From: owner-joni-digest@smoe.org (JMDL Digest) To: joni-digest@smoe.org Subject: JMDL Digest V2011 #507 Reply-To: joni@smoe.org Sender: owner-joni-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-joni-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk Unsubscribe: mailto:joni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe Website: http://jmdl.com JMDL Digest Wednesday, November 16 2011 Volume 2011 : Number 507 ========== TOPICS and authors in this Digest: -------- Re: 50 Words for Snow NJC [Catherine McKay ] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 16 Nov 2011 06:11:45 -0800 (PST) From: Catherine McKay Subject: Re: 50 Words for Snow NJC Lucky you, that you remember your first listen of Hejira. I certainly don't. It was too long ago and my memory just isn't that good. I didn't know it was Bertie on the beginning of the first song, but that explains how that voice could sound sort of like Kate, and yet not. I did wonder about that! He definitely sounds a bit like her. I had to stop and check to see how old he'd be now, and apparently he's twelve, so I guess he still has the boy soprano voice. I suspect I won't be listening to this particular Kate Bush album a lot because I think it will require too much paying of attention! I hate saying things like that, but my attention span just isn't there anymore. At first listen (and I haven't heard all the songs yet), I do like the feel of it. I really don't listen to albums the way I used to. Between lack of quiet time, short attention span and general impatience and the nagging feeling that I should be Doing Something Useful, I sometimes feel that I acquire a lot of music (and books) that I may never have the time to truly savour. So many of KB's songs have that freak element and I guess I didn't notice for a long time, because I was paying more attention to the music than to the words, and often couldn't make out the words in any case and then, when I did or took the time to read them, usually had absolutely no idea what she was talking about. With Joni, I feel that I do get something out of the words right from the start, but maybe it's because Joni sings about herself and her feelings and those feelings are universal. With Kate Bush, she's often singing a story, and it's often a very odd story, maybe based on myth or fairytales, either ones she has heard of or possibly ones she makes up herself, so there is definitely a freaky, sometimes creepy element. The snowman definitely fits into that category. I suspect there's a lot of, "What if....?" in her song ideas and they seem somehow allegorical to me, which softens the potential creepiness. There's some Joni content in this, but I've left it marked njc, since I'm never really sure what riles the Joni-onlies. There may be too much KBC in this one. And, regarding the comment I made the other day in response to Betsy's saying maybe she wasn't British enough to get it (paraphrasing based on crappy memory), and then my response, I'm not sure either that it's necessary to be English or British to get Kate Bush, as I know there are people on this list who probably have no affiliation with the British Isles who nevertheless appreciate and love British music, (I can think of a few off-hand, but won't name-drop). I guess it's more of how a particular type of music resonates on some deeper level, even though we North Americans probably wouldn't get a lot of the references. >________________________________ >From: gerard mclaughlin >To: Catherine McKay >Cc: Betsy Blue ; "joni@smoe.org" >Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 4:54:52 AM >Subject: Re: 50 Words for Snow NJC > > >I remember when I first heard Hejira it actually hurt me just listening to it but being by then a Joni addict I knew if I listened often enough and did my usual , learning every word and nuance I'd get there ! This of course I had done within a fortnight and Hejira is to this day my favourite album. 50 words for snow is a different kettle of fish however. I listened all day yesterday and went from aversion to maybe just getting it. Once I actually floated up into the realms of appreciation and it was delightful but the bubble burst again next listen .I have no doubt its a good one but not an easy listen.I didn't realise the voice at the opening was Bertie's and sat open mouthed wondering what she was playing at. The snowman in bed is a wee bit freaky even this morning....the day after as it were. lol. Only la Bush could come out with something like that. I feel like writing to Joni to beg for one more...I really feel the need for musical sustenance as the winter steals over us and it looks like Joni is keeping all of her blankets to herself. Ah well old ones can be good ones. Looks like they'll have to be.With Hejira I kept thinking "Why can't she give us a tune?" I'm a bit like this with Snow although I wouldn't put it in the same league as Joni's wondrous winter offering.It wasn't until DJRD when she sang unchained melody that I was to hear what I recognised as a tune and I felt the old , familiar rapture . I remember weeping when I heard her sing that and I played it over and over as if recovering something lost. Of course she went on to creating marvellous stuff in a new way and I went with her. Maybe this is what Kate is doing in her own way too. I am a bit shy of listening to 50 words today though so I wont. Got things to do anyway.... ------------------------------ End of JMDL Digest V2011 #507 ***************************** ------- To post messages to the list, send to joni@smoe.org. Unsubscribe by clicking here: mailto:joni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe -------