Interactive Poll: Emotional songs (female singer)
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Category: Other music related lounges
Forum Name: General Music Discussions
Forum Description: Discuss and create polls about all types of music
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=126491
Printed Date: November 24 2024 at 22:48
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Interactive Poll: Emotional songs (female singer)
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Subject: Interactive Poll: Emotional songs (female singer)
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 07:29
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Emotional songs sung by female performers. What matters is that the singer is a woman, and that her interpretation (or in any case the music, combined with her singing), give you a great emotion (of any kind), if not even the chills. The songs can be written by the same woman performer, or it can be a cover, or written by the group in which the woman sings. In this case, to facilitate the choice, songs by prog groups and authors are allowed. You can suggest 1, 2, 3, 4 four songs (not more), and then, next week (on thursday), choose one song. If you have time, and you want to express your opinions on the songs proposed by other forumists, you are welcome! You can vote for three songs, the ones you like more (but not for yours). Enjoy! EDITED
------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Replies:
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 07:41
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If you want, give me your opinion on my list of songs. I dont know which song choose for the poll. 1) Tiziana Ghiglioni: Se stasera sono qui 2) Ginevra di Marco: Ederlezi or Ginevra di Marco: Vedrai Vedrai 3) Tori Amos: Northern Lad ------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: The Anders
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 08:11
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It will have to be this song for me: Katinka - Idioter (2016) Having experienced school bullying and failure from teachers, the song carries special meaning for me, and it sends a shiver down my spine. Lyrics and translation: https://musixmatch.com/lyrics/Katinka-3/Idioter/translation/english" rel="nofollow - http://musixmatch.com/lyrics/Katinka-3/Idioter/translation/english |
Posted By: chopper
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 08:24
| Kate Bush - This Woman's Work or Moments of Pleasure |
Posted By: I prophesy disaster
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 09:35
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My first suggestion is Helium Horse Fly - Adrift: I'll give some further thought to my subsequent suggestions. ------------- No, I know how to behave in the restaurant now, I don't tear at the meat with my hands. If I've become a man of the world somehow, that's not necessarily to say I'm a worldly man. |
Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 09:48
nice theme, I have several songs in mind, i will post a few a bit later. 
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Posted By: MortSahlFan
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 09:54
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Curved Air - Lovechild Illusion - Madonna Blue ------------- https://www.youtube.com/c/LoyalOpposition https://www.scribd.com/document/382737647/MortSahlFan-Song-List |
Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 09:58
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Catherine Ribeiro - Jusqu’à Ce Que La Force De T’aimer Me Manque (with Alpes) Edda Dell'Orso - Cosa avete fatto a Solange? (Ennio Morrione) (Jane) Jarboe - Blackmail (with Swans) Nico - Ari's song ------------- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcp9fYc6K4IKuxIZkenfvukL_Y8VBqzK" rel="nofollow - Duos for fave acts |
Posted By: Raff
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 10:22
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I had already thought of Kate Bush before I saw Chopper's post. I'll post the song here anyway, even if I will probably not make it my pick. It is my favourite song by Kate, with David Gilmour on backing vocals; the title is "Pull Out the Pin": Next up, another favourite of mine - the beautiful "Edith and the Kingpin" by Joni Mitchell, in the live version from the album Shadows and Light (which would be a shoe-in for PA if single album additions were allowed): Third (and probably last) song is a homage to two great Italian artists who passed away within weeks of each other: Milva and Franco Battiato (who wrote the song together with his longtime collaborator Giusto Pio). The song title is "Alexanderplatz": English translation of the lyrics: https://lyricstranslate.com/en/alexanderplatz-alexanderplatz.html" rel="nofollow - https://lyricstranslate.com/en/alexanderplatz-alexanderplatz.html |
Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 10:28
^ Kate Bush also sprang to my mind, and if it weren't so very well-known, I might well have have nominated NAj8suae3WY" rel="nofollow - "The Man with the Child in His Eyes" .  I so love that song and is my favourite Kate Bush song. It still moves me.------------- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcp9fYc6K4IKuxIZkenfvukL_Y8VBqzK" rel="nofollow - Duos for fave acts |
Posted By: suitkees
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 11:00
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Oh, if I had known this before the previous poll, I would have saved Lila Downes for this one... Nice poll idea, and I will go with two extremes this time: pop and classical. First, a Spanish group that emerged during the Movida: the cultural movement in Spain that came into being during the transition period (the period after Franco's death in 1975 and the transition to democracy in 1981). Mecano had some major hits and some that touch me very much because of the emotion they convey. I hesitated between two: Mujer contre mujer (of which I actually prefer the French version by Mecano themselves - the lyrics seem to run a bit more smoothly) or Hijo de la luna (there is also a French version by Mecano of this one, but here I prefer the Spanish one...). I will give you Une femme avec une femme, a song against homophobia, which - unfortunately - more than 30 years later hasn't lost it's actuality and necessity. Mecano - Une femme avec une femme: (English translation of the lyrics https://lyricstranslate.com/fr/une-femme-avec-une-femme-woman-woman.html-0#songtranslation" rel="nofollow - here ). My second one had to come from Henryk Gorecki's 3rd Symphony: A Symphony of Sorrowful Songs. I have three different versions of this symphony, but the one I prefer is from a cheap Naxos CD, with Soprano Zofia Kilanowicz, who conveys the emotion behind this symphony much better, imo, than the versions with Dawn Upshaw or Ingrid Perruche that I have. Here, still another version, but still with Zofia Kilanowicz, this time with the London Philharmonic Orchestra (the second movement of three). Henryk Gorecki - Symphony n° 3: Symphony of Sorrowful Songs, 2nd movement, with Zofia Kilanowicz (Soprano): The lyrics are taken from the writing on the wall of a cell of the Zakopane concentration camp, a prayer: No, Mother, do not weep, Most chaste Queen of Heaven Support me always.
Ave Maria Since this latter one is 10 mins. long, I'll refrain (for the moment) to put up a third suggestion... ------------- The razamataz is a pain in the bum |
Posted By: Hiram
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 11:25
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Lau Nau - Juokse sinä humma This is originally a very popular Finnish song from 1950s (although based on older folk song(s)) covered by many singers over the years. Title translates "run you horse" or something like that and it's a story of a boy returning home to his girl. It's funny that the narrator of the song is male (as referenced in the song) and in this female-sung version it's kept that way. This will most likely be my nomination for the poll, but I'll confirm that when it's time.
PJ Harvey - To Bring You My Love Sonic Youth - Becuz (edit: posted correct Sonic Youth song  ) |
Posted By: Easy Money
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 11:40
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Billie Holiday "Strange Fruit" Lyrics are provided on the video |
Posted By: chopper
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 11:41
Posted By: Gentle and Giant
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 12:13
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Sinéad O'Connor - Nothing Compares 2U ------------- Oh, for the wings of any bird, other than a battery hen |
Posted By: Progishness
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 12:55
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These are four that I find especially emotional, for various personal reasons. Annie Haslam - Going Home Janis Joplin - Piece of My Heart Doris Day - Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps ------------- "We're going to need a bigger swear jar." Chloë Grace Moretz as Mindy McCready aka 'Hit Girl' in Kick-Ass 2 |
Posted By: JD
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 13:00
Edith Piaf - Non, Je ne regrette rien------------- Thank you for supporting independently produced music |
Posted By: moshkito
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 13:11
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Hi, SANDY DENNY AND FAIRPORT CONVENTION .... ONE MORE CHANCE ... FROM THE "RISING FOR THE MOON" ALBUM. Note: The remastered version has a solo piano of this song that is even more scary and haunting ... not to mention that she did not get another chance at life slightly later. It's like she knew it was coming! ------------- Music is not just for listening ... it is for LIVING ... you got to feel it to know what's it about! Not being told! www.pedrosena.com |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 13:43
Happy to see you! ------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
moshkito wrote:Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 13:49
How's this? ------------- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcp9fYc6K4IKuxIZkenfvukL_Y8VBqzK" rel="nofollow - Duos for fave acts |
Posted By: Mirakaze
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 13:50
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I nominate these, if there's still room: ------------- https://mirasnelder.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow - Freelance composer, accepting commissions | https://mirasnelder.bandcamp.com/album/altered-acuity" rel="nofollow - Bandcamp page |
Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 13:57
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We can mention up to four, but only nominate one when the time comes. And definitely still room, as there are 25 spaces with one only one nomination per user. I think you're about the 14th who has listed ones. Wow, that seems a lot of participants for how long this has been up, but then I think the last was a record for participants. I think this series might be helping to keep this forum afloat somewhat as I once read that message boards are dead, long live the new flesh*, or something rather different actually. * Videodrome on the brain for some reason. ------------- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcp9fYc6K4IKuxIZkenfvukL_Y8VBqzK" rel="nofollow - Duos for fave acts |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 14:41
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Kees had mentioned if he'd known he'd have saved someone....that would have been Heather Nova, who I shared a long while back, with her "Island," song. Always gives me chills. I decided to go a bit proggy this time, since we can, and two of these are artists I was going to bring to "lesser known prog," if we did another of those. And I'd considered quite a few that were brought already to this poll, great selections of ones I've heard (and doubtless, also the ones I haven't). I do try to offer up lesser-known artists, as well. That being said, I find all three of these very moving, which for me equals passionate, for different reasons. First is Offa Rex, essentially The Decembrists, but with Olivia Chaney on lead vocals. I suggested an add to PA of this band to Prog/Folk and they were indeed added, I so wish they'd do another recording. "The Queen of Hearts" Next up, The October Project, which is where I first heard Mary Fahl, and I've brought her several times to these polls. Some say they shouldn't be included in PA, I liked the band regardless, as long as it had her in it. Hopefully they are not too overly well-known here. "Bury My Lovely." Thirdly is Chasing The Monsoon, an act from Wales that, in my opinion, got far too little attention for this gem of a release, late in 2019. "Love Will Find You," Lisa Fury at the mic.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 14:58
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This time around, all of my choices are in the Archives. Charming Hostess is one of my favorite bands. With 3 members from "Sleepytime Gorilla Museum", you can, and should, expect anything, so I am going to post 2 from them since they are so eclectic. First is a traditional song, one that Zeppelin fans will be familiar with, but in a more Americana mode. Charming Hostess - "Dying Bed" ______________ The 2nd one is definitely progressive, one with a great amount of humor to it featuring all three female vocalists. Charming Hostess - "Laws of Physics" ______________ Many people here are somewhat familiar with the excellent band Anathema. This one is a bonus track that obviously should have been a regular track, so it might not be as well known. The lead is done by the female singer who usually does background, this time the usual male lead singer does harmony. But it is a very emotional song, so it belongs here. It's also a cover of a Bad Religion song, but in a completely different style from the original. Anathema - "Better Off Dead" _________________ Finally, here is another band that has both male and female lead singers. This one comes from their 2nd album, which was almost entirely sung by the female singer at the time. A beautiful song called "The Pain Gets Worse" with some awesome harmonies in the chorus. Archive - "The Pain Gets Worse" ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow">  |
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 15:00
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Broadcast - You can fall - this indeed gives me chills. |
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 15:18
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Rainbirds were a big pop rock success in Germany in the end eighties but their boss and singer Katharina Franck was up to somewhat darker and more sophisticated stuff, so she fired her band and replaced them by congenial female keyboarder and electronic arranger Ulrike Haage and came up with this. The album couldn't chart anymore. But actually this is where things got most interesting for me (Two Faces - actually this is still very accessible to my ears; the art pop label fits it pretty well): |
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 16:02
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This one is too well known in prog circles and out of competition, but I'm not sure anything else moves me as much as this (this specific live version, I mean). |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 18:09
Chopper, you can do both if you like. Do you have trouble uploading a video here? If so, I can do that for you....that is how we generally bring the selections to the polls. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: mathman0806
Date Posted: May 25 2021 at 18:36
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My gosh this one is off to a fast start. So, here are a few. This first one is the song and live performance that drew my interest in this band. I came across it on YouTube before they were in PA. Bent Knee - Being Human This next artist I have nominated before if she seems familiar. Angelica Garcia - Loretta Lynn And last one is a sentimental favorite. Cover of the Disney song from Dumbo. Bonnie Raitt and Was (Not Was) - Baby Mine |
Posted By: chopper
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 01:54
I know how to post videos, thanks, I wasn't aware it was compulsory in these sort of polls.  I kind of assumed most people would be familiar with these songs anyway.
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Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 01:59
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Posted By: suitkees
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 05:40
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Oh, why not last weeks' runner up of the Eurovision Song Contest. She knows how to convey some energy and emotion... (Sorry, you cannot vote anymore...) Barbara Pravi - Voilà (English translation of the lyrics https://lyricstranslate.com/en/voila-here-you-go.html#songtranslation" rel="nofollow - here ) ------------- The razamataz is a pain in the bum |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 07:55
There have been some posters who've encountered trouble posting YT's because of browser issues lately, I thought you might be one of those....also some countries have restrictions. Not truly compulsory, some people have done other sites, but generally the YTs are viewable by most. A lot of the participants try to provide exposure for lesser-known artists in these polls and typically, one of the rules is that they are not to be prog artists (also a reason these polls aren't up in the Prog Polls section, where, yes, one would expect most people would know the artists) . I actually don't vote "for," artists or works that I know already, in these polls, although that is just a personal prerogative. That all being said, glad you weren't experiencing undue difficulty.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: mathman0806
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 09:46
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Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 09:50
Lorenzo, you have some real beauties in this poll. Tiziana Ghiglioni is covering Luigi Tenco here. Absolutely stunning and beautiful with sultry jazz, the best kind. This one would be a contender for me. Ginevra di Marco - the first selection is a nice combination of styles, I detect mid-Eastern and Romanian styles maybe. Very nice, but not as captivating as the prior one. However, the 2nd selection by her is absolutely gorgeous. Ahhh- it's much better with that haunting and romantic Italian sound. I love it! Very heartfelt cover of Luigi Tenco again. Finally, Tori Amos - I love Tori, but I am already too familiar with her music, so I can't vote on it, but it is an excellent choice. So, in summary, for my vote, it's either Tiziana Ghiglioni "Se stasera sono qui" or Ginevra di Marco "Vedrai, Vedrai". I love both of them. ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 10:07
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The Anders - Katinka - "Idioter" I can understand the meaning this one has for you. It's some excellent vocals, almost reminds me of Bjork. Nice, minimal background most of the way through which is what this song needs to build the tension and direct the attention to the lyrics. Great selection! Chopper - Kate Bush is the best of the best and I'm already a devoted fan so her songs are all familiar to me, and since I love her music so much, it gives an unfair advantage to the other entries, so I can't vote on her music. I Prophesy Disaster - Again, I'm too familiar with Helium Horse Fly and have been delving into their music ever since I put their 2020 album "Hollowed" down as one of my favorites for that year. However, I was hoping someone would post their music here as it is awesome. Great selection, but it is disqualified for my vote because of my familiarity of the music. ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: suitkees
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 10:15
Oh, those damned Europeans don't want to share her... My video is her live performance of last Saturday's ESC finals - and a really great performance it was, including her giggle at the end. If you can find a working video of one of her Eurovision performances that would be nice (they're all quite similar, and should be just under 3 mins. for the perfomance itself)... Is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTaOHpWz3og" rel="nofollow - this one working? ------------- The razamataz is a pain in the bum |
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 10:23
Curved Air is one of those bands that I'm wishing I was more familiar with. "Lovechild" is a great song, but it doesn't quite hit that spot for me as for as setting of any emotional reaction. Illusion is a band with ties to the band Renaissance. Jane Relf is one of the lead vocalists, but on the song "Madonna Blue", she is more of a background singer, so I'm not sure if this one would qualify in this specific poll. However, it is a song that I really like nevertheless. I wish the focus was on Relf and not on Jim McCarthy.
------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: mathman0806
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 10:33
Yes, yes it is. Thanks! |
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 10:46
Logan - You've got some very interesting choices here... Catherine Ribeiro - Nice 60's psych flair. This is one that will grow on me so I need more time with it. Edda dell'Orso - You keep pulling out great Morricone music that I'm not familiar with and I love it. A definite contender even if the vocals are wordless, they are still amazing. So is the music, of course. Swans (w/ Jarboe) - Another artist that I am too familiar with, but talk about a lovely, haunting track. I would vote for it if I wasn't already so familiar with Swans music. Nico - Again, I would need more time with this one too. Intriguing with some very unique vocals. It definitely draws my interest. For my possible vote, at least presently, it would have to be Edda dell'Orso, but that could also change with time (if I end up having any, like today, that is). ........................................ I am going to try to get to some other entries hopefully this time, but I was lucky today and found the time to do some listening. I will try to get to some others later.  ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: mathman0806
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 11:21
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I put all the videos so far in one playlist. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-zzvl_w6Fx43oROOYgSzHYoVA0dnm8RO" rel="nofollow - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-zzvl_w6Fx43oROOYgSzHYoVA0dnm8RO 49 tunes so far and 20 participants by my count. Impressive for 1 day. |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 12:04
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My selection. N. 1 Tiziana Ghiglioni is a jazz singer who collaborates with very refined musicians. She has released an album in which she sings songs by Luigi Tenco, a singer-songwriter of the Italian melodic school who committed suicide in 1967. Tenco was characterized by compositions with often sad and cynical lyrics, but tinged with irony, for example in a song, I fell in love with you, he sang as the second verse: Because I had nothing to do. Very strange for the Sixities! Tenco also, despite being a traditional singer, often sang his songs without following the tempo, in a jazz style. In this song, Tiziana Ghiglioni repeats the refrain with always different emotional nuances, which express the feeling of the song. Se stasera sono qui - If I'm here tonight If I'm here tonight
It's because I love you
It's because you need me, even if you don't know it
If I'm here tonight
It is because I know how to forgive
And I don't want to throw away my love for you
For me to come here
It was like climbing the highest mountain in the world
And now that I'm here
I want to forget the saddest memories down there
If I'm here tonight
It's because I love you
It's because you need me, even if you don't know it
If I'm here tonight
It's because I love you
It's because you need me, even if you don't know it
(If I'm here tonight) ------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 12:12
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My selection, N. 2 Ginevra di Marco: Ederlezi I love this song, I love Di Marco's voice, she is a wonderful singer. Ederlezi is a traditional folk song in the Romani language of the Rom (Sinti) people of the Balkans, mainly in Serbia.
The title refers to the Serbian holiday of Đurđevdan (Ђурђевдан), called Ederlezi in the Romani language, which falls on May 6 and celebrates spring.
The song Ederlezi has become famous because it is the soundtrack to a beautiful scene of a film by Emir Kusturica, Times of the Gypsies Lyrics: Same amala oro kelena Oro kelena dive kerena Sa o Roma (Amaro dive Amaro dive, Ederlezi Ej... ah...) Sa o Roma, babo, babo Sa o Roma, o daje Sa o Roma, babo, babo Ej, Ederlezi Sa o Roma, daje Sa o Roma babo, E bakren cinen. A me coro, dural besava. A a daje, amaro dive. Amaro dive erdelezi. Ediwado babo, amenge bakro. Sa o Roma, babo. E bakren cinen. Eeee... j, Sa o Roma, babo babo, Sa o Roma daje. Sa o Roma, babo babo, Erdelezi. Erdelezi, Sa o Roma Daje. Eeee... Sa o Roma, babo babo, Sa o Roma daje. Sa o Roma, babo babo, Eeee... Erdelezi, Erdelezi. Sa o Roma daje Here's to you the piece of the film by Kusturica (music arranged by Goran Bregovic) Translation_ Spring lands on my shoulder, thrush verdant, for everyone but me. The streets are gone, I stayed, there is no star of Venus, my fellow-roader. Who now, my dear, smells of thrush, I never again. here dawn, to God I bow, here is the dawn is Djurdjevdan (Ederlezi) and I I'm not with the one I love, that his name be remembered every two days except in Djurdjevdan. ------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 12:24
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My selection, n. 3 Ginevra di Marco - Vedrai Vedrai, song written by Luigi Tenco (again!) in I love this song! Love, love, love... I love the vocals. Ginevra is wonderful... She gives me chills. This is a sad song... sad and desperate... but in the end there is the hope: You will see: it will change Vedrai, Vedrai... You'll See, You'll See When I go home in the evening
I don't even want to talk.
Don't look at me with that tenderness
as if I were a child who returns disappointed.
Yes, I know that this is certainly not life
that I dreamed of one day for us.
You'll see you'll see,
you will see that it will change,
maybe it won't be tomorrow,
but one day it will change.
You'll see you'll see
I'm not finished, you know,
I can't tell you how and when
but you will see that it will change.
I'd rather know you cry
that you reproach me for having disappointed you
and I don't always see yourself so sweet
accept everything that comes from me
It makes me desperate to think of you
and think of me that I don't know how to give you more.
You'll see you'll see,
you will see that it will change,
maybe it won't be tomorrow,
but one day it will change.
You'll see you'll see
I'm not finished, you know,
I can't tell you how and when
but one day it will change ------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 12:28
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My selection, n. 4 Tori Amos - Northern Lad Tori Amos, I am in love with Tori Amos. Listen to that voice, sensual ... it is not enough to say sensual, it is a voice that smells of sex in every syllable, but not vulgar sex: passionate, orgasmic sex, it seems in fact that Tori Amos sings in the throes of a slow, sweetly, savored orgasm. She drives me crazy. ------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 12:40
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First listen-through reactions and notes: Lorenzo:
Tiziana Ghiglioni “Se stasera sono qui”
An intimate song, piano and vocal alone start the piece. There is a feeling of wistfulness. I kind of get the feeling that the woman may
be ruefully laughing at herself. She
should have known the guy was going to stand her up, maybe? Saxophone comes in for a solo, definitely
feeling of a darkened bar, late at night, to me. Song ends, still on a wistful note, with the
saxophone commiserating with the singer.
Ginevra
di Marco “Ederlezi” Live piece,
here. Percussion and effected guitar and
bass open the song. Again, I have no
idea what she’s singing about but, wow!
There is an electric folk-ish feel here, hypnotic vocals parrying with
the band. A more rock feel comes along,
it reminds me much of Tri Yann, who I like very much. Next, another by Genivra,
“Vedrai Vedrai” Keyboards start this,
will it be much like the last, or something completely different? It is quite a bit different, but of course,
the same person singing. This is a more
polished sort of piece, to my ear. Also a wistful one, perhaps missed chances
that are regretted? Tori Amos “Northern
Lad” Tori I know very well, but I do
love this song. I have a signed and
framed poster from her of this album cover (carried her on our buses and she
knew I was a big fan). She’s actually
under a huge piece of glass, in case anyone wonders how they got that
effect. I think this time around, I like
The “Ederlezi,” piece the most, although they all are beautiful, I like the
spiritedness of that one. The Anders: Katinka “Idioter” This has a dark feel that I quite like, an evocative voice and minimal accompaniment behind her. It is very moving, I agree. There is a feeling of menace, as indeed is also depicted in the video with the young girl. The singer is very expert at creating a sound of anguish and desperation. Thumbs up for this one. I Prophesy Disaster: Helium Horse Fly “Adrift” Another ominous, dark feeling one. Electric guitar with slightly dissonant notes starts and a quavery vocal. Jarring guitar for a moment, then back to the solo guitar. The vocal is usually kind of half-spoken. There is a sense of being adrift, in the music, so it suits the title. It occasionally lapses into heavy territory, but doesn’t remain there. I find it most interesting at the 6+ minute mark, where it verges into psychedelia for a moment. It goes off into complete dissonance for a bit. It end with just the vocalist and some chunky chords with a feeling of non-resolve. MortSahlFan: Welcome to these polls. 😊 Curved Air “Lovechild” Now here’s something I haven’t heard in a long time. Pretty, pretty violin starts with Sonja Kristina’s prog/folk-rock vocals. Full band kicks in and we enjoy some changes in tempo and dynamics. Sucker for violin mixed with electric guitars that I am, great addition, here, but I like the band more than the vocals (and know the tune, so I don’t vote “for,” those, even if they’re a personal favourite). Illusion “Madonna Blue” Nice duet with electric band…another sort of prog/folk feel to my ear. There is a nice classical sort of break at 2:30-ish, which is reminiscent of Strawbs’ “Down By The Sea.” They do another piano solo type break at slightly after 4 mins. Excellent interplay of guitar and keys lead to the fadeout. This is my fave of the two, and previously unheard. Logan: Catherine Ribeiro “Jusqu’à Ce Que La Force De T’aimer Me Manque (with Alpes)” This has a feeling of exaltation to me, but perhaps also some wish that things could be different. Very folk-ish, the woman sings freely and with abandon. Edda Dell'Orso “Cosa avete fatto a Solange?” (Ennio Morrione) Very pretty piano and strings that accent, with orchestra swell, then smooth voiced singer trilling. Pretty little plinkies here and there. This one has no lyrics, the voice is used as an instrument, and very lovely and haunting, it is. (Jane) Jarboe “Blackmail” (with Swans) More ominous sounds, a feeling of bleakness. Very subdued guitar with a sort of lazy,sultry vocalist. Nico “Ari’s Song” Here is one I know already. This was a very interesting album for the time, not really my thing, but I can hear the appeal and it was quite innovative. There’s a funereal sense to this song, so I do appreciate the emotion in it. Raff: Kate Bush “Pull Out The Pin” Excellent choice, however familiarity won’t let me vote for her. I agree with Mike, later, who says someone like this, if one voted for what one knew, would give her an unfair advantage to lesser-knowns. Which is not to say that one can’t, I just have made that a general personal rule, since I’m not sure if I like a piece better because I’m already familiar with it and have a good opinion already. Same with Joni Mitchell’s excellent song, “Edith and the Kingpin” Now here’s a new one to me, Milva “Alexanderplatz” Very deep voiced woman, just gorgeous voice. Minimal accompaniment, very moving piece. I really love hearing her confessional tone here, very dramatic delivery on the choruses. Kees: Mecano “Une femme avec une femme” Very pretty voiced woman with piano. (Synth) strings are lush and support the piece perfectly. And agree with the sentiment, consenting adults, no one else’s business anyway. Henryk Gorecki “Symphony n° 3: Symphony of Sorrowful Songs, 2nd movement, with Zofia Kilanowicz (Soprano)” So very beautiful. What a sad back story to the prayer, so moving. Lots of restraint in the piece and the vocalist’s delivery, she has amazing vocal contro (not surprising, given the role and setting, but still). Definitely chills territory about 5:30. Both are excellent, but this is sublime and I’ve never heard it before (even with a lot of classical listening background). Hiram: Lau Nau “ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIRi51OAs38" rel="nofollow - PJ Harvey “To Bring You My Love” Someone who I know I should know more of, yet don’t. Piece starts with a repeating electric guitar line, or perhaps on bass. Deep voice with a fair amount of distorted effect going on. Reminds me a bit of Joan Osborn’s grittiness on “Pensacola,” which I almost brought here, but thought she might be too known. There is quite a bit of intensity here, organ joins in after a while, to support the underlying guitar and percussion. Another great choice. Sonic Youth “No Queen Blues” More wongliness, but this time in a punkish style with muddy production, doubtless intentional. Not hearing a female vocalist, though, and I’m pretty sure I’m not unmistaken this time. Easy
Money: Billie Holiday “Strange Fruit” Classic song, too familiar to vote on it, but
it certainly fits the bill. Gives me
chills every time I hear it. Chopper:
Susanne Sundfør “Undercover
Edit” Very sultry voice, has a
bit of that babyish sound and sometimes going into that diva-ish thing with
multiple notes where one would do, that
I’m not particularly fond of, but she keeps it all at bay enough to keep my
interest. Lovely vocal range. Well produced, as well. Gentle
and Giant: Sinéad
O'Connor “Nothing Compares 2 You”
One of my favourite singers, so too familiar to vote for it, but
certainly a perfect addition to the polls if someone missed it along the way. Absolutely impassioned and perfect delivery. Progishness: Annie
Haslam “Going Home” Here you have one of
my favourite vocalists from my favourite album of hers, the Roy Wood produced “Annie
In Wonderland.” Can’t vote for it, but
it is stellar, if others haven’t heard it.
Curved Air “It Happened Today”
Early progressive/folk/rock sort of act, I know of them, but haven’t
really heard all that much of them. This
one is more straight-ahead rock than the other one brought here, I prefer the
other one, although I love the violin break part. Big Brother and the Holding Company “Piece of
My Heart” To me, this absolutely defines
an impassioned woman vocal piece. Janis
Joplin pulled no punches and was completely uninhibited, this is my favourite
album, as I like the rawness of BB&HC, it suits her so well. Doris Day “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps”
Another favourite, as far as the person, but haven’t heard the
song. What a fun song, she had such a
great voice, and was also just so charming.
An excellent choice. JD: Edith
Piaf “non, je ne regrette rien” This is
done is signature Piaf style, very much to it’s time and place. I do know the piece, but it’s a great choice. moshkito: Fairport
Convention “One More Chance” Certainly the incomparable Sandy Denny deserves a place here, a perfect choice, and one that I know, I did
consider her, as well. Very glad you
brought this gem here. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 13:02
Thank you very much, Nickie. You were too fast! I had not yet put the lyrics and the explanation of my songs.  ------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 13:40
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Hiram
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 13:44
Thank you for your always excellent and thoughtful comments! You're right about the Sonic Youth song and I got it mixed up with another song of theirs from the same album. Will fix it right away. I really should not trust my memory nowadays.
|
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 14:23
Kate Bush - As I said before, I love her and am a devoted fan, so I can't vote for her, but I absolutely love this track (one of my favs) Joni Mitchell - I am familiar with some of her excellent work, but I don't know this one. It's definitely progressive and complex, well written and a great contender. Milva - Great vocals, but I find it a bit to poppy to appeal to me. ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 14:30
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 14:40
Kees - Both of these selections have one thing in common, an amazing use of restraint, which is an excellent thing. In a lot of pop music, it seems like everyone has to be a diva, and so they yell and scream and carry on thinking it brings more emotion to a song, but all it does it take away from the music putting the emphasis on the singer, not the music. Many a song has been ruined because of this. Mecano - lovely vocals and orchestration. Nice, emotional and pleasantly restrained. Zofia Kilanowicz - Beautiful vocals and amazing control. Both of your entries are great. ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 14:44
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 14:47
|
Many thanks Mike and Nickie for the write-ups; very much appreciated. ------------- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcp9fYc6K4IKuxIZkenfvukL_Y8VBqzK" rel="nofollow - Duos for fave acts |
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 15:02
Lau Nau - I really really like this one. Nice tone in her voice and great instrumentation especially with the sudden crescendo which goes into some unexpected directions and the amazing wordless vocals bring is all back around again. You said this is a traditional song, well, this is an amazing arrangement that makes the song their own. This is a definite contender, I'm telling you right now that it might be a hard one to beat. PJ Harvey - This is an artist that I am just recently getting into. Great development and use of her vocals building tension. Pretty good, but I still prefer your first selection. Sonic Youth - I've heard enough of them to know what their music is about and I am always intrigued by it. I don't know this track. I love the noise and dissonance that lies under the surface of their music to give you that uneasy feeling, and it always seems to make it to the forefront of the song just like it does on this one. I really like this track, but again, it's hard to beat that first selection. Great choices! ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: dwill123
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 15:04
|
|
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 16:41
|
@The Anders - Idioter is a song with a Nordic and cold charm, based on electronic sounds (which do not excite me but may be appropriate) and above all on the cold and cutting voice, and perhaps a little mechanical and delusional when it becomes acute, oblique, of the singer, a sinister mood. Very good.
---- @I Prophesy Disaster
Adrift - very long song, mini suite, atmospheric, good composition, exciting more for the musical progression than for the female voice, but still great prog-style song
-------- @MortSahlFan
Lovechild (Curved Air) is a beautiful and very enjoyable pop-rock song.
Madonna Blue is a good song, musically enthralling, I especially like the instrumental piece conducted by the piano. But I wouldn't vote for it because I don't like the vocals.
---- @Logan
Paix - I always like to listen to French in songs, here the female voice is very austere, and in some moments it reminded me of the Swiss yodel.
Morricone - It's not one of her most famous columns, but you feel the epic touch of him. Blackmail - I know little about the Swans, I have listened to them but not in a precise way. The female voice is very remarkable. The song is evocative and pleasant but too intangible to excite me
Nico: I have already voted once for Nico, in these polls and as I have said several times I unconditionally love Desert Shore and Marble Index, I consider them absolute masterpieces, thanks also to John Cale, who arranged the music. Here, my consideration: this music can obviously give great emotions, of various types and depending on the person, but allow me Logan my (subjective!) consideration: the voice of Nico and the arrangement by Cale, together, in my opinion give as effect an "estrangement" (I hope this is the right word) as happens in Bertolt Brecht's theater, that is, they produce a distancing from the emotional participation of the scene, of the opera (the song), a kind of alienation, which the listener feels (and which makes this music great). So, from a certain point of view, Nico / Cale's work moves in the opposite direction to that of producing an effect of emotional involvement that passes from the interpreter to the listener. What do you think about my consideration? ------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 17:20
Thanks a lot, Mike! ------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: The Anders
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 17:22
|
A big thank you to TCat, Nickie and Lorenzo for your comments on "Idioter" |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 17:43
Mike, here's to you my thoughts: Charming Hostess - The first song is a very rhythmic pop-blues based on the singer's vocals and on the background guitars. The rhythm is so free-range that sometimes it reminded me of an Italian tarantella. It is a very enjoyable song. The second song has a less conventional arrangement, with prog-style choirs, excellent oblique sound with the violin, the greatest value I see in the composition and arrangement, more than in the vocals, which however are to be considered as a whole, in their intertwining, coming to provide a wide range of sounds and sensations. This song seems remarkable to me, I could vote for it. Anathema - The song by Anathema is certainly more emotional than the previous two, romantic, melodic, it is sober and moving. Archive - The song by Archive has a refrain repeated many times to emphasize the melody that then arrives powerful, with an important arrangement, with symphonic implications, perhaps a little overproduced. In reality, the singer's voice is enough to move. Here we move within the context of a gripping, tear-jerking melody. Overall, I think the second song, due to its musical genius, could be a serious candidate for my podium, even if it is not an emotional song in the classic sense. Alternatively, the fourth song could be another contender: it has a beautiful melody and a female vocals that in a concert at the stadium would move many people with the lit lighter in their waving hands. ------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 18:38
I think it's funny how when you watch those singing competition shows on TV how the audience moves their hand back and forth in the air. I think we could get a lot of work done if we could just stick a cleaning cloth and a window in front of them and then they could wash the windows while they are watching the show. Just an idle (or should I say "Idol") observation...... ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 18:49
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: tigerfeet
Date Posted: May 26 2021 at 21:02
|
First up is one of my favorite covers, and it is a cover of Tim Buckley's Morning Glory by Anneli Drecker. I chose this song for the emotion and the lyrics, which always get me every time. Anneli Drecker - Morning Glory My next choice is from one of my very favorite female artists and this song changed my life. Maura O'Connell - First You Cry My 3rd and last choice is an acoustic version of a song that she later re-released on a later album which had a full production. I prefer the original so have posted this version here. There is also live acoustic version on youtube but decided not to post that version (which is superb) since it became almost a duet. Angel Snow - Coals And Water ------------- I'm sorry, if you were right, I'd agree with you. Robin Williams. |
Posted By: Ronstein
Date Posted: May 27 2021 at 05:07
|
Three from me Nina Tayeb (Steven Wilson) Sandy Denny & Friends Kate Bush (from 'The Kick Inside' - some of the songs she wrote when she was 13!!!) and a couple from Cara Dillon (my absolute favorite female singer) |
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: May 27 2021 at 09:04
|
Easy Money - Billie Holliday definitely deserves to be in this poll. A very emotional song and a lovely, restrained performance. She was not only a singer, but an artist. chopper - Susanne Sundfor - what an amazing voice, delivery and all around track. I was a little disappointed with the fade out at the end, but maybe the unedited version doesn't fade, I'll have to check it out. Definitely a contender. Gentle and Giant - Sinead O'Connor - I would be surprised it anyone hasn't heard this lovely cover of a Prince song. One of the best singers ever. Unfortunately, I'm way too familiar with this song and this album, so I won't be able to vote for it. ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: May 27 2021 at 09:23
Progishness - I do understand the personal emotional ties and how they can effect the listener, and I appreciate that you shared some that had touched you in some way. Annie Haslam - This is a lovely track and probably the favorite of the ones you posted. The melody and much of the instrumentation comes straight from Sibelius' "Finlandia", but the lyrics are excellent for the tune and, of course, Annie Haslam's vocals never disappoint. Curved Air - Nice song. The first half really doesn't move me a lot, but I do like where the change in tempo and melody come in halfway through. Janis Joplin - One of the unbeatable voices in rock music. However, it's way too familiar for me to vote on. Doris Day - I understand the personal link for you, but I've never been a big fan of Doris Day, however, in probably the same way that you have that link, I feel the same about Nancy Sinatra songs while many people roll their eyes at me for that. ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: May 27 2021 at 09:38
|
JD - Edith Piaf - Here is another iconic vocalist. A great selection which demonstrates her awesome and powerful delivery while still practicing beautiful restraint. moshkito - Fairport Convention. I love Sandy Denny's direct, no-nonsense vocals which are perfect for the genre. That, along with the perfect instrumentation of the members of the band is what makes their music so perfect and timeless, always being relevant and not sound outdated at all. Excellent choice! ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: May 27 2021 at 09:51
Mirakaze - Happy to see whenever you participate in these polls. I always can't wait to see what you post especially after hearing your own music when we approved you for the Archives under Eclectic Prog. And of course, you don't disappoint with your nominations. Floating Room - Love the originality of this track and the dreamy, yet direct vocals here. I will be checking out this band a little more. Lush - I'm a bit more familiar with this band. I have always loved the hazy, quasi-shoegaze, yet psychedelic feel. Not familiar with this track, but I love it. I always thought this band was as good as, and should have received the same recognition as the Cocteau Twins. Definitely a contender for my top three. ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: May 27 2021 at 10:12
Nickie - Offa Rex - How in the world have I missed this band especially since I'm an occasional fan of The Decembrists? I really love her vocals and that harpsichord effect. Now I'm hooked on hearing more from this band. This one is a definite contender. The October Project - Why wouldn't this band be included in the Archives? How could they argue against that? This is also an excellent track with great vocals, deep and entrancing. Chasing the Monsoon - Again, excellent vocals, but I feel that most of the emotion is coming from the guitar solos. Lovely song and instrumentation. You've put up 3 excellent candidates, but I probably prefer the Offa Rex track the most out of these 3 perfect contenders. ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: May 27 2021 at 10:41
Nickie - Offa Rex - How in the world have I missed this band especially since I'm an occasional fan of The Decembrists? I really love her vocals and that harpsichord effect. Now I'm hooked on hearing more from this band. This one is a definite contender. The October Project - Why wouldn't this band be included in the Archives? How could they argue against that? This is also an excellent track with great vocals, deep and entrancing. Chasing the Monsoon - Again, excellent vocals, but I feel that most of the emotion is coming from the guitar solos. Lovely song and instrumentation. You've put up 3 excellent candidates, but I probably prefer the Offa Rex track the most out of these 3 perfect contenders. [/QUOTE]
I think you will love the rest of that Offa Rex recording. They do an almost metal version of "Sheep's Crook and Black Dog," but this track is what I heard when I first heard of them and it just blew me away....on an NPR show, up here in Oregon. As far as The October Project, I've seen it bandied about a long time back that they were too, "poppy," for PA. However, I disagree, obviously. This whole first LP is also one I was intro'ed to on Public Radio, although I was in Colorado then, another pull over and wait for the back announcement to write down the artist to check out later. Thirdly, I edited my post re CTM, to include the singer's name, Lisa Fury. I warred whether to post this or "No Ordinary World," from that outing. Everything this guy, Ian Jones, has done, I've enjoyed, he's got a new more heavy offering out now, with a different female vocalist, Illuminae, which is also excellect and he's most known, I think, from Karnataka. This is truly a whole recording, meant to be taken as a journey at one sitting. And an aside re Progishness' posting of the Annie Haslam song, I highly recommend that whole recording as well, she just soars on it and Roy Wood's production and arrangements are just stellar. Glad you enjoyed my tracks.  ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Raff
Date Posted: May 27 2021 at 11:33
|
I've been listening to the songs for the past couple of hours or so. Some really cool stuff there! A few of the songs were already familiar to me, like the one by Tori Amos (I even have the album). Offa Rex is another excellent pick. Both Micky and I are big fans of The Decemberists, and were lucky to see them live during their "The Hazards of Love" tour. It was epic stuff! In my opinion, their later output is not on a par with their albums up to THoL, but still better than tons of other music. The Offa Rex album, however, is a different story. I really hope there is a follow-up to The Queen of Hearts. And now a special treat for Nickie... Since you wrote that you liked Milva, and I remember that you love the song "The Black Freighter", here is an Italian version of the song (titled "Jenny dei Pirati") performed by Milva in 1973: |
Posted By: chopper
Date Posted: May 27 2021 at 11:45
Good call on Cara Dillon, this is my favourite song of hers |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: May 27 2021 at 13:43
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: May 27 2021 at 19:31
|
First listens, through Page 2, and an addition from Kees: Kees: Barbara
Parvi “Voila” Very pretty voice here, too. The perfect lyrics for one of these
competition shows. Orchestra with a
theatrical French singer, very appealing in a dramatic sort of way. It goes double-time near the end and ends abruptly. Mirakaze:
Floating Room “Dog” Right into a
slippy-slidy guitar, drums and vocal with lots of echo. This is a happy one, someone just giddy with
a relationship. Her voice just bubbles
over with elation, and the music exudes this as well. A joy to be that happy when things work out
right. Lush “Monochrome” This has another sort of happy feeling to it,
there’s almost a dream-like sense to it, or a personal reflection. Very layered recording, also gives me a
feeling of psychedelia, but like a young girl rather than a more matured one,
sort of psych-pop, if you will, because of the lightness of feel. Both excellent to consider. Mike:
Will enjoy the chance to hear some prog that you enjoy! Charming Hostess “Dying Bed” Oh, interesting, not what I expected at all,
reminds me of Lone Justice a bit. Kind
of a rockabilly/bluesy feel to it. Great wrangly lead in the middle. Song rolls right along. Next up from them is “Laws of Physics”
As you said, completely different than the first. This has some really pretty three-part
harmonies. A cello? Or?
Not sure. There is a repeating
guitar line, then the whole band starts in, sounds now like violin, and the
vocals become very discordant. It
becomes more and more disjointed, and discordant. Seems like they would be fascinating as a
live act. What fun. Anathema “Better Off Dead” I’ve
heard this band played on some of the shows here and there, and always enjoy
what I hear. A bit of a dirge (fittingly),
piano and intertwined male and female vocals, with the female being featured by
herself, as well. Heartbreaking sound to
her voice, in a good way. Pretty string section (or
perhaps synth strings). Obviously, a
good-bye song, and good riddance, I say, sounds like too much work, lol. Archive “The Pain Gets Worse” What
a pretty, pretty voice. Accompanied by lush
piano and flute, and orchestral involvement as well, as the piece swells. Harmonies, as advertised are awesome. Lewian: Broadcast “You Can Fall” Discordant sounds at the start, bells and whongs,
clangs. A steady rhythm builds and VERY
EERIE keyboard comes in, dang, I love that.
Wow, I can’t even describe what happens when the vocals come in, and the
music underpins it. Her harmonies with
herself are amazing. Very dark, menacing
piece, but one I find truly the most striking so far. Chills here, too. Good ones. Rainbirds “Two Faces” Keyboards begin the piece. Very quavery lead vocal, I can see why this
was so big in the 80’s. I like this one,
too, but that first one got to me the most.
Bjork “Joga” Again, haven’t
really listened much to her, so even if it’s out of competition, do want to
give it a good listen. Live setting,
with orchestra in the pit. Very
emotional song, she is very theatrical and it is truly a very moving and also
theatrical performance. Brava! George: Bent Knee “Being Human” This is a band that I like to watch much more than listen to. Lots of people who I usually am in accord with, in taste, just love this band. I absolutely get it, looking at live performances. That being said, let’s see how this one goes. I love the opening, lol. Just fantastic live, as I expected. I really love her voice, I don’t know why this doesn’t translate for me in recorded mode, or hasn’t with what I’ve heard. Definitely tons of emotion and plenty of fire from the band also. She’s got very riveting stage presence, also. So, yeah, I like this one a lot. I remember really liking your next selection, from before. Angelica Garcia “Loretta Lynn” Promising beginning with spare electric guitar and her very soulful voice…she does do a teeny bit of the pouty baby affectation vocal thing, but not enough to make me not like her, especially since she plays electric guitar (don’t ask me why, but this would bother me more if she had an acoustic guitar or a ukulele). This continues in a very spare way, which is perfect for her gritty lyrics and vocals. I like her in this one, too. Bonnie Raitt & Was (Not Was) “Baby Mine” As you might remember, I’m already a fan of Was (Not Was) and Bonnie hasn’t been brought to the polls before, so really nice to see her here. She’s got such a great, smooth voice, just a classic performer. And of course, a fine slide guitarist. The male voices in the chorus are just perfect to back her. This is really nice treatment of this song, also, not a surprise with Was (Not Was) involved, done with just enough restraint, the song is the thing here and so well done. Cristi: Pussycat “Another Day” Picked guitar starts the piece, with orchestral swell behind after the first few notes. Lots of echo behind a very rich female vocal. Electric guitar, drums and bass follow next. There is a layered female chorus as well, as the song builds. Well produced also. Doro “White Shade of Pale” Well, one of my favourite songs of all time here. Let’s see what this lady does with it. I think it’s going to get a rockier arrangement from the flames. Powerful rock treatment of the song with lots of flair and emphasis from everyone. Guitar solo takes the place of the organ lead before the final reprise of the chorus and another lead before the final fade. Dida Drăgan S”ă nu lovim nicicînd un porumbel” Here is an almost Edith Piaf sort of song, but with richer orchestration. It is very dramatic and theatrical and the woman has a wonderful vocal range and tone. Atlantis “Maybe It’s Useless” Organ sound and piano flourishes start this piece. Light percussion. Soulful, bluesy vocalist with a bit of grit in her voice. Very classic sound to her, surprised they didn’t have more success in their time. Nice production, great ballad, with full-on vocal chorus as the song builds to it’s main crescendo. This is probably my favourite of yours here. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: I prophesy disaster
Date Posted: May 28 2021 at 07:18
|
That's always going to be the case for me. Even in the case of VdGG / PH, it is still the music that is the primary attraction for me. ------------- No, I know how to behave in the restaurant now, I don't tear at the meat with my hands. If I've become a man of the world somehow, that's not necessarily to say I'm a worldly man. |
Posted By: mathman0806
Date Posted: May 28 2021 at 09:07
Nickie, thanks for your comments. I can understand that with Bent Knee. I've seen them a couple of times and they are fantastic live, and it was their live videos on YouTube that drew me into their music in the first place. I prefer a number of their live performances over the studio recordings. For me, their best album is Shiny Eyed Babies, followed by the one in 2019, You Know What They Mean.
I do remember your Was (Not Was) nominations from earlier. I had only known them for a few songs previously and for this track. For anyone interested, this track was taken from a Disney tribute album produced by Hal Willner with some fine performances of classic Disney tracks by a talented assortment of musicians, including "Someday My Prince Will Come" by Sinead O'Connor. It's a short track, so as a bonus.
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Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: May 28 2021 at 09:51
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Lewian - As usual, you've got some excellent entries here. Broadcast - I'm in the somewhat early stages of exploring this band's music and I love most of what I've heard from them. This is the first time hearing this track and I love it. Some great effects added throughout including in some of the vocals, just enough to make it cool but not overbearing. This will be one of the contenders. Rainbirds - Nice and dark, yet a bit more minimal than expected and that is quite okay. I'd like to hear more from them. As you said, this one is a bit more on the art pop side, but I'm curious about this band. Bjork - Wow, she's so amazing. I love to watch her because you can see she just loves music and loves to take it into new places. She is one of my favorite vocalists. If it were me, I would nominate the Broadcast song (as it is my favorite of the three). ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: May 28 2021 at 10:17
Bent Knee - Love this band and I have been listening to them a lot lately. I rated their album as one of my top 20 of 2020. I love her vocals, she is quite talented and I am amazed she isn't more famous. Unfortunately they are out of the running for my vote , bit I'm positive this one would have been my #1 pick Angelica Garcia - Excellent songwriter and love her vocal expression. I need to listen to this one more but I find her quite intriguing. Bonnie Raitt - Nice interpretation of the Dumbo song. Love the blues edge she brings to it and love the guitar too. ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: May 28 2021 at 10:37
Pussycat - I must say that I really like the sound of this one. Nice, retro and the orchestration is spot on with some really great vocals arrangements. It brings back some great memories of the early, show-y pieces from the 70's but it is very tastefully done. This one is a contender. Doro - This is pretty typical of the 80's hard rock hair glam music. Not my style and too typical. Dido Dragan - Again not my style. Not a fan of the ultra-vibrato. Of Atlanta - Not too bad, again it has that retro sound, but it sounds a bit dated where the Pussycat track is more timeless sounding even if it brings back the early 70's feel. ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: May 28 2021 at 11:01
Nickie, thanks for your comments. I can understand that with Bent Knee. I've seen them a couple of times and they are fantastic live, and it was their live videos on YouTube that drew me into their music in the first place. I prefer a number of their live performances over the studio recordings. For me, their best album is Shiny Eyed Babies, followed by the one in 2019, You Know What They Mean. Yes, so strange they can't seem to capture that excitement and edge quite so much on a recording....maybe the next one they do. [/QUOTE]
I do remember your Was (Not Was) nominations from earlier. I had only known them for a few songs previously and for this track. For anyone interested, this track was taken from a Disney tribute album produced by Hal Willner with some fine performances of classic Disney tracks by a talented assortment of musicians, including "Someday My Prince Will Come" by Sinead O'Connor. It's a short track, so as a bonus. Video removed for space [/QUOTE]
I had mostly listened to Was (Not Was)'s first two outings, so hadn't heard that one. I really should probably go and revisit them, with the purpose of doing that. Also, will go and listen to Sinead, thank you for the info.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: May 28 2021 at 11:31
both Pussycat and Atlantis songs are from the 70s.
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Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: May 28 2021 at 13:49
I figured they were, but it still brings back the memories of the sound even if I never heard them before. Thank you for sharing some obscure gold. ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: May 28 2021 at 13:56
I'm happy you enjoyed them.
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Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: May 28 2021 at 14:49
Thanks a lot, this comment is quite something! I was pretty sure you'd love the Broadcast one psychedelic lady, not so sure about the others. The Noise Made By People album of Broadcast from which this is is in my top 50 of all time, phantastic album. Broadcast singer Trish Keenan unfortunately died in 2011 from pneumonia, aged 42.  Mike also loves this - thanks! I'm pretty much settled on nominating Broadcast. Björk was meant as out of competition anyway, and Rainbirds are a band that I like a lot, but as an in the first place emotional song Two Faces is not quite where You Can Fall is. |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: May 28 2021 at 15:02
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: suitkees
Date Posted: May 29 2021 at 03:41
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Now, this seems to be a kind of a tricky poll theme: what's emotional for one is not necessarily emotional for the other. And many choose (fall back on?) very well known and/or classic artists... As such not a problem of course, but I'd prefer to explore some, to me, new/unknown artists. Anyway, my thoughts regarding the suggestions on page 1: jamesbaldwin: Tiziana Ghiglioni brings us a modest kind of easy listening jazz. Beautiful singing, but somehow it doesn't touch me at all. Two songs by Ginevra di Marco: I know Ederlezi indeed from Kusturica's film, a very beautiful song, very "balkan-y", but unfortunately she tears sometimes to yelling instead of singing. On Vedrai vedrai she finds the perfect balance for her voice, imo - I like her singing her much much better. And it is a beautiful song, bare-bone piano-voice! I very much like Tori Amos, in general, she's a great singer/songwriter with a wonderful voice, and she displays it here. The song is maybe a bit too conventional to really convince, though. The Anders: Idioter by Katinka (thanks for the lyrics!). Very much a complaint. Her singing, and the rather spare playing, convey the sadness and the restraint anger in a very well executed way - you feel this is going the wrong way, but it stops before something fatal happens, leaving the listener worried! Wonderful song and the command/mastery of keeping this tension in an eerie balance is quite impressive. Great choice! chopper: Kate Bush, of course, is one of the best. I love almost everything she has done, from the more poppier to the more experimental things. She has to be in this poll, but she's too well known for me to be a contender. Susanne Sundfør's song is beautiful too. Love her singing on this one, but on some little moments she's overdoing it. Great song (but the ending on this "edit" is a bit awkward). I prophesy disaster: Helium Horse Fly with Adrift starts off with an electric guitar painting the uneasy we are diving into. The singing that joins adds to this feeling. Then a post-rocky "explosion" and we've laid down the formula of the song. I love this interplay between instruments (and voice), but somehow the song lacks the emotion it may want to convey - it is more creating an ambience... And maybe a bit too predictable in its structure. MortSahlFan: Curved Air bring us a solid 70s rock song, very nicely played and sung (and I love the violin!), but it is not something that attracts much of my attention or that I find emotional. Illusion, with Madonna Blue, give me a similar impression. Nice vocal harmonies here, and great piano playing. Very nice to the ears, great build-up of the song, but nothing that really touches me or makes it stand out. Pleasant to hear, though and I prefer this one over Curved Air. Logan: Catherine Ribeiro wants to love someone... Now this is a strange case for suitkees: I love this song, but not the singing, which from the start fatigues me. Does it sound too forced, too over-(something)? Not sure how and why... Edda Dell'Orso with Morricone grabs me much more, but it is much too short! We want more! Jane Jarboe with Swans displays her singing abilities in this piano voice dominated piece. It's nice, but somehow keeps me out of it... Nico with her typical fragility in her voice and the eerie music is always fascinating - and often discomforting - but maybe too well known to be a contender for me. Great choice though for this theme. Raff: Regarding Kate Bush, see my remarks above - Pull Out the Pin is indeed another example of the great Kate, although I think she has done some more emotionally charged songs than this one. With Joni Mitchell we have another Great of the Greats. I really love this song, it's wonderful, but she too has done some songs that move me more than this one. Alexanderplatz sounds very dated, but Milva brings it in a perfect way. Maybe too perfect? It lacks something to really convince me or touch me... Of these three, my choice would be Joni. Hiram: Lau Nau with Juokse sinä humma, this is a great discovery: I really love this song. The folk roots are clear, but that guitar makes the horse sound very panicked before the song moves to an uncomfortable comfortable end. Wonderful. This would also be my choice because PJ Harvey and Sonic Youth are too well known to me, but these are great songs too. Easy Money: Now, what a great choice to bring in Billie Holiday! This really is a heart-wrenching song. Not sure I've heard it before. This one will be difficult to beat, if I would go for the known artists. Gentle and Giant: I hesitated to put up something by Sinéad O'Connor, but I considered her much too well known. This is just a brilliant song, brilliantly sung, by a brilliant artist. Progishness: Now this is a selection of great classic artists! But somehow Annie Haslam's voice has never really connected with me. Neither does this song (despite Dvorak!). Regarding Curved Air I have the same remarks as re. their song above. She has a great voice, but the song does not really move me. With Janis Joplin and Doris Day we have two other very great singers with two too well known songs to be a contender here for me, but they definitely have their place in this poll (yes, that's not fair...). JD: Another Great of the Greats: Edith Piaf. This song is just a reference for all of the world, I guess. What can we say more...? moshkito: Sandy Denny with Fairport Convention, is another classic! Great song, wonderful playing, great singer. This has everything to be perfect... and it is. ------------- The razamataz is a pain in the bum |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: May 29 2021 at 04:34
------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: May 29 2021 at 05:19
Dear Nickie: Offa Rex: very beautiful the sound of that electric harpsichord, and the angelic voice of the interpreter, vaguely Renaissance atmosphere, very pleasant. The October Project: Pop song with a good rhythm supported by the singer's gritty voice. There is a little lack of arrangement to exalt me Love Will Find You is a very dilated melodic pop song, with a central bridge and a very emphatic power-pop arrangement. Even this song in concert would see the darkness illuminated by many lighters that move left and right. My favorite is Offa Rex's Queen of Hearts, however Love Will Find You is very good and enthralling. ------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: suitkees
Date Posted: May 29 2021 at 05:37
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Page 2... Mirakaze: Floating Room with Dog; her voice sounds very familiar to me, in a way, but I cannot put a name on it. Nice song, a dog and his master... Not sure though if it really touches me (is it because I prefer cats over dogs?). I actually prefer Lush's dreamy Monochrome, both the singing and the music, and although it is not breaking boundaries in the songwriting department this is closer to my heart (I listened twice in a row to it; yes I like it). Snicolette: (Oh yes, Heather Nova would have fit in here too!) Never heard of Offa Rex and their Queen of Hearts might steal mine. Wonderful! Beautiful voice and a great instrumentation (and playing), where the harpsichord fits in perfectly. October Project sounds a bit more "standard fare" regarding the songwriting, but sounds good too. Great vocals indeed, and somehow this has a slight Irish flavour over it. With Chasing The Monsoon we enter in a more typical prog realm, but (yes, I say "but") it sounds very good. Great vocals again, and I like that theremin-like synth use. Great song too, but less surprising... My preference goes out to Offa Rex. TCat: Dying Bed by Charming Hostess is a very good up-tempo song (unexpectedly, with such a title). Musically it is great, and the vocals bring a country flavour to it, but are not entirely to my liking (is there one line sung by another voice?). Laws of Physics is again very intriguing, musically speaking, and here we have interesting harmonies between the different vocals. The emotion is in the fun and the irony. Wonderful choice - the emotion goes up, for once! Not much fan of Anathema, in general, but this is a nice piano-voice ballad. Maybe a bit too cliché-matic to really touch me though... I have a couple of albums by Archive, but not this one and I never heard this song. Another, not very original (imo), ballad: great voice, and good musical accompaniment, but they've done better and more emotional songs, I think. Lewian: Broadcast's You Can Fall starts in a very cold electronic way but then the other instruments, and especially the singing and the organ, bring in their organic warmth. Yes, this one has something chilly. I like it very much - I have to explore more Broadcast - but maybe it is not so much "emotional"? Rainbirds (the band name doesn't ring a bell with me...) also bring actually a fantastic song - maybe one of the best of this poll so far - but again, is this "emotional"? Not sure, but I really like this very much. Hearing this, it is no surprise that you like Kate Bush and Björk... Regarding the latter, I very much appreciate the artist, and musically she always has a lot to offer, but I'm not always happy about her singing which goes too often into the yelling department to my liking. This song is an example of that, where here singing fatigues me too much to be high on my listings. mathman: Bent Knee with Being Human don't interest me, musically speaking (they somehow seem to privilege technicality over emotion...), and her yelling really puts me off, so this one is really not for me. I remember Angelica Garcia from the other poll and she was a very good surprise there. And I was more impressed by that one than by this song, but this one is still very good - I have the feeling though she's less mastering her voice here... Despite the fact that it's Disney (or because of?) Bonnie Raitt and Was (Not Was) take this one away: not that original, but it works. Cristi: Pussycat! Ha, Dutch glory! They're part of the soundtrack of my youth; they scored hit upon hit in our country. Nice, but very poppy. Doro, sorry, but this is imo just a very bad cover of such a great and emotional song when it was done by Procol Harum. This one is too cringy to my fragile ears. Dida Dragan on the other hand is wow! A typical late 70s, 80s pop orchestration (production sounds more mid 80s), not very original, but in service of this wonderful voice, full of emotion indeed. Great discovery! Atlantis bring a rather conventional pop-rock tune, but very well done. It can't top Dida Dragan, however. ------------- The razamataz is a pain in the bum |
Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: May 29 2021 at 05:50
hehe, Pussycat has several songs I love and that vocalist is superb. Dida Dragan's song is from 1984. It's a song from her poppiest album. Still love 3-4 songs from that album. I'm happy you enjoyed the song.
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Posted By: Raff
Date Posted: May 29 2021 at 05:58
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In a sort of perverse way, I am glad to see somebody who doesn't worship Bent Knee . A couple or three years ago, everyone here in the US was all over them, and you could not even begin to say that they left you cold. Mind you, the first time I saw them live at Orion Studios I was very impressed, but the second time, at ProgDay, they bored me to tears. They are all very talented, and - from what I know - also a bunch of nice people, but I believe there are better bands around as a whole. I've seen quite a few bands with female singers, and enjoyed them more.Anyway, I have been thinking of nominating Joni Mitchell, but yesterday, when I was listening to the playlist on YouTube Music, a song came up (tacked at the very end of the list) that I hadn't heard in years, but that I used to love back in the day. I realized the song still moves me a lot, and I'd like to post it here before I make my pick. Apologies to everyone for this late addition ! The song is "Is It a Crime" by Sade: |
Posted By: suitkees
Date Posted: May 29 2021 at 05:59
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^^ Yes, I definitely do; she's quite impressive on this one ! ------------- The razamataz is a pain in the bum |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: May 29 2021 at 08:06
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Wonderful to see so many enjoying Offa Rex! Now, if they would only put another together...and tour once things start opening up again. With the Decembrists involved, I would likely get lucky and they would play Portland, too. Thank you for the thoughts, Lorenzo and Kees. Raff, also thank you for the support re Bent Knee, it is very hard to have to keep admitting that I don't quite get it with them, with so many over the moon. Also glad I'm not the only one. And I love Sade, too. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: suitkees
Date Posted: May 29 2021 at 10:29
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page 3 and beyond... dwill123: Oh, you're a sentimental guy... Maybe I am too... Another bunch of great, and very well known singers! Gladys Knight's Bond song is beautiful, but I wouldn't qualify it as the most emotional of the three. I very much like Anita Baker, but Roberta Flack's song is in my opinion the most outstanding, thanks also the the restraint of it, both musically as in her singing. Wonderful! Tigerfeet: Three artists of who I don't remember having heard anything before, and all three are great to hear! Anneli Drecker with a Tim Buckley: Wonderful playing and singing, but it in some way it just doesn't capture me enough. Maura O'Connell has a great voice too, but this song is maybe a bit too conventional pop-rock (with a bluesy touch) to get me, so it is Angel Snow's (do I know her?) Coals and Water that steals the show here. Beautiful acoustic arrangement and both the songwriting and her singing are very convincing and melancholic; great voice! Ronstein: Steven Wilson with Nina Tayeb. I really love her voice and singing, but somehow I have a problem with Steven Wilson's music; it all sounds so predictable, unimaginative that for me it becomes a chain of clichés... and unfortunately, this one is not an exception. Perfectly performed, but devoid of emotion, for me. Sandy Denny on the other hand is really a great one! Maybe even stronger than the Fairport one put up earlier... Very touching. Regarding Kate Bush, see my earlier remarks. Can't do anything wrong, but here it is not necessarily the emotion that prevails. Cara Dillon, I think, is a discovery to me. Great voice indeed, on both songs. The first one has a very Irish flavour and is very captivating. Much more than the unsurprising pop-rock on the Mike Oldfield track, which lacks the emotional charge of the former one. (I also like Sailor Boy by Cara Dillon that chopper put up!) Raff: Milva's Jenny dei Pirati is maybe not intended as a submission of an "emotional" song for this poll, but I like it's theatricality! Sade is a wonderful choice for a late submission... I actually do not really remember this one, but I loved her known hits of that period. What a fantastic voice and what a great song. This is probably my preferred one of your suggestions. ------------- The razamataz is a pain in the bum |
Posted By: suitkees
Date Posted: May 29 2021 at 10:44
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And, many thanks for the comments, Nickie, Mike, Lorenzo... Maybe still ongoing, but it is always nice to read the impressions of others on the songs suggested here! ------------- The razamataz is a pain in the bum |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: May 29 2021 at 17:28
Of your three songs, Voilà is my favorite. The musical accompaniment is minimal, the voice does everything, the song is pure melody (as indeed your first song), we are in the field of classic melodic pop, nothing shocking at a musical level, but that's very good, because it is the voice that conveys emotions more than anything else. Here in this one, it seems more genuine to me than in your first choice, where there is more musical accompaniment (but it is very commercial sounding accompaniment). The second song, taken from classical music, is very interesting, but I tend not to rate the higher category songs. --- Thanks for you review on my selection, I like to read very clear opinions, even critical ones. ------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: May 29 2021 at 17:36
1) The delicate and acoustic start is very good, the rest is pleasant but it doesn't excite me. 2) Doro: O mamma mia.....  3) The voice is remarkable, a very emphatic and captivating song, it is my favorite. 4) Slowly growing but very pleasant melodic song is my second favorite. ------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: May 29 2021 at 17:44
Broadcast: very fascinating (industrial?) music, especially the opening piece and the arrival of the vocals, great atmosphere, great sound. It lacks of development to be a masterpiece. It still flies at high levels. Rainbirds: For a commercial success, it's a very good composition, with great variations. Very pleasant. Bjork is one of the few orgasmic singers (only Tori Amos beats her), here she performs with a real orchestra, which usually doesn't excite me, but since her voice is the leader, and she does it in a way his, I would say excellent song, my favorite. ------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: May 30 2021 at 11:49
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First listens up to this point, starting with Page Three. Includes some additions from Raff and Chopper. Thank you to George for the playlist! Raff: Sade “Is It A Crime” Big horns open, then it drops out and becomes
just organ, and that fabulous voice of hers.
Soooooo coooooool. Light
percussion and bass, this is classy as all heck. Nice piano, bass and percussion break about
the middle, that turns into a sax solo. I
don’t believe I’ve heard this, despite her popularity. Chopper: Cara Dillon “Sailor Boy” Piano begins the piece, which I also am familiar with (see Ronstein), this is also a fabulous rendition with a male singing with her as well. More sort of droning music joins in, with fiddles and possibly concertina (?). This is just stellar. Will be seeking that recording. dwill123:
All of these artists are well known, which will take them off of my
voting list, but they are excellent entrants for the topic. Roberta Flack “The First Time Ever I Saw Your
Face” This one was a smash hit in it’s
time, a different take on Ewan MacColl’s beautiful love song from 1957. Bert Jansch also covered this, a bit more
uptempo than either the MacColl or the Flack versions. It is a classic and Roberta did it justice,
making it her own. Anita Baker “Sweet
Love” Another powerhouse vocalist, Anita,
in the R&B field. This song is a
typical (which doesn’t mean bad at all) pop/R&B song, with clean production
that is meant to let her gorgeous voice shine.
And it does. Gladys Knight
“Licence To Kill” Another pop/R&B
queen of the charts, Gladys holds nothing back on this title soundtrack song,
written by Narada Michael Walden, another powerful voice in this field, but for
writing hits, not singing. Strong pop
vocals and production here as well, but my personal fave is Roberta Flack’s
masterful (or is that mistressful?) cover.
tigerfeet: Anneli Drecker “Morning Glory” I remember this song well for Tim’s version, will look forward to hearing how it’s covered here, as I’ve quite enjoyed your previous post selections. Solo piano and some very back in the mix vocalisations. The woman’s voice is very sweet and delicate, which suits this poignant and moving song. The entire production is very delicate, with soft touches everywhere, even when the singer doubles and choruses the vocals. There is an almost nonexistent orchestral backing from time to time. Beautifully done, simple and rich. Although I do know the song, I don’t know this cover, so will consider for voting. Maura O’Connell “First You Cry” I know of Maura, but am not familiar with this one, either. This is a bluesy/countryish sort of song with a rich-voiced and soulful vocalist. She actually lived (may not anymore) in Nashville, when I did, you can hear that Nashville sound here…. The production and musical/choral support reminds me much of when Ray Charles did a country album, many, many years ago. She’s got great range and shows it here as the song slowly builds. Angel Snow “Coals and Water” Love the spare beginning of finger-picked guitar here. This is a dark sort of spooky song, in a folk vein. I could certainly envision this in a coffee house or folk bar setting. Simple and effective. Ronstein: I notice you chose mostly live versions. Ninet Tayeb & Steven Wilson “Routine” This one I do know, and like the piece a lot. How he managed to capture what it feels like to suddenly and unexpectedly find oneself widowed (in this case, she lost a child, or children, too, if I remember the inspiration correctly) and how you struggle to get through each day for a very, very long time, is beyond me. This is the live version, which I find the most evocative. Ninet is a fabulous vocalist. And genius to shoot it in an empty venue. Sandy Denny & Friends “Who Knows Where the Time Goes” Another favourite female vocalist, you can’t go wrong with anything by Sandy. This is one of her most known pieces, and with good reason. Kate Bush “Feel It” Well known and fantastic female vocalist, here in a great setting to display her particular genius, theatrical and with a wide vocal range, here singing like a bird. Cara Dillon “The Lark in the Clear Air” Will love to hear this, as I don’t know her and I play this song every time I play the harp, as one of my warmup pieces. 😊 Sweet, sweet Irish singer, doing this gorgeous Irish tune, accompanied by piano and very delicate orchestration. I will be looking up her solo albums, thank you! Have no idea how I missed her. Followed by another by her, this time with Mike Oldfield, another personal favourite composer. This is a more rock/pop setting for her, she’s obviously versatile as well and capable. I do love Oldfield’s guitar sound and his lead is fantastic, taking this beyond normal rock/pop. My fave, however, was her cover of “Lark,” not just for familiarity of the tune, but because it’s a genre I obviously love and she crushed it. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Raff
Date Posted: May 30 2021 at 14:48
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Seen the overwhelmingly positive feedback for my late addition to the list, I'm happy to nominate Sade's "Is It a Crime" as my pick for this poll. |