1Ha5fQGG0iWeYAfX2cyGLcnjFncg/w366-h640/44963573.jpg" title="Over" width="366" /></a><br /><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">A roundup will follow, but wow, what a year. </span></p>Gemmadragon1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02946790552515956577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106347462730943598.post-63900869154732866422020-12-30T20:17:00.004+00:002020-12-30T20:17:55.428+00:00A Photo a Day 2020 #365<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtP2JGdBiS2iZ20PPzRlCFV5ErHCeXyep0Lcjjkim8fmPAtbyMTOCnPyCVmOSedJy66Jh2ouj7fKPHzFpm53k6mWP6zSLsBTp_3f5dqDMkuX8a6XtJSWMbcMEAqOfmUfNGKMohDGjx1Aw/s2048/226970923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1315" data-original-width="2048" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtP2JGdBiS2iZ20PPzRlCFV5ErHCeXyep0Lcjjkim8fmPAtbyMTOCnPyCVmOSedJy66Jh2ouj7fKPHzFpm53k6mWP6zSLsBTp_3f5dqDMkuX8a6XtJSWMbcMEAqOfmUfNGKMohDGjx1Aw/w640-h410/226970923.jpg" title="2020" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Gemmadragon1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02946790552515956577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106347462730943598.post-27238930983176009752020-12-29T19:18:00.003+00:002020-12-29T19:18:41.080+00:00A Photo a Day 2020 #364<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdV_gG5T1PTP3ctk_AVEWHaEd0kuUayc3ZhKrL-YgQd8_6nP92srnP_Li3izgRzWpbZlxFoKJsIXwsC2Kr7BIYkWmHpiE-HsCkR2iUlXVDmtXBYy0_4KzgWris0vy83DfEEu9jObP54KY/s2048/203918064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="2048" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdV_gG5T1PTP3ctk_AVEWHaEd0kuUayc3ZhKrL-YgQd8_6nP92srnP_Li3izgRzWpbZlxFoKJsIXwsC2Kr7BIYkWmHpiE-HsCkR2iUlXVDmtXBYy0_4KzgWris0vy83DfEEu9jObP54KY/w640-h344/203918064.jpg" title="With Love" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Bit of an awkward hand, but I'm an awkward person so...!</span><p></p>Gemmadragon1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02946790552515956577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2106347462730943598.post-20029106700575388392020-12-28T17:33:00.006+00:002020-12-28T17:33:48.916+00:00A Photo a Day 2020 #363<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFw8zbyrPhYK4mJc-ZzRnBrvpES9GCC-OexTNNz4-6gig4DJA5twSY5G4s6BKBa70E4gUdhSbLc7ZFWO3kHbrIaSTdHLGYOH1ExA-n2u9PRGfG1ylz8dfGrs1wNDbClB-koJ2yd6x6ts/s950/Red+Lion+950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFw8zbyrPhYK4mJc-ZzRnBrvpES9GCC-OexTNNz4-6gig4DJA5twSY5G4s6BKBa70E4gUdhSbLc7ZFWO3kHbrIaSTdHLGYOH1ExA-n2u9PRGfG1ylz8dfGrs1wNDbClB-koJ2yd6x6ts/s16000/Red+Lion+950.jpg" title="Red Lion" /></a><br /><br /></p>Gemmadragon1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02946790552515956577noreply@blogger.com0