930 Forums
=> GENERAL DISCUSSION => Topic started by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on November 20, 2003, 10:14:00 am
-
pitchfork is usually crap, but you gotta love the first paragraph!
Starsailor
Silence Is Easy
[Capitol; 2003]
Rating: 4.9
The recipe for chart-topping Britpop these days seems fairly straightforward: start with a rock ballad, mix in lyrics about restless hearts and rolling meadows sung in a lilting falsetto by a northern golden boy, add layer upon layer of symphonic string arrangements, a sprinkle of piano here, a dash of plucked guitar there, and voila! See you at the Reading Festival, mate! Starsailor (the name comes from the Tim Buckley LP) revels in all of these romantic pretensions on Silence Is Easy, their melodramatic, overproduced, but not altogether unpleasant sophomore release.
The new album covers a lot of the same territory as their platinum-selling 2001 debut, Love Is Here: Like any self-respecting English bard, singer/guitarist James Walsh piles-on references to clear skies, sunshine, cafes, rising seas, and a-love-that-will-somehow-find-a-way, which compliment the maudlin orchestral overtones on much of the album. Defiantly sappy, Silence Is Easy survives mostly on Walsh's oddly graceful singing. Unfortunately, the music on the whole is prosaic, even boring at times. It just sweeps right past you, like an unnoticed breeze.
The release of the un-Spectorized Let It Be...Naked on Tuesday made abundantly clear the sort of havoc that Phil Spector can wreak on an album. And while only two of the tracks on Silence Is Easy were produced by the gun-toting maniac, his presence is palpable on the entire record. The song "Telling Them", for instance, starts out decently enough, with Walsh sounding like a young Robert Plant over Barry Westhead's piano playing and Ben Byrne's punctual drumming. But, thanks no doubt to Spector's influence, the band is quickly overtaken by a cello and some accompanying strings that work themselves into a sentimental lather worthy of a Rob Reiner film. "Fidelity", too, has the makings of a nice rock song, with cutting, tumultuous guitars and a catchy chorus. But it also feels too careful, too deliberate and fussed over to have a genuinely cathartic effect, and the overwrought harmonies bury the track before it's had a chance to live.
Walsh sounds alternately like Thom Yorke, Neil Young, Chris Martin and Jeff Buckley, though he isn't a smidgen of the songwriter that any of them are (or were). His lyrics prove him incapable of understatement (a problem that apparently doesn't afflict him in conversation: "I think some of the last record sounded overwrought in parts," he said recently about Love Is Here). On Silence Is Easy, Walsh recycles truisms about love, sex, hate and co-dependance without any insights or significant lessons to add. Of course, few songwriters have anything consistently new to say, but in the course of an album, a song or two should catch you in a way that makes you sit up and say, "Yep." Walsh isn't quite there yet.
"Four to the Floor" opens with a hip-hop beat and a funk bassline, but is soon engulfed by more strings, which promptly crowd out the other instruments. What at first sounds like the soundtrack to a 70s film car chase is instead a pathetically crafted metaphor for, what else, but the thrill of new love. "Four to the Floor, I was sure that you would be my girl," Walsh sings lamely. This is the point in the album where you might start thinking, "C'mon, man, fucking pull yourself together! Enough with the chicks already!"
Despite these myriad complaints, Silence Is Easy actually has its share of tolerable moments. Walsh is undoubtedly talented and his songs can be endearing even in their shameless mushiness. Give him some time to shake off this Phil Spector phase (he'll ruin you like a diseased whore, Walsh!) and who knows how he'll develop musically. For now, silence would be better.
-
Starsailor got a 4.9 from pitchfork?
Wow thats 0.9 more than this:
http://pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/o/old-97s/fight-songs.shtml (http://pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/o/old-97s/fight-songs.shtml)
What Fight Songs amounts to is a collection of insipidly pleasant, well- executed pop songs of some distant relation to country and, as such, a harrowing disappointment.
-
By far my least favorite Old 97's album. Pleasant, but certainly not as good as the rest. Or as Ken calls it "our wussy album". I'm starting to like pitchfork more i reckon.
Originally posted by markie:
Starsailor got a 4.9 from pitchfork?
Wow thats 0.9 more than this:
http://pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/o/old-97s/fight-songs.shtml (http://pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/o/old-97s/fight-songs.shtml)
What Fight Songs amounts to is a collection of insipidly pleasant, well- executed pop songs of some distant relation to country and, as such, a harrowing disappointment.
-
who cares about starsailor, i wanna know when this talented duo from translyvania will hit our shores with their smash hit "cheeky song (touch my bum"
for smackie's approval
<img src="http://www.cheeky-girls.com/titles/cheeky-smalllogo.gif" alt=" - " />
<img src="http://www.cheeky-girls.com/images/cheeky0517.jpg" alt=" - " />
<img src="http://www.cheeky-girls.com/images/birthday-02.jpg" alt=" - " />
Cheeky! (http://www.cheeky-girls.com/)
-
Originally posted by kosmo vinyl:
who cares about starsailor, i wanna know when this talented duo from translyvania will hit our shores with their smash hit "cheeky song (touch my bum"
ha ha. . that song was written by their mother.
-
Pitchfork crap? I disagree with that one. They are usually pretty fair...I don't always agree with them, but for the most part I agree with their reviews.
-
Originally posted by bunnyman:
I don't always agree with them, but for the most part I agree with their reviews.
err what? It's a review site.
-
Originally posted by kosmo vinyl:
who cares about starsailor, i wanna know when this talented duo from translyvania will hit our shores with their smash hit "cheeky song (touch my bum"
for smackie's approval
As long as smackie remembers mankie saw them first. :p
-
and for those you getting tired of Good Charlotte it's the uk version of blink 182 :D
Busted! (http://www.busted.com/)
<img src="http://www.busted.com/images/gallery/official/9614Jumping25.jpg" alt=" - " />
-
probably because tehy're a bunch of 22 year old snots that read in some book about how wonderful Joy Division and Velvet Underground were.
Originally posted by bunnyman:
Pitchfork crap? I disagree with that one. They are usually pretty fair...I don't always agree with them, but for the most part I agree with their reviews.
-
<img src="http://www.bloggerheads.com/star_wars/images/star_wars_beegees.jpg" alt=" - " />
-
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
[QB] probably because tehy're a bunch of 22 year old snots that read in some book about how wonderful Joy Division and Velvet Underground were.
Geesh Rhett,get over it already.How many days are you gonna go on about them.We get it,you don't like em.Big deal.Just be glad there's alt country so you can enjoy yourself some music :roll: I'm 43 and I love those bands,and I didn't read it in a book.I listened and learned that there's a big world outside of ones own coccoon.And it's not always pleasant.Say what you will but they have millions of fans,how bout you?I can understand that it's not your bag,but why be so condescending?Does it somehow make you feel better?I don't get it.Nor should I care i suppose.You're one strange fellow.
-
It's a personal vendetta against pitchfork for their denigrating coverage of alt-country, when they even bother to cover it at all.
Originally posted by SPARX:
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
[QB] probably because tehy're a bunch of 22 year old snots that read in some book about how wonderful Joy Division and Velvet Underground were.
Geesh Rhett,get over it already.How many days are you gonna go on about them.We get it,you don't like em.Big deal.Just be glad there's alt country so you can enjoy yourself some music :roll: I'm 43 and I love those bands,and I didn't read it in a book.I listened and learned that there's a big world outside of ones own coccoon.And it's not always pleasant.Say what you will but they have millions of fans,how bout you?I can understand that it's not your bag,but why be so condescending?Does it somehow make you feel better?I don't get it.Nor should I care i suppose.You're one strange fellow. [/b]
-
Also, at 43, you're old enough to have been around and appreciated VU and JD back when they were making music.
I remember back in the mid-80s what attracted me to the alternative rock scene was that it was a reaction to how the mainstream worshipped classic rock from the 70's.
22 year olds listening to classive alternative rock like VU and JD is about as boring as when I was 22 and people were listening to crap like Led Zepplin and Pink Floyd.
Originally posted by SPARX:
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
[QB] probably because tehy're a bunch of 22 year old snots that read in some book about how wonderful Joy Division and Velvet Underground were.
Geesh Rhett,get over it already.How many days are you gonna go on about them.We get it,you don't like em.Big deal.Just be glad there's alt country so you can enjoy yourself some music :roll: I'm 43 and I love those bands,and I didn't read it in a book.I listened and learned that there's a big world outside of ones own coccoon.And it's not always pleasant.Say what you will but they have millions of fans,how bout you?I can understand that it's not your bag,but why be so condescending?Does it somehow make you feel better?I don't get it.Nor should I care i suppose.You're one strange fellow. [/b]
-
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
[QB] It's a personal vendetta against pitchfork for their denigrating coverage of alt-country, when they even bother to cover it at all.
What does that have to do with your desparaging comments about the late Ian Curtis?Let the man rest in peace,he obviously didn't have it while he was here.Talking badly of the dead is just wrong and pointless IMHO.But if it floats your boat...
-
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
22 year olds listening to classive alternative rock like VU and JD is about as boring as when I was 22 and people were listening to crap like Led Zepplin and Pink Floyd.
hey, they rule!!!!!!!!!!!!
-
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
Also, at 43, you're old enough to have been around and appreciated VU and JD back when they were making music.
I remember back in the mid-80s what attracted me to the alternative rock scene was that it was a reaction to how the mainstream worshipped classic rock from the 70's.
22 year olds listening to classive alternative rock like VU and JD is about as boring as when I was 22 and people were listening to crap like Led Zepplin and Pink Floyd.
If they had installed the search function, I could find the posts in which you stated you thought the best music was from the 1930s and 1940s.
But you weren't around then, so I guess you're just some 36-year old snot who read in a book how wonderful that music was.
-
probably because tehy're a bunch of 22 year old snots that read in some book about how wonderful Joy Division and Velvet Underground were.
Those look more like disparaging comments pitchfork writers than they do about ian curtis, don't they?
And why can't I comment on my opinion of a band? If they didn't want people to have opinions of them, they should never have released music to the public. The guy hangs himself and thus people aren't allowed to have a negative opinion of his work? I suppose we're all supposed to worship at the alter of Milli Vanilli as well?
Originally posted by SPARX:
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
[QB] It's a personal vendetta against pitchfork for their denigrating coverage of alt-country, when they even bother to cover it at all.
What does that have to do with your desparaging comments about the late Ian Curtis?Let the man rest in peace,he obviously didn't have it while he was here.Talking badly of the dead is just wrong and pointless IMHO.But if it floats your boat... [/b]
-
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
And why can't I comment on my opinion of a band?
To reiterate:
[.But if it floats your boat... [/b]
[/QB]
-
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
I remember back in the mid-80s what attracted me to the alternative rock scene was that it was a reaction to how the mainstream worshipped classic rock from the 70's.
I remember back in 89 (I was 16), when I bought the album I still incorrectly think is called "andy warhol". I recall not really knowing anything about the VU. But hey Andy Warhol was cool, and the record has a great cover and hell it was a Great British Pound from a car boot sale.
I remember all these details because the record blew me away. It has great pacing , the momentum of heroin alone is astounding.
Just because you find something staid or boring, doesnt mean it isnt dramatically better than the vast majority of current releases. I suspect people will continue to buy andy warhol in the years to come and enjoy it as mch as I did.
-
Thanks for sharing, ye classic rock fan. I'll pass on songs about Heroin. Can't relate.
Originally posted by mark e smith:
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
I remember back in the mid-80s what attracted me to the alternative rock scene was that it was a reaction to how the mainstream worshipped classic rock from the 70's.
I remember back in 89 (I was 16), when I bought the album I still incorrectly think is called "andy warhol". I recall not really knowing anything about the VU. But hey Andy Warhol was cool, and the record has a great cover and hell it was a Great British Pound from a car boot sale.
I remember all these details because the record blew me away. It has great pacing , the momentum of heroin alone is astounding.
Just because you find something staid or boring, doesnt mean it isnt dramatically better than the vast majority of current releases. I suspect people will continue to buy andy warhol in the years to come and enjoy it as mch as I did. [/b]
-
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
I'll pass on songs about Heroin. Can't relate.
That is interesting. Do you pass on all forms of art/ music/ literature/ religion/ entertainment, because you cannot relate?
I suppose you have been nailed to the cross a few times, right?
I thought the beauty of those things were that they were escapism/ they gave you an insite into someone else' life? No?
-
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
Thanks for sharing, ye classic rock fan. I'll pass on songs about Heroin. Can't relate.
Yet somehow you can relate to Depression-era ballads about coal mining, train wrecks, and moonshining?
At least Lou sings about trannies. That's right up your alley.
-
No, I don't pass on all forms or whatever. If I feel it can offer me incite into how to live a more fulfilling and happy life or to understand myself or my roots better, I'll happily listen.
As it is, I don't think insight into the life of a tranny loving junkie from NYC would really benefit in making my life any better.
Originally posted by mark e smith:
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
I'll pass on songs about Heroin. Can't relate.
That is interesting. Do you pass on all forms of art/ music/ literature/ religion/ entertainment, because you cannot relate?
I suppose you have been nailed to the cross a few times, right?
I thought the beauty of those things were that they were escapism/ they gave you an insite into someone else' life? No? [/b]
-
My late grandfather ran away from his Georgia home at the age of 14 and lived on freight trains as a hobo for several years.
As it is, I had one regettable blind date with someone who didn't in advance divulge information about their sexual identity. Upon out the truth, I promptly ended said date, and really dan't have any desire to be in the physical or intellectual company of any trannies or tranny lovers in te future.
So yes, I choose to relate to Depression-era lyrics more than tranny lyrics.
Originally posted by ggwâ?¢:
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
Thanks for sharing, ye classic rock fan. I'll pass on songs about Heroin. Can't relate.
Yet somehow you can relate to Depression-era ballads about coal mining, train wrecks, and moonshining?
At least Lou sings about trannies. That's right up your alley. [/b]
-
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
I choose to relate to Depression-era lyrics more than tranny lyrics.
Oh, so it is a choice?
So your earlier statements were bogus.
Thanks for clarifying, dumbass.
-
I'm not sure what you're referring to, but calling people names only makes you look like a small person.
Originally posted by ggwâ?¢:
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
I choose to relate to Depression-era lyrics more than tranny lyrics.
Oh, so it is a choice?
So your earlier statements were bogus.
Thanks for clarifying, dumbass. [/b]
-
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
I'm not sure what you're referring to, but calling people names only makes you look like a small person.
I'm referring to your earlier statement that 22 year olds couldn't like VU because they weren't around when the music was made.
Yet you can like Depression-era music even though you weren't around then.
I'm referring to your idea that people can't like music that doesn't directly relate to their lives.
Yet you can choose to like music that doesn't directly relate to your life.
The fact that you hold these inconsistencies and further, that you couldn't figure out that is what I was referring to makes "dumbass" an accurate observation.
-
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
I'll pass on songs about Heroin. Can't relate.
I choose to relate to Depression-era lyrics more than tranny lyrics.
[/QB][/QUOTE]
How can you relate to depression era lyrics. You are not old enough to have lived through the depression, are you? So as GGW has pointed out your comments were untruthful.
Still there are plenty of songs and books about statistics. You should be good to your word and stick to them.
-
Originally posted by ggwâ?¢:
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
Thanks for sharing, ye classic rock fan. I'll pass on songs about Heroin. Can't relate.
Yet somehow you can relate to Depression-era ballads about coal mining, train wrecks, and moonshining?
At least Lou sings about trannies. That's right up your alley. [/b]
Rhett, dude...
<img src="http://members.nuvox.net/~sfagan/funny/owned/dude-dell.jpg" alt=" - " />
-
If a 22 year old want to listen to music made about heroin 30 years ago, fine. Doesn't really seem like interesting subject matter to me, nor does it touch upon anything relevant in my life, so I'll pass.
Given that Depression era events did touch on people who were directly related to me and perhaps might give me some insight into my family history, I think they are of some relevance to my present life.
The fact that you feel the need to refer to someone as a "dumbass" points out that you'll never win the Mr. Sensitivity award you were vying for on your Polanski thread. Self-righteous, yes, sensitive, no.
Originally posted by ggwâ?¢:
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
I'm not sure what you're referring to, but calling people names only makes you look like a small person.
I'm referring to your earlier statement that 22 year olds couldn't like VU because they weren't around when the music was made.
Yet you can like Depression-era music even though you weren't around then.
I'm referring to your idea that people can't like music that doesn't directly relate to their lives.
Yet you can choose to like music that doesn't directly relate to your life.
The fact that you hold these inconsistencies and further, that you couldn't figure out that is what I was referring to makes "dumbass" an accurate observation. [/b]
-
If a 35 year old wants to read a book made about some guy nailed to a cross 2000 years ago, fine. Doesn't really seem like interesting subject matter to me, nor does it touch upon anything relevant in my life, so I'll pass.
Given that bisexual gender bending events did touch on you and perhaps might give you some insight into your family history, I think they are of some relevance to your present life.
The fact someone feels the need to refer to you as a "dumbass" points out that you'll never win the Mr Argument award you were vying for on this thread. Self-righteous, yes, good at arguing, no.
-
Markie, that brought a tear to my eye. I couldn't have done a finer job myself.
-
I'll pass on reading about Jesus too, thanks.
Bisexual yes. Gender bending, no. Yes I do have an interest in bisexuality, both male and female, but no I don't have any interest in transsexualism.
I didn't know I was vying for a Mr Argument award. I simply stated my opinions, and certain people chose to object to them. My intention was th state my opinion, not start an argument.
Originally posted by mark e smith:
If a 35 year old wants to read a book made about some guy nailed to a cross 2000 years ago, fine. Doesn't really seem like interesting subject matter to me, nor does it touch upon anything relevant in my life, so I'll pass.
Given that bisexual gender bending events did touch on you and perhaps might give you some insight into your family history, I think they are of some relevance to your present life.
The fact someone feels the need to refer to you as a "dumbass" points out that you'll never win the Mr Argument award you were vying for on this thread. Self-righteous, yes, good at arguing, no.
-
Originally posted by ggwâ?¢:
Markie, that brought a tear to my eye. I couldn't have done a finer job myself.
Thankyou GGW. I have been feeling a little ineffectual today. I am glad you think I am back on form.
-
Kosmo, do you need one of these? <img src="http://www.wouldyouhitthis.com/forums/images/smilies/offtopic.gif" alt=" - " />
-
will you please stay on topic!!!!
<img src="http://www.fastfoodrockers.co.uk/popup8.jpg" alt=" - " />
-
Originally posted by mark e smith:
Kosmo, do you need one of these? ;)
-
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
I'll pass on reading about Jesus too, thanks.
You always go on about the bible, and I thought you were a Christian. I suppose that as you don't want to read about our good lord Jesus, you think that the billion Christians on the planet should not either?
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
Bisexual yes. Gender bending, no. Yes I do have an interest in bisexuality, both male and female, but no I don't have any interest in transsexualism.
sure, we know who wears the trousers, you are not even allowed to enjoy Joy division anymore!
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
I didn't know I was vying for a Mr Argument award. I simply stated my opinions, and certain people chose to object to them. My intention was th state my opinion, not start an argument.
Its just that you make profound statements that contradict yourself and transcend rational thought.
-
As any Christian will tell you, rational thought is overrated. (joke)
I don't take this chatboard serious enough to use it as a venue to prove how much smarter I am than anybody else. Frankly, I could care less how I stack up in the latest intelligence rankings. I'd rather be slightly above average in intelligence than brilliant anyway.
If I say things that contradict each other, it's because I'm human. Normal human beings often have thoughts and emotions that contradict each other. I'm not interested in having the intellectual consistency of a robot.
And I don't recall ever going on about the bible, but if you'd like to hear my thoughts on it, Id be glad to share. Though I have no interest in having an argument about it.
As the Judeo-Christian ethic is part of the backbone of western culture, I'd think it would be hard for anyone not to be impacted by the bible in some way or another, be it directly or indirectly.
And no, I'm not a Christian.
-
On the subject of religion, did anyone see Southpark last night?
CLASSIC!
My thoughts on the Mormons completely....that bloke really saw them all coming didn't he?
-
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
If I say things that contradict each other, it's because I'm human. Normal human beings often have thoughts and emotions that contradict each other. I'm not interested in having the intellectual consistency of a robot.
Ok, My bad, Walter.
<img src="http://www.cultural.freehomepage.com/images/film/walter%20mitty.JPG" alt=" - " />
-
What I find most interesting (really, I'm saying interesting and I mean interesting, I'm not being argumentative or baiting) is that the lyrics are so important as the premise for the debate over particular bands -- the whole discussion about whether a band is any good or worthy centers on what they sing about. I'm fascinated. There are few bands for which I know all their lyrics, and I have to admit to listening to quite a lot of stuff just 'cuz I like the way it all works and I'm not even sure what they're 'talking' about.
Though I do agree that you can certainly appreciate songs that are about and evoke things that have *nothing* to do with your life, personal history, proclivities or interests. That's kind of what makes art cool. I love the Decemberists, though I certainly don't give a shit about ocean voyages or dockside prostitutes....
-
Originally posted by Bagster:
What I find most interesting (really, I'm saying interesting and I mean interesting, I'm not being argumentative or baiting) is that the lyrics are so important as the premise for the debate over particular bands --
I'll go along on this...I don't like VU because I don't like their sound...I actually am a much more music-oriented listener than lyric-oriented, myself, being the vapid blonde that I am...
There was a discussion on music vs. lyrics on the board before...
-
With the VU I don't like the lyrics or the singer's voice. Some of the music is ok, some mediocre.
With Joy Division, I can't get my the singer's voice, and I don't like the music. The lyrics? Can't really understand them.
With someone like Bob Dylan, I think he writes good songs, both musically and lyrically, but I can't take his voice.
So I would say the singing and the music are probably the most crucial to me. Like Bagster, if the music is good, I don't mind if the singer sings about ocean cruises or other topics that don't interest me. I do mind if the singer sings about stuff like hard drug use, particularly if he glamorizes it in any way.
-
that addmitting defeat mode....
-
Originally posted by mankie:
On the subject of religion, did anyone see Southpark last night?
CLASSIC!
My thoughts on the Mormons completely....that bloke really saw them all coming didn't he?
Dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb! :)
-
Originally posted by mankie:
On the subject of religion, did anyone see Southpark last night?
CLASSIC!
My thoughts on the Mormons completely....that bloke really saw them all coming didn't he?
yes! definately a great episode!!!