|
|
Post by Mathias on Jul 31, 2010 20:03:07 GMT 1
And I think I'm one of the few who isn't that disappointed that "Over It" and "Ears Painted On" didn't make the cut!  The way I look at it is - we have live versions available on YouTube of those two songs. If they were put on the album, then two other songs that we haven't heard yet wouldn't have made it!  -- Marie  Now you're talking! Exactly the way I think.... Instead of looking at the negative/bad sides of this release, let's just look at the positive sides (which outnumber the bad stuff IMO)! In 1,5 month we'll have 12 beautiful songs to listen to....and Team Sharon knows how we feel about the songs that were omitted. Unlike with The Corrs (and I mean the way they weren't that present online), I'm confident we will get our wish and hear them someday...one way or the other! |
|
|
|
Post by cw on Aug 4, 2010 12:04:41 GMT 1
OK, some further news since then. Apart from tasteless references to marsupial "roadkill" & seeking to throw your furry correspondent into the cookpot  , Bonnar has been out periodically "feeding the chooks" with little tit-bits. Along with comments regarding the Alhambra video shoot, he Tweeted yesterday of "@sharon_corr shooting beautiful scenes on the beach! This is going to be great! Que calor!"No mention of whether he, himself may have been called into service as "cabana boy". Frankly, I worry about his capacity NOT to lower the entire exercise to slapstick  but on the other hand, Da Missus may prefer him gainfully employed rather than soaking up the laughing juice. Gratuitous pot-shot now out of the way .... further Tweets possibly added more questions than answers. "You have not heard the last of EPO or OI. It is a multitude of riches, that's @sharon_corr's only problem. Butterflies is so beautiful...."Some folk have interpreted this to mean EPO & OI as bonus tracks. Frankly, it can be read any number of ways. Bonus tracks .... maybe; conversely it could be taken as they may feature on "Shaz Take II" .... or fans could hear still hear them live should she get out on tour. He's certainly pushing Butterflies. "She only wrote Butterflies a few weeks ago and it simply HAD to be on the album. Wait until you hear it and you shall see why."Much as I deplore his disrespect for Antipodean fauna, I'm not going to quibble with his artistic judgement at this stage. Am definitely interested in hearing this track. |
|
|
|
Post by magnficentfan on Aug 4, 2010 23:21:40 GMT 1
Some folk have interpreted this to mean EPO & OI as bonus tracks. Frankly, it can be read any number of ways. Bonus tracks .... maybe; conversely it could be taken as they may feature on "Shaz Take II" .... or fans could hear still hear them live should she get out on tour. Count me on the "bonus track" bandwagon. Undoubtedly, Team Sharon is reading the boards. And, undoubtedly, they've seen the negative reaction to leaving EPO & OI off the album. My take is on it is that Gavin Tweeted what he did to appease fans, and let them know that those tracks aren't headed for the trash can. I have my doubts that they would resurface on any future Sharon (or Corrs) album since they've already been "out there." I'm sure she'll play them, at least some times, on tour. Once Sharon goes on tour, what about a "Live" album or EP featuring live versions of songs that she plays on tour? That could also feature OI or EPO (or both) as bonus tracks, much the same way the Japanese "Live" release featured "Rainy Day." -- Marie |
|
|
|
Post by DazedOblivion on Aug 5, 2010 6:45:31 GMT 1
I wrote a reply to this yesterday morning, but then my computer malfunctioned and I lost everything. (I have been having operating system problems and may finally have to abandon XP).
Essentially, what I meant to say was that I am amazed how "Butterflies" has been able to be incorporated into the album at this late stage in the game. All along, the creative process and timetable for this album has been organic, flexible, serendipitous, and unhurried. There's a pride and commitment to the end product that might be equated to the process of a chef creating an award-winning dish. I'm getting the sense that Sharon has savoured this experience of creating a musical work, of remaining open to inspiration and keeping her eyes open for opportunities that suddenly would come in her path. I have enjoyed this process immensely largely because the communication with the fans has been so amazing.
|
|
|
|
Post by cw on Aug 5, 2010 7:03:03 GMT 1
Count me on the "bonus track" bandwagon. Undoubtedly, Team Sharon is reading the boards. And, undoubtedly, they've seen the negative reaction to leaving EPO & OI off the album. My take is on it is that Gavin Tweeted what he did to appease fans, and let them know that those tracks aren't headed for the trash can. I have my doubts that they would resurface on any future Sharon (or Corrs) album since they've already been "out there." I'm sure she'll play them, at least some times, on tour. Once Sharon goes on tour, what about a "Live" album or EP featuring live versions of songs that she plays on tour? That could also feature OI or EPO (or both) as bonus tracks, much the same way the Japanese "Live" release featured "Rainy Day." -- Marie On a future Corrs release, don't think so & let's face it, I wouldn't be wagering the homestead on label backing for a 2nd solo album at this stage. I took it as open ended .... maybe bonus tracks/likely to be heard live. Who knows Re Butterflies, Peter the site admin made an interesting forum post about this one "I'll back Gavin up on this one (not that you wouldn't believe him!) - Butterflies is an absolutely beautiful song. A very soft, elegant song accompanied only (I think) by a piano.
I've often heard her talk about Joni Mitchell as being a big influence of hers, but on this song I've really heard that shine though. Well, that and Six Train. It's in the same style as something like River - www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCov0TYXBp8 - only a little less depressing"Weeelll, if it is anything near THAT quality then it certainly speaks volumes for the artistic quality of the album which already has 2 clear gems in STB & Women of Ireland. Sharon has a track record of writing quality "lighter" songs in SY & Radio but I feel she has showns signs of considerably more depth with Goodbye. Am definitely looking forward to this track. A reservation that I have had since the songlist was confirmed was that the vibe of the album may have been diverted too overtly romantic & even "too soft" rather than the "portrait of the artist as a whole" it may have been. If there are more such numbers as Butterflies, then the "lighweight/soppy" concern is certainly muted. A question that still remains is just how much of a counterbalance remains. Many people saw EPO & OI not only as great numbers on their own but also as the necessary counter in tempo & emotionally to the INADs & slow tempo songs. Having decided seemingly to go with a "theme", I can understand the rationale to cut EPO/OI as being too dischordant with the ruling "vibe". However, there still will need to a counterbalance somewhere in the album with regards to tempo & where is it ? Cooleys Reel ... conceivably .... the Stuart Cable track ... maybe. Will be curious to see how they have finally addressed this as it will be a criminal shame to see what will UNDENIABLY be an artistically beautiful album "pigeonholed" & potentially passed over by the media for these or allied reasons. |
|
|
|
Post by magnficentfan on Aug 5, 2010 20:04:45 GMT 1
On a future Corrs release, don't think so & let's face it, I wouldn't be wagering the homestead on label backing for a 2nd solo album at this stage. No, although a certain someone on Twitter has indicated that it's likely that there will be another Corrs album. It may not be for several more years, though. I'm certainly not holding my breath for it, though. Weeelll, if it is anything near THAT quality then it certainly speaks volumes for the artistic quality of the album which already has 2 clear gems in STB & Women of Ireland. Sharon has a track record of writing quality "lighter" songs in SY & Radio but I feel she has showns signs of considerably more depth with Goodbye. Am definitely looking forward to this track. Interesting to hear you consider Radio as a "lighter" song. SY, absolutely, but I've always thought that Sharon was able to convey the depth of loneliness in the lyrics of that song. I always considered that to be a very strong song, although her masterpieces to date, in my opinion, are Say & Rain. -- Marie |
|
|
|
Post by DazedOblivion on Aug 8, 2010 5:45:41 GMT 1
On a future Corrs release, don't think so & let's face it, I wouldn't be wagering the homestead on label backing for a 2nd solo album at this stage. I actually think it is highly likely that Sharon will do another album and she already has some studio recordings that are being held in reserve. Sharon has stated that she wants to continue making music all her life, so I don't envision Dream of You being the last. Even assuming that Marie is right about "Ears Painted On" and "Over It" being "out there" for too long, I don't imagine that an average, casual music consumer is going to be aware of this. I'm not saying Marie is wrong, but rather that I personally don't understand the logic of it. To me, whether or not a song has already been performed in public should have no bearing on whether a studio version gets released. The Corrs released a studio version of "Old Town" very late in the game. It's not quite the same situation since it got released on MTV Unplugged and, by that time, fans had already adopted this live version as definitive. A reservation that I have had since the songlist was confirmed was that the vibe of the album may have been diverted too overtly romantic & even "too soft" rather than the "portrait of the artist as a whole" it may have been. If there are more such numbers as Butterflies, then the "lighweight/soppy" concern is certainly muted. A question that still remains is just how much of a counterbalance remains. Many people saw EPO & OI not only as great numbers on their own but also as the necessary counter in tempo & emotionally to the INADs & slow tempo songs. Having decided seemingly to go with a "theme", I can understand the rationale to cut EPO/OI as being too dischordant with the ruling "vibe". However, there still will need to a counterbalance somewhere in the album with regards to tempo & where is it ? Cooleys Reel ... conceivably .... the Stuart Cable track ... maybe. Will be curious to see how they have finally addressed this as it will be a criminal shame to see what will UNDENIABLY be an artistically beautiful album "pigeonholed" & potentially passed over by the media for these or allied reasons. I think your concerns are valid, CW. We'll find out if the tracks included will have such an emotional balance. Going back to hits such as "Hit the Road, Jack" and "I Never Loved You Anyway" and beyond, fans of popular music have long embraced a vitriolic "tell off" song. I thought "Ears Painted On" a perfect emotional counterpoint to "It's Not a Dream." The third aspect to Sharon is her instrumentals wherein her fiddle essentially takes the role of lead vocals. I feel that both "Rebel Heart" and "Silver Strand" added an additional dimension to In Blue and Borrowed Heaven. So "Mná Na h’Éireann" will that track on this album, right? Interesting to hear you consider Radio as a "lighter" song. SY, absolutely, but I've always thought that Sharon was able to convey the depth of loneliness in the lyrics of that song. I always considered that to be a very strong song, although her masterpieces to date, in my opinion, are Say & Rain. Marie, I agree with your estimation of "Radio." Well said. CW, you do make a good point that Sharon's songwriting has both sides to it. I'll miss "Jenny's Chicken's" since I was planning on using BOTH "Cooley's Reel" and "Jenny's Chickens" as selling points amongst my trad-loving acquaintances. |
|
|
|
Post by cw on Aug 8, 2010 16:28:20 GMT 1
Interesting comments, Marie. In retrospect, I may have been doing an injustice in classifying Radio as a lighter number. In that light, it could probably be seen as a transitional step in Sharon's development as a songwriter ... in any regard, it's definitely stood the test of time far better than most IB songs.
Might agree to disagree re Say & Rain. Say is very polished, smooth commercial pop, and a wonderful vehicle for Corrs female harmonies however there is nothing distinctive about it to identify it as a Corrs number as against any other "generic" artist. Rain certainly has some lyrical distinction but can see the justification as to why it never made the setlist.
Steve, you've hit the nail on the head. The lady's CV, as a writer/composer, is one that a vast number of recording/performing artists would envy. Perhaps we see another reason why she's attracted the calibre of collaborators that we've seen.
|
|
|
|
Post by DazedOblivion on Aug 8, 2010 18:08:16 GMT 1
I love "Say", long thinking that it is one of the most underrated of the Corr songs. I enjoy the interesting action in the backing vocals, which follows an old tradition that I was happy to see revived when the Bangles came along in the 1980's. I enjoy the incredible harmonies on "Rain" too. If you ask me, I think that ALL the songs on In Blue are still standing the test of time! I've always been intrigued by the reception that In Blue gets among Corrs fans. I have often defended In Blue at forums, as I've seen it get attacked by some people at other forums for the very "smooth commercial pop sound" you mention, CW. If I remember correctly, In Blue was their most successful album in the U.S. whereas in the UK, it was Talk On Corners. There may be a geographic distinction in musical palette in play. The other theory I have is that, among the long-term fans - those who had about four years of listening to develop an understanding of the "Corrs sound" - In Blue, with its bend toward pop, came along and upset the cart of what was expected from the Corrs. In contrast, I came around as a fan in the second half of 2004 and heard every album to date almost simultaneously and had no preconceptions regarding what sound to expect from the Corrs. To date, I have enjoyed every one of the albums, though there have been variations in style and sound. The Corrs have always been a fusion and an amalgamation of genres. It may create headaches for those who like to classify and categorize, but it sounds great! Sharon's album will be no different. |
|
|
|
Post by magnficentfan on Aug 8, 2010 22:50:51 GMT 1
Might agree to disagree re Say & Rain. Say is very polished, smooth commercial pop, and a wonderful vehicle for Corrs female harmonies however there is nothing distinctive about it to identify it as a Corrs number as against any other "generic" artist. I've always thought of Say as having some of the strongest lyrics that Sharon has written. It's as if there's a dichotomy that she's trying to work through with lyrics... the darkness being losing her mother and the light being her relationship with a certain someone. There's that element of feeling like it's okay to be happy, and that it's okay that things will get better even though there's such a darkness enveloping things at that period of time. It's okay not to dwell in the dark, but also at the same time realizing that things won't ever be the same again. I've never thought of Say as a typical love song. The harmonies and production are actually secondary, IMO. They're beautiful, and they remind me of Brian Wilson's work - Good Vibrations comes to mind. (Actually had the opportunity to mention this once when I met Sharon, and she was quite surprised and flattered with the comparison. But it's true!) -- Marie |
|
|
|
Post by magnficentfan on Aug 9, 2010 3:24:48 GMT 1
I love "Say", long thinking that it is one of the most underrated of the Corr songs. I enjoy the interesting action in the backing vocals, which follows an old tradition that I was happy to see revived when the Bangles came along in the 1980's. I enjoy the incredible harmonies on "Rain" too. Funny you mention the Bangles, Steve. They've been a favorite of mine for years! It's too bad Michael left the band, though. Back on the subject.... the very first time I heard Head In The Air - it just screamed Bangles right at me! Ironically, when I played for friends of mine who were massive Bangles fans.... they didn't make the connection at all. To me, Head In The Air is the song with all of the jangle pop vibe, much like the Bangles or early REM. It would have done quite well on late 80s college radio. I've always been intrigued by the reception that In Blue gets among Corrs fans. I have often defended In Blue at forums, as I've seen it get attacked by some people at other forums for the very "smooth commercial pop sound" you mention, CW. If I remember correctly, In Blue was their most successful album in the U.S. whereas in the UK, it was Talk On Corners. There may be a geographic distinction in musical palette in play. The other theory I have is that, among the long-term fans - those who had about four years of listening to develop an understanding of the "Corrs sound" - In Blue, with its bend toward pop, came along and upset the cart of what was expected from the Corrs. Steve, if you ever need back-up to defend your stance regarding IB, count me in! I love In Blue! While there are a few songs that are kind of "filler" - Irresistible & Give It All Up come to mind - the majority of the album is supurb. Yes, it's a pop-rock album with AAA leanings and not quite as overtly Celtified as TOC or FNF - but it's still a great album. I've always found that the songs were more mature (exceptions being Irresistible & AYS) and edgier. I don't think they were quite as "hook-y" as the songs on TOC, if you know what I mean. But then again, I've never been the biggest fan of TOC, to be honest. It's a good album, but I've always had the impression that it was written to be a hit record as opposed to taking a more exploratory approach to songwriting and writing from the heart. -- Marie |
|
The way I look at it is - we have live versions available on YouTube of those two songs. If they were put on the album, then two other songs that we haven't heard yet wouldn't have made it! 
, Bonnar has been out periodically "feeding the chooks" with little tit-bits.
but on the other hand, Da Missus may prefer him gainfully employed rather than soaking up the laughing juice. 
