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Foucaults Dog
- FB Fan -
Ireland
124 Posts |
 Posted - 05/16/2006 : 01:15:57
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I got the opportunity to listen to a promo of Fastman yesterday and I was very sadly dissapointed...I hope it was just a bad first impression, but after a good opening track it all went downhill.
It just didn't seem to have that FB quality about it. It was almost Jools Holland. I got the distinct impression that there were just too many named musicians on there, each adding bits and pieces that just aren't what I associate with Frank, which is normally a damn fine song that sounds great with or without accompaniment. There's a fine line in country between creative and crass and some tracks on this album crossed that line.
I just wonder if anyone else has heard the album yet and can give me their impressions...I'm hoping that I was having one of those Lester Bangs MC5 moments and I'll hear it differently next time. |
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remig
* Dog in the Sand *
France
1734 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2006 : 01:47:55
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After 4 listening, you'll find yourself enjoying half of the songs.
I can say that they're 4 or 5 instants classics, and a lot of growers.
IMHO, the opening track is not a good choice.
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Sam
= Cult of Ray =
Ireland
514 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2006 : 05:36:25
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same story here, big departure in song writing even from honeycomb. However i had to tell myself that every time i pick up a FB record it takes at least 3 listens to fully appreciate it. SMYT disappointed me first and now it's nearly my favourite FB record. I have listened to this 3/4 times and i think there are 4/5 songs which are excellent, some are still growing and some i know some just aren't my bag. Thats absolutely fine with me, i buy FB records because i know that those excellent tunes blow me away more than anything else on radio/tv these days.
At the moment i'm loving
Johnny Barleycorn
Time of my ruin
Down to you
Seven days
Fast man
Dog sleep
Elijah
The funny thing is the songs performed live at Cafe du Nord including my terrible ways and fitzgerald, i think actually sound better just acoustic. But hey thats just me. As long as hes making records and i get to hear them i'm happy.
PS- yes i will buy this legally.
Congratulation Frank on another great batch of tunes.
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Teafer
- FB Fan -
90 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2006 : 05:38:15
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Funny topic since i can't think of one song on one single FB album that i positevely liked on first listen. Song structures/time signatures are always complex and/or more subtle that what you can catch on the first listen.
try a little tenderness (what?)
"i'm not impressed. you wanna impress me? take the wheel, motherfucker." |
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Foucaults Dog
- FB Fan -
Ireland
124 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2006 : 06:05:32
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Thanks for the feedback folks. As I said I've only listened to the album once, and perhaps not in the best environment either so I'm not dismissing it yet by a longshot.
I think my main problem with some of the tracks are the arrangements and I do think Frank's stuff often really shines when stripped back and acoustic. A great song can be lost with too much instrumentation and perhaps this is my problem with what I was listening to, hence my reference to Jools Holland. Ironically it's the predicability of the arrangements and accompaniment on some of the tracks that I didn't like, the lack of complex or imaginative song structures and time signatures. I suppose my first impression is that some of the songs are just a little too formulaic. I'm hoping ya'll are right and that there are nuances in there that I just missed on first listen.
Cheers
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Sam
= Cult of Ray =
Ireland
514 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2006 : 06:18:55
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| I know exactly what you mean by formulaic time structures and signatures, i much rather the abstract stuff, parry the wind the wind high low springs to mind. It's funny he actually discussed the formula thing on the Henry Rollins show and said that he was embracing formula because he was that little bit older and playing with more expierienced people. He referenced his early career and mentioned wanting to destroy the systems of writing, but with age came a comfort in formula. I am paraphrasing here but that was the jist. Anyway my main point was having not digested this fully myself either, was that there is not one album of Franks which has disappointed so remain tru and TRUST IN FRAAAAAAAANNNNNNNKKKKKK! |
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Foucaults Dog
- FB Fan -
Ireland
124 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2006 : 06:39:54
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You know, you're right Sam. There has never been a dissapointing FB album for me either. Time will tell and I'm keeping an open mind.
Hmnnn??? Perhaps another solo acoustic show in Temple Bar Music Centre could sort it all out for me  |
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Sam
= Cult of Ray =
Ireland
514 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2006 : 06:44:42
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| No doubt that gig was a belter. If i remember correctly he played around 28 songs solo with barely a break for applause or even a rest. What a night and yeah i second the call for Frank to return to temple bar. |
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The Holiday Son
= Quote Accumulator =
France
2010 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2006 : 06:55:33
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quote:
Originally posted by Teafer
Funny topic since i can't think of one song on one single FB album that i positevely liked on first listen.
I fell in love with 'If it takes all night' the first time I heard it.
FMRM has a lot of songs that take time to like, and I remember I didn't like much New House of the Pope at first and it's now one of my fave from SMYT.
I think fast man, crucify, wanderlust, seven days, down to you, fitzgerald are growers whereas Poison, Johnny, not dead, Ruin, Elijah, not your moment, don't cry are almost instant classics. |
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markos
- FB Fan -
55 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2006 : 07:06:05
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| i would actually say that this album is far more immediate than most Frank Black albums, and contains his most beautiful work so far. By that i'm talkng about songs like 'End of the summer' and 'Sad old world', which i think are the best chilled out tracks hes ever done. The rest of the album is great, i would say could have done with one or two more faster, more rocking numbers in place of 'El ray' and 'when the paint grows darker still', which i think are pretty weak songs. However, i am trying to stop listening to it too much until i buy it... |
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Ziggy
* Dog in the Sand *
United Kingdom
2463 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2006 : 07:38:49
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| Yeah, a lot of Frank's songs have really grabbed me after having heard him play them solo. 'Fitzgerald' certainly is a case of this. |
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velvety
= Cult of Ray =
Portugal
536 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2006 : 10:34:44
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quote:
Originally posted by markos
i would actually say that this album is far more immediate than most Frank Black albums, and contains his most beautiful work so far. By that i'm talkng about songs like 'End of the summer' and 'Sad old world', which i think are the best chilled out tracks hes ever done. The rest of the album is great, i would say could have done with one or two more faster, more rocking numbers in place of 'El ray' and 'when the paint grows darker still', which i think are pretty weak songs. However, i am trying to stop listening to it too much until i buy it...
'When the paint grows darker still' tracklist position hurts the song a little. After 'Dog sleep' and especially 'End of Summer', it would have been nice to have a lighter song following those two. But yeah, it's not one of the better songs on disc 1.
I love 'The real El Rey', though. It's not an instant classic or anything, but it follows 'It's just not your moment' nicely. And that "I'm gonna learn me to sing" part is great.
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soundofataris
= Cult of Ray =
USA
715 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2006 : 11:41:51
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Umm, it took a half a dozen listens, but this is my favorite FB record since Black Letter Days. I love this record. Love it so much.
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i try to be mallory but i'm still skippy |
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Weird Harold
- FB Fan -
12 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2006 : 13:31:11
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quote:
Originally posted by Foucaults Dog
I do think Frank's stuff often really shines when stripped back and acoustic.
Yes , sometimes . . .
I prefer the live Fitzgerald to the produced one . |
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The Holiday Son
= Quote Accumulator =
France
2010 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2006 : 13:36:49
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Funny because I really like the album version of Fitzgerald and I don't like at all the live acoustic version.
The exact opposite of My Terrible Way which is stellar live and that I find very weak on the album. |
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Llamadance
> Teenager of the Year <
United Kingdom
2543 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2006 : 13:57:43
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End of the Summer reminds me so much of House of the Rising Sun.
Generally, I really like disc 1, especially Fast Man & Dog Sleep. Disc 2 I'm hoping is a grower.
That which does not kill me postpones the inevitable.
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crippe
- FB Fan -
Sweden
64 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2006 : 15:14:40
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20+ songs on an album is tricky business. But hey, there are 27 songs on there so...make your own playlist.
1.Elijah
2.Fitzgerald
3.When The Paint Grows Darker Still
4.Johnny Barleycorn
5.The Real El Rey
6.Kiss My Ring
7.In The Time Of My Ruin
8.Fast Man
9.It's Just Not Your Moment
10.Where The Wind Is Going
11.Down To You
12.Highway To Lowdown
13.Raider Man
Great songs! |
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markos
- FB Fan -
55 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2006 : 16:11:11
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quote:
End of the Summer reminds me so much of House of the Rising Sun.
I can kind of see that too, and apologies if this had been stated before, but for those that were not aware, this is the tune which 'samples' Faure. And really bloody well too, Frank makes the tune his own.Ill also quickly mention that i think the singing on "you cant crucify yourself" is rather amazing.... love Franks tone on that... to the extent that he makes the lyric "every pickle comes from cucumber" really emotional, which is quite impressive!
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Stuart
- The Clopser -
China
2291 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2006 : 21:21:12
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This is always good news, if you don't like Franks albums on first listen this means that its good.
This is a high class bureau de change, not some Punch & Judy show on the seafront at Margate! |
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Llamadance
> Teenager of the Year <
United Kingdom
2543 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2006 : 23:12:08
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Stuart, where you been? How you doing?
That which does not kill me postpones the inevitable.
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jimmy
= Cult of Ray =
USA
876 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2006 : 01:28:38
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When I bought "Honeycomb" and played it on the way home I was regretting it when I heard "Selkie Bride", but after about 4 or 5 songs it got a lot better and I was glad I got it.
Till I heard "Dance War" I didn't think FB could make a bad song- sadly it seems there's been more and more on his albums since then: "1826", "Black Rider #1", "The Snake", "Jane The Queen of Love". Still there are a lot of songs that more than make up for it.
There's a live version of "Horrible Day" that I like better than the album version- it starts off with him saying, "It's Saturday night, let's get drunk". And that acoustic version of "Manitoba" is much better than on SMYT.
I'm looking forward to the new album, but already I don't like the title: "Fastman/ Raiderman" what the fuck is that?
"Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." JOHN 15:14 |
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kotvana
- FB Fan -
Israel
102 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2006 : 03:54:57
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For me, the highlight of the 2 cd's is "The End Of The Summer" - A beautifull adaptation to a beautifull classical masterpiece. Genius.
I miss the feeling of "aohhhhhh" I had while hearing previous albums of FB for the first time. Actually, it lost when he stoped making lot of loud noise.. But still, beautifully crafted songs, some better some worse. I guess few weeks from now I will get bored of it, just like Honeycomb.. He is too in love with this particular sound and formula, I think. I don't expect him to do something as ground-breaking as with the P, but... Still looking for some sparks of that old crazy screaming baby..
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crippe
- FB Fan -
Sweden
64 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2006 : 04:39:04
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| I'll buy the album for Johnny Barleycorn alone, this is what FB does best - edgy, quirky and highly addictive rock music. |
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Apesy
= Cult of Ray =
USA
411 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2006 : 05:07:51
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As someone not overly knowledgeable about Fauré, what does "The End of the Summer" borrow from?
-=Apesy |
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Grotesque
= Cult of Ray =
France
777 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2006 : 08:45:12
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Just like Beefheart's Trout Mask Replica, Teenager of the year almost made me puke when I first heard it!
It kinda blew up my mind violently with all those 21 songs and I was not sure if I liked it or not.
Now (of course?) it's one of my all times favorites.
I hope FMRM does the same, and the 6 songs I already heard actually sound very TOTY. And I had that same disapointing impression with "Crucify" "Highway to lowdown" and "Fast Man", that I love now I've been listening to it a few times. So apparently it works, Foucaults...
Would FMRM be a TOTY2 rather than an HONEYCOMB2?
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Apesy
= Cult of Ray =
USA
411 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2006 : 09:05:36
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"Fast Man" is a stunner, once it finally hits you.
Kind of an ultimate combination of "Stupid Me", "I'll Be Blue", and...I don't know, for some reason I hear bits of the intro to "Smoke Up".
-=Apesy |
Edited by - Apesy on 05/17/2006 09:10:57 |
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velvety
= Cult of Ray =
Portugal
536 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2006 : 10:30:01
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quote:
Originally posted by markos
to the extent that he makes the lyric "every pickle comes from cucumber" really emotional, which is quite impressive!
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Edited by - velvety on 05/17/2006 10:35:18 |
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11687 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2006 : 10:45:12
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If I could pick a song on the new album to strike from the record, it would certainly be You Can't Crucify Yourself.
 "If we hit that bullseye, the rest of the dominos will fall like a house of cards. Checkmate." |
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Ziggy
* Dog in the Sand *
United Kingdom
2463 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2006 : 11:10:56
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| Haha, that's funny, I love You Can't Crucify Yourself. It's marvellous having a new record that we can debate and, most of all, enjoy :D |
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Jontiven
= Cult of Ray =
USA
347 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2006 : 11:26:13
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I've been laying low, but now I have a request.
Can Foucault's Dog please change the title of this here thread? It is extremely negative, and the discussion is completely legit, but the topic is a total bummer for those who took part in the sessions.
I have a feeling this thread can go on for days and weeks, but in fairness to those who put their heart and soul into this record, can we frame this picture without it?
Thank you.
bye,
JT |
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velvety
= Cult of Ray =
Portugal
536 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2006 : 11:46:50
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Yes, the frowning face has to go. None of that in the forum. Damn you Foulcat Dog!!!
By the way, congratulations on FM/RM, Mr. Tiven. It's shaping up to be one of my favourite Frank Black albums. |
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Grotesque
= Cult of Ray =
France
777 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2006 : 12:05:14
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It's not like listening The Hives or i don't know what...
Frank Black music is no Fast Food. |
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soundofataris
= Cult of Ray =
USA
715 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2006 : 12:05:59
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Yeah, thanks, Tiven. I'm really digging the record, and that's coming from someone who didn't care much for Honeycomb. You and Frank did something special here.
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i try to be mallory but i'm still skippy |
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11687 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2006 : 12:07:27
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From an official stance, if Foucalt's Dog feels that way, it is fine to post it with that topic title. I'm sorry it's negative, but truth be told, were I to start a thread about a new FB album being disappointing on first listen, I'd probably have a big smiley face. It's well known fact in FB world that the most beloved albums are generally the least instant. So take it as a perverse compliment. :)
Anyway, wanted to chime in so that Foucalt's Dog knows there is no push from the forum admins to adjust his title unless it is something he wants to do. Say, perhaps, if he's blown away by the third listen or something. For my part, I'm quite enjoying the first half of FMRM and it is, indeed, growing on me in traditional Frank Black fashion.
"If we hit that bullseye, the rest of the dominos will fall like a house of cards. Checkmate." |
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whitefrancis
- FB Fan -
Australia
53 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2006 : 13:31:38
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fitzgerald is sooo bad. 'ohhhhhh fiiiitzy'. shocking. worst frank song ever?
loving 'in the time of my ruin' at the moment though. great stuff. love the disco-y beat in the drums the 2nd time around. about 6 good songs, the rest i have to say are banal & boring old man songs. maybe my dad will like em.
where's the awesome chord structures/progressions, the skipped beats, the cool rhyme schemes, the eargasmic moments? i miss the frank black/teenager/half of cult period stuff.
still love the man, will still buy the album, but i had to throw in my 2 cents. |
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Ziggy
* Dog in the Sand *
United Kingdom
2463 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2006 : 15:35:18
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| 'In the Time of My Ruin' rocks indeed. 'Elijah' is a favourite, as well. |
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FMRM dissapointing first listen :(
