How a collaboration between James' Tim Booth, Twin Peaks composer Angelo Badalamenti, and Suede's Bernard Butler created the decade's most underrated album.
Also, if you have not already, you might want to check out David Lynch and Chrystabell’s collaboration This Train. It came to mind while I was reading this, because it seems to occupy a similarly intriguing space between mood, atmosphere, and songcraft.
Really enjoyed this. What I especially liked was that you made a persuasive case for an album I had never even heard of, despite already being familiar with both parties involved. That in itself says something about how completely this record slipped through the cracks.
The focus on collaboration, atmosphere, and artistic risk came through very clearly. Records like this often last precisely because they never sat comfortably inside their own moment, and I think you captured that very well here.
This is actually my favorite thing Tim Booth has ever done. I love me some James, but by collaborating with the legendary Angelo Badalamenti, Tim went straight to my sensory center.
Love this album for 3 songs- "I Believe" ("Why be a song when you could be a symphony"), "Dance of the Bad Angels" (the soprano singer yodeling around in the background makes the song), and especially the grandiose but sentimental "Fall in Love With Me". I prefer the album version too, you're not alone. Bought this one cut out at some used record store because I liked James; glad I did.
Continuing your good work here — giving due to under appreciated albums! This is really good and I’m surprised it didn’t have more of an impact!
Also, if you have not already, you might want to check out David Lynch and Chrystabell’s collaboration This Train. It came to mind while I was reading this, because it seems to occupy a similarly intriguing space between mood, atmosphere, and songcraft.
This is new to me. Must check that out!! Thanks Howard.
Really enjoyed this. What I especially liked was that you made a persuasive case for an album I had never even heard of, despite already being familiar with both parties involved. That in itself says something about how completely this record slipped through the cracks.
The focus on collaboration, atmosphere, and artistic risk came through very clearly. Records like this often last precisely because they never sat comfortably inside their own moment, and I think you captured that very well here.
The biggest compliment I could receive would be introducing you to something you hadn’t heard. I’m waiting to hear your reaction upon first listen.
I’ll give it a listen this weekend, if not before, and let you know what I think.
It feels like everyone involved was chasing a feeling more than a category, and maybe that’s why it didn’t land easily at the time.
It makes me wonder how often music gets misunderstood simply because it refuses to fit where the industry wants it to go.
This is actually my favorite thing Tim Booth has ever done. I love me some James, but by collaborating with the legendary Angelo Badalamenti, Tim went straight to my sensory center.
Love this album for 3 songs- "I Believe" ("Why be a song when you could be a symphony"), "Dance of the Bad Angels" (the soprano singer yodeling around in the background makes the song), and especially the grandiose but sentimental "Fall in Love With Me". I prefer the album version too, you're not alone. Bought this one cut out at some used record store because I liked James; glad I did.
Yeah when I relistened to the album for this post. I was thinking the yodeling in the background is reminiscent box the Fado singing in Portugal.