starskin
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May 19, 2024 11:42:12 GMT -4
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Post by starskin on Oct 16, 2006 13:59:44 GMT -4
I've finally succumbed to my love for The Decemberists (which I've been nursing in feverish semi-secrecy for about 3 years). I've got a whole bunch of their songs either off the internet or on compilations/mix cds, but I figured it was time to actually buy an album. I just don't know whether I should start with something older like Her Majesty or buy The Crane Wife. I'm tempted to buy the latter because I absolutely love that folk tale and I think it's brilliant that Colin Meloy has based most of the album on it. But...I don't know! Buying music is such a big emotional investment for me. I want to make the right choice.
I'm weird. I know. But I'd still appreciate advice.
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mrpancake
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May 19, 2024 11:42:12 GMT -4
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Post by mrpancake on Oct 16, 2006 14:54:34 GMT -4
Oh dear, I just wrote a HUGE response and it all got deleted!
Anyway, I have and will always have a special love for Her Majesty. It's what got me into the Decemberists. I especially love Billy Liar and Los Angeles, I'm Yours. At the same time, I'm totally enamored with The Crane Wife. If you love the tale, the sheet amount of time devoted to the tale specifically might be worth the album cost alone. Additionally, songs like Yankee Bayonet, O Valencia, and, if you're weird like me, The Shankill Butchers will be added incentive to get that album. But don't discount their other albums. I just realized this weekend how much I love Picaresque, though for whatever reason I'd sort of written it off. The Mariner's Revenge Song alone is worth whatever you pay for the album. It confirms my suspicion that they are truly the best story tellers around. Additionally, songs like 16 Military Wives, We Both Go Down Together, The Engine Driver, Eli the Barrow Boy and The Sporting Life are phenomenal song.
And then there's Castaways and Cutouts. Here I Dreamt I was An Architecht is a wonderful song and so is Leslie Ann Levine (and others of course), but I'd say the standout on that album is California One/Youth and Beauty Brigade which is a perfect song for a relaxing day or to fall asleep to.
No matter what you choose, you'll end up a winner when you pick up their albums. Just save up money for the next one! I'm already getting antsy for their concert on November 3! Hey, Starskin, you know they're going on a European tour? They just announced dates and there are several shows in England. Something you may want to consider...
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starskin
Guest
May 19, 2024 11:42:12 GMT -4
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Post by starskin on Oct 25, 2006 16:36:53 GMT -4
Belated, but thanks very much for the rundown on The Crane Wife, mrpancake. I think I'm going to go with my initial choice and buy it as opposed to something like Picaresque (since I have almost all the songs already anyway) because I want something new to listen to. Alas, it is not out in the UK yet! Or it may just have been released a day or two ago. Either way, they didn't have it last week. One of my flatmates is from China, and she said she was interested in American music, especially country. I gave her my copy of Wilco's Summerteeth and U2's The Joshua Tree (no, not American, but a classic). I'm hoping she likes at least one of them.
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Margo
Sloane Ranger
Posts: 2,224
Apr 10, 2005 22:46:06 GMT -4
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Post by Margo on Nov 4, 2006 16:48:09 GMT -4
I am sorely in need of recommendations and this thread seems like the best fit. I love trance, not the cheesy stuff young stupid douchebags listen to and call trance, but the real thing. This is my favourite workout music, and workouts are my life, so it's important. I love Sasha & Digweed's Northern Exposure 1 CD. I love Paul Van Dyk's Politics of Dancing 2 (not 1, for some weird reason). I also love Paul Oakenfold's Tranceport, and some select songs off the Swordfish soundtrack. It seems kind of obvious to listen to other CDs in the same series or by the same artists, and I've tried, but I don't like them as much. I admit, I haven't listened to many - Northern Exposure 2, I think, and Politics of Dancing 1. I have 7 or 8 DJ Tiesto's albums, and I will definitely listen to them. Can anyone recommend anything else I might like, judging from these albums? To quote a Russian adage, I feel like a white crow with my love for trance music on this forum ETA: Someone upthread asked about Goldfrapp. I admit, I've bought a total of about 3 CDs over the past 5 years, so I cannot recommend albums. I love a few Goldfrapp songs - Strict Machine, Ooh La La, Fly Me Away, Koko. From just these it seems like the best bet is their latest album, 2005's Supernature. And if I may add, these songs are simply excellent for the elliptical/treadmill/jogging, and working out in general.
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starskin
Guest
May 19, 2024 11:42:12 GMT -4
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Post by starskin on Nov 4, 2006 17:45:46 GMT -4
Sorry, Margo, I'm not really well-versed in trance per se, but I do really like Four Tet. I know they're more straight electornica and less trance, but they've got some good stuff. (I say they...it's really one guy). I'm currently reading a book that talks in great detail about the Goa Trance/Psy Trance scene, and it sounds really intriguing. Apparently it uses a lot of raga and other Indian influences to create very complex sonic landscapes. Oh, and a lot of my friends who like electronica and trance like Schneider TM a lot.
I know that wasn't much help, seeing as I'm more of an electroclash fan, but that's all I could think of off the top of my head.
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Post by biondetta on Jun 6, 2007 13:56:38 GMT -4
So where should one start if one is interested in getting some Yo La Tengo? I've heard of them for years, but have never gotten around to listening to more than the occasional song on a mix. Suggestions?
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julesgrimbol
Lady in Waiting
The other George Michael, the singer-songwriter
Posts: 116
Sept 19, 2006 14:43:05 GMT -4
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Post by julesgrimbol on Jun 7, 2007 18:06:38 GMT -4
biondetta, I am Not Afraid of You... is a great cd. Strangely, it makes me dance. If you want a classic, then try out I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One. As much as I enjoy the older stuff, I think I am Not Afraid of You... is up there in terms of heavy listening.
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Post by biondetta on Jun 8, 2007 9:47:55 GMT -4
Thanks! Considering a lot of the stuff I've been listening to these days is pretty mellow, maybe I will go with I Am Not Afraid of You ... if it can make you dance. I need something a bit perkier right now!
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ramonaq
Guest
May 19, 2024 11:42:12 GMT -4
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Post by ramonaq on Jun 20, 2007 6:36:40 GMT -4
Has anyone heard of Aloha? A guy at works tells me I have to listen to them. Which CD should I try?
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lyrasilver
Lady in Waiting
Posts: 382
Mar 14, 2005 9:53:16 GMT -4
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Post by lyrasilver on Jun 23, 2007 22:46:19 GMT -4
Margo, this is incredibly late, but have you listened to Hybrid? They're electronica, but in a really unique and awesome way (sorry, I'm terrible at describing them). Wide Angle is a great album. Tranceport is one of my favorite trance albums, and Wide Angle is similar in concept. I haven't heard their other albums yet, but Hybrid is great.
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