|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1
Member
|
OP
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1 |
Thanks for the new Metamatic update Rob! Looking forward to this CD! AND! the EXCLUSIVE DOWNLOAD TRACK!!! Great Idea!!  Andreas
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
A preview of "Estrellita" from Mirirball is now up in John's MySpace player.
Unsurprisingly it sounds like Cathedeal Oceans meets the Cocteau Twins...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
|
Originally posted by Alex S:
"Estrellita" from Mirrorball is now up... thanks for the info Alex S. Its not quite what I expected, kinda like a Euro ballad/pop stroll into a Cocteau landscape, but I have to say I do like it's continental summer's evening sound.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
|
Nice. Sounds the most interesting to me out of all the new stuff that's being previewed lately..
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Originally posted by core memory:
continental summer's evening sound. That sums it up quite well actually! I reckon this album will probably be the most diverse project of John's so far.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
I think I'd expected this to be closer to Robin Guthrie's instrumental collaborations with Harold Budd. I'm not sure how well the parts fit together here, but that could just be down to hearing something a lot different from what I expected.
I still definitely want this album. Even if it does all end up sounding like a mashup between some Cathedral Oceans vocal tracks and some Robin Guthrie guitar lines, it could still work. I like the two elements well enough on their own. And John's singing is more direct and pop-song-like than the usual CO approach, despite the effects and what sounds like Latin lyrics. There's a real warmth to it.
As far as getting me excited about his forthcoming albums goes, John's three for three now. What's coming next, I wonder...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2009
|
I like the sample from Mirrorball, am very excited about hearing the rest of the CD.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
|
Estrellita is a gorgeous track. I’ll be honest – I wasn’t expecting vocals at all, I thought it would be instrumental material so that little surprise blew me away. I’ve been looking forward to this release for a few years now (2005!), so happy to see it’s finally here. So, 3 brand new albums by May – blimey…what’s he got planned for the rest of the year!? 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Feet up, while the cash rolls in!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Estrellita is nothing like what I was expecting to hear. Definitly has a European summer feel. May is probably a good time to release this.
Thank you John and Steve for the preview.
Peter
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrator
|
|
Administrator
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Having heard Guthrie's "Lumiere" performance and got his last couple of albums - as well as being a fan of all things Cocteau - this is EXACTLY what I was expecting to hear, and I love it!
Guthrie's holding back perfectly, and John's vocal is, well, different!
Maybe Latin, maybe not-quite-words at all. Maybe some unwritten non-verbal language...
Hang on..?? seeks out Blue Bell Knoll :p
For archive snippets, sparks of electroflesh and news about this website follow me on Twitter @foxxmetamatic
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrator
|
|
Administrator
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Originally posted by Alex S:
A preview of "Estrellita" from Mirirball is now up in John's MySpace player.
There's also news of this preview at thequietman:- http://blog.thequietman.co.uk/category/releases/ accompanied by one of the original CO images, which - at least to me - has a very "under ice" feel about it... A larger version of the same image (entitled "CATHEDRAL OCEANS") is one of five more pictures recently added to the gallery at http://www.myspace.com/foxxmetamatic
For archive snippets, sparks of electroflesh and news about this website follow me on Twitter @foxxmetamatic
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
|
Originally posted by Birdsong:
Having heard Guthrie's "Lumiere" performance and got his last couple of albums - as well as being a fan of all things Cocteau - this is EXACTLY what I was expecting to hear, and I love it!
Guthrie's holding back perfectly, and John's vocal is, well, different!
Maybe Latin, maybe not-quite-words at all. Maybe some unwritten non-verbal language...
Hang on..?? seeks out Blue Bell Knoll :p Hi Martin, I love every Cocteau Twins album and... I loathe every Cocteau Twins album They have to catch me at the right moment. Sometimes I'm 'Wow! What an amazing, emotional, burn burn burn of a catherine wheel music!' And other days I'm 'Fer chrisakes woman! Would it kill you to write a bleedin' song!? It's Cleo Lane!' All bets are off when Heaven or Las Vegas goes on though.  I need to catch up on my Guthrie - still not got round to getting Imperial yet - tsk tsk. Gazza
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
|
Ha!Ha! Kind of always felt the same about the Cocteaus, Pearly Dewdrops Drop is fine now and then but after a bit it does tire one so.
Anyway I'm sure Guthrie is a very accomplished musician and I love what I've heard from the edit on myspace, my favourite in fact of the new stuff.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Originally posted by RadioBeach:
And other days I'm 'Fer chrisakes woman! Would it kill you to write a bleedin' song!? It's Cleo Lane!' HERESY!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1 |
Originally posted by Steve Roby: Originally posted by RadioBeach:
[b] And other days I'm 'Fer chrisakes woman! Would it kill you to write a bleedin' song!? It's Cleo Lane!' I thought HearSay had split up... :rolleyes:
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1
Member
|
|
OP
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1 |
I love that track! At the first moment I felt it would fit in with In Mysterious Ways ... WANT MORE!!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Estrellita, little star (in Spanish) is a lovely track. Reminds me at times of The Garden. All his collaborations so far have that special quality. There's a track with Harold Budd on mySpace and I wonder if his previously unreleased material with Budd will see the light of day...wishing on an Estrellita! Chris
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrator
|
|
Administrator
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Originally posted by Chris C: There's a track with Harold Budd on mySpace ...
It's "Adult" from Translucence that's been recently uploaded. Interesting choice. There's some 'common ground' between this and A Secret Life... I notice that the 'cover' image for Adult is not the Translucence cover, but a more recent 'quiet man' style piece...?
For archive snippets, sparks of electroflesh and news about this website follow me on Twitter @foxxmetamatic
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Originally posted by me:
...Reminds me at times of The Garden.
...and Cathedral Oceans. The track is up there amongst John's best. In addition to his electronics this kind of music is also his forte. Thanks John! Chris
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrator
|
|
Administrator
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Looks like the Estrellita track on http://www.myspace.com/foxxmetamatic now has some accompanying artwork... :p
For archive snippets, sparks of electroflesh and news about this website follow me on Twitter @foxxmetamatic
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
|
Aye you're right. Oh look..it's in black & white...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Just preordered this after getting Robin's latest update for the Metamatic mailing list. How long before the next album?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
|
'Luminous' is up on the myspace player. Don't know how long it's been there.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1 |
It was 3rd March I spotted it.
http://www.metamatic.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=11;t=000444
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
|
I notice that theres not been much comment on Luminous since Brian brought the newly posted sample to our attention. Personally I'm a bit disappointed by it, sounding like a typical John C.O. vocal has just merely been laid on top of a standard Cocteau guitar wash. I dont sense any fusion going on, and the title is also a much overused adjective and not very inspiring... 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Originally posted by core memory: I notice that theres not been much comment on Luminous since Brian brought the newly posted sample to our attention.
Personally I'm a bit disappointed by it, sounding like a typical John C.O. vocal has just merely been laid on top of a standard Cocteau guitar wash. I dont sense any fusion going on, and the title is also a much overused adjective and not very inspiring... I have to say I agree there. I was expecting for something a bit more innovative and experimental, given the artists involved. Instead it just sounds like a cross between CO and the general Cocteau sound - which is OK if you like them - which in my case I'm not overly fussed. I have a best-of CD, which I seldom play. I was hoping that John's contribution might at least be more lyrical. On the other hand, we do have A Secret Life, which will, I guess, be a very experimental album, and I'm looking forward to that, although initially I was undecided by the samples online. It's still hard to pass judgement without hearing the whole album though...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
I'm a big Cocteau Twins fan (heck, I actually got to see them live once, while in Boston on a business trip), and I like Robin Guthrie's solo material as well, so I'm still feeling pretty positive about Mirrorball. It may not be quite what I expected, triangulating from Foxx/Budd on Translucence/Drift Music and Budd/Guthrie on Mysterious Skin, After the Night Falls, and Before the Day Breaks, if Estrellita is representative of the whole. But it's still something I have to hear.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
|
Originally posted by Alex S:
I was expecting for something a bit more innovative and experimental, given the artists involved… That’s my thought also. We’ve had lots of time to prepare for this collaborative release, and I might eventually warm to Luminous, and deep down a younger part of me is thinking Crikey! that’s John Foxx singing on a Cocteau track, but in reality I’m feeling that all that’s happened is that Liz has just been swapped over for John, certainly an amazing proposition if it had happened in the 80’s, (a bit like having your ‘dream band members’ fantasy come true  ) Not wishing to cross-post but I too had wondered at the large volume of plays for ‘A Secret Life’, (though Furniture has probably guessed correct about this in his Secret Life thread), and either people love Estrellita, at 2,428 plays, or maybe they can’t get their heads around it? and keep having to re-listen, Luminous meanwhile has so far had 780.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1 |
From John's Myspace blog. MY LIFE AS AN ECHO - FOXX/GUTHRIE Rob Da Bank previewed the forthcoming John Foxx & Robin Guthrie album, Mirrorball (out on May 4) by playing some of the track My Life As An Echo on Radio 1 last weekend. You can listen to the song on http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/robdabank/ It fades in around 29 mins, 22 secs - as it's part of a mix you don't get the full track but a flavour . . . I think it's up there today (Sat) and (tomorrow).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Don't know if I caught the whole thing, but the bit I heard sounded more like I expected: piano presumably by John over Guthrie's guitars and a beat, no vocals.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrator
|
|
Administrator
Joined: Dec 2006
|
This is excellent promotional stuff, and sets the track right up there in a 'happening now' context. It follows Terry Lynn's 'Kingston Logic' wonderfully, believe it or not!! Rob da Bank has been a champion of John's for a while now, and had an influential hand on the 'Bestival' appearance in 2007. He describes the track as 'shudderingly good' - which it certainly seems to be! Mind you, he doesn't actually say who or what the track is... In new music we trust Thanks Brian
For archive snippets, sparks of electroflesh and news about this website follow me on Twitter @foxxmetamatic
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
|
Yes pity he doesn't say who it is, but anyway it's mentioned in the programme's tracklisting for the day (Monday 9th March 2009 for the record)... ... Terry Lynn - 'Kingston Logic
John Foxx & Robin Gutherie - 'My Life As An Echo' (Metalheadz)
Animal Collective - 'My Girls' ...(Domino)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
|
Originally posted by Brian:
My Life As An Echo on Radio 1 last weekend...
...you don't get the full track but a flavour. And a great flavour it is too, thanks for posting this Brian, and wow, I really like it, lush, and sweepingly romantic, and also a fantastic title Getting just a tad excited about the album now!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrator
|
|
Administrator
Joined: Dec 2006
|
THIS GOT ME THINKIN'... WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME A JOHN FOXX TRACK WAS PLAYED ON RADIO 1???
For archive snippets, sparks of electroflesh and news about this website follow me on Twitter @foxxmetamatic
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1 |
Young Savage was played on Mark & Lard's final afternoon show about 4 years ago but actual John Foxx,I dont know... BTW Martin are you surfing on a mobile phone by any chance?
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1
Member
|
|
OP
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1 |
Yes, a beautiful track! Cannot wait until May. But A Secret Life first... Thanks Brian!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Obviously we are hearing the tracks out of context within the whole album, however IMHO doesn't 'Espadrills' (or whatever it's called), sound better being heard straight after ' Luminous'? They sort of flow into each other as 'Espa' is much lighter.
Haven't heard 'My Life as an Echo' as the link's now gone, anyone know where I can hear it? Apart from wait til Star Wars Day, of course,
Cheers
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Hi Craig.
I have mailed you the track accross.
Peter
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Likes: 4
The Archive
|
|
The Archive
Joined: Apr 2006
Likes: 4 |
Mirrorball is also going to be made available on vinyl ... Rob
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrator
|
|
Administrator
Joined: Dec 2006
|
That's great news!
From the tracklist and the general feel of the two tracks we've heard on myspace, I'm guessing Estrellita closes Side One and Luminous opens Side Two
A vinyl release of this is a really good idea.
Personally, I would have liked to see "Impossible" given the same treatment...
For archive snippets, sparks of electroflesh and news about this website follow me on Twitter @foxxmetamatic
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
cheers Peter, got it. Very nice
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Likes: 4
The Archive
|
|
The Archive
Joined: Apr 2006
Likes: 4 |
The track-listing for the vinyl edition of Mirrorball is as follows...
Side One
A1. Mirrorball
A2. My Life As An Echo
A3. The Perfect Line
A4. Spectroscope
A5. Estrellita
Side Two
B1. Luminous
B2. Sunshower
B3. Ultramarine
B4. Empire Skyline
Rob
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Will this be the first Foxx album on Vinyl since Crash and Burn?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrator
|
|
Administrator
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Originally posted by Rob Harris:
The track-listing for the vinyl edition of [b]Mirrorball is as follows...
A5. Estrellita
B1. Luminous
[/b] Seems I guessed correctly. Proof that there is still some value in track-listings and the appropriate order of things
For archive snippets, sparks of electroflesh and news about this website follow me on Twitter @foxxmetamatic
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Originally posted by Rob Harris:
The track-listing for the vinyl edition of [b]Mirrorball is as follows...
Side One
A1. Mirrorball
A2. My Life As An Echo
A3. The Perfect Line
A4. Spectroscope
A5. Estrellita
Side Two
B1. Luminous
B2. Sunshower
B3. Ultramarine
B4. Empire Skyline
Rob [/b] Did the track names come from "John Foxx Song Title Auto-Generator" software? If so I think there may a fault - the obligatory track with "city" in the title is missing!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
I keep playing the samples over and over, but I just can't get into this I've decided to save Mirrorball for a rainy day. Providing more than 1000 copies have been made...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
|
Originally posted by Alex S: I keep playing the samples over and over, but I just can't get into this
I've decided to save Mirrorball for a rainy day. Providing more than 1000 copies have been made... This is music for summer days, lazing in a park, nice bottle of wine and a book...probably best hold off until then!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
|
I see the vinyl edition of Mirrorball now has slightly different artwork to the CD edition - can't find a better pic sadly
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Likes: 4
The Archive
|
|
The Archive
Joined: Apr 2006
Likes: 4 |
Originally posted by RadioBeach:
I see the vinyl edition of Mirrorball now has slightly different artwork to the CD edition - can't find a better pic sadly Luckily I can find one...  Rob
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
|
Cheers Rob! That's much better than the CD release which has cut the top off the picture for the artist and title credits.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrator
|
|
Administrator
Joined: Dec 2006
|
For archive snippets, sparks of electroflesh and news about this website follow me on Twitter @foxxmetamatic
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1 |
Well spotted D First time the whole version has appeared anywhere. I see the Angel is back
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
|
Thanks for posting. loved hearing the song in it's entirety, great if it was released as a single... Video seems to have scenes from Last Year In Marienbad included, fantastic with the music.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Mar 2009
|
First time I've heard that song & it's really whetted my appetite for the album.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Originally posted by core memory:
Video seems to have scenes from Last Year In Marienbad included, fantastic with the music. Yeah, there are a few scenes from Marienbad in there. Funny, I finally watched that movie not too long ago, partly because John talked about it on one of the interview CDs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrator
|
|
Administrator
Joined: Dec 2006
|
This is F*CKING AWESOME!!!
There, I feel better now.
Steve, no excuses. A single. NOW
Absolute categorical proof that you can't listen to this in bits and extracts and samples and stuff.
We wanted a single around the time of Crash and Burn.
Do it now. Go on.
I dare you not to... :p
For archive snippets, sparks of electroflesh and news about this website follow me on Twitter @foxxmetamatic
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
|
Video also up on JohnFoxxMetamatic youtube channel now too, ie. posted as JohnfoxxMetamatic but it\'s the same. (don't worry if you see it upside down ... youtube april fool's thing :rolleyes: )
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
|
I just ordered my copy of Mirrorball today from Townsend, and got a free MP3 download of Estrellita. I must confess after several plays i quite agree with Gary. Gorgeous track! I am really taken with it. I keep playing it over and over. I cant wait for the CD.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2009
|
Originally posted by MemberD: Video also up on JohnFoxxMetamatic youtube channel now too, ie. posted as JohnfoxxMetamatic but it\'s the same.
(don't worry if you see it upside down ... youtube april fool's thing :rolleyes: ) How delicious is this. Yes please can we have this a single.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
|
I'm sure Brian has already posted this somewhere but my 'tuesdayaftertheholidayandmybrainwon'tstart' mind can't find it (Sorry Brian!). The first 100 copies of Mirrorball will be signed by Foxx; John Foxx & Robin Guthrie : "Mirrorball" on vinyl... The John Foxx & Robin Guthrie album "Mirrorball" will also be released on vinyl on May 4. The album will contain a print of the front cover artwork. The first 100 copies of the vinyl edition of "Mirrorball" ordered through Hydrogen Dukebox will be signed by John Foxx. Anyone who's ALREADY pre-ordered a copy through Townsend Records will also receive a signed copy. Pre-order your copy on www.hydrogendukebox.com Label : Hydrogen Dukebox Records Catalogue Number : DUKE150DJV Release Date For Vinyl and CD: 4th of May, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1 |
No worries Gary,
I posted over at EV before the forum took an Easter holiday.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1
Member
|
|
OP
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1 |
Ordered a copy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
|
Just in from Townsend;
John Foxx and Robin Guthrie will be releasing a Heavyweight Vinyl LP edition of Mirrorball on May 4, the LP will be limited to only 1000 copies
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Mar 2009
|
I just got an email from Townsend saying that if I order from them I'll receive an exclusive nine minute, extended version of the track 'Luminous' as an audio download next Friday - May 1.
I thought that if you ordered from them all that you got was Estrellita?
Does anyone know the playing time of the Luminous track on the album?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrator
|
|
Administrator
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Scott et al The extended, download-only version of 'Luminous' is exclusive to Townsend Record online CD orders - it is not the same as the album version, and it is not (at least as far as I know) restricted to orders for the vinyl format 
For archive snippets, sparks of electroflesh and news about this website follow me on Twitter @foxxmetamatic
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
|
A guardedly positive three-star review of Mirrorball from David Buckley in the new Mojo:
'Two of pop's supreme 'sound engineers' record, with suitably outre results'
'After years of inactivity following his pioneering electronic solo albums, John Foxx now appears to have contracted the sort of musical dysentery release-mad Frank Zappa was prone to in the early 1980s. In fact, including collaborations, live work and compilations, Mirrorball, a joint effort with former Cocteau Twin Robin Guthrie, is Foxx's tenth album in four years. When is a lot of music too much music? Not yet, it would seem. Fusing the dreamy guitar pop of the Cocteaus with Foxx's choral washes, reminiscent of his Cathedral Oceans albums, Mirrorball, is a contemporary new-age album. Foxx's sonorous vocals (sung in an invented 'Italianese', an approach not dissimilar to that of Liz Fraser in the early Cocteaus) dominate the moodier passages, but it's the more conventional pop-orientated moments in Estrellita and the instrumental My Life As An Echo, that have the most musical personality.'
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrator
|
|
Administrator
Joined: Dec 2006
|
GREAT
Thanks for posting this
For archive snippets, sparks of electroflesh and news about this website follow me on Twitter @foxxmetamatic
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2009
|
Well sounds interesting, looking forward to the release even more now!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
I don't want to sound ungrateful but you'd think that Townsend would at least have the downloads at a decent bitrate?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2009
|
Why what bit-rate do they offer them at then?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
|
Originally posted by The Quiet Trees:
re: David Buckley in the new Mojo:
"...it's the more conventional pop-orientated moments in Estrellita and the instrumental My Life As An Echo, that have the most musical personality." sure is catchy, since I first heard the sample all those weeks ago it continually pops up in my mind. I notice on google there's a Slovenian film with the same title, and a Gareth Jones is credited as the script collaborator, nice co-incidence
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
And another 3 star review from Q:
Ultravox singer meets Cocteau Twin leader:
Recorded in 2007, John Foxx and Robin Guthrie's marriage of musical convenience encompasses the best of both their recent worlds: Foxx's epic, echoey, sepulchral grandstanding and Guthrie's intricate, filmic soundscaping. When Foxx dominates - on the booming title track, the medieval Luminous and the mighty Empire Skyline - he drags Guthrie into windblown open spaces. Yet when Guthrie's studious gentleness asserts itself on Estrellita and Spectroscope, Foxx too, finds himself capable of adapting. For all its myriad charms, it's too cerebral for mass consumption, but you suspect neither party is overly troubled.
DOWNLOAD: Mirrorball // Empire Skyline // Estrellita
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
|
Originally posted by nap-ster:
RE: 3 star review from Q:
...the best of both their recent worlds
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
|
Samples of all the Mirrorball tracks now up at amazon. This is going to be a highly spiritual, life-affirming, soundtrack to Spring.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
|
Originally posted by The Quiet Trees:
This is going to be a highly spiritual, life-affirming, soundtrack to Spring thanks for posting the info Just listened to the samples, have to agree, I'm really quite impressed with many of the track clips, I think this album could well be a stunner...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
|
Nice clips - here's hoping that Townsend get it to us before the Bank Holiday!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
It took me a few minutes to work out but if you click on the email link you got to download "Estrellita" you'll find the extended "Luminous" download there now too. And it's at 256k!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Listening to "Luminous (long version)" now. Very nice. Can't wait for the CD to get here. Well, I can -- if I couldn't, I'd've downloaded it from eMusic.com, where it just showed up today. But I want the physical artifact, and the ritual opening and first playing of the CD... and I don't need to pay for it twice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Mar 2009
|
Can someone tell me how to download those tracks please. I can't seem to find them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Originally posted by Scott:
Can someone tell me how to download those tracks please. I can't seem to find them. If you've bought the CD from Townsend then you can get to them from my post above. Otherwise you can't I don't think.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Mar 2009
|
Finally got it. Silly me. Downloading now.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Well mine arrived this morning. Will give it a listen later on.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrator
|
|
Administrator
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Review online at Onda Rock: http://www.ondarock.it/recensioni/2009_foxxguthrie.htm Any translators out there - its Album of the Month
For archive snippets, sparks of electroflesh and news about this website follow me on Twitter @foxxmetamatic
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
lets have Babelfish have a go at it, might be good for a laugh too linkie and for something more cut-up'ish linkie 2
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Mar 2009
|
My copy arrived this morning. Now I'm back in from work I'll have a listen & comment later.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Junior Member
|
|
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
I'm surprised it was available this early.
I've just downloaded mine off Amazon tonight, looking forward to the listen.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1 |
Got mine early.
Its Fantastic.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1
Member
|
|
OP
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1 |
Ordered both - CD and Vinyl. Hope they will arrive until latest on Wednesday...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
|
Well spotted Bird! Without going into too much detail let's just say it's positive .. with an 8/10 mark at the end.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Mar 2009
|
A great album. Probably just better than A secret Life. Standout tracks for me are My Life As An Echo & Estrellita (probably because I've been playing it to death beforehand).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
|
I'm really late to the show - just ordered online - hoping for a speedy delivery!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2009
|
I havent really had a chance to concentrate on the album but its not yet jumping out at me, unlike My Lost City. Also am rather disappointed with the booklet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Junior Member
|
|
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
My Fave Tracks:
Ultramarine
The Perfect Line
Estrellita
I love this album overall.
A great companion to CT's Victorialand.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
|
Another review of Mirrorball this time from The Scotsman; Conceived when the pair met at a Harold Budd concert four years ago, this resonates as a Robin Guthrie record with Foxx a ghostly presence floating over his sonic textures.
'The Perfect Line' is effortlessly ethereal, 'Spectroscope' steps back to medieval times courtesy of a modern madrigal, while 'Ultramarine' is so laid back it's virtually horizontal. With spooky choral arrangements – especially the throaty 'Empire Skyline' – it is tempting to call this post-modernist gothic. Pretentious, but lovely.
Download this: The Perfect Line, Estrellita http://news.scotsman.com/music/-Album-review-John-Foxx.5228373.jp
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2009
|
Received my vinyl copy today, its fantastic, different sleeve and the inner sleeves great oh and the signed print is pretty cool as well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
I'm enjoying this one. Victorialand meets Cath Oceans... sublime
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
|
I’ve still not received my CD or vinyl copy of this as yet – am I the only one having this problem?
Also, I note loveaction has received his vinyl edition, yet my Townsend order, placed quite a while back, says that it won’t be issued until the 11th May – next Monday.
What’s the delay? If there was only a 1000 pressed in the first place why do I have to wait until next week? Am I getting a quietly issued second pressing? I can’t see any reason for a delay until next week. As you can probably tell – I’m really p***ed off!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1 |
I've had mine since Saturday morning.I'd chase them Garry.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
|
Originally posted by Brian:
I've had mine since Saturday morning.I'd chase them Garry. Hi Brian - CD or vinyl? I suspect my CD has gone missing in the post. Ok, fair enough - this happens once or twice a year when you order stuff online. Also, when I tried to trace my '...Machine' t-shirt earlier this year, Townsend were absolutely useless. But the Status section for my vinyl order says 'active' - it's clearly not been sent out yet and states that this won't happen until the 11th May - which I just don't understand as other Forum members have already recieved theirs. Why a whole other week after the release date? Am I getting a re-press? It's probably just me, but I'm getting increasingly tired of Townsend, but sadly it's sometimes the only route for the limited edition material. Right - I've stopped feeling sorry for myself now, I'm off for a beer!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Got my copy of Mirrorball today but I didn't order it from Townsend. Giving it's first play now. Although it doesn't jump out in front of me, as being an outstanding album, it is certainly very pleasant and pleasing to the ears. Peter
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
|
I also decided not to pre-order my CD from Townsend, and now just been told from the store where I placed the order that theres a delay from the suppliers...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
|
Pre-ordered from Townsend on both CD and Vinyl. CD arrived to me in NY on Monday, my purchase order stated the Vinyl was coming in another shipment. I have listened 3 times, and its really growing on me. My Lost City and this album go well together for a back to back listening experience. Keep em coming John!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
So it arrives quicker in the US then it does in Holland...bummer No sign of it here yet 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Originally posted by c23:
Pre-ordered from Townsend on both CD and Vinyl. CD arrived to me in NY on Monday I preordered the CD in March and I'm still waiting. Can Canada Post really be that much slower than the US Mail?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
|
Steve, you got me thinking and i dont think its the post that is the issue. Perhaps its the way that Townsend is fulfilling their orders. It may alphabetical order, as opposed to date of order? Im sure its on its way to you. I have ordered many releases from them without incident.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
|
Thanks guys for letting me know if you got it or not - thought I was going mad! Considering David's copy of the CD reached NY, I think mine's lost so will have to re-order that.
Townsend now state on their Foxx page that the release date for the vinyl is the 11th - so loveaction you got really, really lucky!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
|
Perchased my CD copy of Mirrorball (among other things) from Amazon, got an email the next day saying that it had been dispatched.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1
Member
|
|
OP
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1 |
Pre ordered both CD (Townsend) and Vinyl (Duke Box records). Nothing arrived until today. VERY! disappointing 'cause they took some extra money for shipping overseas... Slow Motion....  Will think twice next time of pre order.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
And a 3 star review from MOJO also.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2009
|
Originally posted by RadioBeach:
Thanks guys for letting me know if you got it or not - thought I was going mad! Considering David's copy of the CD reached NY, I think mine's lost so will have to re-order that.
Townsend now state on their Foxx page that the release date for the vinyl is the 11th - so loveaction you got really, really lucky! I ordered mine through the Hydrogen dukebox link.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Yahoo, mine has arrived! going to play it tonight in the dark with a nice drink
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Got mine today. Now to listen to it...
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Likes: 4
The Archive
|
|
The Archive
Joined: Apr 2006
Likes: 4 |
I understand that some copies of the Mirrorball CD were sent out last Friday (the 1st of May). Unfortunately, this wasn't all of the orders, but nevertheless a substantial number of them. This meant that some people actually received the album on the Saturday ahead of the 'official' release date.
However, Monday (the 4th of May) was a Bank Holiday in the UK, and so no further CDs were sent out until the Tuesday.
As for the vinyl - the first 100 copies were due to include a print signed by John. Again, I understand that achieving this has caused a slight delay and not all of those had been sent out on the release date.
Rob
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrator
|
|
Administrator
Joined: Dec 2006
|
My copy of the VINYL edition arrived yesterday (Friday 8th May). I didn't pre-order it, but went through the Townsend official site on May 1st in order to get the long version of Luminous. Enclosed within the record sleeve were THREE art prints - TWO signed by JOHN FOXX Prints 109/1000 and 110/1000 signed, and number 530 that is unsigned. So maybe John signed a few more than the first 100 copies? Guess I'm a lucky bunny too -certainly no complaints about the service from me The disc itself was packed separately in the box, inside the inner sleeve which bears different artwork to the print and the cover. Which incidentally has no text on the front at all, and only a tracklist on the back. No artist or album names at all. Very cool. It is a thing of great beauty and a real treasure to have - a fine collector's piece.
For archive snippets, sparks of electroflesh and news about this website follow me on Twitter @foxxmetamatic
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: May 2009
|
[QUOTE] It is a thing of great beauty and a real treasure to have - a fine collector's piece.
I agree with you there Martin. I ordered my vinyl copy through Hydrogen Dukebox and it arrived on Tuesday. Only one signed print though! (Number 95/1000) I've now got to invest in a turntable.... :rolleyes:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrator
|
|
Administrator
Joined: Dec 2006
|
I don't have one either. But then I don't intend to actually PLAY it... :p Outrageous maybe, given that this is high-end audiophile super quality, but I wanted it for the joy of having 'stuff'. the artwork was the attraction for me, and I am not disappointed! I've just ordered a CD version for the purpose of listening to
For archive snippets, sparks of electroflesh and news about this website follow me on Twitter @foxxmetamatic
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
i just had to grin when i saw this one by accident :p  All in all, I think it is a marvelous album. Standing out tracks for me are My Life As An Echo Estrellita Sunshower It is even more laid-back as I expected (after hearing Estrellita). I would even say I would buy the same cd sans vocals as well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrator
|
|
Administrator
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Great pic, fons. Good spot Are you familiar with Guthrie's solo work? Thoroughly recommended
For archive snippets, sparks of electroflesh and news about this website follow me on Twitter @foxxmetamatic
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Apr 2008
|
Nice photo, fons!
I got my CD in the post on Thursday, May 7, but have been too busy to sit down and listen to it. I'm hoping to get the chance tomorrow, when it's supposed to be sunny but rather chilly, to relax at home with a nice pot of tea and some butter cookies and play the disc from beginning to end with no interruptions. I haven't been able to do that kind of thing in ages. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1
Member
|
|
OP
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1 |
Originally posted by Birdsong: But then I don't intend to actually PLAY it... :p
Outrageous maybe, given that this is high-end audiophile super quality, but I wanted it for the joy of having 'stuff'. the artwork was the attraction for me, and I am not disappointed!
I've just ordered a CD version for the purpose of listening to This is exactly the same reason for me, Martin. (Though I have a turntable!) I only want the vinyl for my collection of John's vinyl stuff. Got a letter from the postman on Saturday I can carry my Vinyl copy from the postoffice... He was frightened it will be broken if he would bring it with his postbike. No news about my CD order...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Originally posted by Birdsong: Great pic, fons. Good spot
Are you familiar with Guthrie's solo work?
Thoroughly recommended Well, I know the Cocteau Twins stuff. But I never heard anything solo by Guthrie yet. Going to give that a listen as well if it is similar to Mirrorball
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1
Member
|
|
OP
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1 |
Went to the postoffice today and carried my Vinyl copy home. WOW ! The cover is wonderful and the art print signed by John - GREAT! (no. 8/1000). As I came home I found my CD copy in the letterbox. I have to admit the art work of the Vinyl is better than the CD, 'cause it is bigger - so it works better for my opinion. Same is for the art print which shows the CD image in Vinyl format. I played two times the CD and one time the Vinyl ( full John Foxx evening... ) and have to say it is a great album. Love it! It was worth the wait! Would love to see John and Robin performing this stuff live! I'm glad I ordered the Vinyl too. Aaah- the good old days of vinyl... This album is a must have!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Junior Member
|
|
Junior Member
Joined: May 2009
|
First post - just got a copy of the vinyl today.
I opened it and looked at the number on the print. At first I thought it was a mistake, but it looks like I got 1/1000. I'm a little stunned. I would expect that the first one would be in John or Robin or Robin Harris' hands. I shared the news with my wife who gave it a lackluster "good for you..." Sad thing is, now I'm afraid to play it!
Thank you for making a vinyl pressing!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrator
|
|
Administrator
Joined: Dec 2006
|
I absolutely agree. Here's what I write:- Foxx triumphantThroughout the dark months from February to May, we have born witness to a trilogy of album releases by John Foxx that must rate among the most enlightening and imaginative work of his career. As a collaborator, Foxx has to be among the most essential of artists to work with. He has the subtlety and judgement to know precisely how much of himself to give, and the intelligence and respect to recognise the depth of his partners ideas and the extent to which they can take his own in new directions and down unforeseen pathways. Foxx once said that he wished there were time and opportunity for the Cocteaus to have recorded at The Garden. Well, good things come to those who wait, for they shall have eternal life. Perhaps Mirrorball is those sessions at last. Four years in the making, and his third release of 2009, Mirrorball has its roots back in the Twins 'Victorialand' heyday c1985, synchronising at the point where Foxx (V2) began to dissolve. Robin Guthrie's trademark reverb-soaked guitars create an expansive backdrop that is as beautiful as it is inventive. His phrasing and chord sequences defy logic, creating structures whose fragility is at the same time breath-taking, massive and fundamentally honest. Foxx wanders in and out of phase with this, slowly shifting his choral harmonics, Latinesque vocals and weaving an exquisite piano filigree. Neither artist has anything to prove, and the affinity is here and now - with no need to go anywhere else. It is ancient and modern, fact and myth - both one thing and another. The tracks radiate sympathetic warmth and mutual confidence, while at the same time preserving the unique qualities of each (immensely influential) composer. For all its self-indulgent opulence, there is nothing grandiose about Mirrorball. It is natural and effortless, ethereal, exultant, tender, luxurious and decadent. Medieval in parts (The Perfect line, Spectroscope), Post-modern and neo-romantic in equal measure (Sunshower, Empire Skyline) - delicious beyond definition throughout (witness the stand out tracks Estrellita and My Life as An Echo). Above all, Mirrorball has shimmering presence. For ten years now, Foxx (V4) has proved a masterful alchemist of minimalism, delicacy and evocation. He may be the quiet man, a ghost in the shadows, but when he steps out, he is Luminous... few can be described as quite so visionary. If this is what the first gleaming of twilight sounds like, let us bathe in the sunset's blaze. © birdsong, May 2009
For archive snippets, sparks of electroflesh and news about this website follow me on Twitter @foxxmetamatic
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
|
Looks like the Mirrorball is making its way abroad as I got my CD yesterday too.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: May 2009
|
My initial thought on hearing Mirrorball was to be released on vinyl, was 'Yes! - some new JF vinyl to play for the first time in 'X' number of years'. But thinking about it now, I think I'll take the same path as Martin... Originally posted by Birdsong:
But then I don't intend to actually PLAY it... :p
Outrageous maybe, given that this is high-end audiophile super quality, but I wanted it for the joy of having 'stuff'. the artwork was the attraction for me, and I am not disappointed!
I've just ordered a CD version for the purpose of listening to I'll keep it just to look at!...And buy the CD to play. After all, it's cheaper than buying a new turntable.... :rolleyes:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Originally posted by fons: But I never heard anything solo by Guthrie yet.
Going to give that a listen as well if it is similar to Mirrorball Guthrie's solo stuff is all instrumental, but if you like the music on Mirrorball, you'll almost certainly like his solo albums. And, for that matter, his collaborations with Harold Budd. You don't really need to track down drifting a.f.u., his ambient/isolationist DJ mix CD, though.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
|
I really like this album - I thought I was going to have to find the right moment to listen to it (I have a hectic lifestyle!), but it is very listenable anywhere.
I'm thinking of ways to "repurpose" some of the tracks for family videos!!!
My wife didn't switch it off either - I lent her my i-pod to let her hear the new material and she listened to 3 tracks straight through!! New record!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
|
I confirm it's wife-friendly!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
|
Blimey! The CD turned up today...the packaging looks like it's been around the houses a bit! Looking forward to getting home and sticking it on! At this rate, the vinyl might reach me by 2012
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrator
|
|
Administrator
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Originally posted by MemberD: I confirm it's wife-friendly! Good for you, but that must be a world first. Mrs Birdsong is about as anti "tuneless drivel" Foxx as one can be... "It's just so, well - boring. How can you listen to such cr*p.." :rolleyes: Still manages to be 'artist of the week' at Townsend though..
For archive snippets, sparks of electroflesh and news about this website follow me on Twitter @foxxmetamatic
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
I am on my fourth listen now. My only criticism would be to say that I don't understand the choice of sleeve design (good as it is) - this seems to me very much a summer evening record, best heard on a train, preferably in Devon, even more preferably on the Tarka line between Exeter and Barnstaple. But it doesn't really matter, we can only ever make our own interpretation of what is presented to us, and we should feel privileged to have it to filter through our lives. Instead of darkness, I personally see sunlight bouncing off windscreens, windows and water. I also hear the bells near the end of Sunshower and see me hearing Just For A Moment for the first time twenty years ago and realising that this was going to be a key moment in my musical development. The piano that summer evening (at about 1 minute 10, at about 8pm) reminded me of earlier summer evenings, of distant lazy Sunday church bells playing strange beguiling tunes as I played in the garden. This record will join my Durutti Column records as being essential (you guessed it) summer evening material. It is wonderful to hear John singing over guitars once more, and when he breaks into English at the end of Estrellita it is some kind of epiphany. Finally, although I have no idea why Empire Skyline is called that (I don't hear it or see it), it is absolutely gorgeous. "Mirrorball" therefore joins "My Lost City" at the top of the heap for album of the year so far, in my (ever so slightly misted) eyes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrator
|
|
Administrator
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Personally I find this runs a close second behind A Secret Life at the moment, that being my current candidate for Album of the Year
For archive snippets, sparks of electroflesh and news about this website follow me on Twitter @foxxmetamatic
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
|
Originally posted by the church puddle:
Finally, although I have no idea why Empire Skyline is called that (I don't hear it or see it), it is absolutely gorgeous. "Mirrorball" therefore joins "My Lost City" at the top of the heap for album of the year so far, in my (ever so slightly misted) eyes. This is only a guess, but John is very taken with New York City. New York is called the "Empire State". (Thus the famous Empire State Building) So my guess is john is paying homage to New York City in "Empire Skyline".
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: May 2009
|
Another review of 'Mirrorball' on today's ITV Teletext, (Page 823, page 7/8) It's another good 'un! John Foxx & Robin Guthrie/Mirrorball Meeting at a Harold Budd gig in 2005, Foxx and Guthrie's love of experimental soundscapes made an album inevitable. Foxx provides the improvised vocals, just the right side of the divide between enigmatic and pretentious, as Guthrie's playing remains as hypnotic and utterly foreign as it ever did. Played in the wrong mood, it'll drift past. Concentrate hard enough, and you may not return to the real world. 7/10
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrator
|
|
Administrator
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Thanks for posting this. Excellent one for the archive that's too easy to miss
At the moment 'Spectroscope' is the standout track for me. I felt echoes of Enter The Angel II in the title track Mirrorball earlier today
For archive snippets, sparks of electroflesh and news about this website follow me on Twitter @foxxmetamatic
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
|
I've been playing the CD incessantly for about a week now. I like Mirrorball, I really like Mirrorball - definitely a summer album, and as Church Puddle points out, would sit easily with something like LC by The Durutti Column…
...but I feel like I'm cheating on My Lost City
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
|
Originally posted by RadioBeach:
...but I feel like I'm cheating on My Lost City no, don't feel guilty rads .. MLC is much more Christmassy ...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Aug 2008
|
I've listened to Mirrorball about 5 times so far and really like it. It is my favorite of the non-electro recordings (although I don't have all of them). It's also the only post-Golden Section recording where I don't feel the urge to skip tracks.
Sunshower is the highlight for me -- a mini-Italian opera. I wish it were longer.
The sound quality seems to better than the Foxx-Gordon releases. Wonder if it was recorded in Robin's studio. The liner notes don't shed any light on the situation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrator
|
|
Administrator
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Some of the initial recordings for this were made at Guthrie's studio in France - 'enough for an album' according to his blog.
Not sure how much work was done elsewhere.
You're right about the sleevenotes though.
Some details would have been welcome
For archive snippets, sparks of electroflesh and news about this website follow me on Twitter @foxxmetamatic
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
|
My Vinyl finally arrived! Anyone else still waiting for theirs? Nice packaging, and Limited edition art sleeve! I forgot how much i miss the large artwork from a proper LP record sleeve....
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
|
What a marvellous paean to a sunny Sunday afternoon Mirrorball is! Sitting over the park earlier it was like listening to a specially commissioned celebration of the sun-dappled foliage in all its splendid array and tones.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
|
a round-up of Mirrorball reviews here
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Originally posted by Birdsong: Enclosed within the record sleeve were THREE art prints - [b]TWO signed by JOHN FOXX Prints 109/1000 and 110/1000 signed, and number 530 that is unsigned. So maybe John signed a few more than the first 100 copies? [/b] interesting... i got 2 prints, signed 106/1000 and unsigned 535/1000, this was ordered from townsend. great album!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Playing this one a lot. Estrellita is still my favourite track from the album and ranks as one of the best tracks he's written. Chris
|
|
|
|
|
|
Junior Member
|
|
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
|
Originally posted by Chris C: Playing this one a lot. Estrellita is still my favourite track from the album and ranks as one of the best tracks he's written.
Chris I agree with you Chris
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: May 2008
|
Satday mornin, sun is shinin, playin 'Mirrorball' for the first time. Drinkin my cup of tea. Lookin back at my life as an echo ...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Heeft 'tie er zo lang over gedaan? of heb je zo lang gewacht met bestellen?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: May 2008
|
Ik wilde ze alle 3 tegelijk bestellen bij de plaatselijke recordstore (Bullit eindhoven) en moest nog ff wachten tot dat kon. Afgelopen vrijdag ben ik 'Mirrorball' stom toevallig tegen gekomen bij Fame amsterdam (boxenkoopavond; tip als je met veel korting leuke dingen wil inslaan). En heb 'm meteen gekocht natuurlijk!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
|
Mirrorball
Today I was reminded afresh all over again why John’s music was so important to me when I first discovered it.
I finally got to play Mirrorball for the first time since receiving the CD several weeks ago, this was the only opportunity I’ve had so far, a few weeks past I moved from living in the city, to living some distance outside in a village now. It’s a longer commute, but it’s a better situation, and I no longer have to put up with a whole host of problems that seemed to have been part and parcel of living in a flat in the town for so much of my life. So Mirrorball has arrived at a transitional time for me, still living out of boxes, and I’ve not played any music since the move as I wanted this new album to be the thing to hear and associate with being in a new place. As I gazed out at the garden (crikey, a garden!) with the sounds of Mirrorball playing out under the changeable skies, instantly I fell in love with the album.
Last week in my misery of waiting to hear the CD, I looked at some of the personal reviews posted on Amazon, most are very favourable, one or two dismissive, but I don’t care, should we care? nope! everything in this album works, yes I could say maybe its not what I’d imagine it would turn out to be, and yet, well it actually really is. John and Robin have made something wonderful, seemingly a long time coming, and maybe to them as skilled artists its all just in a days work, a beautiful child from a beautiful partnership. If this album had come out all those years ago back in the day, well, I’d have raved about it to all and sundry, as it is, my immediate thoughts were that it fulfilled the promise that In Mysterious Ways never quite did for me, for here is John clearly in love, in love with life, this album for me is ‘the’ true successor to The Garden.
As the music echoed around the house where I now live, I was glad I’d waited to christen the new place with the sounds of Mirrorball, one play through so far, but I’m captivated, well done John and Robin.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1
Member
|
|
OP
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1 |
Enjoyed your comment a lot and agree with the most. For me Mirrorball is one of the best albums John ever made until today. Estrellita have the quality for a summer hit for my opinion. The whole album is an absolutely pleasure to listen to. John and Robin made a great job! I can understand what you meaning with leaving the town. I did the same last year and I'm happy with it ( and can enjoy a garden too now ) Wish you much pleasure in your new home! Andreas
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrator
|
|
Administrator
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Great comments on Mirrorball.
Interestingly for me though, as time goes by and I get more familiar with John's releases this year, Mirrorball is marginally the least appealing of the three at the moment
I'd say A Secret Life is my current favourite.
For archive snippets, sparks of electroflesh and news about this website follow me on Twitter @foxxmetamatic
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Honestly, I don't know whether to be or about what just happened. I was in the record store and could not believe my eyes when I saw a copy of Mirrorball. Picked it up and proceeded to the cashier when I noticed the price. It was $21.99 !! Then something happened that hardly ever happens with me.............I put it back and left the store empty handed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
US$21.99? That's not bad. When Shifting City and Cathedral Oceans came out, I got a local record store to order them for me. They cost C$45 each. At that time, that was probably around US$30 to US$35.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
That is a more reasonable price. Sorry, but if I am spending all that money it should be for two cds not one.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrator
|
|
Administrator
Joined: Dec 2006
|
I also thought that $21.99 (c£13.00) wasn't a bad price for a CD...?
For archive snippets, sparks of electroflesh and news about this website follow me on Twitter @foxxmetamatic
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
The high-end price of a cd here in NY is $15.99. Average prices are $9.99 - $12.99.
John's cds are usually on the high end at $15.99. It is quite rare to see a single cd at $21.99 of any artist. In fact I could not even find another to compare it. At that price you would usually get 2cds or a cd/dvd box set.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Apr 2008
|
Originally posted by maryann:
It is quite rare to see a single cd at $21.99 of any artist. In fact I could not even find another to compare it. The fact that you saw the disc in a store is remarkable in itself, you lucky New Yorker! Remember that "Mirrorball" is an import for us, though, and those tend to be marked up a couple of bucks by retailers when they think they can get away with doing so. In Chicago I have seen high-end classical and jazz recordings and the odd handful of non-mainstream pop/rock/indie/alternative single discs at that price, not all of which have been imports.
At that price you would usually get 2cds or a cd/dvd box set.
Or at least some liner notes or essays or a more extensive and elaborate booklet — something a little more special in the packaging.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
My record store only recently started stocking Foxx music on a regular basis, for which I am quite thankful for.
Import or not, for whatever reason Mirrorball has the dubious honor of being one of the highest priced single cds in the entire store.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Originally posted by maryann:
Import or not, for whatever reason Mirrorball has the dubious honor of being one of the highest priced single cds in the entire store. Prices sometimes tend to go up or down in each country, its a complete 'turnaround and reflective' of the market in many case's.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1
Member
|
|
OP
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Likes: 1 |
Went to my prefered CD shop and found two copies of Mirrorball in the John Foxx section for 17 Euros each, which is a normal price for a new CD in Germany, I think.
At least I'm glad they have some stuff of John there, which you cannot find everywhere in Hamburg's CD shops.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrator
|
|
Administrator
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Now that's what I call discussion of an album. Excellent find - thanks for pointing it out. For my part, I still find myself uncomfortable, and on the 'disappointing' side of the fence as far as Mirrorball is concerned. Although I think I understand why a bit more now... Someone makes a reference to the title of the album itself, and I tend to agree with him. Why "Mirrorball"? For me, that too conjures up entirely the wrong image - almost any of the other track titles might have worked better... Interesting thoughts too about where this album fits into which genre? Prompted by this thread tho, I will be listening to the album later this afternoon. I think I need to re-consider HOW to listen to it, and what my expectations are
For archive snippets, sparks of electroflesh and news about this website follow me on Twitter @foxxmetamatic
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
There are some interesting points on there. I wonder how many of those guys are not Foxx fans, but followers of Robin. I think that album will have appealed to a much wider audience, because of the two artists involved. Unfortunately, I still don't like the album at all. Does nothing for me.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Originally posted by Alex S: Unfortunately, I still don't like the album at all. Does nothing for me. Hear hear! It's my least favourite of all John Foxx albums including solo, band & collaborations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
I think some of it could have been really much more appealing, had it had actual lyrics, rather than vocalisation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
|
Several months after first hearing it, some days I think Mirrorball is a collection of utterly beautiful music, other times I think it's a weird idea that doesn't quite come together as it should. Right now, listening to "Estrellita," I'm leaning towards the former. It's not what I expected, because I figured a Foxx/Guthrie collaboration would be instrumental, like Foxx/Budd and Guthrie/Budd, but it's got more personality than some of the interchangeable albums Guthrie's done in the last few years (and I say that as a longtime Guthrie fan). And after the Louis Gordon collaborations, it's nice to hear John actually singing.
|
|
|
|
|
