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-- Posted by Tall Wall on 12:12 am on Dec. 16, 2006
Hi folks,
Its me. The one who kept complaining about the Warbles series; format, scale, etc. Well, I've bought the whole box set, a (large) thing of beauty (apparently some guy who hangs out here sometimes did the artwork: 1950s throwback to kids' stamp collection album - very nicely done), and decided instead of complaining about a fait accompli, I would lend a hand to the As-Yet-Non-Warbled by providing a track-by-track, volume-by-volume, guide to the music. (it may take several years. its a big collection)
Let me first state my bias: 'new', well polished 'songs'. The kind that may have made a new XTC or Partridge album (or three).
I'll try to help potential buyers decide which tunes they must have (available as individual downloads, 50p each) and those they might consider interesting, but not essential.
All my opinion, of course.
Without further ado....
(Edited by Tall Wall at 3:31 pm on Mar. 8, 2007)
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-- Posted by doc on 12:49 am on Dec. 16, 2006
Looking forward to it TW; shoud you perhaps do this in a structured manner, one a week, one a day with time for us to annoint you for agreeing with our opinions or tear you to shreds for dissing our fav fuzzy? Me, I'm looking forward to your imput.
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-- Posted by Tall Wall on 10:43 pm on Dec. 17, 2006
Fuzzy Warbles vol.1(Guide to the Essential)
Dame Fortune - Fun, happy, bouncy, Beatlesque singalong. Good song. Essential
Born Out of Your Mouth - Loping, easy, catchy, strong melody and some excellent lyric lines. Solid Partridge.Essential
Howlin’ Burston - A short, mock blues bit for a local radio DJ’s show. You get to hear some of Andy’s versatility on this one, especially his voice, which is virtually unrecognizeable as a deep, growling bluesman. Interesting but non essential.
Don’t Let Us Bug Ya - Snappy, jazzy, clever kids’ tune. Best mouth faked trumpet solo I’ve ever heard. “Enough to make your bald hair, curl, man“. Essential
That Wag - The band trying to get through That Wave in the studio. You get to hear nutty genius Andy behind the scenes, doing a number of voices and accents: Hilarious Robert Smith (who‘s got my lips?), Morrissey, Mr Jinx(?), and an incredible Bob Dylan among others. Interesting but non essential.
That Wave - Andy’s home version of the excellent song. Already fully worked out before XTC recorded it for Nonsuch. Interesting but non essential.
Ocean’s Daughter - Big sounding, short, tuneful, synth orchestral instrumental. Those wishing to dip a toe in non-song Partridge might find this among the more accessible tracks. So much so that I’m almost tempted to declare it Essential, but perhaps most might consider it Interesting but non essential.
Everything - Unabashed sorrow. You don’t love me anymore. None of the humour, in even his sad songs, we’re used to. Good melody, good lyrics. Slightly demo-ish sound quality. Haven’t decided yet, I'm really tempted to call it Essential, but for the sake of leaness , and this is a tough call, for now I'll say Interesting but non essential.
MOGO - Instrumental. Not super compelling musically, at least to these conservative ears. Sorry AP. Definitely different from what we’re used to, though. Interesting but non essential.
Goosey Goosey - Strong, fun, Beatlesque song. Essential
Merely a Man - Andy’s home version. Pretty close to the album version we already know.Interesting but non essential.
EPNS - Another instrumental. Electronica with de-tuned piano lines. A bit more compelling musically, but more a background/mood piece. Interesting but non essential.
Summer As Hot As This - An AP song that falls a wee bit short of his usual brilliance, imo. Maybe a re-worked melody would do it? I like the kickass groove though. Better than 80% of the crap out there. Interesting but non essential.
Miniature Sun - Great song you already know. Amazing how worked out Andy’s home version is. Interesting but non essential.
I Bought Myself a Liarbird - Great song you already know. Amazing how worked out Andy’s home version is. Interesting but non essential.
Complicated Game - Young Andy strumming and mumbling the initial spark of a tune. Rough demo quality. Interesting but non essential.
Wonder Annual - Lyrically, classic, naughty, clever, risqué Partridge. Melodically, I’m having a bit of trouble getting into it. For that reason I’m leaning towards Interesting but non essential.
Space Wray - Remember those surfer guitar instrumentals? Andy does one in outer space. Interesting but non essential.
Rocket - Blew my shoes, socks and specs off upon first listen. Driving 6/8(?) jazz time signature. Left field vocal melodies. Naïve, evocative lyrics (Ernest Noyes Brookings). King Crimson meets Steely Dan. Essential
To summarize, here are the tunes I would recommend downloading if you wish to go the downloading route:
Dame Fortune
Born Out of Your Mouth
Don’t Let us Bug Ya
Goosey Goosey
Rocket
Some may (I expect will) argue for the inclusion of
Everything and/or
Wonder Annual. Again, in the interest of guiding downloaders to the leanest, meanest collection of essentials, I've wrestled myself down to the above five for the first volume. 2.5 pounds for 5 solid AP tunes. Damn good deal if you ask me.
If you want to get a glimpse of Andy’s incredible talent for voices (and general sillyness), That Wag might interest you. For a taste of his instrumentals, Ocean’s Daughter gets my vote.
Of course, you could always buy the whole thing so as not to miss out.
(Edited by Tall Wall at 3:32 pm on Mar. 8, 2007)
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-- Posted by doc on 12:08 am on Dec. 18, 2006
Your analysis is spot on Tall Wall. You even called the things I'd put up for discussion. I'd put Everything in the Essential category for sure, and probably Wonder Annual, and both ahead of Goosey Goosey for me. Don't get me wrong Goosey Goosey is good just its a B+ to the others A/A+ for me. Looking forward to hearing the rest of your reviews.
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-- Posted by Tall Wall on 12:12 am on Dec. 18, 2006
Like I said, Everything was a tough call, as was Wonder Annual.
But I think in terms of immediate accessability, Goosey Goosey beats them.
Interesting that we're debating the rejects of his rejects.
Sad commentary on modern music that they often beat out the best of the best of other artists.
(Edited by Tall Wall at 3:28 am on Dec. 18, 2006)
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-- Posted by Bulloney on 12:32 am on Dec. 18, 2006
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Quote: from Tall Wall on 8:43 pm on Dec. 17, 2006
Fuzzy Warbles vol.1(Guide to the Essential)
That Wag - ... Mr Jinx(?)
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I think he means the cat from the "Pixie and Dixie" cartoons:
I actually thought he was saying Mr. Jiggs at first, until I caught a Pixie and Dixie episode recently and noticed the cat sounded like Andy on That Wag.
Edited to add that I like your thread, Tally. I'd say "Everything" is essential, but then you haven't had the set very long and it didn't jump out and grab me right away. Maybe it'll grow on you.
(Edited by Bulloney at 10:38 pm on Dec. 17, 2006)
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-- Posted by Tall Wall on 12:43 am on Dec. 18, 2006
I do not remember that cartoon, Bullseye.
And Everything has sort of already worked its way onto my internal Essentials list.
Just trying to keep it lean for those intimidated by an 8-1/2 CD collection.
(Edited by Tall Wall at 9:52 pm on Dec. 18, 2006)
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-- Posted by MaxPower33 on 1:36 am on Dec. 18, 2006
I agree with just about everything. I'd also call "Everything" essential, though. And though I like "Don't Let Us Bug Ya", I don't know what he was thinking with the line "enough to make your bald hair curl". It just sounds WAY too much like something else, especially for a Disney movie.
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-- Posted by Tall Wall on 1:56 am on Dec. 18, 2006
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Quote: from MaxPower33 on 4:36 am on Dec. 18, 2006
I agree with just about everything. I'd also call "Everything" essential, though. And though I like "Don't Let Us Bug Ya", I don't know what he was thinking with the line "enough to make your bald hair curl". It just sounds WAY too much like something else, especially for a Disney movie.
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Not sure what you're saying with regards to "bald hair", Max. Too similar to what? I see bald-headed insects with curled antennae/hair.
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-- Posted by Elbee on 2:31 am on Dec. 18, 2006
Great comments.
I'd also include Everything and Wonder Annual (as well as Summer Hot as This) in my Essentials List.
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-- Posted by doc on 2:39 am on Dec. 18, 2006
Yeah Goosey is immediate but Everything just grows and grows, its definately in my fav 10 from the whole set of fuzzies.... of course that may say a lot about me.
And your right Tall Wall, we're discussing the minutiae of his rejects (for lack of a better word) because they are 100x better than most anything you hear new these days.
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-- Posted by alclarke on 12:50 am on Dec. 20, 2006
I'd have included Summer Hot As This and Wonder Annual as essential too.
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-- Posted by Pellepennan on 7:09 am on Dec. 20, 2006
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Quote: from Tall Wall on 2:43 am on Dec. 18, 2006
Wonder Annual - Lyrically, classic, naughty, clever, risqué Partridge. Melodically, I’m having a bit of trouble getting into it. For that reason I’m leaning towards Interesting but non essential.
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Tally, you must be out of your mind.
Wonder Annual belongs to the top five fuzzies! Just listen again more carefully and you will get it my son, I promise...
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-- Posted by Bulloney on 8:46 am on Dec. 20, 2006
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Quote: from Pellepennan on 5:09 am on Dec. 20, 2006
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Quote: from Tall Wall on 2:43 am on Dec. 18, 2006
Wonder Annual - Lyrically, classic, naughty, clever, risqué Partridge. Melodically, I’m having a bit of trouble getting into it. For that reason I’m leaning towards Interesting but non essential.
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Tally, you must be out of your mind.
Wonder Annual belongs to the top five fuzzies! Just listen again more carefully and you will get it my son, I promise...
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Sorry, Pelle. I'm with Tally on this one.
I've tried because I know others have raved about it, but it just doesn't do it for me. I don't hate it or anything, just can't say I love it.
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-- Posted by Pellepennan on 10:07 am on Dec. 20, 2006
Well Bulloney, maybe it´s a song mainly for men. (Not suggesting anything here Tally! :wink.) After all the song is about the wonders with vaginas...
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-- Posted by Tall Wall on 12:28 pm on Dec. 20, 2006
Pelle, I know it'll grow on me musically (when I say 'interesting', I actually mean interesting). But let's face it, XTC fans are conservative in their tastes (as we have been reminded), so many will consider Wonder Annual a challenge. And I'm trying to limit the essentials to 5 tunes per Warble, to assist the individual downloaders (as well as spark some debate).
(Edited by Tall Wall at 3:59 pm on Dec. 20, 2006)
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-- Posted by Bulloney on 4:04 pm on Dec. 20, 2006
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Quote: from Pellepennan on 8:07 am on Dec. 20, 2006
Well Bulloney, maybe it´s a song mainly for men. (Not suggesting anything here Tally! :wink.) After all the song is about the wonders with vaginas...
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I knew you'd say that.
But subject matter aside, it just doesn't grab me melodically or rhythmically.
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-- Posted by doc on 7:49 pm on Dec. 20, 2006
I'd put Wonder Annual in the top 5 on this fuzzy, but not the top five overall, I'm not as fond of it as some. Does strike me as interesting Tall Wall that you find this a challenge to get into but loved Rocket immediately, which for me also took some time to get into (but well worth it) as I'd say its more un-conservative and unusual for Andy.
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-- Posted by Pellepennan on 9:11 pm on Dec. 20, 2006
One thing that also is interesting is that for some is "Rocket" and "Wonder Annual" songs that never have heard before. While me and others heard those tracks more than ten years ago. It gives things a special perspective, I think.
I remember for example reading about that old man – Ernest Noyes Brookings – writing poems and that Andy had put music to one of his poems, "Rocket". And then effort, long before I used the Internet, to find the record. I wrote several letters and finally got hold of the man doing the actual record and could order two of them.
But Bulloney, how could you know that I should use the vagina argument? Am I that easy to read!? :biggrin.
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-- Posted by Elbee on 10:06 pm on Dec. 20, 2006
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After all the song is about the wonders with vaginas...
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You're about 2 inches (5cm) too far south. But don't worry; a lot of men get it wrong.
:biggrin:
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-- Posted by doc on 2:37 am on Dec. 21, 2006
No I Elbee, I'm an expert in "anatomy" :cheesy:
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-- Posted by Pellepennan on 3:46 am on Dec. 21, 2006
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Quote: from Elbee on 1:06 am on Dec. 21, 2006
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After all the song is about the wonders with vaginas...
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You're about 2 inches (5cm) too far south. But don't worry; a lot of men get it wrong.
:biggrin:
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What? How the hell did I manage to become a father twice!?
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-- Posted by Tall Wall on 4:52 am on Dec. 21, 2006
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Quote: from doc on 10:49 pm on Dec. 20, 2006
I'd put Wonder Annual in the top 5 on this fuzzy, but not the top five overall, I'm not as fond of it as some. Does strike me as interesting Tall Wall that you find this a challenge to get into but loved Rocket immediately, which for me also took some time to get into (but well worth it) as I'd say its more un-conservative and unusual for Andy.
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Rocket probably grabbed me because its driving, and it has that weird time sig. I grew up listening to Yes and Rush, bit if Crimson, tons of Zep. more recently I've fallen in love with the old Jazz standards and I find Rocket's melody very jazzy in rythmn and note choice.
Plus kickass sound.
It really jumped out at me.
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-- Posted by Pellepennan on 5:55 am on Dec. 21, 2006
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Quote: from Pellepennan on 12:11 am on Dec. 21, 2006
One thing that also is interesting is that for some is "Rocket" and "Wonder Annual" songs that never have heard before. While me and others heard those tracks more than ten years ago.
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I like to quote myself!
But it´s actually around 15 years ago. Time flies...
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-- Posted by HumbleThing Returns on 11:05 pm on Dec. 21, 2006
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Quote: from MaxPower33 on 8:36 am on Dec. 18, 2006
I agree with just about everything. I'd also call "Everything" essential, though. And though I like "Don't Let Us Bug Ya", I don't know what he was thinking with the line "enough to make your bald hair curl". It just sounds WAY too much like something else, especially for a Disney movie.
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I have got to say I really agree with this statment. I mean I think the songs he wrote for James and the Giant Peach are delightful, but he can't seriously have thought that "bald hair curl" would fly as a song for a children's movie - can he? Not only does it sound remarkably like "ball hair curl" but it's very strange and obtuse for a line in a children's song. I love it, don't get me wrong, but I can understand why Disney refused it. I'm SO sorry, but I felt I had to say it.
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-- Posted by Tall Wall on 4:36 am on Dec. 22, 2006
I do not get the ball hair curl reference.
Please explain.
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-- Posted by tiny little switch on 10:50 am on Dec. 22, 2006
Isn't it.*Bald *hair curl Tally........ a Partridge style joke!!
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-- Posted by Tall Wall on 3:19 pm on Dec. 22, 2006
Yes, its 'bald hair', but I don't get the 'ball hair' thing.
Are we talking testicles?
Andy snuck his testicles into a kids' song?
Is that the issue?
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-- Posted by Daniel Andre Roy on 4:02 pm on Dec. 22, 2006
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Quote: from HumbleThing Returns on 9:05 pm on Dec. 21, 2006
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Quote: from MaxPower33 on 8:36 am on Dec. 18, 2006
I agree with just about everything. I'd also call "Everything" essential, though. And though I like "Don't Let Us Bug Ya", I don't know what he was thinking with the line "enough to make your bald hair curl". It just sounds WAY too much like something else, especially for a Disney movie.
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I have got to say I really agree with this statment. I mean I think the songs he wrote for James and the Giant Peach are delightful, but he can't seriously have thought that "bald hair curl" would fly as a song for a children's movie - can he? Not only does it sound remarkably like "ball hair curl" but it's very strange and obtuse for a line in a children's song. I love it, don't get me wrong, but I can understand why Disney refused it. I'm SO sorry, but I felt I had to say it.
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"Bald hair curl"... We mustn't be doing a good enough job of educating our children. Why is it that in the 21st century, Lewis Carroll's Alice books are only read, enjoyed and appreciated for their humour by educated adults? *With* annotations?
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-- Posted by HumbleThing Returns on 12:58 am on Dec. 23, 2006
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Quote: from Tall Wall on 11:36 am on Dec. 22, 2006
I do not get the ball hair curl reference.
Please explain.
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It SOUNDS like "BALL hair curl"...many people have misheard this including me...I think you should be able to find it on the misheard lyrics thread...sorry I am too lazy to go find it.
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-- Posted by HumbleThing Returns on 1:00 am on Dec. 23, 2006
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Quote: from Daniel Andre Roy on 11:02 pm on Dec. 22, 2006
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Quote: from HumbleThing Returns on 9:05 pm on Dec. 21, 2006
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Quote: from MaxPower33 on 8:36 am on Dec. 18, 2006
I agree with just about everything. I'd also call "Everything" essential, though. And though I like "Don't Let Us Bug Ya", I don't know what he was thinking with the line "enough to make your bald hair curl". It just sounds WAY too much like something else, especially for a Disney movie.
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I have got to say I really agree with this statment. I mean I think the songs he wrote for James and the Giant Peach are delightful, but he can't seriously have thought that "bald hair curl" would fly as a song for a children's movie - can he? Not only does it sound remarkably like "ball hair curl" but it's very strange and obtuse for a line in a children's song. I love it, don't get me wrong, but I can understand why Disney refused it. I'm SO sorry, but I felt I had to say it.
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"Bald hair curl"... We mustn't be doing a good enough job of educating our children. Why is it that in the 21st century, Lewis Carroll's Alice books are only read, enjoyed and appreciated for their humour by educated adults? *With* annotations?
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Yes, I agree with your sentiment, I'm just saying he should have known that Disney would not appreciated it. I certainly do, but we know that most of the world isn't quite on par intellectually with XTC fans!
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-- Posted by HumbleThing Returns on 1:01 am on Dec. 23, 2006
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Quote: from HumbleThing Returns on 8:00 am on Dec. 23, 2006
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Quote: from Daniel Andre Roy on 11:02 pm on Dec. 22, 2006
| Quote: |
Quote: from HumbleThing Returns on 9:05 pm on Dec. 21, 2006
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Quote: from MaxPower33 on 8:36 am on Dec. 18, 2006
I agree with just about everything. I'd also call "Everything" essential, though. And though I like "Don't Let Us Bug Ya", I don't know what he was thinking with the line "enough to make your bald hair curl". It just sounds WAY too much like something else, especially for a Disney movie.
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I have got to say I really agree with this statment. I mean I think the songs he wrote for James and the Giant Peach are delightful, but he can't seriously have thought that "bald hair curl" would fly as a song for a children's movie - can he? Not only does it sound remarkably like "ball hair curl" but it's very strange and obtuse for a line in a children's song. I love it, don't get me wrong, but I can understand why Disney refused it. I'm SO sorry, but I felt I had to say it.
|
"Bald hair curl"... We mustn't be doing a good enough job of educating our children. Why is it that in the 21st century, Lewis Carroll's Alice books are only read, enjoyed and appreciated for their humour by educated adults? *With* annotations?
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Yes, I agree with your sentiment, I'm just saying he should have known that Disney would not appreciate it. I certainly do, but we know that most of the world isn't quite on par intellectually with XTC fans!
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-- Posted by Tall Wall on 1:16 am on Dec. 23, 2006
Fuck Disney.
"Enough to make your bald hair curl, man" is a good lyric.
And I, for one, do not hear Andy's testicles in this song.
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-- Posted by doc on 2:01 am on Dec. 23, 2006
I agree with you Tall Wall, the lyric bald hair curl is wonderful. I never misheard it the other way myself.
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-- Posted by favoritething on 5:04 pm on Dec. 31, 2006
I never heard it as "ball hair", but I do find the line just a shade too cute, though I love the song otherwise.
On Tall Wall's Essentials, I would substitute "Everything" for "Goosey Goosey". On "Wonder Annual" I agree it's clever, but there's a disconnect for me (and not because I'm not into women!): the melody line that contains the title sounds to me like it's describing something unpleasant, when Andy's intention is just the opposite. Maybe it's just me.
I've been collecting this series from the beginning, and I recently listened to the whole box in sequence over two days, so it's all fresh in my mind. This is a nice round-up, TW!
And thanks, all, for making me laugh out loud reading this "ball hair" debate—I'm pretty sure Andy was not consciously slipping his testicles into a children's song, but...um..."Cherry In Your Tree", anyone?
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-- Posted by doc on 3:08 am on Jan. 1, 2007
Cherry In Your Tree did end up a children's song but that wasn't the intent when written. It was to be for the bubble gum album, so the cheezy puns make sense. I think don't let us bug you was written specifically for the movie so quite different intentions.
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-- Posted by favoritething on 10:22 am on Jan. 1, 2007
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Quote: from doc on 1:08 am on Jan. 1, 2007
Cherry In Your Tree did end up a children's song but that wasn't the intent when written. It was to be for the bubble gum album, so the cheezy puns make sense. I think don't let us bug you was written specifically for the movie so quite different intentions.
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Still, Andy did submit "Cherry" for a children's album, knowing that adults would get the meaning of the titular object as their kids bounced to the rhythm.
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-- Posted by MaxPower33 on 6:57 pm on Jan. 1, 2007
For those who aren't familiar with the other version of Cherry In Your Tree, Andy changed the lyrics "Making love to you" to "baking love with you" to make it more kid-friendly. And there are other changes too ("Pour a little soul now right into the bowl now", and "I'm the chef of the treble clef, roll into the flour now, knead it for an hour now"). Personally, I much prefer the Carmen Sandiego version to the Fuzzy Warlbes one.
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-- Posted by doc on 1:28 am on Jan. 2, 2007
I agree with you Max
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-- Posted by saturnboy on 6:11 pm on Jan. 4, 2007
I like your "top 5" Wallington, but I agree with the good doctor and others that Everything is an essential. It's one of the demo songs I wish had been recorded "properly". I posed the question to good Mr. P. about giving it another look, but no answer as of yet.
Nice guitar work and awesome lyrics/imagery -
"Everything, everything, everything
We ever dreamt or planned
You tell me just blew away like
Confetti from some opened hand..........."
Sboy
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-- Posted by Tall Wall on 3:00 am on Jan. 5, 2007
Yes, brilliant bloody lyrics once again from the man who murdered my confidence in songwriting. But, Ileft it out ouf the top five because 1) it slightly demo-ish 2) its uncharacteristically, blatantly sad 3) I'm trying to keep it lean.
BTW, interesting how many listeners replace Goosey with Everything. Goosey is way underappreciated imo.
Excellent musically and silly Lennon-on-acid lyrics.
Great lost Beatles track.
(Edited by Tall Wall at 5:47 pm on Jan. 9, 2007)
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-- Posted by Jordan on 4:22 am on Jan. 5, 2007
Just wanted to jump on the bandwagon and say it makes no sense to me how you'd leave out "Everything."
It is one of Andy's best songs.
Jordan
P.S. I really don't think Rocket is very good, so obviously we may not agree on all things
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-- Posted by Homesick on 1:04 pm on Jan. 9, 2007
Hey TW, when are you going to carry on unfuzzying the warbles?
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-- Posted by Tall Wall on 2:48 pm on Jan. 9, 2007
Volume 2 coming soon.
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-- Posted by doc on 7:20 pm on Jan. 9, 2007
Can't wait Tall Wall, and then you can stop taking a beating over Everything!
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-- Posted by Tall Wall on 7:34 pm on Jan. 9, 2007
Hey, the point of the exercise is to assist downloaders, so I'll gladly take a beating on my top 5 essentials.
The tribe has spoken.
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-- Posted by Tall Wall on 10:33 pm on Jan. 11, 2007
Fuzzy Warbles vol.2 (Guide to the Essential)
Ridgeway Path - Instrumental. Short, swaying, scenic, choppy dirty-organ (mellotron) with tuneful legatto lines overtop, plus a touch of mock-strings. I like this one and might recommend it as a non-song appetizer. Interesting but non essential
I Don’t Wan’t To be Here - Now we‘re talking. Solid Partridge. Raw energy, power pop.
Lyrically, some subtly uncharacteristic AP lines (‘..could not get me drunk..“), but they totally work. Gives you the impression he’s too picky with ’his’ own songs (Liner notes say partly written for Cathy Dennis, who rejected it as ‘too wordy’. Never heard of it her. Go figure.) Women (and men) who’ve fantasized about sleeping with Colin (bet there’s not much sleeping involved) get to hear him playing bass and laying down some, deep, smokey harmony and counter-melody. Have I mentioned I like this song? Essential
Young Marrieds - Vignette ‘bout newlywed domestic life. A few ‘English’ references I don’t get, but solid (bittersweet?) song any way you look at it. Essential
No One Here Available - Short, novelty, hyper-reggae, answering machine message penned for AP relative in ‘85. Funny. Interesting but non essential
Obscene Procession - Crazy, freak show, circus parade march. Subject: The untrustably flawed animal that is man. A hint of warped Roger Waters à la ’the Wall”. I see Andy in garters and stockings, twirling a baton (but that’s just me). Slightly, I mean slightly, demo-ish sound. Don’t let that stop you. Essential
Miller Time - Short, instrumental, up/mid tempo, African Calypso riff. I don’t hear watery beer in it, but could have been expanded (and expounded) to, I guess. Interesting but non essential
You’re The Wish You Are I Had - Great song you already know. Amazing how worked out Andy’s home version is. Interesting but non essential
Ra Ra Rehearsal - Clunky home demo made at Dave Gregory‘s house (Dave bangs out piano and engineers) of AP idea. Interesting but non essential
Ra Ra For Red Rocking Horse - Re-worked (in the shed?) Demonstrates how adept AP is at infectious beats/rythmns, a VERY underrated quality of XTC music in general, imo. Lyrics take on an ‘XTC as underdog’ approach. Its growing on me, but get ready to poop on the reviewer, ’cause I’m declaring it…Interesting but non essential
Everything’ll Be Alright - Another Disney-inspired song-to-order. You’ve got to wonder if writing for other people agrees with AP. Every tune in that ‘category’ I’ve heard so far is outstanding. This one is a simple-ish, feel good, clever, kids’ tune. The man should dip into the children’s market. Again, prepare to poop on me, but in terms of top 5 on this disc…Interesting but non essential
25 O‘Clock - Grittier than the version you know. Great song you already know. Amazing how worked out Andy’s home version is. Interesting but non essential
GOOM - Another instrumental. Background-ish soundscape. Interesting but non essential
Chain of Command - Way early (’79?), teen-testosterone, church basement version of early XTC. Interesting but non essential
All of a Sudden - AP’s initial short, tape deck, mumble-jibberish spark. TOTAL inspiration to home amateurs. Hey, he fumbles in the dark too! Interesting but non essential
Summer’s Cauldron - Great song you already know. Amazing how worked out Andy’s home version is. Where I‘d comment further is his dreamy falsetto over the guitar lines. Interesting but non essential
Then She Appeared - Great song you already know. Amazing how worked out Andy’s home version is. Interesting but non essential
It’s Snowing Angels - Easy, jazzy, snowy, brush-snare, tin pan, toe-poking-through-shoes tune. Andy sings in a low, light, nasally way (20s radio crooner?). Essential
Ship Trapped in the Ice - Excellent tune. XTC as a ship trapped in the ice. Essential
To summarize, here are the tunes I would recommend downloading if you wish to go the downloading route:
I Don’t Want to Be Here
Young Marrieds
Obscene Procession
Its Snowing Angels
Ship Trapped in the Ice
If you want instrumental Andy, Ridgeway Path is a cool track.
(Edited by Tall Wall at 1:54 am on Jan. 12, 2007)
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-- Posted by doc on 1:56 am on Jan. 12, 2007
Great to read another review oh tall one. I agree with most all of what you said. Only things I differ on are smallish, I'd put Everything will be Alright just ahead of Obscene Procession, but can see the argument that being a kids song it is more of a category of its own than the other XTCish outakes. Easy enough to just download the James and the Giant Peach songs as an entity by themselves. I agree with you on Ra Ra for Rad Rockinghorse, but think you will get some passionate responses on that one. Looking forward to your further reviews.
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-- Posted by Dear Mr Echo on 8:33 am on Jan. 12, 2007
Great thread Tall Wall and some interesting comments. It will be interesting to see if your opinion/choices change after living with the songs for a while. I wasn't immediately taken with things like Goosey Goosey, Young Marrieds or indeed Wonder Annual but after a few listens they have become some of my favourites.
I'm surprised by how many people love Rocket - it's a very, very unusual song (and not just because of the lyrics). I love it's momentum and it seems to capture a genuine feeling of travelling out into the infinite vastness of space. It makes me think of The Doors and Kraftwerk put in a blender.
I also love the demo version of Summer's Cauldron on Vol 2 with that wonderful bright guitar playing the melody that got the melodica treatment on Skylarking.
Looking forward to more
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-- Posted by Polar Bear on 9:20 am on Jan. 12, 2007
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Quote: from doc on 4:56 am on Jan. 12, 2007
I agree with you on Ra Ra for Rad Rockinghorse, but think you will get some passionate responses on that one.
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Indeed, doc. My gawwd, I LOVE this song!!! And the lyrics are like "The history of XTC" in 222 seconds! And the WHISTLING!! Ooooooo!!
Here are some words about the song from critics all around the world/the forum.
Spastic Minnow: "yeah, truly one of the great finds when I first downloaded it with a bunch of other demos a few years back and it sounds even better cleaned up on FW. The phrasing is pure playful partridge. love it."
Abek Hands: "Wow. You guys hit a raw nerve! I LOVE this song. The guitar sounds like some kind of industrial machine or an enormous insect! I dare anyone to feel bad after listening to this..."
Rah Rah: "So good it named me twice... "
PeerTree: "I love this effort- makes me happy despite some of the message (or what I understand to be the message). Andy keeps on ridin' and has a hold tight on the reins too. This ditty is feel-good- the rhythm sometimes makes me feel like Debra Winger on her mechanical bull ride in Urban Cowboy Frisky cowgirl!"
Mr Tein: "I still cant figure, though, which version I prefer,. The raw accosutic or the beefed up harder edged song? Better than a lot of stuff in the XTC top songs we just did i feel"
Andy P: "Red Rocking Horse is XTC."
But I'm not surprised, Tall Wall, as you labelled Wonder Annual as "interesting but not essential". Sweet Jesus!!! I rank this song as one of the THREE best songs Andy has ever written.
(Edited by Polar Bear at 12:24 pm on Jan. 12, 2007)
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-- Posted by Tall Wall on 12:17 pm on Jan. 12, 2007
Hey, I never said I don't like Red Rocking Horse (or Wonder Annual).
Just prefer others, and suspect the conservative-eared such as me might agree.
But let me have it!
Discuss.
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-- Posted by favoritething on 2:16 pm on Jan. 12, 2007
I would probably say "Ra Ra" just edges out "Obscene Procession" for me. I like "Obscene Procession", with its weirdly askew childish view of the world (somehow reminds me of "Frost Circus" in that way), but "Ra Ra" just packs more of a punch. Everything else I agree with, including the fact that "Everything'll Be Alright" is not quite up to the "essential" rating of some of the other "Peach" songs.
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-- Posted by Dr Hugbine on 2:19 pm on Jan. 12, 2007
Personally I prefer Miller Time to Obscene Procession (although I can see why this might not be a popular preference) - otherwise in absolute concurrence with your summary. No-one's right, eh? (Bimble, feel free to disagree [winky face icon]).
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-- Posted by Dr Hugbine on 2:22 pm on Jan. 12, 2007
PS Colin's backing vocals on I Don't Want To Be Here are the most generous and understated since - oh I don't know what. Hmmmm.
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-- Posted by Pellepennan on 5:51 pm on Jan. 12, 2007
Tally wally I follow you in the fuzzy alley, you are doing a good job here. Just replace Obscene Procession with Everything Will Be Alright and everything will be alright! :biggrin:
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-- Posted by Tall Wall on 5:58 pm on Jan. 12, 2007
Obscene Procession has more qualities, musically and lyrically, to stimulate a sophisticated intellect such as mine.
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-- Posted by Pellepennan on 7:40 pm on Jan. 12, 2007
WALOB! :biggrin:
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-- Posted by Jordan on 7:07 am on Jan. 13, 2007
?!!?!?!?!?!?!?
You pick Obscene Procession over Rocking Horse?!? WHAT?
I can't even listen to OP more than 2 or 3 times. It's interesting but gets so annoying. It's mainly a stylistic excersize, lyrically and musically.
I have listened to Rocking Horse 100000 times because it gets better the more you hear it, is incredibly catchy, and literally puts me in a great singalong mood whenever I hear it.
It's more personal and emotionally revealing than "Obscene Procession"
I'm shocked. Shocked.
Who won the course besides the fact that no one bet him INDEED.
-Jordan
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-- Posted by Jordan on 7:17 am on Jan. 13, 2007
Oh plus:
I would drop "I Don't Want To Be Here" and stick in "Everything Will Be Alright", BECAUSE the demo version (of "be here..") on the last Warble I find to be far superior, sadder, and more of an achievement and essential than the stripped down benefit version.
That way you can have more original songs on the list.
-Jordan
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-- Posted by Tall Wall on 3:54 pm on Jan. 13, 2007
Yes, I pick Obscene Procession over Red Rocking Horse.
Crazy, huh?
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-- Posted by Jordan on 8:32 pm on Jan. 13, 2007
Yes...why???
Again, in terms of essential Andy songs that are important, Red Rocking Horse is emotionally revealing, ALL ABOUT XTC (sounds kind of essential?), not to mention holds up to repeated listenings, which I found Obscene Procession to NOT do.
Obscene Procession is...cute...but it's really not a revealing song that's about anything in particular, besides Andy trying to put "Animal Farm" to music. Doesn't Andy eat meat? What does he care about animals being killed for meat? It's a stylish excersize, like some of the instrumentals on Warbles.
"Ra Ra..." comes from the heart. It's about Andy, his life, his career in XTC...being kicked down and still persevering.... It is an essential song for XTC fans.
If only one of these songs could be on a real xtc album, recorded properly, you would rather Obscene Procession? It would get old SO fast...it is gimmicky. Ra Ra is not gimmicky.
Again, because of these factors, I still don't understand the choice.
Jordan
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-- Posted by Dr Hugbine on 8:51 pm on Jan. 13, 2007
Ooh, ooh - fight! Let there be one correct answer - and let it be mine! (no room for opinion here, friends?)
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-- Posted by barb on 9:03 pm on Jan. 13, 2007
Well, I'll throw my opinion into the pot here, just for the heck of it....
"Obscene Procession", "Ra Ra For Red Rocking Horse", and "Everything'll Be Alright" are *all* brilliant songs, no question about it. I would rank them all "essential". But if I had to pick just one of the three, "Obscene Procession" would edge the others by a finely split hair. I don't think it's so much an anti-meat or pro-vegetarian song as it is Andy commenting on human nature using an "outsiders" viewpoint. A crazy, loopy, wonderful ride.
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-- Posted by Tall Wall on 1:34 am on Jan. 14, 2007
Why do I prefer Obscene Procession?
Hmmm....its melody is stronger for one thing.
The attitude is also darker, more extreme, more negative than were used to from a (arguably) 'positive' songwriter.
The theme is totally connected to the music too.
Drunken, crazy, marching...Obscene Procession.
Paints a (moving) picture.
Jumps out at me and pulls me in.
It works on all levels.
Whereas Ra Ra is a bit weaker melodically, especially the line "Ra Ra for Red Rocking Horse.."
What should be the strongest part of the song is relatively the weakest, so its anti-climactic (sp?).
It also sounds like Andy's trying to jam as many syllables as he possibly can into the melody.
Yes, we know he tends to be wordy, but he approaches auctioneer territory on this one.
(OK, I'm exaggerating.)
And although I like the rythmn, but I don't feel the connection with a Rocking Horse.
Maybe too fast.
Keep in mind, Jordo, that young people tend to like more hyper music, while old people like me like music that 'sits' in a comfier pocket.
That could be an issue as well.
Regarding lyrics, I'll be honest, I haven't gone over any of the lyrics with a fine tooth comb.
I tend to absorb song as melody, sound, attitude first.
If that grabs me, I'll investigate the lyrics further.
Also, like most people, my tastes change.
Some of what I liked at 21 is completely unlistenable to me today.
Conversely, stuff I once hated is now sublime pleasure.
In any case, if I were you, the only thing I'd worry about is what you get a kick out of.
But if you feel compelled to warn others about my dangerously misleading views, don't be shy.
This will help bring balance, and hopefully a bit of consensus, to potential downloaders.
BTW, I like Disco.
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-- Posted by Jordan on 3:25 am on Jan. 14, 2007
>>Keep in mind, Jordo, that young people tend to like more hyper music, while old people like me like music that 'sits' in a comfier pocket. >>
Well...maybe, but Obscene Procession is anything but comfortable. It's loud, grating, obnoxious, like it's constantly punching you in the face .Now I LIKE the song, but I don't see what that has to do with anything.
Whereas I find Ra Ra to be soothing, production wise better balanced...everything just flows a lot better. It's got a peppier tempo, that's it.
I had to turn the volume WAAAY down once when I was listening to OP on headphones, because the instruments and mix is VERY VERY grating and sharp.
I also just flat out disagree with Ra Ra's melody being weaker...I think OP's melody is weaker and kind of repetitive and...grating. I just feel like that whole song is really stretching on the nerves a bit.
The attitude of OP is darker but I just think it's lyrically WAAAY obvious, and seems more like Andy's TRYING TO BE darker than it actually IS dark.
Jordan
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-- Posted by Tall Wall on 4:51 pm on Jan. 14, 2007
Well, there you go.
You've made an excellent case for Ra Ra.
It doesn't make MY top 5 on Vol.2, however.
That may change down the road, but after a dozen listens, that's where I stand.
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-- Posted by Jordan on 7:24 pm on Jan. 14, 2007
Ha, thanks
I just want to say with all sincerity that I DO love this thread, and look forward to all your Fuzzy break downs.
Jordan
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-- Posted by Tall Wall on 7:34 pm on Jan. 14, 2007
Cool.
I'm looking forward to more discussion.
Need to give vol. 3 a few more listens before the next write-up.
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-- Posted by Polar Bear on 8:30 pm on Jan. 14, 2007
You can't argue about these things, can you? I like this thread too, Tall Wall. People like different songs. One prefer this one, the other one another. It just happens that I sometimes believe a tune has been overlooked by too many people. I think Wonder Annual is such a tune, not mentioned as often as it should be. After listened to FW2 for some weeks, I read somewhere that Andy thought it was one of his best unrecorded songs ever, but that the song was turned down (twice? thrice?) by the others in the band. He's got very good taste that man!
And if lust equals knowledge
then I side with the snake
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-- Posted by Tall Wall on 1:24 pm on Jan. 15, 2007
I think I've figured out another reason why I like Obscene Procession; its the melody....kind of jazzy yet catchy. I like jazz.
(Edited by Tall Wall at 2:03 am on Jan. 17, 2007)
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-- Posted by Pellepennan on 1:45 pm on Jan. 15, 2007
Yeah Tally, this a very good thread. I´m glad you finally got warbled!
Jazz? Have you heard patricia Barber? Very smooth and cool stuff...
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-- Posted by Tall Wall on 2:16 pm on Jan. 15, 2007
Never heard of mizz Barber, Pelle.
I guess I'm most familiar with the American song 'standards' performed by '50s & '60s singers (Sinatra, Dearie, Fitzgerald etc), the poppier side.
But some instrumental stuff like Miles Davis, Coltrane, Ellington too.
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-- Posted by Pellepennan on 3:04 pm on Jan. 15, 2007
Ah, then you will like Patricia! Her two best albums is "Modern Cool" (with a superb version of Lifht My Fire) and "Café Blue" (with a superb version of The Thrill Is Gone. Read more here:
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Here is a few songs to check out:
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(Edited by Pellepennan at 7:09 pm on Jan. 15, 2007)
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-- Posted by Tall Wall on 3:05 pm on Jan. 15, 2007
cool, thanks Pelle.
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-- Posted by Pellepennan on 3:06 pm on Jan. 15, 2007
Eh, but her latest album "Mythologies" is far from her best...
Anyway, if you dig cool, smooth, well produced jazz, then you better check out the two albums I mentioned in the previous post!
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-- Posted by favoritething on 12:11 am on Jan. 16, 2007
Hmm, I've had her on my CD Universe wish list for a while now. Maybe I should think about taking action. "Verse" is the album I'd read about.
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-- Posted by favoritething on 12:15 am on Jan. 16, 2007
Tall Wall: I wonder if you'll be commenting on tracks where the demo is arguably better than the released version. I know I have a few candidates.
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-- Posted by Tall Wall on 1:51 am on Jan. 16, 2007
If something jumps out at me, favo, but my overall impression is pretty well cut and paste: amazing how worked out they are compared to the studio versions.
He knew what he wanted and knew how to get it.
The differences are mostly subtle from what I've heard so far (Summer's Cauldron dreamier, 25 O'clock ballsy-er, That Wave swimmier).
But by all means chime in with your thoughts.
Its probably an aspect I'm brushing over compared to non-XTC album tunes.
(Edited by Tall Wall at 2:05 am on Jan. 17, 2007)
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-- Posted by doc on 2:33 am on Jan. 16, 2007
It's understandable you would gloss over the demos of released songs as they aren't nearly as essential as brand new Partridge nuggets of genius. Still some are pretty good, or have a background vocal that didn't make the final version (especially the skylarking stuff when you can tell more that someone else had a hand in doing a bit more than just making a cleaner version of the demo). It is uncanny how well worked out his demo versions are, I can hear how Dave may have wondered what there was left for him to do at times.
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-- Posted by favoritething on 10:08 pm on Jan. 16, 2007
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Quote: from doc on 12:33 am on Jan. 16, 2007
It is uncanny how well worked out his demo versions are, I can hear how Dave may have wondered what there was left for him to do at times.
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If you haven't listened to Andy's podcast over at the Ape site yet, he addresses this very issue!
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-- Posted by doc on 12:40 am on Jan. 17, 2007
Thanks, I haven't had a chance to hear it yet.
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-- Posted by The Lost Jockey on 12:57 pm on Jan. 17, 2007
Just catching up with this thread which is very interesting.
1 I love Obscene Procession - I wish it had made a final cut (Skylarking wasn't it?) with a real marching band and the swish of majorettes' batons in the background. I'm keen on Andy's "off kilter but not too weird" stuff (eg yes to Prince of Orange, no to "GOOM" ).
2 I compiled a "best of" once all the discs were out and mostly left the ultimately released demos off with two exceptions, one being Summer's Cauldron. There's something gorgeously hypnotic about the Fuzzy version lost on the more matter of fact (but still brilliant) Skylarking cut.
Keep going TW!
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-- Posted by Tall Wall on 2:59 am on Jan. 19, 2007
Fuzzy Warbles vol.3 (Guide to the Essential)
My Train is Coming - Another commissioned song that turned out great but got rejected. Andy doing his Beatles circa 1962, complete with harmonica, background vocals, simplish lyrics, and chunky 7th chord guitars. The good old days when a catchy tune needed less that 3 minutes. Not a sophisticated XTC-type song, but that’s the whole point. Essential
Lightheaded - Good song. Love the rise to release in the verses. Interesting non-rhymes in places. Sticking in my light head. Essential
Goodbye Humanosaurus - A loping, catchy, poppy Nonsuch cast off about our impending extinction. Only problem is one section was later recycled for Then She Appeared, which I’m having a problem getting past. Its a good song, and would have fit in with the Nonsuch tunes, but its messing with my enjoyment of Then She Appeared. Here’s the controversial verdict… Interesting but non essential.
Humble Daisy - Great song you already know. Amazing how worked out Andy’s home version is. Interesting but non essential.
You Like Me? - Cool, fun, funny instrumental. “…disco music from 1920s Shanghai…” as AP describes it. That sums it up perfectly. I’d like to hear more of this kind of stuff from him. Guest voice by his lady love. Interesting but non essential
Great Fire - Great song you already know. Amazing how worked out Andy’s home version is, especially considering he was using 1983 technology. Cleaned up, but demo-ish sound quality. Particularly interesting is his use of a pyrex bowl for the fire bell, and squawking out lines on the sax. Interesting but non essential.
Work - A sublime ode to work. Reminds me of his Disney inspired tunes. I like it. Apparently Colin and Dave didn’t. Essential
Mopti Fake 1 - AP trying to mimic a folk music combo from Mali. Accoustic guitars and percussive thudding, with an off kilter rhythm. Interesting but non essential.
Collideascope - Great song you already know. Amazing how worked out Andy’s home version is. Heavier than the Dukes’ version. Interesting but non essential.
Mopti Fake 2 - AP adds a couple of voices, and a xylophone(?) to version 1. What’s cool here is that you get to hear him stretching, trying different styles of music, different melodies and rhythms. Interesting but non essential.
When We Get to England - AP’s search for England, which he claims ‘never quite had it’. While I can see what he means, there’s a lot of great music and lyrics in here,. Only the briefest moments perhaps could have been tweaked. Work on it some more AP! Could have been really good. Its really growing on me. This is a tough one….. Interesting but non essential.
Train Running Low on Soul Coal - Great song you already know. Amazing how worked out Andy’s home version is. Interesting but non essential.
Holly Up on Poppy - Great song you already know. Very, very amazing how worked out Andy’s home version is. Note for note. Interesting but non essential.
Strawberry Fields Forever - Yep, the Beatles tune. What’s cool for XTC fans is you get to hear Dave Gregory duplicating the original music, note for note for note. Uncanny. AP supplies Lennon’s voice. Also uncanny. Seriously, you may not believe how dead on a copy it is. (For more Dave Gregory demos, you may want to check out the never released ‘Remoulds’, where DG replicates a number of 60s songs. Pink Flamingo and Because are my faves, for the melodies and the fact that they showcase his voice the best.) Interesting but non essential.
Autumn Comes Around - An unfinished song idea. Gentle tempo, jazzy chords, good melody, good lyrics. What a shame he never completed it. I keep coming back to this one. Andy, if you're not going to finish it, let someone else have a go, no? I don’t expect many to agree with me, but I’m calling this one…. Essential
Child’s Crusade - Cool instrumental. Crazy, drunken Beefheart beat tied by rubber bands to syncopated, choppy, clean guitars. They’re all bouncing off each other. Interesting but non essential.
Little Lighthouse - Great song you already know. Amazing how worked out Andy’s home version is. More testicles than the Dukes’ version, especially the punk bass. Interesting but non essential.
This is The End - Good AP song. Perhaps a tad long at over 5 minutes. Fatalism or mournful acceptance?
Essential.
Put it On Again - Accapella(sp?). Part gentle boot camp march, part barber shop quartet. All urging you to put it on again. Interesting but non essential.
To summarize, here are the tunes I would recommend downloading if you wish to go the downloading route:
My Train is Coming
Lightheaded
Work
Autumn Comes Around
This is the End
For an instrumental, the choice is tougher. For fun, You Like Me? Insight into AP’s exotic experimentation, Mopti Fake 2. Beefheartian synchopation, Child’s Crusade.
So far, this is the most varied Warble, with forays into many different styles. Its also the one I’m the least firm on regarding my choices, so Jordan and Polar Bear won’t get too much of a fight out of me. Ah well, maybe the next one.
(Edited by Tall Wall at 6:17 am on Jan. 19, 2007)
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-- Posted by Jordan on 6:01 am on Jan. 19, 2007
This indeed is a very tough one.
I agree with you except I would trade "My Train is Coming" for "When We Get To England"
My reasoning because "Train" is fun and great, but yes it is generic, and it does NOT hold up well to repeated listenings (I have skipped the track a few times).
"England" is just beautiful, and even though the demo is simple, the chords are so complex and original, and the lyrics are more personal (again, this reason alone beats out "train"), so I feel this is Essential, while "Train" falls just beneath that line.
I think personal songs more from the heart should normally beat out the more genre excersize projects, especially a fluffy song like "Train."
I think I would also trade in "Autumn Comes Around" (which I adore) for "Goodbye Humanasaurus"....
"Goodbye" is a very interesting demo, a full song, very fun to listen to and it actually does grow on you. I always forget he used the pre-chorus for "Then She Appeared." The rhythm of the song, that WEEEEEIRD intro where Andy says in a falsetto something like "sooo tell me how it is!!" How bizarre! I still can't wrap my head around that. It's just completely against any conventional way to begin a song. So strange. Am I the only one who reacts this way to that?
Autumn, my god, it's so great, I love it...But it's just so short.
Errrgh but if it was longer it WOULD beat out "Goodbye H..."
This is tough.
-Jordan
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-- Posted by Dr Hugbine on 2:45 pm on Jan. 19, 2007
Interesting comment about "Strawberry Fields". My i-pod shufled it up a couple of nights ago when I was working - when it was over I looked for the AP/DG version for comparison - and realised it was the "cover" I had just listened to. As you say, not essential - but a fascinating (and doubtless instructive for the participants) exercise. And where the heck does one acquire "Remoulds" (should've been Colin, surely?) from? Lucky blighter.
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-- Posted by Tall Wall on 5:30 pm on Jan. 19, 2007
Jordo, can't argue much with your spin, other than I'm perhaps not as quick to dismiss what you term 'genre exercises'. I enjoy the craft aspect, and its interesting and insightful to hear your fave songwriters stretching.
But, again, you are making a good case to potential listeners who like a bit more meat in their sandwiches.
'England' is indeed gorgeous in most spots, but there's a reason he felt it 'never quite had it'. Then why release it? Same with 'Autumn'. Why tease us like that? Finish it.
I guess they were being bootlegged and he wanted to clear the decks.
A damn shame.
Regarding 'Goodbye', I have no problem recommending that song, as long as the shared section (Then She Appeared) doesn't distract you.
It drives me freaking nuts!
I keep following it by singing "Cherubim cheered, then she appeared....Oi! What's going on? Stop! Stop the song! That's wrong. You're not supposed to go there...."
My hang up, I guess.
Huggy, a fairy dropped it into my mail box.
I actually emailed DG saying "Um, this cool CD sort of dropped in my lap. What do I owe you for this musical manna, Mr. Gregory?"
No reply.
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-- Posted by Jordan on 6:16 pm on Jan. 19, 2007
You know, I do recall the first few times I heart "Goodbye H" I was expecting the chorus for "Then She Appeared."
But what happened was, I hadn't really listened to Nonsuch...AT ALL, and I was listening to all the Fuzzy Warbles very often. So "Then She Appeared" actually LOST priority in my mind. Scary.
I don't even agree with Andy that "England" never quite had it. I think it's just a solid, great song. Oh well.
And you know what? If "Autumn" appeared on an album as it is, just a minute long, it would still be great. Hell a lot of my own songs are only a minute long. Some of them are my personal favorite. Not everything needs to be beefed up. Short songs are often my favorites. It's just a little dash of emotion... Like a punch, or a hug. Just quick in and out. Like how a thought might enter your head.
-Jordan
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-- Posted by doc on 12:36 am on Jan. 20, 2007
There's a pattern here Tall Wall. Love your insights and agree with 4/5 of your essentials. I'd bump Work to number 6 and put When We Get To Enland in at no. 5. Having said that Work does appear quite high on my iPOD most played list interestingly.
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-- Posted by favoritething on 1:03 am on Jan. 20, 2007
I would have to bump "Autumn Comes Around" for "When We Get To England". "Autumn" is lovely, but as you say, it's unfinished, or seems so.
And "My Train Is Coming&
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