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Post by Spud on Apr 30, 2008 23:07:29 GMT 10
Wow Shims - I've just read your review - fantastic!  You sound like Glenn A. Baker ... only better.   |
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Post by hyperrune on Apr 30, 2008 23:44:01 GMT 10
Is it just me, or is he doing something different with his voice? I'm not sure what but something has changed... it sounds even smoother and clearer, or he is singing in a higher key, or he's lost a bit of accent. Perhaps when he's singing such iconic songs by well-known singers he loses the accent? I noticed he took on a bit of the Dylan Whine *shudder*
Sorry, Damien, but even you can't make me like Bob Dylan. I'm a lost cause.
Anyway, something has changed. The first few times I listened to it, I had to remind myself it was him, at first I thought it was a sample from the original songs before I realized it was him. I had the exact same effect every few songs, and it took a few listenings before I knew it was all him.
That said, I think it's a good change, he sounds better than ever! He sounds more in control of his voice, he sounds like he belongs in that era, he could be one of the greats ;D
My personal favourites are Wild World, Everybody's Talking, Guitar Man - I always like the faster ones, I like Rock Damien ;D - also If, Annie's Song, Time in a Bottle and Only Love Can Break Your Heart, those really stand out for me.
I shouldn't have listen to it the first time while driving! I went a bit hazy on Annie's Song, and was positively comatose on If, occassionally those two make me feel like I'm about to cry, they're so exquisite. Wild World and Everybody's Talking make me so happy I often laugh out loud!
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Post by hyperrune on Apr 30, 2008 23:49:06 GMT 10
Just read your review Shims - it's great, although slightly biased  And that's interesting about father and son (how could I forget that one!) I never knew that about the conversation, although I noticed the key changes. Perhaps I've been misinterpreting it, I felt it was kinda like Damien anticipating his sons growing up and dealing with them becoming independent. I think that song may mean a lot to him, I think he might relate to it too, especially being so far away from family |
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Post by shimmery on May 1, 2008 3:10:48 GMT 10
OMG Spud, that's some compliment! I couldn't tie his shoelaces, but it's so nice of you, thank you all the same! Hyp sounds like you had a similar experience there to me - on my first listen through I was so affected by how lovely it was by the time I was hearing "If" there were tears in my eyes!!! lol & though I freely admit that from the start I've loved Damien's music ever since being introduced to it, anyone who knows me knows I would never post anything but my honest opinion when it comes to my appreciation of it. If my write-up's enthusiastic, that's because I am too  |
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Post by SJ on May 1, 2008 5:01:47 GMT 10
My review is going to sound totally retarded compared to yours, Shims! What an amazing piece of writing! After about 10 listens, I think it’s finally sunk in properly. For me, the standout track is “If”, by miles. It’s one of my all-time favourite songs – I just adore it! I thought I would compare Damien’s version with Bread’s and I actually expected not to like Damien’s version as much. Damien has really made this song his own, like the majority of the others songs on this album. I can only describe “If” as AMAZINGLY STUNNING. Like Spud, I thought the song was over after he sang the second last line and I was a bit disappointed – Then the last line just hits you and…  My other favourites are: - Annie’s Song - Longer - Guitar Man - Sunshine On My Shoulders - Baby I Love Your Way - Wild World - Father and Son Annie’s Song is another all-time favourite. It was the song my mum and dad had for the first dance at their wedding, so my mum ADORES it. My parents both love D’s version. My dad commented that it was amazing how much he sounds like John Denver – he was seriously impressed and he doesn’t often admit to that! Damien does a really beautiful job. Sunshine on My Shoulders is also amazing. It just makes me smile, simple as that! ;D Longer! My mum was really excited to hear that this was on the album, she loves Dan Fogelberg. This is another one that just makes me smile – It’s a real “feel good” song. Just romantic enough without getting soppy! And like Shims said, it is “dreamlike”. Just a perfect version of a perfect song! It’s great to hear some up-tempo songs included on this album as well – as beautiful as slow ballads are, you need something to balance it out. Guitar Man is a massive highlight for me! D really makes it his own, it just sounds like it’s meant to be – there’s nothing “karaoke” about it at all. I want to get up and dance every time I hear it  Wild World is just awesome too – It’s not too different from the original but still totally modernised. It’s one of the ones that stands out as being totally and utterly perfect for Damien’s voice. Father and Son is just gorgeous! It sounds like it has a lot of meaning for D. And Baby I Love Your Way… Well, I don’t think I can add anything! I’ve always thought that there was something strange about Peter Frampton’s version - I think that it’s the type of song that is just meant to be a slow ballad! Damien has totally transformed it and he has done a superb job. I’m not sure about it being sexy, but there is definitely something about it… I just can’t explain what it is! Love it!! He has used The Choir of Hard Knocks incredibly well. I’m not a fan of Neil Young’s songs at all, (especially Old Man, I just find them dull – sorry D!) but they have really made these two lively and easy to listen to – The choir gives the songs a “light” feeling without covering up Damien. In fact, I think they even highlight D’s falsetto. I didn’t think I would like these two tracks very much, but I really really do! Old Man is fantastic, but Only Love Can Break Your Heart is the better of the two for me – Not by much though! I’m not a fan of Bob Dylan either but like Kath said, D has but a melody into the songs. I like them a lot! There are two I'm not so sure about yet though... And I Love You So - something just doesn't sound right about it. Don McLean is one of those singers who is almost impossible to copy, so that could be it. There's no doubt about it, Damien has done a lovely job with it, but it is my least favourite. And Time In A Bottle - Another of my all-time favourites. It's the only one I instantly compared to the original - I think it's way too slow  It's also a little unusual because Damien and Jim Croce's voices are so different. There is something hauntingly beautiful about it though, but I just wish it was a little more up-tempo. There is a big chance that I could love it in another few days though, I think I just need time to get used to it properly. OMG, I could go on and on forever, and this post is already way too long and repetitive… Sorry guys! I'll just sum it up by saying... Damien, you should be immensely proud of yourself and this album. Congratulations! If this is the direction the new album is going in, 2009 can't come fast enough!  |
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Post by shimmery on May 1, 2008 6:14:08 GMT 10
SJ, I just loved reading your fantastically detailed review!! I love knowing why people enjoy or don't enjoy particular songs , what they are hoping for, how they feel about the finished piece - just so great reading all your thoughts about the whole album in such detail, thank you so much for posting  I think similarly to you about "Baby I Love Your Way" - I think of Damien's version as more a warm and beautiful than sexeh song so much, and I love the slower tempo compared to the original. I was never a fan of Neil Young the way B/f is - he just loves his songs. So Damien has definitely opened them up more for me, and I love both of the ones feautured here done his way - even tonight I was thinking I can't choose my favourite just now between the two and this is something that tends to happen now I'm really getting to know the album even better. I can't wait to get right into this thread and read back over it to some of the earlier pages I saw only very briefly! Like a few have mentioned, isn't is so fascinating seeing how we respond to different songs as favourites across the forum! |
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Post by SJ on May 1, 2008 6:22:56 GMT 10
I totally agree, Shims - It's so interesting to hear other people's opinions and see what their favourites are. I've read through this thread a couple of times already, it's wonderful reading. Looking forward to more reviews in the coming days too |
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Post by Smiley on May 1, 2008 7:22:35 GMT 10
Just read your review Shims - it's great, although slightly biased And that's interesting about father and son (how could I forget that one!) I never knew that about the conversation, although I noticed the key changes. Perhaps I've been misinterpreting it, I felt it was kinda like Damien anticipating his sons growing up and dealing with them becoming independent. I think that song may mean a lot to him, I think he might relate to it too, especially being so far away from family I'm glad now that Myst posted the lyrics to Father & Son- at the time I didn't think it was neccessary..but if you didn't know it was a conversation then it changes the whole song. It is one of my all time favourite songs and the angst between father & son is pure brilliance on Cat Stevens part- and I love Damien's version (which I wasn't expecting to) Great reports ladeez Hype - I think there are a few songs you can hear D's accent ;D but I agree he does sound different but good! sj- thankyou for your review- it's great don't put yourself down! I'm loving reading the younger members thoughts as this album ;D |
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Post by hyperrune on May 1, 2008 11:48:09 GMT 10
Just read your review Shims - it's great, although slightly biased And that's interesting about father and son (how could I forget that one!) I never knew that about the conversation, although I noticed the key changes. Perhaps I've been misinterpreting it, I felt it was kinda like Damien anticipating his sons growing up and dealing with them becoming independent. I think that song may mean a lot to him, I think he might relate to it too, especially being so far away from family I'm glad now that Myst posted the lyrics to Father & Son- at the time I didn't think it was neccessary..but if you didn't know it was a conversation then it changes the whole song. It is one of my all time favourite songs and the angst between father & son is pure brilliance on Cat Stevens part- and I love Damien's version (which I wasn't expecting to) Great reports ladeez Hype - I think there are a few songs you can hear D's accent ;D but I agree he does sound different but good! sj- thankyou for your review- it's great don't put yourself down! I'm loving reading the younger members thoughts as this album ;D Glad to hear it's not just me - it sounds like he's been practicing heaps or had coaching or something, listening to Baby I Love Your Way it's definitely not an in-studio effect (not that I thought it was - with Damien it doesn't need to be!) his voice has somehow gotten smoother. I shall have to ask him about it! The accent is there, but somehow it's less pronounced. Speaking of which, his pronunciation is great, he sings a proper 'love', not 'luv' or 'lurve' And Shims I wasn't accusing you of being biased - well, we all know it really is brilliant! - but I think we're all pretty well kept in the palm of D's hand, he doesn't have to try hard to fish for compliments - in fact if he does the opposite, we praise him even more! ;D  Did I hear Eileen on backing vocals somewhere? I can't remember which song it was, it might be Longer I'm not sure, I could've sworn I heard a female voice and there was none credited on the cover slip. Have we confirmed whether it was her on This Christmas? Also the drums - which were sparingly used - aren't credited either! Darren perhaps? |
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Post by Mysterri on May 1, 2008 15:49:38 GMT 10
SJ, your detailed review is fantastic, I loved reading it. Smiley wrote: Why not? |
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Post by Smiley on May 1, 2008 16:19:23 GMT 10
Only because I thought everyone knew that it was a conversation between a father and son...I didn't think the lyrics shouldn't be posted -it's nice to have lyrics to refer to- I'm always looking up lyrics- just that it wasn't needed in the context to tell people which was the father's part and the son's part- but I was totally wrong! hence saying I'm glad you did now ;D * Note to self...never assume.... |
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Post by KrisLovesDamien on May 1, 2008 18:36:38 GMT 10
Gosh SJ...I could never give a detailed, fabulous review like that  I also loved reading what your thoughts were on the songs  , v. ineresting. I think i'm more in love with old songs from back in the day more then todays songs  (suprising myself by saying that but its true) . And is it just me or do songs back then have more feeling and meaning?. I've been really listening to the lyrics of each song and its kinda like....WOW!! why can't people write lyrics like that these days!!, all we get now is 'OOO YEAH SHAKE YA BOOTY, GIVE IT TO ME, TAKE YA CLOTHES OFF!!'  But seriously we do lol. If i could write a review like SJ, i would. I just simply adore this album!. And this is me being a sook but everytime i hear 'If' and 'Father and Son' i want to cry, they're such beautiful songs with such pretty chords, they really hit me in the heart!  I'm currently using If in one of my english assignments cause i can!  , THAT'S HOW MUCH I LOVE THE SONG. Special mentions i have to put down are Wild World, Guitar man, Longer, Catch The Wind, Annie's Song, Old Man & Time In A Bottle. Absolutely AMAZING AND STUNNING  , I definitely think i need heart transplant with how Damien sings his beautiful high notes, its magical really  Oh and Universal Soldier, Sunshine On My Shoulders and Everybody's Talking is really growing on me, i love them too  OHHH HOW CAN I FORGET BABY I LOVE YOUR WAY!! (silly me  ) ....ADORE THIS its so sexy. Everytime i hear it i can't help but picture Damien in black jeans, and a open shirt chest hair in full view (slaps self ) sitting on a stool and singing it to ME  Ok i'll think i'll leave it at that . Sorry about the last bit |
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Post by kel on May 1, 2008 19:06:04 GMT 10
kld ... nice report ... straight from the heart ... |
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Post by Mysterri on May 1, 2008 19:48:34 GMT 10
Love it Krissy. As Oz said, straight from the heart and I agree with everything you're saying.  You're very wise for one so young. |
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Post by Smiley on May 1, 2008 19:49:22 GMT 10
And is it just me or do songs back then have more feeling and meaning?. I've been really listening to the lyrics of each song and its kinda like....WOW!! why can't people write lyrics like that these days!!, all we get now is 'OOO YEAH SHAKE YA BOOTY, GIVE IT TO ME, TAKE YA CLOTHES OFF!!' OHHH HOW CAN I FORGET BABY I LOVE YOUR WAY!! (silly me ) ....ADORE THIS its so sexy. Everytime i hear it i can't help but picture Damien in black jeans, and a open shirt chest hair in full view (slaps self ) sitting on a stool and singing it to ME Ok i'll think i'll leave it at that . Sorry about the last bit Krissy! I love the way you write exactly what you feel! It's brilliant! |
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It's also a little unusual because Damien and Jim Croce's voices are so different. There is something hauntingly beautiful about it though, but I just wish it was a little more up-tempo. There is a big chance that I could love it in another few days though, I think I just need time to get used to it properly. 
(suprising myself by saying that but its true) .
