"Talking about music is like dancing about architecture." Nonetheless..."I'm Calling" sounds like Spork, except in about a 4 minute pop song with verses, choruses, and even a bridge! I'm trying to think what it sounds like, but it's very hook-laden and, as Michael said, hard to get out of the head. It's effortless, and obviously isn't trying to be something else.i've heard good things from both you and James and others about "I'm Calling," but no real description as to what it sounds like...
as for "Lithium," it's a beautiful song, and out of anything they've done since "wig in a box," it's catchy and wonderful and demands repeated listen. I just can't listen to TWH any more. i tried. it's just...soulless.
'mental cabaret' sounds like a band trying too hard to be something. what it is they're trying to be, i can't say.
Having recorded on "Lithium", I find it unlistenable. I think it's because what I thought was going to be fierce turned into something that sounds a bit childlike with the vocals. Oddly enough, "Love My Way" turned into the fiercer one, and I like that one. I'm sure "Lithium" is an absolute rocker live though.
And TWH had a soul once, but I think it got lost in the mix. If you'd have heard the older versions, you might be inclined to agree.
There were plenty of things about the way TWH turned out that I found disappointing, but I hardly think it's soulless. That project was a huge undertaking, and I am quite proud - on my better days - of having been a part of it, however limitedly in the end. There are plenty of moments on that record that continue to inspire me.
I also think the childlike vocals in Lithium is one of the things that makes it so interesting, and you know how I feel about the childlike-melody sound being grossly over-utilized. In this case, however, I thought it was quite appropriate - the juxtaposition is jarring and manic, not in that it sounds manic, but simply that it is manic. The band sounds great, too. I can hear in that track a bridge being built between naivete and bewildered exhaustion. I think it was a good reminder of the kind of genuine expression the band is often capable of.
Love My Way is utterly lackluster to me, and I agree with Mr. J about Mental Cabaret. I agree with James about I'm Calling, with the exception of the melody and lyric of the first part of the first verse - the cliche is so bare it's unbareable, though I do like the instrumental intro and what continues out of that under the vocal.
And Mr. J, go listen to I'm Calling and form an opinion. I don't know how to distill the listening experience in words precisely enough to substitute for hearing it yourself.
P.S. Ys rules.
