Date: Wed, 16 Apr 1997 16:31:48 +0100 From: Charles_Donovan@ipc.co.uk Subject: Melanie survey To: J.N.Dijkhuis@let.rug.nl My name is Charles Donovan and I'm a 22 year old from London. I first heard Melanie in 1992, in my first year at university. There was a record sale in one of the buildings, and I bought Candles In the Rain. I had never heard any of her songs before, but I just felt attracted to it (and I had been told about her by other listeners). Initially, I just didn't get it...but then one day, it clicked and I found I loved the record. Within a matter of months, I had gathered as many of her recordings as possible. Now the only ones I don't have are Photograph and Phonogenic, but i've found copies from mail order, and they'll be arriving in a couple of days. My favourite albums are the first three Neighbourhood ones: Gather Me, Stoneground Words, and Madrugada. I look forward to the day they are available on CD. Being a fan of Melanie has not been easy, because so many people don't like her voice and a lot of people are very rude about her. I can't understand why; I think it's a lovely thing. I've found the same reaction in people when I play Buffy Sainte-Marie (another favourite of mine). My least favourites are: Am I Real or What?, Seventh Wave and Ballroom Streets. Anyway, my choices for a comprehensive Melanie anthology are as follows. I will do this over the course of a few days, so that I can include Photograph and Phonogenic when they arrive. I've avoided too many cover versions. Melanie writes so many of her own songs, and I prefer her as a singer/songwriter, rather than an interpreter of someone else's music. That's just my opinion, though. Born To Be: Animal Crackers - I know this isn't one of Melanie's brilliant songs, but it cracks people up. I think the lyrics, the absurd madcap energy of the music and Melanie's performance make this worth including. I'm Back in Town - I think this song shows Melanie's flair for writing instantly catchy songs. Momma Momma - This one has quite a fretful feel to it, and a sense of lost youth and innocence. It's especially important, given that much of Born to Be centres on more frivolous topics. This one shows a serious side. Affectionately: Tuning My Guitar - One of Melanie's most memorable and lovely songs. The melody alone is very moving. Opinion seems to be divided regarding the climactic end of the song. Personally, I think it's wonderful - very cathartic. I love it when Melanie's voice explodes like that. Beautiful People - The song has a nice message - my favourite passage is the one beginning "I'd gather everyone together for a day.." Any Guy - One of the first ones I heard. I love the third verse, and the string arrangements throughout. For My Father - I like the funkiness of this one. And the rather madcap energy. Candles In The Rain - Candles In The Rain - For the vocals alone Lay Down - No need to explain. Lovin Baby Girl - I love the changes of tempo in this song, and the contrast between the different sections. Leftover Wine - "I'm gonna do anything/Just to take up time/Cause I can't stand the taste/of the leftover wine" My favourite bit of the song. It's so affecting. The general atmosphere of melancholy is enjoyable. Leftover Wine: Peace Will Come - A great song, and much better than the shortened version that appears elsewhere (why do they do that to so many of her songs? - Good Book, Lay Down etc.) Psychotherapy - Better than the version on Live At Carnegie Hall. She sounds so alive and the humour is priceless (especially the last couplet about phallic symbols) All The Right Noises: Please Love Me - This song stands out. The others, like Ears To The Ground and Save the night - are nothing special. The Good Book: The Good Book - Again, this is much better than the short version. The message is a very caring and all-encompassing one, not forgetting the quality of the music. Babe Rainbow - This song is quite simple, musically, but it works really well. And Melanie's empathy for Babe Rainbow (whoever she is) comes across. Birthday of the sun - Again, a simple song, with an intriguing lyric. I've never heard the Woodstock recording of this, I'd like to, but I can't justify buying the double CD just for two songs. The Prize - I like the unfussy accompaniment, which doesn't get in Melanie's way. And the interesting reflections on the music business. Gather Me Brand New Key - We all know this was something of an albatross for Melanie, but for historical reasons, its inclusion seems important. And it is infuriatingly catchy and sing-along. Centre of the Circle - It has a mesmerising quality and a lovely simplicity in the lyrics. Railroad - A good example of Melanie turning her attention to serious subject matter. A sad eulogy to people lost to drugs. Her skill with metaphors and allegory is striking. Some Say I got Devil - A heartfelt, mournful sounding song. What Wondrous Love - I love the way the song gets progressively louder and stronger. Stoneground Words: Together Alone - I like the way that, once it gets going, it's almost gospelly in sound. Favourite bit is the refrain "Let's be together" when Melanie sings it an octave higher than previously. Road song - The contrast between the different sections; one upbeat and bouncy, the other measured and fluid. Do You Believe - Stoneground Words is the first album on which Melanie sounds very mature, and this song is one of the reasons. I am not a poet - This has great atmosphere, and orchestration, especially as it starts to get more frenetic..."I may never try, I may never cry..etc" Here I Am - It's lovely to hear Melanie trying something jazzy like this. I think it's a good example of her versatility, and regardless, a great song. Madrugada: Love to Lose Again - Wild Horses - Maybe Not For A Lifetime - The Actress - As I See It Now: Chart Song - As I See It Now - Sunset and other beginnings: Perceive it - The Sun and the Moon - The Sandman - Photograph: I received this album in the post yesterday, and I absolutely love it. For me, it puts Melanie right up there with Laura Nyro, Joni Mitchell and Carole King. I hope it comes out on CD. Cyclone: Excellent - I've heard it on other albums, in different versions, but this is the best....I love the slower middle section, too. If I Needed You - Beats the version on 25th anniversary Photograph - This is a lovely song, with delightful orchestration. Save Me - Again, heard it in different guises, but like this one the best. Rain Dance - This song put me in a really good mood. Friends & Co. Phonogenic: Got this album yesterday, too. I hasn't blown me away to the same extent as Photograph, but I like it. Spunky Runnin' After Love Bon Appetit Record Machine Ballroom Streets: Buckle Down - Just the catchiness Arabesque: Detroit or Buffalo - Chances - Dead and Gone - Love You To Loathe Me - Seventh Wave: Every Breath of the Way - Am I Real Or What: I could quite happily miss this one out, but maybe other people love it and even if they don't, it's important that all eras are covered. I can't offer any suggestions for songs off it, because none does anything for me. Cowabonga: Racing Heart Window Pain Prematurely Grey The chosen few Freedom Knows My Name/Silence Is King: Freedom Knows My Name - Gone With The Wind - Estate Sale - I will get over - 25th anniversary: Cyclone Arrow Ballerina (much better than the version on Old Bitch Warrior) Old Bitch Warrior: No Time To Smell The Flowers Old Bitch Warrior - reminds me of Ruby from Janis Ian's last album Something Warm