The Music Gal's Musings - aka Obscure Song YOU Should Know...
In an attempt to emulate my heroine The Sport's Gal, I have finally begun the weekly blog on that thing I know so well, MUSIC. Now, Scott, relax, we're not talking about me entering your realm - ie. Stodgy musicologist - oh no, this is just me, waxing poetic about my favorite pop and rock tunes...don't lump me in with the "Famous Musicologists" set. I don't have THAT much unruly grey hair, yet.
This week's offering "Under the Skin," ethereally recorded on Lindsey Buckingham's newest solo offering of the same name. I have always been a Fleetwood Mac fan, and always loved Lindsey's writing, so harmonic, and guitar style, so complex. In my opinion, no better does it show itself than on this album,and even more specifically on this song. I read a bit about the production of the album overall and found that much of it was crudely recorded, in hotel rooms and such, as Lindsey was on tour with the reunited Fleetwood Mac. It is a simple recording on one level, kind of guitar singer/songwriter music, but such at its best, rich, complex and layered...like a fine wine that has found its time.
It is so interesting to me to hear what musicians put out there as they age. Sting, another perennial favorite of mine, just released a recording of ANCIENT music - literally - these are songs that were part of a traveling oral music history from the 1600's. Now, not really my cup of tea melodically, but interesting for sure, and inspiring, as it always is when someone does a project for the LOVE of the project. Eric Clapton as well has just recorded an album with a reclusive R&B songwriter with whom he has had a long standing relationship. Worried less about the commercial success and more about the art, the passion shows through.
"Under the Skin" not only satisfies melodically, but lyrically, with such haunting lines as "I hear your heart as you pass through" and "I know it's hard being so hard to find, your passion swallows you whole; deaf, dumb and blind...under the skin, everything shows, under the skin." Lindsey allows us all to feed our soul searching selves like all of the good introspective songwriters do. He allows us not only our breathing room, but our brooding room.
So, give it a listen...download off iTunes...also recommended off the album, "To Try for the Sun," a rich rerecording of an old Donovan tune. Also, great Lindsey tunes, "Bleed to Love Her" off of FM's "Say You Will," and of course, the 80's pop classic "Go Insane." I am sure that on many levels Lindsey wonders WHY about that song, but it is pure pop candy to me.
- Cheryl
2 comments:
POP CANDY? Oh dear. You were at home too long this week, weren't you? Fleetwood Mac. I was actually a little young myself for them, so Cheryl, what were you then, like 5 when they were big? I remember buying their RUMORS album from FAYS DRUGS. No idea how old I was. Jr. high maybe? But I would have to say one of my FAVORITE songs of ALL TIMES has to be DREAMS. I remember when I bought the album and heard that song for the first time in STEREO (like, not on a car AM radio). The part where they say, "Like a heart beat drives you mad...in the stillness of remembering what you had...." the percussion kicks in with a heartbeat sound. Had never been aware of that on the radio before. I could listen to that song daily. Just love it. Such happy memories. That pre-teen time. I had to have been 12. On the verge of noticing boys and being caught up in all of that...
Yeah - I really liked the "pop candy" line! Kinda like Lime Tostitos are "crack chips!" You just GOTTA HAVE IT!
See, I don't think I liked FM when they were big - actually got into them at first when I was in college and this girl across the hall was a BIG Stevie Nicks fan.
And talk about takin' it back sister - Fay's!!!!!
-Cheryl
PS GREAT line reference from Dreams, and the heartbeat - that IS an awesome song!
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