Week Nineteen... Fyfe Dangerfield; ................................Fly Yellow Moon

[gryphon]

This weeks album review has been requested by several members of the forum;



Mr Soul has kindly played a part in this one and has provided us with the link


http://www.megaupload.com/?d=77I18FWX


So happy reviewing

[gryphon]

Here is Mr.Soul's first album review

( It is posted under my name for technical reasons .........largely so we don't loose it and have to rewrite it !)



Fyfe Dangerfield; 'Fly Yellow Moon'

[INDENT] Well, this is my first ever album review!

First of all, to give you an insight into how I compiled this review; I listened overnight on Sunday & gave my full attention to the album, taking about a paragraph of notes on each song & then later briefly revisiting each song as I wrote the review. Also most of what you see here is straight from the notes.


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Being a distant fan of the Guillemots, I didn't learn of Fyfe's solo album until I, like many others, heard the Billy Joel cover 'She's Always A Woman' on a TV advert. This is a review of the 'deluxe' edition of the album which includes the above track.

1)When You Walk In the Room

'Fly Yellow Moon' kicks off with a bouncy, pop song (initiated by a vivacious squeal from Fyfe) about falling in love, very much in the vain of Fyfe's previous band Guillemots;although more reminiscent of 2008's 'Red' album as opposed to their earlier début, 'Through The Windowpane'. No lyrics that stand out here as of yet but I suspect that this song may have been an unfinished song from the Guillemots 'Red' album sessions.
All in all, you could say a 'safe' start to the album but at the same time I had hoped for something more adventurous from Fyfe. 3/5

2)So Brand New

Here we get a very nice & intimate acoustic track, Upon hearing the opening lyric of this title track; “Fly Yellow moon, you put the smile back on my face”, I was immediately reminded of The Coral's 'Roots & Echoes' album, particularly the vocals. 'So Brand New' has a much more sombre, darker tone in contrast to album opener & chorus features some beautiful harmonies from Fyfe & co. Also the song bears some interesting lyrics;

“Once I was livid
Once I was in hate
Once I was Lear on the rocks”

It appears Fyfe may be referring to the famous Shakespeare play 'King Lear' here which Fyfe obviously felt he could relate to:


Definite improvement on first track & was delighted to hear 'echoes' of 'Roots & Echoes' (no pun intended!) 4/5


3)Barricades

Here, Fyfe breaks it right down on the third track with a heartfelt piano ballad which seems to be written for his girlfriend. This appears to be the trend of the album so far with lyrics such as the refrain“I want to be near you all day”.
Although I didn't feel the song progressed much throughout, 'Barricades' definitely fits well with the flow of the album. 3/5

4)High on the Tide

A return to the acoustic vein of 'So Brand New' with a great opening lyric;
“There's salt in the air, it's a taste that I know”.

Also, there perhaps may be a subtle hint by Dangerfield to The Beatles later on in “Don't wake me up and tell me that I'm dreaming”.
If you closed your eyes while listening to this song you could imagine yourself on a beach somewhere with the song's introduction featuring the sound of waves gently lapping, seagull cries throughout and the outro accompanied by some care-free whistling from Fyfe.
Pretty unique track on the album and the incorporated sounds of nature are beautiful. 4/5

5)Faster Than the Setting Sun

This is the first 'electric guitar plug in' of the album but surprisingly not a nod to the Guillemots. However, by this point in the album, you can tell it obviously wasn't intended to be. Relies a lot on the refrain which mirrors the song's title but the verses contain some pretty cool lyrics;

"When you can't sleep for all of these visions of the iridescent lands and you can't reach a single decision without your wet face kissing your hands”

There is a double-sided romantic & anthemic feel to the song & it strongly contrasts the previous 4 tracks.
With the double-whammy of the title chorus & outro refrain “They don't slow dance around here no more”, you could easily expect this to be a high charting single but surprisingly this song did not even chart! Up to this point in the album this is one of the most memorable songs.4/5

6)Livewire
It's back to the stripped down feel which had dominated the album so far with the light acoustic 'Livewire'. Fyfe also continues his trend of romantic lyrics;
“Good samaritans never play their part. Come round, let me put my hands around your heart”.
So far, the chorus of 'Livewire', lyrically speaking is the most impressive. Here, Fyfe is writing about reaching a crossroads in life where you have the choice to make a number of decisions (“1,1 half time”.

“Livewire, your life is in the fire
You got everything to play for,
1-1, half time,
Livewire, the world is yours to hire
We got everything to live for Don't kick it all the time”

Additionally, I was impressed by Fyfe's great usage of imagery in lyrics such as “Helicopters hover
over the street” & “Standing in the borough markets selling straws”.

'Livewire' reaches its peak at 2.35 with a beautiful piano interlude, (played by Fyfe himself I suspect). Sounds faintly reminiscent of a song I've heard before, perhaps something from Paul Weller's 'Wild Wood' album? Best song so far on album. 5/5

7)Firebird

Perhaps this is the most romantic song of the album when considering the perfect opening lyric;

“Firebird come into me tonight
Stay awake with me through this dark night
We can ride til the morning light
On a bicycle made for two”

A continuation of the romantic/love expressive theme, Fyfe shows here that he is a master at expressing his emotions through lyrics as unique as these. It's also worth noting that 'Firebird' also takes a slight mystical turn with the lyric;

“Hush for the baby he's asleep in the hay
And if we should wake him we'll be turned stony grey”

As I mentioned earlier, the similarity with Paul Weller's style of songwriting is very present here & I believe Fyfe has a lot in common with Weller in expressing his love through deeply romantic & often metaphoric lyrics. 5/5

8)She Needs Me

Could tell right away this was another single as soon as it started due to beefed up production. Later recognised chorus from Radio 2. Although musically, the previous flow of intimate acoustic songs is interrupted, the lyrics of the chorus are simply a continuation of the album's theme of expressing his love for his girlfriend; “This is where I want to be”.

Although I'm not a big fan of this particular track there are some great lyrics worth noting;

“ Silver thunder, turquoise stream
Leaves of amber, fields of emerald green”

'A declaration of happiness' would probably be the most accurate definition of this song.
Would probably have enjoyed the song more without the strings in background which I feel would have been otherwise unnecessary as Fyfe is still able to retain strong emotional feel throughout song. Will look out for stripped down acoustic version appearing in future. 3/5

9)Don't Be Shy

This time Fyfe is giving advice to young lovers (as the title suggests) in the 'stripped down' vein of 'Livewire' & 'Firebird'. Fyfe also takes a small moment to reflect about his own immediate future;

“In a good year
One or two may come true
But dreams aren't really dreams are they
Once they've come true
They just vanish within you”

“ They just vanish within you” also appears to be a declaration about fame, which Fyfe has sort of half achieved with his appearance on John Lewis Ad. 'Don't Be Shy' is a beautiful song which Fyfe deserves recognition for removing the focus from himself momentarily & shows that he appreciates his audience. 4/5

10)Any Direction

Originally the album's closing track, this is what you could call the 'Octopus Garden' of this album (albeit mild in comparison!) with its weird beats to accompany rather strange but intriguing lyrics with;

“The boy in the iron mask with wire for brains
is firing bows and arrows wherever he thinks it should rain Yeah he's drunk too much coffee once again”

Fyfe also shows his sense of humour with the tongue in cheek chorus;

“This could go in any direction. Any direction at all”.

'Any Direction' is hard to define but is most likely about reckless behaviour in relationships when considering the trend of the album's preceding tracks. However, I think the song sounds distant to the rest of the album & I personally disliked it. 2/5

11) She's Always A Woman

Here we have it, the infamous Billy Joel cover which has been constantly played on our television sets for the past god knows how many months. Strangely though, this stands as the one song played on a TV Advert which I wasn't repelled by. I hadn't actually heard Joel's original version from 1977 but upon hearing Fyfe's voice I immediately recognised it but agonisingly couldn't pinpoint who's voice it was! Was also surprised when I found out it was actually a cover as due to Fyfe's version sounding so natural & raw that I assumed Fyfe had wrote it himself. Great blatant lyrics; (credit to Joel though!)

“She can kill with a smile
She can wound with her eyes
She can ruin your faith with her casual lies
And she only reveals what she wants you to see
She hides like a child,
But she's always a woman to me”

Thing about this song is it could easily becme one of the overused, overquoted 'wedding day' songs but even if it did it wouldnt matter as it would still retain its integrity as the lyrics of the song are so accurate & Fyfe delivers them in such an emotionally apt, expressive fashion. Difficult to become sick of this song as there are no overly repetitive hooks or riffs, just Fyfe & his perfectly potent piano & voice. 5/5



12) Awake Asleep

Aptly named piano ballad which continues in the intimate vein of the Joel cover. Yet, more wonderful lyrics;

“ Scattered through the lover's snow. Whispered in the breeze unknown”.

Probably the most romantic song on album with the use of strings more suited to this song than the pop single 'Faster than the Setting Sun'. Done in style, this is the testimonial of the intimate tracks on the album which have mostly dominated throughout. 5/5

13)Let's Start Again

Departure to a folkish, more upbeat song to technically finish off the album (fair not to count an alternate version of earlier song). Tongue in cheek perhaps, being near the end of the album? More likely a devotive love song to his girlfriend;the final confirmation that he is ready to 'put his hands around her heart'. Enjoyed this song very much as it broke the disappointing minority of 'upbeat' songs on the album. 4/5


14)Faster Than The Setting Sun (Single Version)

Listening again, this track doesn't sound any different from track 5, just a reduced running time to fit in with commercial radio schedules. Nevertheless, I forgot to mention I don't think the strings are necessary on this one & to put any confusion to rest I will explain...
I think the Manics' '1996 hit single A Design For Life' is a good example to contrast ineffective use of strings here. I may be alone in this observation but just did not feel they were necessary! (Refer to Track 5 for rating).



Overall Album Rating:

Phew!; that's my first album review finally finished! Album as a whole I think was very good with the exception of tracks such as 'When You Walk In The Room' & 'Any Direction'. Ultimately, it was the beautifully intimate stripped down tracks such as 'Livewire', 'Firebird', 'So Brand New', 'Don't Be Shy' which held the album together and made it what it is; a great reflective love album very personal to the artist. Also some extremely impressive & unique lyrics as always from Mr.Dangerfield & I would strongly recommend to download this album with the link provided below. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

[/INDENT]

[gryphon]

Fyfe Dangerfield……………………………………Fly Yellow Moon


Not an artist that I was familiar with before this review. This is first solo album from someone who has had quite a good grounding in the music business. Fyfe has spent quite a bit of time around Birmingham in the UK and has links with Lichfield and it’s cathedral.


Track One…When You Walk In The Room An electronic start to track one: a strong drum track and quickly noticeable lyrics …. I did consider that we might be in for a cover version but, hey it is an original track. It is refreshing to feel that this artist makes an impact not only with his music but also with his lyrics.


Track Two So Brand New Jim Morrison’s back and alive in this incarnation ! Again the focus is two way and we have a smooth approach to the music and a strong focus on a lyric…..This was traditional singer/song writer material and this artist seems to have got quickly to terms with a relaxed and interesting style which can involve the audience and win converts


Track Three Barracades A stripped down piano style opens this one………I think this owes a little to “The Robbie Williams Songbook” although I could hear a strong post Beatles solo feel too. In true “ love “ song mode …….it tells of a division between he and his love. As I listened further, I could tell that Fyfe has listened to the works of artists like Clifford T Ward as there is the fingerprint of love song set against lush orchestral background with the a metaphor used to describe his feelings in the situation.


Track Four High On The Tide Another good song, guitar based and relying on a strong vocal performance to put across his message. Nice song, romantic and carefree.


Track Five Faster Than The Setting Sun ( Album version) The potential single from the album. I guess this is tailored to chart success but, it did seem a rather bland track.


Track Six Livewire Nice gentle guitar work and good lyrics with a Jack Johnson feel. Stripped back production makes this song simple direct and effective.


Track Seven Firebird A nice track with feeling , the beginning is Enya on a piano…..Lyrically a bit naive there are one or two clichés here! But, it has got what it takes for a good effective song and it’s good to listen to.


Track Eight She Needs Me The beginning owes something to “Oh What A Night” by the Four Seasons…As it goes on the track develops well but, it lacks that spark of originality. The ending belongs in a Hollywood film!


Track Nine Don’t Be Shy A nice simple track reflecting a young man’s more romantic thoughts. However, it lacks the ability to penetrate to the heart.


Track Ten Any Direction. A move to a more eighties sound….


Track Eleven She’s Always A Woman………..A cover of the Billy Joel song …..Fyfe has had this featured in a UK TV commercial.......nice cover but it’s too much a word for word cover for me adding little to the original.


Track Twelve Awake Asleep Again reminds me of Clifford T. Ward …….maybe he should cover on or two of Clifford’s songs more directly.


Track Thirteen Let’s Start Again The final album track. A reasonable end track !


Track Fourteen Faster Than The Setting Sun ( Single Version) More full blooded version of the album track , definitely a more commercial version and somehow feels that when he tries, he can bend towards a top ten hit but, the overall song is still not original enough for me.

This is a clearly an inventive and talented singer/ songwriter who can engage a listener. There is a range of different song styles, to show that the talent is not just one sided. However, originality, which will take a good artist to the great heights, as yet, Fyfe does not show enough for that height now. It’s good to show your musical roots but, it becomes another matter when you proffer them as flowers of your musical labours….. Maybe, as time goes on, the originality will emerge. I Think for the moment, he will remain cult rather than mainstream ………………

[Music Head]

very nice review Mr. Soul.

[Music Head]

1) When You Walk In The Room - 2.0 - got me moving, rather unique
2) So Brand New - 1.5 - totally different voice
3) Barricades - 2.5 - love it when them strings kick in and nice lyrics
4) High On The Tide - 1.5 - nice background vocals and it was a nice flock of seagulls
5) Faster Than The Setting Sun - 2.0 - kicked it up a notch rather successfully
6) Livewire - 2.5 - ...and then back down. very pretty
7) Firebird - 2.0 - but I need to come back up again
8) She Needs Me - 1.5 - that was up, but not what I wanted. strings didn't work here
9) Don't Be Shy - 2.5 - I'm gettin' dizzy. aha, figured it out, Nick Drake, on the acoustic stuff
10) Any Direction - 2.0 - great lyrics
11) She's Always A Woman - 1.5 - nice cover, but why bother. get the original
12) Awake, Asleep - 1.5 - needed more than the piano sooner
13) Let's Start Again - 2.0 - like the way we're bouncing all over here
14) Faster Than The Setting Sun - 2.5 - strings made it better than the other one

Comes in very nice at a 2.0 with nothing bad on here and a few near great. On my list.

thanks