[Powderworks] Breathe as a full album

Tue, 23 Sep 2003 17:38:13 -0400

Not being the first to respond, and knowing full well that this doesn't
require any kind of argument (again, we're all entitled to our opinions, or
so I've been told time and again--not yet convinced of it, but getting
there), let me just say something about _Home_.

The phrase "putrid country crap" seems to suggest a general disdain for
country and western music (correct me if that's a wrong inference), so, as
far as that goes, what can one say in response, if the whole genre of music
is rejected?

But _Home_ is the best song on _Breathe_ (although I would suggest that most
of the competition is not very stiff).  As has already been observed,
Emmylou Harris's gorgeous, melodious voice juxtaposed against Peter
Garrett's rougher, more uncertain voice is a stroke of performing genius.
The words tell a story or, rather, express a set of emotions that are
understandable across genres and cultures.  I think the bass (as on the rest
of the record) is too loud, but that's a problem solved easily by a graphic
equalizer.  The music is mellow and thoughtful, while also quite well
capturing the quiet sadness of the words.

This one was a high moment in Midnight Oil's output.

IMCUASACO ("in my completely unhumble and somewhat arrogantly contrary
opinion")

--Virgil.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jonathan Hart" <midnightoil@videotron.ca>
To: <powderworks@cs.colorado.edu>
Sent: Monday, September 22, 2003 12:02 AM
Subject: FW: [Powderworks] Breathe as a full album

> IMO, Breathe is disposable.  For the most part it is dull, without
> energy, and it seems like a series of B-sides that don't cut the
> mustard.  Pete's voice is lifeless.  Home is putrid country crap.
> Underwater is ridiculously lame.  In the Rain is laughable.   Even the
> "rockers" on the album don't rock.  It sucks!
>
> IMO.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: powderworks-admin@cs.colorado.edu
> [mailto:powderworks-admin@cs.colorado.edu] On Behalf Of Beth Curran
> Sent: September 21, 2003 7:51 PM
> To: 'Heidi Shenk'; jimcwarren@earthlink.net; kate@dnki.net
> Cc: powderworks@cs.colorado.edu
> Subject: RE: [Powderworks] Breathe as a full album
>
> I dunno, there are some songs on there I like, but even those suffer
> from what I can only describe as a lack of spirit.  It almost feels like
> a contractual obligation album.  I just don't think it has much soul,
> and that's exacerbated by the muddy production.  (Although it will
> always have a place in my heart as the source of the only Oils song with
> a female presence!)  After I read Willie I sat down and listened to
> Breathe carefully, and came away with a better sense of the criticality
> of RH's role in defining the Oils sound.
>
> Hmm.  I wonder if I'll like the live version?  Stranger things have
> happened.  Maybe the live performances capture what didn't show up in
> the studio.  - Beth
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: powderworks-admin@cs.colorado.edu
> [mailto:powderworks-admin@cs.colorado.edu] On Behalf Of Heidi Shenk
> Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2003 1:18 PM
> To: jimcwarren@earthlink.net; kate@dnki.net
> Cc: powderworks@cs.colorado.edu
> Subject: Re: [Powderworks] Breathe as a full album
>
> I don't think that there is one Oils song that I don't like...they are
> all
> great songs in their different ways.  So I guess I really don't have any
>
> issues with Breathe...in fact Bring on the Change and Underwater are two
> of
> my favorite Oils songs.  I guess since I like so many different genres
> of
> music, it doesn't matter what style the Oils play (Ok...well I guess I
> probably would have started to worry if they would have put out a rap
> album.)  Often times I like their more obscure songs better anyways....I
>
> actually really enjoy In the Rain.  Anyways...I guess I'm just surprised
> by
> how many of you out there bash the album Breathe or won't even listen to
> it
> at all.  Yeah...I guess I was sort of disappointed when I got the album
> when
> it first came out and I put it on and it wasn't what I was expecting,
> but
> even so I have to say that now I like it just as much as any other Oils
> album.  I think it's just a matter of maturing appreciation for music of
> all
> kinds.
>
> Heidi
>
>
>
>
> ----Original Message Follows----
> From: James Warren <jimcwarren@earthlink.net>
> To: Kate Parker Adams <kate@dnki.net>
> CC: "Powderworks" <powderworks@cs.colorado.edu>
> Subject: [Powderworks] Breathe as a full album
> Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2003 10:25:32 -0700
>
> I really like Breathe.  There are 5 songs from it that I do not listen
> to,
> but I just love the rest.  They are the following:
>
> Underwater
> Surf's Up
> Time to Heal
> Bring on the Change
> Home
> E-Beat
> Barest Degree
> Gravelrash
>
> In my opinion, the list above is a better album than either Head
> Injuries or
> the first album, although surely it depends on my mood.
>
> My favorite Oils albums tend to have a section of at least three songs
> in a
> row that I consider to be the euphoric high point of the album.
> Breathe's
> genius streak is Home/E-Beat/Barest Degree.
>
> Well, thanks for reading.
>
> -Jim
>
> _______________________________________________
> Powderworks mailing list
> Powderworks@cs.colorado.edu
> http://www.cs.colorado.edu/mailman/listinfo/powderworks
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Share your photos without swamping your Inbox.  Get Hotmail Extra
> Storage
> today! http://join.msn.com/?PAGE=features/es
>
> _______________________________________________
> Powderworks mailing list
> Powderworks@cs.colorado.edu
> http://www.cs.colorado.edu/mailman/listinfo/powderworks
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Powderworks mailing list
> Powderworks@cs.colorado.edu
> http://www.cs.colorado.edu/mailman/listinfo/powderworks
>
> _______________________________________________
> Powderworks mailing list
> Powderworks@cs.colorado.edu
> http://www.cs.colorado.edu/mailman/listinfo/powderworks
>