Saturday, September 23, 2006

& if we're all 4 someone...i'll wait till you

how's it goin' boss?

greetings from dublin.

have not only spent some quality time with family and bought the new frames album, (more on that in a mo), but also caught up this afternoon on some much needed zzz. so am feeling a little better, especially as i got to talk to my wee bro on the phone and that's pretty much guaranteed to brighten my day.

so, the important stuff of the day, the cost, the new frames album...here's my initial thoughts:
surprisingingly but not disappointingly underproduced, especially the vocals, so - quite raw, sounds almost like they just recorded the band live in the studio, pared down but nonetheless moving lyrics, quite dark, themes are of loss, leaving, seperation and divison, at times self loathing and yet tender too, and rising hope to keep going. why that would appeal i've no idea. ha.
highlights. there are several. major one for existing fans is a version of the anthemic ::rise::, ewan tells me this has only ever been a b-side. i think i've only heard it live and the thought that they'll play this in the ulster hall is making my nerves all a tingle. a song called ::true:: really grabbed me first time round. and the opening track ::song for someone:: is a.w.e.s.o.m.e... the whole thing is quite understated and yet there are really astonishiong moments where glen just goes for it and let's his voice soar. his falsetto on a version of ::falling slowly:: from the swell season is remarkable. also a version of ::when your mind's made up:: that's great. packaging is very nicely done with great photo portraits of the band and lyrics are all there for the dissecting and purusing. have given it 3 listens today. 2nd timearound i was buried under a mountain of bubbles in the bath. we've been without hot water in the belfast house for 3 weeks and so it was more than a spiritually cleansing experience. only time will tell where this ranks in the frames catalogue but there's something very straightforward about it all. this sounds like a band, going into a studio, laying down some tracks and just leaving them, no messin', perhaps thinking these songs will grow and morph in the live shows so do it there rather than in the studio. so after the very layered math-rock-ey ::burn the maps:: this offering was something of a surprise. but what i do know, i got me very excited to think in a week i'll be rockin' to some of these in belfast...

other lyrics will follow i'm sure, but for now, here's the title track, musically it's yet to take a hold on me, but these are the first lyrics you see on opening up the packaging... and damn were they gut punching...

::the cost::

love has been the cause
of all this suffering
and what has been our loss
has been its gaining
so lay your burdens down
and stop your crying

will we let it burn
burn us down, burn us

low have been the odds
of our reuniting
and where now can we turn
when we've got nothing

will we let it burn
burn us down, burn us
and maybe it'll turn
us around

g. hansard/c. ward/the frames (2006)

i understand there is a glass of port with name on it awaiting me in the other room so better log off and do my daughterly duty...

peace,
LB,x

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