I'd been waiting on this set of performances for ages, hoping that Sirius XM would post them on their channel but they still haven't appeared. Right now we only have the audio captured by @ScorpioBert. This set was performed back in February at the studio's Fishbowl for The Morning Jolt with Larry Flick.
The set starts with WWFM, the arrangement sounds lovely, especially the piano. Adam uses some new runs during his belts which sound fantastic. Trespassing sounds great with a beat, especially with that slightly electronic bass. There are some vocal tricks and lots of variations from the usual acoustic versions. OOL starts with a piano, something I'd hoped to hear since the debut. Other instruments are gradually introduced. It's a powerful and stirring rendition that has a different ending as he chooses to wail through rather than sing it. I realise it's been a while since we last heard BTIKM, even longer since Kevin's backing vocals but I realise I have missed it. Fever is jazzy, fun and free-flowing with brilliant vocals. The last song is Purple Haze, and it's the first time I've heard him do an acoustic version. His voice sounds rich and strong, ending with a riff from Trespassing.
Showing posts with label BTIKM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BTIKM. Show all posts
Thursday, 31 May 2012
Wednesday, 9 May 2012
Trespassing Album Stream with Lyrics and Review
IT'S FINALLY HERE!!! Here's the official stream, along with all the lyrics as far as I can make out below:
I'm really impressed with this album. It's quite different and riskier than what I was expecting, the songs loosely divided into upbeat dance and emotional ballads, flowing fairly well and all threaded through with Adam's vocals and an electronic edge to the production. There are references, elements and effects that span multiple songs to aid continuity. Adam uses his voice creatively like never before, not just singing but using it as an instrument for effect. He stretches the boundaries of its versatility in the harmonies, layers, textures, nuances, phrasing, timbres and pitches used and it's an absolute joy to listen to. He's come such a long way since FYE and this feels like an honest statement about where he is at the moment. It's an accomplished second album and one which he should be proud of because I know I am.
My favourites so far are Trespassing, Shady, Pop That Lock, Broken English, Underneath and Chokehold. But that might change on subsequent listens. What are your favourites? The lyrics and my comments are below.
JUMP TO:
1. Trespassing
2. Cuckoo
3. Shady
4. Never Close Our Eyes
5. Kickin' In
6. Naked Love
7. Pop That Lock
8. Better Than I Know Myself
9. Broken English
10. Underneath
11. Chokehold
12. Outlaws of Love
13. Runnin'
14. Take Back
15. Nirvana
1. TRESPASSING
Writers: Adam Lambert, Pharrell Williams
Producer: Pharrell for the Neptunes
“Trespassing is a song that I wrote with Pharrell Williams It's basically a song about being an outsider, about somebody or a group of people telling you "Keep out, you're not allowed in here" and you saying "You know what? I don't care, I'm going to go in there anyway" and do what I'm going to do and be who I want to be.”
This is funky with a top-notch modern production and for the first time I actually prefer this to the live versions. The irresistible staccato bassline will get you nodding away if you're not already up and shaking it, clapping along. Adam's voice is there in all its splendour, mainly in its hard form. On the live versions I couldn't hear the electronic synths and driving bass beats at the bridge, along with the guitar licks at the end which really add to the impact. This is very well written with smart lyrics and a sassy rebellious attitude that shines through. Love it.
2. CUCKOO
Writers: Adam Lambert, Oliver Goldstein, Bonnie McKee, Josh Abraham, Anne Preven
Producers: Josh Abraham, Oligee
“Cuckoo is really just about that moment where you realise that maybe you're a little crazy. I certainly have realised that in the last couple of years, that I've got a couple of screws loose but it's really fun and it's owning that and hopefully inspiring people to want to feel crazy. You know if been working all week or you've had a stressful day, you just want to go out with friends and get crazy.”
The production on this is very different to what I expected after seeing the Jimmy Kimmel performance. I thought we'd get some 70s disco funk with a splash of rock and a modern twist. It's slower than I expected, much more electronic and the way his voice is distorted in the effects reminds me a bit of the Aftermath remix. I like the overall melody and vibe in the verses but think the 80s-sounding chorus lets it down a little, along with effects overkill in parts. I assume it's the intended effect of a busy brain going mad but I can't help thinking the production tries to do too much. The lyrics are playful and humorous, and anyone who takes liberties with English to coin "thingses" gets the thumbs up from me. I like it a lot, but not as much as I expected. Still gets me up dancing though.
3. SHADY
Writers: Adam Lambert, Lester Mendez, Sam Sparro
Producer: Lester Mendez
“Shady is a song that I wrote with Sam Sparro and Lester Mendez. Basically, it's just saying "I kind of feel nasty tonight, and I want to get into some trouble, some good kind of trouble". Kind of being so wrong that it's right.”
Fucking hell! I'm hooked right from the start with this sticky pulsating bassline and beat, which sounds like a dark nasty version of Stevie Wonder's Superstition. Love it love it love it! It's so different to anything Adam's done before, funky as fuck and so so sexy. The vocals aren't bombastic but understated. Conspiratorial. And sexy. The harmonies are great, as are the guest vocals and Nile's guitar. It has shades of Prince in it, which is always good. The song is about cruising for sex, confrontational, bold and uncompromising. It's very well written, dark twisted sleazy fun. And did I mention how much I love it? And how sexy it is?
4. NEVER CLOSE OUR EYES
Writers: Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine, Lukasz Gottwald, Henry Walter
Pruducers: Dr. Luke & Cirkut for Prescription Songs, The Smeezingtons
“Never Close Our Eyes is an amazing song written about Bruno Mars. It's a beautiful powerful melody about "We can sleep when we're dead. Let's make the most of this moment and be in the now and connect and live". It's a little bit hedonistic but it's very uplifting and very positive with a great dance beat.”
Full review here
5. KICKIN' IN
Writers: Adam Lambert, Pharrell Williams
Producer: Pharrell for the Neptunes
“Kickin' in is a song that was created with Pharrell and basically it's a about a girl at a club who is just kind of going for it. She is drinking and partying and I'm just observing. And I'm like "Are you alright? Are you good? Don't fall down!” I think everybody can relate to that girl at the club that's either had to much or you're the friend that's watching her back. And by her, boys, you know that we call each other that. She drunk!
After a long intro of trancey ascending and descending electronic bleeps and voice samples, it's quite a surprising moment when it finally kicks in. It's like coming to a moment of clarity. On the verses, Adam's voice is fresh, breathy and backed with a falsetto vocal. With the bassline, it immediately recalls Michael Jackson's Off the Wall. Then it gets a bit strange at the chorus, as he sings to the second person, with all that hypnotic repetition like a skipping CD. The song tells of and addresses a mate determined to get demolished into oblivion, so it does sound like the pounding that arrives when all the substances take hold. It's the imaginary persistent echoing music that follows from an altered state of consciousness when you're still pumping. I'm sure I used to get stoned to this. It's an aggressive tune to dance to and although I'm liking it, I'm just not sure about the amount of repetition.
6. NAKED LOVE
Writers: Benjamin Levin, Ammar Malik, Dan Omelio, Oliver Goldstein, Josh Abraham
Producers: Josh Abraham, Oligee
“Naked Love is a really fun upbeat positive anthem about no frills. It's asking somebody to just love you without all the bells and whistles, without all the hub bub. I don't need flowers and I don't need a fancy dinner, I don't need you to make a big deal out of it, I just need the real thing. Stripped back, naked, pure.”
I wasn't that keen on this song after seeing the live performance. My comments were:
7. POP THAT LOCK
Writers: Adam Lambert, Josh Crosby, Lesley Roy, Robert Marvin, Nate Campany
Producers: Robert Marvin for Kustom Thrills, Josh Crosby for My Kid Brother Music
“Pop That Lock is a song about just being who you are, letting it all hang out and letting down your guard. Pop that lock, unlock it, open the door, just be, let it go. We're all victims at one time or another of being trapped by our own fears or limitations, or we think people want from us, and this song is a really cool electro-dance song about just letting go.”
The intro sounds rather industrial and it's a throbbing start with Adam's voice on top of the beat. It's a simple stompy rhythm that I generally don't like but it works here. The thumping chorus is sharp and I absolutely love love love that dirty scratchy electro breakdown with its dark heavy beats and Adam's throaty banshee wail. It sounds much more experimental than anything I'd dared hope for. It's another song about liberating oneself and letting go, like Cuckoo, which also references this. Adam bosses us around with punchy lyrics and low rich vocals. Another one I love.
8. BETTER THAN I KNOW MYSELF
Writers: Lukasz Gottwald, Joshua Coleman, Claude Kelly, Henry Walter
Producers: Dr. Luke, Cirkut & Ammo for Prescription Songs
“Better Than I Know Myself is a song that I think anybody who has been in or is in a relationship can relate to. Sometimes you screw up ir you say something that hurts your partner's feelings or you haven't been supportive. This song basically owns that, says, "Look, I'm sorry that sometimes I'm not perfect but without you, I wouldn't know what I would do with myself. I need you because you are the only person that knows me better than I know myself."”
Full review here
9. BROKEN ENGLISH
Writers: Adam Lambert, Lester Mendez, Sam Sparro
Producer: Lester Mendez
“Broken English is kind of a sexy song about communication and there are so many different ways to communicate. You can communicate with words and then sometimes it's not about the words at all, it's about, maybe body language. I think that there can be some challenges that some from not being able to communicate verbally, and then there's also a lot of beauty in that disconnect, and that's what Broken English is about.”
The intro is a surprisingly delicate ambient one and once the reverberating beat comes in, it reminds me of Ultravox's Vienna. It's a song about the inability to communicate in a relationship, causing misunderstandings. My original thoughts after Jimmy Kimmel were:
10. UNDERNEATH
Writers: Josh Crosby, Catt Gravitt, Tom Shapiro, Adam Lambert
Producers: Josh Crosby for Mu Kid Brother Music, Robert Marvin for Kustom Thrills
“Underneath is a pretty personal song. I think this one is the most revealing on the album. Even someone like myself, who's been given this great opportunity and has seemingly a great life, I have moments where things aren't always totally happy, you know we all go through that, so hopefully the listener at home can relate to that feeling, that struggle and that turmoil that sometimes takes over your being.”
The start of this is bare, just the stirring sound of a piano. Adam's voice is so close, so fragile, so vulnerable. It strengthens as we head to the chorus and the depth of emotion channelled through it defies belief. It must be so difficult to sing live. We can hear so many different textures to his voice complemented by a balance of classic and electronic instrumentals. The second verse is less minimal, building to a desperate cry at the crescendo. Inviting us into his private world with hard-hitting lyrics containing powerful imagery, it's extremely moving. It delves into such a personal and intimate realm it actually makes me feel uncomfortable listening to such anguish pouring out of that voice. It's so intense I can only handle it in small doses and find myself drained after listening to it. Time to take a deep breath. An evocative masterpiece.
11. CHOKEHOLD
Writers: Adam Lambert, Oliver Goldstein, Bonnie McKee, Josh Abraham
Producers: Josh Abraham, Oligee
“Chokehold is a song that I wrote with Bonnie Mckee. It's about a relationship that's not good for you. It's about being into somebody or obsessed with somebody that isn't emotionally healthy. I think everybody at some time or another has chased after the wrong person and sometimes if they're bad or wrong for you, it feels really good and we keep going back for more.”
The intro to this song about being addicted to a destructive relationship is a dark and menacing one. When Adam's voice kicks in for the verses, it's contrastingly light and breathy. The choruses feel like an anthemic rock song with a big production. The delicate moaning at the bridge is a thing of beauty and I love the tinkly electronic sounds over the synths near the end. It's well written and Adam's expressive voice emotes both resignation and exasperation in this beautifully stirring song.
12. OUTLAWS OF LOVE
Writers: Adam Lambert, Rune Westberg, BC Jean
Producer: Rune Westberg
“Outlaws of Love is a song about the struggle to overcome adversity of any kind. I wrote it personally about my feelings in the way the struggle makes me feel that the gay and lesbian community faces. What's great about the song I think is that I wrote it from that perspective, but upon presenting it to some friends and family, it can be interpreted as any sort of adversity or challenge or obstacle, whether it be star-crossed lovers like Romeo and Juliet or Bonnie and Clyde running from the law or Thelma and Louise. It's kind of that lamentation of being on the run.”
The arrangement on this is very similar to that of the debut performance but has more of a beat to it, which I think it ages it a touch. Adam's gentle mournful voice is so soothing and has harmonies as backing on the choruses. There are marked differences in his voice towards the end, changing into strong and defiant rich tones, then back to resignation. The lyrics are uncomplicated and sincere with a strong message, making this a potential anthem for LGBT rights.
13. RUNNIN'
Writers: Adam Lambert, David Marshall, Fred Williams, Catt Gravitt, Robert Marvin
Producer: Robert Marvin for Kustom Thrills
The intro leads me to think of 80s/early 90s sci-fi action movies until Adam's voice comes in, which gives me one hell of a shock. The sustained low tone is unlike anything else I've heard from him before. It's rich and gravelly and a joy. The verses sound dark, describing an undesirable predicament but it takes flight during the choruses when he decides to take action. It's so satisfying when Adam lets his voice rip. Apart from a few electronic bits, it's a big uplifting rock ballad with a frenetic hammering beat at the bridge that makes way for the peace of a hymn-like break. This feels like perfect soundtrack material but I can't help feeling that the production is disjointed with the rock and electro elements not quite consolidating. Good as a bonus track.
14. TAKE BACK
Writers: Adam Lambert, Busbee
Producers: Busbee, J. Bonilla
The piano intro is a bit deceptive, leading me to think that this might be another stripped down emotional song. Then the pulsating beat kicks in and I know it's another one for the dancefloor. The verses are beat-driven, surprisingly there's is no melody in the first few lines as Adam sings it monotone. The panting "Eh eh eh" sounds in between are sexy though. The choruses remind me of NCOE's with the bass zipping up and down and a beat that I'm not too keen on. The vocals are fantastic though, especially at the bridge where sultry turns to the gritty powerbelting chorus. Unsurprisingly it's a song about wanting to undo something so I find the choice of an understated and restrained "Oh My" in the lyrics to express this as a source of amusement because for me it would be expletive-ridden. It ends on what sounds like an Irish folk trill to me. There are other songs I prefer from this album but this is one that will get me up and moving.
14. NIRVANA
Adam Lambert, Josh Abraham, Oliver Goldstein, Stephen Wrabel
Producers: Josh Abraham, Oligee
The opening chords are pleasantly dark-sounding as Adam describes the negativity that love overcomes. The choruses turn into a smooth ride over a flowing piano but something doesn't quite hit the spot for me at "In nirvana stay". I think it's the melody or the forced rhyme which shifts the focus off "nirvana" to "stay", taming the impact. I still enjoy the uplifting feeling it generates though. The calm is broken momentarily as Adam soars thorough the clouds at the bridge with the most beautiful of notes, modulating from a hard gritty timbre into one that floats lighter than air. I love what he does with his voice towards the end, bringing it fully to life. It's a mellow end to the album leaving a feeling of contentment.
Trespassing by adamofficial
I'm really impressed with this album. It's quite different and riskier than what I was expecting, the songs loosely divided into upbeat dance and emotional ballads, flowing fairly well and all threaded through with Adam's vocals and an electronic edge to the production. There are references, elements and effects that span multiple songs to aid continuity. Adam uses his voice creatively like never before, not just singing but using it as an instrument for effect. He stretches the boundaries of its versatility in the harmonies, layers, textures, nuances, phrasing, timbres and pitches used and it's an absolute joy to listen to. He's come such a long way since FYE and this feels like an honest statement about where he is at the moment. It's an accomplished second album and one which he should be proud of because I know I am.
My favourites so far are Trespassing, Shady, Pop That Lock, Broken English, Underneath and Chokehold. But that might change on subsequent listens. What are your favourites? The lyrics and my comments are below.
| UK Version (17 songs) | US Deluxe Version (15 songs) | US Regular Version (12 songs) |
1. Trespassing
2. Cuckoo
3. Shady
4. Never Close Our Eyes
5. Kickin' In
6. Naked Love
7. Pop That Lock
8. Better Than I Know Myself
9. Broken English
10. Underneath
11. Chokehold
12. Outlaws of Love
13. Runnin'
14. Take Back
15. Nirvana
1. TRESPASSING
Writers: Adam Lambert, Pharrell Williams
Producer: Pharrell for the Neptunes
“Trespassing is a song that I wrote with Pharrell Williams It's basically a song about being an outsider, about somebody or a group of people telling you "Keep out, you're not allowed in here" and you saying "You know what? I don't care, I'm going to go in there anyway" and do what I'm going to do and be who I want to be.”
This is funky with a top-notch modern production and for the first time I actually prefer this to the live versions. The irresistible staccato bassline will get you nodding away if you're not already up and shaking it, clapping along. Adam's voice is there in all its splendour, mainly in its hard form. On the live versions I couldn't hear the electronic synths and driving bass beats at the bridge, along with the guitar licks at the end which really add to the impact. This is very well written with smart lyrics and a sassy rebellious attitude that shines through. Love it.
Well, I was walkin' for some timeBack to top
When I came across this sign
Sayin' who are you and where are you from?
We don't like when visitors come
No Trespassing that's what it said
At least that's what I could read
No trespassers yeah, my ass!
Wait 'til ya get a load of me
Yeah, c'mon! Ah!
One day I was trippin'
And that's when I could see
That the ether that I tapped into
Could be reality
It was great
That's when I climbed that optimistic vine
Once I hit that mountain peak
I began to lose my mind
I don't need no sympathy
I won't cry and whine
Life's my light and liberty
And I shine when I wanna shine, yeah
Make their faces crack
There's no turning back
Let's go!
Well, I was walkin' for some time
When I came across this sign
Sayin' who are you and where are you from?
We don't like when visitors come
No Trespassing that's what it said
At least that's what I could read
No trespassers yeah, my ass!
Wait 'til ya get a load of me
Hey, whoa yay
I ain't got B.S. in my bag
That's the one thing you can believe, yeah
My heart is gold my body is glass
Come on baby can't you see?
I don't need no GPS to show me where to go
But I can turn into the North Pole
And show you what is cold, ooh!
I don't need no sympathy
I won't cry and whine
Life's my light and liberty
And I shine when I wanna shine, yeah
Make their faces crack, crack!
There's no turning back
Let's go!
Well, I was walkin' for some time
When I came across this sign
Sayin' who are you and where are you from?
We don't like when visitors come
No Trespassing that's what it said
At least that's what I could read
No trespassers yeah, my ass!
Wait 'til ya get a load of me
Wait 'til ya get a load of me
I said, wait 'til ya get a load of me
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah!
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah!
I ain't stayin' at home
I got places to roam
I ain't stayin' at home, no no!
Hey hey hey heyay yay ya-a-ay!
I don't need no sympathy
I won't cry and whine
Life's my light and liberty
And I shine when I wanna shine, yeah
Let's go!
Well, I was walkin' for some time
When I came across this sign
Sayin' who are you and where are you from?
We don't like when visitors come
No Trespassing that's what it said
At least that's what I could read
No trespassers yeah, my ass!
Wait 'til ya get a load of me
2. CUCKOO
Writers: Adam Lambert, Oliver Goldstein, Bonnie McKee, Josh Abraham, Anne Preven
Producers: Josh Abraham, Oligee
“Cuckoo is really just about that moment where you realise that maybe you're a little crazy. I certainly have realised that in the last couple of years, that I've got a couple of screws loose but it's really fun and it's owning that and hopefully inspiring people to want to feel crazy. You know if been working all week or you've had a stressful day, you just want to go out with friends and get crazy.”
The production on this is very different to what I expected after seeing the Jimmy Kimmel performance. I thought we'd get some 70s disco funk with a splash of rock and a modern twist. It's slower than I expected, much more electronic and the way his voice is distorted in the effects reminds me a bit of the Aftermath remix. I like the overall melody and vibe in the verses but think the 80s-sounding chorus lets it down a little, along with effects overkill in parts. I assume it's the intended effect of a busy brain going mad but I can't help thinking the production tries to do too much. The lyrics are playful and humorous, and anyone who takes liberties with English to coin "thingses" gets the thumbs up from me. I like it a lot, but not as much as I expected. Still gets me up dancing though.
Feel like I'm having a meltdownBack to top
F-feel like I'm losing control
They tell me I'm a danger to myself
Now the crazy train is ready to roll, oh
Walk that walk like you don't give a fuck
You've got a right to turn it up and get down
Electric shock, no I can't get enough
'Cause tonight we're takin' over the town, eh
I wanna lose my mind, like a maniac
And cross the line, never lookin' back
We're on the loose, getting crazy and we've gone cuckoo
Gonna party 'til they take us away
I'm swinging off of my hinges
I'm cocked and I'm ready to go
Go on and pack up your thingses
The crazy train is ready to roll, oh
Walk that walk like you don't give a fuck
You've got a right to turn it up and get down, yeah
Electric shock, no I can't get enough
'Cause tonight we're takin' over the town, eh
I wanna lose my mind, like a maniac
And cross the line, never lookin' back
We're on the loose, getting crazy and we've gone cuckoo
Gonna party 'til they take us away
Lose my mind
I'm gonna lose my mind
Gotta get out of this straitjacket woah, cuckoo!
Gotta get out of this straitjacket woah, yay!
I wanna lose my mind, like a maniac
And cross the line, never lookin' back
We're on the loose, getting crazy and we've gone cuckoo
Gonna party 'til they take us away
Lose my mind
Gonna lose my mind
I'm gonna lose my mind
Gonna party 'til they take us away
Lose my mind
Gonna lose my mind
Yeah
Gonna party 'til they take us away
3. SHADY
Writers: Adam Lambert, Lester Mendez, Sam Sparro
Producer: Lester Mendez
“Shady is a song that I wrote with Sam Sparro and Lester Mendez. Basically, it's just saying "I kind of feel nasty tonight, and I want to get into some trouble, some good kind of trouble". Kind of being so wrong that it's right.”
Fucking hell! I'm hooked right from the start with this sticky pulsating bassline and beat, which sounds like a dark nasty version of Stevie Wonder's Superstition. Love it love it love it! It's so different to anything Adam's done before, funky as fuck and so so sexy. The vocals aren't bombastic but understated. Conspiratorial. And sexy. The harmonies are great, as are the guest vocals and Nile's guitar. It has shades of Prince in it, which is always good. The song is about cruising for sex, confrontational, bold and uncompromising. It's very well written, dark twisted sleazy fun. And did I mention how much I love it? And how sexy it is?
Baby I'm on the huntBack to top
Baby I got my target on you
Trouble, that's what I want
And I'm gonna do just what I have to
Get your ass down to the front
Go on and roll it out, I dare you
Sorry I'm kinda drunk
But did you just say your game was brand new?
No I ain't broken, but I, I need a fix
That satisfaction when I, I get my kicks
I'm up all night
I'm outta sight
Don't turn on the light
'Cause I'm feeling so shady lately
Come on and take me underground
Deep under the street
Come on and take me, take me down
Where freaks like us can meet
Turn it up, turn it up, turn it up, turn it way up
Don't stop the beat
Come on and turn me, turn me out
'Cause I'm feeling so shady lately
Oh! Oh!
Gonna go and get me a shot
Gonna knock it back, forget all my blues
Yeah, that really hits the spot
I'm feeling pretty fierce in my dancin' shoes, yeah
No I ain't broken, but I need a fix
That satisfaction when I get my kicks
I'm up all night
I'm outta sight
Don't turn on the light
'Cause I'm feeling so shady lately
Come on and take me underground
Deep under the street
Come on and take me, take me down
Where freaks like us can meet
Turn it up, turn it up, turn it up, turn it way up
Don't stop the beat
Come on and turn me, turn me out
'Cause I'm feeling so shady lately
I throw more shade than a cloudy day
The brakes don't work, I'm just a runaway train
Somebody come and help me out, all I wanna be is free
I was tryin' to get down, now I can't get out
I'm shady lately
Come on and take me underground
Deep under the street
Come on and take me, take me down
Where freaks like us can meet
Turn it up, turn it up, turn it up, turn it way up
Don't stop the beat
Come on and turn me, turn me out
'Cause I'm feeling so shady lately
Shady lately, that's how I play
They say maybe it's just a phase
Shady lately, runaway train
Blame the game, quit blaming the gays
'Cause I'm feeling so shady lately
4. NEVER CLOSE OUR EYES
Writers: Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine, Lukasz Gottwald, Henry Walter
Pruducers: Dr. Luke & Cirkut for Prescription Songs, The Smeezingtons
“Never Close Our Eyes is an amazing song written about Bruno Mars. It's a beautiful powerful melody about "We can sleep when we're dead. Let's make the most of this moment and be in the now and connect and live". It's a little bit hedonistic but it's very uplifting and very positive with a great dance beat.”
Full review here
I wish that this nightBack to top
Would never be over
There's plenty of time to sleep
When we die
So let's just stay awake
Until we grow older
If I had my way
We'd never close our eyes
Our eyes
Never
I don't want to let a minute get away
'Cause we got no time to lose
None of us are promised to see tomorrow
And what we do is ours to choose
Forget about the sunrise
Fight the sleep in your eyes
I don't want to miss a second with you
Let's stay this way forever
It's only getting better
If we want it to
You know that I wish that this night
Would never be over
There's plenty of time to sleep
When we die
So let's just stay awake
Until we grow older
If I had my way
We'd never close our eyes
Our eyes
Never
It's so hard to think this could fade away
But what goes up must come down
Why can't we just live life with no consequence
And always live in the now
Forget about the sunrise
Fight the sleep in your eyes
I don't want to miss a second with you
Let's stay this way forever
It's only getting better
If we want it to
You know that I wish that this night
Would never be over
There's plenty of time to sleep
When we die
So let's just stay awake
Until we grow older
If I had my way
We'd never close our eyes
Our eyes
Never (never never)
Ooh
Yeah
Ooh
Yeah
You know that I wish that this night
Would never be over
There's plenty of time to sleep
When we die
So let's just stay awake
Until we grow older
If I had my way
We'd never close our eyes
Our eyes
Oh
Never
5. KICKIN' IN
Writers: Adam Lambert, Pharrell Williams
Producer: Pharrell for the Neptunes
“Kickin' in is a song that was created with Pharrell and basically it's a about a girl at a club who is just kind of going for it. She is drinking and partying and I'm just observing. And I'm like "Are you alright? Are you good? Don't fall down!” I think everybody can relate to that girl at the club that's either had to much or you're the friend that's watching her back. And by her, boys, you know that we call each other that. She drunk!
After a long intro of trancey ascending and descending electronic bleeps and voice samples, it's quite a surprising moment when it finally kicks in. It's like coming to a moment of clarity. On the verses, Adam's voice is fresh, breathy and backed with a falsetto vocal. With the bassline, it immediately recalls Michael Jackson's Off the Wall. Then it gets a bit strange at the chorus, as he sings to the second person, with all that hypnotic repetition like a skipping CD. The song tells of and addresses a mate determined to get demolished into oblivion, so it does sound like the pounding that arrives when all the substances take hold. It's the imaginary persistent echoing music that follows from an altered state of consciousness when you're still pumping. I'm sure I used to get stoned to this. It's an aggressive tune to dance to and although I'm liking it, I'm just not sure about the amount of repetition.
She wants to be up thereBack to top
In the air
Where the clouds live
The sweetest seeds
Make the best treats
Thirty thousand feet
She can smile there
And now, she puts her shot glass down
She asks for another round
She wants to hit the clouds
Honey, are you up there?
Now she puts her shot glass down
She asks for another round
Girl, don't you hit the ground
Is it kickin' in?
Do you feel it kickin' in?
Do you feel it kickin' in?
Do you feel it kickin' in?
Honey, are you up there?
Do you feel it kickin' in?
Do you feel it kickin' in?
Do you feel it kickin' in?
Honey, are you up there?
She wants to introduce me
To her friend Eddie
What is she trying to do to me?
He got words that rhyme
He got a dirty mind
Persuasive
Am I about to do a three?
And now, she puts her shot glass down
She asks for another round
She wants to hit the clouds
Honey, are you up there?
Now she puts her shot glass down
She asks for another round
Girl, don't you hit the ground
Is it kickin' in?
Do you feel it kickin' in?
Do you feel it kickin' in?
Do you feel it kickin' in?
Honey, are you up there?
Do you feel it kickin' in?
Do you feel it kickin' in?
Do you feel it kickin' in?
Honey, are you up there?
Bounce bounce bounce
Bounce bounce bounce
Bounce bounce bounce
Bounce bounce bounce
Bounce bounce bounce
Bounce bounce bounce
And now, she puts her shot glass down
She asks for another round
She wants to hit the clouds
Honey, are you up there?
Now she puts her shot glass down
She asks for another round
Girl, don't you hit the ground
Is it kickin' in?
Do you feel it kickin' in?
Do you feel it kickin' in?
Do you feel it kickin' in?
Honey, are you up there? ... ... ... ... ... ...
6. NAKED LOVE
Writers: Benjamin Levin, Ammar Malik, Dan Omelio, Oliver Goldstein, Josh Abraham
Producers: Josh Abraham, Oligee
“Naked Love is a really fun upbeat positive anthem about no frills. It's asking somebody to just love you without all the bells and whistles, without all the hub bub. I don't need flowers and I don't need a fancy dinner, I don't need you to make a big deal out of it, I just need the real thing. Stripped back, naked, pure.”
I wasn't that keen on this song after seeing the live performance. My comments were:
Do you know those perennially chirpy people with boundless positivity and happy smug faces? Well this song is their equivalent. I want to give them a good slap for being so annoying. It says more about me being a cranky old git than anything else. It's a light frivolous pop song. I don't like happy fluffy pop. I like things to have a bit of a nasty edge. It feels like a cross between a JLS song and an 80s pop-by-numbers Stock Aitken and Waterman production so much so that I think I might be being Rickrolled. Maybe that means it'll be a huge hit.I'm afraid to say that my opinion hasn't really shifted. It sounds a little more modern and less 80s but still a bit generic. Adam's voice is delicious though.
Oh whoa yeah yeah yeahBack to top
Oh whoa yeah yeah yeah
Lose control
Collision course
With you my love
Call 911
So roll the dice
Get lucky tonight
I know you're holding back
No more hesitation, no
Just come on
I want your naked love
So don't you dress it up tonight
Yeah come on
You know your naked love
Is what I'm dreamin' of tonight
Oh whoa yeah yeah yeah
Oh whoa yeah yeah yeah
Take it off
And try me on
The hottest threads
You ever worn
So roll the dice
Get lucky tonight yeah
I know you're holding back
No more hesitation
Just come on
I want your naked love
So don't you dress it up tonight
Yeah come on
You know your naked love
Is what I'm dreamin' of tonight
Oh whoa yeah yeah yeah
Oh whoa yeah yeah yeah
Just come on
I want your naked love
So don't you dress it up tonight
Yeah come on
You know your naked love
Is what I'm dreamin' of tonight
Oh whoa yeah yeah yeah
Oh whoa yeah yeah yeah
7. POP THAT LOCK
Writers: Adam Lambert, Josh Crosby, Lesley Roy, Robert Marvin, Nate Campany
Producers: Robert Marvin for Kustom Thrills, Josh Crosby for My Kid Brother Music
“Pop That Lock is a song about just being who you are, letting it all hang out and letting down your guard. Pop that lock, unlock it, open the door, just be, let it go. We're all victims at one time or another of being trapped by our own fears or limitations, or we think people want from us, and this song is a really cool electro-dance song about just letting go.”
The intro sounds rather industrial and it's a throbbing start with Adam's voice on top of the beat. It's a simple stompy rhythm that I generally don't like but it works here. The thumping chorus is sharp and I absolutely love love love that dirty scratchy electro breakdown with its dark heavy beats and Adam's throaty banshee wail. It sounds much more experimental than anything I'd dared hope for. It's another song about liberating oneself and letting go, like Cuckoo, which also references this. Adam bosses us around with punchy lyrics and low rich vocals. Another one I love.
Left, right, step up to the spotlightBack to top
Why're you acting up tight?
I'm takin' you to school, thats right
High, low, don't tell me you don't know
How to ever let go
I'm takin' you to school, that's right
Tonight we burn it all
Get high, get tall
Yeah, we're lighter than air
You got the key to your release
So pop that lock until you're lighter than air
If you wanna be it
You've got to dream
If you got the key then baby
Pop that lock
If you wanna free it
You have got to scream
If you got the key then baby
Pop that lock
Banshee boys and dancey girls get down
Work, bitch, you don't gotta
Stress this
Got 'em feeling restless
Show 'em how it's done, alright
Secret, don't care if you don't keep it
Don't care if you leak it
Show 'em how it's done alright
Tonight we burn it all
Get high, get tall
Yeah, we're lighter than air
You got the key to your release
So pop that lock until you're lighter than air
If you wanna be it
You've got to dream
If you got the key then baby
Pop that lock
If you wanna free it
You have got to scream
If you got the key then baby
Pop that lock
Banshee boys and dancey girls get down
Get down
Work work work alright
Work work work alright
Banshee boys and dancey girls get down
You better pop that lock
If you wanna be it
You got to dream
If you got the key then baby
Pop that lock
If you wanna free it
You have got to scream
If you got the key then baby
Pop that lock
Get down yeah
Baby pop that lock, get down
Get down
Pop that lock get down
8. BETTER THAN I KNOW MYSELF
Writers: Lukasz Gottwald, Joshua Coleman, Claude Kelly, Henry Walter
Producers: Dr. Luke, Cirkut & Ammo for Prescription Songs
“Better Than I Know Myself is a song that I think anybody who has been in or is in a relationship can relate to. Sometimes you screw up ir you say something that hurts your partner's feelings or you haven't been supportive. This song basically owns that, says, "Look, I'm sorry that sometimes I'm not perfect but without you, I wouldn't know what I would do with myself. I need you because you are the only person that knows me better than I know myself."”
Full review here
Cold as iceBack to top
And more bitter than a December
Winter night
That's how I treated you
And I know that I
I sometimes tend to lose my temper
And I cross the line
Yeah that's the truth
I know it gets hard sometimes
But I could never
Leave your side
No matter what I say
'Cause if I wanted to go I would have gone by now
But I really need you near me to
Keep my mind off the edge
If I wanted to leave I would have left by now
But you're, you're the only one that knows me
Better than I know myself
All along
I tried to pretend it didn't matter
If I was alone
But deep down I know
If you were gone
For even a day I wouldn't know
Which way to turn
Cause I'm lost without you
I know it gets hard sometimes
But I could never
Leave your side
No matter what I say
'Cause if I wanted to go I would have gone by now
But I really need you near me to
Keep my mind off the edge
If I wanted to leave I would have left by now
But you're, you're the only one that knows me
Better than I know myself
I get kind of dark
Let it go too far
I can be obnoxious at times
But try and see my heart
Cause I need you now
So don't let me down
You're the only thing in this world
I would die without
'Cause if I wanted to go I would have gone by now
But I really need you near me to
Keep my mind off the edge
If I wanted to leave I would have left by now
But you're, you're the only one that knows me
Better than I know myself
'Cause if I wanted to go I would have gone by now
But I really need you near me to
Keep my mind off the edge
If I wanted to leave I would have left by now
But you're, you're the only one that knows me
Better than I know myself
9. BROKEN ENGLISH
Writers: Adam Lambert, Lester Mendez, Sam Sparro
Producer: Lester Mendez
“Broken English is kind of a sexy song about communication and there are so many different ways to communicate. You can communicate with words and then sometimes it's not about the words at all, it's about, maybe body language. I think that there can be some challenges that some from not being able to communicate verbally, and then there's also a lot of beauty in that disconnect, and that's what Broken English is about.”
The intro is a surprisingly delicate ambient one and once the reverberating beat comes in, it reminds me of Ultravox's Vienna. It's a song about the inability to communicate in a relationship, causing misunderstandings. My original thoughts after Jimmy Kimmel were:
I'm loving it so far. It's an atmospheric sexy slow burn with a moody melody. It has a big swelling dramatic production which I can hear as a climactic soundtrack. The vocal is striking and powerful... The bridge is something else though, as Adam lends a beautiful haunting ghostly wail over frantic drumming.That still stands but I just want to add how much I love Adam's voice on this. What he does with his voice on the bridge is just sublime and otherworldly. It's a mournful howl of a siren call, its ethereality accentuated by the heaviness of the instrumentals. Just beautiful.
Tower of Babel has fallen down againBack to top
Information disarray
I don't know who I should believe in
Everybody's an authority
Fragments don't count
They always end up fallin' through the cracks
Don't think out loud
'Cause once it's out your mouth can't take it back
Can't say all the little things
That I wanna tell you right now
I know you won't understand
But I gotta tell you somehow
And on and on and on I go
Connect the neck to what's below, I know
Now your body language is broken, broken english
Lost inside communication breakdown
Better just to read my lips
Comin' in clearer when we get down
Iceberg just the tip
My words get lost
Can you read the look that's on my face
Wires get crossed
In communion with the human race
Can't say all the little things
That I wanna tell you right now
I know you won't understand
But I gotta tell you some how
And on and on and on I go
Connect the neck to what's below, I know
Now your body language is broken, broken english
Can't say all the little things
That I wanna tell you right now
I know you won't understand
But I gotta tell you some how
And on and on and on I go
Connect the neck to what's below, I know
Now your body language is broken, broken english
10. UNDERNEATH
Writers: Josh Crosby, Catt Gravitt, Tom Shapiro, Adam Lambert
Producers: Josh Crosby for Mu Kid Brother Music, Robert Marvin for Kustom Thrills
“Underneath is a pretty personal song. I think this one is the most revealing on the album. Even someone like myself, who's been given this great opportunity and has seemingly a great life, I have moments where things aren't always totally happy, you know we all go through that, so hopefully the listener at home can relate to that feeling, that struggle and that turmoil that sometimes takes over your being.”
The start of this is bare, just the stirring sound of a piano. Adam's voice is so close, so fragile, so vulnerable. It strengthens as we head to the chorus and the depth of emotion channelled through it defies belief. It must be so difficult to sing live. We can hear so many different textures to his voice complemented by a balance of classic and electronic instrumentals. The second verse is less minimal, building to a desperate cry at the crescendo. Inviting us into his private world with hard-hitting lyrics containing powerful imagery, it's extremely moving. It delves into such a personal and intimate realm it actually makes me feel uncomfortable listening to such anguish pouring out of that voice. It's so intense I can only handle it in small doses and find myself drained after listening to it. Time to take a deep breath. An evocative masterpiece.
Strip away the flesh and boneBack to top
Look beyond the lies you've known
Everybody wants to talk about a freak
No one wants to dig that deep
Let me take you underneath
Baby, better watch your step
Never mind what's on the left
You're gonna see things you might not wanna see
Still not that easy for me
Underneath
A red river of screams underneath
Tears in my eyes underneath
Stars in my black and blue sky
And underneath under my skin
Underneath the depths of my sin
Look at me
Now do you see?
Welcome to my world of truth
I don't wanna hide any part of me from you
I'm standing here with no apologies
Such a beautiful release
You inside of me
A red river of screams underneath
Tears in my eyes underneath
Stars in my black and blue sky
And underneath under my skin
Underneath the depths of my sin
Look at me
Now do you see?
Underneath underneath underneath
Underneath underneath
Welcome to my world of truth
A red river of screams underneath
Tears in my eyes underneath
Stars in my black and blue sky
And underneath under my skin
Underneath the depths of my sin
Look at me
Now do you see?
Underneath underneath underneath
Look at me
Do you see?
Look at me
Do you see?
Welcome to my world of truth
I don't wanna hide any part of me from you
11. CHOKEHOLD
Writers: Adam Lambert, Oliver Goldstein, Bonnie McKee, Josh Abraham
Producers: Josh Abraham, Oligee
“Chokehold is a song that I wrote with Bonnie Mckee. It's about a relationship that's not good for you. It's about being into somebody or obsessed with somebody that isn't emotionally healthy. I think everybody at some time or another has chased after the wrong person and sometimes if they're bad or wrong for you, it feels really good and we keep going back for more.”
The intro to this song about being addicted to a destructive relationship is a dark and menacing one. When Adam's voice kicks in for the verses, it's contrastingly light and breathy. The choruses feel like an anthemic rock song with a big production. The delicate moaning at the bridge is a thing of beauty and I love the tinkly electronic sounds over the synths near the end. It's well written and Adam's expressive voice emotes both resignation and exasperation in this beautifully stirring song.
Starin' at the ceiling in the darkBack to top
Sheets are in a knot
My heart is like a rock, hey
Pictures flashing by inside my head
I'm hanging by a thread
But I'd do it all again, hey
I keep running away
Running away
Running away from you but I
Can't stand breaking the chains
Breaking the chains
Breaking the chains
It's too good
'Cause I know
The second you go
Want you to bring it on back
Bring it on back
Bring it on back to me
And you know
I want your chokehold
Want you to bring it on back
Bring it on back
Bring it on back to me
Bring it on back to me
Bring it on back to me
Oh, without your touch I suffocate
Cold asphyxiate
But I kinda like the pain, hey
Baby, I can smell you on my clothes
I try to stay composed
But I feel a fever grow, grow
I keep running away
Running away
Running away from you but I
Can't stand breaking the chains
Breaking the chains
Breaking the chains
It's too good
'Cause I know
The second you go
Want you to bring it on back
Bring it on back
Bring it on back to me
And you know
I want your chokehold
Want you to bring it on back
Bring it on back
Bring it on back to me
Bring it on back to me
Bring it on back to me
Gonna bring it on back to me
'Cause I know
The second you go
Want you to bring it on back
Bring it on back
Bring it on back to me
And you know
I want your chokehold
Want you to bring it on back
Bring it on back
Bring it on back to me
Yeah, yeah, I'm gonna bring it on back to me
Bring it on back to me
Bring it on back to me
12. OUTLAWS OF LOVE
Writers: Adam Lambert, Rune Westberg, BC Jean
Producer: Rune Westberg
“Outlaws of Love is a song about the struggle to overcome adversity of any kind. I wrote it personally about my feelings in the way the struggle makes me feel that the gay and lesbian community faces. What's great about the song I think is that I wrote it from that perspective, but upon presenting it to some friends and family, it can be interpreted as any sort of adversity or challenge or obstacle, whether it be star-crossed lovers like Romeo and Juliet or Bonnie and Clyde running from the law or Thelma and Louise. It's kind of that lamentation of being on the run.”
The arrangement on this is very similar to that of the debut performance but has more of a beat to it, which I think it ages it a touch. Adam's gentle mournful voice is so soothing and has harmonies as backing on the choruses. There are marked differences in his voice towards the end, changing into strong and defiant rich tones, then back to resignation. The lyrics are uncomplicated and sincere with a strong message, making this a potential anthem for LGBT rights.
Oh, nowhere left to goBack to top
Are we getting closer, closer?
"No," all we know is "No!"
Nights are getting colder, colder
Hey, tears all fall the same
We all feel the rain
We can't change
Everywhere we go, we're looking for the sun
Nowhere to grow old, we're always on the run
They say we'll rot in hell, well I don't think we will
They've branded us enough, outlaws of love
Scars make us who we are
Hearts and homes are broken, broken
Far, we could go so far
With our minds wide open, open
Hey, tears all fall the same
We all feel the rain
We can't change
Everywhere we go we're, looking for the sun
Nowhere to grow old, we're always on the run
They say we'll rot in hell, well I don't think we will
They've branded us enough, outlaws of love
Aaah...
Everywhere we go, we're looking for the sun
Nowhere to grow old, we're always on the run
They say we'll rot in hell, well I don't think we will
They've branded us enough, outlaws of love
Outlaws of love
Outlaws of love
Outlaws of love
Outlaws of love
13. RUNNIN'
Writers: Adam Lambert, David Marshall, Fred Williams, Catt Gravitt, Robert Marvin
Producer: Robert Marvin for Kustom Thrills
The intro leads me to think of 80s/early 90s sci-fi action movies until Adam's voice comes in, which gives me one hell of a shock. The sustained low tone is unlike anything else I've heard from him before. It's rich and gravelly and a joy. The verses sound dark, describing an undesirable predicament but it takes flight during the choruses when he decides to take action. It's so satisfying when Adam lets his voice rip. Apart from a few electronic bits, it's a big uplifting rock ballad with a frenetic hammering beat at the bridge that makes way for the peace of a hymn-like break. This feels like perfect soundtrack material but I can't help feeling that the production is disjointed with the rock and electro elements not quite consolidating. Good as a bonus track.
Steel to my trembling lipsBack to top
How did the night ever get like this?
One shot and the whiskey goes down, down, down
Bottom of the bottle hits
Waking up my mind as I throw a fit
The breakin' is takin' me down, down, down
My heart's beating faster
I know what I'm after
I've been standing here my whole life
Everything I seen twice
Now it's time I realise
It's spinning back around now
On this road I'm crawlin'
Save me 'cause I'm fallin'
Now I can't seem to breathe right
'Cause I keep runnin', runnin', ... ... ... ... ... ...
Runnin' from my heart
Round and around I go
Addicted to the numb livin' in the cold
The higher the lower the down, down, down
Sick of bein' tired and sick and ready
For another kind of fix
The damage is damning me down, down, down
My heart's beating faster
I know what I'm after
I've been standing here my whole life
Everything I seen twice
Now it's time I realise
It's spinning back around now
On this road I'm crawlin'
Save me 'cause I'm fallin'
Now I can't seem to breathe right
'Cause I keep runnin', runnin', ... ... ... ... ... ...
Runnin' from my heart
Oh, I'm coming alive
Oh, I'll wake up now and live
Oh, I'm coming alive
A life that's always been a dream
I'll wake up now and live, oh
I've been standing here my whole life
My heart's beating faster
I know what I'm after
I've been standing here my whole life
Everything I seen twice
Now it's time I realise
It's spinning back around now
On this road I'm crawlin'
Save me 'cause I'm fallin'
Now I can't seem to breathe right
'Cause I keep runnin', runnin', ... ... ... ... ... ...
Runnin' from my heart
'Cause I keep runnin', runnin', ... ... ... ... ... ...
Runnin' from my heart
14. TAKE BACK
Writers: Adam Lambert, Busbee
Producers: Busbee, J. Bonilla
The piano intro is a bit deceptive, leading me to think that this might be another stripped down emotional song. Then the pulsating beat kicks in and I know it's another one for the dancefloor. The verses are beat-driven, surprisingly there's is no melody in the first few lines as Adam sings it monotone. The panting "Eh eh eh" sounds in between are sexy though. The choruses remind me of NCOE's with the bass zipping up and down and a beat that I'm not too keen on. The vocals are fantastic though, especially at the bridge where sultry turns to the gritty powerbelting chorus. Unsurprisingly it's a song about wanting to undo something so I find the choice of an understated and restrained "Oh My" in the lyrics to express this as a source of amusement because for me it would be expletive-ridden. It ends on what sounds like an Irish folk trill to me. There are other songs I prefer from this album but this is one that will get me up and moving.
All you ever think is gimme gimmeBack to top
But you'll never give back
All I ever do is overthink and drink
Until I attack
We know how to talk it into the ground
We know how to wear it out
If we ain't gonna save it
Gonna end up in the grave and baby
How do we take back what's been done?
What's been said?
Oh, my
How do we take back 'cause no one wins
When love breaks down
We both die
And I would give anything
Just to chase the dark away
And start all over again
How do we take back what's been done?
What's been said?
Oh my
I fed you a fantasy
But you been drunk on reality
All you want is to be wanted
Long as you get it outta me
We used to be a jungle, sticky and wild
It used to be we owned the night
All the stupid games we're playin'
All the shit that we've been saying'
How do we take back what's been done?
What's been said?
Oh, my
How do we take back 'cause no one wins
When love breaks down
We both die
And I would give anything
Just to chase the dark away
And start all over again
How do we take back what's been done?
What's been said?
Oh my
Remember remember the first time we collided?
We lost it we lost it
Yeah
How do we take back what's been done?
What's been said?
Oh, my
How do we take back 'cause no one wins
When love breaks down
We both die
And I would give anything
Just to chase the dark away
And start all over again
How do we take back what's been done?
What's been said?
Oh my
Oh my
How do we take back?
14. NIRVANA
Adam Lambert, Josh Abraham, Oliver Goldstein, Stephen Wrabel
Producers: Josh Abraham, Oligee
The opening chords are pleasantly dark-sounding as Adam describes the negativity that love overcomes. The choruses turn into a smooth ride over a flowing piano but something doesn't quite hit the spot for me at "In nirvana stay". I think it's the melody or the forced rhyme which shifts the focus off "nirvana" to "stay", taming the impact. I still enjoy the uplifting feeling it generates though. The calm is broken momentarily as Adam soars thorough the clouds at the bridge with the most beautiful of notes, modulating from a hard gritty timbre into one that floats lighter than air. I love what he does with his voice towards the end, bringing it fully to life. It's a mellow end to the album leaving a feeling of contentment.
When the stars are too coldBack to top
Frozen over their glow
On the edge of the night
We can be their light
So give me more than your touch
And give yourself to the rush
Just keep holding my hand
As we're taking off
I know where we'll land
We can escape to a higher plane
In nirvana stay
Where the dreamers lay
I'll lay you down, lay you down
Safe on a higher plane
In nirvana stay
Where the dreamers lay
I'll lay you down, lay you down
Through the dark there's a way
There's a love, there's a place
Where we don't have to hide
We can dream all night
So follow me through the sky
And watch the oceans collide
Just keep holding my hand
As we're taking off
I know where we'll land
We can escape to a higher plane
In nirvana stay
Where the dreamers lay
And I'll lay you down, lay you down
Safe on a higher plane
In nirvana stay
Where the dreamers lay
I'll lay you down, lay you down
Oh, we don't need any diamonds or gold
Watch the mystic and cryptic unfold
As we fly high
We can escape to a higher plane
In nirvana stay
Where the dreamers lay
And I'll lay you down, lay you down
Safe on a higher plane
In nirvana stay
Where the dreamers lay
I'll lay you down, lay you down
I'll lay you down, lay you down
I'll lay you down, lay you down
Monday, 7 May 2012
Radio Promo Picks
This is long overdue but I still think it's a necessary post. Adam's radio gigs went by in a bit of blur and it was hard work staying on top of it all. But I have managed to watch and sort everything now, so here's a playlist of my recommendations:
I hope you'll find these highlights easily digestible, useful for catching up with, and finding for future reference. I tried my best to narrow down my favourite highlights but obviously picking one of each song was impossible. So we have the following:
BTIKM
B96 Chicago - Not the best quality, no tricks, but it's like looking in on a private moment. Very intimate and raw.
94.5 PST Princeton - I chose this for the sweet fluttery warbling near the end.
106.1 Kiss FM Seattle - Excellent quality, beautiful tone and different set of notes to finish.
OOL
Kidd Kraddick Dallas - The guitar isn't great but the quality is and Adam's emotive voice is wonderful.
WWFM
Q100 Atlanta Bert Show - The video is beautifully shot and Adam's rich voice is perfection.
99.7 The Point Kansas - There's a big note wow moment and Adam plays around with the melody in a new way.
Mix 106.5 San Jose - Adam sings a very different-sounding bridge that hasn't been done before.
Fever
Mix 104.1 Boston - This was only Fever I'm aware of, lots of freestyling and so much fun.
Trespassing
93.9 Lite FM Chicago - Foot-stomping fun as Adam's voice soars towards the end.
Mix 93.3 Kansas - This version is unexpectedly extended and Adam fills it with excellent improv.
104.3 MY FM LA - This is the only version with a drum, giving a different vibe. The sound is great though a bit out of synch.
Cuckoo
105.1 The Buzz Portland - Adam is brilliant in voice, doing plenty of riffing on this fun theatrical version.
Energy 103.7 San Diego - Lots of cheeky attitude as Adam dances in his seat and claps in this mic-less version.
NCOE
Star 101.3 San Francisco - Some magnificent powerful glory notes in this.
Live 95.5 Bing Lounge Portland - The vocals are majestic and the quality is excellent.
I hope you'll find these highlights easily digestible, useful for catching up with, and finding for future reference. I tried my best to narrow down my favourite highlights but obviously picking one of each song was impossible. So we have the following:
BTIKM
B96 Chicago - Not the best quality, no tricks, but it's like looking in on a private moment. Very intimate and raw.
94.5 PST Princeton - I chose this for the sweet fluttery warbling near the end.
106.1 Kiss FM Seattle - Excellent quality, beautiful tone and different set of notes to finish.
OOL
Kidd Kraddick Dallas - The guitar isn't great but the quality is and Adam's emotive voice is wonderful.
WWFM
Q100 Atlanta Bert Show - The video is beautifully shot and Adam's rich voice is perfection.
99.7 The Point Kansas - There's a big note wow moment and Adam plays around with the melody in a new way.
Mix 106.5 San Jose - Adam sings a very different-sounding bridge that hasn't been done before.
Fever
Mix 104.1 Boston - This was only Fever I'm aware of, lots of freestyling and so much fun.
Trespassing
93.9 Lite FM Chicago - Foot-stomping fun as Adam's voice soars towards the end.
Mix 93.3 Kansas - This version is unexpectedly extended and Adam fills it with excellent improv.
104.3 MY FM LA - This is the only version with a drum, giving a different vibe. The sound is great though a bit out of synch.
Cuckoo
105.1 The Buzz Portland - Adam is brilliant in voice, doing plenty of riffing on this fun theatrical version.
Energy 103.7 San Diego - Lots of cheeky attitude as Adam dances in his seat and claps in this mic-less version.
NCOE
Star 101.3 San Francisco - Some magnificent powerful glory notes in this.
Live 95.5 Bing Lounge Portland - The vocals are majestic and the quality is excellent.
Wednesday, 25 April 2012
Promo Rounds Portland-California
Here's the final leg of Adam's radio promo tour that include all the performances from Portland to those in California (Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego and LA) and my brief comments below:
Live 95.5 Bing Lounge
This acoustic event was live streamed and the recordings are excellent quality.
BTIKM - A steady solid performance.
Part of Me - Adam breaks into an impromptu rendition of Katy Perry's Part of Me, the lucky audience getting a few a cappella bars as a treat as he swivels about on his stool.
NCOE - Adam gives this song a hugely impressive debut with a majestic rock vocal. Tommy's guitar is rapid-fire for this uptempo song but Adam's brilliant voice has plenty of breathing space to soar, especially when he belts out "eyes". After listening to the studio version, this doesn't progress with the same satisfying build-up due to less variation in intensity, but there are a few wow moments when he lets his voice rip at the end.
WWFM - My favourite rough tone features quite a lot in this rendition. It doesn't have any new tricks but it's a reliably good performance.
105.1 The Buzz
WWFM - Very good performance, rich tone.
Cuckoo - A fun energetic one with complete with occasional jazz hands. Adam mixes and scratches on some imaginary decks, unable to resist moving to the music.
Z100 Portland
The sound is a bit tinny on these recordings as Adam does this set completely unplugged, without a mic. BTIKM - This seems to bounce along with a faster tempo than usual and Adam chooses some lower note variations.
Cuckoo - Adam has a lot of fun with this censored version, sometimes it's a wonder that he manages to stay balanced on his stool he's moving so much. Needless to say, his voice is in fine form.
Now 100.5
Another mic-less performance sat on the edge of a stage, I wonder whether Adam's wearing a baseball cap due to a bad hair day.
BTIKM - Ever-impressive vocals in a good performance. Despite the hat.
Alice 97.3
BTIKM - Control freak Adam is a little unhappy with the guitar volume, signalling for a number of adjustments. This isn't a wildly different rendition but still strong in voice, barring an iffy note near the end.
Cuckoo - Adam starts playing around with the tune a little here, introducing some rich low notes, the timbre of which is my favourite. The audience gets quite into this, shouting "Cuckoo" back at him.
Trespassing - It's good to hear a responsive audience that really gets into this one and Adam belts out some mighty impressive resounding notes.
Star 101.3
The sound quality is very good on these recordings.
BTIKM - A strong performance with some subtle changes at the climax.
NCOE - Adam gives a magnificent vocal for this hectic song with jaw-dropping power notes coming right at the end.
Cuckoo - I love the attitude with which Adam sings this, obviously having plenty of fun. His voice sounds delicious and he adds in a bit of improv.
Mix 106.5
Adam decides to hide his hair under a baseball cap for this event.
BTIKM - This is quite a smooth, mellow performance with a gentler vocal than usual, making use of falsetto rather than full belt.
WWFM - Quite a slow version with beautifully tender vocals. This has a very different bridge with Adam sweetly warbling his way through. Don't miss this.
Energy 103.7
This set is 100% unplugged, no mic, no amp.
Cuckoo - Adam really enjoys acting up to this one with his expressions and dramatics. Superb.
Star 94.1
This is another set where Adam wears a baseball cap. Unfortunately the sound on the recordings is unbalanced.
BTIKM - A consistently good performance without any new tricks.
WWFM - Adam's voice sounds tip-top and he plays around with the riffs on this version.
104.3 MY FM
This set of videos is excellent in quality and the sound is superb. Isaac returns with percussion for this acoustic set and Adam is wearing leopardskin leggings.
BTIKM - The drums make a huge difference, bringing a different, more dramatic feel to the song. Adam's vocals aren't vastly different to what we've heard before but as usual are flawless.
WWFM - The texture of Adam's voice here is simply gorgeous, especially during those high notes.
NCOE - This is an exhilarating performance and the addition of drums adds to the excitement. I much prefer the rhythms in the choruses here to those on the single. It's more drum'n'bass than house, with a deft light touch rather than the clunky repetition. There are less wow notes and little improvisation vocally but it's still a joy. Unfortunately the editing of this video has left some parts a bit out of synch.
Trespassing - I love this version, funky as hell especially with the inclusion of the stomping beat. But the video has the same problem as NCOE with parts out of synch.
Live 95.5 Bing Lounge
This acoustic event was live streamed and the recordings are excellent quality.
BTIKM - A steady solid performance.
Part of Me - Adam breaks into an impromptu rendition of Katy Perry's Part of Me, the lucky audience getting a few a cappella bars as a treat as he swivels about on his stool.
NCOE - Adam gives this song a hugely impressive debut with a majestic rock vocal. Tommy's guitar is rapid-fire for this uptempo song but Adam's brilliant voice has plenty of breathing space to soar, especially when he belts out "eyes". After listening to the studio version, this doesn't progress with the same satisfying build-up due to less variation in intensity, but there are a few wow moments when he lets his voice rip at the end.
WWFM - My favourite rough tone features quite a lot in this rendition. It doesn't have any new tricks but it's a reliably good performance.
105.1 The Buzz
WWFM - Very good performance, rich tone.
Cuckoo - A fun energetic one with complete with occasional jazz hands. Adam mixes and scratches on some imaginary decks, unable to resist moving to the music.
Z100 Portland
The sound is a bit tinny on these recordings as Adam does this set completely unplugged, without a mic. BTIKM - This seems to bounce along with a faster tempo than usual and Adam chooses some lower note variations.
Cuckoo - Adam has a lot of fun with this censored version, sometimes it's a wonder that he manages to stay balanced on his stool he's moving so much. Needless to say, his voice is in fine form.
Now 100.5
Another mic-less performance sat on the edge of a stage, I wonder whether Adam's wearing a baseball cap due to a bad hair day.
BTIKM - Ever-impressive vocals in a good performance. Despite the hat.
Alice 97.3
BTIKM - Control freak Adam is a little unhappy with the guitar volume, signalling for a number of adjustments. This isn't a wildly different rendition but still strong in voice, barring an iffy note near the end.
Cuckoo - Adam starts playing around with the tune a little here, introducing some rich low notes, the timbre of which is my favourite. The audience gets quite into this, shouting "Cuckoo" back at him.
Trespassing - It's good to hear a responsive audience that really gets into this one and Adam belts out some mighty impressive resounding notes.
Star 101.3
The sound quality is very good on these recordings.
BTIKM - A strong performance with some subtle changes at the climax.
NCOE - Adam gives a magnificent vocal for this hectic song with jaw-dropping power notes coming right at the end.
Cuckoo - I love the attitude with which Adam sings this, obviously having plenty of fun. His voice sounds delicious and he adds in a bit of improv.
Mix 106.5
Adam decides to hide his hair under a baseball cap for this event.
BTIKM - This is quite a smooth, mellow performance with a gentler vocal than usual, making use of falsetto rather than full belt.
WWFM - Quite a slow version with beautifully tender vocals. This has a very different bridge with Adam sweetly warbling his way through. Don't miss this.
Energy 103.7
This set is 100% unplugged, no mic, no amp.
Cuckoo - Adam really enjoys acting up to this one with his expressions and dramatics. Superb.
Star 94.1
This is another set where Adam wears a baseball cap. Unfortunately the sound on the recordings is unbalanced.
BTIKM - A consistently good performance without any new tricks.
WWFM - Adam's voice sounds tip-top and he plays around with the riffs on this version.
104.3 MY FM
This set of videos is excellent in quality and the sound is superb. Isaac returns with percussion for this acoustic set and Adam is wearing leopardskin leggings.
BTIKM - The drums make a huge difference, bringing a different, more dramatic feel to the song. Adam's vocals aren't vastly different to what we've heard before but as usual are flawless.
WWFM - The texture of Adam's voice here is simply gorgeous, especially during those high notes.
NCOE - This is an exhilarating performance and the addition of drums adds to the excitement. I much prefer the rhythms in the choruses here to those on the single. It's more drum'n'bass than house, with a deft light touch rather than the clunky repetition. There are less wow notes and little improvisation vocally but it's still a joy. Unfortunately the editing of this video has left some parts a bit out of synch.
Trespassing - I love this version, funky as hell especially with the inclusion of the stomping beat. But the video has the same problem as NCOE with parts out of synch.
Promo Rounds Chicago-Kansas-SLC-Seattle
Here's the playlist of Adam's promo rounds from Chicago to Seattle and some brief comments about each of the performances:
93.9 Lite FM
WWFM - Adam addresses the crowd as his babies and gives a spot-on vocal with lots of interesting little changes and riffs that are quite different from anything he's done so far for this song.
BTIKM - This splendid vocal is pretty close to perfect and it's great to see him having fun pointing at the audience and laughing at himself at the end.
Trespassing - This is a massively enjoyable one that's not to be missed. It's impossible to stay still through this. Adam stamps and provides his own bit of percussion at the start and it looks to me like he's demonstrating a higher tempo that he wants Tommy to follow with his guitar playing. He misses his cue for the second verse and laughs at himself. The stamping kicks back in later on as Tommy appears to slow down. His voice has the perfect roughness and rings with such clarity despite the rapid delivery. Fantastic stuff.
B96 FM
BTIKM - This one is another 100% unplugged performance without amps and mics. It seems to be a much more internalised affair without the outward expression for a targetted audience. He has closed eyes or looks at the floor for much of it, like he is deep in contemplation, in the zone if you like, singing for himself. Maybe it's partly due to the lack of mic focal point. The emotion is expressed is raw and I can't help but feel that we are looking in on him when vulnerable, at a private moment. Not the best recording but a wonderful performance.
101.9 FM The Mix
BTIKM - Adam finds himself smiling through some of this and you have to wonder what he's thinking about. Pretty vocals with mic-frazzling belting.
99.7 The Point
BTIKM - This one has a super long glory note.
WWFM - There's a variation on the freak line and a wow moment towards the end as Adam stretches a big note and plays around with the melody.
Cuckoo - The first acoustic performance of this song, you can't help but move to it. Adam's in magnificent voice but I think it would work better with drums driving the beat.
Mix 93.3
BTIKM - This gets off to a slightly slow start but once it gets going, Adam's full voice is a joy to listen to.
Cuckoo - Adam can't resist dancing in his seat and censors the f-word in the lyrics. His voice has a bit of a rock edge and there's lots of improvisation towards the end.
Trespassing - A great energetic performance where Adam seems to hump his stool. I think it's meant to have an abrupt ending where Adam does the cut sign, but it seems Tommy is oblivious and keeps playing. It's all to our benefit through as we hear just that little bit more.
Mix 107.9
This is another mic-less set.
BTIKM - It's a quiet start but you can really appreciate the volume range at which Adam sings.
WWFM - Adam's voice sounds so sweet and smooth here in this mellow performance with great use of both falsetto and belt towards the end.
Cuckoo - Adam leaves out the F-words in this rendition and rouses the audience to laugh as he swings an imaginary lasso while sitting on an imaginary horse for dancing. There's a lot of thigh-slapping and improvising towards the end.
97.1 ZHT / My 99.5
BTIKM - This one is sweet and floaty with an impressive crescendo.
Cuckoo - Again, Adam leaves out the swearing in this very fun version where Adam's wonderful voice shines.
106.1 Kiss FM
BTIKM - Performed live on air in the studio, there is excellent quality sound on this recording. Adam's voice sounds velvety smooth and so close. We get to hear a very different set of notes at the end as he continues to make every single performance unique.
Amazon Fishbowl
This was a corporate event at Amazon's HQ.
Trespassing - Adam's voice sounds full and brilliant with that gorgeous and slightly rough tone.
93.9 Lite FM
WWFM - Adam addresses the crowd as his babies and gives a spot-on vocal with lots of interesting little changes and riffs that are quite different from anything he's done so far for this song.
BTIKM - This splendid vocal is pretty close to perfect and it's great to see him having fun pointing at the audience and laughing at himself at the end.
Trespassing - This is a massively enjoyable one that's not to be missed. It's impossible to stay still through this. Adam stamps and provides his own bit of percussion at the start and it looks to me like he's demonstrating a higher tempo that he wants Tommy to follow with his guitar playing. He misses his cue for the second verse and laughs at himself. The stamping kicks back in later on as Tommy appears to slow down. His voice has the perfect roughness and rings with such clarity despite the rapid delivery. Fantastic stuff.
B96 FM
BTIKM - This one is another 100% unplugged performance without amps and mics. It seems to be a much more internalised affair without the outward expression for a targetted audience. He has closed eyes or looks at the floor for much of it, like he is deep in contemplation, in the zone if you like, singing for himself. Maybe it's partly due to the lack of mic focal point. The emotion is expressed is raw and I can't help but feel that we are looking in on him when vulnerable, at a private moment. Not the best recording but a wonderful performance.
101.9 FM The Mix
BTIKM - Adam finds himself smiling through some of this and you have to wonder what he's thinking about. Pretty vocals with mic-frazzling belting.
99.7 The Point
BTIKM - This one has a super long glory note.
WWFM - There's a variation on the freak line and a wow moment towards the end as Adam stretches a big note and plays around with the melody.
Cuckoo - The first acoustic performance of this song, you can't help but move to it. Adam's in magnificent voice but I think it would work better with drums driving the beat.
Mix 93.3
BTIKM - This gets off to a slightly slow start but once it gets going, Adam's full voice is a joy to listen to.
Cuckoo - Adam can't resist dancing in his seat and censors the f-word in the lyrics. His voice has a bit of a rock edge and there's lots of improvisation towards the end.
Trespassing - A great energetic performance where Adam seems to hump his stool. I think it's meant to have an abrupt ending where Adam does the cut sign, but it seems Tommy is oblivious and keeps playing. It's all to our benefit through as we hear just that little bit more.
Mix 107.9
This is another mic-less set.
BTIKM - It's a quiet start but you can really appreciate the volume range at which Adam sings.
WWFM - Adam's voice sounds so sweet and smooth here in this mellow performance with great use of both falsetto and belt towards the end.
Cuckoo - Adam leaves out the F-words in this rendition and rouses the audience to laugh as he swings an imaginary lasso while sitting on an imaginary horse for dancing. There's a lot of thigh-slapping and improvising towards the end.
97.1 ZHT / My 99.5
BTIKM - This one is sweet and floaty with an impressive crescendo.
Cuckoo - Again, Adam leaves out the swearing in this very fun version where Adam's wonderful voice shines.
106.1 Kiss FM
BTIKM - Performed live on air in the studio, there is excellent quality sound on this recording. Adam's voice sounds velvety smooth and so close. We get to hear a very different set of notes at the end as he continues to make every single performance unique.
Amazon Fishbowl
This was a corporate event at Amazon's HQ.
Trespassing - Adam's voice sounds full and brilliant with that gorgeous and slightly rough tone.
Monday, 23 April 2012
Promo Rounds Atlanta-Nashville-DC-Hartford-Boston
Here's the next set of videos from the radio promo rounds covering Atlanta to Boston, and my brief notes below:
Q100 The Bert Show
BTIKM - This was performed live on air in studio and is a lovely quality recording. Adam has a falsetto crescendo as opposed to belt.
WWFM - We can hear Adam's delightful breathy voice here and I'm liking the low "Just keep coming around".
Star 94 FM
BTIKM - Adam performs this one in front of a live audience with a pretty floaty, grainy voice and low improvisations.
WWFM - This has a beautiful powerful finish.
Q100 Jezebel magazine launch party
It's great to see Adam back in a suit again, I've missed it. The resemblance to Elvis is more than passing with half-down hair. Adam performs with his whole band fully plugged in.
FYE - The drums are very loud on the recording and strangely Adams's not dancing to this rock rendition.
IIHY - Adam looks so formally dressed for this one, not dancing but with waggly leg.
Fever - Adam's wearing spray-on trousers with a weird pullover/bib type thing, which can be seen with the removal of his jacket. There's lots of hip action here, accentuated by his dangly belt accoutrement.
Cuckoo - This upbeat song features lots of strutty dancing. It has an element of funk but it's not picked up by the recording. It's quite hard to distinguish the bassline and the hook.
Chokehold - This sounds like soft rock with an epic big production feel that will draw comparisons with Sleepwalker. It has an interesting melody which I like, contrasting higher register soft vocals with a heavy beat. I can hear the guitar riffs in some other song whose name escapes me. Adam is very expressive but there's also some attitude in there which I love.
Trespassing - The songs has lots of tricky lyrics that are very easy to stumble upon. Even though the recording isn't very good, it's stompy and has a great vibe with Adam finally getting his groove on. He's a little flat in places but his vocals are bright and it's easy to see why this is the album's title track.
107.5 The River
From here on, there is a change in personnel as Tommy replaces Kevin on guitar for these acoustic radio performances. BTIKM - This is a much less bouncy, rather calm measured performance with pretty vocals and a soft ending.
WWFM - The guitar finally sounds right here. I guess it was Kevin's guitar that was unpleasant to my ears. I still don't know whether it was a rattly string or his playing. Adam's voice is velvety but hard and he requests for guitar to be turned up.
Radio 107.3 FM Gibson Guitar Showrooms
BTIKM - Strong and note perfect, it's just a pity that a pro recording hasn't been made available yet.
WWFM - Adam's voice is rich and full with a glorious belt and low variation on the last "Need a second to breathe".
Hot 99.5
BTIKM - Adam's voice is frustratingly quiet on the recording and Tommy seems to make a little mistake midway through. This version is well worth listening to as the climax is quite different.
WWFM - This is another that's well worth listening to. Again, Adam's voice is in the background on this recording but listen out for the change-ups on the first "Here we are", the lead-up to the bridge and right at the end. There's also a minor lyric fail in there.
94.7 Fresh FM
BTIKM - Adam's voice has much of that sweet floaty quality that leads to an almighty belt.
WWFM - Adam addresses the crowd as his babies in that part of the lyric. His voice here is just beautiful, full of that grainy timbre especially near the finish. His change in melody for the final "WWFM?" is just delightful.
KISS 95.7 / KC101.3 Dunkin' Donuts lounge
BTIKM - A strong consistent one from Adam. Tommy appears to make a mistake on the guitar and almost stops altogether but Adam does a fantastic job of trying to cover it up by singing through it with abundant power.
WWFM - Adam's voice sounds beautifully growly on one of the choruses. He appears to hit a bum note at one point, but proceeds to guide it into a pleasant melodic improv last heard at the 107.3 gig that he repeats later on.
KC 101.3
BTIKM (Studio audience) - This is a mic-less, tech-less unplugged performance where the lucky audience is able to appreciate the pure raw beauty of Adam's voice. Some nice riffs in there.
WWFM - This is quite a gentle version where Adam uses much more of his falsetto than usual, the melody seeming to hover around the tricky bridge between registers. He amps up the power towards the end though.
BTIKM (Live on air) - Adam stands up for this one and I wonder whether in a hectic schedule he's trying to conserve his voice just a touch. The high parts of the song get no powerbelt treatment and are all done in a pretty warbling falsetto with riffs that must be heard.
96.5 TIC FM
BTIKM - This one's a strong performance with the return of Adam's belting and a surprisingly gentle finish.
WWFM - There's a little variation on the "I'm a freak" line and some very different and unexpected plays on the timing with stretched notes and pauses.
Mix 104.1
BTIKM - A consistently good performance that was live streamed from the station.
Fever - A fun rendition with a cheeky "baby steps" lyric addition. Adam enjoys this theatrical one with laughs aplenty and freestyles his way though the second half of the song.
KISS 108 FM
BTIKM - A typically strong performance in voice with a couple of hesitant notes where it seems like he only decides mid-way where the note is going to go.
Trespassing - This is the first performance for a radio audience, performed with attitude as Adam dances in his seat. His timbre is magnificently powerful and grainy. It feels like the song keeps picking up pace going faster and faster and Adam has to finally tell Tommy to stop. Unfortunately there are some rare bum notes at the end which spoil it for me.
104.5 WXLO
WWFM - The quality of recordings here are beautiful and Adam expertly showcases the rich resonant scrapey lower tone of his voice. He calls for the guitar to be made louder. BTIKM - This is Adam's voice at its glorious best. Flawless.
Q100 The Bert Show
BTIKM - This was performed live on air in studio and is a lovely quality recording. Adam has a falsetto crescendo as opposed to belt.
WWFM - We can hear Adam's delightful breathy voice here and I'm liking the low "Just keep coming around".
Star 94 FM
BTIKM - Adam performs this one in front of a live audience with a pretty floaty, grainy voice and low improvisations.
WWFM - This has a beautiful powerful finish.
Q100 Jezebel magazine launch party
It's great to see Adam back in a suit again, I've missed it. The resemblance to Elvis is more than passing with half-down hair. Adam performs with his whole band fully plugged in.
FYE - The drums are very loud on the recording and strangely Adams's not dancing to this rock rendition.
IIHY - Adam looks so formally dressed for this one, not dancing but with waggly leg.
Fever - Adam's wearing spray-on trousers with a weird pullover/bib type thing, which can be seen with the removal of his jacket. There's lots of hip action here, accentuated by his dangly belt accoutrement.
Cuckoo - This upbeat song features lots of strutty dancing. It has an element of funk but it's not picked up by the recording. It's quite hard to distinguish the bassline and the hook.
Chokehold - This sounds like soft rock with an epic big production feel that will draw comparisons with Sleepwalker. It has an interesting melody which I like, contrasting higher register soft vocals with a heavy beat. I can hear the guitar riffs in some other song whose name escapes me. Adam is very expressive but there's also some attitude in there which I love.
Trespassing - The songs has lots of tricky lyrics that are very easy to stumble upon. Even though the recording isn't very good, it's stompy and has a great vibe with Adam finally getting his groove on. He's a little flat in places but his vocals are bright and it's easy to see why this is the album's title track.
107.5 The River
From here on, there is a change in personnel as Tommy replaces Kevin on guitar for these acoustic radio performances. BTIKM - This is a much less bouncy, rather calm measured performance with pretty vocals and a soft ending.
WWFM - The guitar finally sounds right here. I guess it was Kevin's guitar that was unpleasant to my ears. I still don't know whether it was a rattly string or his playing. Adam's voice is velvety but hard and he requests for guitar to be turned up.
Radio 107.3 FM Gibson Guitar Showrooms
BTIKM - Strong and note perfect, it's just a pity that a pro recording hasn't been made available yet.
WWFM - Adam's voice is rich and full with a glorious belt and low variation on the last "Need a second to breathe".
Hot 99.5
BTIKM - Adam's voice is frustratingly quiet on the recording and Tommy seems to make a little mistake midway through. This version is well worth listening to as the climax is quite different.
WWFM - This is another that's well worth listening to. Again, Adam's voice is in the background on this recording but listen out for the change-ups on the first "Here we are", the lead-up to the bridge and right at the end. There's also a minor lyric fail in there.
94.7 Fresh FM
BTIKM - Adam's voice has much of that sweet floaty quality that leads to an almighty belt.
WWFM - Adam addresses the crowd as his babies in that part of the lyric. His voice here is just beautiful, full of that grainy timbre especially near the finish. His change in melody for the final "WWFM?" is just delightful.
KISS 95.7 / KC101.3 Dunkin' Donuts lounge
BTIKM - A strong consistent one from Adam. Tommy appears to make a mistake on the guitar and almost stops altogether but Adam does a fantastic job of trying to cover it up by singing through it with abundant power.
WWFM - Adam's voice sounds beautifully growly on one of the choruses. He appears to hit a bum note at one point, but proceeds to guide it into a pleasant melodic improv last heard at the 107.3 gig that he repeats later on.
KC 101.3
BTIKM (Studio audience) - This is a mic-less, tech-less unplugged performance where the lucky audience is able to appreciate the pure raw beauty of Adam's voice. Some nice riffs in there.
WWFM - This is quite a gentle version where Adam uses much more of his falsetto than usual, the melody seeming to hover around the tricky bridge between registers. He amps up the power towards the end though.
BTIKM (Live on air) - Adam stands up for this one and I wonder whether in a hectic schedule he's trying to conserve his voice just a touch. The high parts of the song get no powerbelt treatment and are all done in a pretty warbling falsetto with riffs that must be heard.
96.5 TIC FM
BTIKM - This one's a strong performance with the return of Adam's belting and a surprisingly gentle finish.
WWFM - There's a little variation on the "I'm a freak" line and some very different and unexpected plays on the timing with stretched notes and pauses.
Mix 104.1
BTIKM - A consistently good performance that was live streamed from the station.
Fever - A fun rendition with a cheeky "baby steps" lyric addition. Adam enjoys this theatrical one with laughs aplenty and freestyles his way though the second half of the song.
KISS 108 FM
BTIKM - A typically strong performance in voice with a couple of hesitant notes where it seems like he only decides mid-way where the note is going to go.
Trespassing - This is the first performance for a radio audience, performed with attitude as Adam dances in his seat. His timbre is magnificently powerful and grainy. It feels like the song keeps picking up pace going faster and faster and Adam has to finally tell Tommy to stop. Unfortunately there are some rare bum notes at the end which spoil it for me.
104.5 WXLO
WWFM - The quality of recordings here are beautiful and Adam expertly showcases the rich resonant scrapey lower tone of his voice. He calls for the guitar to be made louder. BTIKM - This is Adam's voice at its glorious best. Flawless.
Sunday, 22 April 2012
Promo Rounds Denver-Dallas-Houston
Slowly but surely I'm finally managing to catch up on the glut of performances we got out of Adam's Promo rounds. I'm afraid if I don't add some notes, some absolute gems might end up being overlooked and lost in the pile. I'm splitting the posts up by date and location, so first up is the Denver-Dallas-Houston week. Here's a playlist of those performances:
Alice 105.9
WWFM - The guitar here still sounds a bit out-of-tune to me but the quality of the recording is horrendous. In spite of this, Adam's fluttery sweet voice stands out. The vocal runs before and just after the bridge are lower and a bit different here.
BTIKM - It sounds like the key here has been lowered again. It's smooth with lots of light and shade at the end with some startling glory notes.
Mix 102.9 Dallas
OOL - This is the song's US debut. Adam's voice is gorgeous, quiet and tender and I could drink it in all day long. He seems to lose control a little at the climax with an iffy note. It ends with his hard scrapey tone and a beautiful touch with the sobby "lo-o-ove" at the end.
WWFM - Adam's voice is grainy and rich with some nice changes at the end. I'm still not keen on the guitar though.
BTIKM - This has a quick tempo. Another solid performance with echoey voice and no backing vocals.
103.7 Lite FM
BTIKM - The sound quality here is great, again without the backing vocals and a lovely gentle finish.
WWFM - Adam comments about how some fans can keep winning competitions. His voice has that tone I go nuts for and there's a very satisfying belter of a climax.
i93
BTIKM - This is fast and bouncy, but unfortunately the skipping sound is a distraction. Adam seems to enjoy himself here, smiling and laughing during the performance.
WWFM - Adam uses his hard voice here that I think at times sounds a touch harsh and strained.
Kidd Kraddick
BTIKM - The quality of this recording is great. It's quite a soft version, again without backing vocals. There's too much echo in it for my liking but it has a delightful ending
OOL - I'm not keen on the guitar picking at the intro, the sliding and clipped note sounding unpleasant. It's also too loud as this is one of the quietest and most doleful of renditions, Adam's voice a mere whisper at the start. It's sounds like there's a little error in the guitar at the end of the first chorus. The way Adam howls his way through this is beautiful, though just after the climax there's a tense note. Again, I love that sobbing "lo-o-ove" where he puts a break in his voice.
Mix 96.5
BTIKM - I love the crescendo in this powerful vocal.
WWFM - Adam sings this with his glorious full voice.
Fever - The guitar doesn't sound quite right here and we don't get the glory note but it's an entertaining and cheeky performance.
Alice 105.9
WWFM - The guitar here still sounds a bit out-of-tune to me but the quality of the recording is horrendous. In spite of this, Adam's fluttery sweet voice stands out. The vocal runs before and just after the bridge are lower and a bit different here.
BTIKM - It sounds like the key here has been lowered again. It's smooth with lots of light and shade at the end with some startling glory notes.
Mix 102.9 Dallas
OOL - This is the song's US debut. Adam's voice is gorgeous, quiet and tender and I could drink it in all day long. He seems to lose control a little at the climax with an iffy note. It ends with his hard scrapey tone and a beautiful touch with the sobby "lo-o-ove" at the end.
WWFM - Adam's voice is grainy and rich with some nice changes at the end. I'm still not keen on the guitar though.
BTIKM - This has a quick tempo. Another solid performance with echoey voice and no backing vocals.
103.7 Lite FM
BTIKM - The sound quality here is great, again without the backing vocals and a lovely gentle finish.
WWFM - Adam comments about how some fans can keep winning competitions. His voice has that tone I go nuts for and there's a very satisfying belter of a climax.
i93
BTIKM - This is fast and bouncy, but unfortunately the skipping sound is a distraction. Adam seems to enjoy himself here, smiling and laughing during the performance.
WWFM - Adam uses his hard voice here that I think at times sounds a touch harsh and strained.
Kidd Kraddick
BTIKM - The quality of this recording is great. It's quite a soft version, again without backing vocals. There's too much echo in it for my liking but it has a delightful ending
OOL - I'm not keen on the guitar picking at the intro, the sliding and clipped note sounding unpleasant. It's also too loud as this is one of the quietest and most doleful of renditions, Adam's voice a mere whisper at the start. It's sounds like there's a little error in the guitar at the end of the first chorus. The way Adam howls his way through this is beautiful, though just after the climax there's a tense note. Again, I love that sobbing "lo-o-ove" where he puts a break in his voice.
Mix 96.5
BTIKM - I love the crescendo in this powerful vocal.
WWFM - Adam sings this with his glorious full voice.
Fever - The guitar doesn't sound quite right here and we don't get the glory note but it's an entertaining and cheeky performance.
Saturday, 3 March 2012
Radio Promo Rounds
As there are so many videos from this round of promo, instead of doing a post for each, I've put them all together in the embedded playlist below along with some brief comments. There are 15 performances in 14 videos in at 8 different stations. There should be more but we don't have anything yet for Sirius XM.
95.5 WPLJ New York
WWFM features Kevin strumming on guitar, and as before, I still feel that there's something slightly unpleasant about the sound. Maybe it's one string that's affecting the balance of the chords, I don't have enough expertise to put my finger on it. The performance has quite a lively energy and it's rather endearing to see Adam twisting around on his swivel chair. I'm pleased to hear Adam still changing it up with a lovely run on 'now' and notable variations at the end.
This BTIKM has only a guitar accompaniment so I'm thrilled they decided to dispense with the drum machine. It's very quiet, all the better for hearing Adam's gentle voice, which has quite a bit of an echo. We realise it's only quiet because the mic's too far away and someone comes to move it closer. The expression on Adam's face when it happens is priceless but he's unaffected by it, showing no signs of being distracted with the beautiful vocals and harmonies.
Fresh 102.7 FM New York
Again, there's something with the guitar that sounds imperfect to me in this WWFM. There are more variations to this one and I really like the low 'Just keep coming around' and how Adam plays with the timing at the end. He takes the unusual step of singing a final 'me' which doesn't sound like 'may'.
He sounds wonderful on this slightly mournful BTIKM, even though there is a shaky moment at 'All along' from which he quickly recovers. There's less grain in his voice than some of the other versions but there are so many pretty embellishments, especially on the 'whoa's near the end.
B104 Allentown
This WWFM sounds quite different with lovely improvisations in both the melody of riffs and the timing.
BTIKM has a wonderful ending which alternates rapidly between power and tenderness, a bit like the contrasting sides of himself in the video.
94.5 PST Princeton
This BTIKM is a bouncy one that sounds rushed compared to some of the others. I realise that I always look forward to listening to ending of his performances, not only for the crescendoes but I think he's at his best and vocally most creative when he's outside of the confines of song structure. This is one ending that I love, where his sweet falsetto floats like the chirping of a songbird at dawn.
This WWFM features lots of the rougher texture of Adam's voice.
Q102 (Mix 106.1) Philly
This WWFM, although acoustic, has a harder edge than the others.
It's during this performance of BTIKM that I really get to appreciate the the less-is-more beauty of the bridge which goes from a hectic plucking of the guitar evoking the chaotic feeling of being rushed, to the soothing tranquility of ''Cause I need you now'. It's like the climax of the song, counter-intuitively, is a diminuendo. A powerful, belting performance.
B98.5 Jersey Shore
Unusual for any performance, this mini-set has no speakers set up for the audience. It's my dream to be able to hear Adam's actual, unprocessed singing voice that hasn't gone through any audio equipment. Lucky them. This is the first performance where Adam skips all the yodelly parts, and I actually prefer it as it sounds more elegant. Without backing vocals, Adam balances his delicate falsetto with some belting freestyling at the end.
WWFM is powerful and more aggressive than the other versions.
94.3 The Point
BTIKM is rather fast and bouncy, again without backing vocals and yodelly parts. Adam is spectacular in voice in both falsetto and belt.
There is little to report about this WWFM other than the voice being near perfect.
92.7 WOBM
Adam seems to have only sung WWFM at this station. There's not a lot that's particularly different about this version but this is as perfect as it gets.
95.5 WPLJ New York
WWFM features Kevin strumming on guitar, and as before, I still feel that there's something slightly unpleasant about the sound. Maybe it's one string that's affecting the balance of the chords, I don't have enough expertise to put my finger on it. The performance has quite a lively energy and it's rather endearing to see Adam twisting around on his swivel chair. I'm pleased to hear Adam still changing it up with a lovely run on 'now' and notable variations at the end.
This BTIKM has only a guitar accompaniment so I'm thrilled they decided to dispense with the drum machine. It's very quiet, all the better for hearing Adam's gentle voice, which has quite a bit of an echo. We realise it's only quiet because the mic's too far away and someone comes to move it closer. The expression on Adam's face when it happens is priceless but he's unaffected by it, showing no signs of being distracted with the beautiful vocals and harmonies.
Fresh 102.7 FM New York
Again, there's something with the guitar that sounds imperfect to me in this WWFM. There are more variations to this one and I really like the low 'Just keep coming around' and how Adam plays with the timing at the end. He takes the unusual step of singing a final 'me' which doesn't sound like 'may'.
He sounds wonderful on this slightly mournful BTIKM, even though there is a shaky moment at 'All along' from which he quickly recovers. There's less grain in his voice than some of the other versions but there are so many pretty embellishments, especially on the 'whoa's near the end.
B104 Allentown
This WWFM sounds quite different with lovely improvisations in both the melody of riffs and the timing.
BTIKM has a wonderful ending which alternates rapidly between power and tenderness, a bit like the contrasting sides of himself in the video.
94.5 PST Princeton
This BTIKM is a bouncy one that sounds rushed compared to some of the others. I realise that I always look forward to listening to ending of his performances, not only for the crescendoes but I think he's at his best and vocally most creative when he's outside of the confines of song structure. This is one ending that I love, where his sweet falsetto floats like the chirping of a songbird at dawn.
This WWFM features lots of the rougher texture of Adam's voice.
Q102 (Mix 106.1) Philly
This WWFM, although acoustic, has a harder edge than the others.
It's during this performance of BTIKM that I really get to appreciate the the less-is-more beauty of the bridge which goes from a hectic plucking of the guitar evoking the chaotic feeling of being rushed, to the soothing tranquility of ''Cause I need you now'. It's like the climax of the song, counter-intuitively, is a diminuendo. A powerful, belting performance.
B98.5 Jersey Shore
Unusual for any performance, this mini-set has no speakers set up for the audience. It's my dream to be able to hear Adam's actual, unprocessed singing voice that hasn't gone through any audio equipment. Lucky them. This is the first performance where Adam skips all the yodelly parts, and I actually prefer it as it sounds more elegant. Without backing vocals, Adam balances his delicate falsetto with some belting freestyling at the end.
WWFM is powerful and more aggressive than the other versions.
94.3 The Point
BTIKM is rather fast and bouncy, again without backing vocals and yodelly parts. Adam is spectacular in voice in both falsetto and belt.
There is little to report about this WWFM other than the voice being near perfect.
92.7 WOBM
Adam seems to have only sung WWFM at this station. There's not a lot that's particularly different about this version but this is as perfect as it gets.
Friday, 2 March 2012
HR3 Radio Germany - Better Than I Know Myself
As you can tell, I'm a bit behind on all the reviews after the overload of radio promo performances (imagine what it would've been like for him!) so I'm going to just post brief comments with the videos.
Adam performed this BTIKM at Germany's HR3 radio station on his birthday, dressed as Light!Adam in what looks to be a turtleneck for those with necks the width of a torso. It looks so comfortable, ideal slouchwear but there's no slouching here.
An acoustic performance with Kevin, Isaac and Tommy, the piano is flowy and Adam's voice has a beautiful balance of both tenderness and grit.
Adam performed this BTIKM at Germany's HR3 radio station on his birthday, dressed as Light!Adam in what looks to be a turtleneck for those with necks the width of a torso. It looks so comfortable, ideal slouchwear but there's no slouching here.
An acoustic performance with Kevin, Isaac and Tommy, the piano is flowy and Adam's voice has a beautiful balance of both tenderness and grit.
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Z100 New York
During his promo rounds in New York, Adam performed an acoustic WWFM and a plugged-in BTIKM at radio station Z100, with Kevin doing the instrumentals.
There's something a little dissonant with the guitar near the start of WWFM which makes me think it's not perfectly in tune, and a very rare flat note from Adam. This rocking rendition sounds quite different from any other WWFM so far, with his voice being harder and raspier than usual. For the first time in a while, he remembers all the lyrics and there's a lovely low change on 'You could save my life'.
Maybe it wasn't the guitar after all but a very dodgy sound mix as when we get to the BTIKM introduction, the synthetic drums sound like they come from a cheap toy that even five-year-olds would turn their noses up at. The beat is key to the song and without drums and bass, the amateur effect is quite comical, distracting from the intended mood. I hope that as funk features heavily on the album, this drum machine won't be used again. Better to go acoustic than sound like this plugged in. Perhaps it sounded much fuller live and it's just the recording. Anyway, when Adam's voice comes in, the little ants hammering on the hamster-sized drum kit take a back seat. Beautiful and sweet with that little bit of scrapeyness I love. The crescendo is another spine-tingling moment where he palms the air, tongue out, and his endearing glory-note lever of a leg rises up. The ending is simply divine.
There's something a little dissonant with the guitar near the start of WWFM which makes me think it's not perfectly in tune, and a very rare flat note from Adam. This rocking rendition sounds quite different from any other WWFM so far, with his voice being harder and raspier than usual. For the first time in a while, he remembers all the lyrics and there's a lovely low change on 'You could save my life'.
Maybe it wasn't the guitar after all but a very dodgy sound mix as when we get to the BTIKM introduction, the synthetic drums sound like they come from a cheap toy that even five-year-olds would turn their noses up at. The beat is key to the song and without drums and bass, the amateur effect is quite comical, distracting from the intended mood. I hope that as funk features heavily on the album, this drum machine won't be used again. Better to go acoustic than sound like this plugged in. Perhaps it sounded much fuller live and it's just the recording. Anyway, when Adam's voice comes in, the little ants hammering on the hamster-sized drum kit take a back seat. Beautiful and sweet with that little bit of scrapeyness I love. The crescendo is another spine-tingling moment where he palms the air, tongue out, and his endearing glory-note lever of a leg rises up. The ending is simply divine.
Friday, 10 February 2012
Mix Megapol Showcase Stockholm
Peering out from the pile of media from Adam's European promo, we have an official recording from his acoustic showcase in Sweden though we're still agonisingly short of a full set. I'm hoping that once the album's out, the other songs will be posted. We have the same set as the other acoustic showcases of Fever, BTIKM, OOL, WWFM and Trespassing:
As I'm used to Fever being one for getting up and shaking it, the instrumentals seem a bit tame here. But it does mean we get to hear Adam's voice more clearly in its deliciously rich form. The climax is a highlight for the riff, even though it sounds a bit gargly-growly in the throat. It's a fantastic version and Kevin does a great job on keys with his jazzy free style.
As in the other recent acoustic sets, BTIKM is sung in an even lower key than the TV performances which in turn are lower than the single. I don't think the lowest notes here sound very assured but the voice is laid bare as the instrumentals are so quiet. Adam's rich velvety voice is a beauty though, and I'm thrilled that he continues to improvise and experiment with the melody on each performance. The crescendo is a very satisfying one and the ending a very tender one.
This OOL has such a quiet sombre start, so minimal and it would be wrist-slittily sad were it not for the building up into something powerful and defiant through the introduction of drums and other instruments. There's a beautiful a cappella section followed suddenly by a magnificent crescendo that's gasp- and goosebump-inducing. I love the way he sobs one of the last "Outlaws of lo-o-ove"s. Exquisite.
I really love the raspier tone of Adam's voice on this version of WWFM which features a couple of instances of lyric fail. It's the charming way he deals with it that's so endearing, also finding amusement in the fact that even after a few hundred performances he can still forget the words. Which he has done on each of the acoustic showcases on this promo tour! I guess it goes to show how much Adam has been focusing on this new era of songs. The ending is yet another unique one I haven't heard before.
Tommy's little funk riffs are a fabulous addition to this extremely cool performance of Trespassing. The claps don't feature quite as prominently as in some of the other performances, probably because everyone's hands are busy. Needless to say, Adam sings this flawlessly and fiercely. Like Fever though, I would've liked the instruments to have been a little louder as it's one for dancing to. It doesn't stop Adam though, who ends up on his feet. And so do I.
As I'm used to Fever being one for getting up and shaking it, the instrumentals seem a bit tame here. But it does mean we get to hear Adam's voice more clearly in its deliciously rich form. The climax is a highlight for the riff, even though it sounds a bit gargly-growly in the throat. It's a fantastic version and Kevin does a great job on keys with his jazzy free style.
As in the other recent acoustic sets, BTIKM is sung in an even lower key than the TV performances which in turn are lower than the single. I don't think the lowest notes here sound very assured but the voice is laid bare as the instrumentals are so quiet. Adam's rich velvety voice is a beauty though, and I'm thrilled that he continues to improvise and experiment with the melody on each performance. The crescendo is a very satisfying one and the ending a very tender one.
This OOL has such a quiet sombre start, so minimal and it would be wrist-slittily sad were it not for the building up into something powerful and defiant through the introduction of drums and other instruments. There's a beautiful a cappella section followed suddenly by a magnificent crescendo that's gasp- and goosebump-inducing. I love the way he sobs one of the last "Outlaws of lo-o-ove"s. Exquisite.
I really love the raspier tone of Adam's voice on this version of WWFM which features a couple of instances of lyric fail. It's the charming way he deals with it that's so endearing, also finding amusement in the fact that even after a few hundred performances he can still forget the words. Which he has done on each of the acoustic showcases on this promo tour! I guess it goes to show how much Adam has been focusing on this new era of songs. The ending is yet another unique one I haven't heard before.
Tommy's little funk riffs are a fabulous addition to this extremely cool performance of Trespassing. The claps don't feature quite as prominently as in some of the other performances, probably because everyone's hands are busy. Needless to say, Adam sings this flawlessly and fiercely. Like Fever though, I would've liked the instruments to have been a little louder as it's one for dancing to. It doesn't stop Adam though, who ends up on his feet. And so do I.
Saturday, 4 February 2012
BTIKM Music Video
Today, Adam's music video for Better Than I Know Myself was finally unveiled. We'd had a preview and a yellow-eyed still beforehand so we had an idea of what was in store for us, that the twist in the video was going to be Adam reconciling opposing sides of himself rather than singing to a partner.
The flickering gives it a home video feel where we're peering in on his private life through a letterbox aperture. The light and dark duality theme of the album pervades the video with two neighbouring rooms separated by a mirror/window. On either side we have evil hell-raising vampire Adam and cherubic cuddly domesticated Adam. We see the characters act out their separate parts, in a dark versus light, negative versus positive, masked versus bare, hard versus soft, stormy versus calm, action versus contemplation, destructive versus constructive, cold versus warm battle.
As Evil Adam increasingly acts up in a temper tantrum and starts to disturb Good Adam from his Zen, Good Adam tries to help but is frustrated that his efforts are thrown back at him, finally leaving it up to Evil Adam who then sets fire to the place in a self-destructive rage, depriving him of his life-force. It's only he who can save himself from himself, which he eventually does.
In the end, it says to me the power to be who we want to be is in our own hands, that people aren't black and white but have elements of both as depicted by Adam's in-between look with different coloured eyes (nod to Bowie? Also note the Trespassing visual reference as he passes the striped warning tape on the wire fence). This could personally apply to Adam the performer and Adam the person as well. It's something we've seen so often, going from the snarling predatory disdainful sex-magnet to the sweet wholesome cutie in a matter of seconds at the end of a performance.
This has many shades of the WWFM video in it, the acting more accomplished. It's interesting and engaging to see the different Adams with their expressions which are both fun to watch and easy to identify with. I have to say I'm much more drawn to the dark side, finding a vodka-guzzling mischief-making lairy night out on the lash with him much more appealing than having the homebody nurse me in my hangover state with his juicing. How many times have you re-watched him rip apart the pomegranate he hands himself, run his fingers through the lighter flame or throw his drink? It's a fascinating, fabulous and entertaining story for a video that I will watch again and again.
The flickering gives it a home video feel where we're peering in on his private life through a letterbox aperture. The light and dark duality theme of the album pervades the video with two neighbouring rooms separated by a mirror/window. On either side we have evil hell-raising vampire Adam and cherubic cuddly domesticated Adam. We see the characters act out their separate parts, in a dark versus light, negative versus positive, masked versus bare, hard versus soft, stormy versus calm, action versus contemplation, destructive versus constructive, cold versus warm battle.
As Evil Adam increasingly acts up in a temper tantrum and starts to disturb Good Adam from his Zen, Good Adam tries to help but is frustrated that his efforts are thrown back at him, finally leaving it up to Evil Adam who then sets fire to the place in a self-destructive rage, depriving him of his life-force. It's only he who can save himself from himself, which he eventually does.
In the end, it says to me the power to be who we want to be is in our own hands, that people aren't black and white but have elements of both as depicted by Adam's in-between look with different coloured eyes (nod to Bowie? Also note the Trespassing visual reference as he passes the striped warning tape on the wire fence). This could personally apply to Adam the performer and Adam the person as well. It's something we've seen so often, going from the snarling predatory disdainful sex-magnet to the sweet wholesome cutie in a matter of seconds at the end of a performance.
This has many shades of the WWFM video in it, the acting more accomplished. It's interesting and engaging to see the different Adams with their expressions which are both fun to watch and easy to identify with. I have to say I'm much more drawn to the dark side, finding a vodka-guzzling mischief-making lairy night out on the lash with him much more appealing than having the homebody nurse me in my hangover state with his juicing. How many times have you re-watched him rip apart the pomegranate he hands himself, run his fingers through the lighter flame or throw his drink? It's a fascinating, fabulous and entertaining story for a video that I will watch again and again.
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Q-Snowcase 2012
Adam's 30th birthday was spent working on promoting his new material for Belgian radio station Qmusic. He performed an exclusive set at the Q-Snowcase event in the picturesque city of Zell am See, Austria. They were kind enough to let us crash their servers while providing a live stream of the event as it unfolded. We were waiting, salivating over the hope that we might hear some new material after reading unanimously glowing reviews of his album from all over the place.
The set is acoustic with Isaac, Kevin and Tommy but no Ashley, and takes me back to the first round of international promo. As well as being more portable and easier to set up, it also allows Adam's talent to shine supreme. Dressed all in black, nothing showy, he keeps his look consistent with the other performances in this era.
The surprise opener is Fever. I'd often wondered how this song with so many electronic sounds would work acoustically, so I'm grateful I've been answered with its first outing. Adam's voice utilises a grainier texture which is my absolute favourite. The song bounces along brightly, a little strange in the absence of crotchularly fixated movements but Adam appears to battle hard to stay seated. Kevin's dexterous piano work is jazzy and free-flowing especially towards the end, and though a touch tentative, I'm really liking Tommy's additional funk riffs.
BTIKM has a bit of a shaky start with Adam's pitch a little off, but he soon finds his feet. The first verse is very gentle, and instead of belting out the highest parts, he goes into his falsetto. It's also less beat-driven than the single with smooth piano work. His timbre is so rich and when he reaches the climax with his powerful belt it's a prickly-hair moment. Kevin's backing vocals complement Adam's well. Make sure you listen to Adam's beatboxing cameo after the end of the song.
The highlight of this set for me has to be OOL. I've heard the St. Agathe one so many times that the audience screams have become integral to it. So it comes as a wonderful relief to no longer hear those sounds when braced and ready for them. Oh my. Even the introduction is a joy to behold, the pleasant sound of the flowing piano nowhere near as harshly jangly as that of the guitar. I've not heard Adam's voice so soft, so sweet and so silken smooth. I'm usually one for the excesses of full-on wails but this is understated perfection. His doleful voice emotes quiet resignation, hushed breathy and fragile, not whispery but still retaining melody. His fluttery vibrato is painfully beautiful and I just can't get enough of that 'clooooooser' along with umpteen other different examples in the first verse.
Kevin and Tommy aren't quite in perfect synch with their timing at the intro to the second verse. Adam changes his volume and tone to go from resignation to mild defiance as Isaac kicks in with percussion. The little embellishments at 'old' and 'enough' are a nice touch as is replacing the final 'oh' at the bridge with a velvety 'eh'. The crescendo is one that's deeply satisfying as Adam ups his intensity to give us my favourite harder scrapier tone of his, rich resonant and harmonious, goosebumps galore, showing plenty more fight left within.
I've heard WWFM so many times now but this goes to show how every one is still unique. I suspect there was a case of lyric fail when Adam started a 'Just' line with 'I' that brought on his freestyling ad-libbing riffs, a wonderful treat. The ending 'I won't let you down' rather than 'WWFM?' gives the song a very different feel. It's abrupt and shifts the focus towards taking responsibility rather than feeling the victim.
And then we have the first listen of the album title track, Trespassing. It's only a short snippet because we agonisingly got cockblocked by request. Adam tries to get the audience to liven up by clapping. First impressions are that it's a fast punchy song, funky as fuck with lots of with and rebellious attitude in the storytelling lyrics. It's very wordy with a quick delivery so there's no room for getting tongued-tied stumbling over them. Definitely not one for singing whilst drunk! The bassline is irresistible, (having already set up camp within my head and showing no signs of ever wanting to shift) the melody of which reminds me of MARRS's 80s classic Pump Up The Volume but more fleet-footed. There's a sprinkling of funk riffs and if you don't feel the urge to move to this then get someone to zap you with a defibrillator because you must have just died. This is just the type of song I've been waiting so long for Adam to lend his voice to, and my, does that voice sound infuckingcredible.
The set is acoustic with Isaac, Kevin and Tommy but no Ashley, and takes me back to the first round of international promo. As well as being more portable and easier to set up, it also allows Adam's talent to shine supreme. Dressed all in black, nothing showy, he keeps his look consistent with the other performances in this era.
The surprise opener is Fever. I'd often wondered how this song with so many electronic sounds would work acoustically, so I'm grateful I've been answered with its first outing. Adam's voice utilises a grainier texture which is my absolute favourite. The song bounces along brightly, a little strange in the absence of crotchularly fixated movements but Adam appears to battle hard to stay seated. Kevin's dexterous piano work is jazzy and free-flowing especially towards the end, and though a touch tentative, I'm really liking Tommy's additional funk riffs.
BTIKM has a bit of a shaky start with Adam's pitch a little off, but he soon finds his feet. The first verse is very gentle, and instead of belting out the highest parts, he goes into his falsetto. It's also less beat-driven than the single with smooth piano work. His timbre is so rich and when he reaches the climax with his powerful belt it's a prickly-hair moment. Kevin's backing vocals complement Adam's well. Make sure you listen to Adam's beatboxing cameo after the end of the song.
The highlight of this set for me has to be OOL. I've heard the St. Agathe one so many times that the audience screams have become integral to it. So it comes as a wonderful relief to no longer hear those sounds when braced and ready for them. Oh my. Even the introduction is a joy to behold, the pleasant sound of the flowing piano nowhere near as harshly jangly as that of the guitar. I've not heard Adam's voice so soft, so sweet and so silken smooth. I'm usually one for the excesses of full-on wails but this is understated perfection. His doleful voice emotes quiet resignation, hushed breathy and fragile, not whispery but still retaining melody. His fluttery vibrato is painfully beautiful and I just can't get enough of that 'clooooooser' along with umpteen other different examples in the first verse.
Kevin and Tommy aren't quite in perfect synch with their timing at the intro to the second verse. Adam changes his volume and tone to go from resignation to mild defiance as Isaac kicks in with percussion. The little embellishments at 'old' and 'enough' are a nice touch as is replacing the final 'oh' at the bridge with a velvety 'eh'. The crescendo is one that's deeply satisfying as Adam ups his intensity to give us my favourite harder scrapier tone of his, rich resonant and harmonious, goosebumps galore, showing plenty more fight left within.
I've heard WWFM so many times now but this goes to show how every one is still unique. I suspect there was a case of lyric fail when Adam started a 'Just' line with 'I' that brought on his freestyling ad-libbing riffs, a wonderful treat. The ending 'I won't let you down' rather than 'WWFM?' gives the song a very different feel. It's abrupt and shifts the focus towards taking responsibility rather than feeling the victim.
And then we have the first listen of the album title track, Trespassing. It's only a short snippet because we agonisingly got cockblocked by request. Adam tries to get the audience to liven up by clapping. First impressions are that it's a fast punchy song, funky as fuck with lots of with and rebellious attitude in the storytelling lyrics. It's very wordy with a quick delivery so there's no room for getting tongued-tied stumbling over them. Definitely not one for singing whilst drunk! The bassline is irresistible, (having already set up camp within my head and showing no signs of ever wanting to shift) the melody of which reminds me of MARRS's 80s classic Pump Up The Volume but more fleet-footed. There's a sprinkling of funk riffs and if you don't feel the urge to move to this then get someone to zap you with a defibrillator because you must have just died. This is just the type of song I've been waiting so long for Adam to lend his voice to, and my, does that voice sound infuckingcredible.
Thursday, 19 January 2012
Ellen - Better Than I Know Myself
Hot off the heels of the Leno performance comes the next stop on the promo rounds, Ellen. Keeping his look consistent but in a more casual daytime affair, Adam sticks with sober colours, very little makeup and only a bit of jewellery for sparkle.
The mix is so much better than on Leno with each sound being more distinct. The bass and guitar are more noticeable with Adam's vocals right where they should be. His voice is clear, mellifluous and less whispery. Listen to the velvety smooth sound of truth with that little bit of vibrato. I could drink it up all day. The harmonies are delightful and I'm definitely feeling the fire in this one. There's less holding back from the beginning which makes the hunger for the crescendo a little less desperate but when it does come, it's an impassioned, spine-tingling moment that gets a huge cheer from me.
In the short interview, Adam touches on the two different sounds and moods on Trespassing. He acknowledges his relationship and falling in love before being quizzed about the drunken shenanigans in Finland over the holidays. Respect to him that he doesn't shirk it but handles his response with class. As well as give our dirty minds 'juicing' to smirk about as a euphemism.
A successful appearance and another gem for the collection for this second performance of BTIKM. Within the space of a couple of days, I'm shocked at how much room for improvement Adam was able to demonstrate, but by now I really should know better.
The mix is so much better than on Leno with each sound being more distinct. The bass and guitar are more noticeable with Adam's vocals right where they should be. His voice is clear, mellifluous and less whispery. Listen to the velvety smooth sound of truth with that little bit of vibrato. I could drink it up all day. The harmonies are delightful and I'm definitely feeling the fire in this one. There's less holding back from the beginning which makes the hunger for the crescendo a little less desperate but when it does come, it's an impassioned, spine-tingling moment that gets a huge cheer from me.
In the short interview, Adam touches on the two different sounds and moods on Trespassing. He acknowledges his relationship and falling in love before being quizzed about the drunken shenanigans in Finland over the holidays. Respect to him that he doesn't shirk it but handles his response with class. As well as give our dirty minds 'juicing' to smirk about as a euphemism.
A successful appearance and another gem for the collection for this second performance of BTIKM. Within the space of a couple of days, I'm shocked at how much room for improvement Adam was able to demonstrate, but by now I really should know better.
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
Leno - Better Than I Know Myself
After what felt like years, the performance to mark the start of Adam's new Trespassing era was finally upon us; the debut performance of Better Than I Know Myself leading the new album with new band. This would be his first televised performance as a solo artist since March last year. The pressure was on to give this second era the best possible first impression to do justice to all the hard work.
I'm sure the memory of the AMAs and its associated pressures were at the back of many minds, hence a few anxious twitchings as we counted down the clock. Welcomed back were those once-familiar questions of what Adam would wear, how he'd be styled, how the staging would work, what vocal nuances would be added to the live performance, how the live instrumentals would differ from the single.
Judging by what we know of the album so far and having seen the single cover, it comes as no surprise that Adam is fresh-faced with minimal make-up, and high hair (thankfully without the Kim Jong-Un shaved sides) that has a roughed-up texture in line with a lower maintenance look. It's one that's austere, his outfit monochrome without a single speck of glitter, rhinestone or feather in sight. His shirt collar looks a dog collar, giving the impression of being a bit restrained. There's no tie, which I would have been tempted by to add a splash of colour, and even the suit, the cut of which is rather straight, has no sheen so it's left to the few pieces of jewellery to remind us of his Glambert roots. He looks beautiful, understated and chic.
He's joined by band members Ashley Dzerigian on bass (who had to crouch for much of the time due to a failed strap), Isaac Carpenter on drums, Kevin Hastings on keys and Tommy Joe Ratiff on guitar.
The introduction still reminds me a bit of a church organ and once we get a close-up of Adam, his translucent ears reveal the absence of ear monitors. When I heard this on the stream, I thought his voice at the start was more tentative than usual in the weaker part of his range, whispery rather than allowing the space to be melodic. As well as nerves, I think a small part of it's down to his voice getting a bit lost in the mix, especially in the chorus so I've amped it up here just a smidgen. It's sung in a lower key than the single and Adam retains the some of the grainy timbre which is my absolute favourite. He sounds more confident as the song goes on and at the bridge, we get to hear Kevin's backing vocals, the harmonies of which are spot-on.
It's when we get nearer the end of the song that things get really exciting for me. Like I've been watching and waiting for Adam to let rip, and I can see it in his body that he's been itching for it too so when it does happen, it's like a release. Wow. I feel like those cockatoo crest feathers when they rise. We see the tongue lick out and hear the accompanying notes, splendid and powerful. I'm sure his unintended stint at method acting over the winter prepared him well for performing BTIKM, enabling him to emote the song to a different level. I get the feeling he still holds back a touch though, as he resists elaborating those runs and reaching even higher. This is an accomplished performance, leaving the impression of being quietly self-assured. After the excesses of the first era, this "less is more" theme is going to take a bit of getting used to because I just can't wait for more.
I'm sure the memory of the AMAs and its associated pressures were at the back of many minds, hence a few anxious twitchings as we counted down the clock. Welcomed back were those once-familiar questions of what Adam would wear, how he'd be styled, how the staging would work, what vocal nuances would be added to the live performance, how the live instrumentals would differ from the single.
Judging by what we know of the album so far and having seen the single cover, it comes as no surprise that Adam is fresh-faced with minimal make-up, and high hair (thankfully without the Kim Jong-Un shaved sides) that has a roughed-up texture in line with a lower maintenance look. It's one that's austere, his outfit monochrome without a single speck of glitter, rhinestone or feather in sight. His shirt collar looks a dog collar, giving the impression of being a bit restrained. There's no tie, which I would have been tempted by to add a splash of colour, and even the suit, the cut of which is rather straight, has no sheen so it's left to the few pieces of jewellery to remind us of his Glambert roots. He looks beautiful, understated and chic.
He's joined by band members Ashley Dzerigian on bass (who had to crouch for much of the time due to a failed strap), Isaac Carpenter on drums, Kevin Hastings on keys and Tommy Joe Ratiff on guitar.
The introduction still reminds me a bit of a church organ and once we get a close-up of Adam, his translucent ears reveal the absence of ear monitors. When I heard this on the stream, I thought his voice at the start was more tentative than usual in the weaker part of his range, whispery rather than allowing the space to be melodic. As well as nerves, I think a small part of it's down to his voice getting a bit lost in the mix, especially in the chorus so I've amped it up here just a smidgen. It's sung in a lower key than the single and Adam retains the some of the grainy timbre which is my absolute favourite. He sounds more confident as the song goes on and at the bridge, we get to hear Kevin's backing vocals, the harmonies of which are spot-on.
It's when we get nearer the end of the song that things get really exciting for me. Like I've been watching and waiting for Adam to let rip, and I can see it in his body that he's been itching for it too so when it does happen, it's like a release. Wow. I feel like those cockatoo crest feathers when they rise. We see the tongue lick out and hear the accompanying notes, splendid and powerful. I'm sure his unintended stint at method acting over the winter prepared him well for performing BTIKM, enabling him to emote the song to a different level. I get the feeling he still holds back a touch though, as he resists elaborating those runs and reaching even higher. This is an accomplished performance, leaving the impression of being quietly self-assured. After the excesses of the first era, this "less is more" theme is going to take a bit of getting used to because I just can't wait for more.
Saturday, 17 December 2011
Better Than I Know Myself - Stream with Lyrics
YESSSSS!!! I'm thrilled I didn't have to wait very long for the full song after deciding to skip on the snippets. It leaked earlier today but now I've finally listened to it for the first time from the official site. Here it is for your listening pleasure:
First impressions are it's got much more of an urban sound than what I was expecting. One of the things that stands out is the beat. I think the uniformity and simplicity of the beats from FYE let it down a little so I'm incredibly happy to hear something quite different. I wanted something more complex and this syncopated beat hits the mark. Brilliant. I recognise the rhythm but the names of songs on which it has been used escape me so if you could enlighten me I'd be grateful.
It's not your bog-standard catchy pop tune, being light on instrumental melody and with no instrumental hook. Instead it has a synthesiser drone in the background (which resembles the reverent sound of a church organ in the intro and also has a hint of Sleepwalker) that hardly competes with Adam's voice, allowing it to take centre stage. And that voice is marvelous. No vocal trickery or acrobatics but there's plenty of that graininess that I love and can't get enough of, especially on 'sometimes'. It's only the high notes in the chorus that I feel have lost a little in the production but I'm already excited about the prospect of being able to hear it belted out live in an attack of goosebumps.
Here are the lyrics:
For me, the song is all about the groove and the atmosphere it generates. It's a self-reflective one for the headphones, a slow grindy one for the dancefloor, or a tender fucky one for the bedroom. It's quite a big step away from FYE and as a first single, it's a pleasantly surprising choice and one that has me very excited for what else is to come on Trespassing. I'm hooked already.
First impressions are it's got much more of an urban sound than what I was expecting. One of the things that stands out is the beat. I think the uniformity and simplicity of the beats from FYE let it down a little so I'm incredibly happy to hear something quite different. I wanted something more complex and this syncopated beat hits the mark. Brilliant. I recognise the rhythm but the names of songs on which it has been used escape me so if you could enlighten me I'd be grateful.
It's not your bog-standard catchy pop tune, being light on instrumental melody and with no instrumental hook. Instead it has a synthesiser drone in the background (which resembles the reverent sound of a church organ in the intro and also has a hint of Sleepwalker) that hardly competes with Adam's voice, allowing it to take centre stage. And that voice is marvelous. No vocal trickery or acrobatics but there's plenty of that graininess that I love and can't get enough of, especially on 'sometimes'. It's only the high notes in the chorus that I feel have lost a little in the production but I'm already excited about the prospect of being able to hear it belted out live in an attack of goosebumps.
Here are the lyrics:
Cold as iceI have to admit, I'm not a huge fan of the lyrics because I see nothing particularly original or inspiring. I also prefer them to be implicit and not written in the first person addressing someone directly when it comes to relationships. But that probably says more about me than the songwriting. Anyway, lyrics tend not to be as important to me as the sound.
And more bitter than a December
Winter night
That's how I treated you
And I know that I
I sometimes tend to lose my temper
And I cross the line
Yeah that's the truth
I know it gets hard sometimes
But I could never
Leave your side
No matter what I say
'Cause if I wanted to go I would have gone by now
But I really need you near me to
Keep my mind off the edge
If I wanted to leave I would have left by now
But you're, you're the only one that knows me
Better than I know myself
All along
I tried to pretend it didn't matter
If I was alone
But deep down I know
If you were gone
For even a day I wouldn't know
Which way to turn
Cause I'm lost without you
I know it gets hard sometimes
But I could never
Leave your side
No matter what I say
'Cause if I wanted to go I would have gone by now
But I really need you near me to
Keep my mind off the edge
If I wanted to leave I would have left by now
But you're, you're the only one that knows me
Better than I know myself
I get kind of dark
Let it go too far
I can be obnoxious at times
But try and see my heart
Cause I need you now
So don't let me down
You're the only thing in this world
I would die without
'Cause if I wanted to go I would have gone by now
But I really need you near me to
Keep my mind off the edge
If I wanted to leave I would have left by now
But you're, you're the only one that knows me
Better than I know myself
'Cause if I wanted to go I would have gone by now
But I really need you near me to
Keep my mind off the edge
If I wanted to leave I would have left by now
But you're, you're the only one that knows me
Better than I know myself
For me, the song is all about the groove and the atmosphere it generates. It's a self-reflective one for the headphones, a slow grindy one for the dancefloor, or a tender fucky one for the bedroom. It's quite a big step away from FYE and as a first single, it's a pleasantly surprising choice and one that has me very excited for what else is to come on Trespassing. I'm hooked already.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)