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Post by Al Truest on Jul 27, 2003 15:02:36 GMT
After listening to Sto's suggested track last week by Lara Fabian; I read about her songs of 'unrequited love'. With this in mind, I was reminded of several songs that fit that theme very well, if I expand it to songs that are "Languid and Bittersweet". ** : 1) 'All The Love' 2) 'Rinfy the Gypsy' 3) 'Man With the Child in His Eyes' 4) 'It Must Be Love' 5) 'Wuthering Heights' * 'Possession' Sarah McLachlan from "Fumbling Toward Ecstacy" * 'Layla' Eric Clapton "Clapton Chronicles" Unplugged * '(Love is)Stronger Than Pride' Sade CD of same name * 'I'm Not Going To Beg ' Natalie Merchant from her live performance: www.nataliemerchant.com go to audio/video (this one's a "grower" Sto' ) * 'Daybreaker' Beth Orton from CD of the same name. * 'Pilgrim' (for your love) Eric Clapton (the version from the"Lethal Weapon 3 Soundtrack" is better than the one on the "Pilgrim" CD) ** Languid and Bittersweet was a line from a lyric in the Steely Dan song "Deacon Blues". Please let me know if you need links (URL's) to these tracks. They are easy to find (Amazon has most of them). But please listen and share your thoughts.
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Post by Xanadu on Jul 28, 2003 19:23:59 GMT
Good list, Al. I will certainly listen to as many of these as possible, since I own most of them, and try to post my thoughts in a timely manner. Just been so busy, I'm just happy I get to think about the songs this way at work while I listen! As a matter of fact, I am a Sarah McLachlan fan from WAY back. Do you have her live version of "Solsbury Hill (Gabriel)" from a B-side from her first album? In those liner notes she thanks Gabriel for "All his inspiration." There are many female artists that thank him, isn't that interesting? Many of my CD's coincidentally! "Possession" is an interesting song, actually about obsessive love of a fan. Sarah has mentioned that much controversy came about due to this song. It was inspired by an actual fan that wrote her love letters, and he objected, stating that she plagerized his letters in her song. 'Unrequited love' is an understatement. But it is an exquisite song, like the entire album. "Fumbling Toward Ecstasy" is one of my ABSOLUTE favorite albums in my collection!! That's tough competition. I'm sure most Kate fans would love her! Thanks for mentioning her here, and I'll try to add some this week! I'll add a little 'unrequited love' info to "Layla" too. This was originally written about Clapton's love affair with the wife (Patti Boyd) of one his best friends, George Harrison. She left Harrison for Clapton, initially severing the friendship, but then left Clapton too! The ever gentle Harrison later forgave Clapton. One question... why do you title "And So Is Love" as "It Must Be Love"? I always think of the Roxette song from 1990 when I see it. Is it a special reason for you? I am thinking of the right song? It doesn't bother me, either way, just curious! I sort of like the title "And So Is Love." Speaking of Clapton, by the way, am I following your line of thought as to how you arrived at "Layla" and "Pilgrim"? Another artist with a plethora of this type of song is Sting. I'll add "Fortress Around Your Heart" and "Every Breath You Take" and "It's Probably Me" here. Did you get my arc of thought there?
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Post by Al Truest on Jul 28, 2003 22:26:52 GMT
It seems we have a very similar collection of music, Zan. I own or have owned every track that I have posted so far. But I have only recently gotten into Sarah McClachlan and Beth Orton. I love them both. But I have yet to read the liner notes on "Fumbling Towards Ecstacy." I will tonight however. I really miss albums though. There was usually more information that was easier to read. The "And So Is Love" was my brain thinking ahead of my fingers. It made more sense at the time. Your comments on Layla mirror my remarks on one of my trivia threads. But from 'Possession' to Clapton's tracks; you are right in assuming the direction I was heading, if your suggestions mean what I think that they do. There is much pain and regret in some of these songs. The bittersweet nature of love is not confined to romantic love. (Some cultures have many more words for describing different types of 'love' than do we). Our love for our parents and family, the obsessive love of a stranger and so on, are often expressions of unrequited love. Is this what you meant? I loved your 'Sting' contributions. Especially "It's Probably Me" also from the LW3 soundtrack.
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Post by Xanadu on Jul 29, 2003 0:43:22 GMT
Thanks Al! You probably won't find what I mentioned in the liner notes for McLachlan, but you might find some other things there, most of the trivia comes from my obsessive archive of articles and interviews I've kept filed away for the last 13 years or so! I just got around to filing them in folders alphabetically by genre and artist! Did I mention I am persnickety too! I got the thematic direction, but the arc I was talking about was a little more fun and frivolous. More following how the songs came to you. When I saw that you suggested "And So Is Love" maybe you made the Clapton connection and thought of "Layla" and "Pilgrim." My final arc was when I saw "Pilgrim" from LW3, I thought of Sting and "It's Probably Me." Are you a Sting fan? Then let me add "When We Dance." I think it's fun to try to figure the mental steps a person goes through when they are expressing a thought. I do this with friends all the time, try to guess the connections! I have the Sade at home, so I'll listen to it there. I often mix her with Seal or Bryan Ferry, so maybe I'll have some more suggestions. But for a start, do you have other McLachlan CDs? How about "Sweet Surrender" & "I Love You" from Surfacing. To suggest a possible playlist topic for another week, listen to some of my favorites on Fumbling since they match very well with Kate.... "Fear" & "Fumbling Toward Ecstasy." Draw your own conclusions as to what to match them with How about "Full of Grace" and "Running Up That Hill?" What do you see I mean there?
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Post by Al Truest on Jul 29, 2003 1:05:09 GMT
When you mention those 'archives'- that's where we differ. I could never be that organized. All my files are in my head - subject to deletion at any given moment. But, I often have amazing recall. (People hate to play 'Trivial Pursuit' with me) The 'arc' mentioned was there, I just had not recognized it til you pointed it out. I love Sting. We share a birthday. I really like "Bring on the Night" (2 disc collaboration with Branford Marsalis) I love Seal (never thought of the Sade connection, but I'll try it) I need to check out more of Bryan Ferry's work, solely on your recommendation. I used to think Sarah McClachlan was more 'country' than she now appears to me. My daughter loves her. She is growing on me quickly.
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Post by Xanadu on Jul 29, 2003 1:25:03 GMT
I used to think Sarah McClachlan was more 'country' than she now appears to me. My daughter loves her. She is growing on me quickly. Not her early material. She also had a debut CD at age 19 and was a sort of musical protege. She was Celtic influenced too and that's what I hear, but the country is probably because she is more singer/songwriter. Her last CD (Surfacing) is great, but more stripped, not the lush angelic layering I love from Kate. She was also more musically adventurous back then, when no one knew her. I think she has tried to become more "female artist" (and all that entails) in her last CD. She also sounds like Jennifer Warnes (Up Where We Belong) who sang country too. But I digress... where were we? Back to the playlist, right? Let me know later what you discover about her.
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Post by Al Truest on Jul 29, 2003 2:02:42 GMT
In the interim ('til I hear more of her music) I'll tell you what appeals to me from what I do know of her. The courage and foresight to organize and produce 'Lillith Fair' was remarkable. She has the respect of almost every female singer/songwriter. From what I've heard, she is a beautiful person. Did she not spend time in (Cambodia?) working to improve the lives of children forced into harsh working condtions, and worse - prostitution. She is more beautiful than sexy to me. I guess 'cos she seems too nice. But she is soo nice looking. I wonder if Kate would have signed on to a European "Lilith Fair"? That would have (would be?) awesome.
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Post by Al Truest on Jul 31, 2003 1:19:29 GMT
Please try to respond to this tread in the next day or 2. I've already pushed back two days in posting the new lists. I really would appreciate your feedback. Pro or con. I may start doing them once a month. That way I can put even more effort (if that's possible) into the selections, while giving you guys more time to respond. Yes? But I kind of like a weekly pace if you guys would just keep up. No? Give me your preference. Anyway. please listen comment, and share your contribution on the current topic.
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Post by Sto on Jul 31, 2003 12:27:10 GMT
Al', what did you think of "You're Not From Here" by Lara? An interesting tracklist this week. Songs with dissimilar subject matter brought together by a common subject: love. Or rather, unrequited love. All The Love is more unrequited love in friendship. The sighs are very effective in showing this. Rinfy The Gypsy is quite a sad little song, isn't it? Broken promises and broken hearts end up making this song sound quite cynical about humanity and how we can play around with people's feelings. Isn't the "gazing at hazy goldfish in your swimming eyes" an absolutely beautiful phrase? And So Is Love sounds so modern compared to the last track! Twentyfive years of so from the last song and Kate's still cynical about love, but she realises how important it is in our lives. The Man With The Child In His Eyes sounds quite naive after the last track, although apparently the song has more of a dark side than I think it has and I don't really understand it Wuthering Heights - I've done a lot of talking about this one on the Deeper Understanding board, you should join in, Al'! I'd like to add "Another Day" by Kate and Peter Gabriel to the list. By far the most beautiful cover that Kate's ever done, in my opinion and fits in very well with the theme.
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Post by Al Truest on Jul 31, 2003 13:04:37 GMT
Sorry, Stp' I should have given your suggestion more airtime. I love her voice. It was a line from the chorus "take my breath away, and make me weep" that nade me think of Sarah McClachlan's "Possession" (check it out). I did not like the comparison of Celine Dion to Lara Fabian. I'm not a Celine fan. Both have great talent. They seem too commercial or mainstream, especially Ms Dion. But, I did read some background on Lara that further inspired this list. I shall join in more of the Deeper Understanding board discussions. I was unaware you were interested in the ramblings of the senile.
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Post by Sto on Jul 31, 2003 13:29:27 GMT
Yeugh, I know everyone compares Celine with Lara, just because they both have strong voices. The biggest difference is that Lara writes all her own songs, but Celine writes none of her own. I only wish Lara's music was commercial - she's only really had success in France But I know what you mean, she isn't quite as original as Kate, Loreena or Sarah McClachlan. Lara does have amazing talent as both a songwriter and singer, though. This little anecdote sort of fits in with the list: one of the main reasons for Lara singing so much about unrequited love is the fact that she was engaged and totally in love with a fellow French singer. However, she discovered that he was cheating on her and I don't think she's ever really gotten over it. Hence her songs of sad, unrequited and troubled love! And sorry about that earlier senile comment mate, I have a feeling I'm never gonna live that one down! ;D
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Post by Xanadu on Jul 31, 2003 17:47:16 GMT
Please try to respond to this tread in the next day or 2. I've already pushed back two days in posting the new lists. I really would appreciate your feedback. Pro or con. Don't be discouraged Al' We love your board and the lists, but of course, you require the most from us! You want us to listen to the suggested tracks, formulate an opinion and type an articulate response within the week! The entire board was a little slow last week, some of us being on vacation, and it is the summer. Oddly, I have been very busy at work, when I expected to be taking it a little slower. So, just be patient... we're working on it. And by the way, YOUR imput would be greatly appreciated on the Deeper Understanding board when you get a chance. I think Sto' and I are the only ones getting it going! I'd like to add "Another Day" by Kate and Peter Gabriel to the list. By far the most beautiful cover that Kate's ever done, in my opinion and fits in very well with the theme. I'll second that! And sorry about that earlier senile comment mate, I have a feeling I'm never gonna live that one down! ;D What did I miss here, Sto'? Nevermind... I found it!
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Post by Al Truest on Jul 31, 2003 21:18:35 GMT
And sorry about that earlier senile comment mate, I have a feeling I'm never gonna live that one down! ;D Luckily for you, loss of memory is symptom of aging as well. Should I wait before the next list. Or can you youngsters not keep up? (OK enough already : Seriously, I would like to hear from the rest of you, old (sorry) and new members.
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august
Reaching Out
Posts: 187
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Post by august on Aug 1, 2003 0:32:45 GMT
Sorry about missing out on the list this week. I'm still visiting family. I'll try and catch up next week. Off the top of my head, how about the song On My Own from the Les Miserables musical?
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Post by Xanadu on Aug 1, 2003 1:12:05 GMT
Wow, August, great suggestion as well! I love that song! Hey Sto', do you think we have a fellow theater/broadway lover here?
Do you like musical theater too August? Sto' and I had a discussion about this on the Red Shoes thread.
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