I still think that Steve McQueen occupies the same kind of territory as albums like Brutal Youth, London Calling, Urban Hymns, Parklife, What's the Story (Morning Glory), and so on. Anyway, Paddy McAloon: very talented wordsmith, although I do wonder why he would rather wear a rabbit, than pull it out of a hat!
Addenda:
I've just had it pointed out to me that it's Paddy McAloon's birthday on the 7th - so Happy Birthday to you, mate!
Here's Faron Young, also taken from Steve McQueen, as performed at the same Munich gig as Moving the River, above:
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7 comments:
Do you think he believes he is a genius?
Hmmm. What he does is "normal," but only for him, and so he may not have even considered the question (and why would he - he was writing songs, not trying to be a genius, particularly given as there is no formula for "genius," by definition?).
To me, the way he combines music with language amounts to genius. Remember, like all of us, Paddy McAloon is writing about what he sees around him. Superficially, Prefab Sprout was just another band, and one that enjoyed limited commercial success. But the subtlety and economy of language (and no small skill as musicians), sets them apart. But no, by most people's assessment, there is nothing particularly original about his work - unless one understands the use of language, and at that point, the talent is either glaringly obvious, or invisible!
Matt
Btw, having just watched the "Delicate" video, above, there's one element, when it comes to communicating one's ideas, that can't be quantified, and that's voice intonation, which one gets a lot of information from. The subtle stresses that one places on certain words and phrases, and so on.
Matt
yes, and "Delicate" captures that beautifully.
Yes, I think in psychotherapeutic terms, it's known as being "fully congruent". That is, he sings the word "delicate" in a delicate way. So, not only has Rice written a beautiful song, with a beguiling composition, but he sings about his own experience completely ingenuously. It's a kind of magic, I suppose.
Matt
Yes, it is like a kind of magic. When he sings the word "delicate" it is indescribable, and I cannot listen past that part without tears streaming down my face. Then it (the song, all of it) just gets better!
Eskimo is poignant, and it is as if he sings that directly from my soul. These 2 songs are exquisite in their beauty, beyond description.
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