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Post by unomusette on Feb 28, 2016 20:53:34 GMT
This week, it's time to treat your ears to some Fleming and John. You probably know them from the Lynne Me Your Ears CD, which is where I first came across them and was intrigued to find out more. Their version of Eldorado is simply stunning, unfortunately I can't find it on Youtube but of course it's in the collection of all discerning ELO fans They are a married couple from Nashville who delight in their happy relationship and make amazing music together. When I say "treat your ears", I am aware that Fleming's singing can be a bit of an acquired taste so instead of a whole album I've picked a few choice tracks. In my opinion her voice is amazing with a huge range as proved in the Eldorado cover, but then I am a Muse fan so high pitched screaming is kind of my thing. Their sound is often embellished by some lovely strings from their Love Sponge ensemble, this is especially apparent on the first track here, and their lyrics are always interesting and well worth a good listen. Strangely, everyone I try to impress with this band is completely underwhelmed, so I'll be agog to see what you, with your obviously excellent taste in music, have to say. Unfortunately they seem to have dropped off the radar a bit after releasing two albums, however I did find a bit of a feature on them from a series called "Find the Beauty", where bands are challenged to make their own version of frankly very dodgy songs. I've put it at the end of the list. UK listeners might well remember the song they are given, which was indeed a proper turkey, and enjoy their attempt to make a silk purse of it. Let's go..... The Pearl - Apparently based on a book, love the strings on this one and it's probably my favourite track by them The PearlI'm So Small - I can easily imagine Muse covering this, both because of the howling chorus and the tiny stature of Matthew Bellamy. I love the bit about having a big hairdo which is "all part of my plot to prove I'm not a a dot" Splendid stuff I'm So SmallComfortable - Don't be fooled as this begins, it appears to be leading to a breakup but actually it's a really great love song about the pleasures of familiarity ComfortableThat's All I Know - silly, rowdy song about "who's lost the remote control?" Probably played out in every home across the civilised world at one time or other. Love the bit about "you'd probably lose your head if it wasn't so big" That's all I KnowUgly Girl - I know it's a bit cruel but I adore this hilariously catty song about an ex coming face to face with her replacement. And the captions at the end do make some sort of amends Ugly GirlI'm Not Afraid - Great song and totally brilliant video, John is the head chef I'm not AfraidFind the Beauty - this is that documentary I was on about, it's only about 10 minutes long so if you're still interested give it a go Find the Beauty
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Post by dillwyn on Feb 28, 2016 23:33:13 GMT
Superb...what a great collection and from looking at Wikipedia another Ben folds connection.
I'm just starting my own set of rehearsals/writing this week so have spent days and days listening over and over to familiar things and at the bit of a low level rethinking the whole thing.. After last weeks stevie wonder high I was intrigued what would be presented this week.
These are completely new to me in every way and have totally engerised and make me want to run to the studio and create....what a voice nested in brilliantly supportive music...tasteful melodies, great recording, interesting combinations, superb musician.
Ugly girl link doesn't work in the uk...this one does though Find the beauty was a lovely insight into their talent.... They are better than the song they were given and they succeeded that is for sure.
Thank you I really enjoyed this...
i know the Steinbeck novel the pearl is based on but could not work out the connection on my couple of hearings. Is that mr folds as the little drummer boy on the cake of I'm not afraid. I really liked the first three tracks listed, 4th was less strong and of course they only could improve that last song.
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Post by jrmugz on Feb 29, 2016 3:35:34 GMT
Sounds interesting, Uno, looking forward to checking it out, look for my feedback by mid-week or so!
Jim
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Post by Platypus on Feb 29, 2016 8:38:35 GMT
Their version of Eldorado is simply stunning, unfortunately I can't find it on Youtube Here you go:
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Post by unomusette on Feb 29, 2016 20:42:39 GMT
Oh wow, I'm really pleased they've gone down so well with you dillwyn, I meant to mention the Ben Folds connection but it slipped my mind what with having to post all those links etc. The original Ugly Girl link works for me and I'm in the UK, but the more the merrier plus yours has a cartoon too, what's not to like? And thanks for the Eldorado link too Platypus, I couldn't find it for the life of me yesterday. I simply can't believe the notes that girl can hit, especially in the outro
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Post by dillwyn on Feb 29, 2016 21:20:56 GMT
maybe it's something odd about my set-up...neither your version of ugly girl or Eldorado work for me. ho hum. Already shared these guys with two people i'm writing with and both gave very positive reaction, so their name has already spread by this activity to three more people
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Post by unomusette on Feb 29, 2016 21:32:20 GMT
This is great news, nobody I try to impress with them has liked them. I am surrounded by philistines obviously, tsk. (not great news about the links though, boo!) Edit: Eldorado won't work for me either , so it's probably not a terrible failing with your system dillwyn
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Post by Platypus on Feb 29, 2016 23:27:46 GMT
I simply can't believe the notes that girl can hit, especially in the outro She sounds like a theremin! (A very well played one...) For playing troubles, have folk tried clearing the browser cache? That can cure weirdness.
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Post by queenofthehours on Mar 1, 2016 21:15:17 GMT
I'm not familiar with Fleming and John but if Uno says they're good they're good!
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Post by jrmugz on Mar 3, 2016 22:05:11 GMT
OK, here's my review of Fleming and John.
01. "The Pearl" - Pleasant arrangement, passionate singing, strong bridge and chorus. Nice one.
02. "I'm So Small" - Good character study of wanting to be noticed. The confused musical soundscape showcases the emotional trauma of feeling un-noticed.
03. "Comfortable" - Nice arrangment, that doesn't do a lot for me.
04. "That's All I Know" - Adam Ant meets The Clash. Like the fun spirit of it, and the mission impossible kind of break.
05. "Ugly Girl" - Interesting lyric, from the perspective of a jealous lover.
06. "I'm Not Afraid" - Entertaining performance with the lyric from the perspective of a captivated lover. Perhaps a tad too gimmicky for all of it's merits.
07. "Find the Beauty" - Fun good song. Really appreciate the documentary stuff, interesting stuff how it all came together.
Star Rating: 3.9 out of 5 Prime Cuts: "The Pearl", "I'm So Small", "Find the Beauty" Bottom Line: Competent pop duo; need to have a little deeper substance and less gimmick if they want to gain traction. Reminds me of Roy Wood in that sense.
Thanks for sharing Uno, will have you marked down for the next open spot!
Enjoyed getting familiarized with this neat little band of a charismatic wife and Roy-wood-like musically-diverse husband.
Jim
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Post by unomusette on Mar 3, 2016 22:14:25 GMT
Thanks jrmugz - that's a good solid review and I like your observation of the Roy Wood elements which hadn't struck me before
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Post by queenofthehours on Mar 4, 2016 20:43:53 GMT
1. The Pearl – You know when you click on a YouTube link and then switch to another tab to read something else while the song loads? (or is that person just me?) And you hear some interesting music but it sadly turns out to be just an advert? (is this still just me??). Well, that’s what I did here but that really great music wasn’t an ad this time it was a really cool song I’d never heard before! Which, incidentally, could also be really cool advert music too :-)? Love the pizzicato strings and the cheeky little sax part in the middle which, unusually for me, I liked.
2. I'm So Small – Like a cross between pop and metal? I’m not so keen on the music here – If I were the producer I’d change this song around. Quite Muse-y.
3. Comfortable – This is more like it. This track has a familiar feel – as if it were composed, say, in the mid 90s when rock music could be relied on. This track sounds as if they are waiting for a call from Jeff to produce them.
4. That's All I Know – Not so keen on this either. I love the drums but I can’t keep up with the changes in tempo.
5. Ugly Girl – This one’s great, a nice pop sound. Bouncy. Love the percussion.
6. I'm Not Afraid – Another great song. I’m not sure I’m a big fan of the loud bits but underneath it’s a good pop record.
7. Find the Beauty – An interesting and very entertaining little film. You know they can only imporove on that song! I love their house. A wonderful version of the song - I'd buy it!
It's always nice to hear something new and this music is very nice - I can imagine there are a lot of great untapped tracks in their back catalogue that could easily match the great pop artists of our time. Their music always seems creative whether I like a track or not.
Their stuff reminds me a bit of Julianna Raye. Breezy American pop that Jeff Lynne wouldn't feel out of place getting involved with.
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Post by unomusette on Mar 4, 2016 22:06:22 GMT
Great review queenofthehours, I'm chuffed you found some fun and interest here. Fleming and John are a bit off the wall so it's great to see everyone so far being positive about them. It's also good to see how well the Find the Beauty film is going down, I think when you actually see how they work together it's easier to have a handle on them. I just wish they were more visible these days, it would be quite sad to think they'd settled down to domestic bliss and abandoned their musical talents.
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Post by sparky123 on Mar 5, 2016 14:17:00 GMT
I'm also not familiar with Fleming and John, I listened to the songs you listed and I quite liked Ugly Girl but I wasn't that fussed on the others unfortunately. At least I know who they are now :-)
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Post by Chippa on Mar 5, 2016 21:53:22 GMT
The Pearl- The music has a certain urgency, which fits in well with the singer's voice. Good melody and overall musical feel. I really like this one.
I'm So Small - Interesting guitar sounds and relentless, off-kilter rhythm.
Comfortable - Timeless, old school melody. Sounds like some real "AM Gold". Another winner.
That's All I Know - Love the in your face punk style of the song.
Ugly Girl - Hilarious, scathing lyrics with a cute arrangement. Fun stuff.
I'm Not Afraid - I remember this one being played on a local alternative station, back in the day. Pretty standard 90's alt-rock stuff, but still a good track.
Find the Beauty - Holy shit, this is awesome. How have I not heard about this? Fun and memorable, for sure. I'll definitely revisit this.
Overall, this gets a strong 7.5/10. Well done, uno!
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