Today is a review day here on the blog - and this time we're taking a good look at To The Shore from the band's premiere album.
Rhonda's take:
Instrumentation/Musicality: I'm a sucker for the synths on this one, and I won't even try to lie. It's difficult for me to believe this song was off of the first album - purely because Nick is genius with the layering. One thing I'd never noticed before until recently (thank goodness for decent earbuds) is that just beneath the "main" layer of sound that starts at about thirty seconds into song there is the faintest "whoosh" (no, not Simon...but a real WHOOSH sound!) that gives the allusion that you're really near the shore. It just gives an atmosphere and I love it. I really like that the song starts off with a muted quality, and the farther into the first verse we go, the clearer the music becomes until the entire band comes together in the first chorus. It reminds me of walking on the beach on a foggy morning where you can't really see things, but you just keep walking, and as you walk - the things in the closest of proximity become clear while everything in front of you as well as what you've left behind grow hazy and vague in the distance. John's bass line gives the song an almost eery, haunting quality and while I am usually yelling "More guitar!!", I really can't on this one. It would be out of place to have more than it has. Roger's drums, while not taking on any kind of a featured role here, add just the right touch as necessary. This song is pure atmosphere. Musically, this song does everything that it was meant to accomplish.
Vocals: I love Simon's voice on this entire album, and this song is no exception. He is incredibly gifted, and his voice is perfect on this one. It has that beautiful timbre that is deep, whole, round and pure and there's not a single sign of strain. His voice almost has a lazy quality to it here - and I don't mean that in a derogatory sense at all. He just sounds like there's no effort - he makes it sound so easy and relaxing - even *I* can catch my breath calm down like listening to this one.
Lyrics: I love the words Simon sings here. They are poetry, and while I'm not sure I really want to know what they mean...my favorite line is "Open out your arms and breathe" ....and that's just because sometimes I'm going so fast, I forget to just breathe. It's a good reminder. The rest of the song? I think this might be one of the (very very few) songs where I actually believe him when Simon says it's about sex. :D I know back when I was a kid I would have had NO idea what the hell he was going on about. I'd listen, trying to understand the words and the next thing I'd know I'd just be lulled into a daydream from the sound of his voice. We'll just go with that....and I'll be on my way!
Production: One of the most curious things about modern-day production to me is how far out of whack we've gotten. Whatever happened to letting the music speak for itself? I'm all for technology, make no mistake. I just have to believe that at some point, you'd better know your craft and know it well - and that is evident here, and I don't just mean the musicians. Too much really can be too much, although this song is in no way an example of that folly. I love that every sound is given respect and has integrity along with room to grow on it's own - as well as grow along side every other sound present in the song. I can't say that happens very often in music these days. (I sound like an old person when I say that, but it's true.) The music is lush without being thick with noise and effects that have no purpose. It's beautifully simple, yet wonderfully complex.
Overall: Here is the real deal: I live in the US, and this song was never on my radar. I did hear it - my friend had it in her collection, but for me - the first album had Is There Something I Should Know, not To the Shore. I remember when I finally understood the story of how it all evolved and I felt so cheated - as if the labels had tried to pass one over on us (they had) here in the states. In retrospect now, it is so clear that THIS is the song that should have been on the album - Is There Something I Should Know, while still one of my very favorite DD songs of all time - sounds so out of place in comparison. All of that said, To The Shore had so much merit, and it's really kind of sad that it was ignored and shelved here in the US. It should not have been done so easily...but then again...I'm a fan. What could I possibly know? I think the song is stunning, even if it's not the "go-to" song for me in every situation.
Cocktail Rating: 4 cocktails (and after the week I've had - I need them!)
Amanda's thoughts:
Instrumentation/Musicality: It is all about Nick in the beginning of this song, isn't it? In fact, by the time the vocals kick in, the keyboards are all encompassing. It wasn't just about being on a shore but on an island with the water, or the keyboards, surrounding you. Then, of course, the song really kicks into gear after Simon had been singing for almost a full 30 seconds. The instrumentation then really grabs your attention and keeps you at full alert the rest of the way out. Then, the other instruments are clear and present with strong guitar, bass and drums. John's bass, in particular, really solidifies the strong instrumentation. If that wasn't enough, there is clearly a lot of additional sounds included. This layering definitely gives the song depth and creates a mood that so many songs on the first album were known for. Then, the end is left really just with some of these additional sounds, which works to keep the song with you. Personally, I'm a sucker for a song that starts out slowly, builds to a climax and ends quietly and this song is a perfect example of it. This creates a drama that is hard for me to ignore.
Vocals: It always amazes me when Simon's vocals so perfectly match and enhance the musical quality of the instrumentation and it does so well for this one. Simon's vocals like in songs like Anyone Out There and this one almost become like another instrument working to create that mood. On top of it, he does it so naturally. Besides that, there are some additional, subtle moments when there are echos of Simon's vocals, which provide the depth that is also found with those extra sounds. They aren't included too much and are included in just the right spots.
Lyrics: This is one of those songs that we are reminded how gifted of a lyricist Simon can be. It clearly shows his ability to write poetry. If I were to just read those lyrics, I would never think about adding music to them and, yet, they were able to do that well or he was able to add poetry like this to music they created in such a fitting way. Amazing. Rhonda mentioned a good line and I'll mention one that always jumps out at me: "And diamond stars shining glitter bright". Talk about creating a vivid image. As someone who works with students on their writing, I am generally happy when they can give one or two basic adjectives to describe a noun. Simon clearly mastered that lesson and more. Another line that I really love is, "Words are falling to the floor." Perhaps, this line catches my attention as a writer. Sometimes, I feel like my words, my writing floats upwards and lands somewhere it wasn't supposed to be and other times, I feel like my words "fall to the floor" in that they don't explain or can't explain exactly what I mean, think or feel. Words are not enough to describe everything.
Production: In my opinion, a clear theme with this first album's production is balance. The instruments are all featured and there was a good sense about when to focus on which instrument and when to showcase the instruments working together. This song is a good example of this. On one hand, those keyboards are definitely in the spotlight. Yet, later, the other instruments joined in. Balance. The other element related to production that this song shows well is the use of layering and other sounds, other vocal qualities. This layering and other effects were subtle but profound. Too many songs now want to make those additions really stand out. Maybe, they think that is the only way that listeners will catch them. Well, we caught these from 1981 and know what a difference they make in the final product.
Overall: Like Rhonda, I can't help but to acknowledge the lack of attention to this song due to having the first album feature, Is There Something I Should Know?. I also have to admit that if this song would have been featured on the first album here in the States, I doubt that I would have paid much attention to it as a kid. No, as a kid, I got into Girls on Film, Friends of Mine and Planet Earth. This song would have been too out there for me, especially lyrically. I wouldn't have gotten it. Then again, I doubt I got most of this album as a kid. I didn't realize the depth that was there. I just recognized that some of the songs were catchy! Anyway, even when I became more of a serious collector and got this song with high quality, it didn't make me pay attention. I ignored it for the most part. Part of this must have been subconscious thinking in that I assumed that the band didn't like it much either if it replaced it with a different song. Ha! What naive thinking! What made me go back and really look at it? Other fans did. I saw that SO many people thought so highly of this track that I couldn't ignore it. What am I missing? What don't I get? Now, sometimes, I give a song another try and I still dislike it or think it isn't worthy of time but this one, it is worthy. It is good. In my opinion, it works to make that first album well-rounded in terms of instrumentation, lyrics, mood and more.
Cocktail Rating: 4 cocktails! (Rhonda should stop copying me!)
Rhonda's take:
Instrumentation/Musicality: I'm a sucker for the synths on this one, and I won't even try to lie. It's difficult for me to believe this song was off of the first album - purely because Nick is genius with the layering. One thing I'd never noticed before until recently (thank goodness for decent earbuds) is that just beneath the "main" layer of sound that starts at about thirty seconds into song there is the faintest "whoosh" (no, not Simon...but a real WHOOSH sound!) that gives the allusion that you're really near the shore. It just gives an atmosphere and I love it. I really like that the song starts off with a muted quality, and the farther into the first verse we go, the clearer the music becomes until the entire band comes together in the first chorus. It reminds me of walking on the beach on a foggy morning where you can't really see things, but you just keep walking, and as you walk - the things in the closest of proximity become clear while everything in front of you as well as what you've left behind grow hazy and vague in the distance. John's bass line gives the song an almost eery, haunting quality and while I am usually yelling "More guitar!!", I really can't on this one. It would be out of place to have more than it has. Roger's drums, while not taking on any kind of a featured role here, add just the right touch as necessary. This song is pure atmosphere. Musically, this song does everything that it was meant to accomplish.
Vocals: I love Simon's voice on this entire album, and this song is no exception. He is incredibly gifted, and his voice is perfect on this one. It has that beautiful timbre that is deep, whole, round and pure and there's not a single sign of strain. His voice almost has a lazy quality to it here - and I don't mean that in a derogatory sense at all. He just sounds like there's no effort - he makes it sound so easy and relaxing - even *I* can catch my breath calm down like listening to this one.
Lyrics: I love the words Simon sings here. They are poetry, and while I'm not sure I really want to know what they mean...my favorite line is "Open out your arms and breathe" ....and that's just because sometimes I'm going so fast, I forget to just breathe. It's a good reminder. The rest of the song? I think this might be one of the (very very few) songs where I actually believe him when Simon says it's about sex. :D I know back when I was a kid I would have had NO idea what the hell he was going on about. I'd listen, trying to understand the words and the next thing I'd know I'd just be lulled into a daydream from the sound of his voice. We'll just go with that....and I'll be on my way!
Production: One of the most curious things about modern-day production to me is how far out of whack we've gotten. Whatever happened to letting the music speak for itself? I'm all for technology, make no mistake. I just have to believe that at some point, you'd better know your craft and know it well - and that is evident here, and I don't just mean the musicians. Too much really can be too much, although this song is in no way an example of that folly. I love that every sound is given respect and has integrity along with room to grow on it's own - as well as grow along side every other sound present in the song. I can't say that happens very often in music these days. (I sound like an old person when I say that, but it's true.) The music is lush without being thick with noise and effects that have no purpose. It's beautifully simple, yet wonderfully complex.
Overall: Here is the real deal: I live in the US, and this song was never on my radar. I did hear it - my friend had it in her collection, but for me - the first album had Is There Something I Should Know, not To the Shore. I remember when I finally understood the story of how it all evolved and I felt so cheated - as if the labels had tried to pass one over on us (they had) here in the states. In retrospect now, it is so clear that THIS is the song that should have been on the album - Is There Something I Should Know, while still one of my very favorite DD songs of all time - sounds so out of place in comparison. All of that said, To The Shore had so much merit, and it's really kind of sad that it was ignored and shelved here in the US. It should not have been done so easily...but then again...I'm a fan. What could I possibly know? I think the song is stunning, even if it's not the "go-to" song for me in every situation.
Cocktail Rating: 4 cocktails (and after the week I've had - I need them!)
Amanda's thoughts:
Instrumentation/Musicality: It is all about Nick in the beginning of this song, isn't it? In fact, by the time the vocals kick in, the keyboards are all encompassing. It wasn't just about being on a shore but on an island with the water, or the keyboards, surrounding you. Then, of course, the song really kicks into gear after Simon had been singing for almost a full 30 seconds. The instrumentation then really grabs your attention and keeps you at full alert the rest of the way out. Then, the other instruments are clear and present with strong guitar, bass and drums. John's bass, in particular, really solidifies the strong instrumentation. If that wasn't enough, there is clearly a lot of additional sounds included. This layering definitely gives the song depth and creates a mood that so many songs on the first album were known for. Then, the end is left really just with some of these additional sounds, which works to keep the song with you. Personally, I'm a sucker for a song that starts out slowly, builds to a climax and ends quietly and this song is a perfect example of it. This creates a drama that is hard for me to ignore.
Vocals: It always amazes me when Simon's vocals so perfectly match and enhance the musical quality of the instrumentation and it does so well for this one. Simon's vocals like in songs like Anyone Out There and this one almost become like another instrument working to create that mood. On top of it, he does it so naturally. Besides that, there are some additional, subtle moments when there are echos of Simon's vocals, which provide the depth that is also found with those extra sounds. They aren't included too much and are included in just the right spots.
Lyrics: This is one of those songs that we are reminded how gifted of a lyricist Simon can be. It clearly shows his ability to write poetry. If I were to just read those lyrics, I would never think about adding music to them and, yet, they were able to do that well or he was able to add poetry like this to music they created in such a fitting way. Amazing. Rhonda mentioned a good line and I'll mention one that always jumps out at me: "And diamond stars shining glitter bright". Talk about creating a vivid image. As someone who works with students on their writing, I am generally happy when they can give one or two basic adjectives to describe a noun. Simon clearly mastered that lesson and more. Another line that I really love is, "Words are falling to the floor." Perhaps, this line catches my attention as a writer. Sometimes, I feel like my words, my writing floats upwards and lands somewhere it wasn't supposed to be and other times, I feel like my words "fall to the floor" in that they don't explain or can't explain exactly what I mean, think or feel. Words are not enough to describe everything.
Production: In my opinion, a clear theme with this first album's production is balance. The instruments are all featured and there was a good sense about when to focus on which instrument and when to showcase the instruments working together. This song is a good example of this. On one hand, those keyboards are definitely in the spotlight. Yet, later, the other instruments joined in. Balance. The other element related to production that this song shows well is the use of layering and other sounds, other vocal qualities. This layering and other effects were subtle but profound. Too many songs now want to make those additions really stand out. Maybe, they think that is the only way that listeners will catch them. Well, we caught these from 1981 and know what a difference they make in the final product.
Overall: Like Rhonda, I can't help but to acknowledge the lack of attention to this song due to having the first album feature, Is There Something I Should Know?. I also have to admit that if this song would have been featured on the first album here in the States, I doubt that I would have paid much attention to it as a kid. No, as a kid, I got into Girls on Film, Friends of Mine and Planet Earth. This song would have been too out there for me, especially lyrically. I wouldn't have gotten it. Then again, I doubt I got most of this album as a kid. I didn't realize the depth that was there. I just recognized that some of the songs were catchy! Anyway, even when I became more of a serious collector and got this song with high quality, it didn't make me pay attention. I ignored it for the most part. Part of this must have been subconscious thinking in that I assumed that the band didn't like it much either if it replaced it with a different song. Ha! What naive thinking! What made me go back and really look at it? Other fans did. I saw that SO many people thought so highly of this track that I couldn't ignore it. What am I missing? What don't I get? Now, sometimes, I give a song another try and I still dislike it or think it isn't worthy of time but this one, it is worthy. It is good. In my opinion, it works to make that first album well-rounded in terms of instrumentation, lyrics, mood and more.
Cocktail Rating: 4 cocktails! (Rhonda should stop copying me!)
Hmm...I finished my review in the morning...and you were working on it at 7pm MY time... copying??? :D -R
ReplyDeleteWell, I already knew what my rating was going to be as soon as we discussed the review! Ha! :D
Delete-A
Really?!? I don't ever really know for sure until I go through everything and mull it over...unless it's really a favorite, in which case, I have a much harder time deciding if it should be 5 cocktails because *I* love it or because it's really warranted! (And this, my friends, is another example of just how much I overthink things....:D) -R
DeleteI frequently think about my review before I start writing. Then, of course, I listen to the song a few times to see if what I was thinking really does hold water. Generally, the rating stays the same even if the details change.
Delete-A
It so funny about that song, I discover it if I remember well on a bootleg. At that moment (around 96) I said to my self what great new song! When I realized it was from 1981 I was shocked... this sound so actual! I love it! It has that dark tone that we can find in the first album and that the band still doesn't seems to have a clue that is what make the difference between then and now. Nice analysis grils and I understand that you watch one to another copying because you are both very cute to watch... ;-)
ReplyDeletePat
Glad that we are entertaining to watch. Sometimes, we even comment to one another. It is ridiculous!
Delete-A
Well, WE are ridiculous, anyway....and maybe even entertaining at times. -R
DeleteGreat review of this amazing song. I remember how excited I was to get the original UK version of their first album(I think it was from Record World or Sam Goody) sometime in 1984, because I was so desperate to hear this song I'd never heard before(so strange to think now you can pretty much pull up anything on youtube right away but back then it might take months or even years to manage to get a hold something like that:)). I really loved it. It's great the way they actually made it sound sort of like the sea, it's like musical waves hitting the shore, even it's more of a metaphor in this case, ahem, given the lyrics(which are very poetic as you say--and that is why I love how Simon writes).
ReplyDeleteThanks! The lyrics really do shine on this one, don't they? :)
Delete-A
Can't believe you didn't mention my favourite thing about the lyrics - Simon's invented word! My hotmail address has been sanhedralite since the mid-90s, & in the very early days of hotmail another Duranie tracked me down through it. (waves at Violet from Chicago in case she's reading!)
ReplyDeleteI thought about talking about that word but wondered if we would be too predictable, if so! LOL That's cool that the word lead to a connection with another Duranie, though.
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