http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/reviews/ ... %2COO.html
Guardian review of Dear Heather
Guardian review of Dear Heather
".....but he lends a weird erotic charge, making the line: "Oh love, aren't you tired yet" sound positively filthy".
http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/reviews/ ... %2COO.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/reviews/ ... %2COO.html
Well yes. Actually, I'm right now re- listening it for the 3rd time.
Let's try to find some words. First of all, I think this album is going to polarize. Secondly: I really like it. It's very complicated to explain to someone who hasn't heard it yet ( on the other hand I fear it will also be complicated enough to discuss with everyone who has heard it ... hmm. )
I know this'll be not very helpful, but myfirst answer to the question whether it does or does not resemble "Ten New Songs" is a cryptic 'It does. But it doesn't at all.' Well, so much for that. - Let my try to get deeper into the matter.
"Ten New Songs" was rather sketchy in style ( which makes out the charm of it ) whilst "Dear Heather" is kinda a masterpiece in the whole. It's very complex. Yes, the sounds, the instrumentation, Leonard's ( rather dosed ) use of his voice and the quantity of "pillowing" it with background- and duet- voices is similar to TNS, but that's only the surface. And yes, the first track, "Go No More A- Roving" is very similar arranged, that's true, but I think, that's it. The album is very experimental, in every kind of definition- beginning with the sound and mixing and ending with the very manner of recitattion. You cannot exactly compare it with his older works - but why should we? I think Ten New Songs as a kind of study, a rather fluid and fleeting form of Dear Heather. So far there might be cross- over moments by listening. But as a whole, as an album of its own, it's quite different from Ten new Songs. That's what I mean. There is a striking simplicity in these songs ( although they're very compex- sounds paradox, but does work), like every unnecessary layer ( in lyrics and arrangement ) has been peeled away. I think this is what was to be expected, it is somehow Zen music. Yeah, I guess that's the best way to describe this Album It's a Zen Album.
I hope this was a bit helpful for everyone who hasn't heard the album yet; and may be somehow understandable for those ones who have already listened to it.
Chaske.
( my CD player has just started repeat it for the 4th time and I'm totally hopelessly in love with "Because Of" and the musical arrangement of "Undertow"... )
Let's try to find some words. First of all, I think this album is going to polarize. Secondly: I really like it. It's very complicated to explain to someone who hasn't heard it yet ( on the other hand I fear it will also be complicated enough to discuss with everyone who has heard it ... hmm. )
I know this'll be not very helpful, but myfirst answer to the question whether it does or does not resemble "Ten New Songs" is a cryptic 'It does. But it doesn't at all.' Well, so much for that. - Let my try to get deeper into the matter.
"Ten New Songs" was rather sketchy in style ( which makes out the charm of it ) whilst "Dear Heather" is kinda a masterpiece in the whole. It's very complex. Yes, the sounds, the instrumentation, Leonard's ( rather dosed ) use of his voice and the quantity of "pillowing" it with background- and duet- voices is similar to TNS, but that's only the surface. And yes, the first track, "Go No More A- Roving" is very similar arranged, that's true, but I think, that's it. The album is very experimental, in every kind of definition- beginning with the sound and mixing and ending with the very manner of recitattion. You cannot exactly compare it with his older works - but why should we? I think Ten New Songs as a kind of study, a rather fluid and fleeting form of Dear Heather. So far there might be cross- over moments by listening. But as a whole, as an album of its own, it's quite different from Ten new Songs. That's what I mean. There is a striking simplicity in these songs ( although they're very compex- sounds paradox, but does work), like every unnecessary layer ( in lyrics and arrangement ) has been peeled away. I think this is what was to be expected, it is somehow Zen music. Yeah, I guess that's the best way to describe this Album It's a Zen Album.
I hope this was a bit helpful for everyone who hasn't heard the album yet; and may be somehow understandable for those ones who have already listened to it.
Chaske.
( my CD player has just started repeat it for the 4th time and I'm totally hopelessly in love with "Because Of" and the musical arrangement of "Undertow"... )
-
Andrew (Darby)
- Posts: 1117
- Joined: Sat Jul 06, 2002 5:46 pm
- Location: Melbourne, Australia
I've also just finished my third full listening and am into my fourth one now! As an initial response I would have to agree with Chaske's conclusion. I also really like it. 
I would describe it as a fascinating and unusual album that challenges me to embrace it, enjoying its tantalising whimsies and overall individuality.
Cheers
Andrew (Darby)
I would describe it as a fascinating and unusual album that challenges me to embrace it, enjoying its tantalising whimsies and overall individuality.
Cheers
Andrew (Darby)
'I cannot give the reasons
I only sing the tunes
The sadness of the seasons
The madness of the moons'
~ Mervyn Peake ~
I only sing the tunes
The sadness of the seasons
The madness of the moons'
~ Mervyn Peake ~